Industrial Baseball of NoVA

1. Standings will be determined by won/loss record (see MLB). Tiebreaker will be head to head. Secondary tiebreaker will be runs allowed in head-to-head. If still tied, a coin flip will determine seeding for the league tournament.
2. Regular Season: Any rule modifications MUST be decided and agreed upon before the game/at home plate - i.e. special pinch runners (designated runners), batting more than 9 players, substitution modifications, etc.
3. Playoffs: AL Rules. DH for pitchers only UNLESS both teams have agreed upon before the game (in case of an injury). Coaches must exchange line-ups prior to the game. 
4. BOTH TEAMS are responsible for field maintenance. Away team should always offer to help, while the Home team should always facilitate field maintenance. 
5. HOME TEAM is responsible for lights. 

INDUSTRIAL BASEBALL LEAGUE OF NoVA POLICIES

(Revised March 8th, 2017)

Coaches/Assistant Coaches

Policy: Coaches in the Industrial Baseball League of NoVA (IBL NoVA) are all volunteers.  The selection of coaches is based on past experience and possession of a genuine interest in the game of baseball.

Policy: Head Coaches must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older.

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Umpires

Policy: IBL NoVA will provide certified umpires for all games.  In the event that a certified umpire is unavailable, a volunteer may be designated to umpire a game. However, IBL NoVA will only pay certified umpires.

Policy: IBL NoVA contracts thru the Mid-Atlantic Umpires Association to provide umpires.  Payment to the umpire’s association is made prior to or at the end of a given season based on the number of games contracted.

Policy: The IBL NoVA Treasurer will oversee umpire payment to the Mid-Atlantic Umpires Association for all IBL NOVA games.

Policy: Payment to individual umpires is the responsibility of each team and is done prior to the start of a scheduled game.

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Rules of Play

Policy: MLB rules, specifically American League rules, shall form the basis of play. From time to time IBL NoVA will adopt variations and exceptions to these rules.

Policy: If any team is up by ten or more runs at the end of 5-innings of a 7-inning game and 7-innings of a 9-inning game, the game will be stopped due to the ‘mercy’ rule. 

Policy: The designated hitter rule shall follow the MLB rule and can only bat for the pitcher, unless agreed upon by both coaches prior to the start of the game.

Policy: There is a ‘no malicious contact’ rule in effect for each game – players are reminded to avoid contact by sliding or getting out of the way of the hit/throw.  The umpires use their discretion as to the intent of any contact.  A player who is charged with malicious contact shall be ejected from the game

Policy: In the event a player is injured a player who has already been removed from the game may re-enter the game provided there are no other members of the team on the bench who have not played.

Tournaments

Policy: IBL NoVA teams are encouraged to compete in tournaments outside of the league.  An effort should be made by the team to inform the league scheduler so that schedules can be adjusted.   

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Conduct

Policy: Player/Team Conduct - The conduct of players/teams in IBL NoVA, is of direct concern to everyone connected with the game. Behavior that is unacceptable to the coaches or League Commissioner will not be tolerated and will be dealt with by the League Commissioner in conjunction with the coaches/players/umpires.  Continuous poor conduct could result in suspension of the players or team for a period of time or expulsion from the league.

Policy: Coaches' Conduct - Coaches in IBL NoVA are expected to both teach and demonstrate to their players by their own actions the highest standards of sportsmanship. They should not tolerate unnecessary roughness, abusive language, or poor sportsmanship on the part of any player.

Policy: General Conduct – Commissioners, Coaches, Players, and Parents will restrain from heckling the umpires or the players of opposing teams.

Policy: League Commissioners - League Commissioners have a responsibility to see that the coaches and parents understand and practice the standards of conduct and sportsmanship required in the IBL NoVA program.  A few words from the Commissioner early in the season may prevent the gradual evolution of misconduct and belligerence later on. Commissioners should take prompt and decisive actions to protect umpires from abuse and harassment from coaches and spectators.

Policy: Commissioners are not allowed to stop play for any reason.

Policy: Commissioners themselves are not empowered to interfere with an umpire’s conduct of a game.

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Fields/Practices:

Policy: The IBL NoVA Scheduler will assign practice fields, days and times to coaches based on the field allocation received from Fairfax County and others.

Fields/Games:

Policy: The IBL NoVA Scheduler will assign game fields based on the field allocation received from Fairfax County and others.  The IBL NoVA Scheduler will schedule make up games based on field slots available at the time of the cancellation.  Every attempt will be made to reschedule a game with enough lead time to notify the team/players.

Field Conditions:

Policy: IBL NoVA may, if necessary, cancel field use on their County permitted fields because of adverse field conditions. Coaches and Commissioners may not play on closed fields.

Policy: In cases of inclement weather or other issues that may cancel games the two team’s managers will decide whether to cancel the game.  Once a decision has been made to cancel a game, the home team manager will notify both the umpire’s association and the Commissioner about the cancellation. 

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Fee Structure

Policy: League fees are intended at a minimum to cover all operating costs of the current IBL NoVA program. 

Policy: Teams within IBL NoVA are individual entities and will set their own player fees based on their team’s operating costs.

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Player Information

Policy: A season in IBL NoVA shall consist of approximately 20 games, exclusive of league playoffs and tournaments.

Policy: There are no playing requirements for IBL NoVA.  Coaches are not required to endure constant poor behavior from a player. If a player presents disciplinary problems, the coach may restrict or suspend player participation in a game after first notifying the League Commissioner and the parent(s) or guardian. If disciplinary action is required during play to ensure that the game proceeds in accordance with the rules of conduct as prescribed by IBL NoVA then that action shall be reported by the coach to the League Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.

Policy: A player ejected from a game will be out for the balance of that game.  As a general rule, a player who is ejected from a game does not have to sit out the following game.  If the ejection and subsequent review determines so, the player may be forced to sit out a number of games as determined by the Commissioner. 

Policy: Individual teams are charged with registering their players. 

Policy: In determining ties during the regular season standings the following method shall be used: MLB Standings. If there is still a tie, the following tie breakers will apply: 1) Head to Head record 2) Runs allowed in heat to head competition. If all of the above fail to resolve a tie, a coin flip will determine seeding for the league tournament. 

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR INDUSTRIAL BASEBALL LEAGUE OF NOVA

The Industrial Baseball League of NoVA (IBL NoVA) expects and requires all members, players, officials, employees, suppliers, contractors, spectators, and others participating in IBL NoVA activities to behave responsibly, courteously, and respectfully at all times. IBL NoVA is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing the greater Northern Virginia community with the opportunity to play competitive baseball, and have fun.  In cooperation with the Fairfax County Parks Authority, Fairfax County Schools, and others, IBL NOVA provides a safe and supportive environment for playing baseball. These objectives cannot be met unless all of those involved adhere to the highest level of conduct. Poor sportsmanship and disrespectful or irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated at any time. 

The following guidelines are intended to help everyone be aware of the types of behavior that are expected. They are not substitutes for clear thinking. They do not necessarily address all situations. Everyone must exercise sound judgment in deciding how to handle different situations. Remember, the objectives are: Treating others as you would like to be treated and providing a safe environment for the players to have fun while playing baseball.

GUIDELINES FOR PLAYERS

1) Demonstrate fair play and good sportsmanship at every practice, game, and tournament.  Encourage fair play and good sportsmanship from your teammates.

2) Attend every practice and game, if possible, and notify your coach if you cannot make a game or a practice, if your coaches ask you to do so.

3) Attend practices and games ready to play. Accept responsibility for bringing any equipment necessary for practice and games. Know that proper equipment is mandatory, and play in games or practices are not permissible without proper equipment.

4) Always treat other players, coaches, officials, and fans with respect, and expect to be treated accordingly. Do not direct negative comments to them on or off the field.

5) Recognize that umpiring is a difficult job and that the Umpire is given the full and sole authority to judge the game. Do not argue or make any negative comments to the referees before, during, or after the match. Show respect for and support the referees.

6) Remember that you are representing the Industrial Baseball League of NoVA, and poor behavior during practices, games, or tournaments may result in lost playing time or even expulsion from the team, if it continues repeatedly.

GUIDELINES FOR COACHES

1) Place the emotional and physical well-being of your players ahead of a personal desire to win at any cost. Recognize that the adults participate in baseball to have fun, and that the game is for the players. Recognize that the benefits of development, teamwork, and fun far outweigh the benefits of winning at any cost.

2) Provide a safe playing environment for your players at all times. Review and practice basic first-aid principles needed to treat injuries, and have an emergency plan in place for your team should an emergency arise. If it starts to thunder or lightening, remove the players from the field immediately.

3) Lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all players.

4) Be knowledgeable of the Rules of the Game, and teach them to your players at a level that they will understand.

5) Treat other players, officials, and fans with respect.

6) Become familiar with and follow all IBL NoVA rules, policies, and by-laws. If you do not understand them, contact an official of IBL NoVA to try to get a clearer understanding of them.

7) Follow all IBL NoVA rules and policies regarding field use. If fields are closed, do not use them for any IBL NoVA activities. Embrace good practice habits that promote maintenance of our fields. Help keep the fields safe and playable.

8) Remember that you are representing the Industrial Baseball League of NoVA on the field at games, practices, and tournaments, and you must be a positive role model, encouraging sportsmanship by your example at all times.

9) Recognize that umpiring is a difficult job and that the Umpire is given the full and sole authority to judge the game. Do not argue or make any negative comments to the referees before, during, or after the match. Show respect for and support the referees.

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND SPECTATORS

1) Provide positive reinforcement, care, and encouragement to the teams. Refrain from making negative comments to anyone on and off the field about their baseball team, teammates, umpires, and coaches. Do not be a sideline coach or umpire.

2) Encourage fair play and good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every practice, game, or tournament.

3) Place the emotional and physical well-being of the players ahead of the desire to win.

4) Support coaches in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all. Realize the coaches are unpaid volunteers who are making a substantial commitment to IBL NoVA.

5) Do your best to make baseball fun for the players, and remember the players are the ones playing the game, and not you. Realize that the benefits of development, teamwork, and fun far outweigh the benefits or emphasis on winning at any cost.

6) Treat other fans, coaches, players, and officials with respect. Do not coach or yell instructions from the sideline to any player, realizing that this may confuse or distract the players during practices and games, may conflict with the coach’s direction, and could put unnecessary pressure on the players.

7) Remember that as a fan, you represent the Industrial Baseball League of NoVA. Poor behavior during practices, games, or tournaments may result in expulsion from the baseball field. If this happens repeatedly, it could result in expulsion from the club.

8) Recognize that umpiring is a difficult job, and the referee is given the full and sole authority to judge the game. Do not argue or make any direct negative comments to the umpires before, during, or after the match. Show respect and support for the umpires, and accept their judgement.