ITL By-Laws

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I. T. L. BASEBALL
By-Laws


ARTICLE 1 – GOVERNING BODY

SECTION 1
            The business of the league shall be conducted by a group of people consisting of four (4) officers and two delegates from each town in the league.  Delegates will be elected or appointed from each member organization.

SECTION 2
            The officers of the league may consist of, but not be limited to President, Executive Committee, and the Secretary.

SECTION 3
            The President is to name the time and place of meetings.  There should be at least four (4) members present and a majority of towns represented, including the President, and/or Executive Board members, and Secretary to conduct business.  Voting shall be on the basis of one (1) vote for each town represented.

SECTION 4
            The President and Treasurer are to approve all bills before payment.

SECTION 5
            Assessments involving the sum of seventy-five ($75 dollars or more can not be voted on until all voting members are so notified in writing, at least one (1) week in advance with the subject matter outlined.

SECTION 6
            The executive board shall consist of three members.


ARTICLE 2 – LEAGUE RULES

SECTION 1
            The Intertown Twilight League will operate under the American League rules, except in such instances where they are superseded by the Intertown Twilight League rules or By-Laws.



SECTION 2
            A team wishing to issue an intentional pass to an opposing batter shall inform the Umpire-in-Chief of the game, and he, in turn, will put the batter on first base without the pitcher having to throw any pitches.


SECTION 3
            The hidden ball play is forbidden.

SECTION 4
 BBCOR Certified

SECTION 5
            A team wishing to use the DH rule shall designate the hitter before the game starts (the DH may be used for any defensive player).  If the defensive player is taken out of the game at that position, he may remain in the game as the DH.  However, once the DH takes a defensive position, the DH is lost.

SECTION 6    
            Force Slide Rule
           
The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of all players. This is a safety and an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.  a. On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground before the base and in a direct line between the two bases. It is permissible for the slider’s momentum to carry him through the base in the baseline extended. Exception - A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the run slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of t fielder.  Interference shall not be called. 1. “On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground before the base.     2. “Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a         straight line between the bases.  b. Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner makes a legal slide directly to the base and in the baseline extended.  A.R. - If contact occurs on top of the base as a result of a “pop-up” slide, this contact is legal.  c.   Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:  1. The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact).   2.  The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes contact with or alters the  play of a fielder;  3.  The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position;  4.  The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or  5.  The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to  throw to complete a play.    Penalty for 1-5    1. With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner (s) shall advance.  2.  With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.  3.  If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the contest.    A.R. - If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases 

The ITL is concerned about unnecessary and violent collisions with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage baserunners and defensive players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.  
When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge:  If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line with clear possession of the ball, the runner may make contact, slide into or make contact with a fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt
to reach the base (plate). Contact above the waist that was initiated by the base runner shall not be judged as an attempt to reach the base or plate.  1. The runner must make an actual attempt to reach the base (plate).  Penalty – If the runner attempts to dislodge the ball or initiates an avoidable collision, the runner shall be declared out, even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 2. The runner may not attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder. Contact above the waist shall be judged by the umpire as an attempt by the runner to dislodge the ball.  Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious before the runner touches the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 3. The runner must attempt to avoid a collision if he can reach the base without colliding.  Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious after the runner touches the base (plate), the runner is safe, but is ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If this occurs at any base other than home, the offending team may replace the runner.    If the contact occurs after the preceding runner touches home plate, the preceding runner is safe. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the contact. 4. If the runner’s path to the base is blocked and 1, 2 and 3 are fulfilled, it is considered unavoidable contact.

SECTION 7     Re-Entry
            The ITL has adopted the Cape Ann League rule for Re-Entry.
A)   Use of DH is optional
B)   Starter and substitute cannot appear in the lineup at the same time
C)   Starters must return to their original positions in the batting order
D)   Substitutes do not have to have a time at bat
E)   Starter may re-enter game but substitutes cannot.  Starters may be replaced only once.
F)    A “designated hitter” in baseball may bat for any position.  A starting pitcher who is designated in the scorebook prior to the game as a pitcher/DH may leave the game as pitcher and remain as the DH.
G)   If a substitute hits or runs for the DH, the original DH may subsequently re-enter in the same spot in the order; the substitute is then ineligible.
H)   If DH enters defensively, the DH is terminated.  The player who is being DH’d for (or his substitute) hits in the order in the spot vacated by the defensive player replaced by the DH.  If DH enters defensively and several substitutions are made, the coach may place new players in open spots, but DH is locked into his spot in the order.
I)     Once the player being DH’d for enters the offensive lineup as a pinch hitter or pinch runner, the DH is terminated.  The DH must assume a defensive position in order to remain in the game.  If the DH does not play a defensive position, he may re-enter in his original hitting spot with the loss of eligibility of his substitute.
J)     If a player runs or hits for the pitcher, pitcher may not re-enter as a pitcher, but may re-enter as a position player.  If Pitcher is also DH, this rule does not apply.



ARTICLE 3 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

SECTION 1
            A team’s playing roster shall be limited to twenty five (26 per mlb rules 2022) names.  Each team must submit to the league President in an excel format prior to the roster meeting.  Rosters shall include name, street address, phone number and email address of each player.

SECTION 2
            Rosters may change, but not without notifying the President and/or delagate at least twenty-four (24) hours before the game in which the new player is to participate.


SECTION 3
            The town boundaries must be defined and voted on by the league at least ninety (90) days prior to the opening of each season.

Hamilton – All areas of the towns of Hamilton and Wenham
Ipswich – All areas in the town of Ipswich
Manchester – All areas of the town of Manchester, Essex, plus Ward 6, Precinct 1 of the City of Beverly (Beverly Farms) plus magnolia to the Annesquam River to Bass Ave. in Gloucester.
Rockport – All areas of the town of Rockport plus areas east of Rte. 128 to Bass Ave. in Gloucester.
Rowley – All areas of the Triton Regional School district, plus Georgetown.
Topsfield – All areas of the Masconomet School district.
Beverly – Areas of the city of Beverly, excluding Beverly Farms (see Manchester)

SECTION 4
            Team colors shall be as follows:
            Hamilton – Gray, Navy, and White
            Ipswich – Navy and White
            Manchester – White and Navy
            Rockport – Red, Gray, and Navy
            Rowley – Royal Blue, Gold
            Topsfield – Navy, Red, and Gray
            Beverly – White, Orange, and Black



SECTION 5
            A player must have a permanent residence, as proven by a drivers license or other document verifiable by the executive board, in the town limits or boundaries ninety (90) days prior to the first game, and must complete the season with the one (1) team he originally registered with, including any post season games.

SECTION 6
            Summer residences are eligible to participate in the town in which they reside, subject to all league rules and By-Laws.

SECTION 7
            A ball player, who had played in the league and has since moved to a non-league community, may return the following year only to the same team he had previously played for, for one (1) season’s eligibility.

SECTION 8
            Any player participating under special league exemption not covered under Section 5, 6, or 7 shall be voted on by the majority of team managers yearly.  If a tie arises, the Executive Board shall break the tie.



SECTION 9
            NO MAN’S LAND – Players in no man’s land are guests of the league.  Once they declare a team, they stay with that team for at least two (2) years, unless they move to a league town, or get a majority vote at the roster meeting.

SECTION 10
            To allow a player who has moved to continue with his present team, he must meet the following conditions:  He must have played five (5) consecutive seasons with his present team, including last season.  He must have appeared in six (6) games to be eligible.  A player with less than five (5) consecutive seasons with the same team must play in the town he resided ninety (90) days prior to the start of the season.  Interruption for military service is the only exception.

Section 11
            Players or teams violating these rules are subject to forfeiture of all games previously played in which those players participated.


Section 12
            Each team will field nine (9) men.  Uniforms consisting of cap, shirt, pants, stockings and spikes.  All men shall wear Head protectors at bat.  A game may not start if a team has less than nine (9) men.

SECTION 13
            All men on the base path shall wear Head Protectors.

SECTION 14
            All catchers behind the plate shall wear Head Protectors.


ARTICLE 4 – UMPIRES & SCORERS

SECTION 1
            Rules and regulations to be strictly enforced by the umpires;
A)   No smoking or drinking in the field, on the bench, or immediate areas, in or out of uniform while the game is in progress.
B)   Profanity, fighting, or any such acts unbecoming of a player will not be tolerated.
C)   The President will act upon violations of these rules.
D)   Baseball managers only are to arbitrate decisions and protests on the field of play.
E)   All managers must insist on their players hustling on and off the field.  Game stalling will not be tolerated and could result in forfeiture of the game.

SECTION 2
            Anyone thrown out of a game will receive an automatic one (1) game suspension (to be served in uniform on the bench).  Subsequent games to be reviewed by the President (Article IX Section 7).

SECTION 3
            In the event of forfeiture due to insufficient players, the umpires may remain and umpire a practice game if the home team desires one.

SECTION 4
            Game Official’s Fees:
                        Umpire-in-Chief        $80
                        Base Umpire              $80
                        Scorer                         $40

SECTION 5
            Travel Fees:
                        Umpires                     $40
                        Scorer                         $20

SECTION 6
            Failure to show: Umpire-In-Chief will reprimand as he sees fit.

SECTION 7
            In the event one (1) umpire shows, he shall receive a fee and one half (1 ½) $120.00

SECTION 8
            The Umpire-in-Chief will be paid three hundred and fifty ($750) dollars for added duties plus expenses, and the Official Scorer will be paid two hundred ($250) dollars for compiling statistics.  If an assistant Umpire-in-Chief is hired by the league, he will be paid a fifty ($100) dollar stipend.  Not applicable for 2008 season.

SECTION 9
            The Official Scorer’s decision is final.  The scorer may consult with the Umpire-in-Chief of the game at any time.

SECTION 10
            Initial umpire scheduling will be done by the Umpire-In-Chief and the league President.  Rain-outs and cancellation of game umpires will be handled by the home team Manager.  Rescheduling will be done by the President or delagate.  Contact information will be provided for all teams.


ARTICLE 5 – PLAYING OF GAMES

SECTION 1
A)   All league games will be of seven (7) inning duration. Extra inning games will be played.  No more than two (2) extra innings will be played.  The umpire may call the game at any time due to darkness or weather (see complete game Article V Section 1 Part B).  All  Playoff games will be of seven (7) inning duration. All playoff games will continue until one team has won.
B)   An official game, regular season or playoff, shall be five (5) innings long, or four and one half (4 ½) if the home team is ahead.
C)   Incomplete inning statistics will count.
D)   Once the game has started, the umpires have control of the game and shall decide when a game should be called.
E)   Games shortened by rain or darkness shall have the score revert back to the last complete inning and declared   official if at least 4 1/2 innings have been played with the home team ahead or 5 innings if the visiting team is ahead. The only exception to this rule will be in the event the home team either ties or takes the lead in the bottom half of an inning which is not completed, (where each team has had an equal number of times at bat) the score shall not revert to the last complete inning, but shall stand as played.
F)    If a game is called before becoming official, it shall be replayed in entirety.
G)   Playoff games that are called for darkness with the score being tied, will be played again in its entirety the next day.

SECTION 2
            Postponed and incomplete games shall be played on the first open date for both teams, providing the field is available.  Managers involved will notify the President when such occasions occur.  If the game is not played within five (5) days after the schedule date, the League may intervene and reschedule the game.

SECTION 3
            Regular season weekly games will start at 5:45 pm (unless otherwise noted on schedule).
A)   If an emergency exists and the Umpire-in Chief is so notified, a delay of fifteen (15) minutes may be granted.  A forfeit may be assessed at this point.
B)   If by mutual consent by both teams, game times may be changed, subject to approval by the Umpire-in-Chief.

SECTION 4
            ALL BACKSTOPS ON ALL LEAGUE FIELDS WILL BE ALIVE

SECTION 5
            The visiting team will be allowed fifteen (15) minutes practice immediately prior to the start of the game.  This is not to interfere with the normal start of the game.  No practice after the start of the game.

SECTION 6
            The home team manager will notify the President & Umpires of a postponement, no later than two (2) hours before game time on the date of the regularly scheduled game.  Failure to do so will make the home team liable for transportation fees for the Umpires and the Scorer (see above for travel fees)

SECTION 7
            Any team responsible for a forfeiture shall be fined one hundred and thirty ($160) dollars for the home team and one hundred and fifty-five ($185) dollars for the visiting team, with twenty seven fifty ($25) dollars credit given to the home team for the purpose of offsetting the collection; payable to the league treasurer within seven (7) days. The forfeiting team will also lose 1 point in the final standings.

SECTION 8
            The league will provide a specified amount of new baseballs (major league specifications) at the start of the season.  Extra baseballs may be used at the expense of the home team for the cost of the baseballs.  At completion of an official game all baseballs become the property of the home team.  The home team will issue a warm-up ball to the visiting team.  League approved baseballs only will be permissible.




SECTION 9
            Each manager must supply, in a word document, copies of the home field ground rules, prior to the first home game.  These are to be emailed to the President or Delagate.  Prior to  the league roster meeting.


ARTICLE 6 – SCHEDULE

SECTION 1
            Each team is to play twenty four (24) games.  The following systems will be in effect to determine the playoff teams.  Each team will receive two (2) points for a win, and one (1) point for each legal tie.

SECTION 2
            Home nights will be:
            Rockport – Sunday
            Ipswich – Monday
            Manchester – Tuesday
            Rowley – Wednesday
            Hamilton – Thursday
            Topsfield – Friday
            Beverly – Sunday

*Please note that these days are for the majority of home games only.  Every team will have a few nights during the season where they will host home games NOT on their designated night.

SECTION 3
            In the event of a tie in the final standings, the involved team’s records will determine the tie breaker as follows:
A)   most wins
B)   records against each other
C)   combined scores against each other
D)   Toss of the coin, except if the teams involved in a tie are in fourth place.  In that case, they will play one seven (7) inning game on the first Saturday following the regular season on a neutral field.  The home team is to be determined by the above method.

In the event of a three (3) way tie for fourth place, a double header will be played on the first Saturday following the end of the regular season on a neutral field.  The team drawing the tie will play the winner of the first game after a lapse of thirty (30 minutes following it conclusion.


SECTION 4
            Semi-Final Playoff Games:
A)   Series A consisting seven (7) innings, involving the first (1st) and fourth (4th) place teams will be played on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday after the regular season ends.  If a postponement or a tie occurs, the game will be replayed the following evening.  (NOTE: Official game Article V, Section 1, Part B).
B)   Series B consisting seven (7) innings consisting seven ( 7) innings, involving the second (2nd) and third (3rd) place teams will be played on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after the regular season ends.  If a postponement or a tie occurs, the game will be replayed the following evening.  (NOTE: Official game Article V, Section 1, Part B).

SECTION 5
Finals will be a best of five (5) game series, each game consisting of seven (7) innings. (NOTE: Official game Article V, Section 1, Part B).

Schedule for Final Playoffs:
Game 1 Saturday @ 4pm
Game 2 Sunday @ 4pm
Game 3 Wednesday @ 5:30pm
Game 4 Saturday @ 4pm
Game 5 Sunday @ 4pm

SECTION 6
            A player must have appeared in six (6) games in order to be eligible to participate in the playoffs.  “No-Man’s Land” players must appear in half their team’s scheduled games in order to participate in the playoffs.

SECTION 7
The manager can be eligible for playoffs whether or not he has appeared in six games, for emergency purposes.

SECTION 8
            Any player voted on, as a special exception, at the roster meeting must play in one half (1/2) of the games in order to be eligible to participate in playoffs.

SECTION 9
            Players on injured reserve must be on the twenty-five (25) man roster and be at, at least six (6) games.  Any player injured before the halfway point is eligible for injured reserve.





ARTICLE 7 – PROTESTS

SECTION 1
            Protest of games must be made to the Umpire-in-Chief of the league that is working the game involved.  This protest must be made immediately following the decision involved and before the ball is out of play.

SECTION 2
            The President and the Umpire-in-Chief of the league must be notified, by phone, by the protesting manager, within twenty four (24) hours.  A formal letter of protest from the protesting manager must be in the hands of the President and the Umpire-in-Chief within forty-eight (48) hours.

Section 3
            Both managers involved, the President, the Umpire-in-Chief, and the Umpire’s report must attend a protest meeting from those umpires who worked the game in question.

SECTION 4
            The league president will decide a protest and their decision will be final.  Decisions to be rendered within forty-eight (48) hours.


ARTICLE 9 – BY-LAWS

SECTION 1
            Any changes to the above by laws can only be made by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present.
SECTION 2
            These by-laws supersede all By-laws, regulation, and rules previously governing the ITL.

SECTION 3
            The league President and a committee of seven (7) delegates, one from each of the member teams, shall resolve any emergency arising during the period these by-laws are in effect, which may result in conflict with said by-laws.

SECTION 4
            Each new team entering the league must pay an entry fee before the start of the season plus a proportions share of the previous year’s treasury balance.

SECTION 5
            Each team will pay an entry fee of Seven hundred and thirty  ($730) and any previous balance prior to the start of the season.  The balance of the monies owed the league is due on or before the start of the second half.  Failure to complete all payments in full by the start of the second half will result in forfeiture of all regular season games until payment is received.  (NOTE: the fine for forfeiture in Article V, Section 7)

SECTION 6
            Any team withdrawing from the league shall have no clams to funds in the league treasury.

SECTION 7
            Ejection and Suspensions

            If a player or manager is suspended for more than one (1) game, the party involved has a right to appeal.  If after an umpire’s report, the president deems a larger suspension is warranted, the president shall notify the manager of the team involved.  If an appeal is requested, the manager will notify the president.

A meeting will be scheduled at the earliest convenience and a decision will be made at the meeting.

The player or manager will be allowed to continue to participate, after the initial game is served, until the decision of the appeal is made.  If the suspension is enforced, the player and or manager will attend the designated number of games in uniform and not be allowed to participate in the games.  The player/manager must check in with the official scorer at the start of each game.