Vineland Pigtail Softball League
2020 By-Laws
ARTICLE 1
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
Section 1 Recognition
The Official name shall be "Vineland Pigtail Softball," hereinafter referred to as League.
Authority to establish and run this league is granted by the City of Vineland Recreation
Commission which oversees all League activities.
Section 2 Purpose
A. The purpose of this league is to provide a supervised and competitive softball
program for the benefits of the girls in the City of Vineland community ages (4-16). This league
will promote the ideals of good sportsmanship, skill development, self-confidence
and fun in hopes that its participants grow to be healthy, involved adults.
B. We will make every effort to work in concert with other City of Vineland
Recreational Leagues to foster community relations.
Section 3 Fiscal Year
A. The Fiscal year for this League shall begin on the first day of October in each year
and end on the last day of September in each year. A financial audit shall be performed
at the end of each fiscal year by the Treasurer of the Executive Board.
B. A copy of all financial transaction records maintained by this League shall be
provided to the Recreation Commission by way of the Director of Recreation every (45)
days as ordered.
Section 4 Amendments
The by-laws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by a
two thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board. These bylaws shall be reviewed annually
by the League.
Section 5 Sites of Operations
This League will utilize Fiocchi Fields 1&2 as their primary locations for play.
Memorial School (4) and Magnolia (Paliughi) Park fields will also be utilized as needed
for play as well. As a last resort, Gittone Park will be used for play. All these fields will
be used for practice. Assignment of these fields will be authorized by the Division
Representatives listed in ARTICLE 2 SECTION 5 below.
Section 6 Rules and Regulations
Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations and the Rules and Regulations established by the City
of Vineland Recreation Commission are to be considered binding to this League. Roberts
Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority on all matters not covered.
ARTICLE 2
EXECUTIVE BOARD AND ITS MEMBERS
Section 1 General Powers
Management of the business and affairs of this League will be controlled by the duly
elected Executive Board. They shall have the power to make and enforce the rules to
govern itself and the League. To solicit funds for the proper operation of the League. All
Executive Board Members shall serve without compensation.
Section 2 Objectives
The members of the Executive Board shall create and adopt the objectives of this League.
The Executive Board shall have the authority to make necessary changes on a case by
case basis or as needed.
Section 3 Quorum
In order to have a "Quorum," there must be a minimum of (2/3rds) Executive Board
Members present for any meeting. This shall empower all transactions of business and
vote upon same validating the actions of the Executive Board. Having less then the
required amount of Executive Board Members present will cause the meeting to cease.
Section 4 Meetings
The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, will decide on the date and time
of said meetings and its locations. Every Board Member shall make every effort to attend
all meetings of the League absent circumstances beyond their control. Once an Executive
Board Member misses three (3) consecutive meetings, the remaining members of the
Executive Board have the discretion to remove the member from the Board.
Section 5 Informal Actions of the Board
With all members of the Executive Board notified via text, email or telephonic
communications, they shall have the authority to conduct League business outside of a
General or Executive Board meeting. If notification is made for a vote, once a majority
vote (2/3) is achieved, the vote is considered as valid, approved or denied.
Section 5 Executive Board Responsibilities
Board positions shall run the fiscal year of the league. The Board shall be responsible for the
following:
Approval of all expenditures. Approval of all fundraising efforts.
Determination of the safety of any piece of equipment, owned, maintained by the
League or utilized by any participant in the League.
Filling of vacancies on the Executive Board.
Making decisions that affect its operation and welfare.
Approval of registration fees.
Approval of team selection process in any tournament play through the League.
Approval of proposed bylaws modifications.
Dismissal of a Board Member, Coach, Manager, participant consistent with the
guidelines by the League's Code of Conduct and the City of Vineland Recreation
Commission By-Laws which specifically cover the Due Process Procedures.
Formation of tournament, All-Star, or other specialized teams in accordance with
these bylaws.
Approve the replacement/acquisition of League equipment, field maintenance,
disbursements or otherwise the advancement of this League.
The PRIMARY function of the Executive Board is to make necessary decisions to
operate the League fairly and efficiently within the boundaries of the bylaws, policies,
rules of the League, the City of Vineland Recreation Commission and the Babe Ruth
Organization which we are chartered under.
The following is the current Executive Board structure for 2020
President: The President is the principal executive of this League and shall, in
general supervision of the Executive Board, control all of the business and affairs of the
League. Provide oversight of all League activities to insure compliance with the League
mission. Schedule and preside over all League meetings and serve as liaison to all
District, State, Regional and National Organizations. The President shall not vote, but be
the tie breaker in situations where he/she shall cast the deciding vote. He/She is to
ensure that the requirements for the League's 501c3 status is maintained according to
Federal, State and Local Laws. He/She shall also attend League functions to observe
Operations.
Vice-President: The Vice-President shall assist the President in the operations and
will act in the President's position in the event he/she is not available. Will perform duties
as prescribed by the President. Oversee Coach/Manager, Player and Parent Code of
Conduct in cooperation with the Player Representatives. Oversee criminal background
checks as well as the registration/certification of the Rutgers Safety Course for all
Coaches/Managers and Board Members. He/She shall also attend League functions to
observe operations. The Vice President shall chair the disciplinary review of all
participants of the league and submit their final report to the Executive Board for final
approval.
Treasurer: The Treasurer is charged with the care and custody of and responsibility
for all funds received and disbursed, give receipts for monies due and payable to the
League . He/She is also responsible to deposit all monies in the designated bank account
of this League is currently designated as BB&T. Deposit of monies will be done on
the same business day or the next immediate business day. At no time shall the treasurer
keep any monies from this League in their possession longer then the time frame outlined
above. At no time shall the Treasurer or any Board Member utilize the funds of this
League for their own personal gain. Prepare a financial report to be presented to the
Board monthly during the General Meetings. Maintain all necessary records that are
current and available to be produced upon request. The financial records of this League
are subject to request and review by the Public and must be produced if a request is made.
Coordinate the registration process in accordance with these bylaws. The treasurer shall
also create the reports as outlined in ARTICLE 1 SECTION 3. He/She shall also attend
League functions to observe operations.
Secretary: The Secretary is to take minutes of all meetings, edit and distribute the same
to the Board via email. Act as the communicator for all League participants utilizing the
available web based programs owned and or operated by this League. He/She shall also assist
with player registration process and paperwork. The secretary shall carry on such
correspondence as is necessary to perform the business of the Executive Board. He/She shall
also attend League functions to observe operations.
League We Administrator: The LWA will manage, maintain, and communicate the league's website
and SI Play Program. This will include online registrations, scheduling, score management, and
team management.  He/She shall also attend
League functions to observe operations.
Public Relations: This position shall manage and maintain all web content, create and
implement all web content, provide guidance to all Board Members in utilizing the Facebook and
Instagram accounts. and the Sports Illustrated website ( www.vplsoftball.com ).
Note: All Executive Board Members will have user access granted for the Facebook account so
they can provide communications consistent with the goals and directions
of this League. At no time is a Board Member authorized to make any comments or postings to
this website that are negative in any manner and would cause the League to be looked at in a
negative manner. The Public Relations person will work with the Secretary in insuring
communications are efficiently communicated. He/She will also accept any additional
responsibilities delegated to them by the President or the Board. He/She shall also attend
League functions to observe operations.
Equipment Manager: Maintain an inventory of all equipment and ensure all coaches
sign for their equipment and receive a receipt upon return of said equipment. They are to
report any lost or stolen equipment immediately to the Board. Maintain security for the
League's equipment sheds. (All Executive Board Members will have an access key for
the equipment shed at Fiocchi Field) Prepare an inventory report at the end of the season
as prescribed in ARTICLE 1 SECTION 3. Recommend replacement of equipment,
purchase of same as well as the purchase of uniforms with the approval of the Board. Set
all equipment up prior to distribution. Insure all teams are properly equipped and
prepared with necessary equipment for practice and live game play. This is to include the
appropriate division approved softballs.
Division Representatives: The Division Reps will be responsible for operations within
their assigned Divisions. This League currently has (5) Divisions with assigned Reps.
They are as follows: 6U-8U-10U-12U-16U.
Duties include the following:
Establish and prepare division practice and play schedule. Assist in draft process
according to the League's by laws. Resolve any and all issues within their respective
divisions. If an issue needs to be brought up the chain of command, it will first go to the
Player Agent then Vice President and ultimately, the President. Assist
Managers/Coaches in achieving a positive environment for their players that is consistent
with our goals. Assist the Equipment Manager in directing your Managers/Coaches from
your division on how to obtain and return League equipment.
Concessions Coordinator: The Concessions Coordinator will maintain the concession stand in all
its capacity. This CC will secure enough volunteer personnel for operations of the stand. Secure
the necessary supplies for the stand. Maintain accurate records of purchases, inventory, and
deposits/profits using the Square-Point of Sale device and personal records if necessary. At the
beginning and end of business on any given day, all monies are to be counted before and at the end
of sales by two people, one of which must be a Vineland Pigtail League Member (board member,
division rep, manager/coach). The CC will also make necessary arrangements for income to be
turned over to the Treasurer and/or BB&T within a 24 hour time period. Ensure compliance with all
City of Vineland Health Department regulations concerning food preparations and sanitation.
Player Agent: It is the responsibility of the Player Agent, insofar as it is legal and possible, to
maintain a balance of strength among the teams of the league. The Player Agent must
constantly remind everyone connected with the program that the welfare of the players and the
league as a community project are paramount. Protecting a single manager or team whose
designs are only upon winning is not acceptable. With the cooperation of other league officers,
or assistants, it is the duty of the player agent to conduct registration of player candidates and
to arrange for and supervise the tryout sessions. It is generally the position off this Board to
deny all requests for players to move up in divisional brackets above their age group. In the
event a player is requested to move up to satisfy a team(s) request, it will be the responsibility
of the PLAYER AGENT to determine player ability, strength and ultimately parental/guardian
approval. A log must be kept detailing usage/activation of the player request. Utilizing this log
will ensure that no team selects a “Stud” player or selectively chooses a desired player above the
actual need for a fill in.
Nepotism Policy
It shall be the position of this League that a fair and impartial Executive Board be in
place at all times. With that said, if more than ONE family member is on the Executive
Board, then there will only be ONE vote allowed, regardless of the position on the Board.
Elections
The selection process for nominations and voting for Executive Board members will be
as follows:
Nominations will take place the last Monday of August. Advanced notice will be made
indicating date, time and location of Nominations meeting. Anyone nominated to a
position must accept the nomination for it to be valid. Once a nomination is made, it
must receive a second. There will be NO limit on the amount of people nominated for
any position.
In order to qualify for the position of President, said candidate must be an active member
of the executive board for no less than (2) years. In the event no current executive board
member accepts the position to fulfill the job of the President, the vacancy is to be
opened up league wide.
If any member of the Executive Board resigns, he/she will be restricted from becoming a
board member for (2) years following their resignation. Exceptions to this restriction can
and will be considered by the executive board after submission by the affected person
detailing the reasons set forth for this action.
If any nominee accepts their nomination and the position is unopposed, the League
Secretary shall cast the one and only vote certifying the position as awarded to the
nominee.
At the close of the August Monday Nominations Meeting, nominations are CLOSED.
The Voting Meeting will take place on the last Monday in September. No member
inclusive of an Executive Board Member and Manager will be permitted to vote more
then once.
Voting members will consist of Executive Board Members and Division Managers
ONLY. In the absence of the Team Manager, ONE coach from the team shall cast their
vote after consulting with the manager. The voting member must be a member in good
standing.
All voting members will make a valid attempt to attend nominations and vote. If
circumstances beyond your control present themselves, you must make formal
notification to the League President. He/She will then decide how to proceed after
conferring with the Executive Board.
Section 6 Members At Large
It is the desire of this League to incorporate the services of additional members to assist
in the day to day operations. These members will be privileged to Executive Board
matters and attend their meetings. These members will have no voting rights on Board
decisions, but can render opinions if necessary. The following positions are of interest to
this Executive Board to fill with members at large:
1. Fundraising Coordinator
Evaluate league needs and prepare a budget.
Select a product or program that will be easy to see to raise the funds needed.
2. Clinic Coordinator
Proper instruction of all players within the league should – and must – be of paramount
importance. The Clinic Coordinator should arrange with local high school or other
knowledgeable softball sources to conduct an instructional clinic(s) for all managers and
coaches within the league. How to organize a successful one and a half hour practice
sessions that will keep all players active, interested and enthused.
The President with the approval of the Executive Board is permitted to nominate
additional Members at Large to satisfy the needs of this League.
3. Discipline Committee Chairperson
The Discipline Committee will meet on an “as needed” basis to listen to and make disciplinary
decisions based on the welfare of the players and volunteers involved, and the league as a
whole. Once the Disciplinary Committee has arrived at a decision, the Executive Board will vote
and execute the final actions and statements.
Article 3
Registration and Fees
Section 1 Fees
For the 2020 Season, it has been ordered that during the registration process, the
following fees will be collected during sign-ups:
6U Division $85.00 Registration Fee & $50.00 Mandatory Raffle Fundraiser Fee
8U-16U Divisions $85.00 Registration Fee & $50.00 Mandatory Raffle Fundraiser Fee.
It is further recognized, this League will also offer a $10.00 early sign-up discount up until the
date of the very first in-person registration. We have also permitted this discount to take
place online up until this same day and date only.
Section 2 Registration
This League will make every attempt to satisfy the request from the City of Vineland
Recreation Commission and conduct all registrations on-line. However; we will still hold
in-person registrations for those not able to access the on-line version. Registrations for
the 2020 Season will begin November 1, 2019 (ON-LINE ONLY), and the in-person
registration will begin in January of 2020.
Section 3 No Player Left Behind
It is the policy of the Vineland Pigtail League to NOT lose any potential participant due
to financial difficulties. We have instituted a "Pay It Forward" program where we have
solicited donations during the registration process where registrants are able to donate
money specifically for this cause. Recipients of this procedure will still be required to
sell the mandatory raffle tickets and turn same into the League along with the stubs for
submission into the raffle. In order to qualify for this program, the Executive Board must
verify the hardship prior.
Section 4 Multi-Family Discount
It is the policy of this League for the 2020 season that any family providing three (3) or more
players, the fee for the entire family is $175.00 plus the cost of the raffle ticket fundraiser.
Section 5 Age of Players
The League will host players from the age of (4) through (16) years old. That is based on
the players’ actual age on December 31 of the previous season year. Example: for the
2020 Season, player age consideration will be based on their actual age on December 31,
2019. Parents who wish for their child to play up a level must submit a written request to the
board before the scheduled tryouts. The board will discuss each request and vote on a case by
case basis.
Section 6 Residency Requirements
As per the City of Vineland Recreation Commission, ALL players who reside outside the
jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Vineland MUST pay an additional fee of $25.00
on top of any and all registration fees required by VPL (80/20 Rule). The jurisdictional
boundaries are that of the City of Vineland Tax Map. All registrants/players must
provide a copy of their School Report Card, proof of residency in addition to their birth
certificates.
Article 4
Managers and Coaches and Players
Section 1 Application
Any adult interested in becoming a Manager and/or Coach, must first fill out an
application provided by the League. They are then required to consent to a criminal
history fingerprint check as well as attend the mandatory Rutgers Safety Clinic. You
must be cleared in order to be considered for these positions as you will be dealing
directly with the children in the League. All VPL positions and volunteers are also required to
complete the Babe Ruth course and certification for, "Safe Kids Plus" background check.
Section 2 Meetings
It will be the responsibility of the Team Manager to ensure representation at the League's
General Membership Meetings. The Manager him or herself can appear, or make
arrangements for a coach to attend. If no one from your team can appear, they are to
make notification to their Division Rep as to the reason why prior to the meeting.
Section 3 Staff
Each team will have (1) Manager and (3) Coaches. No additional staff is permitted in the
dug out during live game play. Strict attention must be paid to this detail.
Section 4 Safety and Conduct
It will be the responsibility of all Staff members to maintain a safe and productive
environment for all participants while on and off the field (Practice or Live Game) as
well as inside the dugout. Observations and Supervision must be maintained. Staff
members are required to adhere to the League Rules in addition to the rules provided in
the Babe Ruth Rule Book. The highest level of sportsmanship for their team regarding
umpires must be displayed. Staff members are to address umpires politely and
constructively at all times.
It will be the responsibility of the staff to ensure that no one inside the dugout, players
included, interfere or act in a way that is negative to the team and League in violation of
the Code of Conduct. Heckling an umpire, player or other staff members will not be
tolerated. This is to include the conduct of spectators for the team representing your
player. You are required to hold each player and spectator to the level of conduct that
will not interfere with the game or practice. Cheering your team is encouraged, but
taunting another is not. A mandatory, minimum, one-game suspension and $50 fine will be issued
to any volunteer and/or spectator who is ejected from a game, and additional disciplinary action
could be taken pending board review.
All players will remain in the dugout while not actively on the field of play. Parents,
friends or associates are not permitted in the dugout or field of play, unless summoned by
a manager or coach. Parents, friends and spectators will keep a safe distance from the
dugout.
No player is permitted on the field of play without a helmet while their team is at bat.
Any player warming up a pitcher is required to wear the appropriate catchers helmet at all
times.
Parents who make their child available for Player Agent Pool consideration will submit a
written notice requesting their child to be placed in the pool. This Player Agent Pool will
be activated upon the request of a specific division manager requesting a player or pitcher
after exhausting their roster of team players for the game in need. In order for a player to
be given consideration for Player Agent Pool, the player MUST be in their last year of
play in their age appropriate division bracket. There will be no deviation from this format as
this is done in the best interest of the player’s safety.
Once a player is selected for the Player Agent Pool, a rotating list of players identified as
a player and or/pitcher, will be maintained. When a request is made, the request will be
fulfilled by availability of the requested positional player and at no time will a request be
honored for a specific player. A team requesting utilization of the player agent program
must make immediate notification to an executive board member in order to provide for timely
notifications to the viable players of the pool.
Section 5 Appearance
All Managers and Coaches will wear their team jerseys during live games. They will also
ensure their players are properly wearing the appropriate team uniform of the League.
Uniform shirts for coaches and managers WILL be worn for each and every game.
Failure to do so will result in removal from the field until such time the deficiency is
resolved. If/when the city mandates volunteers to wear badges, the League will adhere, and all will
be responsible to wear id badge when on the field.
Section 6 Board Authority
The Executive Board of this League has the authority to deny, suspend or remove a
Manager or Coach or Player until such time a hearing is held, as necessary. We will
meet with the individual(s) involved, if needed, in an attempt to resolve any issues. If the
Executive Board decides to suspend or remove the individual, they will be served with a
notice detailing the reasons set forth explaining the necessity for removal or action.
Section 7 Player/Disciplinary
If an issue presents itself where it's persistent, it will be the manager's first responsibility
to communicate with the player's parents or guardian. The manager will advise the
Division Rep of such incident in the event a different approach has to be made with the
involvement of the Division Rep. The Division Rep will then confer with the Executive
Board. If further action is required where the issue is not resolved and the only solution
is to remove the player, notification shall come directly from the League President to the
parent or guardian of the player. This can be in person, but will also be in writing. There
will be no refunds of fees for a player removed for disciplinary reasons.
Section 8 Disciplinary Action(s) Due Process
Any and all disciplinary action(s) approved by the Executive Board can be appealed after
a written request for same is submitted to the League President. The request for appeal to
the executive board must be received within (10) days of service. If a hearing is
requested, a Special Meeting will be called and once the final determination is rendered
by this Executive Board, if the subject of the disciplinary action wishes to appeal the
decision rendered they then have (10) days to appeal said decision to the Director of
Recreation of the City of Vineland.
Section 9 Notifications
Any and all incidents that involve disciplinary, corrective measures or injuries beyond 1st
aid, the Director of Recreation MUST be contacted and advised of the situation at hand.
The Director will be provided notification of such incident and IF the Director requires
further information, same will be provided.
Article 5
Equipment
Section 1 League Provides
The League will provide each Manager with an equipment bag. The bag will consist of
approved helmets with facemasks, a limited number of bats, catchers gear and softballs.
You will also be provided with scorecards, game books and the Babe Ruth Rules and
Regulations book for the year being played. You are required to review the book as it
will detail the procedures of play. If any equipment is found to be defective, immediate
notification must be made to the Equipment Manager. All equipment bags
will be turned in at the completion of your regular season of play with no deviation. Specifically
on the date of your last game. Failure to do so will result in restrictions being put in place
for your refusal to comply. If a manager is coaching an AllStar Team,
the equipment bag will be redistributed to them after the equipment manager has collected and
checked their regular season equipment.
The League will provide each player with a uniform shirt and socks. Players are
responsible for uniform pants. Visors are not required.
Section 2 Player Equipment
If a player decides to supply their own equipment, they are expected to be appropriate
and safe for play. This is to include helmets. A player supplied helmet MUST have a
facemask and cannot have a mirror type reflection on the outer shell. Player supplied
bats can be either aluminum or composite, but they must be appropriate, safe and
properly marked for fast-pitch softball. Bats utilized for VPL MUST be approved by
Babe Ruth and display the appropriate OFFICIAL MARKINGS.
The League does not provide gloves or cleats. It will be the responsibility of the player to
provide that. All pitchers are REQUIRED to wear a facemask while on the mound, playing 1st
base, or 3rd base, from 6u-16u. Let it be noted, that it is strongly encouraged that all infield
players wear a facemask. All players are required to wear the appropriate cleats for softball
play. 16U Division is the only division authorized to wear metal cleats.
Article 6
Rules of Play and Operation
Section 1 Acknowledgement
The Official Babe Ruth Softball Rules for this League shall apply to all League
Divisional play, subject to local amendments in each division approved by the Executive
Board and published prior to commencement of the first game in that division. During
tournament play, strict adherence to the Babe Ruth softball rules shall be followed.
Section 2 Modifications
Any modifications to these rules must be approved by the Executive Board and
notifications to all Division Managers affected by this change. The changes will not
cover all Divisions of this League unless clearly stated. Notifications of this change will
also include posting on the League's website.
Section 3 Game Delays/Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather or field closure, notifications will be made via our
social media sites in addition to email and text message. Team Managers once notified of
a schedule change must ensure your players are aware of such an event.
Article 7
Try-Outs & Draft Selections
Section 1 Try-Outs
Each Division with the exception of the 6U & 8U Divisions will hold a try out. All
respective managers or coaches for the specific division will be present to evaluate
potential draftees. Each player will be provided with some type of identification to be
properly identified during this event. Player identification sheets will be provided by the
league to further assist in this process. The Player Agent and League’s Clinician will run
the try outs for all divisions with the assistance of Executive Board Members or certified
managers and coaches from other divisions.
If a player should miss their try out date, they will be placed in the draft and selected
Appropriately. All catchers and pitchers must be announced during try-outs so they can
be evaluated separately by the evaluators. A child of a Manager will automatically be
added to their team roster. Sisters from the same family will automatically be added to
the same team roster and a try out is not required. Any manager or coach found to be
manipulating the try out or draft process WILL be expelled from the League. Only the
team manager and one coach are permitted to be present during draft day.
If a player has previous pitching experience, VPL, All Star Play and/or Travel Play and
their parent announces their child is not a pitcher, there will be a (1) year restriction from
pitching including All Star Play. Parent must sign off indicating same. This does not
include developing pitchers.
Draft Selection Process:
Teams will first establish one pitcher on their team to ensure each team has one. Then, the
draft will commence according to the order of the draft selection process (previous year’s
standings OR a complete redraft) and snake throughout the rounds. If a sibling is absorbed to a
team due to family association (another sibling actively on the team) and they are a pitcher,
former all-star, and/or travel ball player, then she will be evaluated based on their skill set level
in order to determine their draft position. This is determined by the board, division
representative, and managers in that division. Additional siblings that are not pitchers will also
be determined by their level of play at tryouts and by the board's discretion. This will include
children of MANAGERS.
Article 8
Regular Season Games & Playoffs
Section 1 Regular Season
This League will make every effort to have at least (12) games for each divisional team
with the exception of 6U. Games played between Millville and Buena Babe Ruth Softball will not
affect the team win or lose status for our League. They will be played in a "Friendly"
format. 2020 Babe Ruth Rules state there is no minimum number of games that must be played
in the regular season.
Section 2 Modified Game Time
All game times will be similar to that of tournament play. No new inning will begin after (90)
minutes from the scheduled start time and a drop dead ball ruling after 120 minutes. It will be
the responsibility of each team manager to
properly communicate with the umpire the time started and notate same in your game books in
the event of a time challenge. The umpire will control the time clock for the game(s). Games are
enforced to start at their scheduled times as to not overlap into the next scheduled game. The
umpires game clock will remain continuous unless for a dire need, such as a player injury or
umpire’s timeout.
Section 3 All Star Prospects
Due to the level of play that has been brought to this League, managers and coaches will
submit the names of players they believe should be given consideration for All Star
selection. If no submissions are received, it will be considered that the Team Manager
did not request any players for consideration. There will be no try-outs.
Section 4 Playoffs
Decision to conduct playoff games in each division will be decided by the Division Rep
prior to the start of the regular season; the schedule for playoffs will be decided by the
Executive Board and will apply to all Divisions. Any modifications to the playoff
schedule will require Board approval prior to the start of the first play off game. If any
games are played prior, then the issue cannot be approached.
Article 9
Tournament & All Stars
Section 1 Tournament
It is the position and desire of this League to host tournaments for the 2020 Season, with
the cooperation and permission of East Vineland Little League.
This League will open its concession stand and the proceeds will benefit VPL. All
Executive Board Members are requested to be present during this time and a Tournament
Director will be selected by the Board to manage operations. All Executive Board
members who are not actively involved in a game as a coach or manager will be required
to wear their League supplied Polo shirt identifying them.
All players, staff and spectators must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the
City of Vineland Recreation Commission, Babe Ruth, this League, East Vineland Little
League, any applicable tournament rules with emphasis that these games will involve
good sportsmanship and competitive play.
Section 2 All Stars
In order to be considered for ALL STAR play, girls must be a registered VPL player for that current
season and play in at least 2/3 of the regular season schedule. All 8, 10, and 12u players selected
for ALL-STAR play must FIRST satisfy the jurisdictional boundary map requirements set forth by
Babe Ruth for the 2020 Season. The current map includes the City of Vineland and Pittsgrove Twp
ONLY. Any players outside of this map DO NOT qualify for ALL STAR play. There are no
jurisdictional boundaries for the 14u & 16u divisions. If at any time we can not field a 16U
All Star team, refer to the Babe Ruth and District Commissioners Rules.
Section 3 Financial Support
It is the position of this League to incur costs associated with playing in the District and
State Tournaments. All Star play beyond this level will require an Executive Board vote
to determine what if any financial support will be provided to teams reaching the
Regional and World Series play. This includes invitational and earned births to the 2020
World Series.
With that said, it is strongly suggested that any All Star team with the foundation of
competitive play and the real possibility of advancing to those levels of play, you begin
fundraising immediately upon team creation. Accurate financial records must be
maintained and reported to this League, during fundraising, during advancement along
with a final report detailing all monies received, spent and remaining. All monies will be
deposited into a VPL approved banking account managed by its Treasurer. At no time,
will any monies be utilized for the personal gain of any member of any specific team.
The manager for the All Star team will be provided with a bank card for expenditures
prior to and during tournament play. All records of expenses WILL be kept and a
financial spending report will be provided to the league. If it is determined that purchases
appear suspicious and/or outside VPL approval, the Treasurer will make immediate
notification to the Executive Board who can order the account frozen until such time any
issues are resolved.
Any and all fundraiser monies generated will be entered in a specific division bank
account. The manager of the ALL STAR team will be granted access to this account
when the need arises to expel money for same. AT NO TIME will any monies from
these accounts be utilized for anything other then Operational items for the specified
team. The Manager will be provided with a Visa Style Check card for purchases. He or
she will make every effort to reduce the amount of cash in their possession and deposit
same into the specified account. Accurate and constant communication WILL be
maintained with the Treasurer of the League who has the authority to activate, restrict or
limit the use of the accounts assigned to each All-Star Team.
Any and all monies raised that are not utilized will be retained by the league and kept in
the account specified for that Division All Star team. These monies will then be
expended during future All Star play.
Section 4 Code of Conduct
It is the policy of this League that all participants involved in the representation of this
League during Tournament or All Star play be held to the Code of Conduct exactly as
prescribed and agreed to like the game was being played in the City of Vineland.
Any parent/coach/manager is not permitted to consume any alcoholic beverages during
the time where they are providing care and supervision for any player(s). This is
particularly enforced for the duration in which the parent/coach/manager is also
designated as a room parent for tournament play where overnight accommodations are
required. This does not restrict parent(s)-Guardian(s) of players who are strictly caring
for their child and their child only.
Section 5 Executive Board Representation
It shall be the policy of this league to provide for Airfare and Room Accommodations for
member(s) of the executive board to be present at all level of All Star play. The amount
of representatives permitted to go shall be decided by the board. This clause will only
cover Airfare and Room Accommodations. The purpose of this function is to insure
compliant with the Code of Conduct by all person(s) involved, handle all matters
presented during these events and providing direct access to an Executive Board
Member(s) during these events. This does not include active Board Members that are
Coaches\Managers of any qualifying All Star Team.
Section 6 Travel/Accommodations during All-Stars
There shall be no more than 4 players and or adults in any single room during any travel
throughout all star play unless the room has a pullout sofa/cot. At no time should a
player or coach sleep on the floor and/or an air mattress.
Section 7 Room Supervisors
In the event an overnight stay is required during All-Star tournament play, the TEAM
MANAGER will be responsible for providing the President of the League the list of
approved staff members that will be charged with caring for the safety of the players. These
approved staff members and chaperones must be at least 21 years of age.
Parents will also sign off on a WAIVER giving permission for VPL Board approved chaperones to
administer or seek medical attention as necessary while in their care, especially when traveling.
Final approval will be rendered by the board with each person selected acknowledging
what is required of them during this time.
Article 10
Financial Policy
Section 1 Finances
The Executive Board of this League shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of
the League and shall place all income in a common treasury and shall administer the
expenditures and disbursements of League funds in such a manner as will give no
individual team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.
The Executive Board shall be responsible for the Boards solvency.
The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams, but
shall solicit for it for the common treasury of the League, thereby to discourage
favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize benefits of the League.
This League shall NOT solicit funds in the name of Babe Ruth Softball unless all of the
funds are raised for and placed in the League treasury.
The Board shall not permit the disbursement of League funds for other than to conduct
League activities in accordance with the rules and policies of Babe Ruth Softball.
No Board Member, General Member, Coach or player or anyone else affiliated with the
League shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary or compensation from the League
for services rendered as said member outside of the specific guidelines set forth herein.
League funds shall be maintained in a bank account in the League’s name as described in
Article 2 Section 5 (Treasurer). The President and Treasurer shall be authorized to sign
all checks.
At no time, is the property owned by this League approved for use outside of the needs
directly related to the operations and support of Vineland Pigtail Softball League.
Article 11
Interpretation
The Executive Board shall interpret the bylaws and provide a FINAL judgment on questionable
issues.
Article 12
BYLAW AMENDMENT PROCEDURE
All proposed amendments must be in writing and may be proposed by the following
methods:
1. Any Executive Board Member may submit a proposed amendment, to the
Board. The Executive Board will review the amendment and add it to the agenda
to present it at the next General Meeting.
2. The Executive Board or any League Member may present a written
amendment for addition to the agenda prior to the General Meeting.
3. Once a bylaw amendment has been proposed at a General Meeting and
discussed, it must then be tabled until the next General Meeting. The motion for
the bylaws amendments must be brought back up at the next General Meeting,
discussed and then voted upon. A vote of 2/3 majority of Executive Board
Members and Managers present must be received in order for the amendment to
pass and become recognized.
Article 13
2020 Vineland Pigtail League Executive Board
President, Kevin Williams
Vice President, Jess Suppa
Treasurer, Jackie Farside
Secretary, Mary Kaskabas
16U Division Rep, Phil Capano
12U Division Rep, Alex Gomez
10U Division Rep, Ed Wygor
8U Division Rep, Karen Kreck
6U Division Rep, Jorge Ortiz
Concessions, Dawn Spickenreuther
Discipline Committee Rep, Sharon Aussenberg-Hunter
Equipment Manager, Jorge Ortiz
League Web Administrator, Gina Beni
Player Agent, Joe Borgese
Public Relations, Briana Lopez
Amendment date: February 27, 2020