BREVARD COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE (BCBL)
A Brevard County Parks & Recreation Program
2009 BCBL Rules, Guidelines, & Policies
(Reviewed & Approved by BCBL Advsiory Council last on February 1, 2009)
1. Florida Space Coast Baseball League (FSCBL) was founded and started on June 30, 1980 in Palm Bay, Florida. Now known as the Brevard County Baseball League or BCBL today, the FSCBL transfered operation of this Baseball League to Brevard County Parks & Recreation in September of 2008.
The BCBL traditionally has been sanctioned each season under various National Baseball Organizations such as the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC), National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF), and Roy Hobbs Baseball.
2. The BCBL currently offers the following Baseball Wood Bat Divisions & Seasons thru this year:
A. Spring Division: Feb-May for ages: 15-up
B. Roy Hobbs Division: April-July for ages: 28-over
C. High School Division: May-July for High School Summer Teams
D. Stan Musial Division: May-July for ages: 15-up
E. Fall Divison: Sept-Nov for ages: 15-up
3. AGE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Roy Hobbs Division: a Player must be 28 years of age by December 31, 2009 to be eligible.
B. Stan Musial, Spring, & Fall Divisions: a Player must be at least 15 years of age by August 1, 2009.
C. High Division: Players must be eligible to play JV or Varsity High School Baseball in the Fall 2009.
4. BCBL standard league baseball games are all 7 innings of play.
5. BCBL Mercy Rule applies for all regular season and playoff games.
If the visiting team is ahead by 10 runs or more at the end of the 5th inning, the visiting team is declared the winner.
If the home team is ahead by 10 runs or more at the end of 4 1/2 innings, the home team will be declared the winner.
A game can be terminated at anytime with the unanimous consent of both team managers & plate umpire.
A terminated game will count as an official game regardless of the number of innings played.
6. BCBL Discipline Policy of Players, Coaches, & Fans is mandatory on and off the field. Team Managers have the primary responsibility for controlling the conduct of their players, coaches, and fans. The Umpires present on the field are BCBL game officials and are empowered to ensure that the conduct of everyone at the game is in the realm of sportsmanship and fair play for all BCBL games. Possible penalties include: forfeit, suspension, expulsion, or combination of all.
7. Displays of unsportsmanlike conduct; equipment abuse; vulgar offensive language will not be tolerated. Warnings are not necessary when bad conduct occurs, however it is simply decretionary and a judgment call by BCBL Umpires on the field. Penalties can be ejection from the game or the entire park. Umpires decision is unchallengeable as a judgement call and must be adhered to my both teams. The Team Manager is responsible to ensure their team players & coaches comply to the decision made within a reasonable amount of time designated by the umpires. BCBL standard time compliance is 2 minutes, but the umpires have the authority on the field to be stricter or more lenient depending on the situation. Penalties possible include forfeit, suspension, expulsion, or combination of all.
8. All conversations on disputed umpire calls between Coaches and Umpires must be conducted in a well modulated; non-offensive tone of voice outside the earshot of fans and players. Judgement calls are non-protestable.
9. BCBL "Hustle" Policy is required to prevent long and unnecessary delays in games. Umpires can use "Speed up" rules at their discretion including limiting or eliminating warm up time; limiting pitching warm up pitches; asking for a batter in the box within a specificied time; declaring outs; etc. HUSTLE is required on and off the field once the game is in play.
10. BCBL Rainout Policy includes the following:
A. Rainouts are rescheduled unless time is a factor in ending the regular season.
B. BCBL updates the website and office voicemail whenever possible for the latest on impending weather concerns.
C. Home Field Hosts will update the BCBL and the Umpire Coordinator as to any weather concerns as soon as possible.
D. By Umpires Agreement, Umpires will get full pay in a rainout if one pitch is thrown in the game.
E. If there is a rain delay during a game, Umpires can wait 30 minutes to decide to continue play. A 2nd delay, a final decision can be made within 15 minutes.
11. BCBL Protest Policy includes the following:
A. Protest are not permitted on Umpire judgement calls.
B. The Plate Umpire will handle any protests on rule interpretation immediately at the time of the protest.
C. Plate Umpire will note date/time; game situation in the official scorebook; make a game time decision and continue the game to its end.
D. If the official protest has a possible reversing outcome, the BCBL Director will convene the Advisory Council to review the protest & make a decision.
12. BCBL Insurance Policy includes the following:
A. BCBL carries liability insurance for facilities and baseball fields.
B. All Teams must have medical insurance on their players individually or team policy. All players are responsible for their own medical coverage.
C. All Players are required to sign a BCBL Player Contract/Waiver that includes a waiver of financially liability responsibility before any player is eligible.
D. BCBL has team insurance information from national baseball organizations for all teams to consider.
13. BCBL TEAM FEE is based on the number of games played with a minimum of 15 player (max of 25 players) team roster. The Team Fee pays for Umpires, Game Baseballs, Sanction fees, field & light expenses, insurance, awards, administrative costs, etc.
14. BCBL distributes game baseballs, a scorebook, and line-up cards to team managers prior to their first scheduled game of each season. Each Team is required to supply 2 game baseballs to the plate umpire prior to each game. Each Team is responsible for retrieving foul balls down their respective foul line during the game. If more baseballs are needed for play to continue, both teams must supply useable baseballs for play alternating turns starting with the home team.
15. The Home Team is the official scorekeeper. Line-up cards must include complete information with jersey numbers, player's first & last names, playing positions, with all substitutes listed for each game. Both teams should keep their own scorebook and report game results after each game by email or phone to the BCBL Director. BCBL email is troy.cox@brevardparks.com and the BCBL Office phone number is 321-255-4400. Game Results & Scores with League Division Standings are posted daily on the BCBL webpage at www.brevardparks.com
16. BCBL Home Field Policy includes the following:
A. BCBL provides and pays for baseball fields for league play by Field Use Agreements with local public and private organizations.
B. BCBL provides a Certificate of Insurance for all fields if required.
C. Teams may have their own Home Field for home games if properly authorized in writing and approved by the BCBL.
D. Teams requesting Home Fields may be required to do field maintenance and pay any fees required.
E. All Teams are required to keep up and clean all Ball Park fields, dugouts, fan areas, and restrooms after play. We are guests; use trash cans for litter.
17. The BCBL contracts with a local Umpire Association by agreement. There is a designated Umpire Assignment Coordinator for scheduling umpires for all games. All requests, complaints, and concerns must be submitted in writing by email to: floridabaseball@cfl.rr.com to the BCBL Director and will be forwarded to the Umpire Coordinator who will respond as soon as possible.
18. BCBL Game Forfeit Policy is as follows:
A. A Game forfeit due to lack of a player or players at the start of a game will occur 15 minutes after game time. 9 eligible players are required to play.
B. If a Doubleheader is scheduled, the 2nd game must start within the next hour or another forfeit will be declared.
C. A Game forfeit due to lack of a player or players at the start of a game will put a team on notice of possible BCBL fines, suspension, or expulsion.
D. Any Team with 3 Game forfeits will result in expulsion from the league and forfeiture of all league fees.
E. Teams may register an appeal on any forfeit(s) with the BCBL Director if circumstances warrant it.
19. BCBL is sanctioned by selected National Baseball Organizations primarily for access to insurance programs for teams and umpires; attendance to and hosting state, regional, and world series tourneys; and for simple creditibility & prestige. BCBL pays all Sanction Fees from Team fees.
20. BCBL Team UNIFORM DRESS CODE is as follows: (BCBL requires proper dress on our baseball fields)
A. All Teams must have a full baseball uniforms with matching colors and designated individual player numbers clearly printed on the back of their jersey.
B. T-shirts can be used as Jeresys. Baseball pants/socks and a Hat are required for each player.
C. Shorts are not permitted.
D. Multi-colored; non-team uniforms including hats are not permitted.
E. No shoes other than Baseball type footwear is permitted.
F. Metal spiked baseball shoes are legal to wear, but not recommended by the BCBL. Note: Intentional Spiking is not tolerated and will be dealt with harshly by Umpires and the BCBL.
21. All Teams must have their own equipment. Batting helmets and cather's helmet are required headwear. Batters, runners, on-deck batters, base coaches, and catchers are required to hear helmets during play. All equipment must be safety approved and subject to inspection by BCBL umpires. BCBL has adopted safety standards from Major League Baseball.
22. BCBL Ex-Pros Playing Policy is as follows:
All Ex-Professionals must be reinstated as amateurs with the BCBL and any National Baseball Organization affilated with BCBL. Reinstatement forms are available with the BCBL and there is $25.00 reinstatement fee for each EX-Pro payable to: BCPR. The form and fee will be forwarded to the proper National Office upon payment. Ex-Pros are not eligible to play in the BCBL until this process is complete. an Ex-Pro is a player who played and received pay for playing in the Major League Baseball, any Pro Minor Leagues, or any Independent Leagues.
23. BCBL TEAM ROSTER Policy is as follows:
A. Team roster is limited to 25 registered players in league play. The minimum roster requirement is 15 registered players.
B. State Rosters may be limited to 18-20 players depending on the sanctioning organization.
C. League Rosters must be updated with each addition or deletion of player(s) up until the final regular season roster deadline.
D. Regular Season Roster Deadline for Teams is Game #12 for all Divisions. Adding a player after this deadline must be approved by the BCBL Director.
E. Current Team Roster is determined by completed Player Contract/Waivers on file with the BCBL. No player is eligible without a Player Contract/Waiver.
F. If a Player or Players are not listed on a Team Roster with a signed Player Contract/Waiver on file, that player or players are ineligible to play.
G. Teams with ineligible player(s) may forfeit any and all games where that player(s) was a participant.
24. All Players under 18 must have written permission from their parents or guardians by filling out the Player Contract/Waiver. All Minors must have proof of medical insurance and a birth certificate upon request.
25. The BCBL will at times hold Free Agent tryouts prior to a season starting. If a tryout is held, all Team Managers are invited to attend and observe. The Free Agents may be required to pay a fee for the tryout evaluation. The BCBL staff will evaluate on a rating scale and share that information with all teams. A Player Draft may held if necessary for top talent. There is no guarantee of being placed on any team. Each Team is its own organization and may have independent tryouts, so it makes sense to contact each team independently thru the BCBL Team Directory on the BCBL page at www.americansbaseball.com
26. A BCBL suggested Team Guideline for any Team that requires a Team Player Fee to play as follows:
A. Charge at least $100.00 a player for season play.
B. "No Player Plays until the Player is Paid up"
C. Charge for Team Uniform and it belongs to the Player.
D. Any other Team Expenses are equally shared.
27. Three simple BCBL Rules & Guidelines to share with your players are as follows:
A. All Players must be registered with the BCBL before they can play baseball.
B. All Players must "Pay before they Play!"
C. All games require 9 registered and paid players on the field from each team for a legal game to be played.
28. BCBL is WOOD BAT only. Approved Metal Wood and Composite Wood Bats are permitted. BCBL has a list of vendors available.
29. If a Team chooses to play with 9 players only during a game, American League Rules apply where the Official Major League DH Rule may be used for the pitcher only. The Official Major League DH Rule is explained in detail later in these rules. High School Rules only apply in the High School Division.
30. A designated runner (DR) is allowed for the catcher only when a Team decides to play 9 players only and the Major League DH Rule applys. The "DR" must be a player who has not entered in the game as a legal substitute or the catcher may run for himself.
31. All "Uniforms not paid for" must be returned to the sponsor or team manager when requested or the player(s) will be declared ineligible for play.
32. Sanction Patches are sometimes required on Team Uniforms for post season play. The BCBL can order patches anytime when needed or desired.
33. All Teams are requested to keep a scorebook and Team Statistics for use in sanctioned league games & tourneys; league awards; scouts & media; and to better evaluate your team and performance of players.
34. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any ball park unless approved by permit. Violaters are to be reported to the BCBL Director and are subject to suspension or expulsion from the BCBL. Any player or manager/coach who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be immediately removed from a game and/or if necessary the Ball Park.
35. Smoking is not permitted in the dugout or playing areas.
36. Gambling is not permitted in the BCBL.
37. Abusive profanity, language, or behavior will not be tolerated by players, managers/coaches, umpires, or fans.
38. Uniformed baseball players are not allowed in the stands when their team is playing.
39. Physical contact, fighting, or verbal threats of harm to any player, manager/coach, umpire or BCBL official is not tolerated. Violaters are suject to suspension or expulsion from the BCBL.
40. The BCBL Director reserves the right to suspend or expel any player, manager/coach, umpire, or fan when their bad conduct warrant it.
41. Sportmanship must be observed before, during, and after all games. Unsportsmanlike conduct can result in suspension or expulsion from the BCBL.
42. Any player or manager/coach who is ejected from a game may be required to leave the entire Ball Park immediately if directed by an umpire. Any player ejected from a game for a second time in a season for unsportsmanlike conduct is subject to suspension or expulsion from the BCBL.
43. All base runners must attempt to slide toward the base or avoid collisions to prevent serious injuries. Deliberate collisions into a player will be declared an out and the runner will be ejected from the game. This is an umpire's judgement call. Any player intentionally trying to injure a player will be suspended from the BCBL.
44. Player trades or team transfers are not permitted without approval from the BCBL Director. Player are not binded to any team unless they have an uniform or owe that team money. No player can be traded or transferred to a team after the Team Roster deadline.
45. All complaints or concerns are to be made in writing to the BCBL Director for proper review and response with 24 hours of the event of concern.
46. BCBL schedule consists of several rounds of play to determine seeding in a double elimination playoff format for the Division Championship. In case of a tie, the TEAM Records will be compared first overall; second---"head to head" play; third "total runs scored head to head"; and fourth (if necessary) a single elimination playoff game(s) to determine seeding. Exception: BCBL Director may intervene to go to regualr season overall records if a playoff tourney is not possible due to time constraints, deadlines, bad weather, etc.
47. The BCBL Director may call BCBL Manager's Meetings when deemed necessary. Team Managers or a Team Rep must attend and will be responsible for whatever is discussed, business conducted, and decisions made.
48. Team Managers are responsible for reading and ensuring their players are well aware of the BCBL Rules, Guidelines, & Policies before the new season starts. It is extremely important that every player playing knows the playing rules, guidelines, & policies that they are expected to adhere to during the season. There are no excuses for not sharing and reviewing this information with your team. This opportunity will help players avoid many potential misunderstandings and conflicts with game officials as well as the other team.
49. BCBL Advisory Council assists the BCBL Director and may also serve as a Protest and Discipline Review Board when deemed necessary. BCBL Advisory Council are volunteers who have been in the BCBL for at least 10 years or more. These volunteers are invited and granted appointment to sit on this Advisory Council by the BCBL Director.
50. The BCBL reserves the right to suspend or expel anyone or any team(s) from the BCBL for violation od any BCBL Rule or Policy.
BCBL simple guideline: "Always use common sense when considering the philosophy of good baseball and fair play"
51. The BCBL reserves the right to restrict membership and suspend members to maintain excellent quality, organizational integrity, and fair competition.
52. The BCBL reserves the right to amend these Rules, Guidelines, and Policies when deemed necessary. Proper notification of members will be considered.
53. Any Rules, Guidelines, and Policies not covered in here in this BCBL document will be governed by "American League Rules of Major League Baseball".
54. Rule Amendment #1: Rule clarification on the balk call for the "hidden ball trick". Refer to Major League Baseball Rule Book--Rule: 8.05 (i)
Add to Rule: If the pitcher is standing within the clay circle or elevated part of the pitching mound during a potential or actual "hidden ball trick" without the baseball----a Balk will be called.
55. Rule Amendment #2: The "Purpose Pitch" is not permitted in the BCBL. All pitchers must throw to the plate with no malice intended. Deliberate beaning while pitching will result ejection from the game and possible suspension or expulsion from the BCBL. This is an Umpire's judgement call.
56. Rule Amendment #3: BCBL Playoffs games will be played in Brevard County. Teams outside Brevard County must play on a designated BCBL field in Brevard County.
57. Rule Amendment #4: Players must play in 3 regular season games in all Divisions to be eligible for Playoffs. There must be written proof in your scorebook with at least one official at bat or a pitcher on record with at least 1 inning pitched in 3 regular season games. Playing defensively only does not qualify a player.
58. BCBL Field Rules Policy is as follows:
A. All warming up before infield practice must be done in the outfield.
B. Home Field maintenance is the responsibility of the Home Field Host which could be the BCBL or Home Team.
C. No batting practice is permitted on any game field prior to a game. Please use batting cages or tunnels if available.
D. Hitting baseballs into any field fences not designed for that drill is not permitted. This practice drill damages the fence and the baseballs.
E. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any BCBL baseball facility without an authorized permit.
F. Alcoholic beverages are never to be in possession of any uniformed baseball player(s) prior to any game that player(s) intends to play in.
G. Rubber spikes/cleats are strongly desired for our baseball field surfaces and turf.
H. Please clean the dugouts after every game and use the trash cans available. Please keep our fields, parking lot, fan areas, restrooms, & the rest of our parks clean. We are guests on these fields, so leave a good impression not your trash and bottles.
I. All Teams are responsible for their fans conduct and any litter they leave at the ball park.
J. Please do not abuse the ball park facility in any manner including throwing equipment and verbal abuse. Class act goes a long way and no class----means no baseball!
K. Report any and all field violations to the BCBL Director immediately please.
L. Whenever there is a night time field curfew at a designated time, all teams must adhere to the ordinance. Proper notification will be given. Any game not completed will be considered a suspended game.
59. BCBL Special Participation Rules Policy is as follows:
A. These rules are optional to Team Managers in all Divisions. These "Participation Rules" gives a team's manager the opportunity to play as many roster players as he wishes in a game. However, a choice needs to be made clear at the beginning of the game with umpires and the opposing team manager that you are playing "Participation Rules or American League Rules".
B. Each team must bat a minimum of 9 players and may bat as many batters available on game day.
C. All players playing in the field do not have to be in the batting order. Designated hitters may be used for all defensive positions if desired. Your team could have a defensive team in the field and a separate offensive team batting.
D. If a batter is replaced by a pinch hitter, the original player may return to the game in the same spot in the batting order. They are both locked in that position for the remainder of the game. They are interchangeable as hitters and base runners at any time.
E. You may alternate players in the batting order as means to platoon players or run for players who have limitations. Once again, these players are locked in that position in the batting order for the remainder of the game once they are entered into the batting order. There is no limitation to the number of available players you have in one slot of the batting order.
F. Batters can not be deleted from the batting order once the game starts. If a batter is deleted from the batting order due to injury or any other reason, and there is no other available player to substitute in the batting order, there will be an automatic out declared each time the batting slot is scheduled up.
G. Free Substitution is permitted on defense anytime, except the pitching position. Major League Pitching & FSCBL Rules apply. Defensive players do not have to bat in the batting order and designated hitters may be used for all defensive positions.
H. Managers may add batters at the end of the batting order after the start of a game anytime during the game, but Managers can not delete batters from the batting order other than by legal substitution. The batting order positions can never be moved once a batter has been entered into the batting order.
I. Courtesy Runners are permitted for the Catcher and Pitcher only. Runners must be the player who made the last out. If a runner is needed in the 1st inning with no outs, then the last batter due up in the batting order will be eligible to run. All other players needing runners must have players slotted with them in the batting order.
60. Major League Baseball Rule 6.10: The Designated Hitter (DH) Rule
This Rule applys when using American League Rules of Major League Baseball in a game where the Team decides to play strictly 9 players with a DH. This DH Rule is for the PITCHER ONLY. Please read the following very carefully and completely:
A. A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher and all subsequent pitchers in any game without affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game. A designated hitter for the pitcher must be selected prior to the game and must be included in the batting order of the lineup cards presented to the plate umpire or chief umpire.
B. The designated hitter named in the starting lineup must come to bat at least 1 time, unless the opposing team changes pitchers.
C. It is mandatory that a team designates a hitter for the pitcher, but failure to do so prior to the game precludes the use of a DH for the game.
D. Pinch hitters for a designated hitter may be used. Any substitute hitter for the DH becomes the DH. A replaced DH shall not re-enter the game in any capacity.
E. The DH may be used defensively, continuing to bat in the same position in the batting order, but the pitcher must then bat in the place of the subsitiuted defensive player, unless more than one substitution is made, and the Manager then must designate their spots in the batting order.
F. A runner may be substituted for the DH and the runner assumes the role of the DH. A DH may not pinch run.
G. A DH is locked into the batting order. No multiple subsitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation of the DH.
H. Once the game pitcher is witched from the mound to a defensive position, this move shall terminate the DH role for the remainder of the game.
I. Once a pinch hitter bats for any player in the batting order and then enters the game to pitch, this move shall terminate the DH role for the remainder of the game.
J. Once the game pitcher bats for the DH, this move shall terminate the DH role for the remainder of the game. (The game pitcher may only pinch hit for the DH)
K. Once a DH assumes a defensive position, this move shall terminate the DH role for the remainder of the game. A substitute for the DH need not be announced until it is the DH's turn to bat.
These BCBL Rules, Guidelines, and Policies are subject for review and possible changes after every season played. Please forward any suggestions and comments any time to: troy.cox@brevardparks.com