ARTICLE I - NAME

The league (organization or corporation) shall be known as: BIG BEAR YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL hereinafter referred to as the League (or Organization or Corporation) a member of the PONY BASEBALL, a non-profit Pennsylvania corporation. Big Bear Youth Baseball & Softball will carry on a program of baseball in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of PONY Baseball, Inc., a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the event Big Bear Youth Baseball & Softball fails to abide by the Rules and Regulations of PONY Baseball Inc. it shall, at the request of PONY Baseball Inc. cease to use the name of PONY Baseball, Inc. and the registered trademark names and emblems of PONY Baseball leagues.

ARTICLE II - STATEMENT OF POLICY

SECTION 1 - It shall be the policy of the League so to conduct its activities that the physical and moral welfare of the young people for whose benefit it is organized shall remain paramount and all matters of policy shall be determined on that basis.

SECTION 2 - No person who is a member of or who is employed by or who is in any way connected with the League shall receive any personal financial benefit therefore beyond the reasonable value of the services in carrying out the purpose for which the League has been organized.

SECTION 3 - In order to secure suitable and adequate financial backing to carry out the purpose of the League, it shall be the policy of the League to permit only such sponsorship as is consistent with the purpose for which the League is organized and to select sponsors who are interested in the League solely or principally as a means of contributing to the welfare of the young people.

SECTION 4 - It shall be the policy of the League to prohibit any direct advertising of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in connection with the League or any of its programs.

ARTICLE III - PURPOSE

SECTION 1 - The purpose of the League shall be to organize and supervise the playing of baseball and softball under specialized rules and regulations, to secure suitable and adequate financial backing for these purposes, and to own, lease or otherwise provide suitable playing facilities and equipment for these purposes.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 - Volunteer adults, parents or guardians of any child registered in the league, team sponsors and other contributors, managers and coaches of teams in the league, and members of the Board of Directors and Auxiliary Board shall constitute the membership of BIG BEAR YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL.

SECTION 2 - All volunteer adults and members of the Board of Directors and Auxiliary Board must submit to a background check and Live Scan.

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1 - The Board of Directors shall consist of all currently elected members of the Executive Board and Auxiliary Board for the terms and/or the manner provided for in the Bylaws of the League.

SECTION 2 - In recognition of the general powers of the Board of Directors exercised by virtue of their office, they shall have the power: to purchase or otherwise acquire for the league any property, right, or privilege which the League is authorized to acquire by the League membership, at such price or consideration and upon such terms as the Board of Directors may deem expedient and as is approved by a majority vote of the league membership; to appoint or remove or suspend subordinate agents or volunteers, and to determine their duties and fix their salaries; to determine who shall be authorized, on behalf of the League, to sign bills, notices, receipts, acceptances, endorsements, checks, releases, contracts, and any other instruments; to delegate any of the powers of the Board of Directors to any standing committee, special committee or any officer or agent of the League, with any powers as the Board of Directors may see fit to grant and to generally do all such lawful acts and take actions as may be necessary and proper.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1 - The Executive Board shall include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and an elected Board Member by the Board.

ARTICLE VII - AUXILIARY BOARD

SECTION 1- The Auxiliary Board shall include Head Team Mom, Registrar, Equipment Manager, Head of Fields, Uniforms, Trophies, Sponsors, Fundraising, Website, and Pictures. If individuals do not volunteer for these positions, they will be performed by appointed committees using active board members.

ARTICLE VIII - GOVERNMENT

SECTION 1 - The government of the league shall be under the direct supervision of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2 - All rules governing the playing of baseball & softball, the legality of players and related questions shall be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of PONY BASEBALL, and or covered by Major League Baseball with such modifications adopted by the Board of Directors of the league.

ARTICLE IV - BYLAWS

SECTION 1 - Any Bylaws, not consistent with this Constitution, embodying additional provisions for the government of the Corporation, shall be adopted and may be amended by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 - This constitution may be amended only by the Board of Directors and a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors at an annual meeting of the league, or a special meeting called for that purpose.

SECTION 1 - The Board of Directors shall hold a closing meeting within one month after the end of the season.

SECTION 2 - The Board of Directors shall hold an annual meeting within three months after the closing meeting. Notice of time and place of this annual meeting shall be made known to the membership of the League through publication and/or individual mailings, not less than 5 days prior to the date of the meeting. All currently vacant positions on the Board of Directors shall be open to the membership of the league.

SECTION 3 - Beginning no later than September the Board of Directors shall regularly meet a minimum of once a month throughout the duration of the season excluding the months of July, November and December.

SECTION 4 - Special meetings of the League membership may be called by the President, or by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, or upon written request to the Secretary by not less than seven (7) members of the League. Notice of time and place of special meetings of the League membership shall be made known to the membership not less than five (5) days prior to the date of the meeting.

SECTION 5 - At each annual or special meetings of the League every Board member present shall be entitled to vote (excluding members at large). There shall be no proxy voting. A majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required for election and questions brought to a vote.

SECTION 6 - At any regularly scheduled meeting of the League no less than seven (7) members eligible to vote shall be required to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

SECTION 7 - At any annual or special meetings of the League the presence of not less than seven (7) members eligible to vote shall be required to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

SECTION 1 - In order to be eligible to be elected and serve on the Board of Directors (Executive and or Auxiliary) BIG BEAR YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL, A current Board member must make a motion to nominate a candidate and said candidate must receive a majority vote of the current Board of Directors.

SECTION 2 - The term of office for all elected Executive Board of Director members shall be two (2) years with the term of office beginning with the season's final meeting.

SECTION 3 - The term of office for all elected Auxiliary Board positions shall be for one year ending with the season's final meeting.

SECTION 4 - One-half of the Executive Board of Directors will come up for election every year, their term is 2 years. President (odd), Vice-President (even), Secretary (odd), Treasurer (even). (IF not approved to change the constitution the other Board Members will need to be outlined here too.

SECTION 5 - In the event of the death, resignation, or inability to perform the duties of office for any reason, or any officer, the Board of Directors, by a majority vote of those present, and eligible to vote, shall be empowered to select a replacement for such officer, who shall serve until the following annual meeting. SECTION 6 - Any vacant Executive Board Member position will only be appointed for the remainder of such term as to maintain consistency of elections.

SECTION 1 - The Executive Board shall include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and an elected Board Member by the Board.

SECTION 2 - The full membership of the board shall meet on a monthly basis at such time and place determined by the President. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President, or by the Secretary, upon receipt of the written request of at least three members of the Executive Board.

SECTION 3 - The Board of Directors shall have the authority to suspend, discharge, or otherwise discipline any member, manager, coach, player, league official, umpire, parent, guardian or other person whose conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the league.

SECTION 4 - Any adult (person 18 years of age or older) who is suspended, removed or otherwise disciplined by the Board of Directors shall have the right to appeal such action before the Disciplinary Board at the regular or special meeting called for that purpose.

SECTION 5 - The President shall, upon evidence of misconduct of any player, notify the manager of the team of which the player is a member and the parents of any such player who is less than eighteen (18) years of age, within seventy-two (72) hours of the act.

SECTION 6 - The President shall not manage a team in any division of the League.

SECTION 1 - The Auxiliary Board shall include Player Agents, Registrar, Equipment Manager, Head of Fields, Chief Umpire, Sponsorship/Fundraising Coordinator, Content Manager.

SECTION 2 - All activities of the Auxiliary Board members are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3 - The term of office for all Auxiliary Board members shall end of the season meeting. (June Meeting)

SECTION 1 - The President shall preside at all meetings of the League membership and at all meetings of the Board of Directors; shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the League; shall be an ex-official member of all standing and special committees and shall perform such other duties as are normally associated with the office of President.

SECTION 2 - The Vice President shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the President; shall otherwise assist the President in the performance of the President's duties and shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.

SECTION 3 - The Secretary shall have custody of the Bylaws, and all other records of the League; shall notify each Board member to any and all meetings called for by the League; shall keep an accurate record of the meetings and other activities of the League and the Board of Directors; shall be responsible for all correspondence on behalf of the League and shall transmit all records and correspondence to any person elected to succeed him or her in that office.

SECTION 4 - The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all funds with the approval of the Board of Directors; shall keep an accurate account of all funds received and disbursed for the League ; shall submit a financial report at all regular meetings and at such other times as may be requested by the President; shall compile an annual report of League finances; shall provide the books of the League and such other documentation as requested for the annual audit and shall transmit all financial records to any person elected to succeed him or her in that office.

SECTION 1 - The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the league, bearing the responsibility to conduct the financial affairs of the league in a sound business-like manner.

SECTION 2 - To equalize the benefits of the League for all participating teams, solicitation of funds shall be for the treasury of the League and contributions to individuals or teams shall be discouraged.

SECTION 3 - The Board of Directors shall institute policy relative to the preparation and acceptance of an annual budget, and periodic and annual presentation of financial reports, and an annual audit of the books of the league.

SECTION 4 - Any League expense over the amount of $100.00 shall require either the approval of the Executive Board of Directors or the Full membership of the League.

SECTION 1 - All volunteers, to include anyone who officially works in direct contact with the players, are subject to background checks. This includes, but is not limited to: Board Members, Managers, Coaches, Team Parents and Umpires. The Board of Directors shall review the qualifications of all persons who wish to participate in the league. Candidates are subject to review of past behavior and conduct from previous seasons. Selection of candidates shall be subject to the approval of the majority of the Full membership of the Board.

SECTION 1 - These Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Full membership of the Board at the annual meeting or a special meeting.

SECTION 1 - All Managers must be selected and approved by the Board of Directors prior to the draft of that division.

SECTION 2 - All players must participate in one of two mandatory evaluations.

SECTION 3 - Player Agents are in charge of the draft and assist managers in the selection of their teams.

SECTION 4 - Each player drafted shall remain a member of that team for the balance of the teams in the division. Players are eligible for trade within their ranking skill level and may be traded or released to another team.

SECTION 5 - Any trades MUST be approved by the Player Agent and ALL managers within 24 hours of the draft.

No Player, Coach or Manager will be allowed to throw any piece of equipment in a display of temper or frustration.

Penalty: Ejection from game (to be determined by umpire). If a Coach or Manager is ejected, he/she will be suspended for the following game.

Profanity will not be tolerated by ANY player, coach, manager or spectator.

Penalty: Ejection from game or stands.

Drinking of Alcoholic beverages is prohibited during any Big Bear Youth Baseball & Softball function. Smoking in not allowed within 20 feet of any child or gate.

Penalty:: If behavior continues after being warned, ejection from game, and not allowed to participate in the following game.

Manager, Coaches, Players, and Spectators will show respect for decisions of the Umpires. Discussions over judgment calls or rule interpretations (by Managers only) are permissible if done with dignity and sincerity.

Penalty: Arguing with umpire may result in ejection from game (to be determined by umpire). Offending parties will not participate in following game if ejected.

Managers, Coaches, Players, or Spectators shall not heckle Umpires or challenge JUDGEMENT decisions.

Penalty: Ejection from game (to be determined by umpire). Failure to leave game will result in forfeiture by the team.

The annual game schedule will be approved by the Board of Directors. Rescheduling or changes in the published schedule may be necessary from time to time due to weather conditions.

Rescheduling in these instances will be determined by the Head of Fields, Players Agents, and Chief Umpire. Rainouts must be played as soon as possible. Back-to-back games may be necessary occasionally.

Basic playing rules and regulations are governed by the Official Rules of Major League Baseball with exceptions governed by the official playing rules published by PONY BASEBALL, INC. with the Big Bear Youth Baseball and Softball Local Rules replacing certain rules where applicable.

At any time during our regular season, beginning with practice, players may not participate in any other baseball or softball programs unless approved by the Board of Directors.

Each Manager must be sure his players are 'warmed-up' in sufficient time to take the field. Infield 'practice' warm-up shall be limited to a maximum of ten (10) minutes per team, if time permits.

Umpires are expected to be at the field twenty (20) minutes prior to the game starting time. No inning shall begin in any game at a time later than 1 hour and 45 minutes. The inning will be played to completion or end at the divisions drop dead time; if the inning was not completed the score reverts to the previously completed inning.

All post season games do not have a time limit.

Before each game, the home team manager is responsible for setting up the field (Bases, pitching mound and fence).

Home team Scorekeeper will be responsible for securing the Official Score book and reporting final scores to the Content Manager.

After the last game each day, the visiting team Manager is responsible for locking the equipment, putting away the bases and mound, and taking the fence down.

Each Manager is responsible after each game for the cleaning of his dugout. Trash and equipment must be removed within ten (10) minutes.

The Manager and Coaches, excluding TBall, must be in uniform (i.e., jersey and team hat) and be on the field for at least 75% of the League games. A Coach not in uniform may be in the dugout but will not be allowed on the field during the game. Failure to comply could result in one (1) game suspension of the Manager.

All Players will properly wear the uniform at all times while on the field (this includes shirts tucked in). Pitchers may not have any DISTRACTING material on their arms. This includes sleeves, undershirts, tape, bandages, etc.

In as much as two (2) adult Coaches can be in the coaching boxes, a third Coach may be in the dugout at all times to assist in the control of the Players. Other than the base Coach, the third Coach may not be any closer to home plate than the end of the dugout, unless summoned by the Umpire.

An injured Player may be in the dugout without wearing a uniform.

No jewelry will be allowed during a game except medical identification bracelets.

All Managers, coaches and umpires on the field will properly display their Badge during the duration of the game while on the field. All Badges must be presented to the umpire prior to the beginning of the game. Anyone without the required badge present at the beginning of the game will not be permitted to be on the field.

With the exception of Players on the field, on-deck hitters, Coaches and Players warming up, ALL PLAYERS MUST REMAIN IN THE DUGOUT BEHIND THE SAFETY LINE DURING PLAY. No one else will be allowed in the dugout.

No more than two (2) Coaches from one team will be on the field during play.

All gates will be closed during play, with the exception of the dugout field gates.

No mascots or bat boys/girls are permitted.

The game shall be determined by the Umpire's time piece or such time piece as indicated by the Umpire.

Once a game begins, the Umpires are in charge of playing conditions within these rules.

In ALL Divisions, all eligible batters will be put in a line-up for BAT AROUND batting order.

In ALL Divisions, all eligible players must play in a minimum of six (6) defensive outs.

If a problem arises between a Player's parent and a Manager/Coach, they must attempt to speak with each other first without the Player present. If it cannot be resolved this way, then the appropriate chain of command shall be as follows:

All team Managers must have a team meeting with all team members and parents/guardians present. This is a mandatory meeting. No equipment shall be issued or practice sessions commence prior to this meeting. The Manager shall at the conclusion of the team meeting report to the Player Agent the name of the team parent and the scorekeeper.

Team Parents are responsible for collecting fund-raising money, sale of tickets for money raising events by parents, team banner and pictures.

Team Parents are responsible for assisting in the general clean-up of the stands after a game and obtaining assistance from other parents.

The home team Manager is responsible for providing the Scorekeeper. The Official Scorekeeper shall be responsible for tallying up the stat totals for both teams and have the home plate Umpire initial stats and sign the Official Book.

The Equipment Manager will issue the equipment. Such equipment 'once issued' shall be the responsibility of the Manager to maintain and care for and return in good condition. Should there be damaged or lost equipment, the Equipment Manager shall be notified at once. MANAGERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING EQUIPMENT TO THE EQUIPMENT MANAGER WITHIN 7 DAYS FOLLOWING THEIR LAST GAME.

The Head of Fields will issue all keys. Such keys 'once issued' shall be the responsibility of the Manager to maintain and return in good condition. Should there be damaged or lost keys, the Head of Fields shall be notified at once. MANAGERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING KEYS TO THE HEAD OF FIELDS WITHIN 7 DAYS FOLLOWING THEIR LAST GAME.

Manager/Coach Selection. The All-Star Manager will be determined by the Board of Directors. The All-Star Manager will be allowed to choose two (2) Coaches from the other Managers and Coaches within the division with approval from the Board of Directors.

Player Selection. Each Manager will present to the Player Agent and the selected All-Star Manager player nominations for the team. The All-Star Manager will select players from the lists provided. The Manager, with player agents approval may elect to select a player not from the list.

Manager Tournament Responsibilities. All Team Managers shall be required to work and/or provide personnel to work during the Tournament Play. This time shall be provided during the time their respective team is not playing. Failure to comply with this rule will be taken into account for the following year's Manager and Coach Selection.

Parent Responsibilities. Parent participation is mandatory during hosted All-Star Tournaments.