EABL BYLAWS

ELIZABETHTOWN AREA BASEBALL LEAGUE

BY-LAWS

February 2023

(This edition supersedes all previous edition)

ARTICLE I – NAME

Section 1. This organization will be known as the Elizabethtown Area Baseball League (EABL).

ARTICLE II – Baseball Committee

Section 2. The government of the League, the establishment of policies for conducting the business of the League and the control of the League’s property shall be vested in a Baseball Committee.

Section 3. Coach’s meetings are open to anyone but all decisions must be made with the consent of a majority of the Baseball Committee in attendance at regularly scheduled meetings.

Section 4. The Baseball Committee shall have the right to terminate the relationship between EABL and any officer, representative, coach, player, umpire or other similarly affiliated individual whose actions are deemed improper or unacceptable. Such action shall occur upon a two-thirds consenting vote from the full board membership.

Section 5. The Baseball Committee shall consist of seven members including the Elizabethtown Bears Club Baseball Commissioner, the six approved members.

Section 6. The Baseball Committee reserves the right to review and amend bylaws at any time on a situational basis. Changes require 12u vote.

Section 7. The Baseball Committee Field Supervisor or Elizabethtown Bears Club Baseball Commissioner will determine if games will be postponed and/or fields closed due to weather conditions.

ARTICLE III – THE LEAGUE

Section 1. EABL shall be composed of those Associations who are approved by a 12u vote of the Baseball Committee. Each association may enter teams in the 8u, 10u and 12u and must provide a field. Any deviation must be approved by a 12u vote of the Baseball Committee.

Section 2. The boundaries of the EABL are: All of the boroughs and townships that reside in the Elizabethtown Area School District. All players outside of these boundaries interested in playing in the EABL must receive Committee approval by 12u vote.

Section 3. Each team may consist of no more than four adult coaches and a score-keeper which are permitted in the dugout in all divisions. All coaches and score-keepers MUST complete PA Background Checks.

ARTICLE IV – TEAMS

Section 1. 12u Level Teams are limited to 11 & 12 year old players, plus any other Baseball Committee approved players. When registration numbers allow, there may be a maximum of 50% of team players plus 1 player at each age group. EX. If a team has 10 or 11 players, max would be 6…If a team has 12 or 13 players, max would be 7. Any rostered players over the maximum will need Baseball Committee approval. All players will be drafted.

Section 2. 10u Level Teams are limited to 9 & 10 year old players, plus any other Baseball Committee approved players. When registration numbers allow, there may be a maximum of 50% of team players plus 1 player at each age group. EX. If a team has 10 or 11 players, max would be 6…If a team has 12 or 13 players, max would be 7. Any rostered players over the maximum will need Baseball Committee approval. All players will be drafted.

Section 3. 8u Level Teams are limited to 7 & 8 year old players, plus any other Baseball Committee approved players. When registration numbers allow, there may be a maximum of 50% of team players plus 1 player at each age group. EX. If a team has 10 or 11 players, max would be 6…If a team has 12 or 13 players, max would be 7. Any rostered players over the maximum will need Baseball Committee approval. All players will be drafted.

Section 4. Teams will be ranked by their win/loss records.

12us: All teams will proceed to playoffs based on record. (Single/Double elimination format).

10u: All teams will proceed to playoffs based on record. (Single/Double elimination format).

8u: All teams will proceed to the playoffs. (Single/Double elimination format.)

Tie Breakers:

- Head-to-head record during regular season.

- Least runs allowed during the regular season.

- Most runs scored during the regular season.

- Coin toss.

For the purpose of Tie Breakers, a forfeit will equal 6 runs for the winning team and 0 runs for the losing team.

ARTICLE V – THE PLAYERS

Section 1. League Age shall be defined as the age of the player on April 30, of the season. 8u Level (7/8), 10u level (9/10) and 12u level (11/12). Players below the minimum age of each level may be rostered on a team outside of their approved age bracket if approved by the Baseball Committee.

Section 2. To avoid postponements or possible game forfeitures due to the lack of players caused by absence, injury or disciplinary action, all teams will be permitted to utilize “call-up” players on a part time basis. “Call-up” players will be defined as… Any player from one division lower. Example: 12u can call up from 10u, 10u can call up from 8u and 8u can call up from T-ball. “Call-up” players are not permitted to pitch and may not play more than regularly rostered players.

ARTICLE VI – 12U DIVISION GENERAL RULES

Section 1. 12u Level Play will be governed by the Official Little League Playing Rules except as provided herein.

Section 2. Games: Starting times weekdays, 6PM. Home team has the field for practice first until 30 minutes prior to game time. Home team has the batting cage 30 minutes before game time. Visiting team has the batting cage until 30 minutes prior to game time. Visiting team has the field for practice 30 minutes before game time. Forfeit of a game is ½ hour after the scheduled starting time. Length of game time shall be six innings; game is official after four innings (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). Only the Field Supervisor and/or Elizabethtown Boys Club Baseball Commissioner has the authority to cancel/postpone a game due to bad weather or field conditions before the official starting time. All games will be rescheduled by the League Scheduler. Games can be rescheduled for school functions ONLY. No other rescheduling of games for non-weather-related reasons will be allowed. The Home Plate Umpire shall decide if the game is to be halted due to weather or darkness once a game is started. If there is lightning, the Home Plate Umpire must move all players to the dugouts, block garage, or parent vehicles for 15 minutes. There must be 15 minutes of no lightning prior to resuming the game. The total wait time should not exceed 45 minutes. No inning may start after two hours from the start of the game. All 12us level games have a 2-hour time limit. Official clock time is by cell phone. An inning is considered started as soon as the last out is made during the previous inning. It is not when actual play begins for the new inning. There is a “Park Curfew”. This supersedes all other time limit rules. No new inning can start after 10:15PM and there is a drop-dead time of 10:30PM.

Section 3. The scheduler will try to be rescheduled to a date that will not cause back-to-back games.

Section 4. Tie Game: Game will be considered a tie in the standings if the minimum innings have been reached and time has expired. If a game is a tie after 6 innings, Extra innings will be played if the game is still on time (2-hour Time limit, no new inning).

Section 5. Suspended Games: A suspended game is a game that is under the minimum innings when the game gets suspended. The game will be completed at another date designated by the scheduler.

Section 6. Pitchers: Pitch Counts

11-12 year old’s – Max 85 pitches per day.

9-10 year old’s – Max 75 pitches per day.

7-8 year old’s – Max 50 pitches per day.

Exception: If a pitcher reaches the max pitch count per day. They may finish the batter before being removed.

Exception: 8us Division, pitch counts will not be recorded. Pitchers may pitch a max of two innings per day. Those innings must be consecutive. No days of rest are required.

REQUIRES DAYS REST: Number of pitches in a day and subsequent days rest.

• 66+ pitches… 4 Days

• 51 - 65 pitches… 3 Days

• 36 - 50 pitches… 2 Days

• 21 - 35 pitches… 1 Day

• 1 - 20 pitches… No rest required.

The pitch count will be kept by two coaches from each team. Each team will confer with each other between innings to keep an accurate pitch count.

An individual pitcher may only pitch six innings in a week regardless of pitch count and number of games. Total innings per team that can be pitched by 12-year-olds in a week is 8 unless the team has three or more games in a week. This number will increase by 5 innings for each game over two that a team has in a single week. (Monday to Sunday). Any pitching violation will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

A pitcher may play the catcher’s position after pitching in the game and catchers may pitch after catching in a game without restrictions.

When it comes to PLAYOFFS, if the playoffs are scheduled to be completed within a week, then an individual pitcher may only pitch six innings for the duration of the playoffs regardless of pitch count, number of games, and what day the playoffs started Total innings per team that can be pitch by 12-year-olds in a week is 8 unless the team has three or more games in a week. This number will increase by 5 innings for each game over two that a team has for the duration of the playoffs. Any pitching violation will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

When it comes to PLAYOFFS that are longer than a week, each individual pitcher will get an additional 2 innings for every game scheduled in the second week with a max of 6 for the second week also. Total innings per team that can be pitched by 12-year-olds in a week is 8 unless the team has three or more games in a week. This number will increase by 5 innings for each game over two that a team has for the duration of the playoffs. Any pitching violation will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Section 7. Coaches: Only the Head Coach is permitted to discuss matters with the Umpire(s).

Coaches are permitted to warm-up pitches between innings while the catcher is getting ready.

Section 8. Stealing is permitted. Runner may leave once the ball reaches the batter.

Section 9. The game will be considered completed when the losing team has batted at least four innings and trails by 10 runs or more. If the visiting team takes a 10-run lead or more in the top of the inning, the home team will still get to bat in the bottom half of the inning.

Section 10. Substitution: There will be free offensive and defensive substitution to maximize the coach’s flexibility in getting all players adequate playing time. All substitutions whether Defensive or Offensive must be reported to the other team.

To report Defensive substitutions, you need to let the other team know who is on the bench.

To report Offensive substitutions, you need to let the other team know who is replacing who in the batting order.

Defensive: All players must play a minimum of three innings a game and get one at bat in a complete game. A complete game is one where 6 innings are played. If the game goes 6 innings but the visitor’s team only played in the field for 5 innings, then only the home team would have to comply with the minimum of 3 innings in the field. The visitor’s team would have to comply with a minimum of 2 innings in the field. This includes all call up players.

Offensive: Both teams have to bat all of their players at least once. The free substitution rule can be used to move players in and out of the batting lineup multiple times. Once a player has batted in a designated spot in the batting order, that player may only bat in that spot in the batting order the rest of the game. If minimum play is not attained, the affected player(s) must play his/her missed innings in addition to the minimum play innings in the next game played plus the coach would be reprimanded for the violation of the rules. Any infraction of this rule in playoff games will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Section 11. Extra Hitter: Each team may add one additional batter (EH) to the batting line-up for a total of ten players in the starting lineup. Only nine players will play the field.

Teams must choose whether to use a nine or ten player batting line-up prior to the beginning of the game. The umpire-in-chief shall be notified of each team’s decision. The decision made by each team shall be in effect for the entire game.

The decision to use the tenth batter (EH) in the line-up is at the discretion of each individual team and is not affected by the decision made by their opponent. (One team can have nine batters and the other team, ten).

The EH may be substituted for and brought back into the game. He / she must return in the same order in the batting lineup that he/she started the game.

The EH player must meet all of the minimum play requirements.

If any player is sick or injured and cannot bat and there are no substitutes on the bench, that spot in the batting order will be skipped without penalty. If there are subs on the bench, they are permitted to enter that spot in the order and must remain in that spot. The sick or injured player may not return to the game. (This is the only instance in which a player can bat in multiple spots in the order in a single game)

If a player is ejected and there are no eligible subs on the bench, an OUT will be taken when said player’s spot in the batter order comes up.

Section 12. When a manager, coach, or spectator (Adult) is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in the game. They may not sit in the stands and may not be recalled. They may not interact with any persons still involved with the game. Harassment of any player, manager, coach, spectator or league official may result in further penalty. Such as, multi-game suspensions or removal from the league entirely. An adult ejected from a game must not be present at the game site for the remainder of that game. Any adult ejected from a game is suspended for his or her team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at the game site from which they were suspended. If a player is ejected, they are permitted to sit in the stands with their parents or guardians. If no parent or guardian is present, they may remain in the dugout.

Section 13. Violations of any rules within our bylaws will result in the following penalties:

· Upon the first offense, the coach will receive a written warning.

· Upon the second offense, the coach will be suspended for one game.

· Upon the third offense, the coach will be removed from the program.

Section 14. All batters must keep one foot in the batter’s box while looking down to the 3rd base coach or a coach in the dugout. This rule is to speed up the pace of the game. Umpires are to warn players about staying in the box.

Section 15. All batters are eligible to return to the same spot in the batting order once they are taken out of the batting lineup as many times as wanted.

Section 16. 12u Division teams have nine defensive players in the field. If only eight (8) players are present, the team will be allowed to play with eight players during the regular season and the playoffs. If there are less than (8) players, the team must forfeit.

Section 17. All players must use a “USA Baseball Approved” bat. No softball bats allowed. All bats shall be checked before each game for splinters and dents. Splintered and dented bats cannot be used.

If an illegal bat is found, it will be removed from the game. No penalty. If the illegal bat is brought back in the game or a second illegal bat is discovered. The Head Coach and player will be ejected and the bat will be removed.

Section 18. Dropped third strike will be in effect. The catcher must catch strike three.

Section 19. Male catchers must wear the metal, fiber or plastic type cup.

Section 20. On Deck Batter: Only one (1) player may be out of the dugout and in the “designated on deck area” with a bat. All other players must be in the dugout or bench area.

Section 21. If a batter squares to bunt, and then pulls back, swings, the batter shall be out.

Section 22. Sliding and Contact with Fielders: Runners must slide or avoid contact. Any runner is out when that runner does not slide or attempt to avoid contact with a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag. A runner may not jump over a defensive player in an attempt to avoid the tag. It is a judgment call by the Umpire and it is recommended that before each game the two teams discuss it with the umpire.

ARTICLE VII – 10u DIVISION GENERAL RULES

Section 1. 10u Division will be governed by the Official Little League Playing Rules except as provided herein.

Section 2. Games: Starting times weekdays, 6PM. Home team has the field for practice first until 30 minutes prior to game time. Home team has the batting cage 30 minutes before game time. Visiting team has the batting cage until 30 minutes prior to game time. Visiting team has the field for practice 30 minutes before game time. Forfeit of a game is ½ hour after the scheduled starting time. Length of game time shall be six innings; game is official after four innings (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). Only the Field Supervisor and/or Elizabethtown Boys Club Baseball Commissioner has the authority to cancel/postpone a game due to bad weather or field conditions before the official starting time. All games will be rescheduled to the League Scheduler. Games can be rescheduled for school functions ONLY. No other rescheduling of games for non-weather-related reasons will be allowed. The Home Plate Umpire shall decide if the game is to be halted due to weather or darkness once a game is started. If there is lightning, the Home Plate Umpire must move all players to the dugouts, block garage, or parent vehicles for 15 minutes. There must be 15 minutes of no lightning prior to resuming the game. The total wait time should not exceed 45 minutes. No inning may start after two hours from the start of the game. All 10us level games have a 2-hour time limit. Official clock time is by cell phone. An inning is considered started as soon as the last out is made during the previous inning. It is not when actual play begins for the new inning. There is a “Park Curfew”. This supersedes all other time limit rules. No new inning can start after 10:15PM and there is a drop-dead time of 10:30PM.

Section 3. The scheduler will try to be rescheduled to a date that will not cause back-to-back games.

Section 5. Suspended Games: A suspended game is a game that is under the minimum innings when the game gets suspended. The game will be completed at another date designated by the scheduler.

Section 6. Pitchers: Pitch Counts

9-10 year old’s – Max 75 pitches per day.

7-8 year old’s – Max 50 pitches per day.

Exception: If a pitcher reaches the max pitch count per day. They may finish the batter before being removed.

Exception: 8u Division, pitch counts will not be recorded. Pitchers may pitch a max of two innings per day. Those innings must be consecutive. No days of rest are required.

REQUIRES DAYS REST: Number of pitches in a day and subsequent days rest.

• 66+ pitches… 4 Days

• 51 - 65 pitches… 3 Days

• 36 - 50 pitches… 2 Days

• 21 - 35 pitches… 1 Day

• 1 - 20 pitches… No rest required.

The pitch count will be kept by two coaches from each team. Each team will confer with each other between innings to keep an accurate pitch count.

An individual pitcher may only pitch six innings in a week regardless of pitch count and number of games. Total innings per team that can be pitched by 10-year-olds in a week is 8 unless the team has three or more games in a week. This number will increase by 5 innings for each game over two that a team has in a single week. (Monday to Sunday). Any pitching violation will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

A pitcher may play the catcher’s position after pitching in the game and catchers may pitch after catching in a game without restrictions.

When it comes to PLAYOFFS, if the playoffs are scheduled to be completed within a week, then an individual pitcher may only pitch six innings for the duration of the playoffs regardless of pitch count, number of games, and what day the playoffs started Total innings per team that can be pitch by 10-year-olds in a week is 8 unless the team has three or more games in a week. This number will increase by 5 innings for each game over two that a team has for the duration of the playoffs. Any pitching violation will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

When it comes to PLAYOFFS that are longer than a week, each individual pitcher will get an additional 2 innings for every game scheduled in the second week with a max of 6 for the second week also. Total innings per team that can be pitched by 10-year-olds in a week is 8 unless the team has three or more games in a week. This number will increase by 5 innings for each game over two that a team has for the duration of the playoffs. Any pitching violation will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Section 7. Coaches: Only the Head Coach is permitted to discuss matters with the Umpire(s).

Coaches are permitted to warm-up pitches between innings while the catcher is getting ready.

Section 8. The game will be considered completed when the losing team has batted at least four innings and trails by 10 runs or more. If the visiting team takes a 10-run lead or more in the top of the inning, the home team will still get to bat in the bottom half of the inning. It is recommended that the game continue in an unofficial capacity until the 2-hour time limit has been reached or until 6 full innings are completed in order to provide additional playtime for instructional purposes. No inning of a game in which the mercy rule has been applied may continue after the 2-hour time limit has been reached.

Section 9. A continuous batting order will be used. If a spot in the batting order is vacant, that spot will be skipped without penalty.

Section 10. Substitution: There will be free defensive substitution to maximize the coach’s flexibility in getting all players adequate playing time. All Defensive substitutions must be reported to the other team.

To report Defensive substitutions, you need to let the other team know who is on the bench.

If minimum play is not attained, the affected player(s) must play his/her missed innings in addition to the minimum play innings in the next game played plus the coach would be reprimanded for the violation of the rules. Any infraction of this rule in playoff games will be reviewed by the Baseball Committee and penalties will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Section 11. Stealing: Runners can leave once the ball reaches the batter. No stealing home. A runner can only score on a continuous play resulting from a hit ball or a forced walk.

Section 12. The Infield Fly Rule does not apply to the 10u level.

Section 13. Scoring: Limited to scoring five (5) runs per half inning except in the sixth or any extra inning of play. Any runs scored after the fifth run scored on the same continuous play shall not be counted except in the event of a clear Home Run over the fence.

Section 14. Sliding and Contact with Fielders: Runners must slide or avoid contact. Any runner is out when that runner does not slide or attempt to avoid contact with a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag. A runner may not jump over a defensive player in an attempt to avoid the tag. It is a judgment call by the Umpire and it is recommended that before each game the two teams discuss it with the umpire.

Section 15. When a manager, coach, or spectator (Adult) is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in the game. They may not sit in the stands and may not be recalled. They may not interact with any persons still involved with the game. Harassment of any player, manager, coach, spectator or league official may result in further penalty. Such as, multi-game suspensions or removal from the league entirely. An adult ejected from a game must not be present at the game site for the remainder of that game. Any adult ejected from a game is suspended for his or her team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at the game site from which they were suspended. If a player is ejected, they are permitted to sit in the stands with their parents or guardian. If no parent or guardian is present, they may remain in the dugout.

Section 16. Violations of any rules within our bylaws will result in the following penalties:

· Upon the first offense, the coach will receive a written warning.

· Upon the second offense, the coach will be suspended for one game.

· Upon the third offense, the coach will be removed from the program.

Section 17. 10u Division teams have nine defensive players in the field. If only eight (8) players are present, the team will be allowed to play with eight players during the regular season and the playoffs. If there are less than (8) players, the team must forfeit.

Section 18. All players must use bats that are in compliance with “Little League Rules”. No softball bats allowed. All bats shall be checked before each game by the Umpires to make sure the bats are in compliance, splintered or have any cracks and dents. Splintered, crack or dented bats cannot be used. Violations will follow Little League penalties.

Section 19. CATCHERS - Male catchers must wear the metal, fiber or plastic type cup. Catchers may only catch 3 innings per game. Innings may be non-consecutive.

Section 20. On Deck Batter: Only one (1) player may be out of the dugout and in the “designated on deck area” with a bat. All other players must be in the dugout or bench area.

Section 21. If a batter squares to bunt, and then pulls back, swings, batter shall be out.

Section 22. All players must use a “USA Baseball Approved” bat. No softball bats allowed. All bats shall be checked before each game for splinters and dents. Splintered and dented bats cannot be used.

ARTICLE VIII – 8U DIVISION GENERAL RULES

Section 1. 8u level play will be governed by the Official Little League Playing Rules except as specifically covered herein.

Section 2. Games: Starting times weekdays, 6PM. Home team has the field for practice first until 30 minutes prior to game time. Home team has the batting cage 30 minutes before game time. Visiting team has the batting cage until 30 minutes prior to game time. Visiting team has the field for practice 30 minutes before game time. Forfeit of a game is ½ hour after the scheduled starting time. Length of game time shall be six innings; game is official after four innings (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). Only the Field Supervisor and/or Elizabethtown Boys Club Baseball Commissioner has the authority to cancel/postpone a game due to bad weather or field conditions before the official starting time. All games will be rescheduled to the League Scheduler. Games can be rescheduled for school functions ONLY. No other rescheduling of games for non-weather-related reasons will be allowed. The Home Plate Umpire shall decide if the game is to be halted due to weather or darkness once a game is started. If there is lightning, the Home Plate Umpire must move all players to the dugouts, block garage, or parent vehicles for 15 minutes. There must be 15 minutes of no lightning prior to resuming the game. The total wait time should not exceed 45 minutes. No inning may start after 1-hours-45-minutes from the start of the game. All 8u level games have a 1-hour-45-minute time limit. Official clock time is by cell phone. An inning is considered started as soon as the last out is made during the previous inning. It is not when actual play begins for the new inning. There is a “Park Curfew”. This supersedes all other time limit rules. No new inning can start after 10:15PM and there is a drop-dead time of 10:30PM.

Section 3. Any 8u game rescheduled will be rescheduled for the first open field date.

Section 4. Tie Game: Game will be considered a tie in the standings if the minimum innings has been reached.

Section 5. Suspended Games: A suspended game is a game that is under the minimum innings when the game gets suspended. The game will be completed at another date designated by the scheduler. A complete game will be 3 ½ innings if you are the home team, 3 innings if you are the away team.

Section 6. Pitchers: A pitcher may pitch a maximum of two consecutive innings per game.

Pitchers pitch from 40 ft. No recording pitch counts. No day’s rest required.

Section 7. The Infield Fly Rule does not apply.

Section 8. Coaches: Base coaches: Adult coaches will be used as base coaches. Coaches are permitted to warm-up pitches between innings while the catcher is getting ready.

Section 9. Stealing: NO STEALING.

Section 10. Scoring: The 8u shall be limited to scoring five (5) runs per half inning for the complete game. Any runs scored after the fifth run scored on the same continuous play shall not be counted except in the event of a clear Home Run over the fence.

Section 11. 8u Division teams may have ten defensive players in the field. If only nine (9) players are present, the team will be allowed to play with nine (9) players during the regular season and the playoffs. If there are less than nine (9) players, the team must forfeit.

Section 12. A continuous batting order will be used. If a spot in the batting order is vacant, that spot will be skipped without penalty. No walks will be allowed. Upon receiving ball 4, the hitter will use a tee to put the ball in play. The batter will receive one, two or three chances to hit the ball. The number of chances will be based on the count. Zero strikes, three chances, one strike, two chances, two strikes, one chance. If the ball is hit foul, or does not go past the 12-foot line, the hitter is out. Only a swing and miss constitutes another possible chance. The ball must be put in play (12 Feet past the plate) to be considered a fair ball off of the tee. The 12-foot line is measured from the back tip of home plate and should be marked with a white line in a semi-circle from foul line to foul line. Or, for games on Fosnot or Wenger, the grass line can be used.

Section 13. Substitution: There will be free defensive substitution to maximize the coach’s flexibility in getting all players adequate playing time. All Defensive substitutions must be reported to the other team.

To report Defensive substitutions, you need to let the other team know who is on the bench.

Section 14. When a manager, coach, or spectator (Adult) is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in the game. They may not sit in the stands and may not be recalled. They may not interact with any persons still involved with the game. Harassment of any player, manager, coach, spectator or league official may result in further penalty. Such as, multi-game suspensions or removal from the league entirely. An adult ejected from a game must not be present at the game site for the remainder of that game. Any adult ejected from a game is suspended for his or her team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at the game site from which they were suspended. If a player is ejected, they are permitted to sit in the stands with their parents or guardians. If no parent or guardian is present, they may remain in the dugout.

Section 15. Violations of any rules within our bylaws will result in the following penalties:

· Upon the first offense, the coach will receive a written warning.

· Upon the second offense, the coach will be suspended for one game.

· Upon the third offense, the coach will be removed from the program.

Section 16. All batters must keep one foot in the batter’s box while looking down to the 3rd base coach or a coach in the dugout. This rule is to speed up the pace of the game. Umpires are to warn players about staying in the box.

Section 17. The game will be considered completed when the losing team has batted at least four innings and trails by 10 runs or more. If the visiting team takes a 10-run lead or more in the top of the inning, the home team will still get to bat in the bottom half of the inning. It is recommended that the game continue in an unofficial capacity until the 2-hour time limit has been reached or until 6 full innings are completed in order to provide additional playtime for instructional purposes. No inning of a game in which the mercy rule has been applied may continue after the 2-hour time limit has been reached.

Section 18. All players must use a “USA Baseball Approved” bat. T Ball bats are ok to use if it is “USA Baseball Approved” No softball bats allowed. All bats shall be checked before each game for splinters and dents. Splintered and dented bats cannot be used.

Section 19. Male catchers must wear the metal, fiber or plastic type cup. Teams must use a minimum of three different catchers in each game. No one catcher may play more than 3 innings in one game. Exception: Catcher can return to the position if there is an injury or illness.

Section 20. On Deck Batter: Only one (1) player may be out of the dugout and in the “designated on deck area” with a bat. All other players must be in the dugout or bench area.

Section 21. If a batter squares to bunt, and then pulls back, swings, and makes the batter shall be out.

Section 22. If a batter gets put on the tee, the catcher must be in the normal catcher’s position behind the plate as if a pitch was being thrown. Catcher is an eligible player and is able to make a play on any ball that is considered a fair ball by the umpire. The tee will be set in front of home plate and must stay there until a new battery comes up. No coaches are allowed to go onto the field to remove the tee while the ball is in play.

Umpire may stand where he chooses.

ARTICLE IX – EVALUATIONS AND THE DRAFT

THE DRAFT – It is the intention of the EABL NOT to re-draft every year.

Exceptions:

Expand by more than 2 teams from one year to the next.

Contract by more than 2 teams from one year to the next.

Changes to the age cut off date.

Section 1. The purpose of evaluations is to provide an opportunity for coaches to evaluate the

skill sets of players. As such, every evaluation should be structured so that the

elements of hitting, catching, fielding, and running are performed.

Section 2. 8u, 10u, and 12u Division coaches will evaluate all players at evaluations. The manner in which they rate/score players is up to that coach. All ratings/scores will remain confidential. Players/Parents shall never be told the ratings/scores they received.

Section 3. The drafting process will be the same for all Divisions.

Section 4. When a tryout has been completed, the team with the worst record from the preceding season gets the first choice in every round of the draft, the next to last place team gets the second selection in every round and the remaining teams select in reverse order of standings.

NOTE: Every team will get a first-round selection. After that, teams with more than 7

current players will sit out of the draft until all teams have drafted up to that number.

At that point, all teams will re enter the draft until all players are selected. Players shall never be told the draft position they received.

Section 5. All players not present at the tryouts will be placed in a pool and be selected at random via a blind draw unless a majority of the coaches present for the draft can agree to allow the player to enter into the draft. If a blind pick exists, the last pick for each team will be a blind pick.

Section 6. A team may consist of a maximum of 50% plus one player at any age level. If the registration numbers allow.

Section 7. If the number of teams decreases in a year, the team(s) with the least returning players will be disbanded and all of their returning players will be entered into the draft.

If any said division (8u, 10u or 12u) expands by 2 or more teams from the previous season, then a complete re-draft will result for that specific division. All eligible players will need to attend the evaluation day and all teams in said division will be drafted from scratch. The draft order will be determined by a random draw (picked from the hat) and the draft will be a snake draft. If expansion would be fewer than 3 team(s), then existing expansion rules apply.

Section 8. If a sibling is in the draft, he/she will be assigned to the team that their brother/sister is on. The player must participate in the draft and be rated by the other coaches. The player will be assigned a draft round by averaging the draft round assignment of the coaches present after dropping the highest and lowest scores.

Section 9. If a coach has a player in the draft, the player must participate in the draft and be rated by the other coaches. The player will be assigned a draft round by averaging the draft round assignment of the coaches present. If the player is not present for the draft, he/she will be assigned as a first-round draft choice unless the 12uity of coaches can agree on the draft round assignment. This rule also applies to siblings within the draft. If multiple siblings are in the draft, the selection of the one also assigns the other to the selecting team. The second sibling will be assigned a draft round as described above. If the sibling is not present at the draft, he/she will be assigned to the next round in the draft. Siblings are defined as bothers/sisters living in the same household.

Section 10. Seventh grade players are permitted to play up in 14u Junior Midgets Division if they so choose. Regardless of their “Playing Age”.

ARTICLE X – TRAVEL TEAMS

Section 1. Anyone participating on any travel team or other activity other than the EABL Baseball must participate in 51% of the games to be eligible for the All-stars.

Section 2. Procedures will be set up so that pitchers, who pitch for a travel baseball team, will have to abide by the EABL pitching rules after a travel tournament.

Section 3. Once the practice and game schedules are accepted, then no changes will be made for any game due to a travel team or other activity issue. As always, school functions will allow for a schedule change.

Section 4. The travel team rules will be looked at annually to make the necessary changes to protect EBC but also work with the other activities.

ARTICLE XI – EQUIPMENT

Section 1. All bats must be “USA Baseball” approved.

ARTICLE XII – TOURNAMENT PLAY (ALL-STARS)

Section 1. All Divisions:

Part a. Tournament team (7U, 8U, 9U and 10U All-Stars) members will be voted onto the team by all head coaches in the specific division from the player pool. All head coaches will pick their top 8 players. The 8 players with the highest number of votes are on the team. If there is a tie for the 8th player, those players will be placed on the team. The Head coach of the All Stars will select the remaining available slots carrying a minimum of 12.

Part b. Head coaches will be selected by the Elizabethtown Boys Club Baseball Commissioner. The Head Coach may pick his assistants with final approval resting with the board.

Part c. 11U and 12u Allstars. Lanco League players ARE eligible for All-Stars. All 12u head coaches will pick their top 8 players. And the 12u Lanco Head coach will nominate players from the Lanco team. All-Star Head coaches and Baseball Committee will select the 11U and 12u All-Star Rosters. 11U and 12u All-Stars will carry a minimum of 12 players.

ARTICLE XIII – PROTEST PROCEDURE

The aim of the Elizabethtown Youth Baseball League is to provide a baseball game that is both enjoyable and instructional for all youth involved. The coaches and umpires should do their utmost to see that each game is properly played according to all existing rules and regulations. Any disagreements regarding these rules and regulations should be resolved at the game site and preferably at the time of the questioned infraction. However, if an infraction cannot be resolved, the following procedure shall be followed:

Section 1. Protests may be for rule infractions only; judgment calls by the Umpires cannot be protested.

Section 2. The manager registering the protest must notify the home plate umpire.

Section 3. Protests must be written up and submitted to the Baseball Commissioner within 24 hours of the completion of a game.

Section 4. The Baseball Committee of the Elizabethtown Area Baseball Program along with the Chief of Umpires will rule upon all protests within 7 days of submission. If the Chief of Umpires is a party to the protest, he/she will not rule on the protest. In the event of a tie ruling, the protest will be disallowed and the ruling on the field will be upheld.

Section 5. Refer to Official Little League Rules Rule 4.19.

ARTICLE XIV – 12u LANCO SECTION TEAMS

Section 1. Whether or not EABL will submit 12u Section teams into the Lanco League will be determined by the Baseball Committee on a year-to-year basis. The decision will be made based on our registration numbers.