Evanston Youth Baseball League Bylaws

ARTICLE I - NAME

The organization will officially be known as "Evanston Youth Baseball League," a.k.a "EYBL, "a.k.a "League." Based on the charter obtained, it may be required that the league name be modified to "Evanston Little League" or "Evanston Youth Bambino League" or "Evanston Babe Ruth League," etc.

ARTICLE II - LEAGUE OBJECTIVE

(1) The primary objective of the league is to instill in the league participants of the City of Evanston and surrounding communities the standards of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority. All board members, officers, coaches, team/league volunteers and players should recognize that attainment of exceptional athletic skill  and winning games is of little importance to the league.

(2) The secondary objective of the league is to improve the quality of baseball in the community by improving player skills and knowledge of the game of baseball. The result of this objective is to have more players advancing to the next level with improved skills and knowledge.

The EYBL will fund and operate for the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department District, under contract with the Evanston Youth Athletics Board, a recreational baseball program for all registered players. The league also will support members, who want to participate, in funding and operating a competitive based traveling/tournament team for all registered and qualified members who want to further increase their skills and experience. Adult volunteers are necessary for both the recreational and competitive levels and are welcome provided they meet screening standards set forth in a league by laws for volunteer coaches and other positions necessary for the success of EYBL.

(3) EYBL will obtain accident and liability insurance to protect its members when participating in all EYBL-sponsored activities, including traveling to and from tournaments. Board members and its collective body or an executive committee formed whose function it is to assign members to the supervision of other adults, will not be held criminally or civilly liable for the assigned adults neglect of, recklessness endangerment of, physical or verbal abuse of any member to which the individual is given charge to coach, chaperone or care for during league games, practice, individual team activities or travel.

(4) EYBL is recognized as a nonprofit educational organization, which also adheres to a non-political, nondiscriminatory stance. Discriminatory action toward members of EYBL will be cause for immediate suspension from participation in EYBL for a length of time to be determined by the Executive Committee described as per the bylaws herein. EYBL is committed to providing a supervised program of recreational and tournament baseball. No part of the net earnings will be to the benefit of any private organization, political legislation, campaigns for public office or individual monetary gain. Funds will be used to the benefit of league activities, equipment purchases, local tournament sponsorship or facility improvement which directly benefits the EYBL. EYBL is committed to the criminal prosecution of any current member of any capacity who misappropriates funding of the organization or otherwise commits an offense which would be deemed criminal by local, state or federal laws.

ARTICLE III - AFFILIATIONS

(1) EYBL operates locally under contract with the Evanston Youth Athletic Board under supervision of Evanston Parks and Recreation District.

(2) EYBL is an independent youth baseball organization. EYBL board members reserve the right to vote for and chose to charter with any number of organizations which assist in the EYBL in meeting its objectives. Examples of appropriate affiliation include, but are not limited to Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Baseball, NBC Hap Dumont and Pony League. A change in charter affiliation from a prior year requires a two-thirds majority vote of Board members, as well as, Youth Athletic Board.

(3) EYBL will adopt the rules and standards of any number charter affiliations. The EYBL reserves the right to establish and adopt local rules which supplement charter rules, as necessary, to insure the quality of play, safety and welfare of its members. EYBL cannot alter a rule or standard which would invalidate the League insurance program.

(4) The affiliation of members will not require them to be affiliated with another organization or group to qualify for membership in EYBL. Board Members may affiliate with other youth sports organizations as long as other affiliations do not hinder the EYBL from achieving its principal purpose.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

(1) Any person of any race, creed or color will be eligible for active non-prejudicial participation in the EYBL. Members can participate in EYBL whose residency can be met within the yearly charter guidelines. The following are the differing classes of members allowed to participate:

(A) Active Members. Classified as any adult person who is active in EYBL affairs as a board member, committee member, manager, or attends at least 50% of board meetings for the period of one (1) year.

(B) Regular Members. Any adult who resides within the authorized boundaries of the EYBL may participate as a regular member. Regular members in good standing are eligible to serve on committees and/or attend board meetings. All officers, board members, committee members, managers, coaches, volunteer umpires, other elected or appointed officials.

(C) Player Members. Any player candidate meeting the eligibility restrictions within the contract of the Youth Athletic Board and the requirements of the chartered league to which we are obligated within the league boundaries as set forth in the charter agreement. Players will be eligible to compete in the league with no rights, duties or obligation to management or in the property of the EYBL.

(2) EYBL will not collect dues for Active or Regular members. A reasonable participation fee for player members may be assessed as a parent's obligation assuring operation capital from which the league can operate on a yearly basis. Each year the board members will review and approve the participation fee for the recreational portion of the program. The board members reserve the right to vote, for or against, an increase or decrease to the fee requirement. Additional participation fees may be collected for tournament team participation. However, an EYBL fund-raising committee will be formed to reduce as much additional cost so as not to discourage participation due to financial constraints.

(3) Membership may be terminated by action of the Board of Directors as described in Article V.

ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(1) The management of the property and affairs of the EYBL will be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of the directors will be not less than five (5) but not more than fifteen (15). The directors will upon election immediately assume their duties and will continue in office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.  

(2) The Board of Director membership will include a President, Vice-president, Treasurer and Secretary. The President will assume or delegate the duties of the other offices until other volunteers are found and elected to the Board. If the Board is unable to conduct the affairs of the league due to insufficient volunteers, the Evanston Parks and Recreation Youth Athletic Director may be called upon to assume part or all the duties of the EYBL Board.

(3) The Board of Directors and its members are elected to two year terms. Board members may choose to serve only one (1) year. No officer may hold the same office for more than two (2) consecutive years, unless there are no other nominees or volunteers on the elected Board to fill specific offices.

(4) If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, or if less than fifteen (15) members were elected to the Board at the annual meeting. A vacancy will be filled by a two-third (2/3) vote of the remaining active members at any monthly meeting or at any special meeting called for the purpose of electing members.

(5) Regular meetings of the Board of Directors will be held immediately following the annual election at a time and date which will be determined by the Board. Unless changed by a majority vote, regular meetings will be held on the second Thursday of the month at a time elected by the active members of the Board at the Evanston Rec Center . Board meetings are open to the public. A two-third (2/3) approval of the Board is required to close all or part of any meeting to .the public.

(A) The President, Secretary, or five (5) directors, may, if requested in writing, assemble a special session of the Board of Directors. Notice of the meeting will be given by the Secretary to each director by telephone, e-mail a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting or by postal delivery at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. In the case of a special meeting, a notice of the meeting will include the nature of the meeting. No matters not so stated will be heard or acted upon during a specially called meeting.

(6) There are no quorum requirements, only a majority vote of all Board members in attendance at any regular or special meetings. Any issue requiring a two-thirds (2/3) approval votes require more than two-thirds (2/3) of the total membership of the currently elected Board present or not. The President may exercise the right to solicit votes by phone, written ballots or both.

(7)The Board of Directors will have the power to appoint such standing committees as it will determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board deems advisable and which it may properly delegate.

The Board may adopt rules, regulations and operating procedures for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the League as it may deem proper. Rules, regulation and operating procedures will be kept in writing and a copy kept for public viewing by members in the EYBL Operating Manual and may be modified by majority vote of attending Board members. At minimum, this manual will contain this Constitution & By-Laws, EYBL Local Rules and procedures for Manager and Coach Selection, player draft, and tournament team selection. Each active Board Member will be provided with a copy of the Operation Manual. Sections or parts of the Operation Manual may be copied and distributed or posted to improve communication with all members.

The Board of Directors by two-thirds (2/3) vote will have the authority to discipline, suspend or remove any member(s), manager, coach, player, umpire, Director, Officer, or committee member whose conduct is considered detrimental to the objective of the EYBL. The member involved will be notified of the general nature of the charges and during the meeting be given an opportunity to be present at the meeting to answer to the charges levied.

In the case of Player Members, Board Members will give notice to the manager of the team to which the player belongs. The manager will be required to appear, in the capacity of adviser, with the player before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors. The committee has full power to suspend or revoke the players right to future participation.

(8) Roberts Rules of Order will govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where this conflicts with the Constitution or By-Laws of the EYBL.

ARTICLE VI - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

(1) The annual meeting of the Members of the EYBL will be held on the second Thursday in September at 7: 00 p.m. each year at the Evanston Recreation Center . The purpose of the meeting will be to receive Officers year end reports. The hearing of concerns from membership and filling vacant positions on the Board of Directors.

(2) Notice of the annual meeting will be made via local newspaper or local access television ads at least ten (10) days in advance of the meeting. Advertising will set the time, place and purpose of the meeting.

(3) At the annual meeting the membership will receive a report verified by the President and Treasurer or by a majority of directors documentation of the entire real and personal property owned by EYBL. The report will included location of assets, what portions were being invested, purchases made during the preceding year, both cost and type. Any appropriations or expenses during the preceding year. The purpose and types of purchases, the person who made the purchase. All applications made for appropriation of funds will be included in the report filed with the records of the EYBL. Recording will be made into the minutes of the proceedings of the annual meeting.

A copy of the report will be forwarded to the Youth Athletic Board.

(4) Special meetings of the members may be called by the Board of Directors, by the Secretary or the President at their discretion. Upon the written request of ten (10) regular members the President will call a special meeting to consider a specific concern or subject. No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting will be arranged at any special meeting of the members.

(5) 50% of the Board of Directors including the President and the Secretary must be present at the annual meeting or at any special meeting of the members.

ARTICLE VII - ELECTION PROCEDURES

(1) The Board will determine how many vacancies exist by verifying whose terms have expired and who plans on continuing their second term. Board vacancies can only be filled by members in good standing.

(2) The Secretary will present a list of active members to the Board. The Board will review and approve any nominations made to fill vacancies on the Board.

(3) The President must be knowledgeable in how to conduct the affairs of the league. The office of President, when vacant, will be elected by majority vote by the outgoing Board members present. Nominations for President can be made by any member. All candidates for President must be present at the annual meeting. Each candidate will be allowed five (5) minutes to express his or her qualifications and ideas for EYBL. This will be followed by a five (5) minute question and answer period between candidates and Board members. If time permits, regular members may question candidates. If the candidate with the highest number of votes does not receive at least 50% of the vote a run-off must take place between the two candidates receiving the most votes.

(4) The Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer offices, when vacant, will be elected next. The procedure for their nomination and election will be followed the same as that described in paragraph three (3).

(5) Nominations for Director openings can be made by any member. Nominees need not be present if a member has a signed letter indicating the nominee is interested in being a Director. If less candidates are nominated than there are openings, then all nominees will be considered elected to the Board. If more nominees then openings are being considered then the Secretary will prepare a ballot with all nominees listed. Active members will cast votes based on the number of openings. The nominees with the most votes will be elected to the Board.

(6) At the next regular board meeting the Directors will determine which offices are needed and fill those offices from within the Board.

ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS, DUTIES AND POWERS

(1) The Officers of the league will consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board of Directors may appoint such other Officers or committees as it may deem necessary or agreeable and may define the powers and duties of each. The Directors can fill any vacancies which occur in any committees or office. Appointed Officers or committees will have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the Board at the annual meeting or have been elected to fill vacancy on the Board.

(2) President will:

             (a)       Conduct the affairs of the EYBL and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.

             (b)       Present a report of the condition of the EYBL at the annual meeting.

             (c)        Communicate' to the Board of Directors, any matter deemed

appropriate and make suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the EYBL.

(d)        Assume responsibility for the conduct of the EYBL in strict conformity to the contract with Evanston Youth Athletic Board, the objectives, policies, principles as agreed to in the constitution and by-laws, as well as, the conditions of charter issued to the league by the charter organization.

(e)        Designate in writing, other officers if necessary, to have power to make and

execute for and on behalf of the EYBL any contracts and leases they may receive previously approved by the Board.

            (f)          Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the league

and report back to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee or Evanston Youth Athletic Board as incidents warrant.

            (g)         Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be

responsible for the proper execution thereof.

            (h)        Assist the Player Agent in examining the application and support proof of age

documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility.

(3) Vice President will:

            (a)        In case of the absence or disability of the President and provided the Vice

President is authorized by the President or Board to act and perform the duties of the President. When acting on the President's behalf they will have all powers of that office and will have other duties from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President.

(4) Secretary will:

            (a)        Be responsible for recording the activities of the league and maintain

appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records.

            (b)        Preform duties as are specifically set forth in addition to other duties as are

customarily incident to the office of Secretary or as assigned by the Board of Directors.

            (c)        Give notice of all meetings of the league, Board of Directors and committees.

            (d)        Maintain a list of any regular members not in good standing.

            (e)        Maintain a list of active members.

            (f)         Keep the minutes of the meetings of the members, Board of Directors and

the Executive Committee and record said minutes in a book for that purpose.

            (g)        Will conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in

connection with said meeting and will be responsible for carrying out all

orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise committed.

             (h)        Notify members, Directors, Officers and committee members of their election

or appointment.

(5) Treasurer will:

             (a)        Preform duties as are herein set forth and other duties as are customarily

incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.

             (b)        Deposit all monies and securities in a depository approved by Board of

Directors.

             (c)        Prepare and deliver all disbursements by check.

ARTICLE IX - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(1) The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer will be the members of the Executive Committee. Executive Committee offices will not contain spouses or members of an immediate family.

(2) The Executive Committee will operate the affairs of the league on a day to day basis within approved by-laws, charters, contracts, budgets and operating procedures. These will be presented to the Board for approval. The Executive Committee will report all transactions, issues and resolutions to the Directors at the next Board meeting.

(3) The Executive Committee will:

             (a)        Maintain a financial accounting system including records of the receipt and

disbursement of all monies and securities of the league, income and expenses statements, current league assets and liabilities, budgets and the status of financial accounts.

             (b)        Approve all payments from allotted funds and draft checks in agreement with

policies established in advance of actions by Board of Directors. All disbursements by check must have dual signatures.

            (c)        Prepare an annual budget for submission to the Board of Directors at the

annual meeting.

            (d)        Prepare an annual financial report for submission to the membership and

Board of Directors at the annual meeting and to the Youth Athletic Board.

(4) The Executive Committee may meet as necessary to conduct business and to prepare proposals to the Board. The Executive Committee may invite participants as deemed appropriate to help with issues. Participants may include, but not be limited to, a legal advisor, a financial auditor or other board members, such as, Player Agent in a player dispute. Due to the sensitivity of legal, financial and player issues these meetings may not be open to the public.

ARTICLE X - OTHER OFFICES OR COMMITTEES

(1) The Board of Directors will appoint an Auditing Committee consisting of three (3) directors. The President, Treasurer or signatories of checks are not eligible. The Committee will review the league's books and records annually prior to the annual meeting and attach a statement to their findings to the annual financial statement of the President and Treasurer. If approved by the Board of Directors, secure the services of a Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) to accomplish a review.

(2) The Board of Directors may appoint a Player Agent to represent the players interest in all matters before the board. The Player Agent will keep the President advised of any player issues and suggest resolutions to the President. The Player Agent will monitor the registration of players, tryout sessions, player drafts and the tournament team selections and advise the President and Division Vice President of any conditions that may be unfair to the players. After the player draft is completed the Player Agent and President will approve all player changes including, but not limited to, roster additions, trades between teams and player moves between divisions.

(3) The Board of Directors may appoint a Safety or Insurance officer to monitor fields, equipment for unsafe conditions, recommended safety related rules to the Board for approval and report on any injuries to the Board. The officer will also assist members in filing any insurance claims with the league's insurance provider.

(4) The Board of Directors may appoint Vice Presidents to oversee each division. Divisions may be majors, minor, coach pitch, etc. Division Vice President are responsible to submit manager recommendations to the President, monitor play within the division and counsel managers who may not be adhering to the objectives of the league. Division Vice Presidents will also monitor their tournament team managers, player selection, schedules and expenditures for compliance with EYBL policies and procedures.

(5) The Board of Directors may appoint a Fund-raising officer or committee consisting of at least one director and other appointed regular members.

The Treasurer will be an ex-officio member of the committee.

The officer or committee will investigate ways and means of supplementing the recreational program to reduce participation fees and of raising funds for traveling tournament teams. It will submit recommendations to the Executive Committee for approval prior to ·implementing any fund-raising activities.

It will be responsible for taking up collections at games, only if collections of this type are authorized by the league and will turnover any collections made on behalf of EYBL to the Treasurer immediately after each game.

(6) The Board of Directors may appoint a Chief Umpire, officer or committee consisting of at least one director and other appointed regular members. The officer or committee will recruit, interview and recommend to the Board for appointment a staff of volunteer umpires and monitor their performance.

If paid umpires will be used, the Chief Umpire will work with the Evanston Parks and Recreation District who will supply the paid umpires. The Chief Umpire will work with district to resolve any problems which may develop.

The Chief Umpire will order all rule books for distribution to managers and umpires. The "EYBL Local Rules" will be maintained, updated and disbursed to all interested parties.

(7) The Board of Directors may appoint an Equipment Officer or committee that will secure bids on needed supplies and equipment and make recommendations for purchases to the Board.

The committee will be responsible for the proper issuance of such supplies and equipment and for the repair, cleaning and storage of the equipment at the end of each season.

(8) The Board of Directors may appoint a Field Officer or Field Committee consisting of at least one Director and other appointed Regular Members.

The officer or committee will investigate and recommend available, suitable sites and plans for development, including ways and means, the latter in cooperation with the Fund-raising Committee.

The officer or committee will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the playing field(s), buildings and grounds owned by the league. They will operate within the amount appropriated in the approved budget for this purpose.

The officer or committee will be responsible for repair and improvement recommendations, other than normal maintenance and supervise the performance of approved projects.

(9) The president will solicit the Board of Directors to form a Manager Selection Committee. It is recommended that the President, Player Agents for all levels and at least one other impartial Board Member serve on the committee. In absence of a committee, the President alone will be authorized to carry out the process.

(10) The Board of Directors may appoint a Tournament Committee consisting of at least one (1) director and other appointed Regular Members. The Tournament Committee would be responsible for hosting an inter-league tournament in Evanston . The committee would prepare budgets, as well as, ways and means proposals to the Board for approval prior to implementation.

(11) The Board of Directors may appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of at least one (1) Director and other appointed active members.

The committee will investigate and consider eligible candidates and submit at the annual

meeting a roster of candidates, officers and directors.

ARTICLE XI - FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING

(1) The Board of Directors will decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the EYBL and it will place all income including axillary funds in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of same in such a manner which will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with any individual or team.

(2) The board will not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams. They will solicit some for the common treasurer of the EYBL in an effort to discourage bias among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the EYBL.

(3) The board will not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Evanston Youth Baseball unless all funds raised will be placed in the EYBL treasury.

(4) The board will not permit the disbursement of EYBL funds for other than to the benefit of league activities in accordance with the league's objectives as set forth in this Constitution and By Laws and as set forth in the current contract with Evanston Youth Athletic Board.

(5) No director, officer or member of the EYBL will receive, directly or indirectly, any salary, compensation from the league treasury for services rendered as director, officer or member.

(6) All monies received will be deposited within twenty-four (24) hours to the credit of EYBL in the league's account at 1^st Bank in Evanston . No other account may be established or maintained without board approval. There is to be no petty cash or slush fund account.

(7) All cash received needs to be witnessed and verified by another board member, other

than a spouse, and a cash receipt written. The cash receipt needs to be endorsed by the person receiving the cash and the witness. The cash receipt book must contain the duplicate copy of the receipt as a record of the transaction.

(8) All disbursements approved by the executive committee will be made by check. No disbursements will be made by cash unless specifically approved by the Executive Committee. Two (2) executive committee signatures are required for each check written.

(9) Expense reports must be written for any reimbursements to members and to account for any disbursement of cash advances. Receipts must be attached to expense report to verify all expenses. The Executive Committee will approve all expense reports. Failure to submit an expense report within a reasonable time period and the failure to not properly verify all reported expenses without receipts are grounds for suspension or termination.

(10) The fiscal year for the EYBL will begin on the first day of October and will end on the last day of September.

(11) Upon dissolution of the Evanston Youth Baseball League and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied. The Board of Directors will direct the remaining property of the league to the Evanston Youth Athletic Board of the Evanston Parks and Recreation District.

ARTICLE XII - MANAGERS, COACHES, UMPIRES

(1) In order to achieve the league's objective the EYBL must carefully select each volunteer. Volunteers with known criminal records will not be allowed to participate. Volunteers from prior seasons do not have any rights to retain prior positions. Volunteers will be selected and approved based on their ability to help the league meet its objectives. The selection process will be carried out as follows:

(A) The interview process will consist of each volunteer filling out an EYBL Volunteer Application. The President and/or the appointed committee will review all applications with applicants. They will inform each applicant as to the objectives, program, Code of Ethics and the process for removal of managers, coaches and other volunteers. The review should conclude with the applicant signing the Acknowledgment Statement.

(B) The committee and/or President presents to the board its recommended managers for each Cal Ripken League team, including possible expansion team managers. It should be noted that no manager has any rights to a team because of prior manager or coach experience in the league. Further, the Board may discuss the process used by the committee in arriving at the recommendations made. The Board may not discuss any prospective manager by name or past team affiliation.

(C) The names of all applicants will be written on a yes or no ballot. The board members will review the list and vote according to his or her own conscience. Board members are allowed to ask questions about applicants, but, there is to be no open discussion or debate.

(D) If there are insufficient applicants approved by the Board to fill all of the manager positions the committee will continue to solicit manager volunteers. If there is a Volunteer Application and signed Acknowledgment Statement. The committee will approve all additional manager volunteers. The committee cannot approve an applicant who failed to receive the required two-thirds (2/3) approval vote from the Board. All additional mangers will be approved at the next calendared board meeting.

(E) The President will approve one (1) Manager, and(1) Coach, who have filled out the appropriate paperwork per team and enter them into the official rosters submitted to the charter organization.

(2) Annually, the president with the assistance of division vice-presidents will present the team managers to the Board of Directors for approval. Managers may select coaches with the approval of the President. Team managers will be responsible for the actions and conduct of the coaches and players on the field and will assist the umpire in controlling the actions and conduct of parents in the stands.

(3) Salaried umpires will be appointed annually will be trained and appointed by the Chief Umpire with approval of the President. Salaried umpires will be acquired through the Evanston Parks and Recreation District by the Chief Umpire. The Chief Umpire and the President will negotiate reasonable salary and qualifications. Qualification would include, but are not limited to, age restrictions, physical ability to perform their duties. The Board of Directors will approve fees and restrictions prior to the start of league play.

ARTICLE XIII - CODE OF ETHICS

The EYBL has adopted the NYSCA Coaches' Code of Ethics for all volunteers. Directors, officers, managers and coaches are expected to gain certification from the Babe Ruth League prior to the first scheduled game. The following is the ethics to which each and every volunteer must adhere:

·        I will place the emotional physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.

·        I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.

·        I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.

·        I will promise to review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.

·        I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.

·        I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.

·        I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol. I will also refrain from their use at all youth sports events.

·        I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach and I will teach these rules to my players.

·        I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I teach.

·        I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for the children and not the adults.

ARTICLE XIV - DRAFT SYSTEM/ MAKE UP OF TEAM ROSTERS

After careful consideration of many different draft systems the Evanston Youth Baseball League (EYBL) has adopted the following draft process. The Player Agent for each division has the responsibility to conduct the registration, the tryouts, the draft and player trades. All questions regarding the draft should be directed to the respective player agents. If any questions or confusion arises the Player Agent for each division interpretation is final.

(1) EYBL has three levels for which to draft. i) Babe Ruth division for ages 13 to 15 years of age, ii) Cal Ripken Major League for ages 11 and 12 year old and iii) Cal Ripken Minor League for ages 9 & 10 year olds. All age qualifications are subject to the guidelines and rules of the National Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken league.

(2) No specific team may be requested.

(A)Parents can request that their child not play for the same manager or on the same team as the previous season.

(B)Parents may request that their child age 11 or 12 play in the Minor League due to lack of skills to keep pace with the others in the Major League. This would result in that child being ineligible for Major League play at any time during the current season.

(C)If a player’s parent is coaching in their league, the player will be drafted on their parent’s team, unless there is a specific request for this to not happen.

(D)Siblings that play in the same league will play on the same team unless the parents have requested otherwise.

(E)Consideration will be given to players that travel together from out of town to play in EYBL, to allow them to play on the same team.

All exceptions are subject to approval by the EYBL President.

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(3) The number of teams in the Major and Minor Leagues will be decided by the EYBL President and Player Agent in order to have rosters no greater than 12 players per team.

(4) To be eligible for the draft, players must have registered and paid before the deadline.  All registered players will be drafted.   

(5) During the draft, the Player Agent may also notify a manager that the player the manager may attempt to draft may not be eligible to be drafted by the manager due to parental request and Player Agent approval. No explanation is required by either the parent, President or Player agent as to the request.

(6) The Player Agent may have special situations that call for players to be on the same team with other players or players not playing for a particular team or manager. At the Player Agent's discretion, some of these situations may be optional and some mandatory. Managers will be notified if a special situation applies either before or during the draft.

(7)  Tryouts will be held for each of the Cal Ripken divisions.  The Major and Minor leagues will hold tryouts separately.

            (A)Players will be notified ahead of time when and where tryouts are to be held.

(B)All registered players are expected to attend the tryout.  Exceptions may be made at the discretion of EYBL.

(C)Tryout procedures will be determined by the EYBL Board.

(D)Each player will be rated during the tryout by each of the managers in the league.  The ratings from each manager will be tabulated to determine a cumulative rating for the player that will be used in the draft.

(E)Players that do not attend the tryout will be rated by the managers and player agent based on previous performance of the individual.

There is no tryout for the Babe Ruth division.

(8)  The draft will take place shortly after the tryout – preferably the same night, but not later than two days after.

(9)  Draft Procedure – As with tryouts, the two leagues will meet separately:

(A)All managers in the league will meet with the player agent and the Secretary of the EYBL Board to conduct the draft.  The secretary is in attendance to keep a record of the proceedings.

(B)Managers will draw numbers to determine draft order.  Draft will proceed from #1 to the last number, then continue in a snake order with the last team picking first in the second round

(C)Children of managers must be drafted in accordance with their rating.  Ex.- if the player is rated at the top level, the player must be drafted at the beginning.  If player is rated at a lower level, they must be picked once all higher rated players have been chosen.  Lower level players may, however, be drafted at any time.

(i)Each manager can have one assistant coach at the time of the draft.  Children of the assistant coach will be treated the same as the manager’s children, and must be drafted accordingly.

(D)Special considerations will be addressed by the EYBL Board of Directors through the player agent.

(E)Trades are discouraged, but will be considered if circumstances warrant.  Any trades must be approved by both managers and the player agent before they will be considered by the Board of Directors.

(F)Players that register late will be put in a waiting pool and will be added to teams if possible by the EYBL Board.

All exceptions and trades are subject to the approval of the EYBL Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XV - AMENDMENTS