(c) To instruct and practice the code of good sportsmanship while endeavouring to improve the playing ability and provide recreation through the operation of its baseball program.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the GNBA shall be composed of all persons, residents of the City of Niagara Falls, including non-residents who have been a coach in good standing for the previous three consecutive years, who upon payment of $1.00 (one dollar) membership fee at the Annual Meeting, and agrees to abide and comply with the by-laws, rules and regulations of the Association. Each member shall have full voting rights at any general and annual meeting.

ARTICLE 4: EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTORS

"The Executive" of the Association shall consist of five (5) positions: 1) President 2)Vice-President 3)Past President 4)Secretary 5) Treasurer.

"The Directors" shall consist of at least thirteen (13) positions: 1)Junior Rookie Ball Convenor 2) Senior Rookie Ball Convenor 3) Mosquito House League Convenor 4) Peewee House League Convenor 5) Bantam House League Convenor 6) Midget/Junior House League Convenor 7) Travel Team / House League Select Convenor 8) Registrar 9)Umpire-in-Chief 10) Purchasing and Equipment 11) Event Co-Ordinator and Fund Raising 12) Playing Field Allocations 13) Marketing, Media and Public Relations.

All offices will be held for a period of one (1) year. The election of five (5) Executive Members and at least thirteen(13) Directors shall be held at the Annual Meeting during October of each year. Life Members of the GNBA are Executive Members without portfolio and are exempt from the annual membership fee. The President shall have the power to fill any Executive and/or Director vacancies that may occur or is not filled at the Annual Meeting election of Officers.

ARTICLE 5: DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTORS

President

Shall preside at all meetings of the organization. The President is the Chief Executive Officer and as such shall exercise supervision over the activities of the Association. He shall have the power to rule on any situation which is not specifically dealt with in the constitution, by-laws or rules and regulations of the GNBA.

Vice-President

Shall perform the duties of the President in his absence.

Past-President

Not an elected position. Shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President and the Vice-President.

Secretary

Shall keep an accurate record of all Association meetings. Receive and send out all correspondence for the Association; retaining a file(s) on all correspondence. Minutes of Association meetings will be forwarded to the Executive, Directors and Life Members.

Treasurer

Shall receive all monies and deposit same in the Associations account with a chartered bank or trust company, receive and pay all invoices, sign all cheques along with the signature of one of the two other signing officers as elected from the Executive; keep accurate account of all receipts and disbursements; present a written financial report each Executive meeting; prepare the financial report for the annual audit and have written reports for distribution at the Annual Meeting; pay accounts up to and including one hundred dollars in value, in periods between Executive meetings, subject to approval at the next meeting by an Executive / Director vote.

Director - Junior Rookie Ball House League Convenor

Selects the players for each team. Decides on the number of teams each year. Schedules the games for regular season and playoff structure. To secure coaches for each team formed. Produce schedule and distribute to coach before the first game is played. Ensure coaches have equipment and baseballs, Assist the Director of Fund Raising and Public Relations in arranging Recognition Night and All-Star Night.

Director - Senior Rookie Ball House League Convenor

Director - Mosquito House League Convenor

Director - Peewee House League Convenor

Director - Bantam House League Convenor

Director - Midget House League Convenor

Selects the players for each team. Decides on the number of teams each year. Schedules the games for regular season and playoff structure. To secure coaches for each team formed. Produce schedule and distribute to coaches before the first game is played. Ensure coaches have equipment and baseballs.

Director -Junior House League Convenor

Selects the players for each team. Decides on the number of teams each year. Schedules the games for regular season and playoff structure. To secure coaches for each team formed. Produce schedule and distribute to coaches before the first game is played. Ensure coaches have equipment and baseballs.

Director - Travel Teams / House League Select Convenor

Liason between travel team coaches and the GNBA Executive and Directors, enforces all GNBA rules established for the travel teams. Receives all information on the out of town Select Tournaments and passes the information to all House League Convenors. Assist the Director of purchasing in handing out and collecting any uniforms and equipment to Select teams. Attends the Annual Select Meeting normally held in February each year.

Director - Umpire-in-Chief

To schedule all umpires for all travel team games and GNBA hosted tournaments. To be responsible for all umpires and umpiring equipment in the Association. Maintain a list of Umpires for assignment to games. Establish a fee schedule for each year, subject to approval of the Executive and Directors. Authorize payment of Umpires.

Director - Purchasing and Equipment Maintenance

To purchase all equipment and uniforms for teams operating in the baseball program under the GNBA. Purchases are subject to approval of GNBA Executive and Directors. To allocate, maintain, collect and store all equipment and uniforms that are the property of the GNBA.

Director - Registration

Registers all players of all teams under the jurisdiction of the GNBA and collect registration fees from all players registered in the GNBA. To establish, with approval of the GNBA Executive and Directors, a registration fee structure, registration dates and time(s) of registration.

Director - Event Coordinator and Fund Raising

Responsible for the coordination of all fund raising activities and events. Coordinates Recognition Night normally held on the second Friday in July. Coordinates All-Star Night normally held on the second Saturday in July. Coordinates awards presentation normally held at the end of the season.

Director - Playing Field Allocations

Will attend the playing field allocation meeting held by the City each year. To allocate the playing fields that have been permitted by the City of Niagara Falls to the GNBA. The allocation / scheduling of the playing fields will include both practice and games for the Travel Teams and all the House League Teams.

Director - Marketing, Media and Public Relations

Responsible for the overall promotion of registration each year as well as the media coverage of the variety of events and teh news releases that occur throughout the year. Track and coordinate standings in all divisions and publish schedules of coming games.

ARTICLE 6: ELECTIONS

The election of Executive and Directors of the Association shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting held in October of each year. The President shall appoint three (3) members to a nominating committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting to prepare and submit a proposed slate of Executive and Directors. A member of the City of Niagara Falls Parks and Recreation Staff will be invited to act as Chief Returning Officer for the election of Executive and Directors. Nominations for Executive and Directors will be welcome from the floor at the Annual Meeting. To be nominated for an Executive position - President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer - one must have served a minimum of one (1) year within the last two (2) years in an Executive or Director position. If more than one (1) person is nominated for any office, a vote by ballot will be taken and the nominee receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. If a tie occurs for any Executive or Director position. the run-off vote by ballot will be taken amongst the "tied" positions only.

ARTICLE 7: ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of the GNBA shall be held during the month of October each year. Exact date and location will be determined by the President. The order of business for the Annual Meeting will be:

1) Presidents welcome and address - summary of the year.

2) Secretary's report - summary of the last executive meeting.

3) Treasurers report - treasurers report for the year.

4) Amendments to the Constitution.

5) General Business

6) Election of Executive by position and Directors in total.

7) Presidents remarks.

ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS

Amendments or any alterations shall be made to any part of the Constitution, By-Laws and Regulations at the Annual Meeting. Notice of any proposed amendment or alteration must be given in writing to the Secretary at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the Annual Meeting. Amendments or alterations to the Constitution, By-Laws and Regulations will be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the GNBA membership at the Annual Meeting or a general membership meeting.

ARTICLE 9: RULES OF ORDER

The Rules of Order as adopted by: "Roberts Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure" shall be the rules for all meetings of The Greater Niagara Baseball Association Inc.

ARTICLE 10: VOTING PROCEDURES

Nine (9) Executive and/or Directors in good standing constitute a quorum. A vote by majority at Executive meetings shall constitute passing of a motion. The President shall not vote except in the case of a tie. Voting shall be by a show of hands. Proxy vote and/or ballots will not be recognized.

ARTICLE 11: MEETINGS

The President may call a special, emergency or general meeting of the Association or Executive Board at any time. A minimum of forty-eight (48) hours notice must be given except for emergency meetings. Executive meetings - Executive and Directors - shall be held at least once every month from February to October inclusive. Frequency of Executive meetings is at the discretion of the President. Any member in good standing (see Article 3) can attend an Executive meeting whenever he/she wishes. The President may declare an Executive meeting go into closed session, at which time any person who is not a member of the Executive and Directors may be excluded.

ARTICLE 12: AFFILIATIONS

The Greater Niagara Baseball Association Inc. shall be affiliated with the Ontario Baseball Association (O.B.A.) through the Niagara District Baseball Association (N.D.B.A.). The GNBA Inc. shall maintain membership in the Niagara District Baseball Association (N.D.B.A.) and protect its rights as a member of that Association.

ARTICLE 13: ATTENDANCE

All G.N.B.A. Executive and Directors are required to have a sixty percent attendance record throughout the upcoming years by-monthly meetings. The attendance record will begin with the Annual General Meeting, usually the second Wednesday in October each year. The President will provide a schedule of all the meetings for the coming year at the first meeting directly following the Annual General Meeting each October. The President shall have the power to dismiss any Executive or Director from the G.N.B.A. because of their attendance record.

ARTICLE 14: EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY

The GNBA Executive and Directors reserves the right to set, appeal or amend the Bylaws, Rules, Regulations and Guidelines as deemed necessary to facilitate and conduct the business of the GNBA in a manner consistent with the intent of the GNBA Constitution and Regulations. These changes will be published in the minutes of the meeting at which it occurred and must be ratified at the next AGM.The GNBA Executive and Directors must approve all coaches prior to the season.The GNBA Executive and Directors must approve all handouts.

BY-LAWS

BY-LAW 1: LEAGUE ORGANIZATION

A) The Greater Niagara Baseball Association Inc. shall be the primary unit of the organization.
B) The GNBA shall enter travel teams into the Niagara District Baseball Association at any age classification as determined by the executive and directors.
C) The GNBA shall establish and manage house league teams at any age classification as determined by the executive and directors.

BY-LAW 2: CLASSIFICATION OF LEAGUES

**Age determined by year of birth
JUNIOR ROOKIE BALL Age 6 - 7
SENIOR ROOKIE BALL Age 8 - 9
MOSQUITO Age 10 - 11
PEEWEE Age 12 - 13
BANTAM Age 14 - 15
MIDGET Age 16 - 17 - 18
JUNIOR Age 19 - 20 - 21

In the case of major and minor teams, all ages are determined by the year of birth.
A minor team classification is the first year - Minor Mosquito - age 10; Minor Peewee - age 12; Minor Bantam - age 14; Minor Midget - age 16.
A major team classification is the second year - Major Mosquito - age 11; Major Peewee - age 13; Major Bantam - age 15; Major Midget - age 17 and 18.

A player must play in his/her age classification, any exceptions must be passed by a majority at a GNBA Executive & Directors meeting. All requests must be submitted in writing and passed by the majority of the executive.

BY-LAW 3: HOUSE LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Play off structures for all house league age classifications - Junior Rookie Ball through Bantam, inclusive - will be at the discretion of the respective house league convenor.

BY-LAW 4: PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
All GNBA players engaged in travel team competition in the Niagara District Baseball Association must complete an Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) player registration form on or before the date requested by the OBA.
Any player, without executive approval, travel team or GNBA house league, found guilty of playing in a league for which he/she is too old shall be suspended for a period not to exceed 12 (twelve) months from the date of the charge being laid. Any team found guilty of knowingly using a player over the legal age or not registered with the GNBA shall forfeit all games in which the player participated. The convenor is considered responsible for the eligibility of his age group.

BY-LAW 5: SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS
Any team, player, coach, manager or member of the Association that fails to abide by the constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations or requests of the GNBA executive and directors may be suspended or expelled.
If the President feels justified, he may indefinitely suspend any person or team.
The suspended individual or team has the right to ask for a hearing before a Disciplinary Committee. Hearing to be held within 15 days from the requested date.
The GNBA President will appoint at least 3 members from the present executive to the Disciplinary Committee. No member appointed should be directly involved with disciplined individual.
The committee should have a recommendation to the GNBA executive at their next scheduled meeting. The executive has the final say on all discipline.
For an individual or team to be expelled it must pass by majority of all GNBA executive and directors.

BY-LAW 6: PROTESTS
All protests pertaining to games played in the GNBA must be submitted in writing within 24 (twenty-four) hours after the completion of the disputed game. A copy of the protest must be in the hands of the GNBA Vice-President. The Vice-President shall then call a meeting, comprising the Junior Rookie Ball House League Convenor, the Mosquito House League Convenor and the Bantam House League Convenor, chaired by the Vice-President of the GNBA, at the earliest possible time. Any decisions of the committee are final. Any protest based on an umpire's judgement will not be allowed.

BY-LAW 7: SPECIAL GAMES
Permission must be obtained from the house league convenor for all games other than official GNBA games.
Special games for travel teams, other than GNBA or NDBA sanctioned, must be approved by the GNBA executive and directors and the NDBA.

BY-LAW 8: PLAYER TRANSACTIONS
All players moving to a lower or higher age category must have the approval of the GNBA Executive and Directors. Player trades within a House League division must be approved by the Convenor.

BY-LAW 9: SONS AND BROTHERS
One manager and two coaches only may wish to designate players who are son/daughter, to a maximum of three players per team. All requests for designation to a house league team must be approved by the respective house league convenor.

BY-LAW 10: ADMISSIONS
No admission shall be charged for any games or activities unless written permission is obtained from the GNBA executive and directors. Voluntary contributions are permitted.

BY-LAW 11: FUND RAISING
Teams under the jurisdiction of the GNBA shall not raise funds through any form of public subscription or without the permission of the GNBA executive and directors.
No team shall solicit any financial support from the GNBA Ladies Auxiliary without concurrence from the GNBA executive and directors.

BY-LAW 12: PLAYER RELEASES
Players requesting a release from the GNBA must submit in writing a letter to the executive of the GNBA. The party requesting the release will be invited to the next GNBA executive meeting to present their case and the decision of the GNBA will be final.

BY-LAW 13: OUT OF TOWN PLAYERS
A) Any out of town player(s) wishing to try out for a travel team must be registered with
the GNBA. The player(s) name will be brought to the GNBA executive for discussion regarding the number of players trying out for each group. The executive will decide on an individual team basis whether to allow any out of town players on the GNBA team.
B)An out of town player coming from an organization that has a travel team for his/her age division is not eligible to play on a GNBA travel team, even if the player is cut by the out of town centre, except as noted in By-Law 13 C.

C) An out of town player that has played in the G.N.B.A., the previous year is eligible to play
on any G.N.B.A. team.
D) An out of town player coming from an organization that does not field a travel team for his/her age division is eligible to play on G.N.B.A. travel team for his/ her age division.

E) In all cases, the out of town player eligibility must be accordance with the OBA and NDBA rules and by-laws.

F) The executive reserves the right to override the above provisions where there is a shortage of Niagara Falls players trying out for a particular age group

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. UNIFORMS - The GNBA executive and directors may levy a uniform surcharge in any given year to ensure return of players' pants and top from the travel teams. Amount of uniform surcharge is at the discretion of the GNBA executive and directors. Uniform surcharge to be collected by travel team coaches and adequate records maintained by said coach so reimbursement can be properly administered. House league players, at the discretion of the GNBA executive and directors, will be allowed to keep their sweater and hat at end of each season.

2. EQUIPMENT - Equipment for travel teams and house leagues is maintained by the director purchasing and equipment.Coaches are responsible to request players to wear a helmet and chin strap when at bat or running the bases. Coaches should ensure equipment is functional and return unusable equipment to the director purchasing and equipment for replacement or repair.

3. UMPIRES - Umpires must be scheduled through the GNBA director, Umpire-in-Chief.

4. FIELD ALLOCATION - All GNBA convenors must book practise times and games schedules via the GNBA Director of field allocations. This includes fields allocated to the GNBA through the City of Niagara Falls.

5. ELECTION ELIGIBILITY - If a GNBA executive member and/or director seeking re-election and is going to be absent with a noted reason from the next Annual Meeting, he must write a letter of intention of nomination and submit it to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The $1.00 (one dollar) membership fee must accompany the letter.

6. COACHES SELECTION - GNBA executive members and directors will assess the performance of the travel team coaches in each age bracket based on the previous year and a satisfactory performance will allow the coach to be asked if he/she wishes to return to the same age bracket in which he/she coached the previous year.
If the coach - assessed as satisfactory - wishes to coach in an age bracket different from the previous year, he/she must apply in accordance with coaching selection, as set out by the GNBA for that year.

7. GUIDELINES

A. Guidlines for GNBA convenors

B. Guidlines for GNBA Travel and House League Coaches

C. House League Rules

8. CALL UPS

When a team is short players at the official game start time ( in Rookie Ball- under 11 players, in Mosquito to Junior- under 9 players) a player may be called up from the next lower league, as long as there is no conflict with the call up player's schedule. If a call up player starts a game and a regular team player arrives lat, the call up player can continue to play a maximum of every other inning defensively and the call up player will remain in the batting order. If at game time a team has enough players ( Rookie Ball- 11 players, Mosquito to Junior- 9 players) the call up can not play. the player called up must wear his/ her own team's uniform. A travel team player can not be called up to play for a house league team.

CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

OBJECTS AND PURPOSE

Establish and preserve a code of conduct and ethics for all members associated with the Greater Niagara Baseball Association. Provide information to all members, officials, parents, relatives, spectators and the residence of City of Niagara Falls by means of a Code of Conduct and Ethics.

The code of conduct and ethics are comprised of, but not limited to the following :

A) ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION CODE

B) PLAYER’S CODE

C) COACHES, MANGERS AND TEAM ASSOCIATES CODE

D) UMPIRES

E) PARENTS AND GUARDIANS CODE

F) SPECTATORS CODE

G) CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

A)ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION CODE

A “ Member of the Association “ is considered to be Executives, Directors, all Coaches, all Umpires, all Players, Guardians and Family Members and Spectators.

1) Members should encourage the executive, players, parents, guardians, any spectators,

umpires and park attendants to obey the spirit of the rules and regulations for all sports, and each other in a civilized manner.

2) Members are expected to always show high personal standards both professionally and

personally.

3) Members never support the use of drugs or alcohol.

4) Members will not use tobacco product within 50 feet of the playing field or the players

bench.

5) Members will not verbally comment, harass or direct any sort of verbal or threatening

abuse directly towards an umpire(s).

B)PLAYER CODE

1) Play for the “ love of the game “, not just to please parents or coach.

2) Play by the rules and the spirit of the rules.

3) Never argue with the official’s decisions. The coach(s) should ask any necessary questions.

4) Control your temper or anger; no mouthing off, throwing gloves or other equipment.

5) Work equally had for yourself and your team. The team’s performance will improve and so

will yours.

6) Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether yours or the others team’s.

7) Treat all players, as you would like to be treated.

8) Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good

about yourself. Do not show-off.

9) Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and especially the officials, for

without them, you would not be playing the game.

10) Remember you are representing yourself, your parents, your team, your sponsor, and your

city and the association at all times, to and from the park.

11) I will attend every practice and that I can and will notify my coach if I cannot.

12) I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.

13) I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it

stops being fun.

Players Code of Conduct

As a player in the Greater Niagara Baseball Association :

1) I will demonstrate self control and respect for others at all times.

2) I will always remember that participation in athletics is a privilege that

is not to be abused by unsportsmanlike conduct.

3) I will show respect to all opponents and shake hands after the

competition and congratulate them on the performance.

4) I will show respect to all coaches, umpires and league officials.

5) I will not argue with the umpire or an umpire’s decision.

6) I will abide by all rules and regulations of the game and the league.

7) I will remember that any inappropriate behavior will reflect on me,

my family and my community.

8) I understand that aggressive physical contact is grounds for immediate

ejection.

9) I will not us profanity, tobacco, drugs or alcohol while in uniform and/or

at the ballpark.

The disciplinary committee will suspend any player who violates the code of conduct pending review.

___________________________________________________________

I have read this agreement, and will abide by the statements contained herein:

Signature : _____________________________ Date : __________

Team : __________________________________ Division : ________

Parents Signature : ________________________ Date : __________

C) COACH, MANAGER & TEAM ASSOCIATES CODE

All coaches are requested to publish a list of conduct & ethics to the players and their parents prior to the start of the season.

The players and parents are required to read and sign the back page acknowledging they have reviewed the code conduct & ethics of the association.

1) Exemplify the highest moral character, behavior, and leadership.

2) I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.

3) I will treat each player as an individual remembering the large range of emotional and

physical development for the same age group.

4) I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire

to win.

5) Respect the integrity and judgment of sports officials.

6) Abide by both the spirit and the letter of the rules.

7) I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I teach.

8) Promote ethical relationships among coaches.

9) Encourage the highest standards of conduct and achievement.

10) I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.

11) Strive to develop qualities of leadership, initiative, and good judgment in each athlete.

12) Complete all games. No team shall leave a game before the end.

D)UMPIRE'S CODE

1) All umpires should wear a uniform. It should be clean and in the required colours.

2) Always be punctual; a late umpire does not gain the respect of either the teams or the fans.

3) Finish all games. No umpire shall leave a game before the end, except for injury or

sickness.

4) Never umpire while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An umpire needs to be in

control of all his/her facilities and should set a good example.

5) Umpires are judged by their behavior and statements; disgraceful gestures and abusive

language has no place on the playing field and can only tarnish the reputation of all

umpires.

6) If you accept an assignment to umpire a game, be there. If an emergency should come up,

contact your umpire-in-chief immediately.

7)Do not refuse assignments or attempt to choose games. This is not worthy of an

established umpire. Co-ordinate with your umpire-in-chief and endeavor to fulfill your

assignments.

E)PARENT'S AND GUARDIAN'S CODE

1)Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the game.

2)Remember children are involved in baseball for their enjoyment, not yours.

3)Encourage your child always to play by the rules.

4) Teach your child that honest effort is more important than victory so that the result of each

game is accepted without undue disappointment.

5) I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players,

coaches and officials at every game, practice or other youth sporting events.

Never ridicule or yell at your child for making error or losing a game.

6) Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by

members of the opposing team.

7) Do not publicly question the official’s judgment and never their honesty.

8)Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from ball games.

9)Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches.

They give their time and resources for your child’s development.

10) I will support coaches and officials working with my child in order to encourage a positive

and enjoyable experience for all. Public comments are not appropriate and will not be

tolerated.

11) I will do my very best to make youth sports for my child.

F)SPECTATOR'S CODE

1) Remember that children play baseball for their own fun. They are not there for your

entertainment, and they are NOT major league ball players.

2)Be on your best behavior. Do not use profane language or harass players, members of the

other team, coaches or officials.

3)Applaud good plays by your own team and the other team.

4)Show respect for the other team. Without them there would no game.

5)Never ridicule or scold a player who makes an error or mistake during the game.

6)Condemn the use of violence in any way or form.

7)Respect the official’s decisions.

8)Encourage players to always play by the rules.

G) CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Any “ Member of the Association “ Executives, Directors, all Coaches, all Umpires, all Players, Guardians and Family Members and Spectators are subject to following :

1. Suspension from the Association’s activities if they contravene in any way the Constitution, By-Laws or Conduct & Ethics of the G.N.B.A.

2. Disciplinary action and/or suspension for conduct or ethics not befitting the intent or objects of the G.N.B.A. The G.N.B.A. will administer such action.

Any person(s) that verbally or physically threatens another person at the ballpark is subject to immediate suspension from the G.N.B.A.’s allocated parks and from the association pending a review by board of directors.

After a 24 hour cooling down period, the person(s) has the right of appeal to the GNBA. Upon reviewing the person(s) actions the GNBA will administer the disciplinary actions deemed necessary.

GUIDELINES

GUIDELINES FOR GNBA CONVENORS

1) HOUSE LEAGUE CONVENORS
1. Decide upon the number of teams each year. Maximum 15 players per team, start with less as there are always late registrations.
2. Schedule games for regular season and playoff structure, Championship Day for all house leagues second last weekend of summer.
3. Secure coaches for each team formed.
4. Produce schedule and distribute to coaches before first game.
5. Assist the Director of Fund Raising with Recognition Night and All-Star Night.
6. Schedule and pay umpires for your league, or the umpire in chief may do this for you.
7. When requesting money to pay umpires submit a list of games played with umpires names and the total bill for the two week period.
8. Convenors will not coach in their own league. If special circumstances exist that will require a Convenor to coach a team in their own league, it must be approved by a majority vote of the Directors and Executive.
9. Make sure all coaches know all players to play an equal share in all house leagues.
10. Make a checklist and hand out equipment and balls to coaches, practice balls to be returned at the end of the year.
11. Hand out uniforms and return any non-fitting uniforms for proper sizes.
12. Make sure game reports are handed in by coaches to the N.F.Review (night box or sports desk). Team or league sponsor should be on every report.
13. When team pictures are taken invite your sponsors.
14. In the bantam to junior aged house leagues we usually have an interlocking schedule with out of town centers. Contact their convenors and set up a scheduling meeting.
15. Select a coach for your select team and pass on all select information to him. Used sweaters may be available for select teams, they must be returned at end of season.

TEAM SELECTIONS
1. Make up teams from list of players from the Registrar.
2. All players must be registered with the GNBA.
3. In the younger ages try to select teams by areas when possible.
4. In the older ages hold a draft and use player ratings.
5. Try to keep all teams as balanced as possible.
6. Every team must have at least one good pitcher.
7. Check with travel coach to what players he still has left.
8. Maximum of 15 players per team, it is better to go with 12 or 13 as there are always late registrations.
9. One manager and two coaches only, may wish to designate players who are son/daughter, to a maximum of three players per team.
10. Give the head coach the names of any parents on his team who requested to be assistant coaches.
11. At the end of the year collect all equipment and balls from all coaches.
12. Check equipment and make a list of any equipment needing repairs or replacement.

13. Work with the Director of Public Relations and the Ladies Auxiliary for Awards Day. Convenor to hand out awards to his/her own league.
14. At end of season give registrar ratings for all players in your league. Rate all players either 1, 2, or 3. Players rated #1 are your stronger players and #3 players need improvement. Also rate all pitchers and catchers with the same rating.

LEAGUE SCHEDULES
1. Make up a balanced schedule of games and practices, mark all park or league curfews on the schedule.
2. Schedule to start around first week of June. No games before Victoria Day weekend.
3. Regular season schedule to finish early to mid August. Schedule playoffs so your final game will be on the second last weekend of the summer, all house leagues will play their Championship and Consolation finals then at Oakes Park.
4. All teams should play 15 to 20 games and then all teams in the playoffs.
5. You may want to use the first week for exhibition games so you can balance out the teams. Don't give out shirts until all player moves have been done.
6. Do not schedule any games or practises on All-Star Night, Recognition Night, holidays, or on any night when a tournament is using your diamond.
7. Make use of all available diamonds, when not using let the other convenors know you have open diamonds.
8. Give a copy of your schedule to all of the following:
a) GNBA scheduler
b) GNBA clubhouse
c) City of N.F. Recreation Department on Lundy's Lane
d) Umpire in Chief
e) If games at Oakes, to the Ladies Auxiliary
f) If games in Chippawa, to the Chippawa Lions
g) If games at the Optimist, to their canteen and to their grounds keeper.

TAG DAY (if held)
Held on the third Friday & Saturday in July. Peewee players and below hand out tags.
Help needed from convenors and coaches to drive players.
Usually an award for the top two or three players.

RECOGNITION NIGHT
Held early in July at Oakes Park diamond #1.
Rookie Ball to Peewee play exhibition game.
Junior and Senior Rookie Ball at 5:30, Mosquito at 7:00 and Peewee at 8:30.
First and second place teams are head coaches, all other coaches help on the bases etc.
First, third & fifth vs second, forth & sixth place teams.
About 12 players for each team, 3 or 4 players from each house league team.
Players selected should be teams most dedicated player, most improved and a top pitcher.

ALL-STAR NIGHT
Held on a Saturday early in July at Oakes Park diamond # 1.
Rookie Ball to Bantam play an exhibition game.
Junior and Senior Rookie ball at 4:00 p.m., Mosquito at 5:30 p.m., Peewee at 7:00 p.m. and Bantam at 8:30 p.m.
The best players from the league will play. Coaches will be from any and all teams from within the league.
About 11 to 12 players will constitute each team.
Players will not be allowed to play on both Recognition Night and All-Star Night.

2) TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN

1. If OBA Tournament, send in registration fee as soon as possible so tournament is listed on the OBA Web Site usually by the end of January.
2. Try to find a sponsor for each division.
3. Give game convenors a copy of your tournament rules, local and OBA.
4. Give game convenors a copy of your schedule.
5. Set up your protest committee.
6. If tournament has a sponsor invite him to help present awards.

3) COACH'S SELECTION COMMITTEE

1. Advertise for all open coaching positions.
2. Contact local sports department for a write up.
3. All coaches must apply in writing for position.
4. Receive all applications from coaches.
5. Everyone applying for a position must receive a copy of GNBA Travel Coach's Guidelines.
6. Interview all applicants.
7. Give all applicants a copy of GNBA coaching guidelines.
8. Recommend a coach for each position to the GNBA executive for final approval.
9. Monitor all coaches during season and report to the GNBA.
10. Accesses all travel coaches with a report before final executive meeting.

4) UMPIRES

1) Umpires must wear a blue shirt and grey pants.
2) Umpires will not wear shoes with medal cleats or spikes (below bantam)
3) Umpires should inspect playing field prior to game.
4) Umpires shall enforce rules governing players and coaches.
5) Actions by players and coaches are under the umpires jurisdiction while in the ball park.
6) Team captains will be allowed to discuss the rules with an umpire, but it must not get out of hand. The aim is to have our players respect our umpires, not fear them. The umpires decision on judgment calls is final.
7) If after a conference between two umpires they decide an incorrect call was made, they should correct the error.
8) The umpire will take charge of the game 5 minutes prior to scheduled starting time and go over ground rules with coaches and team captains.
9) Umpires other than GNBA should be approved by both coaches.
10) If only one GNBA umpire arrives for your game the home team will pick a base umpire.
11) If no umpires turns up for a game, the home team shall supply the plate umpire and the visiting team the base umpire.
12) Umpires will immediately report all suspensions and ejections to the convenor and the Umpire in Chief.

GNBA / LADIES AUXILIARY AWARDS DAY

1) No individual trophies, awards or special presentations to be made on this day without the permission of the GNBA and the GNBA Ladies Auxiliary. Awards day is for team recognition and all individual awards will be handled by the GNBA.
2) The number of team awards is limited to head coach, assistant coach, manager, bat boy and all players on team.
3) All convenors should forward a copy of all your teams, players and coaches along with any award winners to the Ladies Auxiliary.
4) League Champion: First place team in regular season.
5) Playoff Champion: Winner of playoffs.
6) Playoff Consolation: Winner of the playoffs from the weaker teams in the league, not the runner up from the playoffs.
7) Awards given out in any particular year are dependent on the financial situation of the GNBA at the time. A fourth team award, Championship Game Finalist, may be distributed in certain leagues as the Executive and Directors determine on a year by year basis.

TRAVEL AWARDS
Any team winning either the Niagara District regular season or the Niagara District playoffs, along with the following individual awards:
ROOKIE BALL - M.V.P.
MOSQUITO "B" - M.V.P. MINOR MOSQUITO - M.V.P.
MAJOR MOSQUITO - M.V.P. & Sportsmanship Award
PEEWEE "B" - M.V.P. MINOR PEEWEE - M.V.P.
MAJOR PEEWEE - M.V.P. & Sportsmanship Award
MINOR BANTAM - M.V.P. MAJOR BANTAM - M.V.P. & Bantam Pitcher Award
MIDGET - M.V.P. & Sportsmanship Award
JUNIOR - M.V.P.

HOUSE LEAGUE AWARDS

JUNIOR ROOKIE BALL League, Playoff & Consolation
M.V.P.

SENIOR ROOKIE BALL League, Playoff & Consolation
M.V.P.
MOSQUITO League, Playoff & Consolation
M.V.P. & Sportsmanship Award

PEEWEE League, Playoff & Consolation
M.V.P. & Best Effort Award

BANTAM League, Playoff & Consolation
M.V.P. & Sportsmanship Award

MIDGET League & Playoff
M.V.P.

JUNIOR League & Playoff & M.V.P.

B. GUIDELINES FOR GNBA COACHES

1) ALL GNBA COACHES

1) All players must be registered.
2) Play 3) If you attend a coaching clinic you must apply to the GNBA secretary at least 30 days prior to attending clinic to receive a refund, and supply receipts within 7 days after attending clinic.
4) Teams are NOT allowed to do any fund raising unless approved by the GNBA executive and directors at an executive meeting.
5) Coach is responsible for equipment so make sure players take care of it. If you need repairs or new equipment contact your convenor.
6) At the end of the year return all equipment and practise balls.
7) GNBA jackets are available at the Jacket Cellar in Chippawa.
8) Batting cage is available, to reserve times contact your convenor. After using, return all balls and pitching machine to clubhouse.
9) No smoking on the playing field or bench.
10) Give a copy of the team roster and schedule of games and practises to each player on your team. Contact players or parents of any changes as soon as possible.
11) Coach is not to argue with players or parents, refer them to your convenor.
12) When team pictures are taken invite your sponsor to appear in picture.
13) If you know you will be short players for a game you may call a player up from one level lower with the coaches permission. He must play his own game first.
14) Do not play any exhibition games with any team outside your league without the permission of your convenor.
15) Additional practice diamonds may be available, contact your convenor.

2) HOUSE LEAGUE COACHES

1) All players must receive equal playing time.
2) Players to shake hands at the end of game.
3) A coach may not suspend a player without convenor consent.
4) If you bench a player in a game report it to your convenor.
5) No harassment of umpires or the other team's players or coaches will be tolerated.
6) The umpires have the right to eject any player, coach or spectator who uses abusive language or generally refuses to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner.
7) Home team coach to submit a game report to the N.F. Review with team or league sponsor's name on every report.
8) House league select tournaments are available if you apply early.
9) Home team will be official scorekeeper, it is up to visiting team's scorekeeper to periodically check with home team to make sure their scores and batters match.
10) Starting in mosquito and in all older house leagues each team is to appoint a captain before the start of the game. The captain is the only person to question the umpire if the team thinks an error was made. The coach can talk to the umpire only if the umpire grants him/her permission.

3) TRAVEL COACHES

1) Head coach must be carded by the National Coaches Certification Program Level I Technical (baseball). All coaches in an Ontario Elimination or all Canada must be carded full Level II - theory, technical and practical.
2) All players must be registered, have paid their travel surcharge and be carded.
3) GNBA supplied uniform and hat must be worn by all players and coaches.
4) All game results must be reported to:
1) your Niagara District convenor within 24 hours
2) the N.F. Review with your sponsors name in every report.
5) Enter tournaments early, as they fill up very fast. Let players and parents know about tournaments as soon as possible.
6) When entering tournaments you must have permission from the GNBA and the ND.
7) Included in your travel surcharge is payment for three tournaments, after that it is up to your players or parents. Elimination tournaments count as two tournaments.
8) If you know you will be short players for a game you can call players from our house league or from a lower division travel team. Players called up must be carded, and not have a game at the same time. Make arrangements with GNBA travel convenor for an extra uniform for call-ups.
9) Have a meeting with your parents at the start of the year and explain your plans for the year.
10) When team pictures are taken invite your sponsor to appear in the picture with your players.
11) Be consistent with all players.
12) All GNBA travel teams play in the Niagara District Baseball Association. NDBA has convenors for each age group who make up your schedules.
13) When Niagara District rates your team for OBA playoffs be sure you, your players and their parents know where the tournament will be held as the team will be committed to go.
14) Travel coaches have an obligation to their team. There should be a minimum commitment level to your team (i.e. 2 games and 1 practice per week). If a game is cancelled a practice should be held.

4) SELECT TEAMS

Select Coaches will be in place no later than May 20 of every season. Tryouts must be completed by June 3 at the latest. The Coach must provide a list of team members to the appropriate league convenor before the teams first game. No new player may be added or removed (with the exception of removal, discipline, attendance, injury, game ejection) after June 23. Removal of any player(s) requires the approval of the Executive and Directors prior to removal. Exception requests will be considered, but must be approved by the G.N.B.A. Executive and Directors.

MAJOR / MINOR TEAMS
If the GNBA has minor and major teams in the same division all players must play with their own age.

"B" OR SECOND TEAM IN ANY AGE GROUP
All players wishing to try out to play on a "B" team must first attend the tryouts and be cut from the major or minor "A" team.
If a "B" player is called up to play for either "A" team he must move up or he will be returned to house league.
If you know you will be short players for a game you can call players from our house league that were cut from the travel "A" team or from a lower division travel team. Players called up must be carded, and not have a game at the same time. Make arrangements with GNBA travel convenor for an extra uniform for call-ups.

GNBA HOUSE LEAGUE RULES

GNBA JUNIOR ROOKIE BALL RULES

Official Baseball Rules will apply where no special GNBA rules.
Base 60 feet apart, pitching machine 40 feet
All games are 5 innings, 3 innings constitute an official game.

1. Each team may have 11 defensive players, left and right side pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, left centre fielder, right centre fielder and right fielder. Eight players will constitute a legal team. If short players call up from next lower league, as long as there is no conflict with his schedule.
2. Every player must play 3 innings defensively each game.
3. A player cannot play the same position for more than two innings per game.
4. Every player must play two innings in the infield each game.
5. Each pitcher must stand beside the pitching machine outside the safety circle and behind the release point of the machine. If a batted ball hits anything in the safety circle or bounces and remains in the safety circle, the ball is dead, a single is awarded and base runners advance one base including the last batter.
6. At first base the defensive player must use the "fair base" of the safety base while the batter/runner must play the foul base side. Penalty - to the defence; award a single to the batter, - to the offence; award an out.
7. Batters cannot bunt (bunts are strikes).
8. Base runners cannot lead off and cannot steal bases. They cannot leave base until the ball is hit (Penalty - one warning, next time runner is out).
9. The on deck batter and base runners must wear helmets and chin straps.
10. The umpire shall be the pitching machine operator.
11. Players shall wear full uniforms (team hat, team shirt, baseball pants and cup). A good pair of running shoes or turf shoes are recommended. A player out of uniform cannot play, check with convenor for any exemption to the rule.
12. Catchers are required to wear a mask with throat protector, helmet, chest protector, shin guards, cup and cup supporter.
13. At least 20 balls are to be used to start each game. As such 2 pails are required, one for in the safety circle and one for in the catchers area.
14. Infield fly rule does not apply in Rookie Ball.
15. Runners will be allowed to run to the halfway line between bases and return to the base just touched PROVIDED THEY HAVE NOT CROSSED THE HALFWAY LINE.
16. If a runner decides to return to his base, he must continue to do so (no run downs). If he crosses the halfway line he must continue to the next base unless it is a caught fly ball or a foul ball.
17. All plays are force plays after the player crosses the line. A runner may also be put out by being tagged.
18. The play will be called by the umpire when an infielder has control of the ball.
19. When the ball goes out of bounds, runners advance one base. If the ball remains in play on an overthrow runners may advance at their own risk.
20. Every player will hit in every inning. If a player comes late his name is added to the end of the batting order. Both teams will bat the same number of players each inning. If a team has less players a different player will bat twice each inning, (i.e. first inning player #1 bats twice, second inning player #2 bats twice, etc).
21. LAST BATTER - The catcher is the only player on the field that can make the final out, he ends an inning by touching home plate with possession of the ball. Any player on the field may record an out at home plate by placing touching home plate before the runner reaches home, except the last batter.
22. LAST BATTER - If the last batter in an inning hits a fly ball that is caught, the runners must tag up before proceeding to the next base. The fielding team must have the catcher touch home plate to end the inning.
23. Coach of the home team is responsible for setting up the pitching machine and putting it away. The pitching machine speed cannot be altered except at the end of the inning.
24. All House League games can be an official game with a minimum of 8 players.
25. Game curfew for all House League games. No new inning will start after two hours from the
first pitch of the game. All teams will have 15 minutes from the scheduled start time of the
game to field a team or the game is forfeit.
26. All playoffs evening games in the House League, at parks with no lights will have a starting
time of 5:30 p.m., changes can only be made by league convenor.
27. Players will be given a single warning for throwing the bat. The second occurrence will result
in ejection from the game.

28. OBA carded players are not allowed to play in the House Leagues or Select programs, unless he/she is a call up player (A.P. Player) used only occasionally on a Travel Team.

GNBA SENIOR ROOKIE BALL RULES

Official Baseball Rules will apply where no special GNBA rules.
Base 65 feet apart, pitching machine 40 feet
All games are 7 innings, 4 innings constitute an official game.

1. Each team may have 11 defensive players, left and right side pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, left centre fielder, right centre fielder and right fielder. Eight players will constitute a legal team. If short players call up from next lower league, as long as there is no conflict with his schedule.
2. Every player must play 3 innings defensively each game.
3. A player cannot play the same position for more than two innings per game.
4. Every player must play two innings in the infield each game.
5. Each pitcher must stand beside the pitching machine outside the safety circle and behind the release point of the machine. If a batted ball hits anything in the safety circle or bounces and remains in the safety circle, the ball is dead, a single is awarded and base runners advance one base.
6. At first base the defensive player must use the "fair base" of the safety base while the batter/runner must play the foul base side. Penalty - to the defence; award a single to the batter, - to the offence; award an out.
7. Batters cannot bunt (bunts are strikes).
8. Base runners cannot lead off and cannot steal bases. They cannot leave base until the ball is hit (Penalty - one warning, next time runner is out).
9. The on deck batter and Base runners must wear helmets and chin straps.
10. After two outs, if catcher for next inning is on base, he must be replaced by player making the last out.
11. The umpire shall be the pitching machine operator.
12. Players shall wear full uniforms (team hat, team shirt, baseball pants and cup). A good pair of running shoes or turf shoes are recommended. A player out of uniform cannot play, check with convenor for any exemption to the rule.
13. Catchers are required to wear a mask with throat protector, helmet, chest protector, shin guards, cup and cup supporter.
14. At least 20 balls are to be used to start each game. As such 2 pails are required, one for in the safety circle and one for in the catchers area.
15. Infield fly rule does not apply in Rookie Ball.
16. Runners will be allowed to run to the halfway line between bases and return to the base just touched PROVIDED THEY HAVE NOT CROSSED THE HALFWAY LINE.
17. If a runner decides to return to his base, he must continue to do so (no run downs). If he crosses the halfway line he must continue to the next base unless it is a caught fly ball or a foul ball.
18. All plays are force plays after the player crosses the line. A runner may also be put out by being tagged.
19. The play will be called by the umpire when an infielder has control of the ball.
20. When the ball goes out of bounds, runners advance one base. If the balls remains in play on an overthrow runners may advance at their own risk.
21. BATTING - when 3 outs are made inning is over. Each batter will receive a maximum of 5 pitches. If the batter does not hit a fair ball, he strikes out. If a player comes late his name is added to the end of the batting order.
22. MERCY RULE - maximum 5 runs per inning, except when behind team can catch up and score 5 more runs per inning.
23. Coach of the home team is responsible for setting up the pitching machine and putting it away. The pitching machine speed cannot be altered except at the end of the inning.
24. All House League games can be an official game with a minimum of 8 players.
25. Game curfew for all House League games. No new inning will start after two hours from the
first pitch of the game. All teams will have 15 minutes from the scheduled start time of the
game to field a team or the game is forfeit.
26. All playoffs evening games in the House League, at parks with no lights will have a staring
time of 5:30 p.m., changes can only be made by league convenor.
27. Players will be given a single warning for throwing the bat. The second occurrence will result
in ejection from the game.

28. OBA carded players are not allowed to play in the House Leagues or Select programs, unless he/she is a call up player (A.P. Player) used only occasionally on a Travel Team.

GNBA MOSQUITO RULES

Official Baseball Rules will apply where no special GNBA rules.
Bases are 65 feet apart, pitching rubber is 44 feet from back of home plate.
All games to be 7 innings, 4 innings is an official game, ties remain tie game.

1. All players at game bat in your batting order, late player bats last.
2. Park curfew in effect, no new inning to start after set time: umpire, team captains and coaches to discuss curfew before game when going over ground rules.
3. Each team to appoint a captain before start of game. The captain is the only person to question the umpire if the team thinks an error was made. The coach can talk to the umpire only if the umpire grants him/her permission.
4. Swearing, rough play, harassing other team or fighting is an automatic game ejection.
5. Absolutely no harassment of umpires or the other team's players or coaches will be tolerated.
6. Minimum of 8 players to play game, if you forfeit a game, still play an exhibition game.
7. If short players, call up players from senior rookie ball house league, call up must play any scheduled game in his/her own division.
8. Unlimited substitution for defensive positions, no player to sit out 2 consecutive innings. All players to play a minimum of 3 innings. No player to sit out third inning until all players have sat out twice.

9. Mercy Rule
a) A maximum of 5 runs can be scored in each of the first four (4) innings.

b) A ten (10) run mercy rule will apply after completion of five (5) innings of play (4 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead by 10 runs at that point) If the home team goes up by ten (10) runs during it's half of the inning, the game ends at that point even if three (3) outs have not yet been recorded.

10. Defensive players can not fake a tag. Penalty - game ejection
11. Regular baseball rules govern over throws. Penalty: two bases either from the time of the pitch or the time of the throw. Exception: pitcher - one base from the rubber.

12. Base Running
A baserunner can lead off from first and second base only. No lead offs are allowed from third base.

(a) A runner on third base can advance to home when (1) the ball is hit (2) a walk occurs with the bases loaded which forces the runner to come home from third (3) the batter is hit by a pitch with the bases loaded which forces the runner to come home from third.

(b) A runner on third base cannot advance to home when (1) a wild pitch is thrown (2) a passed ball occurs (3) a pick off attempt (4) steal of home plate.

13. Contact Rule - as Baseball Canada's Collision Avoidance Rule 4:05
A) Runners are instructed to slide or attempt to avoid making contact with a fielder. A player who maliciously runs into another player is to be declared out (unless he/she has already scored prior to committing the infraction) and is to be automatically ejected (whether or not declared safe).
B) Contact shall be considered malicious if: the contact is the result of intentional excessive force, and / or there is an intent to injure.
C) Malicious contact is to be penalized whether committed by an offensive or defensive player.
The umpire shall determine whether contact was avoidable or unavoidable - whether the runner was trying to reach the base or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder. If the
runner a) could have avoided the fielder and reached the base, or b) attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner is out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other runners shall return to the last base legally occupied by them at the time of the contact. If the fielder blocks the base path, the runner may slide into or collide with the fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base. If the collision is flagrant, the runner is called out and ejected. The ball is declared dead. If the defensive player blocks the base path clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball is signalled. If the runner collides flagrantly, he/she shall be declared safe due to obstruction but shall be ejected. The ball is dead.
14. A substitute runner may be put into the game to replace an injured runner without the runner being removed from the game. A substitute runner must be agreed on by the opposing coach. The substitute runner will be the last player that was out.
15. After two outs, if the catcher is on base, he is to be replaced on base by the last player out.
16. All batters and runners will wear chin straps on their helmets, he/she is subject to be called out at the discretion of the umpire for not wearing chin straps.
17. The batter cannot become a base runner on a catchers miss of a third strike. The third strike, either called or swinging does not have to be caught by the catcher. The batter is automatically out, however the ball is alive and in play.
18. The infield-fly rule is not in effect.
19. Players are not allowed to wear metal spikes or cleats.
20. All players must wear a protective cup.
21. Players must wear full uniform as supplied by the GNBA.
22. All House League games can be an official game with a minimum of 8 players.
23. Game curfew for all House League games. No new inning will start after two hours from the
first pitch of the game. All teams will have 15 minutes from the scheduled start time of the
game to field a team or the game is forfeit.
24. All playoffs evening games in the House League, at parks with no lights will have a staring
time of 5:30 p.m., changes can only be made by league convenor.
25. Players will be given a single warning for throwing the bat. The second occurrence will result
in ejection from the game.

26. OBA carded players are not allowed to play in the House Leagues or Select programs, unless he/she is a call up player

(A.P. Player) used only occasionally on a Travel Team.

27. Players will be allowed to cheer from the dugout but at no time may they address or call an opponent

by any name or their own. Result : If they did adhere to the rule, the individual(s) will be ejected from the game

and receive an automatic one game suspension.

28. No smoking will be allowed during the game at any time by the coaching staff. The individual will be ejected from the game.

29. Consumption of alcohol by parents and or coaches will not be tolerated. Any individual consuming alcohol

will be asked to leave the ballpark and a disciplinary meeting will be held to the individual(s) involved.

30. Any base runner intentionally removing their helmet while running the bases will be warned

once and called out on the second and subsequent offences.

31. It will be the winning coach’s responsibility to e-mail the score to the league convenor

immediately after the game. In the event of a discrepancy in the score, the home team will be

the official scorekeeper.

32. No batter is to be intentionally walked.

33. Argument between coaches will not be tolerated. The individual(s) will be ejected from the

game and will be suspended further pending on the severity of the incident.

Pitchers

1. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of three inning, in any order, per game.
2. Throwing one pitch constitutes an inning pitched
3. A Pitcher who hits a batter with a pitch will only be removed from pitching if in the Umpire's judgement he was intentionally throwing at the batter with the intent to injure or intimidate.
4. Balks will be called for intent to deceive the base runners, at the start of the season the umpire may first warn a pitcher.

5.A player may not re-enter the defensive line-up as a pitcher in the same inning that he has already been removed as a pitcher

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

1. All players to shake hands at the end of the game.
2. Spitting on hands during or before handshakes will not be tolerated.
3. No harassment of umpires or other team by players or coaches.

Call Ups

1. When a team is short players at the official game start time, ( in Mosquito – under 9 players), a player may be called up from the next lower league, as long as there is no conflict with the call up player's schedule. If a call up starts a game and a regular team player arrives late, the call up can continue to play a maximum of every other inning defensively and the call up will remain in the batting order. If at game time a team has enough players ( Mosquito – 9 players), the call up cannot play. The player called up must wear his / her own teams’ uniform. A travel player cannot be a call up for house league team.

GNBA PEEWEE RULES

Official Baseball Rules will apply where no special GNBA rules.
Bases are 75 feet apart, pitching rubber is 50 feet from back of home plate.
All games to be 7 innings, 4 innings is an official game, ties remain tie game.

1. All players at game bat in your batting order, late player bats last.
2. Park curfew in effect, no new inning to start after set time: umpire, team captains and coaches to discuss curfew before game when going over ground rules.
3. Each team to appoint a captain before start of game. The captain is the only person to question the umpire if the team thinks an error was made. The coach can talk to the umpire only if the umpire grants him/her permission.
4. Swearing, rough play, harassing other team or fighting is an automatic game ejection.
5. Absolutely no harassment of umpires or the other team's players or coaches will be tolerated.
6. Minimum of 8 players to play game, if you forfeit a game, still play an exhibition game.
7. If short players, call up players from mosquito house league, call up must play any scheduled game in his/her own division.
8. Unlimited substitution for defensive positions, no player to sit out 2 consecutive innings. All players to play a minimum of 3 innings. No player to sit out third inning until all players have sat out twice.

9. Mercy Rule
a) A maximum of 5 runs can be scored in each of the first four (4) innings.

10. Defensive players can not fake a tag. Penalty - game ejection
11. Contact Rule - as Baseball Canada's Collision Avoidance Rule 4:05
A) Runners are instructed to slide or attempt to avoid making contact with a fielder. A player who maliciously runs into another player is to be declared out (unless he/she has already scored prior to committing the infraction) and is to be automatically ejected (whether or not declared safe).
B) Contact shall be considered malicious if: the contact is the result of intentional excessive force, and / or there is an intent to injure.
C) Malicious contact is to be penalized whether committed by an offensive or defensive player.
The umpire shall determine whether contact was avoidable or unavoidable - whether the runner was trying to reach the base or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder. If the runner a) could have avoided the fielder and reached the base, or b) attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner is out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other runners shall return to the last base legally occupied by them at the time of the contact. If the fielder blocks the base path, the runner may slide into or collide with the fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base. If the collision is flagrant, the runner is called out and ejected. The ball is declared dead. If the defensive player blocks the base path clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball is signalled. If the runner collides flagrantly, he/she shall be declared safe due to obstruction but shall be ejected. The ball is dead.
12. A substitute runner may be put into the game to replace an injured runner without the runner being removed from the game. A substitute runner must be agreed on by the opposing coach. The substitute runner will be the last player that was out.
13. After two outs, if the catcher is on base, he is to be replaced on base by the last player out.
14. All batters and runners will wear chin straps on their helmets, he/she is subject to be called out at the discretion of the umpire for not wearing chin straps.
15. If the catcher doesn't catch the ball after strike three the batter must be tagged out or thrown out at first base.
16. The infield-fly rule is in effect
17. Base runners may steal any base.
18. Players are not allowed to wear metal spikes or cleats.
19. All players must wear a protective cup.
20. Players must wear full uniform as supplied by the GNBA.
21. All House League games can be an official game with a minimum of 8 players.
22. Game curfew for all House League games. No new inning will start after two hours from the
first pitch of the game. All teams will have 15 minutes from the scheduled start time of the
game to field a team or the game is forfeit.
23. All playoffs evening games in the House League, at parks with no lights will have a staring
time of 5:30 p.m., changes can only be made by league convenor.
24. Players will be given a single warning for throwing the bat. The second occurrence will result
in ejection from the game.

25. OBA carded players are not allowed to play in the House Leagues or Select programs, unless he/she is a call up player (A.P. Player) used only occasionally on a Travel Team.

26. Players will be allowed to cheer from the dugout but at no time may they address or call opponent by any name or their own. Result : If they did adhere to the rule, the individual(s)will be ejected from the game and receive an automatic one game suspension.

27. No smoking will be allowed during the game at any time by the coaching staff. The individualwill be ejected from the game.

28. Consumption of alcohol by parents and or coaches will not be tolerated. Any individual consuming alcohol will be asked to leave the ballpark and a disciplinary meeting will be held to the individual(s) involved.

29. Any base runner intentionally removing their helmet while running the bases will be warned once and called out on the second and subsequent offences.

30. It will be the winning coach’s responsibility to e-mail the score to the league convenor immediately after the game. In the event of a discrepancy in the score, the home team will be the official scorekeeper.