League Information

If this document does not reference a rule or a question, Big Bear Youth Baseball and Softball follow Pony Rules. Please see the 2025 Pony Softball Rulebook or the 2025 Pony Baseball Rulebook. If the Pony rulebooks do not cover such rules, please refer to the MLB Rulebook.

Constitution

ARTICLE I - NAME

The league (organization or corporation) shall be known as: BIG BEAR YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL hereinafter referred to as the League (or Organization or Corporation) a member of the PONY BASEBALL, a non-profit Pennsylvania corporation. Big Bear Youth Baseball & Softball will carry on a program of baseball in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of PONY Baseball, Inc., a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the event Big Bear Youth Baseball & Softball fails to abide by the Rules and Regulations of PONY Baseball Inc. it shall, at the request of PONY Baseball Inc. cease to use the name of PONY Baseball, Inc. and the registered trademark names and emblems of PONY Baseball leagues.

ARTICLE II - STATEMENT OF POLICY

SECTION 1 - It shall be the policy of the League to conduct its activities that the physical and moral welfare of the young people for whose benefit it is organized shall remain paramount and all matters of policy shall be determined on that basis.

SECTION 2 - No person who is a member of or who is employed by or who is in any way connected with the League shall receive any personal financial benefit therefore beyond the reasonable value of the services in carrying out the purpose for which the League has been organized.

SECTION 3 - In order to secure suitable and adequate financial backing to carry out the purpose of the League, it shall be the policy of the League to permit only such sponsorship as is consistent with the purpose for which the League is organized and to select sponsors who are interested in the League solely or principally as a means of contributing to the welfare of the young people.

SECTION 4 - It shall be the policy of the League to prohibit any direct advertising of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in connection with the League or any of its programs.

ARTICLE III - PURPOSE

SECTION 1 - The purpose of the League shall be to organize and supervise the playing of baseball and softball under specialized rules and regulations, to secure suitable and adequate financial backing for these purposes, and to own, lease or otherwise provide suitable playing facilities and equipment for these purposes.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 - Volunteer adults, parents or guardians of any child registered in the league, team sponsors and other contributors, managers and coaches of teams in the league, and members of the Board of Directors and Auxiliary Board shall constitute the membership of BIG BEAR YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL.

SECTION 2 - All volunteer adults and members of the Board of Directors and Auxiliary Board must submit to a background check and Live Scan.

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1 - The Board of Directors shall consist of all currently elected members of the Executive Board and Auxiliary Board for the terms and/or the manners provided for in the Bylaws of the League.

SECTION 2 - In recognition of the general powers of the Board of Directors exercised by virtue of their office, they shall have the power: to purchase or otherwise acquire for the league any property, right, or privilege which the League is authorized to acquire by the League membership, at such price or consideration and upon such terms as the Board of Directors may deem expedient and as is approved by a majority vote of the league membership; to appoint or remove or suspend subordinate agents or volunteers, and to determine their duties and fix their salaries; to determine who shall be authorized, on behalf of the League, to sign bills, notices, receipts, acceptances, endorsements, checks, releases, contracts, and any other instruments; to delegate any of the powers of the Board of Directors to any standing committee, special committee or any officer or agent of the League, with any powers as the Board of Directors may see fit to grant and to generally do all such lawful acts and take actions as may be necessary and proper.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1 - The Executive Board shall include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and an elected Board Member by the Auxiliary Board.

ARTICLE VII - AUXILIARY BOARD

SECTION 1- The Auxiliary Board shall include Head Team Mom, Registrar, Equipment Manager, Head of Fields, Uniforms, Trophies, Sponsors, Fundraising, Website, and Pictures. If individuals do not volunteer for these positions, they will be performed by appointed committees using active board members.

ARTICLE VIII - GOVERNMENT

SECTION 1 - The government of the league shall be under the direct supervision of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2 - All rules governing the playing of baseball & softball, the legality of players and related questions shall be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of PONY BASEBALL, and or covered by Major League Baseball with such modifications adopted by the Board of Directors of the league.

ARTICLE IX - BYLAWS

SECTION 1 - Any Bylaws, not consistent with this Constitution, embodying additional provisions for the government of the Corporation, shall be adopted and may be amended by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 - This constitution may be amended only by the Board of Directors and a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors at an annual meeting of the league, or a special meeting called for that purpose.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - Meetings and Voting

SECTION 1 - The Board of Directors shall hold a closing meeting within one month after the end of the season.

SECTION 2 - The Board of Directors shall hold an annual meeting within three months after the closing meeting. Notice of time and place of this annual meeting shall be made known to the membership of the League through publication and/or individual mailings, not less than 5 days prior to the date of the meeting. All currently vacant positions on the Board of Directors will be open to members of the league.

SECTION 3 - Beginning no later than September the Board of Directors shall regularly meet a minimum of once a month throughout the duration of the season excluding the months of July, November and December.

SECTION 4 - Special meetings of the League membership may be called by the President, or by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, or upon written request to the Secretary by not less than seven (7) members of the League. Notice of time and place of special meetings of the League membership shall be made known to the membership not less than five (5) days prior to the date of the meeting.

SECTION 5 - At each annual or special meetings of the League every Board member present shall be entitled to vote (excluding members at large). There shall be no proxy voting. A majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required for election and questions brought to a vote.

SECTION 6 - At any regularly scheduled meeting of the League no less than seven (7) members eligible to vote shall be required to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

SECTION 7 - At any annual or special meetings of the League the presence of not less than seven (7) members eligible to vote shall be required to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE II - Election of Board Members

SECTION 1 - To be eligible for election and serve on the Board of Directors (Executive or Auxiliary) BIG BEAR YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL, A current Board member must make a motion to nominate a candidate and said candidate must receive a majority vote of the current Board of Directors

SECTION 2 - The term of office for all elected Executive Board of Director members shall be two (2) years office term beginning with the season's final meeting.

SECTION 3 - The term of office for all Auxiliary Board positions shall be one year ending at the season’s final meeting.

SECTION 4 - One-half of the Executive Board of Directors will come up for election every year, their term is 2 years. President (odd), Vice-President (even), Secretary (odd), Treasurer (even). (If not approved to change the constitution the other Board Members will need to be outlined here too.

SECTION 5 - In the event of the death, resignation, or inability to perform the duties of office for any reason, or any officer, the Board of Directors, by a majority vote of those present, and eligible to vote, shall be empowered to select a replacement for such officer, who shall serve until the following annual meeting.

SECTION 6 - Any vacant Executive Board Member position will only be appointed for the remainder of such term as to maintain consistency of elections.

ARTICLE III - BOARD OF DIRECTORS (EXECUTIVE BOARD)

SECTION 1 - The Executive Board shall include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and an elected Board Member by the Auxiliary Board.

SECTION 2 - The full membership of the board shall meet monthly at such time and place determined by the President. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President, or by the Secretary, upon receipt of the written request of at least three members of the Executive Board.

SECTION 3 - The Board of Directors shall have the authority to suspend, discharge, or otherwise discipline any member, manager, coach, player, league official, umpire, parent, guardian or other person whose conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the league.

SECTION 4 - Any adult (person 18 years of age or older) who is suspended, removed or otherwise disciplined by the Board of Directors shall have the right to appeal before the Disciplinary Board at the regular or special meeting called for that purpose.

SECTION 5 - The President shall, upon evidence of misconduct of any player, notify the manager of the team of which the player is a member and the parents of any such player who is less than eighteen (18) years of age, within seventy-two (72) hours of the act.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS (AUXILIARY BOARD)

SECTION 1 - The Auxiliary Board shall include Player Agents, Equipment Manager, Head of Fields, Chief Umpire, Sponsorship/Fundraising Coordinator, Content Manager, and Head of Team Parents.

SECTION 2 - All activities of the Auxiliary Board members are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3 - - The term of office for all Auxiliary Board positions shall be one year ending at the season’s final meeting.

ARTICLE V - DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

SECTION 1 - The President shall preside at all meetings of the League membership and at all meetings of the Board of Directors; shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the League; shall be an ex-official member of all standing and special committees and shall perform such other duties as are normally associated with the office of President.

SECTION 2 - The Vice President shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the President; shall otherwise assist the President in the performance of the President's duties and shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.

SECTION 3 - The Secretary shall have custody of the Bylaws, and all other records of the League; shall notify each Board member to any and all meetings called for by the League; shall keep an accurate record of the meetings and other activities of the League and the Board of Directors; shall be responsible for all correspondence on behalf of the League and shall transmit all records and correspondence to any person elected to succeed him or her in that office.

SECTION 4 - The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all funds with the approval of the Board of Directors; shall keep an accurate account of all funds received and disbursed for the League ; shall submit a financial report at all regular meetings and at such other times as may be requested by the President; shall compile an annual report of League finances; shall provide the books of the League and such other documentation as requested for the annual audit and shall transmit all financial records to any person elected to succeed him or her in that office.

ARTICLE VI - FINANCIAL POLICY

SECTION 1 - The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the league, bearing the responsibility to conduct the financial affairs of the league in a sound business-like manner.

SECTION 2 - To equalize the benefits of the League for all participating teams, solicitation of funds shall be for the treasury of the League and contributions to individuals or teams shall be discouraged.

SECTION 3 - The Board of Directors shall institute policy related to the preparation and acceptance of an annual budget, and periodic and annual presentation of financial reports, and an annual audit of the books of the league.

SECTION 4 - Any League expense over the amount of $100.00 shall require either the approval of the Executive Board of Directors or the Full membership of the League.

ARTICLE VII - MANAGER, COACH AND UMPIRE SELECTION

SECTION 1 - All volunteers, including anyone who officially works in direct contact with the players, are subject to background checks. This includes, but is not limited to: Board Members, Managers, Coaches, Team Parents and Umpires. The Board of Directors shall review the qualifications of all people who wish to participate in the league. Candidates are subject to review of past behavior and conduct from previous seasons. Selection of candidates shall be subject to the approval of the majority of the Full membership of the Board.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 - These Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Full membership of the Board at the annual meeting or a special meeting.

ARTICLE IX - PLAYER DRAFT

SECTION 1 - All Managers must be selected and approved by the Board of Directors prior to the draft of that division.

SECTION 2 - All players must participate in one of two mandatory evaluations.

SECTION 3 - Player Agents are in charge of the draft and assist managers in the selection of their teams.

SECTION 4 - Each player drafted shall remain a member of that team for the balance of the teams in the division. Players may be traded within their ranking skill level and can be released to another team only during the scheduled draft time.

SECTION 5 - Any trades MUST be approved by the Player Agent and ALL managers.

CONDUCT AND PENALTIES

Managers, Coaches, Umpires, Team Parents and League Officials are responsible for the Players' conduct on and off the field, as well as their own. In as much as the whole overall goal of the League is to play the game and further the concepts of sportsmanship and mutual respect, the following rules of conduct will be adhered to by all parties, as applicable.

THROWING EQUIPMENT

No Player, Coach or Manager will be allowed to throw any piece of equipment in a display of temper or frustration. Penalty: Ejection from game (to be determined by umpire). If a Coach or Manager is ejected, he/she will be suspended from the following game.

PROFANITY

Profanity will not be tolerated by ANY player, coach, manager, or spectator. Penalty: Ejection from game or stands.

SMOKING OR DRINKING

Drinking of Alcoholic beverages is prohibited during any Big Bear Youth Baseball & Softball function. Smoking is not allowed within 20 feet of any child or gate. Penalty: If behavior continues after being warned, ejection from game, and not allowed to participate in the following game.

UMPIRE DECISIONS

Manager, Coaches, Players, and Spectators will show respect for decisions of the Umpires. Discussions over judgment calls or rule interpretations (by Managers only) are permissible if done with dignity and sincerity. Penalty: Arguing with umpire may result in ejection from game (to be determined by umpire). Offending parties will not participate in the following game if ejected.

HECKLING

Managers, Coaches, Players, or Spectators shall not heckle Umpires or challenge JUDGEMENT decisions. Penalty: Ejection from game (to be determined by umpire). Failure to leave the game will result in forfeiture by the team.

LEAGUE RULES

Unless indicated in these pages, Big Bear Youth Baseball and Softball follow Pony/ Major League Rules.

YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES

FOAL TBALL

Equipment

No metal cleats are allowed.

Pitching

N/A (Tee Only)

Batters:

Are not permitted to bunt. (Penalty: The batter shall be called back to the plate, the swing is a foul-strike, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance). Ball needs to travel at least 8 feet from home plate in fair territory to be a hit.

Rules:

- Distance between bases: 50 Feet

- Game length shall be as many complete innings as possible within the 1 hour 15-minute time limit. (No new inning shall start after 1 hour)

- Players can be thrown/tagged out, but outs will not be counted, and players may continue to run the bases. All players will bat each inning, once all players have batted that inning is over.

- On a batted ball, runners may advance one base.

- The Catcher needs to be in catchers gear helmet/mask, chest protection, (knee/shin guards, cup/groin protection recommended but not required). (The catcher can take up a standing position to the side if desired.) Players can use a standard glove (no catcher’s glove is required).

- There may be a total of 5 coaches/ team parents per team within the dugout area. On the field there may only be a total of 4 coaches. (Two Coaches as base coaches, a pitcher and a catcher.)

SHETLAND -TBALL

Equipment

No metal cleats are allowed.

Pitching

Coach pitch from 38 Feet. The batter shall receive 4 pitches (if needed) from the coach, if the batter does not get a hit, then batter shall receive 2 swings using a tee.

Batters:

Rules:

- Distance between bases: 50 Feet

- Game length shall be as many complete innings as possible within the 1 hour 15-minute time limit. (No new inning shall start after 1 hour)

- Players can be thrown/tagged out, but outs will not be counted, and players may continue to run the bases. All players will bat each inning, once all players have batted that inning is over.

- On a batted ball, runners may advance one base.

- There may be a total of 5 coaches/ team parents per team within the dugout area. On the field there may only be a total of 4 coaches. (Two Coaches as base coaches, a pitcher and a catcher.)

PINTO

Equipment

No metal cleats are allowed.

Pitching

Player/ Coach Pitch: If the batter receives 4 balls, instead of walking, they will revert to Coach Pitch to complete the at bat. The Coach will pitch the remaining strikes available for the batter. All pitches thrown by the Coach are counted as strikes. The batter must either hit the ball or strike out on the remaining pitches. There will be no walks in player pitch. See Player/ Coach Pitch Addendum for more details.

Rules:

- Five run rule is in effect except the 6th inning. Under the discretion of the umpire, the last inning may be called prior to the 6th inning, at which time, the umpire may waive the Five Run Rule. This judgement call may only be made no sooner than 1 hour 30 minutes and no later than 1 hour 45 minutes into the game, and prior to the beginning of the inning.

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours. If the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- A runner only gets one base on an overthrow.

- Once an infielder has possession of the ball all base advancement stops.

- No stealing bases.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during the game, shall forfeit the game.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- Total of 10 players on the field (4 outfielders).

- There may be a total of 4 coaches per team within the dugout. On the field there may only be a total of 3 coaches. (Two Coaches as base coaches, a third Coach may be on the field if coach pitching is needed.) The fourth coach must stay in the dugout. No coach may be any closer to home plate than the end of the dugout, unless summoned by the Umpire.

MUSTANG

Equipment:

No metal cleats are allowed.

Rules:

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours. If the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- No time restriction on any post season games.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during game, shall forfeit the game.

- "Drop Third Strike" starts from Day 1.

- Total of 9 players on the field. (3 outfielders) **

- There may be a total of 3 coaches per team within the dugout. On the field there may only be a total of 2 coaches. (Two Coaches as base coaches.) The third coach must stay in the dugout. No coach may be any closer to home plate than the end of the dugout, unless summoned by the Umpire.

BRONCO

Equipment

Metal cleated shoes are NOT permitted.

Rules

- Five run rule is in effect except the 7th inning. Under the discretion of the umpire, the last inning may be called prior to the 7th inning, at which time, the umpire may waive the Five Run Rule. This judgement call may only be made no sooner than 1 hour 30 minutes and no later than 1 hour 45 minutes into the game, and prior to the beginning of the inning.

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours and 15 minutes; if the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- No time restriction on any post season games.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during game, shall forfeit the game.

PONY

Equipment:

Metal cleated baseball shoes are NOT permitted on the pitching mounds; however, they are allowed in the games.

Rules:

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours and 30 minutes; if the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- No time restrictions on any post season games.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during game, shall forfeit the game.

YOUTH SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES

SOFTBALL 8U

Equipment

Metal cleated shoes are NOT permitted.

Player/ Coach Pitch

Rules

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours; if the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- A runner only gets one base on an overthrow.

- Once a player has control of the ball within the pitching circle all base advancement stops. - No stealing bases.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during the game, shall forfeit the game.

- Total of 10 players on the field (4 outfielders).

SOFTBALL 10U

Equipment

Metal cleated shoes are NOT permitted.

Rules

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours; if the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- No time restriction on any post season games.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- A runner only gets one base on an overthrow.

- Once a player has control of the ball within the pitching circle all base advancement stops.

- "Drop Third Strike" starts from Day 1.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during game, shall forfeit the game.

- Teams can play with 4 outfielders if BOTH teams agree to do so and have at least 10 players. Otherwise, teams will play with 3 outfielders.

SOFTBALL 12U

Equipment:

Metal cleated shoes are NOT permitted.

Rules:

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours and 15 minutes; if the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- No time restriction on any post season games.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during game, shall forfeit the game.

SOFTBALL 14U

Equipment:

Metal cleated shoes are allowed in the games.

Rules:

- No new inning may begin after 1hr 45 mins. The game will have a drop-dead time of 2 hours and 30 minutes; if the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

- No time restrictions on any post season games.

- The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.

- A team failing to field at least EIGHT (8) uniformed players within 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time of game, or at any time during game, shall forfeit the game.

OFFICAL RULES

PLAYER PITCH/ COACH PITCH

Player-Pitch Rules

A player will pitch to the opposing batter until the ball is in play, the batter strikes out or receives a walk.

When a batter receives a walk, the batter is not awarded first base. If the batter receives 4 balls, instead of walking, they will revert to Coach Pitch to complete the at bat. The Coach will pitch the remaining strikes available for the batter. All pitches thrown by the Coach are counted as strikes. The batter must either hit the ball or strike out on the remaining pitches.

A batter will not be called out on a foul ball and will be allowed to continue receiving extra pitches if the batter continues to foul off each pitch.

Any player hit by a pitch will have the choice of being awarded first base or they may choose to revert to Coach Pitch and continue at bat.

A player may not pitch over their allowed pitches. Softball may not pitch more than 2 innings in a game.

Coach Pitch Rules

Coaches or managers shall pitch from a pitching plate per pony distance rules (38 ft) from the point of home plate.

The player fielding the pitcher’s position shall take position always to the rear of the pitching plate, and on the left or right side of the coach-pitcher with one foot on the dirt portion of the mound.

Coach-pitcher must remain in contact with the pitching rubber while pitching. He/she must throw the ball overhand/ softball underhand. No kneeling or pitching from the knee is allowed.

The coach-pitcher shall not direct or coach their team in any way on offense. PENALTY: The coach will receive one warning. Second offense, the coach-pitcher may be removed from the mound by the umpire’s discretion.

There are no walks. A batter will not be called out on a foul ball and will be allowed to continue receiving extra pitches if the player continues to foul off each pitch.

If a coach hits a batter with a pitch, no base shall be awarded. The pitch shall be considered a ball.

LEAGUE SCHEDULES

The annual game schedule will be approved by the Board of Directors. Rescheduling or changes in the published schedule may be necessary from time to time due to weather conditions.

Rescheduling in these instances will be determined by the Head of Fields, Players Agents, and Chief Umpire. Rainouts must be played as soon as possible. Back-to-back games may be necessary occasionally.

GAME PROCEDURES

Basic playing rules and regulations are governed by the Official Rules of Major League Baseball with exceptions governed by the official playing rules published by PONY BASEBALL, INC. with the Big Bear Youth Baseball and Softball Local Rules replacing certain rules where applicable.

At any time during our regular season, beginning with practice, players may not participate in any other baseball or softball programs unless approved by the Board of Directors.

GAME TIME SCHEDULE

Each Manager must be sure his players are 'warmed up' in sufficient time to take the field. Infield 'practice' warm-up shall be limited to a maximum of ten (10) minutes per team, if time permits.

Umpires are expected to be at the field twenty (20) minutes prior to the game starting time. No inning shall begin in any game at a time later than 1 hour and 45 minutes. The inning will be played to completion (no drop dead).

All post season games do not have a time limit.

FIELD CONDITIONS

Before each game, the home team manager is responsible for setting up the field (Bases, pitching mound and fence). Home team Scorekeeper will be responsible for submitting final scores.

After the last game each day, the visiting team Manager is responsible for locking the equipment, putting away the bases and mound, and taking the fence down.

Each Manager is responsible after each game for the cleaning of his dugout. Trash and equipment must be removed within ten (10) minutes.

UNIFORMS

Managers and Coaches must be in uniform (i.e., jersey and team hat) and be on the field for at least 75% of the League games. A Coach not in uniform may be in the dugout but will not be allowed on the field during the game. Failure to comply could result in one (1) game suspension of the Manager.

All Players will properly wear the uniform while on the field (this includes shirts tucked in). Pitchers may not have any DISTRACTING material on their arms. This includes sleeves, undershirts, tape, bandages, etc.

In accordance with MLB Rule 3.03 below:

Any part of an undershirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color for all players on a team. Any player other than the pitcher may have numbers, and/or letters, insignia attached to the sleeve of the undershirt.

Sleeve lengths may vary for individual players, but the sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the same length; no player shall wear ragged, frayed or slit sleeves; and no pitcher shall wear sleeves that are white, gray, nor, in the judgment of an umpire, distracting in any manner.

No player shall attach to his uniform tape or other material of different color from his uniform.

No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that imitates or suggests the shape of a baseball.

Glass buttons and polished metal shall not be used on a uniform

An injured Player may be in the dugout without wearing a uniform.

No jewelry will be allowed during a game except medical identification bracelets.

CERTIFIED LEAGUE BADGE

All Managers, coaches and umpires on the field will properly display their Badge during the duration of the game while on the field. All Badges must be presented to the umpire prior to the beginning of the game. Anyone without the required badge present at the beginning of the game will not be permitted to be on the field.

PLAYING FIELD

Except for Players on the field, on-deck hitters, Coaches and Players warming up, ALL PLAYERS MUST REMAIN IN THE DUGOUT BEHIND THE SAFETY LINE DURING PLAY. No one else will be allowed in the dugout.

All gates will be closed during play, including for the dugout field gates.

MASCOTS

No mascots or bat boys/girls are permitted.

GAME TIME DETERMINATION

The game shall be determined by the Umpire's time piece, or time piece as indicated by the Umpire. UMPIRES ARE IN CHARGE OF PLAYING CONDITIONS

Once a game begins, the Umpires oversee playing conditions within these rules.

MINIMUM PLAY RULE

In ALL Divisions, all eligible batters will be put in a line-up for BAT AROUND batting order. All eligible players must play during a minimum of six (6) defensive outs.

CONFLICTS

If a problem arises between a Player's parent and a Manager/Coach, they must attempt to speak with each other first without the Player present. If it cannot be resolved this way, then the appropriate chain of command shall be as follows:

1. A Players Agent will meet with the Manager, Parent and Player.

2. The Manager or Parent may request the Players Agent to schedule a hearing with the Disciplinary Board. Both parties will be heard from before a decision is made.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

All team Managers must have a team meeting with all team members and parents/guardians present. This is a mandatory meeting. No equipment shall be issued, or practice sessions commence prior to this meeting. The Manager shall at the conclusion of the team meeting report to the Player Agent the name of the team parent and the scorekeeper.

Team Parents are responsible for communicating information from the league to the managers and families. Team Parents are responsible for assisting in the general clean-up of the stands after a game and obtaining assistance from other parents.

The home team Manager is responsible for providing the Scorekeeper. The Official Scorekeeper shall be responsible for tallying up the stat totals for both teams and have the home plate Umpire initial stats and sign the Official Book.

The Equipment Manager will issue the equipment. Such equipment 'once issued' shall be the responsibility of the Manager to maintain and care for and return in good condition. Should there be damaged or lost equipment, the Equipment Manager should be notified at once. MANAGERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING EQUIPMENT TO THE EQUIPMENT MANAGER WITHIN 7 DAYS FOLLOWING THEIR LAST GAME.

The Head of Fields will issue lock codes. All fields must be cleared and locked at the end of practice.

All-Star/Tournament Selection

Manager/Coach Selection. The All-Star Manager will be determined by the Board of Directors. The All-Star Manager will be allowed to choose two (2) Coaches from the other Managers and Coaches within the division with approval from the Board of Directors.

Player Selection. Each Manager will present the Player Agent and the selected All-Star Manager player nominations for the team. The All-Star Manager will select players from the lists provided. The Manager, with player agents’ approval, may elect to select a player not from the list.

Manager Tournament Responsibilities. All Team Managers shall be required to work and/or provide personnel to work during the Tournament Play. This time shall be provided during the time their respective team is not playing. Failure to comply with this rule will be considered for the following year's Manager and Coach Selection.

Parent Responsibilities. Parent participation is mandatory during hosted All-Star Tournaments.

Evaluation and Player Placement Process

Big Bear Youth Baseball and Softball encourages all players to play within their age group. If a family would like their player to play within a higher age group, the player will need to evaluate with their age group AND the age group they would like to move up to. To be eligible to play up the player will need to rank as above average in their age group and average in the desired division grouping during evaluations. Players must be within a year of playing in the age division that they are attempting to evaluate up to.

On rare occasions, the league will consider moving up a player because of registration numbers. If this happens the league will contact the family in advance of announcing teams to discuss the options with the family.

Playing Up

If you believe your child should "play up", follow the below steps.

DO NOT alter your child's age in the system to accommodate this desire. You will be required to show proof of age before the season begins.
Register in the division your age range dictates. For example, if your child is 8 and wants to play Mustang, you need to register for Pinto.
In the "Special Request" section of the registration process, note that your child would like to play up a division.
After finishing the registration process, email the Player Agent.
Please include:
-child's name
-division registered in
-league age for this season
-division you would like for them to play up to
Players will be internally moved into a new division by our registrar after evaluations, if approved by the board.
Any change in registration cost (different levels of play may have different playing costs) will be reflected in your online account as a balance due and will need to be paid by the draft date. You will receive email confirmation after the move and request that you pay the remaining balance in your account.

Special Circumstances Player Placements

If there is a safety concern as to why a player may need to play in a lower age division the player will need to evaluate with their age group AND the age group, they would like to move down to. The safety of your player and other players in the league is our priority and we want everyone to have a fun, safe season.

If you believe your child should "play down", follow the below steps.

DO NOT alter your child's age in the system to accommodate this desire. You will be required to show proof of age before the season begins.
Register in the division your age range dictates. For example, if your child is 8 and wants to play down to T-Ball, you will need to register for Pinto.
In the "Special Request" section of the registration process, note that your child has a reason to play down a division.
After finishing the registration process, email the Player Agent for both the currently registered division and lower division Player Agent.

Please include:
-child's name
-division registered in
-league age for this season
-division you would like for them to play

Players will be internally moved into a new division by our registrar after evaluations, if approved by the board.

Any change in registration cost (different levels of play may have different playing costs) will be reflected in your online account as a balance due and will need to be paid by the draft date. You will receive email confirmation after the move and request that you pay the remaining balance in your account.

Draft Rules

Two representatives from the league (a player agent and a board member who does not have a personal interest in the division) will be in attendance during the draft. All draft participants are required to have started their background checks and training to attend the draft.

All players that are evaluated/known will land in 1 of 5 rows. Any number of players can be placed in a row. Example: if there are 17 #3 level players in the draft, they will all be placed in the third row.

Each manager gets 2 pre-picks. Their first pick must be their own child. Their second pick needs to be their Coach’s player (if they don't have a child playing, a coach may select any players available). The players are placed aside until the rated row of these players is started for the draft. The player is placed on the team at that time as the pick for the manager and the next manager continues to pick.

The format will be a snake draft. Example: a division with 4 teams, would draft 1 - 4 and then go back 4 - 1. This means that one manager will receive back-to-back picks for every round.

Drafting order:

1. Manager/ Coaches Players

2. Experienced Pitchers **

3. Remaining players ranking 5 through 1

Software is utilized for drafting purposes, assigning teams and distributing player information to the managers. No software is required at the draft, however, is highly recommended for during the season.

As the draft is taking place the draft cards will be in open view for everyone to see. As a manager drafts a player that player will be moved to that team to indicate the manager drafted that player. If the player is taken off that team during the draft the player will be moved to the new team or back into the free agent section.

At the conclusion of the draft the player agent and board member will add up each team’s players (adding up the players draft ratings). The goal is to have all teams’ players add up to the same value (or as close as possible). Everyone's total will be made known to everyone in the draft. If totals vary more than 5 the player agent will re-evaluate the teams with the discrepancy to find a solution.