2016
NZSS SENIOR BASEBALL
CHAMPIONSHIP
SENIOR HANDBOOK – TERM 1
REVISED: 12 December 2013
Baseball New Zealand
NZSS SENIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
1
CONTENTS
Welcome to Secondary School Baseball in New Zealand ..............................................................................................2
NZSS Senior Baseball Championship Handbook ............................................................................................................2
Purpose and Philosophy ................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................5
2016 Competition ..........................................................................................................................................................5
Baseball Rules ................................................................................................................................................................8
Secondary School Baseball Regular Season Rules .......................................................................................................10
ENTRY FORM................................................................................................................................................................15
APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX A: Concussion Education and Management Protocol ................................................................................17
Appendix B: Hazardous Weather Conditions ..............................................................................................................19
Appendix C: Suggested Team Policies .........................................................................................................................20
Appendix D: [School Name] Baseball Player Contract Template.................................................................................22
Appendix E: Notes for Parents .....................................................................................................................................23
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NZSS SENIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
WELCOME TO SECONDARY SCHOOL BASEBALL IN NEW ZEALAND
Our goals are to help players raise their level of play in a fun and competitive environment and continue the
development of players for higher level baseball and beyond. Most of our efforts are focused on player training
and having fun while playing the great game of baseball.
Secondary School Baseball was formed in 2010 with the purpose of offering New Zealand secondary school
students the opportunity to play baseball, and give them the opportunity to follow numerous pathways in the
sport, including continuing their education overseas. The program started in Auckland with six teams and has
grown to over 24 teams playing nationwide across the terms this season.
Players, coaches, and parents are encouraged to participate in the local Club program and winter trainings to help
develop sound mechanics and individual fundamentals.
NZSS SENIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HANDBOOK
Welcome to the Baseball New Zealand NZSS Senior Baseball Championship - Term 1 2016 Senior Handbook. This
handbook provides information and resources to those schools who have indicated interest in representing their
school at the NZSS Senior Baseball Championships for 2016.
The handbook contains important forms as well as information and rules of upcoming competitions, and guidelines
for your school baseball program.
Our vision is for the Baseball NZ program to become a valued part of secondary school life, assisting in the
development of the whole student, both on the diamond and in the classroom. Our program strives to extend and
challenge students as well as act as a vehicle for schools to promote themselves, not only regionally and nationally,
but on the international stage as well.
As the strength of the competition builds, we foresee the baseball pathway becoming one that will acknowledge
successful students who may pursue college and university options internationally.
We congratulate you on choosing to host baseball at your secondary school and, with your assistance we believe
that baseball can become the chosen summer sport of New Zealanders, opening up numerous global opportunities
for both the students and your school.
Kind regards
Ryan Flynn
Executive Officer
Baseball New Zealand
[email protected]
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PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
MISSION STATEMENT
Baseball New Zealand promotes the value of participation, sportsmanship, team play and personal excellence to
develop citizens who make positive contributions to their community.
PURPOSE OF HANDBOOK
This handbook has been prepared to provide a better understanding of the administration of Baseball New
Zealand supported events. It will serve as a guide to the participating schools and will provide for greater
consistency. All information will be included in this handbook except such supplementary or incidental
information. The regulations in this handbook shall be considered official unless the schools are notified in a
Special Bulletin of any changes.
PHILOSOPHY OF INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES
Interscholastic activities are intended to supplement the secondary curricular program. These activities can
provide the student with educational experiences and learning outcomes that contribute toward the development
of good citizenship. This can be accomplished only when the emphasis is placed upon teaching "through school
activities." Interscholastic activities can be justified only when this is their primary philosophy and purpose.
PURPOSE OF REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CONTESTS
There are two primary purposes that justify and cause regional and national events to be desirable. Those
purposes are to provide opportunities to demonstrate before the public the best knowledge, skills, and emotional
patterns taught through a particular sport; and to evaluate and compare the best of this teaching of knowledge,
skills and emotional patterns among schools. Unless these purposes are primary, regional and national athletic
contests cannot be completely justified.
It is the desire of the Baseball New Zealand Board of Directors that these events be both fun and educational. It is
extremely important that players, coaches, and the school community make every effort to enhance, and keep in
proper perspective, the educational values of these events. Competition merely for "competition's sake" cannot be
justified. Only when competition contributes toward worthwhile educational goals can it be considered sufficiently
important to be included in the school program.
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NZSS SENIOR BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
SUPERVISION OF PLAYERS AND FANS
Baseball New Zealand holds the school responsible, both at home and away, for the conduct of its players,
students, coaches, and fans. Managers are required to supervise their players. A managers' respect for others and
school property is necessary in order to instill this respect in players. Students staying overnight in hotels or motels
in conjunction with any interscholastic athletic contest should be well chaperoned. The good conduct of students
will leave a good impression of the entire school.
A school also should inform its players, students, coaches and fans of the value contest officials play in education
through athletics. When informing these people of this, the difference in the purpose of Secondary School and
professional sports should be emphasized. Lack of respect for officials should not be tolerated. Booing of officials
leads to booing of coaches and players. This has no place in Secondary School athletics. Athletic administrators are
urged to develop a program through any and all communication techniques available to insure that spectators
understand that Secondary School athletics are an educational endeavor as opposed to the games being an end in
themselves.
PREPARATION
The program’s success is based on the involvement of the school, its players, staff, and parents in volunteering
their time. It is expected that everyone will support our fundraising activities, fieldwork days, and other activities.
The use of Local Council parks and fields is a privilege. Everyone (especially players) must help in the maintenance
of the fields before, during, and after games/practices throughout the season.
It is also an expectation that you represent your school and the sport of baseball in New Zealand appropriately
everywhere. Be respectful of all the people and teams you come in contact with and also be respectful to and help
keep clean the facilities we use. Behaviours that do not show good sportsmanship are not acceptable. If your
dream as a player is to participate in college and professional baseball, we encourage you to develop strong study
habits now. Grades in Secondary School and college determine if you can play or not. Grades also determine what
college can scout you and what opportunities you might have to play at the college ranks. The time to get good
grades is now if you want to play baseball tomorrow.
Playing time varies by team. In Secondary School baseball, there are no rules requiring a player to play a minimum
number of innings in a game or during the season. At this level of competition playing time may not be equal. As a
player, take responsibility for talking to your coach if you have questions regarding your playing time. We
encourage parents to give players the responsibility to communicate with their coaches to determine what needs
to improve in order to get additional playing time. Team coaches make all final roster decisions based on player
personnel needs and the minimum roster requirement of 12 players.
Thank you in advance for your involvement with Baseball New Zealand and we hope that the above information is
helpful in choosing to participate in our program. We realize that some of the above requirements go beyond
playing baseball and hope that you understand that they are essential in maintaining a competitive program while
providing learning opportunities for the players.
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INTRODUCTION
The 2016 New Zealand Secondary School Senior Baseball Championship Handbook is prepared for school
administrators and team managers. All managers, coaches, and athletic directors are urged to study this
document.
NOTE: Every eligibility rule is not covered in this Handbook.
Please see NZSSSC policy on eligibility, withdrawals, defaults & rescheduled matches, and other policies you should
be aware of at www.nzsssc.org.nz (regulations & eligibility)
Ryan Flynn is the Baseball New Zealand CEO who will coordinates the NZSS baseball program in 2016.
SEASON OUTLINE
Baseball shall be conducted during the summer (Term 1) and spring (Term 4) sports seasons.
2014 COMPETITION
Dates for the NZSS Baseball Senior Championship will be as follows:
GRADE
Senior
YEARS
9-13
TERM
Term 1
START DATE
4 April, 2016
FINISH
8 April, 2016
ELIGIBILITY
Players participating in the Event must meet the following eligibility criteria:




be in Year 9, 10, 11, 12, or Year 13
be a “full-time” (80%) student enrolled at the school the player is competing for.
comply with the eligibility criteria as set down by the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council
(NZSSSC)
no new to school and non-domestic student quotas will apply
The birthdates of players competing in the Event and in all qualifying matches must be declared on the official
Team Roster. This form must be signed by the Principal of the school, acknowledging that all team members meet
the eligibility requirements.
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KEY DATES
TERM 1
4 – 8 APRIL
Date
1 February
18 March
1 April
4-8 April
2016
Event
Entries Open
Competition Entry forms & Fees due
Rosters and paperwork due
NZSS Baseball Senior Championships
DRAW


Draw will be announced and sent out to teams directly and via NZSSSC.
Games will be held at LLoyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, with teams playing up to 3 games per day.
Week of 4-8 April
NZSS Senior Baseball Championships
VENUES
Lloyd Elsmore Park
Between 136 and 138 Cascades Road
Pakuranga
If your school would like to host baseball at your school and would like guidelines on the development of a
diamond, please get in touch with Baseball New Zealand.
TEAM MANAGEMENT & MINIMUM PLAYER NUMBERS
Teams must have a minimum of:



1 x Team Manager
1 x Coach
12 x Players
(max. 18 players per roster)
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FEES
The fee for 2016 is $250.00 per team
The following is a breakdown of the fees for the tournament:
COMPETITION COSTS
Balls
Umpire development
Fields
Awards
Admin
TOTAL COSTS




(per team)
$ 80.00
$ 75.00
$ 75.00
$ 15.00
$ 5.00
$ 250.00
Teams shall submit the names of players and other details 1 week before the first game
All fees must be paid on receipt of an invoice
Teams withdrawn after the entry closing date will still be liable for the entry fee
NOTE: Entries will not be accepted from schools with outstanding baseball debts, unless payment of these
debts is made by the closing date
COACHING
Baseball New Zealand understands that baseball is a new sport for many schools, and that the knowledge of the
game is limited in New Zealand. Therefore, Baseball New Zealand has identified a number of Club coaches that are
available to assist with the coaching of teams at the schools.
Coaches can be booked for 10 sessions for $25 per session. Total: $250.00
(Additional coaching sessions can be arranged between the school and the coach)
CONTACTS
Baseball New Zealand Development Officer
Daniel Tan
021 162 6218
[email protected]
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BASEBALL RULES
The Official Rules of Baseball apply for all levels of play.
PDF:
Android App:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2012/Official_Baseball_Rules.pdf
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rulesofbaseball.android.activities
These will be supplemented with the Baseball New Zealand Association Youth Rules and the following
documentation, which has been designed to foster the development and provide for the safety of participants.
These rules may not be adjusted or manipulated in any way by any club, region or league affiliated with Baseball
New Zealand, without the expressed written permission of the Board. Any region or association not abiding by
these rules will forfeit their right to nominate teams for any Baseball New Zealand sanctioned tournament,
competition or games.
NOTES
GAME LENGTH
Baseball New Zealand has adopted an optional 2 hour time limit game-ending procedure that may be instituted for
tournament games. No new inning shall start after 1hr 45min.
PITCHING LIMITATIONS
A pitcher is restricted to a maximum of three innings per game, and a maximum of 7 innings of pitching in a day or
during any three (3) consecutive days.
CHAMPIONSHIP BASEBALL
The official baseball for the championships is the DOL-A by Diamond and will be supplied by Baseball New Zealand.
DIAMOND LOCATIONS
Lloyd Elsmore Park, Between 136 and 138 Cascades Road, Pakuranga
DUGOUTS
Assigned Dugouts during Tournament Play: If mutual agreement cannot otherwise be reached by participating
coaches, the top team on the bracket for each game will occupy the first base dugout. Before each game the two
opposing coaches will meet with the tournament manager as soon as possible after arriving to determine the
home team.
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WARM-UP PROCEDURE
Recommended warm-up procedures (regular season)
When the visiting team arrives at the game field, the home team will immediately begin its infield practice (7
minutes).
a) When the home team has completed its pre-game infield practice, the visiting team will begin its infield
practice (7 minutes).
b) Pitchers shall not use the game mound during pregame infield practice.
c) Following the completion of pre-game infield practice by both teams the game umpires will meet at home
plate with representatives from both teams (coaches and/or captains) to discuss ground rules and present
each team's starting line-up and batting order no later than 5 minutes before game time.
This specific procedure will hopefully encourage schools to be ready to "play ball" when game time arrives and to
stipulate a procedure of pre-game warm-up when it is obvious the game will not begin on schedule because of a
late arriving visiting team or potential gamesmanship by coaches. It is suggested that host schools in the district
and regional tournament series provide information to the visiting schools regarding the pre-game warm-up
activities (e.g. batting cages, auxiliary fields, practice fields, etc.) available and their availability schedule for
participants, if applicable.
Games may not begin without umpires. Umpires shall arrive at the game site in sufficient time to dress and attend
to their pre-game duties without being rushed.
ROSTER
Minimum of twelve (12) and maximum of eighteen (18) players
Rosters of your players are required prior to the beginning of the tournament.
A game can only commence as an official game if there are a minimum of EIGHT (8) eligible players for each team.
If eight (8) eligible players at game commencement cannot take the field the team short of players must forfeit
that game, however a game will still be played with shared players if necessary (exception see rule 8.02G).
SCORES AND RESULTS
Scores will be kept by the coaches at each game.
Results are the responsibility of the school.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Code of Conduct must be signed and returned to Baseball NZ representatives before first game is played. Code of
Conduct will be circulated by coaches at each school.
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SECONDARY SCHOOL BASEBALL REGULAR SEASON RULES
A. GAME LENGTH
1) Time limit or 7 Innings: All Baseball New Zealand Secondary School tournament games shall be 2hrs or seven
innings (whichever comes first) and shall have precedence over any regularly scheduled games or other local
school activities.
a) No new inning shall start after 1hr 45min
2) Mercy Rule:
a) An innings 6-Run Rule shall apply for ALL innings. The rule reads as follows “If a batting team gains 6 runs
in an innings before committing three outs, then they shall end their turn at bat & take the field. The
fielding team will then come out to bat.”
b) The ten run rule will apply after 4 innings of play for ALL interscholastic games including tournaments. The
rule reads as follows: "The game shall end when the visiting team is behind 10 or more runs after 3 1/2
innings, or after the fourth inning, if either team is 10 runs behind and both teams have had an equal
number of times at bat."
B. UMPIRES:
1) Registered: Only registered umpires shall be engaged and assigned by Baseball New Zealand
2) Where a registered umpire is unavailable both teams need to agree on someone to do it.
C. UNIFORMS:
1) Player Uniforms: All players participating in the baseball season are urged to wear complete baseball
uniforms. This includes cap, jersey, pants, socks, and shoes. Where baseball pants are unavailable, long
sports/track pants shall suffice. The jersey should have a numeral of solid colour, contrasting with the colour
of the jersey. No players shall wear identical numbers. This applies to all regular season and tournament
games.
2) Coaching Uniform: A coach/school faculty member may occupy a coaching box. Any member of the team at
bat who has not been ejected may occupy each coach's box while that team is at bat. The person in the
coach's box may address base-runners or the batter. Anytime a coach is in live ball area to confer with players
or an umpire, or to occupy a coach's box, the coach shall be attired in school uniform, or jersey with coaching
slacks, that are similar in colour to the team's pants. A shirt that is the same colour as the team's jersey is
permitted as in a non-fleece warm up suit in school colours. Cut-offs, shorts or any type of jeans are
prohibited. The coaches actions shall be such as to have a beneficial influence upon the game and the
sportsmanship of fans. They shall not address any remarks to opposing players or officials. All umpires are to
report promptly by Special Report any unsportsmanlike conduct or failure of coaches to wear proper uniform.
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D. FORFEITED AND SUSPENDED GAMES:
1) Forfeited Game: A game shall be forfeited if a team fails to report within fifteen minutes, after the set starting
time and no contact has been made. Host schools or tournament managers will make the final decision on the
forfeit. Every effort should be made to contact a late team.
2) Suspended Game: The Board of Directors has adopted the following provisions for a Suspended Game. This
adoption applies to all interscholastic games including tournament games. It provides that if a game is called
because of darkness, rain, or other causes before the completion of the number of innings required to
determine a winner, or if it is called when the score is tied at the end of an inning, the game shall be
considered a Suspended Game, and shall be continued from the point of suspension at a later time. When play
is continued, the line-up and batting order shall be exactly the same as at the moment of suspension, subject
to the rules governing the game. For example, if a team, while on defence, has been charged with two
conferences, it is allowed only one more charged conference when the Suspended Game is continued. If a
player has entered as a substitute and has been removed from the game, he cannot re-enter when the game
is continued. Even though a game is played during two different days, all playing regulations apply as if the
game were continuous and being played during one day.
3) Suspended Game Play Situations:
 PLAY (1) Sixth inning begins with H-6, V-5. Visitors score one run in their half of the sixth and: (a) H has not
scored; or (b) H has scored one run. RULING: In (a), the score reverts to H-6, V-5. In (b), the final score is H-7,
V-6.
 PLAY (2) Sixth inning begins with score H-5, V-6. Visitors do not score in their half of the sixth inning.
 Game is called when only one or two are out in the last half of the sixth and: (a) H has not scored; or (b) H has
scored one run. RULING: In (a) final score is H-5, V-6. In (b), score is H-6, V-6. A winner cannot be determined,
resume game from point of interruption.
 PLAY (3) Sixth inning begins with score H-5, V-5. Visitors score 4 runs in their half of the sixth inning and have
runners on base with two outs when game is called. RULING: A winner cannot be determined, resume game
from point of interruption.
 PLAY (4) Game called before the completion of 4 1/2 innings for any reason. RULING: Resume game from the
point of interruption (suspended game).
 PLAY (5) Game called at any time for mechanical failure (i.e. artificial lights, water systems, etc.) RULING:
Resume game from the point of interruption (suspended game).
 PLAY (6) Game called because of weather or darkness any time after 4 1/2 innings (regulation game) where a
winner can be determined (see play 1 and 2). RULING: Completed game.
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E. PROTEST PROCEDURE
Baseball New Zealand acknowledges that mistakes are made by umpires in judgment and even sometimes in
misapplication of game rules. However, the decisions rendered by umpires at the contest site are to be final and
any further process other than the one outlined below would not truly serve a useful purpose in the overall scope
of Secondary School athletics.
1) Within the procedures established within each individual sport rule code, the head coach must request a
review of an umpire's application of a rule through appropriate channels.
2) If, after the review is complete, the coach still believes there has been a misapplication of a rule by an
umpire(s), the coach shall then file a formal verbal protest with the game umpires who will then notify the
opposing coach immediately of the protest. A coach shall not protest a decision of judgment.
3) Following this notification of protest, the head coach shall be allowed approximately ten minutes to use
his/her Rule Book to locate and show the game umpire(s) the appropriate rule reference which clarifies a
misapplication of the game rule. If the head coach does not have personal copies of the above mentioned
materials at the game site or the specific rule reference(s) or case book play(s) cannot be located within the
maximum allowable ten minutes, the protest shall automatically be disallowed and the game shall continue
from the point of interruption. If a rule reference(s) or case book play(s) is found that indicates a
misapplication of a rule has occurred, the umpire’s decision shall be corrected at that time before any further
action occurs, and the game shall be resumed from the point of interruption after the correction as provided
in the contest rules. When appropriate, the game umpires may assist the head coach in locating appropriate
rule and case book references.
4) All protests shall be resolved at the site before any further game action occurs.
5) Protests that are not filed in a timely manner by that sport rules code shall be automatically disallowed.
6) Baseball New Zealand and/or Staff shall not review game protests.
NOTE: Protests concerning matters of an official's judgment shall NOT be considered.
F. HEAD PROTECTION:
1) Head protectors shall be worn. All head protectors will carry the NOCSAE Seal of Approval and warning label,
or other approved.
2) Catcher Protection: Catchers shall wear a head protector, a mask, body protector, protective cup (male only)
and protective shin guards. A throat protector, which is either a part of, or attached to the catcher's mask is
mandatory.
G. CONFERENCES:
1. Defensive: "Each team when on defence may be granted not more than three charged conferences during a
seven inning game, without penalty, to permit a coach or his representative to confer with a defensive player or
players.
2. Offensive: "Each team when on offense may be granted not more than one charged conference per inning to
permit the coach or any of that team's personnel to confer with the base runners and/or the batters." These
interpretations shall apply to all regularly scheduled games as well as tournament games.
H. PITCHER DELAY
The twenty second count shall start each time the pitcher receives the ball from any other player.
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I. BALL RETRIEVAL
The team at bat shall be responsible for retrieving foul and passed balls.
J. PITCHING LIMITATIONS
A pitcher may only pitch three (3) complete innings per game.
A pitcher shall not be allowed to pitch in more than 7 innings on any given day or during any consecutive three day
period. This regulation shall apply to all games played during the regular season and the Regional Tournament; the
failure to comply with this rule will result in the automatic forfeiture of the game in which the violation occurred. A
pitcher may not pitch in more than 7 combined total innings in Quarterfinal games or 7 combined total innings in
Semifinal/3rd place or National Championship Games. A pitcher of record for any part of an inning shall count as a
full inning.
Question: If a pitcher throws 3 innings on Tuesday, 2 innings on Wednesday how many innings would he have
available on Thursday?
Answer: 2 innings.
If he pitched his 2 allowable on Thursday how many innings would he have available on Friday? Answer: 3 innings
for Friday. Note: Should weather interrupt the "7 innings in 3 days cycle" you still would count the three
consecutive days. A day off may increase the available innings.
K. PLAYER LIMITATIONS
No player may participate in a total number of innings for the season that exceeds nine times the number of
games (exclusive of tournaments) played by the higher team on which he plays. For a game in which the score is
tied at the end of seven innings, the extra innings shall be considered as an extension of the seventh inning.
L. ALCOHOL/TOBACCO POLICY FOR COACHES AND OFFICIALS
Coaches, directors, sponsors and contest officials are prohibited from using tobacco products or alcoholic
beverages while directly involved in interscholastic activities. Involvement is defined in this policy as being in public
view and when students are actually participating under the jurisdiction of the coach, director, and official. Proper
enforcement is expected. Violations shall be reported to the school's administration and the Baseball New Zealand
Board.
M. ALCOHOL/TOBACCO POLICY FOR ATHLETES
Use of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substance (other than prescription) by any participant while at an Baseball
New Zealand event, at any event building/grounds is prohibited. Violation shall result in disqualification from the
event.
N. SANCTIONS
Any time a Baseball New Zealand member school competes in a tournament, by definition, with an out-of-region
school(s) or in any event co-sponsored by any party other than an Baseball New Zealand member school, a
sanction form must be on file to the Baseball New Zealand Board at least 90 days prior to the event. It is the event
host’s responsibility to obtain sanctioning, however, each participating Baseball New Zealand member school shall
take responsibility to verify that the sponsor has sanctioned the event prior to participation.
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O. BLOOD RULE
A player or coach who is bleeding, who has an open wound or who has blood on his or her uniform shall be
prohibited from participating further in the game until appropriate treatment has been administered. If medical
care or treatment can be administered in a reasonable amount of time, the individual would not have to leave the
game. The length of time that is considered reasonable is umpire judgment. The re-entry rule would apply to
players.
P. EJECTION OF COACH OR PLAYER
A player who is ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall at a minimum be prohibited from playing
in the next interscholastic contest at the same level. A coach who is ejected during a contest for unsportsmanlike
conduct shall at a minimum be prohibited from coaching and attending the next interscholastic contest for that
team. Listed below is the rule reference for the ejection procedure:
Q. EJECTION STEPS
Should a coach or player be ejected from the game the following procedures should be followed:
COACH:
1) Coach removed from playing area and bleachers, but should remain available should an emergency situation
arise. Coach must be out of sight or sound of the contest (i.e. visiting coach could go to bus).
2) Game may continue only if a bona fide school faculty member and/or administrator is available to substitute
for the coach on the bench.
3) Should there not be a faculty member and/or administrator available, the game will be forfeited.
PLAYER:
2) Player is removed from game and must remain in the team's dugout.
3) Should ejected player continue to create a disturbance, the game shall be forfeited.
R. PITCHER WARM-UP
Pitchers shall not use the game mound during pre-game infield practice.
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ENTRY FORM
BASEBALL NEW ZEALAND
BANZL Office Use Only
NZSS SENIOR NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS
School Entry Form
Entry Fees
Team List
TERM 1 2016
Membership Fees
PLEASE PRINT ALL DETAILS CLEARLY
ONE FORM PER SCHOOL
School Name
Postal Address
Team
Mobile
School Telephone
School Email
Team Email
Total Teams Entering:
Entry Fee (per team)
$250.00
Teams x Entry Fee
TOTAL
Final Closing Date For Entry:
$
Friday 18 March, 2016
Entries will only be confirmed when the official Team Entry Form bearing the Principal's signature has been
received by Baseball New Zealand, and all Fees received.
Terms and Conditions
I understand that my School’s Entry is conditional until the Team List bearing the Principal's signature have been
received at the BANZL National Office and all Fees receipted, on or before 9pm Friday 18 March 2016. I understand
that if my school is requesting entry to this event after 18th March, it will be accepted at the Organizers discretion
and a Late Entry Fee of $100.00 will apply. I understand and accept the Refund Policy and Compliance
requirements as described in the Tournament Handbook.
On behalf of:
School Name
I accept the above terms and conditions
Signature:
Name:
Date:
For further queries, please contact Daniel Tan - [email protected]
This form must be received by Baseball New Zealand by 18 March 2016 for the Senior Championship.
All forms received after this date will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
This event is sanctioned by the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council Inc. and ASB College Sport.
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APPENDICES
Appendix A: Concussion Education and Management Protocol
Appendix B: Hazardous Weather Conditions
Appendix C: Suggested Team Policies
Appendix D: [School Name] Baseball Player Contract Template
Appendix E: Notes for Parents
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APPENDIX A: CONCUSSION EDUCATION AND MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL
Education
Concussions are common in sports. Baseball New Zealand believes that education of coaches, officials, athletes,
and their parents or guardians is key to safely returning a student athlete to play. Appropriate immediate care
after a suspected concussion, and follow up incorporating a multi-disciplinary team that includes the coach, parent
or guardian, athlete’s physician, team physician and athletic trainer (if available), and school representatives, also
are important for the proper management of a sport-related concussion.
Each school district will receive educational materials for coaches, athletes, parents, and school officials, required
forms for student athlete participation and parent/guardian consent, and recommended medical clearance forms
for return to play.
Annually, Baseball New Zealand member school districts will ensure that every coach, student athlete, and parents
or guardians of a student athlete completes a concussion and head injury information sheet and returns it to the
school district prior to the student athlete's participation in practice or competition. Officials will receive training
from their parent organization. Each official’s organization will require annual concussion training and maintain a
signed head injury information sheet for each official.
Recognition and Evaluation of the Athlete with a Concussion
1) Recognition of the signs and symptoms of a concussion is important. Every member of the team athlete, team
mates, coaches, parents or guardians, officials, athletic trainers, and team physicians have a duty to report a
suspected concussion. Not all school districts have medical personnel available to cover every practice and
competition; therefore, the coach is the person in the best position to protect the player and must be aware
that not all student athletes will be forthcoming about their injury.
2) An official shall not be responsible for making the diagnosis of a concussion. The official can assist coaches and
medical staff by recognizing signs and symptoms of a concussion and informing the coach and medical staff of
their concerns.
3) The coach, (Certified Athletic Trainer) ATC, or physician on site should evaluate the athlete in a systemic
fashion:
a) Assess for airway, breathing, and circulation (basic CPR assessment)
b) Assess for concussion
i) Any unconscious athlete should be assumed to have a severe head and/or neck injury and should
have their cervical spine immobilized until a determination can be made that the cervical spine has
not been injured. If no medical professional can make the assessment, the athlete should be
transported to an appropriate emergency care facility.
ii) A conscious athlete with no neck pain can be further evaluated on the sideline. An athlete
experiencing ANY of the signs/symptoms of a concussion should be immediately removed from play.
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Signs/Symptoms of a concussion include:
PHYSICAL
COGNITIVE
Headache
Feeling mentally “foggy”
Nausea/Vomiting
Feeling slowed down
Dazed/Stunned
Difficulty concentrating
Balance problems
Difficulty remembering
Visual problems
Forgetful of recent information
Fatigue
Confused about recent events
Sensitivity to light
Answers questions slowly
Sensitivity to noise
Repeats questions
EMOTIONAL
Irritability
Sadness
More emotional
Nervousness
Evaluation
a)
Following any first aid management, the medical team, or coach in the absence of medical personnel,
should assess the athlete to determine the presence or absence of a concussion. The SCAT (Sideline
Concussion Assessment Tool) and SCAT2 are effective assessment tools that are readily available and can
assist with the assessment.
b) The athlete should be monitored for worsening or change in signs and symptoms over the next 24 hours.
Instructions should be given to the parent or guardian as to signs and symptoms that may require further
or more emergent evaluation.
Management of a Concussion and Return to Play
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
An athlete determined to have a concussion or have concussion-like symptoms will be removed from practice
or competition and is not allowed to return to practice or competition that same day.
If an athlete displays concussion-like signs or symptoms, the athlete should be assumed to have a concussion
until further medical evaluation can occur. “WHEN IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT!”
Written clearance from a physician (MD or DO), Advanced Nurse Practitioner in written collaborative practice
with a physician, Certified Physician Assistant in written collaborative practice with a physician, or Certified
Athletic Trainer in written supervision of a physician, must be provided prior to return to play.
Following a concussion, the athlete should have both physical and cognitive rest until symptoms have
resolved.
An athlete must be asymptomatic at rest and with exertion prior to return to play
A graduated return to play protocol has been outlined by the Third International Concussion in Sport Group
Statement (2008, Zurich), is recommended by Baseball New Zealand, and may be used to guide return to play
following medical clearance.
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APPENDIX B: HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS
In case of inclement weather, the umpire shall determine whether a game will start and so notify the schools
involved. The Association will not adopt a provision that if one game is postponed, all games in that district are
postponed on that date.
The host Club grounds person or designated representative and the head umpire have mutual authority to delay
the start of a game any time weather conditions are considered to be hazardous to life or limb. Likewise, the head
official, once a game has started, has the authority, by rule, to suspend a game anytime weather conditions are
considered to be hazardous to life or limb. If severe weather develops while a game is in progress, where a school
feels safety is questionable and the game officials have not acted, the school staff member or his/her designated
representative will intervene by informing the head official who shall suspend the contest.
If there are extenuating circumstances such as extreme travel distances, rescheduling problems, etc. which make it
desirable to try to complete the game and the principals of both schools or their designated representatives
choose to ask for an additional 30 minutes of waiting time, the head official may grant that request. If the
principals of both schools or their designated representatives and the head official cannot mutually agree that the
weather conditions are safe, the game shall be postponed. The game may either be considered a completed game
at that point or rescheduled at a later time according to game rules.
The purpose of this procedure is to ensure the safety of the players and spectators but also to relieve the pressure
from the officials before declaring a game suspended.
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APPENDIX C: SUGGESTED TEAM POLICIES
1. Appearance




Student athletes are requested to dress properly around school as you represent yourself and the
baseball program.
During the summer season, students will be required to follow standards in regard to appearance:
1) There will be neither beards nor facial hair.
2) Sideburns may come down to the bottom of the earlobe and must be neatly trimmed.
3) Hair may come down over the top of the ear, but no lower than ½ way down on the ear itself. Hair
must be neatly tapered in the back.
Practice and game uniform must be laundered daily, and you will be required to wear it properly.
Shoes for games and practice sessions must be brushed.
2. Class



Students will not use any class assignment or exam preparation as an excuse to miss practice. Students
will prepare themselves for assignments and exams over the entire semester, not on the last day.
No coach will intercede on a student’s behalf with any teacher to allow you to circumvent an assignment
due to the fact that you are a member of the baseball team.
A student’s first responsibility will be their classes; the second will be the baseball team. They are both
very important.
3. Conduct on and off the field

Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a first class manner around school and in the
community
4. Practice and Game Schedules



If for some reason a student will be absent or late for practice, the student will personally talk with one of
the coaches by either phone or in person prior to the scheduled time of practice.
There will be NO excuses accepted for being late unless we are notified in advance.
No player will ride separately to or from a game without prior approval of one of the coaches and
notification from a parent to the athletic office.
5. Injuries and Sickness


All injuries and sickness will be reported immediately to the coaches and trainers so that treatment can be
initiated as promptly as possible.
The trainers will prescribe the limitations on practice and game performance.
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6. Locker Room Procedures
Where locker rooms are available:



Students will be expected to keep the locker room in first class condition.
All trash will be properly disposed of in the trash containers located in the locker room.
No spikes will be worn in any part of the gym or locker room. All shoes will be cleaned off outside of the
locker room.
7. Equipment Shed/Room Procedures



No one except the coaches are allowed in the equipment room, unless assisting the coaches.
All equipment will be issued by the coaches and is the player’s responsibility to keep it in a first class
manner and return it the same way.
Players are responsible for replacing equipment/gear at its initial purchase price, if lost or damaged.
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APPENDIX D: [SCHOOL NAME] BASEBALL PLAYER CONTRACT TEMPLATE
By participating in the [School Name] baseball program, there will be high expectations placed on the players
competing. There will be times when players cannot do their own thing. The following items are in place to make
players a better person and promote the image of the sport of baseball in New Zealand. If the players or the school
cannot follow these policies, disciplinary action may be taken.
In general: do what is right, do your best, and treat others as you wished to be treated.
Baseball Conduct:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
Be on time for all baseball related activities
Practice hard at game tempo. We will not coach poor attitudes
Be properly dressed at all times
Sprint on and off the field at all times
Pull for your teammates
Be coachable, and keep an open mind
Accept your role on the team. If you do not like it, work harder to change it
Do not transfer blame or make excuses
Do not question coaches on the field EVER. Coaches will meet one on one to clear up any misunderstandings.
Disrespect for coaches, faculty, or staff will not be tolerated
Players will be CLEAN SHAVEN at all times during the playing season
Do not borrow your teammate’s equipment without permission
Do not throw equipment. Even if it is yours this will result in disciplinary action
Jerseys or shirts are to be tucked in at all times and caps are to be worn forward at all times. Hats are not to be
worn backwards or sideways. Equipment will be worn ONLY during practice and games
O. Take care of your health, your relationships with your teammates, and your performance on and off the field
P. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and any other drug will not be tolerated. Punishment will follow the School
Athletics/Student Handbook policy.
Q. Playing time will NEVER be discussed between the coaches and parents or players
R. Lead by example on and off the field
S. Be an example and set the standard high for future baseball players to follow
T. And last but not least, don’t do anything to embarrass your family, the program, your coach, and yourself
U. Have fun, learn the game, and enjoy the privilege of playing the great game of Baseball
Please sign and have your parent/guardian sign and return.
___________________________________
Player Signature
__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
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APPENDIX E: NOTES FOR PARENTS
1) Baseball is a game and it should be played for fun! It is not a job! Gain knowledge as a parent and then allow
wisdom to manifest itself as perspective and corresponding appropriate behavior at your local ball park.
2) Place a premium on your child's education. There is more college financial assistance available to baseball
players who have proven themselves superior in the classroom than those who have proven the same on the
diamond
3) Sit back and enjoy your child's games. Support his coach and pull for all players to succeed. You will likely
damage your relationship with your son by becoming his talent scout or personal critic after every game or
practice. If your child wants to talk to you about his performance, he will.
4) Encourage your child to dream big and work hard...but don't let him put all his eggs in one basket. If it is his
dream to play college or professional baseball, encourage him, and share with him the hard work and
dedication necessary to achieve his goal. Remind your son that he will need good grades to likely get into the
college of his choosing.
5) College and professional baseball should be the dream of the kid and not the dream of the parent(s). Don't
blame others if he does not play well on a given day or reach the goal that you have set for him to play college
or professional baseball.
6) Don't force your child to give up his entire childhood playing baseball year round with your goal of him one
day receiving a baseball scholarship.
7) Encourage your child to play other sports to keep his mind fresh, his body renewed, and his hunger alive for
baseball season.
8) For those players who desire to play college and/or professional baseball, they should strive to be playing their
top baseball by their senior year in high school and on the contrary, not ready to give baseball up because of
burn out or overuse injuries from playing hundreds of games each year when they were a kid.
9) Don't become or allow your child to become a slave to results on the field. Baseball is about enjoying the
process which is having fun playing the game. Remember failure is not fatal or permanent. Players can learn
from their struggles and grow as a person as a result. Baseball can be used to teach valuable life lessons.
10) Lastly, you should not run around telling everyone how great your child is. Everyone has eyes and can see for
themselves if the kid is exceptionally talented. In return, people will respect you and your child for being
humble and maintaining perspective.
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