Rules
THE
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS MARCH 2006
PART 1 - AIMS, OBJECTS AND POWERS
ARTICLE 1 - NAME
The name of the Association shall be the
ARTICLE 2 - MEMBERSHIP
a) Membership shall consist of all persons who are registered with a team in the Association.
b) Any new team making application for membership in the Association must be done in writing, to the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson.
c) The power of approval for membership shall rest with the Executive Committee of the Association.
d) Members may be suspended or expelled at the discretion of the Executive Committee for any of the following:
i) use of boisterous or obscene language
ii) any teams, team members, or spectators associated with these teams caught drinking alcoholic beverages during an Association game
iii) physical or verbal abuse of umpires, team members or spectators before, during or after a game
iv) failure to comply with the Association rules and regulations
v) a suspension has been issued by another association or organization
vi) inappropriate behaviour at any league sanctioned function
vii) any sponsor or affiliate of the league is abused financially in any way
ARTICLE 3 - DISSOLUTION
a) The Association may be dissolved and an end brought to its existence by the unanimous decision of the Executive Committee and voting members by a 3/5-majority vote.
b) Final dissolution may not take place until all obligations and debts of the Association have been settled in full.
c) If, upon dissolution of the Association, and after the satisfaction of all obligations and debts, there remains any property or funds whatsoever such property or funds may be given or transferred, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, to some other organization having similar aims and objectives.
PART II BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 4 - MANAGEMENT
a) The management of the Association shall be the responsibility of the Executive Committee in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association.
b) The Executive Committee shall consist of no less than FOUR (4) members and no more than SIX (6) and will be made up of the following:
Chairperson (1)
Secretary/Treasurer (1)
Division Convenors (2)
Tournament Coordinator Liaison (1)* Appointed by current Executive
CHAIRPERSON
! Five-year term upon appointment by current Executive (one person position)
! Must have served one year and be in good standing with the SMSPA Executive Committee to be eligible
! Applies for permits on behalf of the League
! Will be a signing officer for the League account
! Representative for all parks and recreation meetings
! Responsible for league fax machine and documents
! Oversees all League fines
! Represent the SMSPA at Slo-Pitch National meetings
! Responsible for all League re-scheduling
! Chairs all League meetings and functions
! Be the deciding vote in the event of a hung decision
SECRETARY/TREASURER
! Serves as Vice Chairperson with a three year term upon appointment by current Executive (one person position)
! Must have served one year and be in good standing with the SMSPA Executive Committee to be eligible
! Responsible for the preparation of all agendas, minutes, head sheets, schedules, financial statements and any other SMSPA related business
! Maintains bank books and monthly statements
! Responsible for League fax machine & printers
! Will be a signing officer for the League account
! Keeps chairperson and SMSPA Executive informed of financial position of the League
! Responsible for the SMSPA mailing list
DIVISION CONVENOR
! Considered a League Executive member
! Represents a selected division (presently 3 people)
! Must be in good standing with SMSPA for one year to be eligible
! Two-year term upon appointment
! Responsible for player eligibility and team standings for each SMSPA meeting
! Main contact of the division they represent for League meetings, questions and problems
! Must attend monthly League meetings and all Executive meetings
! Should attend games throughout the season to ensure smooth running of their division they represent
! Be available to work League Tournament weekend and pre and post tournament set up
! Be available to work Provincial weekend
! Have good knowledge of the SMSPA Constitution & By-Laws
TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR LIASON
! Appointed by the current Executive each year (one person non-vote position)
! Must have served one year and be in good standing with the SMSPA Executive Committee to be eligible
! Applies for all tournament related permits (diamonds, headquarters and liquor)
! Contact umpire-in-chief to obtain umpires
! Represent League in all tournament related arrangements with Molson's
! Prepare tournament schedule and contact all teams with starting times
! Handle all tournament inquiries
! Responsible for League fax machine
! Work with Slo-Pitch National for team rankings and supply back tournament results
! Select Executive and bar staff for help
! Arrange Disc Jockey services, food vendor and supplies as necessary
! Submit final expenses and profits to treasurer
ARTICLE 5 - ELECTIONS
a) The election of the Executive Committee shall be held year at or before the April Meeting, on a date to be decided each year by the existing Executive Committee. This meeting will be known as the Annual General Meeting ("AGM").
b) Any person wishing to run for a position on the Executive Committee must be a member in good standing with the Association for a period of at least one year from the previous elections.
c) The Executive Committee will be elected by the teams of the Association who have been in the Association for at least one full season. Each team will have ONE (1) vote for each of the positions open.
d) After the election of a new Executive Committee, if any of the positions hereinafter set forth are vacant, the Executive Committee will meet and among themselves, vote in the following officers for the term designated hereunder:
Chairperson (1) 5 years
Secretary/Treasurer (1) 3 years
Division Convenors (3) 2 years
Tournament Coordinator Liaison Appointed By Current Executive
e) At the 1st meeting each year, or as soon thereafter as possible, the Executive Committee will announce how many positions on the Executive Committee are available for the coming year. Applications from interested parties will be accepted until the start of the 2nd meeting. Only the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson will accept applications. Members of the existing Executive Committee can stand for re-election.
f) At the 2nd meeting (or such other time when the elections are being held as designated by the Executive Committee), all members of the existing Executive Committee except the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson if their terms are still running, will resign and a new Executive Committee will be elected.
g) Any member of the Executive Committee can resign, with written notice to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee can choose to appoint a person from the Association to fill such vacancy or can choose to leave such position unfilled until the next election. At all times, however, there shall be no less than four (4) members on the Executive Committee. Any member of the Executive Committee holding the position of Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, who wishes to resign from that said position, but wanting to remain on the Executive Committee for the remainder of the year may do so and maintain his/her vote. If this Executive Member wishes to be a member of the Executive Committee the following year, then he/she must run for re-election. If this said position is that of Chairperson, the Executive Committee will elect a Chairperson from amongst the current Executive, and that person will then begin serving a 5-year term.
h) Any member of the Executive Committee can be removed by the remaining members of the Executive Committee, if such remaining members decide unanimously to do so. Such vacancy can be filled or not, in the discretion of the Executive Committee, provided that there are always at least four (4) members on the Executive Committee.
i) If the offices of the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson should become vacant at any time, the members of the Executive Committee shall appoint themselves, a person or persons to fill such vacancies for the remainder of their term.
j) With respect to disciplinary and other matters that the Executive Committee votes and rules on pertaining to members of the Association and their respective teams and the business of the Association, the decision of the Executive Committee shall be final and it shall not be brought to a vote of the general membership, unless the Executive Committee decides to do so.
k) To be eligible to hold the office of Chairperson, the Executive Member should meet one of the following criteria:
i) be a resident of the Mega city of
ii) work in the Mega city of
iii) pay taxes in the Mega city of
l) In the result of half or a greater number of the Executive Committee decide not to seek re-election, those Executive Committee members whose term is up and are seeking re-election, will automatically retain their position as Executive Committee member for the remainder of the set term to ensure the continuity and smooth operation of the League from year to year.
ARTICLE 6 - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
a) The Chairperson shall call all meetings in the Executive Committee and the Association.
b) The Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the event of his/her absence.
c) Any three (3) members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum.
d) Any ties in a voting situation shall be broken by the Chairperson.
e) All Executive Members must carry out all duties to the best of their ability for the duration of his/her term of office. Failure to do so will result in suspension or expulsion from the Executive Committee.
f) Financial statements will be issued at the beginning of each season by the Secretary/Treasurer.
g) All equipment or records are considered "property" of the Association. All Executive Committee members must sign a contract stating all properties belonging to the Association will be returned within a stated period of time. These said properties will be returned to the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Association for any of the following circumstances:
i) An Executive Committee member decides not to run for re-election. The property will be turned over to the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson immediately upon the Executive Committee members' decision not to run for re-election before the AGM.
ii) Any Executive Committee member who fails to be re-elected at the AGM. All property shall be handed over to the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson within 72 hours of the meeting.
iii) If any Executive Committee member is put on suspension or is expelled from the Executive Committee, any property in his/her possession will be handed over to the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson within 24 hours of the suspension/expulsion.
iv) If the Chairperson is suspended or expelled, he/she must hand over property to the Vice Chairperson within 24 hours of this suspension/expulsion.
v) Failure to return property will result in immediate suspension from all league duties and functions, until such time as the property is returned. The Executive Committee will consider legal action.
PART III - ASSOCIATION RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Annual Constitution and By-Laws meeting will consist of Executive Members only, and further, all motions received by the meeting date be reviewed and voted on by the Executive. Any amendments will be adopted and shall be deemed rules for the following season. If a motion comes up during the current season, and the Executive decides it should be applied immediately, it will be brought up at the next league meeting for all Association teams to vote on and implemented if passed.
Teams cannot change the schedule or any rules or regulations. If there is any change of the rules and regulations, the offending team(s) will be deemed to default the game in question and appropriate fines, as determined by the Executive will be levied.
PROFANITY
a) Use of boisterous or obscene language is strictly prohibited. Refer to Profanity rule in S.P.N. rulebook.
b) Vehicle parking is allowed only in designated areas.
DRINKING
c) Any team, team member or spectator associated with that team, found drinking alcoholic beverages before, during or after an Association game, on public property and/or unlicensed areas will be ejected from the Association. This will affect the offending individuals whether they are players, spectators or coaches. Executive ruling is final. THIS WILL BE MONITORED VERY CLOSELY.
LEAGUE RULES
d) The Association will be regulated by the Slo-Pitch National current rulebook, unless otherwise indicated in SMSPA League Rules. Any rules not governed by either will be voted upon & clarified by the SMSPA Executive with the assistance, if necessary, of SPN.
UMPIRES
e) Provided by the Executive and must be carded by SPN.
PROTESTS
f) Any grievances, protests or problems will be settled by the Association Executive Committee. All protests that are brought before the Executive Committee must be accompanied by one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) cash. If the protest is upheld, the money will be refunded. If the protest is denied, the one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) will go to the Association treasury. At the time of the protest, both teams will have the umpire record and sign their scorebooks, before the next pitch. A team may lodge their protest by fax within 24 hours, to either the Chair/Vice Chairperson and when the protest meeting is scheduled, the protest must be accompanied with one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00). If the protest is withdrawn after the protest meeting has been scheduled, the team protesting will forfeit the one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00). A protest may be lodged by a team captain or assistant captain only.
Notification of any appeals must be given (verbally) within 24 hours. A written statement must be received within 2 days of action by the Association's Executive Committee.
PERMITS
g) Every team must have their permits with them. Make sure no other team is on the field, either playing or practising, during an Association game. All permits should have a convenor/captain designated (in charge) each time a permit is used. The permit holder will be responsible for the conduct of the group and see that the fields and surrounding areas are left as found (i.e. removing any debris or garbage created by the group).
ROUGH PLAY / UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
h) Any act of rough play will draw an automatic ejection from the game as a player. Further action by the Executive Committee may be taken. Minimum five (5) game suspension for any violent act, which includes fighting or intent to injure. The Executive Committee must be notified of all ejections.
ROSTERS
i) Maximum of 22 players per team. Team players' list must be submitted to Executive Committee by the last league meeting in June - date to be announced. There will be a seventy-five dollar ($75.00) fine if late. The players' list must have full addresses with city or borough and must be signed by each player. 90% of team players must be Mega city of
Teams not submitting the list by the Meeting, in addition to fine, will forfeit all games played after that date until the list is submitted. No additions to the roster may be made after the June Meeting unless an application is made to and approved by the Executive Committee.
QUESTIONING THE UMPIRE / ABUSE OF OFFICIALS
j) Only the designated team captain or assistant captain (not both) may question the umpire(s). The umpire(s) may eject anyone from the game if they are being "abusive" towards an umpire. Any umpire will not tolerate foul language at any time, regardless of whom it is directed at. The player can be asked to leave the playing field/park at the umpire's discretion. Failure to do so will warrant default of the game and a fine against the team's performance bond. A sixty second warning will be given. A team's spectators are also the responsibility of that team. The team captain is responsible for ensuring that the umpire is not abusive to any player or spectator. Any problems should be reported to the Executive Committee immediately (within 24 hours) and should be noted on the score sheet. ("Abuse" is considered to be before, during and/or after a game. Umpires must notify the Division Convenor of any player ejected from a game). Refer to Profanity rule in S.P.N. rulebook.
FEES / PERFORMANCE BONDS / TEAMS NOT RETURNING
k) Registration fee for each team is to be set by the Executive and announced at the AGM. There is also a one hundred and fifty dollar ($150.00) performance bond. The bond will be retained at the end of each season upon the team's letter of intent to return the following season to the Association. If not returning, the bond is refundable, less fines. Notice must be given in writing to the Executive by February 15. If we have not received notice by this date, the League will retain the bond. Further, for the teams returning, their performance bond must be reinstated to its original value if fines have been levied, by the August meeting of that year. If the bond is not brought up to the $150.00 level by the August meeting, the team will be granted a 72-hour grace time from the Executive to do so. If still the bond is not brought up to the $150.00 level after grace time, a fifty ($50.00) fine will be levied. The Executive may decide to replace the team after grace time or arrange a time to meet and settle all outstanding fines. Teams must pay all their league fees by the April Meeting of the current year. In failure to do this the Executive will give a 72 hour grace time. If still the league fees have not been paid after grace time, a fifty ($50.00) fine will be levied. The Executive may decide to replace the team after grace time or arrange a time to meet and receive payment of all league fees plus the fine levied for lateness.
Association fee includes: balls, scorebooks, eligibility sheets, representation of Association at Slo Pitch National meetings, umpires, affiliation with Slo Pitch National, insurance coverage, trophies and/or travelling expenses, printing costs of all rules, permits, schedules and convenor's honorarium, other Association operating costs, and user fees. If a team has more than the 20 names allotted for the SPN Insurance Form, they must submit an additional sheet including player’s information and signature.
FINES
l) If a team is charged with a default for any reason, the following penalties will apply:
Game Default Missed Meeting
1ST OFFENSE $25.00 $25.00
2ND OFFENSE $50.00 $50.00
3RD OFFENSE $75.00 and $75.00 & possible expulsion from the Association.
possible expulsion
from the Association.
Note: all fines MUST BE PAID by the August meeting BEFORE the playoffs begin. Failure to do so will result in teams forfeiting their playoff position.
If a team wishes to continue playing in the SMSPA after its' performance bond has been exhausted, it may apply to post a further one hundred and fifty dollar ($150.00) bond, but the decision as to whether or not the team is allowed to continue rest solely with the Executive Committee.
LEAGUE MEETINGS
All league meetings will begin at
FORFEITED GAMES
The forfeit of a game will be recognized as a non-fined, non-replayed game. 14 days notice must be given.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS REQUIRED
m) At game time, teams will be allowed to play the game with 9 players - 5 & 4 (either 5 men/4 women or 5 women/4 men) with an automatic out anywhere in the line up. If a team has less than 4 women, the game is a default. If the 10th player shows up before the 10-minute grace time has expired he/she can be inserted into the line up in the out position under league rules.
n) A late arriving player may enter into the game, ready to play at any time. There will be no delay of game for the player to get ready or warm up. Umpire's discretion. If the player enters into an offensive position, they will be inserted into the empty position in the batting line up. If the player enters into a defensive position, they will be inserted into the available fielding position.
o) If a team starts the game with more females than males, up to a maximum of 10 players, and an additional male shows up, he is allowed to be inserted into the line up where the extra female(s) is, constituting an equal male/female batting order.
LENGTH OF GAMES
p) Regular season games will be 7 innings per game, unless tied, then continue until won by either team utilizing the international tiebreaker rule. If all conditions are correct and conditions are playable as decided by a majority of both captains and umpire, the game will continue until time or conditions allow. If a team refuses and the conditions allow for continuation of the game, the team refusing will forfeit the game.
5 innings constitutes an official game if halted in progress by rain or darkness. At lighted diamonds, no new inning will be started 15 minutes before schedule start of next game. Darkness will be judged as soon as the streetlights come on. Umpire to specify what street light at beginning of game. If the game is called before the end of an inning, then score reverts back to the last complete inning. All playoff games will be 7 innings if possible.
BATTING ORDER
q) Teams will be allowed to bat an unlimited amount to a maximum of 22 players, provided there is an equal amount of males/females, more females or may use an out in between batters to make batting line up equal (i.e. 6/5 with an out to make 6/6). If a player arrives after the game has started, that player may replace an out provided league rules are met. (i.e. Can't have two males batting in a row without an out or female between them).
r) Should a player leave the game for any reason, then that position in the batting order will be an automatic out unless proper substitution is made to a minimum of 9 players.
s) MERCY RULE - if a team is winning by 15 runs or more after 5 innings (4 1/2 if home team is winning), then the game is over. This includes playoffs.
CALLING A GAME / RAINOUTS
t) Once started, a game can only be called by a majority vote between the two opposing captains and the umpire (2 umpires counts as 1 vote, each team captain 1 vote).
u) Rainouts will be called at the park at game time. The two opposing captains together with the umpire shall jointly agree, by majority, on the rain out game. The Division Convenor must be notified. Teams must be able to field 9 players (with a minimum of 4 females). Both teams and umpire in the event of a rain out must sign the umpire/eligibility sheet.
v) Rainouts must be reported to the Division Convenor within 24 hours, by both teams, or will be considered a double default. Division Convenor will contact Chairperson immediately for re-scheduling.
w) Rained out games, or games that did not complete 5 innings (4 1/2 if home team winning), will be re-scheduled once (one date will be given) by the Chairperson & resume where the game was suspended. If both teams cannot agree on assigned date within 48 hours, each team will receive one (1) point (tie).
ELIGIBILITY SHEETS
x) Captains must exchange line-ups and fill out eligibility list and have it in the umpire's hands before the start of the game. Any changes must be done through the umpire. Each player in the league may ONLY play for one (1) team in the League after the last June meeting. This will be verified through eligibility sheet verification. Failure to comply will result in ejection from the League.
TEAM RESPONSIBILITY AT EACH GAME
y) Home team to supply a new game ball, eligibility list and the 24" x 36" board for home plate, set up the bases (including mandatory double-base) and the board for home plate. Visiting team to supply a good backup ball. If home team cannot supply all equipment necessary and the visiting team can, the visiting team can take home game if they wish. If, however, neither team has all of the equipment, the home team shall be as originally designated and the teams are asked to share the equipment to get the game under way. If not all equipment is available, home team loses by default. Each team and its members are responsible for complying with SMSPA regulations.
z) Bases are 65' apart (or less if infield does not allow 65' base paths) to be measured from the middle of home board to the back of 1st and 3rd bases. 1st base has to be an orange and white one piece "double-base" (not a folding base).
BATTING
aa) No batter's box exists, but you may not switch from one side to another during the pitch. If the batter contacts the ball (with the bat) while having one or both feet contacting the board, he/she is out, the ball is dead and the runners may not advance.
PITCHING
bb) The pitching position is 50-60 feet from the back of home plate as described in the SPN Manual. The pivot foot must remain in constant contact with the pitcher's plate, while and until the ball has been released. The Pitcher may also wear any glove, including a trapper.
INFIELD POSITIONING
cc) There is no change of infield defensive positions during an inning unless a substitution is made or injury occurs. All outfielders must stay off the infield until the ball is hit. Exception: a team may make a pitcher change within an inning (once during a game). Umpire's discretion as to outfield boundaries.
BASE RUNNING
dd) A base runner may not touch home plate for any reason. A base runner cannot be tagged out between the commit line and score line. The defensive player must make the out by being in contact with home plate while in control of the ball before the base-runner's foot makes contact with the score line. A base runner that has made contact with the commit line must continue on towards the score line.
ANTICIPATION
ee) Anticipation is allowed once the ball hits or passes the home plate board.
WALK RULE
ff) Any male batter who is walked is awarded two (2) bases and any runners on base are also awarded two (2) bases. The female batter would then hit.
JEWELLERY / BLOOD / PREGNANCY RULE
gg) The jewellery, blood, pregnancy & no tolerance rules as per the SPN rulebook, will be enforced. NO taping of jewellery is permitted. All jewellery must be removed.
ELIGIBILITY FOR PLAYOFFS
hh) To be eligible to participate in playoff games, a player must play in a minimum of 7 or 33 % (whichever is least) of his/her team's scheduled games. Exemptions for doctor's letters only. NOTE: In the event of a default being called at the park, an eligibility form should be filled out, signed by all members in attendance from both teams and the umpire, then submitted to the Division Convenor as per any eligibility form. This will allow any person who was in attendance to receive credit for that game, towards their playoff eligibility.
In the case of forfeited games, the non-offending team will receive entire eligibility for that game.
HOME RUN RULE FOR FENCED PARKS
ii) MATCH PLUS TWO. At no time during the game will the number of over the fence homeruns hit be more than the designated number hit by the opposing team. For example, the Visitors hit two over the fence homeruns in the top of the first inning, the home team may then match those two homeruns, plus hit up to two more and vice versa for the next inning. When an over the fence homerun is hit, that is in excess of the number allowed, it will now be an out, and not a single.
GROUNDS FOR LEAGUE SUSPENSION
jj) Any player whose name and signature appears on more than one team's player list handed in at the June meeting, regardless of division, will automatically be suspended for the balance of the current season. *See eligibility guidelines.
START TIME FO
kk) THERE IS A TEN (10) MINUTE GRACE PERIOD ALLOWED FROM THE OFFICIAL START TIME OF THE GAME (see schedule). The Umpire is to designate the official game time. If a team has 5 + 4 at game time, they must start the game and not use any of the default grace time.
ll) All team franchises are owned by the Association.
mm) A team coach/manager operates the team franchise until replaced by the Association.
PLAYOFFS
nn) At least 66 % of teams in each division advance to the championship play downs.
Best 2 out of 3 quarterfinals, higher place of finish gets home advantage in 1st and 3rd games.
oo) SEMI FINALS
Semi finals will have pre-determined scheduling.
Best 2 out of 3 series, higher place of finish gets home advantage in 1st and 3rd games. All Semi Finals will have 2 umpires if available.
pp) FINALS
The team having the highest points in regular season being home team in the 1st, 3rd and 5th games out of a 3 out of 5 series, in all rounds.
All final games will have 2 umpires.
qq) AWARDS
At the first August meeting, each team will submit their nominees and the reasons for each nomination for the following awards. The Executive committee will then go through each nominee and submit a final list to the League for voting at the final meeting in August
EDWARD BONIFACE TROPHY
Donated to the Scarborough Mixed Slo-Pitch Association by George Boniface in memory of his father and is awarded annually to the team with the most fair play and dedication towards the goodwill of the Scarborough Mixed Slo-Pitch Association.
ROSS DIOGO MEMORIAL AWARD (TOURNAMENT TROPHY)
Awarded annually to the team most committed to all aspects of the smooth operation of the Scarborough Mixed Slo-Pitch Association. This award is voted on by the Executive, but will receive any nominations from team captains. There is only one winner from the whole Association.
SIMEON
Awarded annually to the person who shows the greatest amount of dedication to slo-pitch and the Scarborough Mixed Slo-Pitch Association. This award is voted on by the Executive, but will receive any nominations from team captains. There is only one winner from the whole Association.
rr) TOURNAMENT POINT STRUCTURE
Minor Sponsor 1 pt - 5 pts
Major Sponsor 5 pts – unlimited (Executive decision)
Team Entry (June & July) 10 pts ea. (min)
Each additional "new"(not on mailing list) * team 5 pt
· at discretion of tournament committee
Bonus points may be awarded for additional sponsors for pre-tournament work, etc.
Letter of Intent
_____________________________ plans to return to the SMSPA for the ____________season.
Performance bonds must be brought back up to $150.00 for any teams incurring fines. If the performance bond is not paid up in full by the specified date, then it is the prerogative of the SMSPA to solicit new teams.
Signature Date
Team Contact:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
Phone: (h)
(b)
Alternate Contact:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
Phone: (h)
(b)
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