ARTICLE E - Executive Body:

1.        Elected Officers (also referred to as League Executive)

An Executive Body comprised of the following elected officers shall conduct the affairs of the MLSPL:

a)   President

b)   Vice Presidents – 2 are required

c)    Secretary/Public Relations Officer

d)   Treasurer

2.        Voting Privileges

Each of the above officers, both elected and appointed, with the exception of the President, who votes only in the case of a tie, shall have one vote.

The team representatives will have a maximum of two votes per team.  If a team representative is absent and unable to vote for any reason, an alternate representative may vote in her absence.  No proxy voting is allowed.  At least one team representative must be present at all league meetings or the team will be fined $25.00.

All new teams to the MLSPL will have voting privileges on all league business.

3.        Election of Officers

The election of the League Executive shall take place at the Annual General Meeting (hereinafter referred to as the AGM) and will be by a majority vote of those officers (as outlined above) present.  Executive officers are elected for a two-year term and there can be only two elected officers from any one team.

4.        Quorum

At least 50% of the League Executive, and 50% of the team representatives, must be present to form a quorum for the purpose of conducting a meeting.

ARTICLE F - Annual General Meeting (AGM):

The Executive Body shall call the AGM. The AGM will be held the first week in October. Members will be notified in writing one month prior to the meeting. The order of business for the AGM will be as follows:

a)   Attendance

b)   Correspondence

c)    Old Business

d)   New Business (Elections)

e)   Any Other Business

f)      Adjournment

ARTICLE F - Annual General Meeting (AGM) - continued

Subsequent meetings will be held during the calendar year.  Agenda could include the following:

Present Constitutional changes, call elections and fill various other position vacancies; ie. Banquet chairperson, etc.

Meeting to finalize Constitutional changes will be called by the Executive at an interim meeting

a)   Presentation of proposed budget and registration

b)   Vote on Constitutional changes and expansion

c)    Playoffs/banquet/recruiting

d)   Appeals, Disciplinary Committee

e)   Other business, as needed

ARTICLE G - Duties of Officers:

1.        Elected Officers:

a)   President

i)          shall act as the chairperson at all MLSPL meetings;

ii)        may act on behalf of the MLSPL where an immediate decision is required and a League Executive meeting is impossible to convene;

iii)      shall see that all articles of the MLSPL Constitution and By-laws are carried into effect;

iv)      shall with one of the Vice-President(s) act as a second signing officer for all MLSPL financial transactions;

v)        shall vote at MLSPL meetings only in the event of a tie vote.

vi)      shall prepare, in consultation with the Umpire-In-Chief, a complete playing schedule (including playoffs) as directed by the League Executive;

vii)    shall, in consultation with the Umpire-In-Chief, reschedule games postponed for any reason, including any games cancelled by mutual agreement of both teams;

b)   Vice-President(s)

i)          shall be divided between two persons – duties for each one will be set by current President,

ii)        shall assist the President in performing such duties as may be assigned and, in the President's absence, may act in her place instead;

iii)      shall keep full and accurate records of all league games, including scores, standings, suspensions, forfeitures and rainouts;

ARTICLE G - Duties of Officers - continued

iv)      shall provide summaries of league games and newsworthy items to the team representatives and local as required;

v)        shall, with the President, act as a second signing officer for all MLSPL financial transactions;

vi)      shall co-ordinate all such activities with the Executive Body;

vii)    shall have one vote at all MLSPL meetings, except when acting as President.

c)    Secretary/Public Relations Officer

i)          shall maintain accurate records of all proceedings of all MLSPL meetings and see that copies of the proceedings are distributed to all League Executive members;

ii)        shall advertise with the local media any material required and approved by the League Executive;

iii)      shall be custodian of all records, correspondence, documents, etc. of the MLSPL except the financial records;

iv)      shall initiate or reply to correspondence as directed by the League Executive;

v)        shall co-ordinate all such activities with the Executive Body;

vi)      shall have one vote at all MLSPL meetings.

d)   Treasurer

i)          shall keep and maintain full and accurate books of account in which shall be recorded all receipts and disbursements of the MLSPL;

ii)        shall maintain an account with a Chartered Bank in the name of the MLSPL through which all receipts and disbursements are to pass;

iii)      shall act as the first signing officer for all MLSPL financial transactions;

iv)      shall prepare an opening financial statement for presentation at the April spring meeting, an interim financial statement at the end of July and a financial statement of receipts and disbursements for presentation (12-month statement), at the AGM.

v)        shall co-ordinate all such activities with the Executive Body;

vi)      shall have one vote at all MLSPL meetings.

2.        Past President: shall act as a consultant to the Executive.

ARTICLE G - Duties of Officers - continued

3.        Appointed Officers:

a)   Umpire-In-Chief

i)          shall be appointed by the League Executive for a term of one playing year;

ii)        shall, within the limitations of the cost placed on him/her by the League Executive, have the duty to establish a group of umpires sufficient to meet the needs of the MLSPL;

iii)      shall designate umpires to handle each scheduled MLSPL game;

iv)      shall provide a list of all designated umpires names and telephone numbers to be given to the Vice President(s);

v)        shall maintain an accurate record of games officiated by umpires for submission to the Treasurer, who will effect payment of umpiring fees. These records are to be reviewed and approved by both the Treasurer and Vice-President, based on league games recorded.

vi)      shall co-ordinate all activities with the Vice President(s),

b)   Team Representative

i)          shall express views and opinions of the team they represent;

ii)        shall serve on any committee as appointed by the Executive;

iii)      shall undertake periodically any duties assigned by the Executive;

iv)      shall have one vote at all MLSPL meetings.

c)    Banquet Chairperson

i)          shall be appointed by the League Executive at the AGM for the following playing season’s year and award banquet.

ii)        shall, within the limitations of the budget costs placed on her by the League Executive, have a duty to organize the year-end award banquet, including dinner/dance/awards/door prizes, as approved by the League Executive.

iii)      shall organize ticket sales in conjunction with the League Treasurer.

MISSISSAUGA LADIES SLO-PITCH LEAGUE

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE A - Admission of New Teams:

1.        New teams may be admitted to the MLSPL at the discretion of the Executive Body.  If admitted, they will be expected to abide by all provisions of the MLSPL Constitution and By-laws.  New teams to the league will be asked to purchase their own equipment (ie. bats, practice balls, equipment bag, etc.).  The League will supply game balls, bases and upon request, a catchers mask

2.        Existing teams, which change sponsorship and/or uniforms, must have their uniform colours approved by the League Executive when the team roster is submitted.  New teams must also have their uniform colours approved by the League Executive when the team roster is submitted.  Team uniforms must be approved by the League Executive before purchase.

3.        A $100.00 equipment bond is required by April 1st.  Any existing team in the MLSPL wishing to leave for any reason must submit a letter of request to do so, on or before April 1st.  Refund of the equipment bond will be issued upon the discretion of the current League Executive.  A letter of request must also be signed by at least 75% of all team members before the equipment bond will be refunded.

ARTICLE B - Player Registration Fees:

1.        Each team in the MLSPL will be levied an annual registration fee, as established by the League Executive, each year.  The team registration fee will cover the costs of the City of Mississauga User Fees for the city parks, the light fees (hydro), Umpire Fees, Insurance, SPN affiliation membership fees/dues, administration fees and operating costs, equipment, league and championship awards, 10 banquet tickets per team, and any other sundries not mentioned that may be required from time to time.  The team registration fee is payable in full, in either CASH OR CHEQUE, payable to the MLSPL and given to the Executive on or before the registration date of the current season.

ARTICLE B - Player Registration Fees - continued

2.        Players are eligible for a refund up to and including the 5^th season game played, with a doctor’s note. This refund is to be done through the players’ current placed team. MLSPL does not refund any team fees submitted or individual player registration fees after player has been placed on an existing team.

3.        A solicitor will be made available for a consultation, per incident, for MLSPL purposes only.

4.        Insurance will be supplied upon completion of an official SPN roster signed by all players.  The cost of this insurance is included in the player registration fee.

5.        Each team in the MLSPL must register a minimum of 12 players/team up to a maximum of 20 players/team.

6.        Additions to a team roster may be made at any time up to July 1st of the current playing season, at which time the rosters will be frozen.  The full team registration fee MUST BE received by the Executive before game participation is permitted.

7.        Properly completed SPN rosters must be received by the League Executive prior to the date specified by the MLSPL Executive Body. Failure to hand in a completed SPN Form by the date specified will cause the team to forfeit all games until such form is received.

ARTICLE C - Player Participation:

1.        In order to qualify for playoffs, each registered player must have participated in a minimum of one half of all regularly scheduled games.  Participation for this purpose will mean appearing in the field and/or at bat, at least once during a game.  Any injured player dressed in full uniform on the bench and placed on the bottom of the line-up as injured is considered to be part of the game for statistical purposes only.  This player does not have to play.  If a player can provide a valid Doctor’s Note for games missed, these games may be counted for statistical purposes, without the player being present at the game. Each team will be responsible to maintain their records of Playoff Participation.  The qualifying list will need to be submitted to the Executive at the end of the season and prior to the start of playoffs.  The Executive will then send out the Qualifying List to all teams for reference.  Any Teams found placing a player, who is not on the Qualifying List or has altered the true participation number of a player, will forfeit any further scheduled games in the Playoffs.    Each team, if questioned, must keep their scoresheets to validate participation of player or players.

ARTICLE C - Player Participation - continued

2.        A score book will be provided to each team by the MLSPL and must be used for each and every game.  It will serve as the sole record of league standings, player participation and scores.  All score sheets must be properly identified with Date, Score, Team Names and Umpire Signature otherwise player participation for that game will not be counted as a game played.  These must be turned in to the designated Executive Member every two weeks. Umpires will report the score to a chosen Executive Member following the game.  Any team not keeping an accurate record for each game, including players who played, or found improperly listing players on the score sheet during the game, will forfeit the game automatically.

3.        Players/coaches ejection and/or suspension from any game will be at the discretion of the Umpire.  The Umpire will report any ejection and/or suspension to the League Executive and/or The Appeals Disciplinary Committee.  Guidelines for the player/coach ejections and/or suspensions will be established by the League Executive and/or The Appeals Disciplinary Committee.

4.        For the purposes of both insurance and the integrity of the MLSPL, any teams found placing players, in the field or at bat that are NOT listed on their SPN League Roster, after the date specified by the Executive Body and have NO signed League Waiver, and Photo ID at the park, will receive an automatic 3 game suspension (including the one being played at the time of the infraction) and a $100 fine will apply.  Note; the League Waiver must be handed in to an Executive Member prior to any player playing on MLSPL diamonds that are assigned a permit number by the city of Mississauga.  It is recommended that League Waiver's are handed in at the time of Team Registration and/or single entry registration fees. If a team is found attempting to break this By-Law again, within the playing season, will receive an automatic suspension for the remainder of the season.

ARTICLE D - Rules and Rule Books:

1.        The official rules of the MLSPL will be those outlined in the current edition of the Slo-Pitch National (SPN) rulebook.  Certain rules will be laid down specifically for the MLSPL (see below)

2.        The MLSPL Executive will register each team with SPN annually.  In addition, as part of the registration fees, the Executive will purchase a SPN rulebook for each team each year.  Each member of the Executive will also receive a copy of the rulebook.

ARTICLE D - Rules and Rule Books - continued

3.        The rules specific to the MLSPL are as follows:

a)   The home team must provide the Umpire with one new league approved softball prior to the commencement of each game.  The visiting team must provide a good second ball. Home team is the first team listed on the schedule. The home team has the option of forfeiting home team advantage if they only have 8 players with their ninth player knowingly on the way to the game. If after 3 outs or the team goes through their batting order and the ninth player has not arrived, a default will occur. THE HOME TEAM WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO FORCE THE VISITING TEAM WITH 8 PLAYERS (WITH THE NINTH ON THE WAY) TO TAKE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE, THUS FORCING A DEFAULT.

b)   A player is entitled to 1 (one) home run per game.  Any other home runs, considered only if balls go over a fenced park, will only allow the player to receive 1 base.

c)    Both teams must have in their possession a set of regulation bases, photo ID and their player book, which includes the team roster and team waivers.  These must be brought to every game.  The home team will be responsible for laying out the bases, in consultation with the Umpire, prior to the game.  If the home team does not provide a set of regulation bases, the home team must forfeit being the home team.  If the visiting team puts down the bases, they become home team.  If neither team can provide bases, it will result in both teams defaulting (double default).

d)   "Uniforms" will consist of team shirts that are matching in colour and style.  The shirts must be worn by every player.  All teams must be in matching "Uniforms" by July 1st.  Any player not in matching uniform by July 1st shall be ejected from the game.

e)   "MATCHING" will be interpreted as "having the same body colour and shade and the same sleeve colour and shade"; the BODY COLOUR and SLEEVE COLOUR do NOT have to be the SAME.  Stripes will NOT be interpreted as a colour and should be ignored when determining if uniforms MATCH.  The option of a Sleeveless Shirt is available but the available styles must be approved through the Executive.

f)      There will be NO consumption of alcoholic beverages on the park premises.  At all times players, coaches, fans, team representatives, bat boy/girls, etc. must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner to ensure the respectability and integrity of the league and its members. FAILURE TO CONFORM (individual and/or team) MAY RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM THE LEAGUE.

g)   Notice of proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws must be handed in to the Executive Body by a date set by the Executive.  The President must notify each established team of the proposed Constitutional and By-law amendments, fifteen (15) days prior to the AGM.

ARTICLE D - Rules and Rule Books - continued

h)    Teams, coaches and players of the MLSPL found breaching provision of the Constitution and By-laws will be held liable to the League Executive and/or Disciplinary Committee and will be dealt with accordingly.

i)      Every year, each team representative will be required to sign an "Equipment Waiver", stating responsibility for the MLSPL equipment (i.e. 2 bases, 1 safety base, 1 catcher's mask).

j)      The Sharon Power division will be permitted to have 6 base runners throughout each game, including playoffs. Each base runner requested, must be the person who was as designated ‘Last Out’. This designated Courtesy Runner cannot receive a courtesy runner unless they are injured during a play. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

k)    Any an all players that are 60+ years of age will receive unlimited Courtesy Runners. These Courtesy Runners must be different each time. The designated Courtesy Runner cannot receive a courtesy runner unlessd they are injured during a play. Each team will be responsible to submit to the Executive the list of players on their team that fall into this accommodation. This list will be given to the MLSPL Umpire in Chief. Players must be prepared to show proof of age if requested. All other divisions are to refer to the SPN rulebook regarding base runners.

4.        Protests:

a)   Protest Procedure in addition to Article D 4b and 4c -- Any team protesting must notify the League Executive by phone/email. The protest must be in writing to the League Executive, post-marked or emailed, within 48 hours of the completion of the game. The opposing team will be notified by the League Executive within 48 hours of the receipt of the written protest, and will be provided with a copy of the submitted written protest. The opposing team will be provided with an opportunity to comment on the protest to the League Executive. The League Executive will review the written protest and comments of the opposing team and, if required, will make a decision based on the information provided by both teams.  A cheque or money order for $25.00 payable to the MLSPL must accompany each protest.  This fee will be returned if the protest is upheld.  If the protest is turned down, the fee remains the property of the MLSPL.

b)   Any team protesting an Umpire(s) must follow the Protest Procedure noted in Article D 4a The League Executive will forward the protest to the Umpire-In-Chief for his decision.  The League Executive reserves the right to make any or all-final decision on the eligibility of the Umpire to resume his league duties.  Note: An Umpire’s judgement call cannot be protested.

c)    Any protest involving eligibility of a player, coach or manager, must be made to the plate Umpire at the time of the infraction and before play resumes Both the Team Representative and the Umpire have the authority to request that any team produce a roster, waiver of responsibility form and photo ID as proof of eligibility for a player in question.  Failure to produce the appropriate forms and photo ID will result in that player being ineligible for the game, if challenged up to the start of the third inning.  Any player participating in a game without appropriate registration is an ineligible player; which means the team defaults the game, and both the player and the team may be subject to additional discipline.

d)   The Appeals Disciplinary Committee and/or League Executive will pass motion on all protests for a final decision.  Any decisions made by the League Executive shall be final and binding.  Where the protest involves a team on which one of these committee members or League Executive plays, that member must absent herself from any decision in the protest.

ARTICLE D - Rules and Rule Books - continued

5.        Games:

a)   League games shall be comprised of seven innings OR 1 hour and 10 minutes of play, whichever comes first, unless called by the Umpire due to weather conditions, injury or the mercy rule.  A team unable to field nine players at the commencement of the game will be given ten minutes grace to provide the additional players needed.  If, at the end of these ten minutes the team is still unable to provide nine players, they will default the game to the opposing team.  Home team has the option of giving up home field advantage, in lieu of starting at bat with 8 players, provided the 9th player is on the way

b)   Playoff games shall be comprised of seven innings OR 1 hour and 30 minutes of play, whichever comes first, unless called by the Umpire due to weather conditions, injury or the mercy rule.  A team unable to field nine players at the commencement of the game will be given ten minutes grace to provide the additional players needed.  If, at the end of these ten minutes the team is still unable to provide nine players, they will default the game to the opposing team.  Home team has the option of giving up home field advantage, in lieu of starting at bat with 8 players, provided the 9th player is on the way

c)    All teams must be notified each season as to exact start and finish times, in accordance with planned schedule for that particular season.

d)   The length of a regular season game is set at 1 hour 10 minutes and no new inning can be started after 1 hour and 5 minutes of play.

e)   The Mercy Rule is 12 runs after 5 complete innings.  There will be a Mercy rule in the playoffs.

f)      The Commitment Line and Scoring Line will be used during all MLSPL games, both regular season and playoffs.

g)   ANTICIPATION STEP IS PERMITTED.  A base runner may not leave the base until the ball has crossed home plate.  The base runner must return to the base prior to the next pitch. Failure to return to the base prior to next pitch or if runner leaves base before the ball crosses home plate, the runner will be called out. If a base runner is constantly in violation of this rule a Team Rep may request that the Umpire pay closer attention to the base runner in question.

h)    A game called by the Umpire, during regular season play and playoffs, which cannot be completed due to inclement weather, is considered a complete game after 4 innings of play (3 1/2 innings if home team is ahead).  Incomplete games will be played from the start.

i)      If a game is tied at the end of seven innings, no extra innings will be played (except in playoffs, at which time the International Tie-Breaker rule comes into effect.).

ARTICLE D - Rules and Rule Books - continued

j)      The Sharon Power division will be permitted to have 6 base runners throughout each game, including playoffs.  Each base runner requested, must be the person who was designated as "Last Out".  This will also stand for players, due to age rights as per SPN. The only exception to this rule would be for an injury occurring during play.  All other divisions are to refer to the SPN rulebook regarding base runners.

k)    RAINOUT POLICY: All teams are required to show up at the diamond regardless of weather.  If the first series of games is cancelled, the Umpire will remain at the diamond until teams for the second set of games are present, at which time the Umpire will again decide on the suitability of conditions for the game.  Failure to show up will result in a default and fine. Umpires will contact an Executive Member for any and all rainouts.  The Executive will notify teams whose games have been called in as a rainout only.  If teams do not receive a call from the Executive, they must be prepared to play.  Any teams that have not received a call and do not show for a scheduled game will be considered in default and default fees will apply.

l)      Rulings concerning the above are to be judged by the Umpire, according to the guidelines of these By-laws.

m) Teams will be entitled to 3 courtesy runners per game, using a different runner each time. There are no exceptions to this rule unless a runner is injured while running the bases.

n)    Hair Accessories:  Elastics or Scrunchies are the only hair accessories permitted.

ARTICLE E - Defaulted Games:

1.        Teams who know in advance that they will be unable to field a team can avoid a default fee if they notify at least 2 Executive Members 24 hours prior to scheduled game time.

2.        A team will be fined $50.00 for a single defaulted game.  Should a team default a single game for a second time, they will be fined $50.00 and must appear before the League Executive and/or the Appeals Disciplinary Committee to show just cause why they should not be ejected from the League.  The default fee MUST be paid within 2 weeks from date of infraction.

a)   A team will be fined $75.00 for a double-header default.  Should a team default a double header for a second time, it will be fined $100.00 and must appear before the League Executive and/or the Appeals Disciplinary Committee to show just cause why it should not be ejected from the League. The default fee MUST be paid within 2 weeks from date of infraction.

In either of the above cases, a third default may bring ejection from the League after a decision of the League Executive and/or the Appeals Disciplinary Committee and the equipment  bond will become the property of the League and applied to the 3^rd default.

b)   Teams will forfeit any games following the 2 week assigned limit for default fees unpaid. There will be NO extension or exception to the rule noted above.

3.        The score for all defaults will be recorded as a 7-0 defeat for the team in default of the game.

ARTICLE F - Standings and Playoffs:

1.        If two or more teams are tied at the end of the regular season;

a)   Results of only the games between all teams tied, based first on their won/lost record; and if that fails to break the tie,

b)   Then on the total net runs scored by each team (runs for, minus runs against), and if that fails to break the tie,

c)    If two teams are tied, a sudden death game will be played,

d)   If three or more teams are tied, then the total net runs scored by each team in all league games will be used.

2.        If any team is ejected or withdrawn from the League for whatever reason, all points from games in which that team participated shall be erased from the League standings.

3.        The Home Team in the odd game of any playoff series shall be the team finishing higher in the regular season standings.

4.        The League Executive will decide upon the playoff format.  All teams will be notified of the format and receive a playoff schedule by the end of the regular season play.

ARTICLE G - Awards:

1.        Awards will be presented to the team finishing in first place in each division, at the end of the regular season and to the teams winning the Championship Playoffs in their division.  An annual award will also be awarded to the MIP (Most Improved Player) and MSP (Most Sportsmanlike Player) from each team in all divisions.

ARTICLE H - Appeals/Disciplinary Committee:

1.        The Appeals/Disciplinary Committee (if required) will consist of one member from each team not in the division that has filed the protest.

2.        The Committee who will conduct the Appeals/Disciplinary meetings will elect the chairperson.  One Executive may act as a chairperson if elected by the committee.

3.        The chairperson cannot be a member of any team involved in any appeals during an appeals meeting.  In this case, another Committee member will be elected as chairperson for the appeals meeting.

4.        The Committee will make recommendations only to the League Executive.  Final decisions will be made by the League Executive and will be binding.

5.        During any appeals, at least one member from each team should be present or at least 50% plus one to form a quorum.

6.        Guidelines for all activities will be established at a later date by the Appeals/Disciplinary Committee for approval by the League Executive.  Any procedures to be established must be submitted in writing to the League Executive by the Committee.

ARTICLE I - Equity Provision:

1.        The MLSPL Executive Body reserves the right to amend, in any way, any or all of the foregoing Rules and By-laws, in keeping with the true intent and objectives of the MLSPL. Constitutional changes must be voted on with 2/3 membership approval.