DAKOTA RIDGE BASEBALL Articles, Rules & Regulations 

Article I - Name of the Organization: 

The name of the organization shall be the Dakota Ridge Baseball Association, hereafter referred to as DRBA. 

Article II - Geographic Boundaries: 

Dakota Ridge Sports Association's goal is to provide and develop quality and excellence in all we do.  We will accept any player and any team from anywhere in our entire sports program looking to achieve the same goals. 

Article III - Purpose: 

The purpose of the DRBA is to make a positive impact in the community and the lives of our children and area youth by providing a quality baseball developmental program for the Dakota Ridge area and high school. The goal is to create an environment of leadership and role models, and to understand the importance of shaping the lives of our future leaders. 

DRBA is committed to the Jefferson County Public Schools mission statement.  DRBA is committed to the ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior and integrity for all members of our athletic community.  In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior, which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. 

The Mission of the Dakota Ridge Baseball Association is to make a positive impact in the community and the lives of our children and youth. 

Article IV - Objective: 

1. Offer the opportunity for youth in our community to play baseball. 

2. Teach sound fundamentals and good sportsmanship in the game, as well as teamwork. 

3. Recruit and retain competent coaches to help achieve the goals of the DRBA. 

4. Emphasize the importance of practice as a means to master the sport of baseball. 

5. Instill a sense of community pride as well as display respect for those from other communities. 

Article V - Members and Responsibility: 

Members shall consist of:  

1. Parents and/or legal guardians of all registered players.  

2. Approved head and assistant coaches.  

3. Volunteers active in the DRBA, as recognized by the DRBA Board of Directors.  

4. The DRBA Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse any player, coach, parent, team or member to participate in the association. 

Responsibilities of Members: 

1. Support the program and comply with all bylaws, rules and regulations and guidelines as established by the DRBA Board of Directors. 

2. Provide transportation (parents and/or legal guardian). 3. Respects property of others and the authority of those who administer the competition. 

4. Treat coaches, teammates, opponents and umpires with respect and integrity. 

5. Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, especially by being gracious in defeat and humble after winning. 

6. Conform to the regulations and rules of play as set forth by the RMJBL. 

7. Realize your attendance at the games is to support the teams involved. 

8. Appreciate the skills of all players participating. 9. Cheers positively for their team, does not chant at, or get in exchanges with opposing fans. 

10. Leaves the venue respectfully and accepts the outcome of the game. 

11. Any Parent ejected from a game during the season must leave the premises and must meet the certification process with Positive Sport Parenting and turn in the certification to the DRSA Office before being reinstated to attend a game.  Any Parent ejected from a second game during the season will be ineligible to attend the next two games of the season and must meet with the DRSA Board of Directors.  Any Parent ejected a third time during the season will be removed from attending any other games for the team. 

Responsibility of Student-Athletes: 

1. Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing your school and community. 

2. Treat opponents with respect. 

3. Respect the integrity and judgment of sports officials. 4. Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. 5. Play hard within the rules and maintain self-control. Any player ejected from a game during the season must leave the premises and will be ineligible to participate in the next game. 

6. Any Player ejected from a second game during the season will be ineligible to play in the next two games of the season and must meet with the DRSA Board of Directors.  Any player ejected a third time during the season will be removed from participating with the team.

Player Removal from a Game or Team:  

1. Players/Parents in violation of these expectations may result in game suspensions, code conduct penalties, and/or removal from the team at the discretion of the DRSA Board of Directors.

2. Players should arrive promptly at scheduled practice and game times and at timeframe provided by the coach unless given approval from the coach to come at a different time.

3. Players / parents must exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. This includes not using abusive language, yelling and arguing at umpires, teammates, opponents or opponent’s fans.

4. Players should take proper care of equipment; this includes the throwing of any equipment in anger.

5. Players must not be disruptive at practices or games. 6. Any player participating in a game who flagrantly violated the rules of good sportsmanship should be removed from the game immediately by the coach.        7. Any player ejected from a game for committing any unsportsmanlike act must leave the playing field and will be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled game. If the player is ejected from second game for an unsportsmanlike act will be ineligible to participate in the next two scheduled games and the player and parents must meet with the Baseball Director.  Any player ejected from a third game due to any unsportsmanlike act will be removed from playing with the team for the remainder of the schedule.

8. There will be zero tolerance for assault upon, hazing, disorderly conduct toward, harassment of, intimidation of, discrimination against, or any criminal offense against another player or damage of property of another student.

9. Before a player is removed from a team the coach must meet with the player and parent(s). This meeting and the specific violation must be documented and signed by at least the parent(s).

10. If there is a second violation the Baseball Director, coach and parent(s) will meet and discuss the violation. Any further violation(s) the Baseball Director with the DRSA Board of Directors may elect that the player meet a code of conduct plan; have game suspensions or removed from the team. At the conclusion of the season the Baseball Director will determine if the player will be placed in the draft for selection on another team, and the DRSA Board of Directors will determine if the player will be allowed to continue to participate.

COMMUNICATION CHAIN: If a player or parent has an issue or question during the season the communication chain to resolving or answering that question is a follows:

1. Player to Asst. Coach or Head Coach

2. Player and Parent to Head Coach

3. Parent to Head Coach

4. Player and Parent to Head Coach and Baseball Director

5. Player, Parent, Head Coach, Baseball Director and DRSA Board of Directors 

Article VI - Coaches and Responsibility: 

Coaches are volunteers who are appointed each year by DRBA Baseball Directors, Officers and Board of Directors. As Baseball Directors in accordance with the bylaws of the DRBA, he/she has the responsibility to supervise and review the progress, conduct and general coaching ability of all coaches in the sport, to take such disciplinary and administrative action as necessary to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of the DRBA. This includes the authority to suspend any coach for continually and/or deliberately violating any of said rules, regulations, guidelines, of the DRBA and bylaws of the DRBA; or in the event that in the Director’s sole opinion a coach’s actions or inactions jeopardizes the integrity of the program or the safety of any child in the program. All such disciplinary actions are subject to review by the Board of Directors of the DRBA. All incidences and resulting disciplinary action will be reported to the President of the DRBA within twenty-four (24) hours of its occurrence.

1.Since coaches (head and assistants) can have a significant impact on the formulation of attitudes and values, they are expected to exemplify high moral character, behavior and leadership standards of sportsmanship and conduct on the field. 

2.Know official and county rules of baseball. 

3.Teach fundamentals to the best of their and players’ abilities 

4.Teach and practice good sportsmanship and fellowship at all times. 

5.Be a positive role model for all concerned. 

6.Respect the judgment of the officials.  

7.Abide by the rules of the game and display no negative behavior. 

8.Discipline those on the team who do not abide by sportsmanship standards. 

9.Treat all athletes with respect. 

10.Refrain from the use of disrespectful language or gestures. 

11.Strictly follow county and DRBA rules. 

12.Maintain proper care and use of equipment, uniforms and facilities. 

13.Collect and return equipment as requested by DRBA. 14.Meet with parents of players to discuss plans for the season. 

15.Regularly attend a meeting called by the Baseball Directors. 

16.Conform to the “must play” rule. 

17.Any Coach ejected from a game during the season must leave the premises and must meet the certification process with Teaching and Modeling Behavior and turn in the certification with their Baseball Director before being reinstated to coach.  Any Coach ejected from a second game during the season will be ineligible to coach the next two games of the season and must meet with the DRSA Board of Directors.  Any Coach ejected a third time during the season will be removed from coaching staff of the team. 

17.Failure to comply with the above rules may constitute sufficient grounds for dismissal at the discretion of the Baseball Directors or Board of Directors. 

Article VII- Officials and Baseball Board: 

 Following is a list of positions, which may need to be filled as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

1. One Area Representatives

2. Baseball Directors

3. Assistant Baseball Director

4. Scheduler

5. Scorekeeper

6. Treasurer

7. Equipment and Uniform Manager

8. Coaches

9. 8th Grade Feeder Program Coordinator

10. Field Coordinator and Supervisor

11. Sponsor Coordinator 

12. Tournament Director

13. Level III Coordinator 

Article VIII - Meetings 

Meetings of the DRBA involving coaches shall be as deemed necessary by the President. 

Article IX - Tryouts and Draft: 

1. DRBA may field teams in age groups 8 - 14 years old and for freshman and sophomore high school students (Level III program) and the Seniors program, as defined by RMJBL. Rules and regulations governing the tryouts and draft of the program are set forth herein. Further, DRBA operates within the framework of RMJBL and USSSA and is required to conform to specific rules and /or regulations of that body as applicable. 

 2. Tryouts shall be held on as many dates as deemed necessary (while conforming to county regulations) per year, with a minimum of one day for all ages, 8-14 years old and Level III. All new players (i.e., first-year or former DRBA players not completing the previous year, or electing to and/or attempting to change teams or levels) in DRBA must enter the tryouts/draft. 

3. All players involved will be contacted during the week prior to the tryouts/draft date. Every effort will be made to place players on a respective team in ages 8 - 14. Exception is due to restrictions placed on roster size. Any and all veteran (i.e., players who completed the previous year on DRBA team) players who have the intention of qualifying for a higher league, or who are not satisfied with past situations and desire to change teams may enter the tryout/draft. If the player does not desire to play for a certain coach or team, it must specifically be stated in writing on the registration form. 

4. Teams are bracketed in leagues by consensus in RMJBL by DRBA, based on previous experience and current expectations and RMJBL regulations. Team selection of players will depend upon league placement. 5. Team continuity is an important element of DRBA. For age groups 9 - 14, all teams must retain a minimum of 6 players from the previous year to be considered a team for the upcoming season. A coach may put a player or players back into the tryout process as long as he maintains 6 players on his roster. This is done to enable room for improving players to move to a more competitive level if they choose to do so and also to provide an opportunity for players new to the area. The coach also may recall players placed in the draft after the tryouts and prior to the draft should the player want to return to the previous year's team, and the coach would like the player to return to the team. The minimum player retention requirements must be met by the date set by the Board of Directors before the player draft date. Teams that have fewer than the required minimum returning will not be allowed to remain as a team and all players will be placed into the tryouts/draft. The President or Baseball Director will make a determination whether the coach will be reassigned to a team or not. 

6. Those players registered for the tryouts/draft, but who are unable to attend, will be placed on teams through a lottery drawing at the end of the draft for their age group, or will attend another tryout/draft set in the future for the program. (See “Officially excused absences from the draft” below.) 

7. Fielding Level III teams 15 years old and up should be looked at individually each year, based on the need and ability of DRBA to meet the demand. 

8. Registration forms must be received by the Baseball Directors by the registration deadline date or may be subject to a late filing fee. 

9. Midget baseball: The DRBA also offers midget baseball as follows - t-ball for 4- and 5-year olds, coach pitch for 6-year-olds, and modified player pitch for 7-year-olds (or 8-year-olds with limited or no prior baseball experience). Midget baseball helps teach kids the skills they need to advance into youth baseball. This is a fun experience for the kids and parents to enjoy together. Midget baseball focuses on hitting, fielding, throwing and helping kids develop teamwork and new friendships. Teams will be formed by the DRBA Baseball Directors.

Roster Size: Roster sizes for DRBA teams (unless otherwise determined by the Baseball Directors) will be as follows:

8-12 Years Old 

1. Maximum roster shall be 13 players, unless a coach requests more and numbers dictate it. The minimum amount of players will be 10. DRBA reserves the right to increase the maximum roster size for each team based on the number of players at tryouts. 

2. All late registrations received after teams are filled will be put on a waiting list. (See PLACEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL POOL PLAYERS - POST-DRAFT LOTTERY below.) 

13-14 Years Old & Level III 

1. Roster size may be 10 minimum to 15 maximum (18 maximum for Level III) unless a coach requests more and numbers dictate it.  DRBA reserves the right to increase the maximum roster size for each team based on the number of players at tryouts. 

2. All late registrations received after teams are filled will be put on a waiting list. (See PLACEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL POOL PLAYERS - POST-DRAFT LOTTERY below.) 

PLAYER RESERVATION AND DRAFT: A team who has a commitment of 6 or more players for the new upcoming season, and the coach has communicated with DRBA’s office that he will continue to coach the team for the new upcoming season; will be allowed to go out and recruit players for the new upcoming season.  However, no coach is allowed to recruit any player who is already committed to participate on another DRBA team for the upcoming season.  The coach may recruit new players within the Dakota Ridge articulated area, or players who play outside of the Dakota Ridge articulated area. This helps DRBA attract players into our system and help fill roster spots on teams where our tryouts may not be able to do so.   

 All new players who have not committed to a DRBA team for the upcoming season must go through the tryout/draft process. 

Draft Reservation for 8 Year Old's 

(8 years old) - Majors, AAA, AA and A team - Each head coach can recruit players to fill his roster both in and out of the DRBA articulated area, including those players who may have been already coached and participated on a midget team the previous year. Any new player who has not been recruited will need to go to the tryouts and will be available to draft for a team to fill their roster.

Nine Years Old and Older 

Majors, AAA, AA, and A teams - Players who played on a team the previous year are part of the 6 minimum  players (or more) retained by the coach from the previous year, are automatically reserved for that team and are exempt for the tryouts/draft; if they request the same coach on the current registration form. A coach can choose to retain any number of players from his previous year’s team, but must carry over at least 6 players to qualify to have a team in the upcoming season. Any player not maintained must go back into the tryouts and draft.  If the player that is not maintained by the current team no longer wishes to play for that team, may be recruited and agree to play for another DRBA team.  If a coach recruits a new player to his team, he must report that player to DRBA and the Baseball Director so the player can be added to the roster and register through DRSA to participate. Those players will not have to participate in the tryout procedures. A player who is not maintained by a team and agrees they would be willing to go back to the same team after the tryouts is not allowed to be recruited by another DRBA team and will need to go to the tryout process. This player is called a conditional draftee. The coach will then have the right to recall the player after the tryouts and before the draft proceedings start. 

There are two types of draftees, conditional and open: 

(a) Conditional draftees are veteran (completed previous year) players who enter the draft desiring to qualify for a higher league team, but failing to do so, wish to return to their previous year’s team. If a conditional draftee is not selected to a higher league team during the first round, the player is automatically returned to the player’s previous team roster when the draft sequence reaches that team’s league level and before any selections are made. The number of draft picks taken by the receiving team is determined on the basis of its adjusted roster size after reinstating the conditional draftees, and the draft proceeds as though the conditional draftees never left their team. Returning conditional draftees do count against the number of picks that normally would have been taken during the round given its reinstated roster size. 

(b) Open draftees are all new players to DRBA, or veteran players who are not satisfied with past situations and waive their reserve status, or those players being asked by their Coach or Baseball Directors to re-enter the draft. The veteran open draftee must specifically state on the registration form, in writing, that the player will not play for a certain coach or team. 

Officially excused absence from the draft - A player who is a candidate for Majors & AAA League may be officially excused from the draft by the President or Baseball Directors for reason such as competition-preventing injury, illness of the player or death in the immediate family. Absent players who are officially excused can be selected only by Major & AAA League teams during the regular draft rounds. This may be done if the intention of such a selection has been fully disclosed and previously agreed upon by all Major & AAA League coaches at that age group and prior approval is given by the President and/or Baseball Director. If it is not agreed upon, then the player will be asked to attend another tryout later in the baseball calendar year.  Following the regular round, all absent players are placed in the supplemental pool for selection by the post-draft lottery. (See PLACEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL POOL PLAYERS - POST-DRAFT LOTTERY below) 

Other than the above conditions, entering the tryout/draft carries no guarantees as to the final league level or team to which the player may be selected.

SELECTION ORDER IN THE DRAFT: 

Selection order in the draft will progress by leagues in the following sequence: Majors, AAA, AA, A League. When more than one team exists at a given league level, each team in that league will take turns singly selecting players (i.e., with two teams (A and B) at the same league level: Team A takes one player; then Team B takes one player; then Team A takes one player; then Team B takes one player; and so on..) within each round until their allotments for that round are met. Then the selection process will progress to the next league level until all leagues have completed their selections for that round. The process then repeats for subsequent rounds according to the draft selection protocol in the following sections until all rosters have been filled and/or the player pool has been emptied. 

In the event of multiple teams within a particular league level, selection orders determined by the following priorities: 

(a) Priority 1 (Highest) - are returning teams from the previous year at the current league level. The order in this group being determined by the team who returns with the most players from the previous year; and if they are the same, then the team with the highest number of regular season wins in the previous year will select first. (i.e., the team with the most returning players selects first; the team with the second most returning players selects second; or the team with highest number of regular season wins selects first; team with second highest number of regular season wins selects second; and so on…) 

(b) Priority 2 (Lowest)- newly-formed teams and/or teams moving in from a higher or a lower league level from the previous year make selections after returning teams.  In cases where more than one team has the same priority, selection order will be determined by winner of a coin toss. 

0 League - Following initial reservation of players, League teams fill according to selection order rules listed above.

DRAFT SELECTION PROTOCOLS: 

8 Years Old 

1st Round 

1. Major League 

2. AAA League 

9 to 14 Years Old 

1st Round 

1. Major League 

2. AAA League or highest level 

3. AA League 

4. A League

Level III 

1.Roster is filled in similar manner depending on the number of teams. 

PLACEMENT OF PLAYERS - POST TRYOUTS - DRAFT LOTTERY 

It is possible that the draft process may not completely fill team rosters to the desired levels. A goal of the draft should be to fill the teams to maximum roster size from the highest to the lowest league levels. Following the draft in all ages, and depending on the number of teams needing players; the supplemental pool (i.e., waiting list) of late registrants and players absent from the draft will be distributed by lottery, or the players will be asked to attend another tryout later on the baseball calendar. The selection order of each team in the round of the lottery or at a second tryout date will be exactly how the selection process was at the first tryouts and based on the number of players on each team’s roster.  The goal is to fill team rosters to the minimum level of players. Therefore, if a team’s roster is below the minimum level compared to other teams in the same age group, the selection process may be altered to ensure each team meets the minimum roster levels. If any players remain in the supplemental pool or second tryouts after filling of all rosters, player selections may continue at the discretion of the President or Baseball Directors. Refusal of a player by a team concludes further participation by a team in player acquisition for that season. If no team accepts any of the remaining players, then players will be placed beginning on lowest level and moving up to the highest level per the direction of the Baseball Directors, as long as teams roster is not over the maximum roster size. Dispensation of the supplemental pool or second tryout draft will be made at a time determined by the President and/or Baseball Directors. 

Article X - “Must Play” Rule: 

Each coach is asked to abide by the DRBA “must play” rule - everybody pays, everybody plays. The rule being that each player must play a minimum of two full innings, including at least one at bat each game. If this cannot be met, then the player must start and play a minimum of three full innings, including a minimum plate appearance in the following game. A player must make practices; abide by team policies, etc., for the “must play” rule to be enforced. 

Article XI - Amending Rules & Regulations: 

Changes to these rules & regulations may be done through due process and proper channels.

1. The proposed amendments(s) shall be in writing and submitted to the Baseball Directors. 

2. The proposed amendment(s) shall be distributed at current or next coaches meeting. 

3. The amendment(s) will be voted on at the next successive coaches meeting with 2/3 present to pass. 

4. A majority vote is needed to approve all amendments. 

The Rules & Regulations of the Dakota Ridge Baseball Association are hereby amended and adopted this 5th day of July 2017, as evidence by a vote of the membership on that day, and is hereby certified to be correct by the Officers of DRBA.