DISTRICT BY-LAWS

AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL LEAGUE of DISTRICT #31 BY-LAWS

Rule #1: Organization

This league shall be known as the Westmoreland County American Legion Baseball League of District #31

Rule #2: Business

All business of this league shall be conducted through the office of District #31 league president. All officers, boards, teams, umpires and committees shall function through this office.

Rule #3: Committees

The league president shall appoint a committee to handle all protests, prior to the regular season.

The league president may appoint other committees to address issues such as zoning and playoff formats as required.

Rule #4: Meetings

Any team not represented at a meeting called by the league president, where reasonable notice was given of that meeting shall be fined if not excused. The fine for the first (1st) offense shall be ten ($10) dollars. For the second offense the fine shall be Twenty ($20) dollars, and for the third such offense the fine shall be Thirty ($30) dollars. Any team failing to send a representative after the third offense, MAY be considered suspended as of that date, following review of the circumstances by the league officers.

Rule #5: Voting Privileges

Each team having no outstanding debts to the league, shall have one vote on all matters concerning the operation of the league and in determining the outcome of any issue that is brought before the league for resolution. Any motion involving the operation or rules of the league will require a Two Thirds (2/3) majority vote of the league for passage. All other motions will require simple majority.

Rule #6: League Registration

All teams wishing to participate in District #31 American Legion Baseball for a given baseball season must remit the league entry fees and any outstanding fines prior to March meeting of the current baseball season. Any team that doesn’t comply with this deadline will be subject to losing their team franchise upon review by the league president, sectional ,and regional directors.

Rule #7: New teams entering the league

Any new team wishing to enter the league, or team which has previously participated, but was not active during the last regular Two(2) seasons and requests to re-enter the league, must adhere to the following procedure.

A letter, requesting entry into the league, must be submitted to the league president on or before February 1st.

The requesting organization must submit written proof that they have the ability to financially support their team.

The requesting organization must submit that they will be able to field a full tem (18 players).

The requesting organization must submit proof that they have made arrangements to provide a playing field.

Since all of the District #31 is zoned and all available territory has been assigned to existing franchises, the requesting organization will be responsible for the negotiations required to obtain a team territory. NOTE: i.e.: the territory of any existing franchise that is in good standings cannot be diminished without their consent.

Any such request that satisfied points A through E. will be received by the league president, a motion to favor of the request will be placed before the league membership and a vote will be taken and recorded.

The requesting organization will received notification of the results of the league’s decision in writing.

Rule #8: Inactive Teams

When any team voluntarily drops from the league they will be considered an inactive team and the following rules will govern the handling of their franchise and territory.

Upon review of league president, regional director, and sectional director, that team may have their franchise and territory revoked immediately.

If their franchise and territory are not revoked as a result of the Rule #8A review, their franchise will be held open for two (2) years as defined in Rule #8C provided that:

B.1 All annual league fees are paid while the team is in an inactive status.

B.2 Any fines due to the district, sectional, regional or state are paid prior to application reentry.

B.3 All elements of Rule #7 are met and they submit a reentry request to the league president before the end of their inactive eligibility as defined in Rule 8.c.

A district #31 baseball year is defined as beginning on February 1st of a given year and running through the 31st of January of the following year. If a team drops out of the league at anytime during the year, that year will be counted as the 1st year of inactivity.

Any team dropping from the league MUST notify the league president and all remaining scheduled opponents as soon as possible. Forfeit fees and other applicable fines will continue to accumulate until the league president has received notification.

Rule #9: Insurance

It is compulsory that all teams participating in District #31 American Legion Baseball, carry the necessary insurance as provided by National American Legion program

Rule #10: Payments to District #31

The league would prefer to receive checks for all fees and fines. Any team giving the league an NSF check will be charged a twenty five ($25) dollar fine. In addition they will have to make good on the check in question. Failure to pay an NSF fine or make good on the check in question may lead to suspension and/or loss of franchise.

Rule #11: Baseball Guide

The current Pennsylvania Baseball Guide and all other American Legion Baseball rules govern this league and all league business and operations. Such business and operations shall be conducted in accordance with these American Legion rules.

Rule #12: Baseball Rules

This league shall be governed by the current Official Baseball Rule Book as copyrighted by the Commissioner of Baseball. This rule book is available in most book stores or online. Any exceptions to the official rule book are noted as such in the Pennsylvania Baseball guide.

Rule #13: Playing Field

The home team must have the playing field lined before any league game will be played. All areas of the playing field not covered by grass must be in good order and all areas covered by grass must be cut to a reasonable height. Any manager objecting to the condition of the playing field must consult the umpire(s) for their inspection and opinion prior to the start of the game. The umpire’s decision will be the final factor in determining whether or not a protest is viable.

Rule #14: Uniforms

All players must wear the SAME full baseball uniform at ALL TIMES while on the playing field. Coaches are permitted to participate provided they wear a COMPLETE uniform similar to ones worn by their team players

Rule #15: Scorekeepers

Each team must have an official scorekeeper. It will be the duty of the scorekeeper to keep accurate statistics.

Rule #16: Umpire Payment

All umpires must be paid in full by cash or check prior to the start of each game. Refer to the umpire payment schedule (due to incomplete game) provided to you prior to the start of the season.

Rule #17: Roster

A complete and accurate team roster must be submitted online to the national American Legion headquarters at the assigned date given each year. The roster must be completely submitted prior to any start of the regular season.

Rule #18: Waiver

Players may be waived from one team to another when the following waiver rules are adhered to:

Effective with the 2012 American Legion Baseball season the waiver of any player will be only for that season. That player must try out for his home residence again the following year. He can be waivered again, but it will only be for the one year.

A player must be eligible to participate in American Legion Baseball as outlined in the current edition of the Pennsylvania American Legion Baseball guidebook under player eligibility.

The player to be waived must have two (2) tryouts for the team that holds the franchise for the territory within which their parents or legal guardians reside and they must live with that parent or legal guardian. The player’s residence is defined as where he resides on Feb 28th of the league year.

Any players eligible for waiver, after addressing notes A, B, C, and D may be waived to the team that holds the franchise of the territory whose boundary is closest to his place of residence as defined above.

An official waiver form (AL-76) which is distributed to each team prior to each year must be filled out completely and signed prior to league roster certification meeting.

At the league president’s discretion and direction will make the final decision on any and all disputes on a waiver.

Any violation of the waiver rule will be reviewed by the league officers which may lead to suspension of any and all parties involved in the violation.

Rule #19: Tryout Announcements

All teams are required to make two (2) public announcements prior to tryouts. Managers are responsible (when asked by league officer) to prove that he made announcements publicly (i.e., newspaper clipping).

Rule #20: Forfeits

Any team forfeiting a game for any reason will be assessed a fine of One Hundred ($100) dollars per forfeited game. All forfeit fines are to be paid within five (5) days of any such occurrence.

Any team forfeiting a game will be responsible for paying that game day umpires’ fees. All umpire fees must be paid within five (5) days as well. If the forfeiting team forfeits an away game, the forfeiting team will reimburse the home team for the umpire fee made payable within five (5) days. Any forfeit MAY result in the loss of franchise after review by the league office, sectional director and regional director. Any forfeits of a post-season game will cause an automatic review by the league officer, sectional director and regional director. Three (3) forfeits during the regular season will result in the suspension of that team for the remaining scheduled year.

Rule #21: Regular Season

The regular season will start and end in accordance with the official league schedule. The mode of play and schedule shall be determined at the earliest possible time prior to the start of the regular season. All regular season games must be played and any games NOT played will fall into the category of the forfeit rule #20. The league president reserves the right to rule on this situation.

Rule #22: Game Starting Times

All weekday games must be scheduled to start on or before 6:00 pm. A maximum grace period of 30 minutes is permissible. No game shall start after 6:30 pm.

Rule #23: Ceremonies

Pre-game Ceremonies: A meeting shall take place between the managers and umpires before the game begins. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss ground rules and any other game detains and or questions. The exchange of line-up card will take place at this time. Both teams will line up on each foul line and recite the “code of sportsmanship.” If any other ceremony is necessary, it will take place at this time.

Post Game Ceremonies: Following the game, all team members, coaches and managers will shake hands in the vicinity of home plate. This is providing the CDC deems it safe to do so. Be aware that any misconduct that takes place during this post game event will result in fines and/or suspensions,

Rule #24: Game Duration

All games shall consist of seven (7) full innings. Five (5) innings shall be considered a complete game. In the event of a suspension of play, consult the official rules of baseball (rule 4.10C).

Rule #25: Incomplete Regulation Game

The outcome of the games that are stopped for any reason AFTER becoming a regulation game in accordance with Rule 4.10C, D, and E of the official rules of baseball, will be determine based on the score after the last full inning of play completed. In the event of a tie, the game will be recorded as such and each team will be awarded two (2) points.

Rule #26: Conduct

Any manager, coach, player, scorekeeper and/or representative of the team who conducts themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner which would reflect discredit to the league will be ejected from the game and may be suspended from further participation at the discretion of the league president, sectional director and regional director. This rule extends also into any and all regional and state tournaments. At no time can a player, scorekeeper and/or team representative DISCUSS any ruling made by an umpire or league officer during pregame, game and post-game events.

Rule #27: Game Ejections

Any ejections must be reported t the league president within 24 hours of the event. The umpires and coaches must report the event. Upon review, the league president will rule on any additional disciplinary action required based on the degree of the incident. All ejections carry a plus one game suspension per the Region 7 Director.

Rule #28: Post Regular Season Play

The league itself will determine the format of any playoff or championship tournament prior to the beginning of the Regional Tournament. If the outcome cannot be decided, it will be the responsibility of the league president to appoint a representative to the Regional Tournament

Rule #29: Protest

All Protests must be filed with the league president in writing within 24 hours after the completion of the game. All protests must be accompanied by a $25 check protest fee. If the protest is upheld the fee will be returned. If the protest is denied, the fee will become part of the league treasury. All decisions regarding protest will be handled by the league's baseball commission. Any decisions made by that committee may be appealed to the Regional Director in accordance with the current state baseball guidebook. No protest shall be made because of judgment calls by the empires. All playing field condition concerns will not be accepted after the start of the game. All protests made during the course of the game must be made at the time of appeal to the home plate umpire. The umpire will publicly announce to the game is being protested and proper recording must be made in both scorebooks. No protest will be accepted after the completion of the game unless the protest involves the last play of the game. This protest must be made before the umpires leave the field of play.

Rule #30: Game Reporting

It is the responsibility of each home team to contact Greensburg Tribune Review no later than 11:00 pm on the day the game is played.

Rule #31: Rescheduling Games

Any games postponed or cancelled must be reschedules within two (2) days of that scheduled game. The home team shall be responsible for rescheduling the game. After 48 hours, if no contact is made, the league office must be alerted and the game will be scheduled by the officer. Failure to reschedule will lead to a possible forfeit of game by the home team.

Rule #32: Out of State play and out of League Tournament

Any out-of-state game must be approved by the Pennsylvania American Legion Director of Activities via the travel form #4. Obtain a copy of the required form from the league president and submit the completed form prior to the vent. Approval must be made by the activities director before participating in the event. Prior to participation in any out-of-state play, your team's event cannot interfere with the official schedule of league play.

Rule #33: Designated Hitter Rule

All rule interruption will be referred to the National High School Federation Rule (designated hitter).

This will only apply during District 31 play. All play in State playoffs will revert to MLB designated hitter rules.

Rule #34: Reentry Rule:

Any starter may leave the game via substitution and reenter the game once. He must reenter in the same spot in the batting order that he previously occupied. The DH Rule in HS is equally as simple. The DH is considered to be a starter. He can DH for any player in the batting order. Since he is a starter, he can be replaced by another DH and later reenter the game as the DH provided he meets the batting order criteria noted above. The DH may enter the game as a defensive player, however once he does, the DH is lost for the remainder of the game. The pitcher can reenter as a pitcher provided that his removal from the game was not due to the defensive team exceeding their allotted free conferences (2) in one inning or his replacement required more than eight (8) war-up pitches (injury to starter). All rule interruption will be referred to the National High School Federation rule (under reentry) except for the two (2) visit rule in one inning. Refer to the MLB rules of baseball. Limits on mound visits will be done according to the MLB rule prior to 2018.

Rule #35:

Rule #36: Emergency Reentry Rule:

The following rule applies to all official games played under the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania American Legion District #31 for all regular season and post-season games.

If during the course of the game, a team shall have exhausted their roster of eligible players (present at that time) they may reenter an eligible player under the following rules:

The only valid reason to "reenter" a player shall be only due to a player currently in the game suffering an injury that prevents the player from continuing in that game.

b. The player most recently removed from the game becomes eligible to reenter that game. If additional injuries occur, then the player most recently removed the fame becomes eligible for reentry in the reverse order by which they were removed from the game.

c. If all players eligible for reentry have been utilized and an additional injury of this category occurs, the team suffering that injury will be unable to continue at that point and must forfeit the game. No player who was removed because of injury can reenter under this rule.

If during the course of a given game additional players arrive at the game in uniform and take a position on the bench, then those players must be utilized before any additional injury reenter would come into effect.

Any player that has been previously ejected from this game is not eligible for reentry. In addition, any player whether or not that player is in uniform and on the bench, who is under a league or team suspension for this game is not eligible.

A player reentering can play an position so ordered by the manager unless that pitcher was removed due to a second conference in one inning.

The procedure to be following when invoking an Injury reentry will be:

G-1 The manager of the injured player will call time out.

G-2 The manager of the injured player will inform the umpire that the injured player is unable to continue.

G-3 If the umpires concur that the reentry rules apply to the game situation at that point, the manager of the injured player will reenter a player that meets the reentry eligibility requirements as specified above.

G-4 At that time the umpires, opposing team, and both scorekeepers will be notified of the situation.

G-5 The reentry player will enter the game and play will resume as soon as possible.

G-6 If at any time an injury appears to be a fake, suspensions to manager and player(s) will be forthcoming.

** This rule was written in the best interest of getting the maximum numbers of players in a game. All parties are expected to apply it using SPORTSMANSHIP and a sense of fair play.

#37- No team may release a player in their territory to accept a player from another territory for any reason.

#38- Once a team begins their season, they must continue. Teams may wait to start if their High School team is still alive in the playoffs.

#39- New MLB relief pitcher rule where pitcher must face three batters or close an inning, does NOT apply.

#40- A game will be concluded if the losing team is down 12 after five at bats or 10 after six at bats.

#41- Point system to determine league standings- one (1) point for a game played, one (1) point for a loss, two (2) points for a tie, three (3) points for a win, minus five (-5) for a forfeit.

#42 Pitching Rules. In accordance with National Rules: 1-30 pitches = 0 days rest. 31-45 pitches = 1 day of rest. 46-60 pitches = 2 days of rest. 61-80 pitches = 3 days of rest. 81-105 pitches = 4 days of rest. You may finish the batter.

#43 Failure to show for roster meeting with completed paperwork, can lead to fine of $100.

Board of Appeals: Matt Sofran, Mike Hogan, Mike Draghi (Chmn).

If any situation arises that is not covered in the District #31 by-lays, Pennsylvania Baseball Guide Book and/or the Official Rules of Baseball, the league office with the guidance from the sectional and regional directors will be the final decision.

Amended 2/16/25 by unanimous vote