Northern Kentucky
Amateur Baseball League Inc.
Corporate Bylaws
Northern Kentucky Amateur Baseball League Rules
League Organizational Structure ..
Board of Directors
Election
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Meetings
Protest Committe
Team Organizational Structure .
Team Eligibility
Team Structure
Manager Description ..
Coach Description
Player Description & Eligibility
Violations
Uniform
League Policies
League Meetings
Protests
Roster
Disclaimer
Ammendments
League Costs
League Fee
Deposit
Umpires
Baseballs
Fines
League Season
Regular Season
Rain-outs
League Umpires
League Tournament
League Rules
Additional Hitter (AH) .
Courtesy Runner
Out of league games ..
Northern Kentucky Amateur Baseball League Inc. Rules
League Organizational Structure
Board of Directors
The league Board of Directors (BOD) consists of the league president, vice-president, and the league executive committee. The Board of Directors are to govern the league and its bylaws.
Executive Committee: The league executive committee shall consist of those managers of teams that have been in the league the prior year and are in good standing as well as any elected members to the board.
Modifications to bylaws must carry a majority vote from the BOD and approval from the league President.
Election
The team managers at the final league meeting of the year shall elect a league President, Vice-president, Treasurer, and executive board members. The President, Vice-president, Treasurer, and Board members are to serve for the period of one year. The term begins immediately following the vote at the final league meeting of the year.
Team representatives can either be appointed or voted to the BOD, but not self appointed. Any team with issue regarding their BOD representative may speak before the BOD at any board meeting. The BOD and President have the authority at any time to remove and/or appoint board members on the behalf of any team.
President
League president duties shall include:
enforcing the official rules of this league and resolving any disputes involving these rules
provide leadership and direction for the benefit of the league
set time and place for league meetings
monitor the financial records of the league
preside at all officially called league meetings
may fine and/or suspend any player, coach or manager for violation of the rules in accordance with the procedures set forth by these rules
maintaining all business issues affecting the Company
maintaining the domain rights to nkabl.org and managing the content displayed therein
Vice-President
League vice-president duties shall include:
Assuming responsibilities of president when the president is not present for a meeting
Assuming full responsibility of the president if the president were not able to perform the duties
Executing all assigned duties from the President
Treasurer
League Treasurer duties shall include:
Maintaining the financial records of the league
Keeping the league president and BOD informed on league financial activity and status.
Responsible for paying, out of league funds, all league debts to vendors or establishments in a timely manner as to not put the league in jeopardy of bad credit.
Meetings
Meetings will be scheduled at the start of the season.
A meeting recorder will be identified for each meeting who will take the minutes of the meeting
Each Director will hold one vote on any business that comes before the league at its officially called meetings.
No official league business can be carried out unless a quorum of Directors or representatives is present. A quorum being defined as one-half plus one of the total Directors in the league.
10 = 6, 9 = 6, 8 = 5, 7 = 4
Teams without representation at officially called meetings will be subject to a $10 fine.
Protest Committe
The "Protest Committee" consists of a representative from each team, the league president and vice president at the called meeting less any team or individual involved in the protest.
Team Organizational Structure
Team Eligibility
League will be made up of those teams from the previous season:
Which were still active for league tournament play not having forfeited any tournament games in the prior season, and
Any new teams accepted by the majority of managers from the previous season.
Which are not in debt to the league
Teams that are in debt to the league and who wish to remain must have all prior years debts paid in full at the first scheduled league meeting after play has begun.
Teams in league may obtain sponsors to pay for uniforms, league fees, etc.
Teams are not required to have parish sponsors, however, team names must be voted on by the Protest Committee.
Teams entering the league must have their team name approved from the majority of managers from the previous season thereby protecting the integrity of the league.
Teams may not enter the league under new identity to avoid any financial debt to the league.
Team Structure
Each team may consist of a Manager, Coach(es), and Players.
A team may carry up to 20 players on the roster.
A player may move to another team during the season with the consent of both team managers.
Manager Description
The manager of a team in the NKABL shall be the official representative for their team at all officially called league meetings.
The manager is the sole responsible party for their team regardless of the duties that is designated to other team members.
The manager may designate anyone affiliated with his team as his replacement at any league meeting.
The manager maintains full responsibility for his team and is in full control of roster decisions
In addition to the managers role with respective team, managers hold responsibilities to the league regarding league issues such as:
Attendance at league meetings
Fund raisers
League events such as the Old Timers Game, Tournaments, etc.
Timely action on any assigned issues
The manager may release any player from his team at any point in the season or tournament by signing his contract release and submitting to the league president.
The manager may make roster changes up until the final rosters are due into the league.
The final roster due date will be identified each year by the league president.
Permanent rosters may only be modified to identify a new manager or coach which must currently be on the permanent roster as coach or player. Permanent rosters may also be modified to remove players, but no additions.
The manager is responsible for having signed player contracts in possession before any player participates in any league activities including practice.
The manager is responsible for the financial stability of their team.
The manager is required to report scores for their games by 9:00am the morning following their game.
A manager is never to be under the influence of alcohol and participating in a game.
The manager should not allow any coach or player that is under the influence of alcohol to participate in a game.
The manager is responsible for the cleaning of the bench and stands and preserving the appearance of the field.
The manager may also be a coach and/or player.
Coach Description
The coach of a team in the NKABL may have duties identified to him from the manager, however the manager is ultimately responsible for their team.
If a team coach was involved with a team that is in debt to the league, but did not manage or play as a player, said coach does not carry any liability to the debt.
The coach may also be a player.
If the coach is also a player, he must meet player eligibility requirements.
Player Description & Eligibility
A player is eligible to play in the NK ABL if they meet the following criteria:
A player must, at the minimum be in high school during the current season.
A player competing for his high school team is ineligible for league play until his high school team has completed all league and tournament play.
Is not responsible for any debts owed to the league.
Players that have played on past teams that are in debt to the league must pay one ninth of their teams debt before being eligible to play in the league.
Is not currently on suspension or probation from the league.
Must have a completed and signed contract turned in to the manager of the team (if not over 18, must have signature of guardian)
A total of 20 players may be on a teams roster which includes the manager and any coaches also considered as a player.
If the manager or any coaches are not listed as players, they are not eligible to play in an official game.
A player should not consume alcoholic beverages before or during a game.
Violations
Any player, coach or manager found guilty of violating any of the rules of the NK ABL and/or the official rules of organized professional baseball, or has been disqualified by an umpire who has been officially contracted with by the league during a regular season, championship or elimination tournament game may be subject to a $10 fine and/or a one game suspension by the league.
After a second violation of the above stated rule (with applicable maximum penalty imposed) in any one season, the offending player, coach or manager will be put on probation for the remainder of that season and the next season.
Any violation of the rule during his probation may result in a year's suspension for said player, coach or manager if voted for by a majority of the league managers with the manager or representative of the team said player, coach or manager plays for abstaining from voting but allowed to join in debate of the motion.
Managers that do not call in team scores by 9am the following day are subject to a $10 fine.
Teams not represented at league meetings are subject to a $10 fine.
Forfeiture
Any team that forfeits a game, for any reason, is considered on probation by the league. The team is responsible for providing an additional $100 deposit to the President by noon the day before the team's next scheduled game. Failure to provide the additional $100 deposit will result in forfeiture of the next scheduled game and suspension for the remainder of the league. Additionally, a $100 league fine will be assessed for each forfeiture.
The head umpire must be notified 3 hours prior to game time to avoid umpire fees. Games that are forfeited within 3 hours of game time or after the grace period require full payment to both umpires for the scheduled number of innings to be paid by the forfeiting team.
Therefore a forfeit results in the following:
- $100 League Fine
- $100 Additional Security Deposit
- $100 Umpire fees
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$300 TotalAny team with two forfeitures in a season will be suspended for the remainder of the year.
Uniform
All team members (Manager, Coaches, and Players) should be in team uniform during games if on the field.
Failure to comply with uniform requirements can result in the inability of players to participate in said game. One warning will be issued to each team per year for uniform violations.
Failure to comply with uniform requirements may also result in dismissal from the league as deemed by the BOD.
Uniforms shall consist of the following:
Caps
Jerseys
Must have a number on back side
All players must have same jerseys
Pants
All players must have long baseball pants
Preferably players should have same color pants
NO SHORTS are permitted AT ALL
Cleats
Plastic and metal spikes are permitted
Filed spikes are not permitted and may result in one game suspension if used.
Players are to keep shirt tails tucked during the entire game.
Each team must designate an official scorekeeper for each game.
If a team does not provide an official scorekeeper, said team cannot protest any statistical values nor can they protest scoring issues.
League Policies
League Meetings
Any team that is not represented at an officially called league meeting within thirty (30) minutes of said meeting's starting time will be subject to a $10 fine payable to the league.
Protests
To protest a game for any reason whatsoever, the umpire must be notified during the game and a written protest with $5 must be sent to the league president within forty-eight (48) hours after the game. If the protest is allowed the $5 will be refunded, otherwise it will pass to the league treasury.
All protests will be reviewed at the next league meeting
Roster
Each team must submit a tentative roster of eligible players to the league president before the first game.
A permanent roster must be submitted to the league president at the first scheduled meeting after the first half of the season. Any team that does not submit a permanent roster at this time will be subject to a $10 fine and possible forfeitures for games played after this point.
Player contracts must be signed and returned at the first scheduled meeting after begin of play. Additional players must have signed contracts before play begins and must be submitted to League President before next scheduled game. Failure to submit signed contract in allotted time results in forfeiture of all games player was involved.
A team that uses an ineligible player in a league game shall automatically forfeit said game and is subject to a $10 fine provided a formal written protest is made to the league president within forty-eight (48) hours after said game and the majority of the league protest committee upholds the protest.
All players must have a signed contract filled out prior to any activity involved in the NKABL. If a player is picked up after contracts have been turned into the league, the manager must have in possession a signed contract before the player is allowed to participate in any league activities.
Alcohol policy
Consumption of alcohol is not permitted before or during games.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at some fields. Managers, coaches, players, and spectators are asked to comply with local policies regarding consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages.
Disclaimer
Anything not covered by these rules will be voted on by the BOD at regular meetings.
Ammendments
Changes to the league bylaws and any discrepancies may be made by the BOD and/or league President.
A new rule regarding the game of baseball may be brought up and discussed at any meeting and voted on but (if passed) it will not take effect until March of the following year, before the next season begins. Therefore, no rules will change in the middle of any season. All new rules will be brought up for a final vote on passage at the March meeting before the new season begins.
Field Etiquette
No glass containers are permitted on fields
Home and visitor teams are responsible for cleaning up there respective benches and stands and preserving the appearance of the fields.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the California Crossroads. Spectators can patron the bar across the street from the field.
League Costs
League Fee
A league fee of $225 per team is due at the first meeting after play has begun.
Deposit
Each team is also responsible for a $100 deposit to the league payable at the first meeting after play has begun. This deposit will be returned at the final league meeting of the year less any fees owed by the team.
At any time during the season a teams fees deplete the deposit said team must redeposit $100 to the league.
Insurance
Each team is required to purchase team insurance through the NKABL. The insurance provides coverage for liability issues and excessive medical expenses.
Umpires
Each team is responsible for one-half of the payment of umpire(s) at each game. The umpire fees are:
One 9 inning game, 2 umpires: $50.00 per team
One 9 inning game, 1 umpire: $35.00 per team
One 7 inning game, 2 umpires: $40.00 per team
One 7 inning game, 1 umpire: $25.00 per team
Baseballs
All baseballs must be purchased through the league source at the beginning of each year.
Fines
Fines are deducted from the league deposit and are not refundable. If a teams fines reaches one-half of the league deposit, said team will be required to pay off balance prior to next scheduled game to avoid forfeiture. Forfeiture may also require umpire fees for both teams.
League Season
Regular Season
The Northern Kentucky Amateur Baseball League season will consist of a regular season of scheduled games, a league championship series if necessary and an elimination tournament at the conclusion of league and championship play if possible.
The number of games scheduled in the regular season and elimination tournament will be voted on each year by the managers.
Any team that is unable to start a game within fifteen (15) minutes of the appointed time shall forfeit said game to the opponent, and be responsible for the umpire fees whether they are the home team or not. Other forfeiture penalties will apply. See forfeiture.
The home team will generally be indicated by the first team listed on the schedule unless otherwise indicated by the schedule.
Home team is responsible for furnishing the bases
Each team is responsible for two balls at the beginning of each game and then a ball per team following the initial two. Any team that does not use official league balls may be subject to a fine and/or protest.
Home team managers are responsible for having his batting practice over with by forty (40) minutes before game time. Visiting team managers have thirty (30) minutes of batting practice time ending ten (10) minutes before game time. Visiting team has five (5) minutes of infield followed by the same for the home team. The home team shall enforce this procedure and is responsible for getting the game started on time.
Note: Games scheduled after the completion of a game may either, 1) split the remaining time prior to the scheduled start time or 2) take 10 minutes per team, for infield and/or batting practice whichever is longer. Therefore a minimum of 10 minutes per team shall be allowed prior to game time.
Games are considered to be official after the 5th inning of play has completed. The home team must complete their bat in the 5th inning for a game to be considered official.
Games are not typically time limited, but if a situation arises where the field is scheduled for use, no inning should begin after the scheduled event. Regardless of the situation, no inning should begin after another scheduled event at a field.
For example: There is a non-NKABL game scheduled after an NKABL game. The NKABL game is scheduled at noon and the non-NKABL game is scheduled at 3:00pm. Assuming that the NKABL game is in the eigth inning at 3:00pm, the ninth inning should NOT begin. The game would complete at the bottom of the eigth inning. If the game were tied, the teams would be awarded a tie.
Rain-outs
Games played at Mills Road are under the supervision of the county and conditions are determined by the county. There is a phone service that services these fields that will be provided to each manager. The conditions are said to be posted by 7:30am each day.
The home team shall determine whether a field is in condition to play a scheduled game on said field. The home team is in charge up until game time then the umpire is in full charge of the game and the judge of the playing condition of the field. If a game is to be called because of rain or wet grounds the manager of the visiting team and head umpire must be notified two (2) hours before game time. The league president should also be notified of any canceled games. If game time is after 2:00pm notification should be made by 12:00pm.
Any game that is "rained out" may be made up with a double header of two seven (7) inning ball games if the two teams if the two teams "rained out" have another regular season playing date scheduled between them before the end of the regular season.
Games called off because of wet grounds that cannot be made up by a double-header will be made up only if it is determined by the majority of managers that the will have an effect on the outcome of the regular season.
Incomplete games may be made up during the season if the teams involved agree on a date, and may be made up in the end of the season if scheduling permits.
League Umpires
Umpires for this league will be contracted for prior to the beginning of the season. Two umpires shall be the preferred standard at all games. The league will try to furnish each team a copy of the contract with the umpires. If no umpire arrives by game time the game should be played if an umpire can be agreed on from the people in attendance. Sub-umpires are to be paid the same as the umpires' contract calls for. Anytime only one or no umpires show up at a game the league president should be notified within twenty-four (24) hours of the conclusion of said game.
Any discrepancies with umpires should be written in protest format and submitted to the league president citing specific examples of misconduct or situations.
Umpires are to be paid in full regardless of inning if it is to be called after the start of the game.
Games that are continued from postponement due to rain, etc. will require additional payment for umpires. Payment will be full value (depends on 7 or 9 innings) for the new game.
League Tournament
Elimination tournament bracket pairings will be seeded at a regularly scheduled league meeting. The regular season champion shall get a first round bye if one is available in the bracket the league uses that year.
Teams will be placed by the following criteria:
Best record
In the case of uneven games played use winning percentage
Head to head record
Highest combined points scored by each team while playing head to head
Coin toss by League President
Home team for the elimination tournament will be the highest ranked team in the regular season.
Team managers will be equally responsible for any preparations during tournament play including field, concession, and any other issues involving the scheduling of tournament games. These responsibilities can be divided in any fashion to suit particular instances so long as they are completed.
League Rules
The official rules of organized professional baseball (American League rules version) shall be followed in the NKABL play. Where the NKABL rules conflict with the official rules of organized professional baseball the NKABL rule will take precedence.
The league shall have the authority to prescribe any ground rule for any field league games are played on, that a majority of the league managers feel are in the best interest of safe play for the players on both teams who play on that ball field.
Additional Hitter (AH)
An AH (Additional Hitter) may be played, meaning a team can bat 10 players, but play 9 in the field. The AH must be instituted at the beginning of the game if the team wishes to bat 10 players. Also, if a team starts the game with 10 players, they must finish with 10 players.
The AH is also considered a player in the game. Field substitutions using the AH should be reported to the plate umpire, but no lineup changes are necessary.
Courtesy Runner
A courtesy runner may be used to run for both the pitcher and catcher in the game in order to speed up the game. The courtesy runner may be any player that is currently not in the game. For example: Any player that is not in the lineup as a player or AH that may or may not have already been in the game.
Out of league games
Any games that would involve teams outside the NK ABL will not include the AH and Courtesy runner rule.
Out of league games are not included in league standings nor can they be used to determine tournament seeding or league standings.
Created by: Garrett Wade Smith
Created on: December 23, 1997
Modified on: March 15, 2000 - League fees,
fines, time limitation, alcohol policies, field etiquette
Modified on: October 20, 2000 - Board members, Vice-president
responsibilities
Note: Ammendments to this document must include ammendment date and must be attached as an addendum.