Revised 1/2024

ARTICLE  I        NAME

This organization shall be known as Hammondsport Youth Baseball/Softball.

 ARTICLE II        OBJECTIVE

Section 1. To afford all eligible boys and girls with the opportunity to participate in an organized baseball or softball program.

Section 2.  Baseball/softball skills, high ideals of sportsmanship, respect for authority, team competition, and individual safety are emphasized.

ARTICLE III        MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.  Eligibility - Any person sincerely interested in active participation to affect the objective of this local league may apply to become a member.

Section 2. Classes - There shall be the following classes of members:

1. Player Members – Any player candidate meeting the requirements of the  HYSB and who resides within the authorized boundaries of the Local League shall be eligible to compete for participation, but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in management of in the property of the local league.
2. Regular Members - The parents or legal guardian of the ball players.
3. Associate Members – People interested in the League that have no children playing, subject to approval by the Board.

Section  3.  Suspensions or Termination.  Membership may be terminated by resignation or by action of the Board.

The members involved shall be notified of such a meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer the charges.  The Board, by two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any Member of the HYSB.

ARTICLE IV        MEETINGS

Section 1.  Annual Meeting.  The annual meeting of the members of the Local League shall be held as close to the end of the season as possible in order to retain high member interest and participation.  Only Regular Members shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting of the Local League.

Section 2.  Public Meeting.  Notice of each public meeting of the Members shall be put in all available public notices. (i.e. registration, webpage, etc.)

Section 3.  Board Meeting.  See Article V

Section 4.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings may be called by any member of the Board to consider a special subject.  No other business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any meeting of the members.

Section 5.  Rules of Order.  Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where it conflicts with the Constitution or By-Laws of the Local League.

Section 6. Quorum –The Board of Directors will have a minimum of 50 percent of the current directors present in any manner  in order to conduct official business and constitute a quorum.

Section 7. Proxies - Each member shall be entitled to one vote in person or by written proxy.

Section 8. Public Comment - The public is welcome to come to board meetings.  A public comment period will be offered at the beginning and end of the meeting.  The Board reserves the right to enter into executive session if deemed necessary.

ARTICLE V        BOARD

Section 1.  Board and Number.  The management of the property and affairs of the Local League shall be vested in the Board.  The number of Board Members shall not be less than five (5) and no more than fifteen (15).  The Board, as of August 1, will enter upon performance of their duties and shall continue in the office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Section 2.  Required Members.  The Board membership shall include the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and trustees.

Section 3.  Vacancies.  If any vacancies occur in the Board, by death, resignation or otherwise, they may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board Members at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.

Section 4.  Meeting:  Regular meetings of the Board shall be held immediately following the annual election and, on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the Board.  A special meeting of the Board may be requested by any Board Member and called if a majority of the Board Members will agree.  Notice of each meeting shall be given by the Secretary to each Board Member via email invitation.

In case of special meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matters not stated may be acted upon at the meeting. The presence in person or by proxy of one more than half of the Board Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 5.  Duties and Powers.  The Board shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as it shall determine and delegate such power to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate.

The Board may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in that office.  (This section is original to the constitution but has been moved).

The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and management of the Local League, as it may deem proper.  

The Board shall have the power by two-thirds vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline or suspend or remove and Director, Officer of Committee Member of the Local League in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article III, Section 4 (a).

The annual Treasurer’s report will be available after December 31st to any member upon request.

ARTICLE VI        OFFICERS, DUTIES, AND POWERS

Section 1.  Officers.  The Officers of the Local League shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three (3) Trustees.

Each shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duly elected with the exception of the Trustees.  (See Section 9 of this Article)

Section 2.  President.  The president shall:

1. Conduct the affairs of the Local League and execute the policies established by the Board.
2. Be responsible for the conduct of the Local League in strict conformity to the policies, principles Rules and Regulations for the Little League Baseball, Incorporated, as agreed to under the conditions of the charter issued to the Local League by that organization.
3. Designate in writing, other officers, if necessary, to have the power to make and execute for/and in the name of the Local League such contracts and leases as may have received any prior approval of the Board.
4. Investigate complaints, regulations and conditions detrimental to the Local League ad report thereon to the Board as circumstances warrant.
5. With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and supporting proof of age documents of every player, candidate and certify to the residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection.

Section 3.  Vice President.  In case of the absence or disability of the President, and provided he is authorized by the President or Board to so act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President and when so action shall have all the powers of that office, and shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board or by the President.

Section 4.  Secretary.  The Secretary shall:

1. Be responsible for the recording of the activities of the Local League and maintaining appropriate files.
2. Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of secretary and as may be assigned by the Board.
3. Keep the minutes in the meeting of the Members, and cause them to record in a book kept for that purpose.
4. Shall conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meetings and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise committed.
5. Notify Members, directors and Officers and Committee members of their election or appointment.

Section 5.  Treasurer.  The treasurer shall:

1. Perform such duties as are herein specially set forth and such other duties as are customary to the office of treasurer or may be assigned by the Board.
2. Receive all monies and securities, and deposit it in a depository approved by the Board.
3. Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the Local League and report monthly to the Board.  Approve all payments form allotted funds and to draw checks therefore.  Checks are to be signed by two of the four Officers) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer).

Section 6. Trustees. The Trustees shall:

1. Be members of the Board.
2. Have voting power.
3. Serve alternating terms of one (1), two (2), and three (3) years. Every year the membership should elect one – three (3) year term trustee.

ARTICLE VII MANAGERS, COACHES AND UMPIRES

Section 1.  Managers.  Managers shall:

1. Be elected by the Board to a term of one (1) year.
2. Be responsible for the selection of the members of their team.
3. Be responsible for their team’s uniforms.
4. Follow all rules and regulations of the Official Playing Rules and the Local By-Laws, and see that each member of their team obeys same said rules and regulations.
5. Answer to the Board for any violations of said rules and regulations or any actions detrimental to the League.
6. Appoint coaches to their team with the approval of the Board.

Section 2. Coaches.  The coaches shall be appointed by the Manager and will answer to the Manager.

Section 3. Umpires shall be appointed by the board, and will be properly instructed in the rules and regulations by and will answer to the board.  No one under the age of sixteen (16) will hold the position of umpire.

ARTICLE  VIII FINANCES AND ACCOUNTS

Section 1.  The Board shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the Local League and it shall place all income in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of the same in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.

Section 2.  The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams, but shall solicit it for the common treasurer of the Local League, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the Local League Treasury.

Section 3.  The Board shall not permit the disbursement of Local League funds for other than the conduct of Little League activities in accordance with the rules and policies of Little League Baseball, Inc.

Section 4.  No Director, Officer or Member of the Local League shall receive a salary, compensation or employment from the Local League for service rendered as Director, Officer or Member.

Section 5.  All monies received shall be deposited to the credit of the Local League in the Community National Bank, and all disbursements shall be made by check.  All checks shall be signed by the Local League Treasurer and such other Officers or persons the Board shall determine.

Section 6.  The fiscal year of the Local League shall begin on the first day of August and shall end on the last day of July.

Section 7.  Distribution of property upon dissolution.  Upon dissolution of the Local League and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall distribute the property of the Local League to such other organizations maintaining an objective similar to that set forth herein, which are or may be entitled to exemption under Section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.

ARTICLE IX         PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Any child wishing to participate between the ages of 4 and 12 in accordance with the Little League Age chart may participate. No exceptions can be made due to insurance regulations.

ARTICLE X         REGISTRATION

Section 1. Registration forms will be posted and distributed to the students of the Hammondsport Central School district shortly following the new year.

Section 2. Price of participation will be determined yearly by the board.

Section 3. Registration will be done via an online platform approved by the board.

Section 4. No registrations will take place after opening day, except in the case of a transfer, or to fill a vacancy on a roster.

ARTICLE XI         PLAYER SELECTION AND ELIGIBILITY

Section 1. Tee-ball – All players eligible for Tee-Ball must meet the Youth Baseball/Softball  age requirements. Players may request coaches through registration. Should there be more requests for a coach then open positions on the team, requests will be granted on a first come, first serve basis but not guaranteed.

Section 2. Minor,  AAA and Major League placement will be based on skills assessment. Minor and AAA– The Minor League division guideline age is 7-8 years old. A six-year-old who has played at least one year of Tee-Ball and has been determined by the skills assessment to be eligible for the Minors Division may play.  AAA League division guidelines are 9-10 years old. An eight-year-old who has played at least one year in Minors or determined by the skills assessment is eligible to play for the AAA division.

Section 3. Major League Baseball– The major League division guideline is age 11-12. A 10-year-old who wishes to be assessed to move to a Major League must attend the skills assessment  and be assessed for ability.

Section 4: 10U Softball - The 10U division guideline age is determined by the Age Chart. A seven-year-old who has played at least one year of Tee-Ball and has been determined by the Player Agent to be eligible for the 10U may play.

Section 5: 12U Softball - The 12U division guideline age is determined by the Age Chart. A nine-year-old who has played at least one year of Tee-Ball and has been determined by the Player Agent to be eligible for the 12U may play.

Section 5. In a case where a player is felt to be at an inappropriate league level, the division Directors of the affected divisions will confer with the board, as well as discuss the situation with the player

and his parent(s) or guardians. The board will make the final eligibility decision.

ARTICLE XII         TRANSFERS

A transfer from another league may only be accepted if an opening exists at the time of application.

ARTICLE XIII                SCHEDULE

Section 1. Opening Day will be scheduled no later than the first Saturday in May.

Section 2. Practices will start a minimum of two weeks prior to Opening Day.

Section 3. If necessary, a draft is to be held no later than three weeks prior to Opening Day.

Section 4. Registrations will not be accepted after the Draft without specific consent from the Board of

Directors.

ARTICLE XIV         EQUIPMENT

Section 1. The Board shall provide funding for practice and game balls, bases, practice equipment, tees, etc.  The League will also provide bats and helmets if possible that are received from donations.

Section 2.  All bats must be approved for all divisions by the Board.  The Board currently follows the guidelines of USA Baseball and USA Softball as well as the procedures of other local leagues.  USSSA bats are not permitted.  Coaches or parents should seek a meeting with the Board if there is any question regarding a particular bat.  The decision of the Board by majority vote will be final.

Section 3.  No metal cleats are permissible.

Section 4. Athletic cups are required for male catchers for divisions in which pitching takes place.  The Board recommends, but does not require athletic cups for any other positions.

Section 5.  All other rules regarding equipment are subject to USA Baseball and USA Softball rulebook guidelines.

ARTICLE XV        AMENDMENTS

This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or in part, by a majority vote at any duly organized meeting of Members provided notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meetings.  

APPENDIX A                T-Ball Rules

The goal of the game is to let the players have fun while learning basic baseball concepts and developing their skills. The following T-ball rules will be followed so a structured game can be played.

League Rules:

1. Good Sportsmanship is expected of all those involved with the Youth Baseball program. Each Manager is required to control his team’s actions and attitudes during practices and games.

2. Each player is required to wear the uniform provided for him/her. The uniform will be worn in the proper manner.

3. Shorts are not allowed for players during T-Ball games or practices.

4. No new full inning of play will be started after 7:30 p.m.

5. Player selection will be done by Blind Draft.

6. Soft safety balls provided by the league will be used at all times.

7. The home team is identified on the schedule and will bat second in the line-up

8. Coaches may choose to pitch to further developed players.  For Coach-pitch, Coaches will throw up to three pitches to each batter. If the batter is unable to hit the pitch, the tee will be used and the batter will continue his/her turn at bat. All other rules will apply.

9. Standard game consists of three innings.

10. Safety Helmets must be worn by all batters and base runners.

11. Players are urged to play their own positions.

12. All players present will play in the field each inning.

13. Defensive Coaches are permitted on the field.

14. The entire Offensive Lineup will bat each inning.

15. Upon completion of the game each Manager is responsible for the cleanliness of the playing area, including returning benches to their storage location.

APPENDIX B                Minors / AAA Rules

1. A game will consist of 6 innings, with no new inning beginning after 8P.M. (time called by the umpire). A new inning begins as soon as the 3rd out is made, or the fifth run scores, in the first 5 innings. During the 6th inning, unlimited runs will be allowed.

2. An inning will consist of 3 outs or 5 runs, with the exception of the 6th inning, which will be 3 outs.

3. A game must complete 4 innings to be official.

4. Any game not completing 4 innings will be resumed where left, at the earliest available time slot. Any game completing 4 innings, but called before the end of the 5th, or 6th inning, will go back to the score at the end of the last completed inning.

5. Mercy/Ten run rule… If any team is ahead by 10 the end of any inning following the 4th inning the game will be declared over.

6. Minors will be machine-pitched, or coach-pitched, working towards player-pitched.  AAA, all innings will be pitched by players. All pitchers will be limited to the pitch counts and rules in Appendix F.

7. Once removed as pitcher, a player may not be put back in as pitcher.

8. All pitch counts rules will be adhered to as per Appendix D.

9. All team players will bat in a set batting order, which will be listed by names and jersey numbers.

10. Only USA stamped bats are to be used at all levels of play.

11. Batting order and field position shall be exchanged by managers prior to the start of each game. If batting out of order occurs; the scorekeeper shall inform the manager that a player has batted out of order. There shall be out, however the player shall not have another turn at bat but shall resume the normal batting position the next time.

12. There will be no base stealing once the ball has been declared dead by the umpire. Stealing of bases will be allowed including home. There is only one successful steal at home per inning. This is to include passed balls except while the ball is still in play after a batted ball. Runners may only advance one base on an overthrown ball.

13. Runners must remain on base until the ball crosses home plate.

14. There will be no head-first sliding anytime.

APPENDIX C                Major League Rules

The Major League division is an instructional and highly competitive division. The following local rules apply to this division:

1. A game will consist of 6 innings, with no new inning beginning after 8pm (time called by umpire). A new inning begins as soon as the 3rd out is made.

2. A game must be complete 4 innings to be official.

3. Any game not completing 4 innings will be resumed where left, at the earliest available time slot. Any game completing 4 innings but called before the end of the 5th or 6th inning, will go back to the score at the end of the last completed inning.

4. Mercy/Ten run rule…If any team is ahead by 10 at the end of any inning following the 4th inning, the game will be declared over.

5. All innings will be pitched by players. All pitchers will be limited to the pitching guidelines in Appendix D.

6. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as pitcher.

7. All team players will bat in a set batting order, which will be listed by names and jersey numbers,

8. Only USA stamped bats are to be used at all levels of play.

9. Batting order and field position shall be exchanged by managers prior to start of each game. If batting out of order occurs; the scorekeeper shall inform the manager that a player has batted out of order. The batter shall be called out.

10. There will be no stealing once ball has been declared dead by the umpire. Stealing of bases will be allowed including home. This is to include passed balls.

11. Runners must remain on base until the ball crosses the plate.

12. There will be no head-first sliding.

13. Dropped third strike rule applies according to the LLRB Section 6.05.

APPENDIX D                BASEBALL PITCHING GUIDELINES

A pitcher once removed from the game may not enter as Pitcher again. A manager must remove a

pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age as noted below, but the pitcher may

remain in the game at another position.

League Age:

11-12 85 pitches per day

9-10 75 pitches per day

7-8 50 pitches per day

If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may

continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2.

That batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning.

Note 1: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for

the remainder of that day.

Note 2: Any player who has played the position of catcher in four or more innings in a game is not

eligible to pitch on that calendar day.

Pitchers league age 13 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

• If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be

observed.

• If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.

Exception: If a pitcher reaches a day(s) of rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may

continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: (1) that batter reaches base; (2)

that batter is retired; or (3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game. The

pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached

during that at-bat, provided that pitcher is removed or the game is completed before delivering a

pitch to another batter.

APPENDIX E                SOFTBALL RULES

1. A game will consist of 6 innings, with no new inning beginning after 8pm (time called by umpire). A new inning begins as soon as the 3rd out is made.
2. 11’’ balls for 10U, regulation 12’’ balls for 12U.
3. Continuous batting order, all players are in the batting lineup.
4. Substitutions can occur at any time during ½ innings.
5. After 3 outs or 5 runs in a ½ innings, the sides will swap out.

1. The last inning will be 3 outs, no run rule.

6. 35’ mound distance for 10U, 40’ for 12U.
7. If there is a play at the plate, player MUST slide or they are out.
8. Dropped 3rd strike rule is not applicable for either level.
9. Stealing is allowed, but it is encouraged that coaches refrain from rampant use.