San Carlos Little League
Handbook
2006
SAN CARLOS LITTLE LEAGUE
P.O. BOX 989
SAN CARLOS, CA 94070
(650) 599-1887
SAN CARLOS LITTLE LEAGUE OFFICIALS 2006
Executive Committee:
President, Bob Cook 508-8736
Vice President, Vince Gritsch 593-3323
Vice President, Ken Witt 591-1666
Treasurer, Ralph Basch 568-9408
Secretary, Greg Harris 592-4963
Safety Officer, Rob Mauldin 365-5363
Player Agent, Hugh Irwin 591-3334
Player Agent, Dan Brosnan 299-9554
Other Officials:
Chief Umpire, Richard Smith 592-4167
League Information Officer, Tim York 610-0823
Equipment Coordinator, Rich Cody 368-2108
Fields Coordinator, Richard Boe 589-0667
Fields Coordinator, Ross Kelley 593-0398
Field Coordinator Asst., Curtis Archibald 551-1805
Tee Ball Coordinator Open
Farm Coordinator, Mark Borrecco 595-2715
AA Coordinator, Mel Thane 598-9492
AAA Coordinator, Jim Stubblefield 592-1555
Majors Coordinator, Craig Karasky 595-4443
Donations, Chris Guslani 365-3327
City Field Liaison, Chris Quinn 591-5507
Fund Raising, Brad Driver 593-9832
Fund Raising, Skip Gould 591-3163
Public Relations, Mike Ramey 594-1866
Scheduler, Bob Bishop 592-3876
Small Donations Coordinator, Jim Casserly 598-9171
Summer League Coordinator, Arn Cenedella
Uniforms Coordinator Scott Strombom 365-9038
Uniform Coordinator Asst., Bryan Hayes 508-8349
Arguello Snack Shack Const. Liaison, Rick Campi 368-9527
2006 SCLL Parents Auxiliary
President Linda Cook 508-8736
Treasurer – Key Pickup Robin Strombom 365-9038
Picture Day Coordinator Coleen Donavan
Picture Day Coordinator Sandy Rostad
Yearbook Coordinator Rita Mauldin 365-5363
End of Season Picnic Lori Perez
Tee-Shirt Sales Gina Harper 598-9143
Snack Shack Deliveries Shannon Hayes 508-8349
Coordinators
Majors Sherrie Dufault 593-4034
AAA (Minors) Donna Fiore 367-8039
Double A (Pitching Machine) Sheri Michelini 591-2222
Single A (Farm) Mary Vargo 366-6536
Tee Ball National Kris Carroll
Tee Ball American Carol Basch 568-9408
Summer Tournament Linda Cook 508-8736
San Carlos Little League owes a huge debt of thanks to the above individuals, and to the many dozens of team parents and parent helpers, without whom the League could not operate. Thank you everyone!
INTRODUCTION
This handbook is intended to provide information about the San Carlos Little League programs and answer questions about the organization and policies of the League. This handbook is designed to provide information such as: who to contact about a concern or problem, local ground rules, and guidelines for how players are selected for regular teams and All-Stars. For this handbook to be most beneficial, the Board needs feedback about what is not stated clearly, what is unnecessarily included in the handbook, and what should be included in future editions. Please submit your opinions about corrections and additions in writing so that the Board can consider your suggestions. If you have ideas and concerns please, communicate them (preferably in writing) to your league coordinator or directly to the Board. We need your input in order to judge the quality of the program and make adjustments where necessary.
The Board gratefully acknowledges the important contributions that Managers and Coaches make toward the success of Little League baseball in San Carlos. We hope that this handbook makes their job a little bit easier by providing you with information about aspects of the programs that have sometimes been misunderstood.
SCLL rule changes will be made by the Board of Directors. In order for a major rule change to take place, a voting quorum of the board must be present. Minor rule changes do not need a voting quorum of the board. It is the prerogative of the league President and/or Executive Committee to determine a major vs. minor rule change. All board members are eligible to vote for rule changes. In the case of a policy decision, it is the prerogative of the league President to decide if Board or Executive Committee action is to be taken.
LEAGUE BOUNDARIES
Persons living outside SCLL Boundaries are unable to register their children for SCLL. To play little league baseball in San Carlos you must live within the SCLL boundaries. In general, this boundary is the city limits, with a few exceptions. District 52 establishes the boundaries for playing purposes. For exceptions to this rule see the "Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League - Divisions of Little League Baseball.”
If you have any questions about the league boundaries, please contact SCLL at (650) 599-1887
SAFETY
It is the intention of San Carlos Little League to promote a safe environment for children to play. To achieve this goal:
Ø All safety related rules found in the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League - Divisions of Little League Baseball shall be adhered to.
Ø It is important to stress safe play. Umpires have been instructed to eject players, who in the umpire's opinion, display reckless unsafe play.
Ø Batting weight donuts and the like are not allowed.
Ø No on deck batter’s box is allowed on any field.
Ø Players should remain in the dugout unless they are participating in a valid role on the field.
Ø Report any unsafe field conditions to the Board.
Ø Managers must be in possession of all players’ medical release forms whenever they practice or play games. Umpires should not let a team play if the Manager does not have all the proper forms.
Ø All Managers and Coaches are required to attend the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) training and renew membership yearly.
Ø During games, one manager of coach must be in the dugout at all times during.
Ø SCLL has a zero tolerance rule for manager or coaches arguing with umpires. Violation of this rule may result in the expulsion of the manager or coach for the remainder of the season.
Ø For obvious safety reasons, it is the responsibility of parents to get their child to practice and games on time as well as attend the games. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of each parent to pick up their child promptly when practice has ended. If a parent is late for pickup after practice, the manager will be required to report the incident to the league coordinator. Should a second incident occur, the child will be removed from the team for the remainder of the season.
MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
The League President, subject to the concurrence of the Board, chooses managers.
Managers are responsible for the behavior of his/her team’s players, coaches, player parents, and fans at all team events, including practices and games. It is the manager’s responsibility to assist the umpire in crowd behavior control, should it become necessary. The ultimate authority to eject a disruptive player, parent, fan, coach, or manager from a game rests with the umpire, pursuant to Little League Rules.
Managers have perhaps the most important responsibility in Little League. Each manager is expected to make every effort to:
· Create a safe and caring environment for players to learn, practice and play
· Become familiar with current coaching and teaching techniques
· Be kind and approachable
· Provide all players the opportunity to learn and play
· Demonstrate good health habits and physical fitness
· Make every player feel an important part of the team
· Be knowledgeable of the rules of the game
· Set clear and reasonable expectations
· Set reachable goals
· Be courteous and polite
· Use good judgment as to when and how to discipline
· Teach the fundamentals of the game
· Be positive in situations where there seems to be failure
· Be fair to all players
· Share ideas and expertise with other managers in the league
· Demonstrate poise, self control, and self confidence
· Ensure that all of the players are instructed on safety
· Warm up the players before every practice and game
· Support the work of the league organizers and volunteers
· Be honest to your players and don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes
· Maintain the dignity of the person you may be in conflict with
· Be open minded
· Model good sportsmanship
· Understand that progress and growth often comes one small step at a time
· Understand that players improve at different rates
· Communicate appropriately with players and parents
· Be a good role model
· Model a high level of respect for volunteers and umpires
· Remember that the game is for the players
It is the Manager’s responsibility to see that equipment is not abused or lost. If equipment needs to be repaired or replaced, please call the Equipment Manager. All equipment must be returned on or before the All-Star Picnic. This includes league provided catchers mitts. (questions contact Equipment Manager)
UMPIRING
For the games to be enjoyable for all participants there should be at least two umpires at every Major and AAA game and one umpire for every AA game. The League has four primary sources of umpires. One source is youths who have played organized baseball for at least 5 years and who have attended a class on how to officiate Little League games. The second source of umpires is the Managers and Coaches of the teams in the League. We recognize that this is an extra responsibility beyond that of running a team. By being an umpire for games other than your own, it is hoped that Managers and Coaches gain an appreciation and tolerance for the difficult job that other umpires perform. Therefore, when agreeing to manage or coach a team, you are also agreeing to umpire four (4) games during the course of the season. Third, we also use volunteers to umpire games. Fourth, District 52 umpires volunteer to do an average of 10 Majors games per year. The league must coordinate schedules with the District in early February each year to assure this availability.
Please realize that the umpires are giving up their time to officiate these games so treat them accordingly. Youth umpires should be treated in the same manner that an adult would treat another Little League player. There will be no tolerance for the mistreatment of any youth umpire – any person who harasses or mistreats a youth umpire will be immediately ejected from the game by the adult umpire and serve a minimum of a one game suspension. It is imperative that a good example is set for the players.
The Chief Umpire prepares a schedule for umpires before the season begins. Each Manager and Coach is assigned four (4) games. Every year there are numerous instances when umpires do not show for a game. You are responsible for finding a replacement or informing the Chief Umpire as far in advance as possible if you are unable to fulfill your umpiring responsibilities. Adult umpires should arrange for a replacement to umpire any games they are unable to attend. They can switch games with fellow adult umpires only. Adult umpires may not pay youth umpires to substitute for them.
IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the home team Manager to contact the umpires one or two days before a game to remind them of the game. Home team Managers should also notify the umpires of any game cancellation, site change, etc.
FIELD MAINTENANCE
The HOME team will be responsible for readying the field for play. Pre-game preparation should include dragging and watering the infield and chalking the baselines and batter’s box. Field preparation should begin approximately 45 minutes before game time and be completed 20 minutes before the start of the game to allow both teams enough time for infield practice.
The VISITING team is responsible for re-dragging the field after the last game of the day. The goal of the post game fieldwork is to leave the field in game condition, but not chalked. This is the only way we will be able to prevent the dishing out of the soil in the high use areas such as the right handed batter’s box, pitcher’s mound, and the areas around the bases. Should the ground be dry, it would be a good idea to wet it down after dragging. On the all-dirt infields, if the motorized cart is not available, make sure that at least the heavily trafficked areas are raked and dragged. Also, please remember to put the first, second, and third base plugs in at all fields! If only one plug is available, please use it for second base, as it is the hardest to find. Contact Field Coordinators for any concerns or problems.
In the event of make-up games, the team assigned to practice during the make-up will be notified in advance in order to move their practice. Scheduled make-up games take field priority over practices
There is NO FOOD allowed in the dugouts at anytime. This includes sunflower seeds.
Please make every effort to rake free the edges of the grass where there tends to be a buildup of loose soil. This is the main cause of lips forming on the field and causing bad hop hazards. Be sure all deep holes (batters box, pitchers mound) are filled to where they are level with the ground around them. This will also help to prevent large puddles if it were to rain overnight, thus helping avoid puddle originated “rainouts” on the following day.
Everyone’s cooperation is appreciated. This is hard work, but the benefit is better and longer lasting fields for our kids to play on. The city staff puts in a lot of time and hard work to get the fields ready. We need to do our part too!
If managers notice chalk, or other supplies dwindling, please notify the Field Coordinators.
PRACTICE FIELDS
SCLL attempts to assign practice fields in such a way as to maximize field utilization and provide continuity for teams so they can establish practice schedules. Each Manager will be informed of this process by the respective league coordinator. Managers attempting extra practice days beyond the schedule shall yield a field to any regularly scheduled team.
During the preseason and regular season, do not use any field that has been marked with “Field Closed” signs by the City of San Carlos. The grass in these fields must have time between seasons to regain its strength and time must be allowed for newly planted areas to become firmly established. The city of San Carlos has established a phone number that can be checked any time of day to determine the playability of fields:
The City has the final decision on when fields are available in rainy conditions. They post their decision on the field use hotline shown above. The final word for field issues will be determined by the message on the field hotline.
Instructions for set-up and use of the electronic scoreboard:
The keyboard (with a coax cable and extension cords for electricity) to operate the scoreboard is located in the snack shack in a soft-sided black briefcase in one of the drawers. If the electrical extension cord is not in the snack shack, check in the storage shed (keys can be found on the snack shack key ring). An extra coax cable is available that will reach the home field bleachers so that the home team can handle this responsibility. It is recommended that each team select a team parent to operate the scoreboard during home games at Highlands
The electrical power outlet to connect to the keyboard can be found next to the visitor dugout, (the locked green post type box). Keys for the electrical box are attached to the snack shack keys. (There may also be a key in the equipment box that the Minor League uses for the pitching machine). The keyboard needs to be plugged into the coax connector electrical box behind the fence at home plate (near the top of the wooden boards). Instructions for use of the sign once you have the keyboard connected can be found on the bottom of the keyboard. Please keep the keyboard completely dry if it begins to rain!
Please Note: The final home team manager of the last game of the day is responsible for returning the keyboard and cords to the snack shack. Additionally, the electrical box must be locked back up! (The City of San Carlos gets upset if we leave the electrical box unlocked).
Contact Field Coordinators for any concerns or problems.
The League carries insurance on every player, Manager, Coach, and League official. The policy is designed to pick up the cost of the medical expenses that are not covered by the parent's medical policy. It is required that the Manager must have a copy of the medical release form at all times when a team is participating in an organized/official activity. Umpires are requested to occasionally check to ensure that the medical forms are available for each player in the game. No player may participate without having first completed the medical release form. We encourage the Manager and a Coach be listed as the first and second people to have authority to make decisions about the medical treatment to be administered. Then, if there is an emergency, the Manager or Coach has the authority to act immediately.
Should a player require medical attention, contact the parent or guardian and request instructions on how they would like the situation handled. If a parent/guardian cannot be contacted and the child needs to be taken to a doctor, leave the team under the supervision of your Coach and take the injured player and his medical release form to the doctor listed on the medical release form. A PARENT SHOULD BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND REQUEST THEIR ASSISTANCE IN DECIDING ON TREATMENT. Stay with the child until a parent arrives. PLEASE BE CERTAIN A MEDICAL ID # IS ON ALL MEDICAL FORMS. (e.g., for Kaiser)
****************** IMPORTANT ********************
Whenever a player requires medical treatment (even if a visit to a doctor is not required), the Manager is required to submit to the Board a brief written statement about the incident. This statement should clarify how the injury occurred, how the child was treated, who witnessed the accident, and when and what the parents were told about the incident. This is for your protection and so that the League is aware of any safety problems and potential questions from the parents.
PLAYER SELECTION - MAJORS
The intent of the San Carlos Little League is to ensure that participants play the game in an atmosphere that enhances their self-esteem and confidence. To that end, the teams should be composed of players of similar age and skills. Because not all 11 and 12-year-old children possess the skills necessary to have a positive experience at the Major league level of play, the following rules will be followed:
NOTE: The players are given tryout numbers according to age. An “A” player is a child who will turn 12 on or before April 30 following the season; a “B” player is a child who will turn 11 on or before April 30 following the season and a “C” player is a child who will turn 10 on or before April 30 following the season, etc.
A. Tryouts will be conducted for all 10, 11, and 12 year-old children who want to play in the Majors and did not play on a Major League team the previous year. Children, who want to play “above” the typical league for their age, are required to tryout. Children of Managers and Coaches will tryout for rating purposes.
B. A draft will be held to select players to fill any openings on Major League teams.
1. Managers & Coaches may not "hide" players. Any player failing to attend at least one of the tryout sessions will not be eligible for the Majors draft or play “above” their age appropriate division. If an eligible child does not attend a Majors tryout, he will be placed on a AAA team.
2. Any player who is drafted by a Major League team must play for that team. Players cannot select the team they will play on.
3. Any player who is not selected for a Major League team will return to the AAA League.
4. No team may have more than 8 "A players.” THIS IS A NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE RULE.
5. Any 10, 11 or 12-year-old child who does not have the skills to play at the Major League level will play at the AAA Level.
C. A waiver of these rules for unusual circumstances can be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee of the Board.
All 12 year olds who meet minimum requirements (AAA the previous year, is a current resident of SCLL District and participates in the tryouts) will be placed on a team in the Majors divison. However, if the Player Agents feel that a particular 12 year old is not capable of playing at the Majors level, they will then recommend to the players parents that he play at the AAA level.
The only exception to all will be that the Major league teams can have no more than “8” (eight), 12 year olds on each team. There are 10 teams in SCLL Major Leagues for a total of (80) eighty 12 year olds in the league. Should the case arise that there are more than (80) eighty 12 year olds in a season, any 12 year old that is not drafted will play in the AAA League.
MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYER DRAFT
The draft for the Major League should be held as soon as possible after the last day of Major League tryouts. The Player Agent is responsible for running the meeting. In addition, at least four other board members should be present to: 1) keep track of the selections on the blackboard, 2) keep track of the selections on paper, 3) erase names from the blackboard as they are selected. The draft will be held in a room large enough to seat a Manager and a Coach from each team. Two blackboards are needed and the staff should allow an hour to setup prior to the draft. One blackboard will list the available players (by number), the other board has a copy of a chart to show who has drafted each player and the selection order for the draft. Before the actual selections begin, the Player Agent announces where any protected players will be placed in the draft and answers any procedural questions.
1. The number of players on each team will be determined by the SCLL Board. The decision of the Board is binding and is not open for discussion.
2. No team may have more than two representatives at the draft meeting.
3. Protected players (children of Managers and Coaches or players assigned to a team because of the brother rule) will be assigned draft positions by the Player Agents according to their performance at tryouts and knowledge of their previous performance in Little League. Such placements will be noted on the blackboard prior to the beginning of the draft. Only one Coach and the Manager's child may be protected. There will be a maximum of 2 protected players per team. This rule is to benefit the Coaches and Managers and ensure that their children can be on their team. Only the children of the Manager and official Coach may be protected. The only exception will be when the Manager or Coach has two or more children on the team. The additional children will be protected by the brother rule.
4. The order of selection in each round is determined by the previous year’s final standings. The order will be in reverse of the final standings for the previous season. The last place team selects first and the first place team selects last. When two or more teams have the same record, the team with the poorer record in head to head competition picks first. An example of the draft order appears below.
The defending City Champion will pick last.
5. Major League teams may have only one protected C or D Player per team with the following exception: if a protected player is a C and a player who also is a C may come up under the brother rule. Another C may not be drafted. The number of 9 and 10 year-olds that can be on each Majors team roster will be determined by the Board, with a maximum of two allowed per team.
6. All players drafted by the Majors should be contact by their respective team manager or coach within 24 hours of the annual SCLL draft.
7. Protected players will be rated by the Player Agents and appropriately placed by ability in the draft
order.
MAJOR LEAGUE DRAFT CHART
EXAMPLE OF THE ORDER OF PLAYER SELECTION:
RD RD RD RD RD RD RD RD RD RD RD RD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
|
Team 1 |
1 |
8 |
|
|
|
|
25 |
31 |
40 |
48 |
58 |
67 |
|
Team 2 |
2 |
9 |
|
|
|
18 |
26 |
32 |
|
49 |
59 |
68 |
|
Team 3 |
|
10 |
|
|
16 |
19 |
|
33 |
41 |
50 |
60 |
69 |
|
Team 4 |
3 |
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
42 |
51 |
61 |
70 |
|
Team 5 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
27 |
35 |
43 |
52 |
|
71 |
|
Team 6 |
5 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
44 |
53 |
62 |
72 |
|
Team 7 |
6 |
13 |
|
|
17 |
21 |
28 |
36 |
|
54 |
63 |
73 |
|
Team 8 |
|
14 |
|
|
|
22 |
29 |
37 |
45 |
55 |
64 |
74 |
|
Team 9 |
7 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
38 |
46 |
56 |
65 |
75 |
|
Team 10 |
|
15 |
|
|
|
24 |
30 |
39 |
47 |
57 |
66 |
76 |
Dark shading indicates a protected player or a returning player. Returning players are placed in rounds three through the number required to cover all returning players for that team. For example, team #3 above has two returning players (rounds three and four), and two protected players (rounds one and 7).
PLAYOFF SCHEDULES – MAJORS
The season will consist of 18 regular season games with each team playing each other team twice. At the conclusion of the regular season, the team with the best overall record for the 18 games (see “League Standings” below) in the National and American League will be declared the “Champion” of their respective league.
Following the completion of the regular season, all 10 teams will participate in a playoff to determine the “City Champion.” The seeding for the tournament will be based on overall regular season record, irrespective of league standings. The teams seeded 1-6 will receive a first round bye. The first round playoff games will be as follows:
Team #7 vs. Team #10
Team #8 vs. Team #9
The second round of playoffs will be as follows:
Team #1 vs. Round 1 Winner (lowest regular season seed)
Team #2 vs. Round 1 Winner (highest regular season seed)
Team #3 vs. Team #6
Team #4 vs. Team #5
For each game throughout the playoff tournament, the team with the highest seeding (regular season record) will be designated as the “Home” team.
If there is a tie between teams with the same regular season record, the first tiebreaker is the won-loss record of the tied teams in their games against each other. The second tiebreaker is each team’s record against teams in their own leagues. The final tiebreaker is the least amount of runs scored against the tied teams in their head-to-head games.
The final league standings will be determined by winning percentage and will be based on the formula:
Total Wins divided by (Total Wins + Total Losses) equals Winning Percentage
Tie games (typically resulting from time limit) will not be included in the winning percentage calculation.
The table below demonstrates the winning percentage calculation.
If the Win/Lose/Tie records are: The Final League Standings will be:
Team W L T Team Winning Percentage
Tigers 10 8 0 Athletics 57%
Red Sox 9 9 0 Tigers 56%
Athletics 8 6 4 Red Sox 50%
Twins 5 8 5 Twins 38%
Indians 5 11 2 Indians 31%
SELECTION OF ALL STAR TEAMS - MAJORS
District 52 All-Stars - Managers are chosen by the League President, subject to the concurrence of the Board. The number of players on the District 52 team will be determined by the Board, which will carefully take into consideration any District 52 guidelines and rules governing the number of players. Players selected for the team should have no expectation of playing time, other than the minimums established by the Tournament Rules appendix of the "Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League - Divisions of Little League Baseball”.
If there are not enough “C’s” in the Majors to complete a 10 year old District 52 team, then the Manager of the SCLL District 52 Team will select players from the AAA division to complete the roster.
Super Bowl All-Stars – After the District 52 All-Star team is selected, the Super Bowl All-Star team will be selected from the remaining players on Major League teams.
Player selections for both the District 52 and Super Bowl All-Star teams will be determined by secret vote of all Managers in a meeting run by the Player Agents. The final rosters of these teams must be approved the Player Agents.
City All-Stars - An All-star team is selected to represent each of the divisions (American and National) in an exhibition game played against the other All-Star team. Each team in the League decides on its own selection process. The League does not prescribe the criteria for selection of an All-star, but it is recommended that consideration be given to older or “graduating” players. Any "A" or "B" player on a team is eligible to be selected. Each team is allowed to select two players. In addition, the two teams in each league with the best overall records during the regular season will select one additional player.
Managers of City All-Star teams will be drawn from a hat of volunteers. The Manager may select the Coach.
PLAYER SELECTION – AAA and AA
The intent of the San Carlos Little League is to ensure that the participants play the game in an atmosphere that enhances their self-esteem and confidence. Because not all 9 and 10-year-old (or older) children possess the skills necessary to have a positive experience at the AAA and AA level of play, the following rules will apply: