Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
1.
OBJECTIVE OF THE LEAGUE ............................................................................................... 2
1.1.
1.2.
2.
MAJORS ................................................................................................................................... 2
AAA ......................................................................................................................................... 2
RULES ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.
PITCHING RULES ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.1. Majors................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.2. AAA American ..................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.3
AAA National......................................................................................................................3
2.2.
SUBSTITUTION RULES ............................................................................................................. 5
2.2.1. Majors................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2. AAA ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.
BASE RUNNING ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1. Majors................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2. AAA ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.3. Obstruction Clarified ........................................................................................................... 7
2.4.
Regular Season Games & PLAYOFFS .................................................................................... 7
2.4.1. Majors................................................................................................................................... 7
3.
GROUND RULES ........................................................................................................................ 9
4.
GAME CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................. 9
5.
MERCY RULE ............................................................................................................................. 9
5.1.
5.2.
6.
MAJORS ................................................................................................................................... 9
AAA ....................................................................................................................................... 10
MISCELLANEOUS ................................................................................................................... 10
6.1.
COMMON................................................................................................................................ 10
7.
CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................................... 11
8.
PENALTIES ................................................................................................................................ 12
April 10, 2017
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
1. Objective of the League
1.1. Majors
The objective of the Uxbridge Major League is to teach the game of baseball to the children of
Uxbridge, in a friendly competitive atmosphere.
1.2. AAA
The objective of the AAA League is to teach the children of Uxbridge the fundamentals of the
game of baseball and improve their skills so that they may enter The “Major” League. To this end,
games are played, but the main objectives of the league should not be overlooked in any attempt to
win games.
2. Rules
The official Cal Ripken League Rule Book will govern in all situations not covered in the
following exceptions that apply to the Majors/AAA League.
2.1. Pitching Rules
2.1.1. Majors
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A pitcher cannot pitch more than 6 innings per week (MON-SUN) under any
circumstances. Including make up games.
The balk rule will apply. One warning per pitcher per game will be issued.
No big barrel bats are allowed.
Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return to pitch in that game.
There are no intentional walks.
A pitcher is charged for a full inning once one pitch is thrown.
o Pitcher Rest: 6 innings = 5 days rest (Pitch Tues. Pitch Mon)
o Pitcher Rest: 5 innings = 4 days rest (Pitch Tues. Pitch Sun)
o Pitcher Rest: 4 innings = 3 days rest (Pitch Tues. Pitch Sat)
o Pitcher Rest: 3 innings = 2 days rest (Pitch Tues. Pitch Fri.)
o Pitcher Rest: 2 innings = 1 day rest (Pitch Tues. Pitch Thu.)
o Pitcher Rest: 1 inning CAN pitch next day.
o Max Pitches per Game: 85 (Can finish pitching to batter) ** Team Mgr is
responsible for counting pitches ** ** Innings Pitched must be recorded **
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
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o A Pitcher may pitch a complete game (6 innings) providing he/she has not exceeded
the 85 pitch count rule. (This supersedes the 5 inning max. rule)
o A Pitcher cannot pitch in both games of a Doubleheader.
o Pitcher rest rules do not reset for any reason
Visitations Mound -One visit per pitcher per inning is allowed. Manager must remove the
pitcher on second visit. Infielders/outfielders -No visits are allowed. Exception is allowed in
case of injury.
All pitchers must adhere to the pitch count rest requirements before pitching in another
game.
Games in which an ineligible pitcher has been used, as specified, shall be declared
forfeited.
In a game suspended by darkness, weather, or other causes and resumed the following
calendar day, the pitcher at the time the game was halted may continue to the extent of
his/her eligibility
2.1.2. AAA American
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Players in the AAA American division will pitch in all league games.
Players pitching eligibility is as follows:
o There is a limit of 3 innings per game per player with a limit of 6 innings per week
(MON-SUN).
o Maximum pitches per pitcher in a game = 85. If 85 during an at-bat, pitcher may
complete at-bat.
• A Pitcher cannot pitch in both games of a doubleheader.
• There are no intentional walks or balks.
• If the pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count limit while facing a batter, he/she may
continue to pitch until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.
• Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return to pitch in that game.
• All pitchers must adhere to the pitch count rest requirements before pitching in another
game.
• Games in which an ineligible pitcher has been used, as specified, shall be declared
forfeited.
• Visitations Mound -One visit per pitcher per inning is allowed. Manager must remove the
pitcher on second visit. Infielders/outfielders -No visits are allowed. Exception is allowed in
case of injury.
• In a game suspended by darkness, weather, or other causes and resumed the following
calendar day, the pitcher at the time the game was halted may continue to the extent of
his/her eligibility
o If a player pitches 2 innings a game, that player must have 1 full day of rest before
pitching again.
▪ Example: Pitch 2 innings on Tuesday, can not pitch again until Thursday.
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
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o If a player pitches 3 innings in a game, that player must have 2 full days of rest
before pitching again.
▪ Example: Pitch 3 innings on Tuesday, can not pitch again until Friday.
o Managers will carefully monitor the players pitch count per inning, per game and
per week. Innings pitched must be recorded.
o Once a pitcher is removed from the pitching position, that pitcher cannot return to
pitch in that game.
o There are no intentional walks or balks.
o A pitcher is charged for a full inning once one pitch is thrown.
It is the intent of the UBA to prepare and develop pitchers for The “Major” League. With
that in mind, we would like each Manager to use as many different pitchers as possible
during the season.
2.1.3 AAA National
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Players in the AAA National division will pitch in all league games. Coaches will step in
and complete an inning if a pitcher walks 3 kids in the inning.
If the pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count limit while facing a batter, he/she may
continue to pitch until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.
Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return to pitch in that game.
All pitchers must adhere to the pitch count rest requirements before pitching in another
game.
Games in which an ineligible pitcher has been used, as specified, shall be declared
forfeited.
Visitations Mound -One visit per pitcher per inning is allowed. Manager must remove the
pitcher on second visit. Infielders/outfielders -No visits are allowed. Exception is allowed in
case of injury.
In a game suspended by darkness, weather, or other causes and resumed the following
calendar day, the pitcher at the time the game was halted may continue to the extent of
his/her eligibility
A Pitcher cannot pitch in both games of a doubleheader.
There are no intentional walks or balks.
Players pitching eligibility is as follows:
o The pitcher’s mound is set between 42 - 46 feet (Pitcher can pitch up to 4 feet in
front of the mound if necessary to help throw strikes).
o There is a limit of 2 innings per game per player with a limit of 4 innings per week
(MON-SUN).
o Maximum pitches per pitcher in a game = 45. If 45 during an at-bat, pitcher may
complete at-bat.
o A Pitcher cannot pitch in both games of a doubleheader.
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
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o If a player pitches 2 innings in a game, that player must have 2 full days of rest
before pitching again.
▪ Example: Pitch 2 innings on Tuesday, cannot pitch again until Friday.
o Managers will carefully monitor the players pitch count per inning, per game and
per week. Innings pitched must be recorded.
o Once a pitcher is removed from the pitching position, that pitcher cannot return to
pitch in that game.
o There are no intentional walks or balks.
o A pitcher is charged for a full inning once one pitch is thrown.
o Following 3 consecutive walks by a pitcher a coach from the team at bat will pitch
the remainder of that inning.
It is the intent of the UBA to prepare and develop pitchers for The “Major” League. With
that in mind, we would like each Manager to use as many different pitchers as possible
during the season.
2.2. Substitution Rules
2.2.1. Majors
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All players will play at least 3 innings per game and no more than 5 innings, unless no subs
are available.
There is a continuous batting order for all players. If any player does not get to play 3
innings in a game due to early call, weather etc, that player must start and play the first 3
innings of the next game.
Unlimited substitutions. All fielding substitutions must be made between innings. Except
for pitcher, disciplinary and for injury.
If a manager is not going to be playing a player because of injury or disciplinary action, he
will notify the umpire and the opposing manager before the game begins.
Lineups must be swapped prior to start of game with all players’ listed (continuous order).
If a player arrives to the game late, that player will wait for the start of the next inning to
enter the game (or later, at mgr. discretion). That player will bat in the already determined
spot in the batting lineup.
2.2.2. AAA
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All players will play at least three innings per game.
No player may play more than 5 innings per game, unless there are no substitutes available.
If any player that does not get to play 3 innings in a game, that player must start and play
the first 3 innings of the next game.
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
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All Players will play at least 1 inning in infield (Exception – for AAA American
Playoffs, this rule is recommended, not required)
Exceptions will be granted in case of injury or disciplinary action. If a manager is not going
to be playing a player because of one of the above reasons, the manager must notify the
umpire and the opposing manager before the game begins.
There are unlimited substitutions. Exception: once a pitcher is removed the player can not
return as a pitcher.
There will be a continuous batting order for all players on the team.
Lineups must be swapped prior to start of game with all players listed (continuous order).
If a player arrives to the game late, that player will wait for the start of the next inning to
enter the game (or later, at mgr. discretion). That player will bat in the already determined
spot in the batting lineup.
Call Ups:
• Shortly after the beginning of the season, each Division Coordinator will create a list of the
top 6 to 8 players in their division to be called up to next division level on a game by game
basis, if needed. Division Coordinators shall solicit input from their division managers to
create the list.
• Managers may call-up a player from the lower division call-up list as needed to create a
maximum team size of 10 for a particular game.
• It is the manager’s responsibility to contact the parent directly. The Division Coordinator is
not responsible for arranging call-ups.
• Managers must report the call-ups they have secured to the Division Coordinator prior to
each game.
• Call-up players:
o Must bat last in the order
o Are not allowed to pitch or play catcher
o Must not play more than half of a regular season game, if they are the 10th player
• Managers are encouraged to have call-ups generally play in the outfield and not play in the
infield more than a regular rostered player.
• During playoffs, call-ups are only allowed to play if needed to field all 9 positions. An
additional call-up is allowed to stay on the bench if the team already has 9 players but cannot
be inserted into the game unless another player is removed from the game due to injury.
• A call-up player cannot play for a specific team more than once, unless no other call up is
available.
• Call-up players must never miss a game with their regular rostered team to play up.
• If a team violates the above call-up rules, the team shall be banned from calling up players,
and games will be appropriately played shorthanded or forfeited.
April 10, 2017
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
2.3. Base running
2.3.1. Majors
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Players should avoid contact into all bases.
Violations: Unintentional - Runner is declared out Intentional - Runner is declared out and
is out of the game. The violation will be decided by the umpire.
No Head first sliding, unless back to base.
2.3.2. AAA
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Players should avoid contact into all bases.
Violations: Unintentional -Runner is declared out Intentional -Runner is declared out and is
out of the game. The violation will be decided by the umpire. The Umpires decision is final.
A play is over, when in the umpire's judgment, the offensive team's runners have stopped
attempting to advance and the ball has been returned to the infield in possession of a
defensive player.
There is stealing in AAA American, a runner may leave the base after the ball crosses
home plate. There is no stealing at the beginning of the AAA National Season. Steals
can be introduced in steps – starting with running on passed balls. League intent is to
get to full AAA American Rules by end of season.
A runner can advance on a wild pitch or passed ball.
Base runner can only advance 1 base on a passed ball or wild pitch.
A batter who draws a base on balls cannot attempt to advance/steal 2nd base on a wild pitch,
pass ball, or when the catcher makes the return throw to the pitcher, except that a batter
who draws a base on balls may advance one or more bases as the result of a catcher
overthrowing a fielder attempting to catch a baserunner stealing 3rd base or pick a
baserunner of at 2nd base.
Stealing Home: Base runners can steal home on a passed ball or wild pitch, however, once
the umpire deems the catcher to have control of the ball, the play is dead and the runner
must return to third base. Base runners cannot attempt to steal home as the catcher makes
the return throw to the pitcher.
No Head first sliding, unless back to a base.
2.3.3. Obstruction Clarified
The catcher, without the ball in his/her possession, has no right to block the pathway of the
runner attempting to score. The base line belongs to the runner and the catcher should be there
only when fielding a ball or with the ball already in his/her possession.
Rule: 7.06-When the obstruction occurs; the umpire shall call or signal "Obstruction"
April 10, 2017
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
2.4. Regular Season Games & Playoffs
2.4.1. Majors
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Regular season win/loss record will have an impact on playoff seeding for the Majors
Division.
Regular season games can end with a tie score after 6 innings, time limit, or darkness to be
determined by the head umpire
Teams will be ranked on win/loss record and then the tie breaker logic below in order:
1. Win – Loss Record
2. Results of Head to Head Competition
3. Fewest Runs Given Up
4. Run Differential with Maximum of 10 per game
Playoff schedule (assumes 6 majors teams)
o 3rd place team plays 6th place team and 4th place team plays 5th place team, both in a
one game playoff to advance
▪ This game should be played at the end of the week so winning team can
reset pitching counts
o 1st place team plays lowest seed remaining of play in games, in a best two out of
three series
o 2nd place team plays highest seed remaining of play in games, in a best two out of
three series
o Winners of both series play in a best two out of three championship series
o Remaining teams will play consolation games
Playoff schedule will be after Memorial Day Weekend usually and will be round robin /
pool play format where all teams play each other and top 2 teams after pool play in the
Championship Game.
Additional items
o Regular season pitching rules apply
o Playoff games cannot end in at tie. In the event the game is suspended by head
umpire due to darkness or inclement weather, it will need to be concluded at the
next earliest opportunity
o Call-up rules apply for all playoff games
Mercy rule as defined in section 5.1 below still applies. In addition for Playoffs ONLY, the
game will be over after 4 innings if a team is up by 10 or more runs (3.5 innings if the home
team is up by 10 or more runs.
April 10, 2017
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
3. Ground Rules
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If any batted ball becomes logged under the fence, the player raises their hand to get the
umpire's attention. The batter is entitled to two bases and any runners are awarded two more
bases from their position before the pitch was thrown.
If any thrown ball becomes logged under the fence, the player raises their hand to get the
umpire's attention. All runners are awarded the base they were going to plus one additional
base.
If any thrown ball goes into the bench area, all runners are awarded the base they were going
to plus one additional base.
All equipment will be kept inside the bench area.
Any other overthrow is "live" and the runners may take as many bases as possible
4. Game Conditions
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In case of rain, the decision to start the games will be made at 5:30 P.M. by the Division
Coordinator or his designee.
Once the game has started, it is the umpire's decision to stop play.
All "day" games will begin at the scheduled time. All "night" games will begin no later than
8:00 PM.
If there is a "night" game, the "day" game will not start an inning after 7:30 PM. All games
will be stopped at 10:30 PM.
No inning can be started after 7:45 PM on a School night.
Another ½ inning cannot start 15 minutes before the next scheduled games start time.
Any game stopped due to weather, darkness, or curfew, will become a suspended game. The
balance of the game will be played at a later date and all conditions that were applicable on the
day of the original game will prevail. (Ex.-lineup, eligible substitutes, etc.)
5 innings constitutes a complete game, 4 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead when the game
is called.
5. Mercy Rule
5.1. Majors
Each of the first five innings are over after the 6th run is scored regardless of the number of outs.
No runs after the 6th run will be counted. The 6th and any subsequent inning is "open" until 3 outs
are made and any number of runs may be scored.
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
5.2. AAA American
Each of the first five innings are over after the 5th run is scored regardless of the number of outs.
No runs after the 5th run will be counted. The 6th and any subsequent inning is "open" until 3 outs
are made and any number of runs may be scored.
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Additional Mercy Rule for AAA American Playoffs: In addition to the above referenced
Mercy Rule, AAA American Playoffs will have the following additional Mercy Rule: the
game will be over after 4 innings if a team is up by 10 or more runs (3.5 innings if the home
team is up by 10 or more runs.
5.3. AAA National
Each of the first five innings are over after the 4th run is scored regardless of the number of outs.
No runs after the 4th run will be counted. The 6th and any subsequent inning is "open" until 3 outs
are made and any number of runs may be scored.
6. Miscellaneous
6.1. Common
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The "Home Team" will be on the "First Base Bench"
The “Visiting Team” must rake the infield after the game.
The “Home Team” will build and repair the mound after each game.
It is the responsibility of the winning team's manager to enter results on the website.
A player can only swing a bat in the batter's box. Only one player may stand in the on-deck
circle. No player may have a bat in his hand while on the bench.
• All players not batting or on deck, must be in the bench area.
• If a team is using a Bat Boy/Girl, that person must have a helmet on at all times.
• Only the manager can question the umpire about a call. Coaches cannot question calls or
they will be removed from the field.
• When a team is on the field, the manager and coaches must stay in the bench area.
• When a team is batting, the manager and coaches must be in the coach’s box.
• No unauthorized person should be inside the playing field or in the bench area.
• Regular season: Every effort to play the game will be made by sharing players in defensive
positions; game will recorded how it plays out. Players from other teams or divisions will not
be allowed to play unless cleared by the UBA.
• Play-offs: A team must have 8 players for a game. If the team can not field 8 players, the game
is forfeited to the other team.
April 10, 2017
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
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The Board of Directors will appoint all managers and coaches.
Dismissal of any player will be brought to The Board of Directors first.
If any player quits the team, the manager must notify the Player Agent immediately. The Board
of Directors will be the final authority over any disputes.
7. Code of Conduct
The Executive Committee shall preside over any and all matters regarding code of conduct for
directors, coaches, umpires and players. Any member, player, or umpire may appeal to the
Executive Committee or bring a complaint to the Executive Committee, but first must, in writing,
notify the league through any Board Member. The notification will be forwarded to the League
President or a Vice President in the President’s absence. In case of an emergency, or matter of a
serious nature, the President may call an immediate Executive Committee meeting. A minimum of
three Executive Committee members must be available to make any ruling or judgment.
All Members in Uxbridge Baseball Association shall accept the following code of conduct.
1. It is the duty of all coaches to be in control of his players at all times.
2. Coaches are expected to comply with the intent and spirit of the rules.
3. Coaches should teach their players to respect the dignity of the game, officials, opponents and
the institutions they represent.
4. Coaches will confine their discussions with game officials to the interpretation of the rules and
not challenge umpire judgment calls.
5. Cursing, obscene language or gestures, malicious or personal remarks to or between opponents,
spectators, officials or coaches will not be tolerated.
6. Directors, coaches, umpires and players shall refrain from any actions that might arouse
unsportsmanlike behavior between spectators or any of the aforementioned.
7. All League Officials shall incorporate this Code of Conduct in their code of conduct.
8. Improper use or deliberate damage to equipment or facilities by any member or associate of
this league will not be tolerated.
9. Altercations, verbal and/or physical will not be tolerated, nor will any intentional attempt to
injure any player, official or participant in any league game or function.
10. Players, coaches and umpires shall not possess or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal
drugs during baseball games.
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
8. Penalties
Upon viewing a violation of the above Code of Conduct rules, the witness will forward a
descriptive report or complaint in writing to any active Board Member. The Board Member will
forward report to the Executive Committee. If the Executive Committee deems it necessary, they
will request information from the Manager of each team concerning the incident. The Executive
Committee will then determine whether any infractions of the preceding Code of Conduct rules
have been made. The Executive Committee will make a decision based upon the following
guidelines. The President will have final decision over any Executive Committee stalemate.
1. Any player, coach or director who throws or misuses any equipment during the course of a
game shall be warned the first time; if a second offense occurs, he will be ejected.
2. Any player, coach or director in violation of Code 5, 9 or 10 will be immediately ejected.
3. Any player, coach or director in violation of Code 6 will receive a warning for the first offense.
A second offense will mean immediate ejection.
4. If an umpire violates any of the codes of conduct, a written complaint shall be presented to the
Executive Committee. If said umpires actions become intolerable during the course of the
game, both coaches can agree to suspend said game at that point, remove all players from the
field and make immediate report to the Executive Board.
5. In the event one or more spectators become unruly and refuse an umpire's request to leave the
playing field area, the game can be suspended at that point. Either the fan(s) will be removed
by the police, or the game will remain suspended.
6. In the case of ejection for any of the above reasons, the following minimum penalties will be
automatically imposed for players and coaches during the course of the season.
First offense: 1 Game Suspension Second offense: 2 Game Suspension Third offense:
Remainder of Present Year Plus 1 Year Suspension
7. As a result of disciplinary action for any of the above reasons, the following minimum penalties
will automatically be imposed for umpires and directors during the course of the season.
First offense: 1 week suspension Second offense: Minimum 1 month suspension Third offense:
1 year suspension.
8. Any player, coach or director ejected during the course of a game who refuses (after being
ejected and notified twice that he has been ejected) to leave the field of play, shall cause the
head umpire to declare a win for the opposing team. The head umpire will, immediately
following the game, file a written report to the Executive Committee. After review by the
Executive Committee, the offending coach will be suspended for 1 year.
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Uxbridge Baseball Association
Majors/AAA
Rulebook
Disciplinary Action: The UBA wants its managers and coaches to promote safety, sportsmanship,
teamwork, and having fun. However, there will be times when disciplinary action should be taken.
The following are examples that would likely require disciplinary actions:
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Striking someone on the field (game or practice)
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Verbally abusing someone
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Being non-responsive or disrespectful to other players, coaches or managers
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Chronic tardiness or absence to games or practices
Disciplinary actions must be administered by the manager or the UBA Player Agent only and any
actions must be reported to the UBA Player Agent. The manager should also notify the player’s
parents of the situation and explain why the action was taken. The manager may ask the UBA Player
Agent to notify the parents on their behalf. Disciplinary action is limited to reduced game time
playing. Managers have the authority to suspend a player up to one game per season, at their
discretion, without the need to consult the UBA Player Agent beforehand. If a manager feels that more
than one game suspension is warranted, the manager must consult the UBA Player Agent first. The
exception is for striking another player, in which case, the UBA Player Agent must be notified
immediately. If a player strikes someone else, this is grounds for a minimum full game suspension. If
the incident is severe enough as judged by the manager and UBA Player Agent, or a second offense
occurs, this could lead to suspension for the rest of the season.
April 10, 2017
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