revision from 2021-11-09T15:12:52.294Z

content

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ Membership shall be divided into the following four (4) classes:
 2.3 Section 3
 All Association members shall abide by and are subject to all rules and regulations as outlined in this Constitution and By-Laws, and are subject to the authority of the Association President and other ruling officials so authorized.
 1. These rules, regulations, articles, and By-Laws may not be suspended, set aside, or added to under any circumstances, regardless of the will of the managers.
-   1. This sub-section nullifies the “If both managers agree” concept.
+   1. This sub-section nullifies the “If both managers agree” concept.
 3 Officers
 3.1 Section 1
 The following shall be considered Officers of the League: President; Treasurer; and Rules and Competition Committee Member.
@@ -90,12 +90,12 @@ Any Association franchise may be susceptible to a fine by the President for cond
 2. Fines must be paid in full by a date specified the President.
    1. Teams with outstanding fines will be considered as temporarily suspended.
 8.9 Section 9
-Members in good standing may be granted a leave of absence and are entitled to all privileges as outlined in Article II, § 2(B) of the Constitution.
+Members in good standing may be granted a leave of absence and are entitled to all privileges as outlined in Article II, § 2(B) of the Constitution.
 1. Members in good standing on leave for more than two (2) years must reapply for membership.
 8.10 Section 10
-An Association franchise may be placed on temporary suspension by the President and are subject to rules set forth in Article II, §2(C) of the Constitution.
+An Association franchise may be placed on temporary suspension by the President and are subject to rules set forth in Article II, §2(C) of the Constitution.
 8.11 Section 11
-An Association franchise may be placed on indefinite suspension by the President and subject to rules set forth in Article II, §2(D) of the Constitution. Violations that may result in indefinite suspension are as follows:
+An Association franchise may be placed on indefinite suspension by the President and subject to rules set forth in Article II, §2(D) of the Constitution. Violations that may result in indefinite suspension are as follows:
 1. Conduct detrimental to the objectives of the Association.
 2. Two (2) forfeits of a game in one season.
    1. A team that is indefinitely suspended two consecutive seasons for violation of subsection (B) above, shall not be permitted to reapply for reinstatement, unless a change in management is presented to the league.
@@ -125,11 +125,11 @@ The officers of the Association are the President, Treasurer, Rules and Competit
 The duties and powers of the President are as follows:
 1. Shall serve a life term or until voluntary relinquishment of the office.
 2. Preside over all League meetings.
-3. Official spokesman to news media and others whenever the Association’s point of view is needed.
+3. Official spokesman to news media and others whenever the Association’s point of view is needed.
 4. Call all regular and Rules and Competition Committee meetings and assign the date and place thereof.
 5. Appoint persons to positions as he deems necessary or until elections are held.
 6. Assess fines and punishments as he deems necessary with just cause.
-7. Calculate the Association’s budget.
+7. Calculate the Association’s budget.
 8. Gather all information regarding protests.
 9. Send out a weekly newsletter to the members and keep them apprised of the state of the league.
 10. Judge and take action on all circumstances not covered in the Constitution and By-Laws.
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ The duties and powers of the President are as follows:
    1. Decisions of the President may be appealed to the Rules and Competition Committee.
       1. Appeals must be presented in writing and must contain specific grounds for the appeal.
 9.3 Section 3
-The Treasurer shall be responsible for the League’s monetary assets and its proper handling and distribution as ordered by the league and its President.
+The Treasurer shall be responsible for the League’s monetary assets and its proper handling and distribution as ordered by the league and its President.
 9.4 Section 4
 The Rules and Competition Committee , to be made up of the President and two (2) appointed franchise holders plus one (1) alternate member (if required), shall meet and take action concerning:
 1. On-the-field protests
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ All officers other than the Rules Committee members, shall be granted compensati
 10.1 Section 1
 The Association shall hold its annual meeting after January 1 of the following year. The President may call additional meetings at his discretion.
 10.2 Section 2
-Each franchise with voting privileges as specified in Article II, §2 of the Constitution shall have one (1) vote at league meetings, regardless of the number of representatives the franchise has sent to the meeting.
+Each franchise with voting privileges as specified in Article II, §2 of the Constitution shall have one (1) vote at league meetings, regardless of the number of representatives the franchise has sent to the meeting.
 10.3 Section 3
 The President shall chair the meeting. If the President is also a franchise holder, he must designate another person from his franchise to represent the team at league meetings. The President can only vote in the event of a tie vote among the members present at the meeting.
 10.4 Section 4
@@ -187,12 +187,12 @@ All players must be in uniform (bearing the teams name as represented to the lea
 The manager of a franchise is responsible for all actions of his players and coaches and may be fined up to fifty dollars ($50.00) for any violations of codes of conduct and league rules as set forth in this document, or any other actions deemed detrimental to the objectives and standards of the Association.
 1. Severe violations of league rules and codes of conduct may result in the suspension of the offending player or manager for the balance of the season or possible permanent banishment from the league, if so ruled by the President.
 11.8 Section 8
-Managers who tamper with the roster of another Association member as defined in Article I, §11(C)(1) of these By-Laws are subject to fine and suspension.
+Managers who tamper with the roster of another Association member as defined in Article I, §11(C)(1) of these By-Laws are subject to fine and suspension.
 11.9 Section 9
 Only those players who signed the team roster sheet with all requested information accurately provided, or have had their name and information supplied to the President as per these By-Laws, are eligible to play in an Association game.
 1. Players may play for teams in leagues not associated with the C.M.B.A.
 11.10 Section 10
-Players must be dressed in proper baseball pants. These pants need not match the team’s uniform. The Association encourages all players to wear matching pants.
+Players must be dressed in proper baseball pants. These pants need not match the team’s uniform. The Association encourages all players to wear matching pants.
 1. Sweat pants, shorts, jeans, or any other type of pants other than baseball pants are prohibited.
 11.11 Section 11
 Any player who instigates or initiates an on-field fight shall be fined and suspended from league play if so ruled by the Rules and Competition Committee. A repeat offender will be permanently banished from the C.M.B.A..
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ Any player or coach who physically assaults an umpire will be permanently banish
 11.13 Section 13
 All players in the C.M.B.A. are expected to pay their team fees. Players will not be allowed to switch teams within the association unless or until any and all debts are paid in full.
 11.14 Section 14
-A player must inform the League President and his manager no later than February 5 of the upcoming season if he wishes to leave his team and become a free agent. After this he is free to play for another team in the CMBA.
+A player must inform the League President and his manager no later than February 15 of the upcoming season if he wishes to leave his team and become a free agent. After this he is free to play for another team in the CMBA.
 1. If the player fails to notify as specified above, that player shall be disqualified from playing on another C.M.B.A. team for that season.
    1. A manager may waive this deadline for an individual player at the managers discretion.
 11.15 Section 15
@@ -221,9 +221,9 @@ All games shall be seven (7) innings or:
 2. The umpire calls the game for just cause under the rules.
 3. Rain or other inclement weather precludes safe conditions.
 4. A tie score extends the game into extra innings.
-5. Slaughter Rule: If after 4 complete innings the visiting team is ahead in the score by 15 or more runs OR if after 3½ innings the home team is ahead by the same, the game will be ended and the leading team declared the winner.
+5. Slaughter Rule: If after 4 complete innings the visiting team is ahead in the score by 15 or more runs OR if after 3½ innings the home team is ahead by the same, the game will be ended and the leading team declared the winner.
-   1. If after 5 or more complete innings the visiting team is ahead in the score by 12 or more runs OR if after 4½ innings or more the home team is ahead by the same, the game will be ended and the leading team declared the winner.
+   1. If after 5 or more complete innings the visiting team is ahead in the score by 12 or more runs OR if after 4½ innings or more the home team is ahead by the same, the game will be ended and the leading team declared the winner.
-6. Individual games as part of a doubleheader have a 2½ hour time limit for the start of the last inning.
+6. Individual games as part of a doubleheader have a 2½ hour time limit for the start of the last inning.
    1. This rule shall not apply in playoff or championship games.
 12.3 Section 3
 The starting time for all weeknight games shall be 5:50 p.m.. Starting times for games played at lighted fields and on the weekends shall be determined by the League. Forfeit times for 5:50 games shall be 6:10, no exceptions. Forfeit times for games at lighted fields and weekends shall be 20 minutes after the specified starting time.
@@ -240,16 +240,16 @@ A team may finish the game a player short, that is one (1) player less than they
 1. The vacated spot in the batting order shall be considered an automatic out.
 2. Should a team fall below the minimum, the game is terminated and the team loses by forfeit.
 12.6 Section 6
-In the event that a game does not go the necessary seven (7) innings, it shall be declared official if the game goes four and one half (4½) innings with the home team ahead or five (5) innings if the home team is behind. If a game is tied after becoming an official game and cannot be continued for whatever reason, it will be continued at a later date to be decided by the President. Ties will be declared if the game is not completed by the final day of the regular season.
+In the event that a game does not go the necessary seven (7) innings, it shall be declared official if the game goes four and one half (4½) innings with the home team ahead or five (5) innings if the home team is behind. If a game is tied after becoming an official game and cannot be continued for whatever reason, it will be continued at a later date to be decided by the President. Ties will be declared if the game is not completed by the final day of the regular season.
 1. The only exception to any of above shall be if one team is ahead by 10 or more runs at the end of three (3) complete innings and the game cannot be completed on account of darkness, rain or other circumstances that will permit the safe conclusion of the game. The team ahead at this time shall be declared the winner of the game.
 12.7 Section 7
-No inning can start after 8:00 p.m. unless the following circumstances exist:
+No inning can start after 8:15 p.m. unless the following circumstances exist:
 1. The game is played at a lighted field.
 2. The umpire may stop a game prior to the completion of seven (7) innings if he determines that rain or darkness prohibits the safe continuation of the game. In this event, the team with the lead at the end of the last completed full inning shall be declared the winner, unless the home team has assumed the lead in the incomplete inning; then the home team is declared the winner.
 12.8 Section 8
 All teams are expected to have a set of bases, a home plate, and a pitching rubber. The home team shall be responsible for accurately setting up the bases, and if necessary, home plate and the pitching rubber. Should the home team fail to have these necessities by the start of the game, they will lose by forfeit. The visiting team can lend the equipment, although they are not required to do so.
 12.9 Section 9
-All teams are responsible for the maintenance and cleanup of the field and dugout areas after a game. Both teams must fill in all infield, batter’s box, and pitching mound holes. Additionally, both teams must have adequate equipment on hand for field maintenance. Teams who repeatedly fail to do proper post-game maintenance shall be fined.
+All teams are responsible for the maintenance and cleanup of the field and dugout areas after a game. Both teams must fill in all infield, batter’s box, and pitching mound holes. Additionally, both teams must have adequate equipment on hand for field maintenance. Teams who repeatedly fail to do proper post-game maintenance shall be fined.
 12.10 Section 10
 Only Major League regulation balls will be allowed for game play. Accepted brands and ball types include, but are not limited to, the Rawlings RO series, Wilson A1000 series, and Diamond D-1 series. The home team must supply two (2) and the visitors one (1) ball at the start of each game. Additional balls shall be supplied alternately by each team beginning with the visiting team. Teams that supply non-approved balls shall forfeit the game.
 12.11 Section 11
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ Teams may use courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers at any time. It is not
    1. Teams with no eligible players remaining on the bench must use the first player taken out of the game as the courtesy runner.
 2. The pitcher or catcher must play at least one (1) defensive out to be eligible for a courtesy runner unless they reach base in the first inning as a member of the visiting team.
 12.15 Section 15
-No Alcoholic beverages shall be permitted on or in the close proximity of a team’s bench. Teams in violation of this rule will forfeit the game and be automatically fined and temporarily suspended. Offending players will be fined and suspended for two (2) weeks from the date of the infraction. A second violation of this rule shall result in the automatic expulsion of the team from the Association. Managers are responsible for the enforcement of this rule and are accountable for any violations.
+No Alcoholic beverages shall be permitted on or in the close proximity of a team’s bench. Teams in violation of this rule will forfeit the game and be automatically fined and temporarily suspended. Offending players will be fined and suspended for two (2) weeks from the date of the infraction. A second violation of this rule shall result in the automatic expulsion of the team from the Association. Managers are responsible for the enforcement of this rule and are accountable for any violations.
 1. All teams are subject to any and all additional rules and regulations regarding alcoholic beverages as stated by the issuer of the field permit.
 12.16 Section 16
 The home team shall be responsible for checking the status of the field in the event of rain. The home team must report to the President on the status of the field no later than 2:00pm for a weeknight game, and at least 2 hrs. before a weekend game. The visiting manager is encouraged to contact the President for information regarding the status of the field.
@@ -297,20 +297,20 @@ On any close play at ANY base, it is the base runners responsibility to slide OR
 1. A player who is ejected for a flagrant collision will be suspended for three (3) games and fined $30. A second offense (not necessarily in the same season) will result in the player being suspended for the remainder of that season (including playoffs). A third offense will result in permanent banishment from the league.
    1. A flagrant collision is defined as an intentional act to forcibly collide with a fielder.
 12.27 Section 27
-Discussion of a disputed umpires call shall be limited to the managers, base coaches and the “injured” player. No player or coach (i.e. third party) shall be allowed to leave the dugout or his defensive position to join in. The penalty for violating this rule shall be the immediate ejection from the game for the perpetrator.
+Discussion of a disputed umpires call shall be limited to the managers, base coaches and the “injured” player. No player or coach (i.e. third party) shall be allowed to leave the dugout or his defensive position to join in. The penalty for violating this rule shall be the immediate ejection from the game for the perpetrator.
 12.28 Section 28
-All bats bust be wood or BBCOR certified.
+All bats must be wood or BBCOR certified.
 1. Use of an illegal bat as stated above shall be subject to the Major League rules that govern this area.
 12.29 Section 29
-Should a player suffer a debilitating injury during the game and cannot continue, and a team has no more eligible players on it’s bench, a team can use a player that was removed from the game to replace him. This replacement player must be the first player removed from the game, and if this player is unavailable the next player is used (and so on).
+Should a player suffer a debilitating injury during the game and cannot continue, and a team has no more eligible players on it’s bench, a team can use a player that was removed from the game to replace him. This replacement player must be the first player removed from the game, and if this player is unavailable the next player is used (and so on).
 12.30 Section 29
 Any situation not covered in Article V of these By-Laws are to be handled by the President.
 13 Protest and Forfeits
 13.1 Section 1
 All protests must be filed with the President within forty-eight (48) hours of the alleged infraction and on the League supplied form. All requested information must be accurately reported.
-1. Any manager who knowingly falsifies information on the protest form will be fined and suspended as determined by the President. The manager’s team will forfeit the game.
+1. Any manager who knowingly falsifies information on the protest form will be fined and suspended as determined by the President. The manager’s team will forfeit the game.
 13.2 Section 2
-Protests may only be made on the grounds of a violation of a rule stated in this Constitution and its By-Laws or in violation of a stated American League rule. Protests may not, under any circumstances, be based on the judgment of an umpire’s call.
+Protests may only be made on the grounds of a violation of a rule stated in this Constitution and its By-Laws or in violation of a stated American League rule. Protests may not, under any circumstances, be based on the judgment of an umpire’s call.
 1. The protesting team must notify the umpire of the protest at the time the violation has occurred. Protests will not be considered if no such notification is made at the proper time. Umpires must be notified of the rule that is being violated.
 13.3 Section 3
 Protests will be ruled upon by the Rules and Competition Committee at the earliest possible date.
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ Protests will be ruled upon by the Rules and Competition Committee at the earlie
 Teams that win games by forfeit must notify the President that very day.
 13.5 Section 5
 Forfeiting teams must pay, at the time of the forfeit, the full cost of the umpire(s). Teams may not play another game until payment is made.
-1. In the event a team is unable to pay the umpire at the proper time, the team’s forfeit fee will be used to cover initial forfeits. The cost of additional forfeits will paid by the team.
+1. In the event a team is unable to pay the umpire at the proper time, the team’s forfeit fee will be used to cover initial forfeits. The cost of additional forfeits will paid by the team.
    1. Teams must pay for all outstanding forfeits before it can play another game.
 13.6 Section 6
 Should a team forfeit a game they will lose 2 points in the standings. Should a team forfeit 2 games in a season they will be banned from playing games for the remainder of the season and playoffs and placed on indefinite suspension, not in good standing.
@@ -342,34 +342,34 @@ The playoff format shall be determined by annual vote. The team with the better
 14.5 Section 5
 Playoff prizes and awards shall be determined by the membership of the league.
 14.6 Section 6
-For the playoffs, each team will be granted the ability to exclude one (1) particular umpire from participating in said teams series. The name of this umpire shall be submitted to the chief umpire as soon as possible prior to the series. This umpire “veto” will be binding UNLESS the chief umpire cannot find any other umpire who can work any game in this series.
+For the playoffs, each team will be granted the ability to exclude one (1) particular umpire from participating in said teams series. The name of this umpire shall be submitted to the chief umpire as soon as possible prior to the series. This umpire “veto” will be binding UNLESS the chief umpire cannot find any other umpire who can work any game in this series.
 14.7 Section 7
 All playoff games must be played to completion. If a playoff game is suspended for any reason, the game must be finished at a later date declared by the president. This game is declared suspended, and regardless of what inning or circumstance, the game will be continued from the point in the game when it was suspended.
-1. The “Slaughter Rule” is applicable for the playoffs (Article V, Section 2E)
+1. The “Slaughter Rule” is applicable for the playoffs (Article V, Section 2E)
 14.8 Section 8
 All circumstances not covered in Article VI are to be handled by the President.
 15 Team/Manager Relationship
 15.1 Section 1
 The Manager is that person who has been officially recognized as the entrant of a team into the Association.
-1. The Manager has the ultimate responsibility for the team’s compliance with all by-laws as set forth in this Constitution.
+1. The Manager has the ultimate responsibility for the team’s compliance with all by-laws as set forth in this Constitution.
 15.2 Section 2
 Only games played under the auspices of both of the recognized Managers of teams participating shall count as official.
 15.3 Section 3
-Management of the team may officially change from one person to another during the dates that team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in Article IX, § 1 only with the written consent of the out going manager, or:
+Management of the team may officially change from one person to another during the dates that team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in Article IX, § 1 only with the written consent of the out going manager, or:
 1. If rostered members of the team can show that the Manager has not been faithfully and/or competently fulfilling his requirements as outlined in this Constitution.
    1. Management changes under this section may only take place pending the outcome of a hearing, which shall take place at the earliest possible date, between the Association President, the Manager in question, and the parties seeking a change in management.
    2. The President may ask other managers to attend this hearing to serve in an advisory role.
    3. Failure to appear at this hearing by either party involved shall automatically result in an outcome favorable to the party in attendance.
    4. Teams with management conflicts of this nature may not play league games until the completion of this hearing and resolution of the conflict.
 15.4 Section 4
-Management changes outside of the dates that a team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in Article IX § 1 are beyond the control of the Association and President and are not subject to any formal mechanisms of change as outlined in this Constitution.
+Management changes outside of the dates that a team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in Article IX § 1 are beyond the control of the Association and President and are not subject to any formal mechanisms of change as outlined in this Constitution.
 1. Resolution of any outstanding conflicts associated with such management changes are the sole responsibility of the parties involved.
 16 Teams
 16.1 Section 1
 Teams shall be formally recognized as existing as an entity from April 1 through August 31 of the current season.
-1. These dates shall serve as times periods as they pertain to all rules regarding rosters and team management.
+1. These dates shall serve as time periods as they pertain to all rules regarding rosters and team management.
 16.2 Section 2
-Changes in team names shall not affect a team’s status in the Association in any way provided the original recognized Manager is the entrant of the team.
+Changes in team names shall not affect a team’s status in the Association in any way provided the original recognized Manager is the entrant of the team.
 16.3 Section 3
 Teams new to the Association, regardless of the makeup of the roster, shall not be allowed to use the name of any existing Association team.
 1. Teams from other recognized Associations or Leagues entering the C.M.B.A shall be allowed to use any team name provided it was the recognized existing name of the team prior to its membership in the Association.