cmba-bylaws/docs/02-league-rules-and-policy.md

# League Rules and Policy

## Authority and Applicability
This Rules and Policy document is adopted pursuant to the League’s Constitution and Bylaws and governs the operational rules, procedures, and competitive structure of the League. In the event of a conflict between this document and the Constitution and Bylaws, the Constitution and Bylaws shall control.

## League Governance
The Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day administration of League operations in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws and this Rules and Policy document. The Board provides oversight of League operations and may review or direct actions of the Commissioner.

### Operational Rights of Member Franchises
1. Member Franchises in good standing shall have the right to participate in League governance on matters of League operation as provided herein.
1. Member Franchises shall have the right to appeal disciplinary or eligibility decisions affecting them in accordance with procedures set forth in this document.
1. Member Franchises may provide input and vote in an advisory capacity on matters of League policy, administration, and operation. 
1. Member Franchises may vote with binding effect on playing rules, competition rules, and on-field regulations, except where authority is otherwise reserved by this document or the Constitution and Bylaws. Each Member Franchise is entitled to one vote.
1. Each Member Franchise is entitled to one vote in voting matters.
1. Exercise of these rights is contingent upon the Member Franchise being in good standing.

### Budget
The Commissioner shall prepare a proposed budget for each fiscal year.

The proposed budget shall include, at a minimum:

1. Annual Member Franchise dues and payment schedule;
1. Other anticipated sources of income;
1. Expected expenditures for the operating year.

The proposed budget shall be presented to the Board for review and approval. Upon approval by the Board, the budget shall constitute the official League Budget for the applicable fiscal year. The approved League Budget shall be shared with all Member Franchises on an annual basis for informational purposes.

### Appointed League Roles
The Commissioner may appoint individuals to operational roles as necessary to support League administration, subject to Board oversight.

Appointed roles may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Umpire Assigner;
1. Webmaster;
1. Social Media or Communications Coordinator;
1. Other roles deemed necessary by the Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall define the duties, scope, and term of each appointed role.

No appointed role shall possess independent authority to interpret rules, impose discipline, levy fees or fines, or bind the League, unless such authority is expressly granted by this document or the Board.

### Committees
The League may establish committees as necessary to assist in the administration, governance, or operation of League activities. Committees are advisory bodies and shall have only the authority expressly granted to them by this document, the Commissioner, or the Board. Committee members shall be appointed by the Commissioner, subject to Board oversight, unless otherwise specified. The Commissioner may appoint alternate committee members when a committee member is unavailable or has a conflict of interest. Committees may be convened at the discretion of the Commissioner.

 Committees may be formed for specific purposes, including but not limited to:

1. Advising on disciplinary matters and appeals;
1. Reviewing or proposing additions or amendments to playing rules;
1. Assisting with competition structure or game administration.

The Committee shall issue findings and recommendations to the Commissioner or Board, as applicable. The Committee shall have no independent authority to impose discipline, overturn decisions, or bind the League unless expressly authorized elsewhere in this document.

## Amendments and Rule Changes

### Constitution and Bylaws
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws are governed exclusively by the procedures set forth therein. Nothing in this Rules and Policy document shall modify or supersede those requirements.

### Rules and Policy Amendments
1. This Rules and Policy document may be amended to address League operations, administration, discipline, or procedures.
1. Amendments may be proposed by the Commissioner or the Board.
1. Adoption of a Rules and Policy amendment shall require approval by the Board.
1. Member Franchises may be afforded an opportunity to provide advisory vote on proposed amendments.
1. Approved amendments shall take effect as specified at the time of adoption.

### Playing Rules Amendments
1. Playing rules governing on-field competition may be amended separately from this Rules and Policy document.
1. Playing rules amendments shall be adopted by a vote of Member Franchises in good standing.
1. Unless otherwise specified, a simple majority vote shall be sufficient to adopt a playing rules amendment.
1. Playing rules amendments shall not apply retroactively and shall take effect at the start of a season.

## League Participants

### Member Franchises (Teams) and Managers
A Member Franchise consists of:

1. A league-approved team identity;
1. A designated Manager authorized to act on its behalf;
1. A roster of eligible and capable players;

All references to “Teams” within this document shall be deemed synonymous with “Member Franchises.”

#### Recognition
1. A Member Franchise shall be recognized by the league upon acceptance by the League and payment of all required fees.
1. Recognition grants the Member Franchise the right to participate in league activities, subject to compliance with this document.
1. Membership does not confer ownership rights beyond league participation.

#### Team Identity
1. Each Member Franchise shall operate under a single league-approved team name.
1. Team names must be unique within the league.
1. The league reserves the right to reject, revoke, or require modification of any team name for any reason, including but not limited to offensiveness, duplication, or reputational concerns.

####  Admission of New Member Franchises
The Commissioner shall review applications for new Member Franchises for compliance with Franchise Standards.

1. Upon acceptable review, the Commissioner shall present the proposed Member Franchise to the League membership for consideration.
1. Proposed Member Franchises may present a positive case for inclusion.
1. Acceptance shall require a simple majority vote of the Board.

#### Manager Designation and Authority
1. Each Member Franchise shall designate one individual as its Manager. It may also designate an Assistant Manager.
1. The Manager shall be the **sole authorized representative** of the Member Franchise for all league matters unless otherwise approved by the Commissioner.
1. The Manager shall be responsible for:
   1. Communication with the league;
   1. Submission of rosters and player information;
   1. Payment or coordination of all required fees;
   1. Ensuring compliance with league rules by players and associated individuals.
1. All actions taken by the Manager shall be deemed actions of the Member Franchise.
1. The Member Franchise shall remain responsible for all obligations and penalties regardless of internal team disputes or player actions.

#### Manager Changes
1. A Member Franchise may change its Manager by providing notice to the Commissioner.
1. Manager changes shall not relieve the Member Franchise of any existing obligations, penalties, or disciplinary actions.

### Players
A Player is an individual listed on the official roster of a Member Franchise.

Player status is contingent upon:

1. Compliance with roster and eligibility requirements;
1. Payment of any applicable fees to their Manager or the League;
1. Adherence to all League rules, policies, and codes of conduct.

A Player participates in League activities solely through association with a Member Franchise and possesses no independent membership rights.

## Membership Standing, Obligations, and Discipline
### Standing and Membership Status

1. **In Good Standing**
      1. A Member Franchise shall be considered *in good standing* when it has satisfied all financial obligations, complied with League rules and policies, and is not subject to suspension.
      1. Only Member Franchises in good standing may exercise membership rights, including voting, participation in postseason play, and eligibility for League awards.

1. **Temporary Suspension**
      1. A Member Franchise may be placed on temporary suspension by the Commissioner for failure to comply with financial obligations or other League requirements.
      1. A temporarily suspended Member Franchise shall have its membership rights suspended for the duration of the suspension.

1. **Indefinite Suspension**
      1. A Member Franchise may be placed on indefinite suspension by the Commissioner for serious or repeated violations of League rules or policies.
      1. An indefinitely suspended Member Franchise shall forfeit all membership rights until reinstated.
      1. Grounds for indefinite suspension may include, but are not limited to:
         1. Conduct detrimental to the objectives of the League;
         1. Two (2) forfeits of games in a single season;
         1. Tampering with players on the roster of another Member Franchise;
         1. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on or in close proximity to playing fields in violation of League or facility rules;
         1. Violation of policies imposed by permit issuers for League field use;
         1. Failure to comply with codes of conduct set forth in this document.

1. **Leave of Absence**
      1. A Member Franchise in good standing may be granted a leave of absence by the Commissioner.
      1. A Member Franchise on an approved leave of absence shall retain such membership rights as determined by the Commissioner.
      1. A Member Franchise on leave of absence for more than two (2) years must reapply for membership.

#### Change of Status
A Member Franchise subject to suspension may be granted a change of status by the Commissioner upon resolution of the conditions giving rise to the suspension. A change of status may include restoration to good standing or modification of the existing suspension, subject to any conditions imposed by the Commissioner or otherwise required by this document.

### Discipline and Enforcement
The Commissioner shall have authority to impose discipline consistent with this document, including warnings, fines, suspensions, and referrals for further review. Disciplinary actions may apply to Players, Managers, or Member Franchises, as appropriate.

In exercising enforcement authority, the Commissioner may utilize one or more of the following disciplinary measures, as appropriate to the circumstances:

1.	Warnings or formal notices of violation;
1.	Assessment of fines or fees as otherwise permitted by this document;
1.	Declaration of forfeits;
1.	Modification of standing or eligibility status;
1.	Referral of matters for advisory review or appeal pursuant to this document.

### Meetings
All franchise members are expected to attend all league meetings. Failure of a franchise to send a representative to a meeting may result in a  fine. Those members present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum.

### Financial Obligations
1. Each Member Franchise is responsible for payment of all League dues, fees, and fines assessed to it pursuant to the approved League Budget or this document.
1. Players may be assessed individual fees or fines as permitted by League rules; however, the Member Franchise shall remain ultimately responsible for ensuring such obligations are satisfied.
1. Failure to satisfy financial obligations in accordance with established deadlines may result in penalties, suspension, or loss of good standing as provided elsewhere in this document.

### Prohibited Conduct

#### Tampering
   1. Tampering is defined as the deliberate solicitation, without consent, of a Player who has made at least an oral commitment to another Member Franchise.
   1. Tampering may result in disciplinary action against the offending Player, Member Franchise, or both.

#### Outside League Participation
   1. Member Franchises may participate in outside leagues provided such participation does not conflict with League games or playoffs and is permitted by agreement with the League.
   1. Violations of this provision may result in disciplinary action.

### Penalties and Fees
The Commissioner may levy fines to any League Member franchise or player subject to Board oversight. Fines may be levied for violation of this Constitution and its Bylaws or conduct unbecoming of a representative of the League. The penalties and amounts set forth in this section are operational in nature and may be adjusted by the Commissioner with Board oversight, unless otherwise specified. 

1. Late payment of annual dues shall incur a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00) per week, not to exceed five (5) weeks.
1. Members in violation of the above shall be placed on temporary suspension for a period of two (2) weeks.
1. Members who have not paid outstanding dues by the end of the two week suspension shall be placed on indefinite suspension until all dues are paid. Members who have not paid outstanding dues by the end of the two week suspension shall be placed on indefinite suspension until all dues are paid.
1. A forfeit fee may be assessed per forfeited game.
1. Fines for a single incident shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).

### Appeals
1. A Member Franchise or Player may appeal a disciplinary or eligibility decision affecting them in accordance with this document. 
1. Appeals shall be submitted within a timeframe established by the Commissioner.
1. The Commissioner may review appeals directly or refer them for advisory review as appropriate.
1. Decisions on appeal shall be final unless otherwise provided by the Constitution and Bylaws.
1. The Board may exercise oversight with respect to disciplinary or eligibility matters when there is a credible concern regarding fairness, conflict of interest, or material deviation from League rules or procedures. In exercising such oversight, the Board may review the matter directly, direct reconsideration, or appoint an advisory committee. Any determination made by the Board pursuant to this subsection shall be final.

## Equipment

1. Baseballs: 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.
1. Bats: All bats must be wood or BBCOR certified. Use of an illegal bat shall be subject to the Major League rules that govern this area.
1. Bases, home plate, and pitching rubber:  All teams are expected to have a set of bases, a home plate, and a pitching rubber. These items shall conform to Major League Baseball specifications. Items conforming to 2022 specifications shall also be considered legal.

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.

### Uniform
All players must be in uniform (bearing the team’s name as represented to the league) by the team’s first regular season game in order to be eligible to participate in games. Players may not obtain the jersey of another team member in order to obtain eligibility.

1. This deadline may be extended by the Commissioner at his discretion following a written petition by the team that shows a just and reasonable cause for extension, and evidence of a good faith effort to meet the deadline.
1. This rule applies to any players legally added to the roster after the stated deadline.
1. Uniforms shall consist of, but are not limited to, matching team caps and jerseys with assigned team uniform numbers. 
1. Players must be dressed in proper baseball pants. These pants need not match the team’s uniform, however, the League encourages all players to wear matching pants. Sweatpants, shorts, jeans, or any other type of pants other than baseball pants are prohibited.

## Team Rosters; Players and Eligibility

### Umpires
Umpires shall have the sole responsibility for the enforcement of all sections in [Team Rosters Players And Eligibility](#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility) of the Bylaws, except where specified.

### Roster Deadline; Roster Size
Prior to June 1, each team has an “open roster.”  League teams must submit a roster of their players to the Commissioner no later than June 1 of each year. Any team that does not submit its roster to the Commissioner by June 1 as required by this [Roster Deadline; Roster Size](#roster-deadline-roster-size) and in accordance with the information requirements in [Roster Information Requirements](#roster-information-requirements) shall be deemed not in good standing. Consequences of not being in good standing are defined in [Classification; Standing](#classification-standing) of the Constitution. This submitted roster plus any and all legal roster transactions per [Roster Transactions](#roster-transactions), shall be considered official. Players not on a team’s official roster are ineligible for play, except where specifically noted in this [Teams And Managers](#teams-and-Managers).  
Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of sixteen (16) players and shall not exceed twenty-six (26) players, in each case, excluding non-playing Managers and coaches. 

### Roster Information Requirements
A team’s rosters as submitted to the Commissioner on or before June 1 shall contain the following information for each rostered player: name, age, bats/throws, position(s),uniform number, and face photo. Rosters shall be submitted in Excel or via Google sheets (or similar editable spreadsheet.)

### Roster Transactions
Teams may add a total of five (5) players to the roster after the June 1 roster submission deadline. The total number of players on a team still may not exceed twenty-six (26). In order to add players between June 1 and July 1 but not exceed the 26 player limit, a team may drop players who were rostered on June 1.  No players may be added after July 1, except as set forth below.
After July 1, upon request to the Rules and Competition Committee, a team may add a player if (i) the team’s roster has fallen (or, upon the removal of players “missing in action” as described below, will fall) below the 16 player minimum and (ii) doing so will, in the good faith determination of the Rules and Competition Committee, prevent the team from forfeiting games. 
In order for a team to declare a player “missing in action” after July 1, (i) the player shall have (a) failed to appear at all of the team’s games occurring prior to such request or (b) suffered a season-ending injury after June 1 and (ii) the team must drop the player from its roster.

A team may drop players at any time as long as the team’s roster does not fall below the 16 player minimum.

Any and all roster changes shall be submitted to the Commissioner and satisfy the information requirements in [Roster Information Requirements](#roster-information-requirements).  Roster changes shall be effective as of the first pitch of the team’s first regularly scheduled game after the updated roster is submitted.

### Alumni
If a team would otherwise be required to forfeit or technically forfeit a game after June 1 due to a lack of eligible players in attendance, the team can use one (but not more than one) of its former players (“alumni”) in that game. The team’s Manager shall inform the opposing team’s Manager and the Commissioner as soon as possible (and in no event later than the first pitch) of his team’s use of an alumni player and will provide to the opposing team’s Manager and the Commissioner with the alumni player’s name, age, bats/throws, position and uniform number. Alumni players are not eligible to play in the playoffs.

### Eligible Players
Eligible players must be of at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date of the teams first +game. No player may play for more than one team in a season (either before or after June 1).
A team that uses an ineligible player, per the rules in this [Team Rosters Players And Eligibility](#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility), will be deemed to have forfeited any and all games in which the illegal player(s) participated.

### Postseason Player Eligibility
Players must appear in at least five (5) games during the regular season in order to be eligible for postseason play. Upon request to the Rules and Competition Committee, exceptions may be made for players with long term injuries.

### Player Responsibility for Team Fees
All players in the League are expected to pay their team fees. Players will not be allowed to switch teams within the League unless or until any and all debts are paid in full.

### Free Agents
A player must inform the League Commissioner 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 League. A Manager may waive this deadline for an individual player at the Manager’s discretion. If the player fails to notify as specified, that player shall be disqualified from playing on another League team for that season.

## Protest and Forfeits

### Timeframe and Reporting
All protests must be filed with the Commissioner within 48 hours of the alleged infraction and on the League supplied form. All requested information must be accurately reported. Any Manager who knowingly falsifies information on the protest form will be fined and suspended as determined by the Commissioner, and that Manager’s team will forfeit the game.

### Ground for Protest
Protests may only be made on the grounds of a violation of a rule stated in this Constitution and its Bylaws or in violation of a stated Major League Baseball rule. Protests may not, under any circumstances, be based on the judgment of an umpire’s call. The protesting team’s Manager must notify the umpire of the protest at the time the violation occurred. Managers shall notify the league Commissioner at the earliest possible time after the game and provide umpire signature as proof of notification.

### Ruling
Upon the filing of a protest with the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall call a meeting of the Rules and Competition Committee at the earliest possible date. Judgment regarding the merit of the protest shall be made after deliberation.

### Notification
Teams that win games by forfeit must notify the Commissioner that very day.

### Umpire Payment
Forfeiting teams must pay, at the time of the forfeit, the full cost of the umpire(s), and shall be considered not in good standing as defined in [Classification; Standing](#classification-standing). Teams will be considered not in good standing until payment is made. 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 be paid by the team.

### Forfeits
Should a team forfeit a game shall lose 2 points in the standings. 
Forfeiting teams must pay, at the time of the forfeit, the full cost of the umpire(s). Until payment is made, a forfeiting team shall be considered not in good standing as defined in Subsection.
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, as defined in Subsection of the constitution. Games that included or would have included this team shall be subject to the following:

1. All previous games played by the indefinitely suspended team shall count in the official standings.
1. All subsequent games shall be recorded as a loss for the suspended team and a win for the scheduled opponent.

### Technical forfeit
A team subject to technical forfeit shall be awarded only one point for a victory. A team may receive 2 technical forfeits per season. After reaching this limit, subsequent technical forfeits shall be converted to forfeits, as defined in [Equipment](#equipment).

## Standings and Postseason

### Website
The Commissioner shall maintain a league website that includes all official scores and league standings. Additional pertinent information will be provided.

### League Standings
The League shall use a point system to determine the standings. A team is awarded:

1. Two (2) points for a win (including a win against a team in technical forfeit)
1. One (1) point for a win while in technical forfeit (see [Forfeits](#forfeits))
1. One (1) point for a tie game
1. Zero (0) points for a loss
1. Minus two (-2) points for a loss by forfeit (see [Forfeits](#forfeits)).

### Standings Tie-breakers
In the event two teams finish the regular season in a tie for a position, the following tie-breaking procedure will take effect:

1. Record in head-to-head competition.
1. Record within the division (if applicable).
1. Least runs allowed for the season.
1. Coin toss, performed by the Commissioner with a witness.

### Postseason Format
The postseason format shall be determined by annual vote. 

### Prizes and Awards
Playoff prizes and awards, if any, shall be determined by the membership of the league.

### Playoff Umpire Selection
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.

### Completion of Playoff Games
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 Commissioner. 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. The “Slaughter Rule” is applicable for the playoffs (see [Regulation Games](#regulation-games)).

## Code of Conduct
### Ethics
All League members, including officers, Managers, umpires, and players shall strive to be ethical, honorable, and truthful in all dealings concerning the League thereby promoting the League as a first class league of impeccable integrity.

### Sportsmanship
All League members, including officers, Managers, umpires, and players are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, promoting fair competitive play in a respectful atmosphere.

## Sportsmanship and Prohibited Conduct
All League members are expected to engage in a sportsmanlike and mutually respectful behavior. Any Manager or the chief umpire may request that the rules and competition committee review the specific actions of another player, coach, Manager or team. The rules and competition committee shall review, and in its discretion, determine the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken, if any. Disciplinary actions include a written warning, fines, temporary suspension, and banishment from the League. The committee should take under consideration repeat offenses. The Commissioner shall enforce any discipline determined by the committee.

### Fighting
Fighting or any physical altercation shall not be tolerated in the League. Players cannot leave the bench or their positions during a fight for any reason; the Managers, the on-the-field coaches and umpire(s) shall be responsible for restoring order. Specific penalties for violations are listed below.

1. Any player who instigates or initiates an on-field fight shall be fined and suspended from league play for no less than one season
1. Any player or coach who participates in a fight shall be suspended for three games and fined $50.00.

### Assault of an Umpire
Any player or coach who physically assaults an umpire will be permanently banished from the league. He may also be arrested if the umpire chooses to press charges.

### Substances

1. Smoking: Smoking shall be prohibited in the dugout and on the playing field during the game.
1. Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited 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 League. Managers are responsible for the enforcement of this rule and are accountable for any violations. 
1. Additionally, all teams and players are subject to any and all additional laws, rules, or regulations regarding substances as stated by locality or the issuer of the field permit

### Flagrant Collisions
A flagrant collision is defined as an intentional act to forcibly collide with a fielder. 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.

## Subjectivity
These rules, regulations, articles, and Bylaws may not be suspended, set aside, or added to under any circumstances, regardless of the will of the Managers. This provision nullifies the “If both managers agree” concept.