Primary League Rules

HAZEL DELL LITTLE LEAGUE

LEAGUE RULES FOR BASEBALL

Approved by the HDLL Board November 2, 2008

Local Rules are the addition to, or modification of, regular Little League Rules to reflect the playing rules, conduct, safety conditions, special field conditions, All-Star selection, and other league management issues.NOTE: Local Rules apply only to games being played between HDLL teams. Games played between HDLL teams and team from other Leagues in interleague play are governed by Little League Rules, unless the “interleague league’ has modified those rules.

A.  MANAGER/COACH SELECTION

The League Board is responsible for evaluating the performance of Managers and Coaches. Manager and Coaches are approved each year for the season only. There are no guarantees that a Manager or Coach who serves one year will be appointed to serve the next year or that he/she will have the same team name. Each Manager or Coach must complete an application for their position and submit it to the League. No League Commissioner will be a Manager/Coach of record, in the same league (i.e. T-Ball, Pac Coast, American, etc.) in which they are a Commissioner. The League Commissioner will review the application, discuss Little League philosophy with the applicant and present the application to the President for approval by the Hazel Dell Little League Board of Directors.

B.  MANAGER/COACH RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Manager and Coach are responsible for learning and teaching the rules of Little League Baseball, Inc. and Hazel Dell Little League. All Managers and Coaches must comply with Little League rules. The League Commissioner and the Manager share responsibility to be sure all Coaches for each team are presented to the Board for review. Only Board approved Managers/Coaches may be in the dugout or on the field during games. Managers and Coaches MAY serve as home plate umpire in the Division in which they serve as Manager or Coach if there is no umpire available.  This should only be considered as a last resort.

C.  MANAGER/COACH CONDUCT:

Managers and Coaches are responsible for their conduct and the conduct of their team and fans. Obscene and foul language gestures from players, fans, Coaches or Managers will not be tolerated. Chanting or yelling, which interferes with the play of an opposing player or verbal abuse of any player, is not permitted. Team members, the Manager and two Coaches are the only persons allowed in or around the dugout. Parents and fans must remain in the stands or at least 10 feet from the dugouts.Managers are responsible for the immediate return of all HDLL uniforms and equipment following the regular season. All Star and Tournament team uniforms and equipment will be made available to those managers from equipment returned to the HDLL Equipment Managers. HDLL reserves the right to require an equipment deposit from each manager to assure that uniforms and equipment are returned as soon as the regular season ends. These deposits will be held until the equipment is returned or 2 weeks after the season ends, at which time the deposit will be cashed. The deposit will be a nominal fee and does not release the manager from the full replacement cost of the equipment should any/all of the equipment not be returned to HDLL.Managers and Coaches who come to practices or games under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be sent home and their position in the League reviewed. Smoking by Managers or Coaches on the field during practice sessions or games is prohibited. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to dismissal from any role in Hazel Dell Little League.If a Manager or Coach is ejected from a game, he/she will be suspended the following game. After the second ejection, there will be the possibility of further suspension or dismissal, if warranted. A serious misconduct could result in immediate ejection from a game and future games, subject to disciplinary policy procedures outlined in section D, even if it is a first offense.Managers, Coaches, parents and fans are reminded that a person ejected from a game/ballpark will leave the ballpark, to include the parking lot and surrounding park area, within two (2) minutes. Failure to do so could result in a possible forfeiture to the team being played. HDLL will not tolerate uncontrolled or unsportsman-like conduct. If a parent or fan is ejected from a game/ballpark, for whatever reason, twice in one season, he/she will be subject to the disciplinary policy procedures outlined in section D.

D.  DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROCEDURE AND POLICY:

1.      Disciplinary action may be commenced against any person involved in the Hazel Dell Little League program, including but not limited to HDLL Officers, Commissioner, Umpires, Managers, Coaches, parents, players and those desiring to view or attend Little League Baseball or Softball games and/or functions. Activities that may be the subject of disciplinary action shall include any violation of any Little League Baseball Incorporated Rules and Regulations, any HDLL rule or policy, any individual league program rule or policy, Board of Director rule or policy, the Little League Operating Manual, or official Little League Baseball and Softball Rules and Regulations. Any activity or conduct unbecoming of an individual who is in any way involved in HDLL may also subject that person to disciplinary action.

2.      Filing of charges: To initiate consideration by the Board of Directors for disciplinary action, a written complaint shall be filed with the HDLL Board setting forth grounds upon which the complaint for action is based. The complaint shall contain a brief statement of the violation or violations, the alleged violator’s name and the date, time and location of the alleged violation. The complaint shall set forth the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, team (if known) and shall be signed by the complainant. The complaint shall either be mailed to the HDLL Board or hand delivered to a HDLL officer or board member within a reasonable time following the alleged violation. A reasonable time shall be presumed to not extend beyond 14 calendar days of the alleged violation. If however, during the course of its investigation, the Board determines that other reportable incidents have occurred and were not reported, for whatever reasons, those incidents can be used in determining behavioral patterns or in adding additional charges to the original complaint.

3.      Normally, within 7 calendar days of receipt of a complaint alleging the need for disciplinary action, a preliminary committee of the HDLL Board, (normally the President, League Commissioners, League Vice-President and, where appropriate, the League Player Agent and Chief Umpire) shall discuss the complaint and determine whether disciplinary action should be initiated. In the event that a HDLL Board Member is the complainant, they shall not be present at this initial determination phase. The above Committee will determine by majority vote whether there is reasonable cause or validity to the complaint and that disciplinary action is merited. If disciplinary action is merited, the complaint is forwarded to the hearing procedure. If a majority of the committee decides that action is not merited, it shall then advise the complainant with a brief statement of the Board’s decision declining to initiate disciplinary action.

4.      Hearing Procedures: After the Hearing Committee has determined there is reasonable cause for disciplinary action, the HDLL Committee shall give written notice to the alleged violator stating the substance of the charge in concise terms and requesting that the alleged violator appear at a hearing before the Hearing Committee to be held no sooner than three (3) days nor later than thirty (30) days from the date of the notice. The written notice shall state that failure of the alleged violator to attend the hearing will constitute default and act as an admission of the conduct alleged in the complaint. The notice shall also state that such default shall allow the HDLL Hearing Committee to discipline the alleged violator as it sees fit, including suspension or removal from HDLL.

5.      The HDLL President or his/her designee selects the composition of the Hearing Committee. The Committee shall consist of six (6) to twelve (12) HDLL Board members, which should include the Secretary and President. If the complaint is brought by or against the President of HDLL, then the Vice-President, or his/her designee, shall select the Committee Members. When selecting the Committee Members a balance of Baseball and Softball Board Members should constitute the Committee. In no event should any member of the Committee have any previous, direct involvement with the alleged violation. The alleged violator shall be allowed to excuse up to two (2) Committee Members simply upon request, provided that the request is made no later than two (2) calendar days prior to the date of the hearing. In the event of exclusion under this provision, the President, Vice-President or his/her designee may select up to two (2) replacement members to constitute the final Hearing Committee.

6.      The hearing shall, under normal circumstances, be open to the public just as a regular board meeting of HDLL. The Hearing Committee shall appoint a presiding officer and this officer shall regulate the course of the proceedings in conformity with these rules. To initiate the hearing, the Presiding Officer shall introduce the Board and read the complaint. The accused shall have the right to appear personally and to have counsel. The Presiding Officer shall afford all parties the opportunity to make opening statements, present evidence and argument, and to conduct cross-examination. The Presiding Officer shall have the discretion to allow all or part of the hearing to be conducted by any electronic means necessary and to allow the use of video or vocal recording. Each party to the hearing shall be given an opportunity to participate effectively in the hearing and to view the hearing in its entirety.

7.      Decision of the Hearing Committee: At the conclusion of the fact-finding hearing, the Hearing Committee shall adjourn for deliberation. Unless a 2/3 majority of the Committee finds that adequate grounds exist for disciplinary action, the complaint shall be dismissed. If the 2/3 majority of the Committee finds that adequate grounds exist for disciplinary action, then the Committee shall issue a written decision setting forth the rule, regulation or policy violated and the sanction ordered as a result of the violation. Sanctions may include reprimand, censor, dismissal or suspension from any further HDLL activities. The decision may also contain conditions for continued involvement in HDLL activities, and may contain steps to be completed to remedy the initial violation. The decision of the 2/3 majority shall be final.

8.      Requests for reinstatement: The decision of the Hearing Committee shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal.  If the ruling lasts for more than one season, a disciplined individual may submit to the President a request for reinstatement in HDLL related activities at the start of the following season.

9.      Emergency Discipline Action: Under emergency circumstances, when immediate action must be taken to protect the welfare of any individual involved in HDLL program, including spectators and those affected by the HDLL program, the HDLL President, or any person specifically designated by him/her, may suspend an individual from further participation in all HDLL activities. Such emergency suspension may be made orally or in writing at the President’s or his/her designee’s discretion. Following emergency suspension, a complaint shall be made as set forth in Section 2 above, and a hearing shall take place as set forth in Section 4 above. 

E.  ALL STAR SELECTION:

1.      The Player Agent and the League President share responsibility for All Star balloting and administration in each League. The President is responsible for certifying each team to be the respective League’s All Star Team.

2.      Manager Eligibility: All approved Minor/Major/Senior League Managers who have managed or coached for at least one-half of the regularly scheduled season are eligible to serve as All Star Team Manager in their respective League.

3.      Manager Selection Process: The Manager will be selected by a vote of all Managers, Coaches, and Umpires. The League Commissioner shall cast one vote in case of a tie.

4.      Player Eligibility: All players who have been on the roster are eligible to be selected to the All-Star Team.  Ten year old players playing up in the National League are eligible for the Minor 9-10 or 10-11 All-Star Team.

5.   Player Selection Process: Each Division of the Baseball/Major/Senior League program will follow this process. By May 15, the Player Agent will prepare ballots, which contain the names of all eligible players. Ballots will be placed in an envelope for each team and numbered by the Player Agent. A Committee Member will enter the dugout prior to the game and instruct the players and the Coaches on the voting process.  Players will be instructed to vote for their six (6) choices for All-Star players.  Each player vote counts as one vote.  League Managers, Coaches and Umpires also vote for their top six (6) players.  Manager and Umpire in Charge votes count for three (3) and coach and umpire votes count for two (2).  The total of all votes will determine six (6) of the thirteen (13) players on the All-Star team.  All-Star voting for Minor, Major, and Junior leagues recommends 13 players with any issues of the Manager seeing the need for additional players to be brought to the Board for approval.  If 13 players are rostered the team may have up to 3 Coaches (1 Manager and 2 Coaches).  If the Manager decides to roster 12 players they will only be allowed 2 Coaches (1 Manager and 1 Coach).

After the voting is complete the any extra ballots from absent people will be discarded and the ballots will be placed in a sealed envelope.  The President will hold the ballots until the count is done.  The President and Players Agent or League Commissioner will be responsible for the tallying the votes.  Each person in the pair will tally the votes from a team. If they match, they will both sign the sheet and move on to the next team. Once every team in the League has been counted twice and signed, the All Star voting process will be complete.  The Executive Board and Player Agent will do the final total of the teams. The Executive Board will also count the Manager ballots. Once the totals are counted and verified, the President will notify the Managers of their selection and the six players that have been voted in.  All Managers and Coaches must understand that this information must be kept completely confidential from everyone including spouses and children.

6.      Not more than 24 hours nor less than 12 hours before the public announcement of the all-Star Team, the All-Star Manager will be provided a list of the players who were voted to the All-Star Team and an alphabetic roster of all eligible players in the Division. From this pool of players, the Manager may select additional players to complete the player roster for the All-Star Team. If after selection, any player is unable to participate, the All-Star Manager may choose another eligible player to fill the vacancy.

7.      Public Announcement of Team: The names of the players selected to the All-Star Teams may not be announced until Little League National release day. Premature release of names may result in the ineligibility of the All-Star Teams selected by Hazel Dell Little League. The players selected to the All-Star Teams will be announced at closing ceremonies.

8.      All-Star Uniforms: Hats will be provided by HDLL. Jackets will be purchased at the discretion of the parents. HDLL will determine jerseys pants and socks to be selected and these items will be purchased by the players’ parents. 

F.   LEAGUE STANDINGS:

1.      There will be standings kept in this league.  The game score will be kept during the game and the results will forwarded to the league commissioner at the conclusion of the game.  The year-end tournament seeding will be determined by the league commissioner.  Regular season rules will apply for this tournament as tournament rules only apply to All-Star play.

2.      The winner of the Major League will be the team, which has the best win-loss record.

3.      Two (2) teams tied with identical records:

a.      Head to Head games. Team with best record wins tiebreaker.

b.      Least runs allowed in games played against each other.

c.      Most runs scored in games played against each other.

d.      One game playoff.

4.      Three (3) or more teams tied with identical records:

a.      Best record in games played against the teams involved in three-way tie.

b.      If two of the three teams have identical records refer to tiebreaker for two (2) teams described above.

c.      If all three (3) teams have identical records:

i.      Least runs allowed in games played against each other.

ii.      Most runs scored in games played against each other.

iii.      Least runs allowed for season (if all played equal number of games).

iv.      Most runs scored for season (if all played equal number of games).

G.  TOURNAMENT GAMES – HOME TEAM DETERMINATION 

The home team in all tournament games will be determined by the flip of a coin.

H.  INJURIES 

The Manager is responsible or reporting all injuries to the League Commissioner. Injuries to player or personnel which require hospital or physician care must be described in writing to the League President within 24 hours. The description should include the time, place and circumstances at the time of the injury. Any injured player missing 2 consecutive games must be reported to the Player Agent within 24 hours following the second missed game. The player must provide the Manager with a doctor’s release prior to being allowed to play.  

I.        HB FULLER LIGHT PROCEDURE 

1.  Major League (NL) Field:  Week nights/Sundays: No inning will start after 9:00 pmb.   Saturdays: No inning will start after 10:00 pm

2.  Junior/Senior/Big Leagues: Week night/Sundays: No inning will start after 9:15pm. Lights off at10:00 pmb.      Saturdays: No inning will start after 10:30 pm

J.   REPLACEMENT OF A MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYER DURING THE SEASON:

1.   If a player cannot complete the Major League season, the Major League Manager must notify the Player Agent. The Player Agent will contact the player and his family to determine whether the player will/can not play and should be removed from the roster.

2.   If a replacement is needed and the replacement is consistent with Little League Baseball Rules and Regulations (a reasonable amount of time for replacement of a player constitutes their ability to play 50% of the regular season), the Player Agent will advise the President and the Major League Commissioner of the need for a replacement. This executive Committee will confirm the withdrawal of the player and the vacancy on the team. The Player Agent will present the removal of the player at the next Board meeting or to a special meeting of the Board, if a meeting is not scheduled within 7 days of the vacancy. After the Board confirms the player’s removal, the Player Agent and the Secretary will advise the District Administrator and Little League Baseball Incorporated of the player removal.

3.      The only source for a replacement will be the waiting list maintained by the Player Agent.

4.      No replacement players will be selected within the final four weeks of the season.

5.      Players can only be released for the following reasons:

a. Moved out of the league boundaries and wishes to play for the league   located within the new area of residence

b. Medical reason (this requires a Doctor’s statement)

c. Resigns from the League and assigned teamd. Disciplinary reasons (needs to be approved by the appropriate Board of Directors members).