Vineland Pigtail Softball League

2019 Season 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 (4-18). 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The by-laws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by a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 II

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 effect 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 2018

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 Presidents 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. Over see 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 with 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 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. At this time, the

only authorized web based programs are the Facebook account created for this season

(url www.Facebook.com/vldpigtail ) and the Sports Illustrated website (url

www.vplsoftball.com). 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.

 

Public Relations: Public Relations person shall manage and maintain all web

content, create and implement all web content, provide guidance to all Board Members in

utilizing the Facebook account. 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 (6) Divisions with assigned Reps.

They are as follows: 8U-10U-12U-16U-18U

 

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.

 

 

 

Player Agent (2019 Season)

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 then (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. Concessions Chairperson: Matt Cleary (11/5/2018)

Secure enough volunteer personnel for operations of the stand.

Secure necessary supplies for the stand.

Maintain accurate records of purchases, inventory, and deposits/profits

using the Square-Point of Sale device.

Make necessary arrangements for income to be turned over to the Treasurer.

Insure compliancy with all City of Vineland Health Department regulations

concerning food preparations and sanitation.

2. Fundraising Coordinator (OPEN)

Evaluate league needs and prepare a budget.

Select a product or program that will be easy to see to raise the funds needed.

3. 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.

4. Discipline Committee Chairperson: Sharon  Aussenberg-Hunter

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 to a decision, the Executive Board will vote and execute the final actions and statements.

Article III

Registration and Fees

 

Section 1 Fees

For the 2018 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.

Fees for 18U have yet to be decided.

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 2018 Season will begin November 1, 2017 (ON-LINE ONLY), and the in-person

registration will begin in January of 2018.

 

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 2019 season that any family providing three (3) or more

players, the fee for the entire family is $175.00.

 

Section 5 Age of Players

The League will host players from the age of (4) through (18) years old. That is based on

the players’ actual age on December 31 of the previous season year. Example: for the

2019 Season, player age consideration will be based on their actual age on December 31,

2018. 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 IV

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.

 

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

arraignments 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.

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 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.

 

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, Matt Cleary. All equipment bags

will be turned in at the completion of your 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.

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 8u-18u. 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 2018 Babe Ruth Softball 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 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 selected at the end of the draft to

the team that has a remaining position available. 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:

First Round Pick: Pitchers

Teams will first establish one pitcher on their team.  Then, once every

team has a pitcher, the draft will commence according to the order of the draft selection

process. 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. Additional siblings that are not pitchers will also be determined by their level of play at

tryouts and by the boards 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 Buena Babe Ruth Softball will not

affect the team win or lose status for our League. They will be played in a "Friendly"

format. 2019 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 2019 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

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 2019 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 14, 16, and

18u divisions.  If at any time we can not field a 16U/18U 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 2018

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

compliancy 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.

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

2019 Vineland Pigtail League Executive Board

President Kevin Williams

Vice President Jess Suppa

Treasurer Nate Sepulveda

Secretary Kathleen Black

18U Division Rep TBD

16U Division Rep Anna Sepulveda

12U Division Rep Matt Collins

10U Division Rep Shawna Malone

8U Division Rep Ed Wygor

6U Division Rep TBD

Public Relations Crystal Chinnici

Equipment Manage Matt Cleary

Members At Large:

Matt Cleary, Concessions

Discipline Committee Rep, Sharon Aussenberg-Hunter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Amendment date: February 6, 2019