OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON - BASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
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BASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS
2014/2015 SEASON
1|PageBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
Table of Contents
Content Page
100 Authority of Regulations 3
101 Club Regulations 3
101.1 Obligations of Clubs 3
(a) Mandatory Grades 4
(b) Finance 4
(c) Player Eligibility and Clearances 6
101.2 Nominations and Withdrawal of Teams 6
101.3 Defunct Clubs
7
102 Players Regulations 7
102.1 Registration of Players 8
102.2 Temporary Residents (Senior Player Only) 9
102.3 Playing Restrictions
10
103 Game Regulations 10
103.1 Playing Facilities 11
103.2 Player Restrictions in Games 11
(a) Bye Situations 11
(b) Maximum Allowable Bench (Senior Grades Only) 11
(c) Age Limitations 12
(d) Unfinancial Players 12
(e) Senior Grades 12
(f) Lower Grades, Colts & Juniors 12
(h) Forfeits 13
(i) Junior Players 13
103.3 Pitching Limits 14
103.4 Blood Rule 15
103.5 Uniforms 15
103.6 Equipment 16
(a) Balls 16
(b) Bats 16
103.7 Commencement of Games 17
103.8 Termination of Games 17
103.9 Time limit Games 18
103.10 Time Delay Regulations (“Speed Up Rules”) 19
103.11 Results of Matches 20
103.12 Protested Games 21
104 Coaching Regulations 21
104.1 Accreditations 21
105 Finals Regulations 21
105.1 Club Eligibility for Finals 21
105.2 Player Eligibility for Finals 22
(a) Minimum Games 22
(b) Game Credits 22
(c) Playing Up or Down 22
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Content Page
(d) Grading 22
(e) Under Age Players 23
105.3 Premiership Format 23
(a) Standings 23
(b) Final Round Format 23
105.4 Awards 24
106 Breaches of Regulations 24
106.1 Penalties 24
106.2 Specific Offences 26
(a) Physical Confrontation 26
(b) Melee Rule 26
(c) Spectator Conduct 27
(d) Tobacco 27
(e) Audible Obscene Language / Gesture 27
(f) Indecent Language / abuse / gesture towards Umpire / Official 28
(g) Equipment Abuse 28
(h) Bringing the game into Disrepute 28
(i) Contact with an Umpire 28
106.3 Application of Penalties (process) 28
106.4 Officiating 29
106.5 Protests and Disputes Procedure 29
(a) Reporting authority 29
(b) Reporting Procedures 30
(c) Authority of Protests and Disputes Tribunal 30
(d) Protests & Disputes Tribunal -Hearings 30
107 State Representation 32
107.1 Representative Teams 32
108 Regulation Exceptions 32
108.1 Re-Entry Rule 32
108.2 Slide/Collision Rule-Juniors 32
Appendix 34
Heat Policy 34
Social Media Policy 35
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100 Authority of Regulations
(a) These regulations of Baseball WA (BWA) are issued in accordance with the Constitution #
9.3. Should at any stage there be a conflict between the provisions of the Constitution and
these Regulations then the Constitution will prevail.
(b) Unless otherwise stated in these Regulations the Rules of Baseball as currently endorsed by
Baseball Australia will prevail.
(c) Regulations, as provided in the Constitution provision 9.3, can be amended by the Board of
Directors of Baseball WA (BWA) from time to time.
(d) Regulations will be current as at the 1st of October each year or when finalised by the Board.
The board has the right to amend the regulations as it deems necessary during the season.
(e) In these regulations, unless inconsistent with the context, words denoting one gender shall
include the other gender.
101 Club Regulations
101.1 Obligations of Clubs
(a) Mandatory Grades
(i) State League Clubs must run their own ‘division’ of Senior Baseball (i.e. meets criteria for
and runs its own administered competition) or must field teams in State League, AAA,
Colts & 1 other Grade. Clubs who are unable to field all required grades on consecutive
years will lose State League status.
(ii) State League Club requirements effective for 2014-2015 season.
(1) Senior: All clubs must have a minimum of four (4) senior teams playing at the
mandatory State League grades.
(2) Junior: minimum of Three (3) with 1 in Colts and 2 in Junior League of which there
must be a minimum of one ASC team with three (3) Little League Teams.
(3) Any club meeting the above set of criteria are eligible to nominate to play in the
State League Competition.
(iii) Clubs not fulfilling State League requirements will be considered Minor League Clubs.
(iv) No Association or club affiliated with BWA shall arrange or take part in any match with
any team, within the State of Western Australia or outside the State without first
obtaining the consent of the Board. Such consent shall not be granted unless the
governing body of Baseball in the State in which the match is being played and Baseball
Australia has sanctioned such a match. Pre-season matches are not applicable to this
regulation.
(b) Finance
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(i) Any club which is un-financial with BWA, the WA Baseball Umpires Association or the
WA Baseball Scorers and Statisticians Association as at the closing date for nomination
of teams to participate in an official BWA competition shall:
(1) Be excluded from the relevant competition; and
(2) Forfeit any right of representation to BWA until the outstanding debt has been paid.
(ii) Clubs must pay the fees and levies by the dates stipulated in the annual budget. Failure
to comply with this stipulation will incur the following penalties:
(1) No Premiership wins awarded for any games played during the first thirty (30) days
of a Club being un-financial.
(2) Should the Club remain un-financial after 30 days, no team within that Club shall be
permitted to play in sanctioned competition.
(iii) Any club un-financial to BWA after 14 Days will not be allowed to use any temporary
residents to play or coach in any grade
(iv) In addition to the penalties stipulated under clauses 101.1(b) (i) and (ii), a penalty
interest rate as determined by the Board shall be charged on all overdue BWA accounts
and fees.
(c) Player Eligibility and Clearances
(i) A Club can at any time clear or release a player of any further obligations to the club by
its own volition. Players seeking clearances will make application to their respective club.
If cleared, the player must lodge the required clearance form with BWA before playing
for another club. If the player is on the protected list of the original club, the transfer fee
must accompany the clearance form prior to playing for the new club; however the
original club may choose to waive the transfer fee. Players seeking clearances are
required to be financial with their original clubs prior to the clearance being granted.
(ii) Players may play their first game of baseball with any club. There are no residential
restrictions on players except if a player has previously played at a tee-ball club that has
a formal agreement with a baseball club that has been approved by BWA then such
player is tied to the said baseball club.
(iii) No player who is registered as a playing member with one club shall be allowed to play
with another club until the player has obtained a clearance from the club with which he
is already registered. A player is permitted to play with one club and coach at a different
club.
(iv) Clearance must be in writing and be approved by the Competitions Department prior to
playing. A player who has just received a clearance from his former club may compete in
a weekend games so long as the completed clearance has been received in the BWA
office prior to the first business day following the weekend’s games.
(v) For a clearance to be considered it must be lodged prior to December 31st except where
a clearance is requested by a person who has not previously played baseball during the
season in any recognised baseball competition in Australia or overseas.
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(vi) Interstate players must produce a clearance from their last club with which they played
and submitted to the BWA registrar prior to playing.
(vii) Any person or club furnishing false or misleading information to BWA shall be liable to
such penalties as decided by the Board.
(viii) Playing an uncleared player will result in forfeiture and a fine of $100 against the
offending club.
(ix) Juniors
All junior players will be tied to the club at which they play their first game of baseball
(unless cleared by said club). Exceptions:
(1) A junior player will be eligible to appeal to BWA for a transfer between clubs if they
move their place of residence and are closer to different club.
(2) A junior player will be eligible to appeal to BWA for a transfer between clubs if their
parents are separated and they nominate two residential homes in two different
locations.
(3) The Competitions Department shall have the right to hear and decide any appeals
against clearance decisions by individual clubs. Should a junior player be denied the
clearance through the appeals process, the player will only be permitted to play for
the original club for the remainder of the season before the clearance will be
granted.
(x) Seniors
(1) All Clubs will be able to protect a maximum of 10 players who are no longer age
eligible for the Colts competition. All college players will be protected automatically
for 1 season, commencing immediately after the completion of their enrolment.
(2) Any player who is not on the protected list is eligible to transfer clubs without
compensation being provided to the original club.
(3) Clubs will be required to submit to BWA a list of protected players by 1 April each
year.
(4) Clubs who seek clearances for players on the protected list will compensate the
original club $500.00 for that player.
(5) Clubs will be limited to $1500.00 in clearance acquisitions each year.
(6) A non-playing coach cannot be placed on the protected list and is eligible for
transfer without compensation. A player, who is on a protected list, and who intends
to begin a coaching career will be permitted to transfer clubs without incurring the
transfer fee so long as the player does not play. In the instance above, if the coach
resumes playing the transfer fee will apply according to where the player was
protected for that season. If the coach resumes playing in the following season or in
a subsequent season, the fee will be decreased by $500 per year from where the
player was last protected.
(7) Temporary Residents will automatically be protected in their first season. In
subsequent years the player would have to be included in the 10 player protected
list for the club.
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101.2 Nominations and Withdrawal of Teams
(a) Clubs are required to nominate teams for the BWA competition grades by August 31
each year. Clubs are required to nominate at least 2 umpires for B grade, C grade, D
Grade and all Junior Teams.
(b) The Competition Department shall consider nominations from all clubs when
determining grading, but shall have complete discretion when the final grading and
fixtures are decided.
(c) A club withdrawing a nominated team before the season commences, but after the
fixtures are finalised, shall pay a max penalty of $200.
(d) No club, either State League shall enter more than one team in any mandatory grade of
the BWA's competition, unless approved by the Competition Department.
(e) A club withdrawing a team once the season has commenced shall withdraw the lowest
graded team of that club. (For Colts, Junior League & Little League age groups it will be
the lowest graded team within that age group) Alternatively, in the opinion of the
Competition Department such other team in order to minimise fixturing disruption. All
costs associated with the withdrawal of that team shall be paid to BWA.
(f) Requests for amendment to Colts or Junior League grading after season commencement
must be made in writing to BWA, in sufficient time for the requesting team’s particular
Division to complete an even round/s of fixtures should a change be made. Where
possible, should a change occur, it will be made at the end of a completed round, and
the team concerned will commence play in the new division with a new win-loss record.
In categories where there is a split in the division a portion of the way through the
season, the win-loss record of teams forming the new divisions will be carried over.
101.3 Defunct Clubs
(a) Clubs can be expelled or withdraw from BWA in accordance with the Constitution provision
# 5 and be declared defunct. No club shall be defunct until declared by the Board,
(b) In the event that a player, who previously played with a club which is declared defunct,
wishes to transfer to another club, they may do so under such conditions as determined by
the Board.
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102 Players Regulations
102.1 Registration of Players
(a) The Board shall appoint a BWA Competitions Department Registrar who shall keep a
true record of all registered clubs and players, clearances and the results of all games
played under the control of BWA. It is a responsibility of the Club concerned to ensure
that all players are correctly registered.
(b) The BWA Competitions Department Registrar shall deal with all matters relating to
registrations and clearances, and may refer any dispute or irregularity to the
Competitions Manager for resolution.
(c) Competitions Manager may require the production of evidence either written or spoken
from the club or person, to establish bona fide’s of matters before them, and may refuse
any registration or clearance until such evidence is produced.
(d) All players shall complete and sign an official registration form that the club will keep on
file. The information from the registration form must then be uploaded on the “my club”
data base prior to the player participating in their first game. Failure to do so will result
in a $100 fine for each game that the player participates in prior to being posted on the
data base.
(e) The Competition Department reserves the right to refuse registration of a player if it
considers his safety is threatened by participation in Senior or Junior baseball
(f) A player once registered with a Club remains a registered member of that Club until such
time as the player seeks and is granted a clearance to another Club regardless of any
change in place of residence
(g) Any BWA registered player remains bound by the rules of BWA including the adherence
to Policies appended to these Regulations (Codes of Conduct, Health, Harassment-Free,
Vilification-Free, Drug Free, Infectious Diseases, and Liquor Policies)
(h) The penalty for playing an unregistered/non cleared player shall be $100 and forfeiture
of game by the offending club
(i) If a player has not been registered or participated in a BWA competition for Four (4)
seasons they will be allowed to register at a new club regardless of previous registration
without requiring a clearance;
(j) Registration Procedures
Clubs are required to follow these procedures for registering players for their respective
clubs:
(i) Print Registration form off of the BWA Metro competitions website
www.bwametrocompetitions.baseball.com.au click “Competitions” in the main
menu then click “Registration Information”.
8|PageBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(ii) Copy as many forms as required for players registering at your club.
(iii) Get the form filled out and signed by the registering player/member.
(iv) Keep the form for your club’s files.
(v) The trusted club official will upload the information from the registration form onto
the data base.
(vi) Complete all the required fields including mailing address and email address (if they
have one). BWA Regulations 2014-2015 Page 4
(vii) Ensure players are on the data base before they play.
(viii) Submit Team Nomination Form by August 31st.
(ix) Inform BWA well in advance of any withdrawal or regrading of teams.
102.2 Temporary Residents (Senior Player Only)
(a) A player who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident shall be deemed to be a
temporary resident
(b) No temporary resident will be allowed to participate in BWA fixtures until the
application for temporary residence is sanctioned by BWA
(c) The Immigration Department’s requirement for endorsement of Visa applications for a
temporary residency of an overseas player by BWA, will not be considered if the club
requiring the endorsement is in debt to BWA, for any reason, for an amount of $500 or
more
(d) Before the start of each season, a club must nominate any player registered with that
club who is classified as a temporary resident of Australia. During the season, a club
must also nominate any such player before the person plays their first game;
(e) The nomination under (d) shall include a photocopy of the completed registration form
accompanied by a copy of the current passport and electronic copy of visa of the player
sent to BWA Competitions Department Registrar prior to the player participating in his
first game. Without all documentation registration will not be given.
(f) Clubs are limited to fielding a max of two (2) temporary residents in any one (1) game;
(g) Any current temporary resident who has applied for permanent residency of Australia
may be allowed to play in BWA Competitions under the same rules and restrictions that
apply to Australian residents in the BWA regulations. To remove the Temporary Resident
restrictions the club must write to the BWA Competitions Manager and provide the
following:
(1) Copy of application to the Department of Immigration
(2) Copy of receipt for fee to department of Immigration
(h) Any “Temporary Resident” returning to the same club after three (3) consecutive years
(starting from the 2011-2012 season) will be allowed to play without any restrictions. If
that player on his fourth (4) year goes to another club then he will be classified as a
Temporary Resident again. (If the player believes he should be allowed to play at
another club without restriction he may appeal to the Board for an exemption).
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(i) All applications will be assessed by the BWA Competitions Committee prior to the
Temporary Resident being allowed to play under these rules. If the application for
permanent residency is refused then that player will revert back to being a temporary
resident and will then be subject to the temporary resident restrictions as per BWA
regulations.
(j) Work Visas (Seniors)
Any person on a work visa brought out by a Company may play without “Temporary
Residents” restrictions, but must provide the following information.
a) Copy of passport showing entry visa or visas into Australia
b) Copy of 457 visa from passport
c) Copy of letter from Employer (457 visa holders) the employer must
not be associated with any Baseball club
102.3 Playing Restrictions
SL, AAA, AA, A and Colts
(a) No individual “Temporary Resident” may pitch in consecutive games for the same team.
(b) The “Temporary Resident” will not be eligible to pitch for any team until after the
completion of the next scheduled game for which he/she last pitched. I.e. Temporary
Resident Throws AAA can’t throw until after the completion of the next week’s fixtures.
(c) No team can pitch any “Temporary Resident” in consecutive games in the same grade.
(d) Subject to compliance with regulations 1a) and 1b) and all other player eligibility rules
and regulations: Only One “Temporary Resident” may pitch for a team in any individual
game.
(e) Only Two (2) “Temporary Residents” can play in any one (1) game.
(f) A “temporary resident” who play’s in a previous grade on the same day, cannot play in a
State League game on that day. Exception: Game two of a double header, a “temporary
resident” who played in lower grade may play in the second game.
PENALTY: Loss of Game and $500 fine.
Note: For the purposes of this Regulation 102.3, games that are not played for points
(except Finals and tournaments) shall not be treated as games.
(g) A new pitching rotation is deemed to commence with the final series irrespective of
when the temporary resident last pitched in regular season games.
(h) A change from temporary resident status must be approved prior to a player playing in
the BWA competition under different residency status. Proof of Permanent Residency or
Australian Citizenship must be provided to enable the change of status
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103 Game Regulations
103.1 Playing Facilities
The following are the MINIMUM requirements necessary for all levels of baseball played under the
control of BWA. Clubs must ensure all equipment meets safety standards for players, officials, and
spectators.
(a) Base paths, including 1st base tramlines to be clearly marked.
(b) 1st and 3rd foul lines clearly marked for a minimum of 50m from 1st and 3rd bases
respectively
(c) Flagpoles, a minimum height of 1.5m are to be positioned at the extremities of the foul
lines.
(d) 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases and pitching rubber to be pinned.
(e) A back net (minimum size 4m wide x 3m high) to be positioned at a min of 15m from
home plate for the main diamond. All other diamond back nets are to be a minimum
10m from home plate.
(f) A designated "dead ball" line from the edges of the back net and parallel to the 1st and
3rd base lines (white line marking is acceptable) except State League main diamond
which must have a minimum of rope
(g) The club's main diamond to have a minimum distance from home plate along the foul
lines to the home run fence of 99m and from home plate to centre field of 110m.
(h) Diamonds other than the main diamond to have a minimum distance from home plate
to the home run fence of 90m.
(i) Seats or benches for at least 10 people at each bench area.
(j) Shade for all players on the home and visitor's bench and provide 15 litre drinking
container with ice
(k) Provision of a table, chairs and shade for the scorers.
(l) Access to both male and female toilets within reasonable distance of the diamond.
(m) All State League clubs are to have a minimum of 2 pitching mounds and Minor League
clubs 1 pitching mound available for use at each game day.
(n) All State League club grounds must have a completely enclosed home run fence on the
main diamond. All main diamonds to have protective screens in front of the dugouts.
(o) Diamond Dimensions:
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(i) Colts: 90 feet (27.43m) base paths and 60 feet 6 inch (18.44m) pitching distance;
(ii) Women: 90 feet (27.43m) base paths and 60 feet 6 inch (18.44m) pitching distance;
(iii) Seniors: 90 feet (27.43m) base paths and 60 feet 6 inch (18.44m) pitching distance.
(p) Pitching mounds must be used when available in ALL grades. Mounds are compulsory for
Colts.
(q) Sufficient L screens for pre-game batting practice for all teams
103.2 Player Restrictions in Games
(a) Bye Situations
Where a bye situation occurs for any team, a player who has played in that team (grade)
during the previous round of fixtures is ineligible to play in a lower grade UNLESS the
person has played a greater amount of regular season games in that grade or lower
before the bye (a round where a particular grade is not competing is considered a bye).
(b) Maximum Allowable Bench (Senior Grades Only)
Maximum number of players permitted on the bench is 21 including coaching staff. All
players and coaches are to be in uniform. All players and coaches are to be listed on the
line up sheet prior to the game. Players & coaches who are not listed will not be allowed
to participate in the game. For State League Finals the number may increase to 24
(c) Age Limitations
All Colts players (Under 19’s) and Junior League players (Under 15’s) are bound by
pitching and catching restrictions that apply to that age group for the whole season,
irrespective of any grade they play;
(i) To qualify to play in the Colts, players must be under 19 for the entire season. Junior
League players must be at least 13. They must be under 15 for the entire season.
(ii) Request for player to be play outside of their eligible age group (Colts & Junior
League). A request for a player to play below their age group must complete the
Baseball WA consent form and supported by statistics for both the grades played.
The Competition Department is empowered to make such downgrading if it thinks
fit and the downgrading is legal and binding. All applications to be forwarded to the
Competitions Manager Fax 9377 4502
(iii) The minimum age to play in the women’s competition is 14 prior the start of the
season, but can’t play in any other senior grade until attaining the age of 15. (Players
parents must submit letter of consent) to the Competitions Manager
(iv) Junior players may play up by 1 age category from their appropriate age grouping;
however a junior player must be 15 or turning 15 during the current season before
being permitted to play in a senior competition.
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(d) Un-financial Players
(i) No person shall participate by way of playing or coaching, in any game, if that person
is declared by the Board to be unfinancial with BWA.
(ii) A person may be unfinancial if he owes monies to BWA, for whatever reason, or is
in possession of any equipment or other goods that are the property of BWA or a
member of BWA.
(iii) Seven (7) days after notice in writing of the declaration of being unfinancial has been
given to the person and the club with which he is registered, any game in which that
person participates shall be forfeited until the debt is cleared.
(e) Senior Grades
(i) A person who has previously played in a lower senior grade during that day shall not
enter a second game until the start of the fourth innings, except in the case of injury
as described in 103.2(e)(ii);
(ii) Any player, who has previously played in a lower senior grade on that day, cannot be
included in the starting line-up of the second game but may enter their second game
upon any injury to a player in the starting line-up.
(iii) Where the Baseball WA State League has two (2) scheduled games on the same day,
player(s) from lower grades may be included in the starting line-up of the second
scheduled State League game.
(iv) A person entering a second game, other than State League, on the same day (except
double headers) irrespective of the innings played in the second game will be
credited with having played a full game for the purposes of finals eligibility.
(v) In grades other than State League, any other player on the bench who has not
previously played on that date must enter before the entry of a player who has
played previously on the same day.
(vi) Players are restricted to 2 games per day regardless of grade played.
(f) Lower Grades, Colts & Juniors
(i) Any player, who has previously played in a lower grade or age group on that day,
may be included in the starting line-up of a second game however they may not
start ahead of another player on the team who has not yet played that day. If there
are no spots available for the player who played earlier in the day to fill, the player
will not be able to enter the game until the start of the fourth innings, except to
replace an injured player. However, any other player on the bench who has not
previously played on that date must enter before the entry of a player who has
played previously on the same day. i.e. No Junior League player may play before a
legitimate Colts player,
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(ii) Where the Baseball WA has two scheduled games in the same junior grade on the
same day, player(s) from lower grades may be included in the starting line-up of the
second scheduled game without restriction.
(iii) A person entering a second game, on the same day, irrespective of the innings
played in the second game will be credited with having played a full game for the
purposes of finals eligibility.
(iv) All Players are restricted to 2 games per day regardless of grade n.b Any Junior
League player that has already played 2 games on that day cannot play in the Colts.
(v) Where a Colts game is scheduled to be played at night prior to a State League game,
it is possible for the Colts players to be listed in the starting line up with normal
pitching regulations to be applied.
(g) Forfeits
(i) A forfeiting team must give 48 hours’ notice to BWA and the other club of its
intention to forfeit. Any fees incurred because of the forfeit or penalties defined in
Regulation 106.1 shall be charged to the forfeiting club;
(ii) Where a forfeit situation occurs for any team, no player from the forfeiting team
shall play in a lower grade on that day, unless they played in the lower grade the
previous week. Or if they have played the greater amount of games in the lower
grade
(iii) Penalties for forfeiture by teams do not apply to situations where a team having
started a game in accordance with these regulations forfeits as a result of not
having enough players to complete the game in accordance to Regulation 103.2 (h)
(v).
(vi) A game declared a forfeit shall have a score recorded as 9 to 0 in a scheduled nine
innings game or 7 to 0 in a scheduled seven innings game in favour of the non-
offending team;
(vii) The minimum number of players to avoid forfeiture is nine (9) for State League,
AAA, AA, A and Colts Div 1. For all other grades the minimum number of players
required to avoid forfeiture is eight (8). Teams will not be penalised with an
automatic out when playing with 8 players.
(h) Junior Players
Junior League players may only play as high as Colts;
Note: Grade Hierarchy
For the purposes of these Regulations, the following shall be taken as being the standard
hierarchy grade seniority:
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SENIOR GRADES: SL, AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, Women’s
JUNIOR GROUPS: Colts, Junior League and Little League
Masters are excluded from hierarchy determinations.
103.3 Pitching Limits
(a) Pitching Assignments
Assignment Minor Substantial Major
U18 Yrs. of age 40 or less 41-79 80-100
Rest Period Nil 2 Days from 3 Days from
Pitching/Catching Pitching/ Catching
1 Day from Playing
(b) It will be the responsibility of the scorer to notify the Chief Umpire and each team when
a pitcher is within 10 pitches of the max allowable number. Note: a pitcher may finish
the batter he is pitching too once he reached the maximum pitches.
(c) A pitcher who throws a major assignment may not be permitted to play in the field for
the remainder of the day (but may stay in the batting line up) or the following day after
the completion of his pitching assignment.
(d) A balk Pitch delivered to the plate whether it is hit safely or not shall be considered to
be valid for the purpose of recording the “number of pitches”.
(e) Pitchers up to the age of 18 must be identified on the line-up with an (*).
(f) Back to Back Outings in Same Game, on the Same Day, or on Consecutive Days
(i) Minor followed by a Substantial or Minor to total a MAJOR (Cannot exceed the
major limit): 3 Days rest from pitching and catching
(ii) Minor followed by a Substantial or Minor to total a SUBSTANTIAL • 2 Days rest from
pitching and catching
(iii) Minor then Minor to total a MINOR: • No rest required.
Clarification – Major Assignments -This rule is to be applied such that if a pitcher
throws a MAJOR assignment or two assignments in the same game, on the same
day, or consecutive days, regardless of the number of pitches thrown during the
major assignment, he/she will not be able to play a defensive position throughout
the completion of that game, or any other game to be played on the same day, or
any game played the next day. The mandatory rest period commences immediately
following the removal of the pitcher from the mound, with the count on the required
rest days commencing with the next day being the first day of rest. A pitcher who is
on required rest following a major outing may continue to hit only (if only 9 players),
but may not play a defensive position.
(g) A pitcher may not throw a second assignment in the same game, on the same day, or on
consecutive days if they have thrown a substantial or major in their first outing.
15 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(h) A pitcher cannot pitch more than two outings in a calendar day.
(i) Junior League aged pitchers & catchers are governed by Little League by-laws for
pitching & catching restrictions regardless of grade played (please refer to the Little
League By-laws on the Little League WA website)
(j) The umpire has the authority to police the pitching rule as per Regulation 103.3(a) to (e).
(k) A pitcher may catch after pitching a minor assignment.
103.4 Blood Rule
(a) If any player bleeds during a game, then the umpire shall stop the game whilst the
player receives first aid treatment. A reasonable amount of time, at the discretion of the
umpire, shall be given to stop the bleeding and dress the wound. Prior to re-
commencement of play the bleeding must have been stopped, all contaminated clothing
and equipment replaced or cleaned and wound covered;
(b) If the bleeding cannot be stopped in a time considered reasonable to the umpire, or if
the bleeding re-occurs then the player must be removed from the game;
(c) Only Colts players will be eligible to re-enter the relevant game in accordance with
regulation 108.1.
103.5 Uniforms
(a) Applies to any participant occupying a position within the playing area including the
dugout/bench at any time from pre-game diamond work to the conclusion of the game
(b) All participants MUST be attired as a MINIMUM as below:
(i) Club Cap (Same Design & Colour)
(ii) Club Playing Top – including unique numbers no smaller than 15cm (Seniors Only)
(iii) Club Baseball Pant (all must be of the same style & colour. i.e. If white pants with
black stripe all must have white pants with black stripe)
(iv) Caps, Playing Tops and Pants MUST be uniform amongst ALL participants of that
game, optional additional uniform Items (Warm-Up Jackets, Slickers etc.) must
appear consistent with the sport, failure to comply may result in the individual’s
removal from the game.
(c) Coaches taking infield / outfield warm up or base coaching in all grades must be in the
teams uniform;
(d) All base coaches in ALL grades (senior & junior) are required to wear protective helmets.
Junior players must wear a double eared helmet when base coaching. Failure to wear a
helmet will be removal from base coaching if a coach refuses to comply. If a coach
continues to return without a helmet after being warned then the offending person shall
be ejected from the game.
16 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(e) The wearing of an eared helmet (min 1 leading ear) is compulsory for batting and base-
running. All helmets must be uniform in colour for each grade and in good condition and
must meet the NOCSAE requirement. Double-eared helmets must be worn at all times
by batters and base runners in the Colts and Junior League. All bat boys / girls must wear
a double-eared helmet;
(f) Any fielder may wear a non-shiny helmet the same colour as the club's cap.
(g) Any person warming up a pitcher shall wear a face mask and a helmet no matter
whether in the bullpen or on the playing field. The face mask will have a throat guard
attached to it unless the throat guard forms part of the mask.
(h) All clubs must register their uniform colours with BWA and are not to change those
colours or design of uniform without the written approval of the Competition
Department.
103.6 Equipment
(a) Balls
(i) The Home Team (including games at Baseball Park) will supply new balls for games
in each grade during regular season games. For Finals, the host club is responsible
for supplying balls and BWA will provide balls for finals games hosted at Baseball
Park
(ii) State League teams are required to supply 4 approved baseballs per game. All other
grades are required to supply 2 approved baseballs per game. Match balls of the
approved type and quality must be replaced immediately and as necessary to
complete the game with the required number of balls.
(iii) Games will not commence without the required number of approved balls.
(iv) Approved Balls – Minimum Standards
(a) Colts, AA-E Grade Women’s
Diamond Ace Major League Easton 600 Wilson A1010 Rawlings ROLB-1
(b) AAA, SL
Diamond Ace Major League Easton 777 Wilson A1010 Rawlings ROLB
(b) Bats
(i) Senior League Competitions
(a) Players participating in State League and AAA shall ONLY use wood or
wood composite / laminated bats conforming to the Official Rules of
Baseball. The maximum allowable bat size: (difference between length
and weight of a bat e.g. a 33 inches 28 ounce would have a –5), is a
maximum barrel size of 2.75” and a maximum length of 42”.
(b) All lower grades (AA & below) can have a Maximum barrel 2.75”, max
length 42” but the bats may be either conventional wooden type, wood
composite, aluminium, ceramic or carbon graphite.
(ii) Colts Bats
(a) The bat must be designated by the manufacturer as compliant with at
least one of the following standards and marked as such on the original
graphics.
17 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
• "Senior League"
• "Official Baseball"
• "BESR Certified"
• “USSSA”
• “BBCOR”
There are no lengths to weight differential restrictions for these age groups.
Notation: Bat regulations may vary from ABF National Tournament
requirements.
103.7 Commencement of Games
(a) The Team Manager/Coach shall, 30 minutes before the commencement of the game,
supply the Scorers with official line up information.
(b) The Manager of each team shall hand to the Umpire-In-Chief, five minutes before the
official commencement of the game, 2 copies of an official line up sheet listing the
starting line-up, their order at bat and position in the field.
(c) All games will start on time irrespective of whether teams have completed their pre-
game warm ups, unless preceding game or games cause a legitimate delay. If the same
Umpires are involved then a min of 30 minutes between games is required
(d) Any alteration to an official game starting time must be approved by the Competitions
Manager one (1) week prior to the revised starting time
(e) Other than wherein described all warm ups must take place outside the playing diamond
area (infield). It is the home team manager’s responsibility to ensure that the diamond is
available for the visiting team to warm up for a period of seven (7) minutes, twenty (20)
minutes before the scheduled starting time. The home team is entitled to warm up on
the diamond for a period of seven (7) Minutes, twelve (12) minutes before the
scheduled start time. In the event of the diamond not being available for the visiting
team twenty (20) minutes before the scheduled start time, the visiting team is entitled
to take its full seven (7) minutes by using time normally allotted to the home team.
Neither team may continue warming up past five (5) minutes before the scheduled
starting time.
103.8 Termination of Games
(a) Subject to Clause 3.10 (c) of the "Official Baseball Rules", any State League fixture that
has progressed far enough to be classified a regulation game as described in clause 4.10
(c) of said Rules and is terminated due to rain, darkness, light failure or weather, will be
considered a completed game at the point of termination.
(b) Any game that has not commenced or become a regulation game as referred to in
103.8(a) will be called an abandoned game.
18 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(c) Notwithstanding (a) or (b) above, any game that has become a regulation game and:
(i) Is then terminated due to the aforesaid conditions; and
(ii) The relevant inning is incomplete; and one of the following situations applies:
(iii) The visiting team has scored one or more runs to tie the score, and the home team
has not scored
(iv) The visiting team has scored one or more runs to take the lead, and the home
team has not tied the score or retaken the lead; or
(v) The home team has scored one or more runs to tie the score, the game will be
continued and completed from the point of termination at the first opportunity the
same two teams are next scheduled to play, or at a date determined by the
Competition Department.
(d) In the case of light failure during night games, time lost up to a max of 30 mins shall be
added to the scheduled completion time. If the light failure is during the first game of
the night, the second game will commence 20 mins after the completion of the first
game.
(e) One Sided Games
(i) Seniors & Colts –The game shall be called when one team is leading by ten (10) or
more runs after five (5) completed innings in a seven (7) innings game, or after
seven (7) completed innings in a nine (9) innings game.
(f) Risk Management
During any game played under the auspices of BWA any BWA Official (employee), Board
Member, or Umpires Adviser is empowered to terminate a game if in their judgement
weather, darkness, or other conditions are such that players and/or spectators are
exposed to a significant risk of injury.
(g) Cancelled Games
Except for State League, regular season games cancelled due to weather, darkness, or
other conditions, BWA will not reschedule any make up games. NB: If both clubs can
arrange the game to be replayed then BWA will allow that game to be played, all make
up games must be made up prior to the final week of the regular season. All playoff
games will be made up. Tournament games will be made up if schedule allows.
103.9 Time limit Games
(a) In other than State League games, three innings played shall constitute a regulation
game for time limit game.
(b) When the time limit has been reached in a time-restricted game, the innings currently
being played shall be immediately declared the last innings of the game, with any rules
normally applying to the ninth innings of a regulation game, being applied to that
innings
19 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(c) Where the time limit has been reached in a time restricted game, and the declared last
innings of the game has been completed with both teams possessing an equal score, the
game shall be declared a “Tied Game”.
(d) Where both teams have an equal score at the completion of designated innings and the
time limit has not been reached, play shall continue until one team leads after equal
innings have been played, providing the time limit for the game has not been exceeded
(See 103.9(b)).
(e) An innings is deemed to have commenced immediately after the third out is made in the
previous innings.
(f) The time limit applicable to any Grade shall be as determined by the Competition
Department Limits currently applicable are as follows:
SL– Sunday Games 9 Innings
SL - Single Night Games 7 Innings or 2 hours
SL – Double Header Day Games (1st game 2hrs or 7 innings) (2nd game 9 innings)
SL – Double Header Night Games 2.0 hrs or 7 innings
AAA, AA Sunday Games 2.5 hrs or 9 innings
A, B, C, D, E, Women 2.0 hrs or 9 innings
Colts, Junior League, 2.0 hrs or 7 innings
(g) Termination of night games due to an enforced curfew. No new innings shall commence
should there be 10 minutes or less remaining for the time schedule for completion of
the game. Time and game will be called at the scheduled completion time and should
the game be incomplete it shall revert back to the last fully completed inning.
(h) If time limit games are not started on time, the full time allotted should be played so
long as completing the game will not be restricted due to curfew, darkness, or the start
of a subsequent game.
103.10 Time Delay Regulations (“Speed Up Rules”)
The intention of these Regulations is to eliminate unnecessary time wasting during games.
(a) Batters must:
(i) Move directly into the Batter’s Box
(ii) Not vacate the Batting box once the Pitcher has received the baseball. GAME
PENALTY: Pitcher can pitch. Each pitch is called a strike.
(b) Designated Base Runner
(i) In State League & AAA games there will be NO designated runners. In all other
grades, a designated runner may replace the pitcher or catcher but only when
there are two (2) outs;
20 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(ii) Any registered player may be a designated base-runner provided the person is not
in the starting line-up but must be nominated before the start of the game and if
replaced, notified in the same manner as a substitute player.
(iii) The person cannot be a base-runner in any grade lower than which they are
qualified to play at any time during the season;
(iv) If all players have participated, any player not in the current line-up may be used or
when only nine (9) players are available the last batter out must be the designated
runner.
(c) Innings Changeover
(i) Max changeover between innings shall be 90 seconds. The Chief Umpire will call
“ball out”.
(ii) GAME PENALTY: If the pitcher is not ready within the allocated time, the Chief
Umpire shall call “Play Ball” and indicate “One Ball” on the batter if in the opinion
of the Umpire the Pitcher continues to delay the game.
(iii) If the Batter is not ready within the allocated time, the Chief Umpire shall call “Play
Ball” and indicate “one Strike” on the Batter;
(iv) A “Ball” or “Strike” will be called by the Chief Umpire for each subsequent 10-
second delay.
(d) Defensive Visits
Only one infielder at any time, (excluding Catcher), can go to the mound, and only one
such visit per innings will be allowed.
(e) Offensive Visits
Limited to three per game. An offensive visit shall be called any time an offensive player
or coach delays the game for any length of time to talk with another offensive player or
coach. An offensive player may be a hitter, base runner or on deck batter.
103.11 Results of Matches
(a) Each team shall provide a scorer who shall keep a detailed score for their team in a
Baseball WA approved scorebook and shall be responsible to see that the score book is
signed by the umpire and that the game report is submitted to Baseball WA on the
approved 2014-2015 forms with no modifications
(b) Team scorers shall sit together and as far away from the team benches as possible.
(c) All clubs must fax or email game reports to BWA by 12noon on the Monday following
the weekend or the day after a weekday game. Failure to do so will invoke a penalty of
$10 per report.
103.12 Protested Games
21 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(a) Where a Club Manager, Coach or Official protests a game, claiming a violation of Rules
and/or Regulations, notification must be received by the Chief Umpire at that time in the
game and before the next pitch or the next out is made. The Chief Umpire shall ensure
each team scorebook is notarised and signed accordingly. (Signing at completion of the
game is acceptable).
(b) The lack of an Umpire's signature may not invalidate the protest; however that umpire
may be liable to suspension from the umpiring panel by the Umpires Adviser.
(c) A detailed written report of such incident shall be forwarded to BWA within 48 hours of
the occurrence of the incident with a copy of the signed scorebook.
(d) Protest reports, shall be accompanied by a lodgement fee as set down by the Board. The
fee will be refunded at the completion of the hearing unless the protest is deemed
frivolous.
(e) The lodgement fee is $100.
(f) All protests may be referred to the P&D Committee for their consideration at the first
available meeting.
104 Coaching Regulations
104.1 Accreditations
(a) All coaches of teams in BWA competitions are encouraged to attain formal ABF / NCAS
coaching accreditation.
(b) State League coaches must have ABF / NCAS Level 3 coaching accreditation.
105 Finals Regulations
105.1 Club Eligibility for Finals
(a) Any club that owes monies to BWA and/or Scorers Association and/or Umpires
Association ten (10) days before the first game of any Finals shall be disqualified from
having ANY team participate in the finals.
(b) If a club is disqualified from competing in the finals as a result of being unfinancial then
in each grade where that club’s teams are disqualified, all other financial teams shall
move, in order, up the premiership table. These positions shall constitute the finishing
order only for the purposes of playing the finals in each grade.
105.2 Player Eligibility for Finals
22 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(a) Minimum Games
(i) Minor Grades - A person must receive game credits in at least six (6) regular season
games for that club during the season to be eligible to play in final round fixtures
for that club in grades below State League. No dispensations will be granted for
players to participate in finals games.
(ii) State League -To play in State League final round fixtures a player must receive
game credits in at least eight (8) regular season games for that club.
(b) Game Credits
(i) Minor Grades -When calculating player eligibility for final round fixtures ALL
regular season games in which the player participated in (started or substituted
into the line-up) for that club shall be considered. Player are required participate in
a minimum of Position Player/DH must complete 3 outs or 1 plate appearance and
Pitcher must complete a batter.
(ii) State League -Players will only receive game credits for State League Games if they
were listed in the starting line-up or if they came in to pitch in the game (Position
Player/DH must complete 3 outs or 1 plate appearance and Pitcher must complete
a batter). State League players will continue to receive game credits until the final
regular season games are completed.
(iii) Perth Heat Pitcher Qualifications for State League – Australian Players Only
(iv) If the pitcher is on 6 active rosters for the Perth Heat this would equate to 6 games
being played by the player. They will still require 8 games to qualify for finals
therefore must play at least two games for their club.
(v) Year End – Lower grade players will receive game credits according to the above
until the conclusion of the lower grade fixtures. That is, no lower grade player may
receive game credits to qualify for the lower grades by playing in State League
which may have regular season rounds remaining after the completion of the
lower grade schedule.
(c) Playing Up or Down
A player shall not be eligible to play in the finals for a team graded lower than the grade
for which the player has qualified. However, players may participate in a higher grade
under the limitations of 103.2(e). For the purposes of this regulation, the standard
grading hierarchy shall be as noted in regulation 103.2.
Note: A player who has qualified at Colts is not automatically qualified to play in any
senior grade final they wish. The player must play in the senior grade that they have
played the most number of senior games in and is subject to requirements of 105.2(e).
(d) Grading
Players are eligible for finals play in the grade where they have played greatest
percentage of fixture games for that grade. If a player has an equal percentage in more
than one grade, they are eligible to play in the higher of the two grades. If a player starts
in a higher grade final then that player will not be eligible to play in the lower grade final
for the reminder of the finals. A player may come off the bench/bullpen and return to
the lower grade that he has qualified for.
23 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
(e) Under Age Players & Women’s
(i) For a Woman to be eligible to participate in the finals, they must have played six
(6) regular games in that grade.
(ii) For a Colts player who has played in a higher age group or open competition to be
eligible to participate in the finals, they must have played in at least eight (8)
regular season games for the team at their corresponding age group and at least
four (4) Regular season games for the team in the higher age category to be
eligible to play finals for both teams. NB: If a Colts player has played more games in
a higher grade then that player is ineligible to play in the Colts finals.
(iii) Junior League players must play 4 games in the Colts to qualify to play finals, if a
club has two Colts teams in different divisions, then they have to qualified in the
lower division to play in the higher division final.
(iv) If a player plays in more than one grade in a particular age category, they must play
finals for the grade that they played the greater percentage of fixture games. If a
player has played an equal number of games in two grades, that player will be
eligible to play at the lower of the two grades but may choose to play up.
105.3 Premiership Format
(a) Standings
(i) Standings will be in order of WINNING PERCENTAGE, i.e.: (WINS + .5 X # TIES/
(TOTAL GAMES PLAYED))
(ii) If teams are tied in the standings, the team having the best win loss record in
games contested between the teams tied will be ranked higher.
(iii) If teams still tied in the standings, the team having the best runs against per
defensive innings ((runs against)/ (defensive innings)) in the games contested
between the tied teams will be ranked higher.
(iv) Where there are 3 or more teams tied, the above formula will be used to
determine the top ranked team(s). Once the top ranked team is determined, the
remaining teams are subsequently ranked again in order according the above
criteria to determine the remaining places.
(v) If still tied, teams will play a 1 game tie breaker to determine the higher ranked
team.
(b) Final Round Format
(i) Format for the Finals series is as per the published fixtures.
(ii) After State League semi-finals the team who is ranked highest after the home &
away season will assume home team status for game one & three if required.
(iii) Time Limits
The time limit applicable to final round fixtures shall be determined by the
Competitions Committee before any season and shall at this time be:
• State League; 9 innings
• AAA, AA; 9 innings
• A, B; C, D, E, Women 2.5 hours or 9 innings
24 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
• Colts; 2.5 hours or 7 innings. Junior League 2 hours or 7 innings
(iv) Tied Score
In the event of a tied score play shall continue until 1 team leads after equal innings
have been played.
105.4 Awards
For Players to be eligible for BWA awards Team Score Books and Statistics must be forwarded
to the Western Australian Scorers and Statisticians Association for assessment for that grade.
There will be notice sent to all clubs and posted on the website prior to the last regular season
scheduled game of where and when Score Books have to be dropped off.
Any Player ejected from a game and found guilty of the offence shall not be considered for
awards of best and fairest.
106 Breaches of Regulations
106.1 Penalties
(a) Any association, club or member committing a breach of these Regulations shall be
subject to penalty. By order of the Board, adjudication of such matters is delegated to
either the P&D Tribunal or Managing Director or Competition Department as is
appropriate to the particular offence.
(b) The Board may endorse any suspension or disqualification imposed by any controlling
body of baseball if notification of such suspension or disqualification has been placed
before the Board in writing.
(c) Any person or club under suspension or disqualification by BWA shall be barred from
taking part in any match under the control of BWA, except that unless the offending
person was an umpire at the time of the offence they may participate in matches as an
umpire during their suspension.
(d) Any association, club or member failing to carry out any reasonable direction of the
Board shall be liable to suspension, disqualification or other such penalty as the Board
may determine.
(e) Players found guilty of an offence must serve the full penalty in the grade in which the
penalty occurred and as documented in the P&D Report with the next eligible playing
date clearly stated. The P&D Chairman or Tribunal will decide the penalty as they deem
appropriate. The player is able to participate in any game they are otherwise eligible to
play at the commencement of the day recorded.
Schedules of Penalties
• Accreditation Level (State League)
• Unable to coach
25 | P a g eBASEBALL WA OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 2014/2015 SEASON
• Age limit, pitcher and catcher restrictions
• Forfeit or $50 fine if team has lost game.
• Facilities below standards
• Competition Department Discretion
• Forfeiture of game
• 1st Offence: $50 plus umpire fees, 2nd and subsequent Offences: $100 plus umpire
fees
• Ineligible player (Includes bye situation)
• Forfeit or $50 fine if team lost game.
• Junior re-entry
• Forfeit or $50 fine if team has lost game.
• Late payment of fees
• Outstanding up to 30 days: Unable to win games until debt cleared. Outstanding
greater than 30 days: Unable to participate until debt cleared.
• Melee & bring the game into Disrepute (Club)
• To a Max of $5000 plus any other penalties as determined by the P&D Tribunal.
• Non-provision of Umpire by Club
• 1st Offence: Warning, 2nd and subsequent Offences: $50
• Playing out of age group
• Forfeit or $50 fine if team has lost game.
• Playing without clearance
• Forfeit and $100 fine.
• Late Submission of Game Reports
• $10 per Game
• Spectators entering field of play
• Spectator: As determined by P&D Tribunal; Club deemed responsible: $500 and/or
such penalty as determined by P&D
• Temporary Resident infringement
• Forfeit and $100 fine
• Unfinancial to BWA (player)
• If, following formal advice to a club, an unfinancial player participates in sanctioned
competition the team for which the player competes shall forfeit any points gained in
respect of games in which the player participated during the period of indebtedness.
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