2009
Bergen County Area
American Legion Baseball League
By-Laws

 
              PAGE 1
 (BY-LAWS) AS OF APRIL 13, 2009
 2009 BERGEN AREA AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL LEAGUE BY-LAWS
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RULE #1:  LEAGUE OFFICERS  - The Executive Committee of the Bergen Area American Legion will have
  exclusive power on all BAALBL dealings of suspensions, fines, conduct, sportsmanship of managers,  
  players, and coaches etc.            
  The Executive Committee will consist of:          
       President............…Frank Calandrillo… H (201) 818-9668  cell (201) 206-9806  fax (201) 818-0904  
          E-Mail:  FrankMCal@aol.com  
       Vice President……Harold Scheideler… H (201) 652-7104    E-Mail: HJSBAS@Verizon.net  
       Secretary...............Jerry Sparta.....H (201) 935-4836         E-Mail: JSparta44@Verizon.net
       Treasurer… Mario Lembo  H (201) 337-4364   cell (201) 819-9152    E-Mail lembo4364@optonline.net
                 
  State Rules Interpreter…… Frank Calandrillo   H (201) 818-9668   cell (201) 206-9806  fax (201) 818-0904
        E-Mail:  FrankMCal@aol.com    
  Each person will serve a one (1) year term.  Nominations will be each year at the January meeting  
    with elections in February.           
                 
  Bergen County Baseball Chairman Harold Scheideler  H (201) 652-7104   E-Mail:  HJSBAS@Verizon.net
    Appointed annually by Bergen County Commander      
                 
  Passaic County Baseball Chairman  Joe Ferraro  (973) 694-2795   PennsyJoe@yahoo.com  
                 
  Hudson County Baseball Chairman Walter Tomasheski  (201) 997-5073    
                 
  New Jersey American Legion State Baseball Chairman Bob Catullo H (908) 486-9057  cell (908) 418-3979
                 
  MID-SEASON MEETING: May conduct a Mid-Season meeting toward the middle of June, approximately
            June 15th, to clarify and redirect problem areas during the season if needed per the Executive Committee.
                 
RULE #2:  ENTRY FEES   $ 470  Total cost is due no later than March Meeting: (NEW TEAMS $570)
                 
    Breakdown:       $   200    Refundable (minus fines or umpire fees for forfeited games)  
        $     75     Five League Scholarship Dinner Tickets     
        $     25     League Official Assignor      
        $     70     League Organizational Fees      
        $    100     State Fees & Dave Goodwin State Scholarship Fund  
  $100 DEDUCTION OF LEAGUE FEES FOR TEAMS WHO HELPED AT THE PRIOR YEAR'S  TOURNAMENT
RULE #3:  MEMBERSHIP   - Membership in the BAALBL is open to all organizations who will abide by the
  rules of the American Legion Baseball Program.  Deadline to join is March 31st.  A bond of $100, non- 
  refundable, is to be turned in with the membership application.  All new teams will be on a non-monetary
  probation for 2 years and will have no vote for 2 years.  After 2 years, new teams must have an 80%  
  approval for future status.  All teams must go by Plan B for recruiting purposes.    
                 
RULE #4:  LEAGUE DOCUMENTS - The following are to be turned into the Baseball Executive  
        Committee before the season starts.    
   1. Entry fee of $470    ($570 for new teams) by April's meeting.      
   2. TYPED ORIGINAL AND 35 COPIES OF FINAL ROSTER (FORM #1) OF 18 PLAYERS MUST   
       BE IN WEDNESDAY, MAY 27TH, BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS.    
   3. Directions to fields (25 copies) at the May 27, 2009 League Meeting.    
   4. A copy of each player's birth certificate on May 27th.  (TEAMS MUST HAVE ORIGINAL FOR DISTRICT TOURNAMENT)
   6. Insurance policy certificates on May 27th. (2 Yellow Certificates) DATED AS OF APRIL 30TH OR PRIOR - NO EXCEPTIONS
   7. Player Transfer Forms #76 on May 27th.        
   8. Team Declaration Forms #77 on May 27th.  (A ONE TIME OPTION FOR PLAYERS WHO HAVE A CHOICE)
   9. Player Indemnification Agreement on May 27th. (FORM #2) yellow copy    
                 
  All games played without the above documents turned in will be sanctioned by the Executive Committee.
                 
RULE #5:  BASEBALLS AND BATS - The approved baseballs for BAALBL are Wilson A1010,   
  Aluminum, graphite, ceramic and wood bats are allowed.  Aluminum bats will be subject to the 2 5/8" barrel and 
  "Minus 3 Rule".  35" bat can't weigh less then 32 oz.  Weighted homemade bats are not allowed.  
                 
RULE #6:  MEDICAL INFORMATION -  It is mandatory that all teams provide an appropriately  
  supplied First Aid Kit for all their games.  It is mandatory that all players competing in American  
  Legion Baseball have their parents/legal guardians sign the medical consent form.  The Medical  
  Consent Form will be distributed to each player by his manager.  The manager or coach is to have  
  the original Medical Consent Form in his possession at all games.  In case of an emergency to a   
  player, a player may be refused medical treatment without the Medical Consent Form.  
                 
                PAGE 2
RULE #7:  PUBLICITY -  The BAALBL encourages each team to have a good, close working  
  relationship with the local press.  The "WINNING TEAM" must call the scores into the local press.  In  
  case of a tie game, the home team will call the score in.  The "WINNING TEAM" must call the score  
  into the BAALBL after the game.  Please leave the score and teams competing at (201) 652-7104 right 
  after the game.  League standings will only be accurate if teams call the score in.  Please cooperate.    
  If your local press is different than your opponent, please discuss which team will call each paper.  
                 
    E-Mail:  editor@northjerseysports.com   www.northjerseysports.com  
    The Record    646-4430     Jersey Journal     653-1006  
    Herald News      365-3220   Record Sportsline  646-4555  
                 
RULE #8: UMPIRES ,CHIEF UMPIRE PETE AMORUSO  H (973) 772-2677 cell (973) 930-3214
Pete Amoruso's E-Mail address is:    AM4P@AOL.COM
The American Legion Baseball Umpires Association will officiate all American Legion games.  The  
  following fees have been agreed upon by the BAALBL and the ALBUA for 2008 & 2009 at $62 per  
  umpire, per game.  To umpire in the BAALBL, all umpires must be registered with the ALBUA.  The fee
  for any new registrants is $10.  The first year, new registrants will receive two patches.  These patches  
  must be sewn on the shirts of the umpire's uniform.  Two umpires will be assigned to each game.  
  Umpire fees are to be paid prior to the start of each game.  Each team is responsible for the paying  
  of one umpire at each game.  If a game is started and not completed because of rain or wet field, etc.  
  umpires are to be paid in full.  Teams will pay for their 1st make-up with the league paying for their  
  subsequent make-ups.  The league will pay for up to 20 make-up games' umpires for the season.  
  In case of a forfeit, the team that forfeits the game will pay for both umpires, a $25 fine to the BAALBL  
  and field costs determined at the beginning of the season.  If one works alone, he shall be paid  
  a fee of 1 and 1/2.  For the 2008 & 2009 seasons, the fee would be $93.     
  Both teams will share in the cost of $46.50 each.  If an umpire fails to show up for an assigned game  
  more than once, he will be suspended and relieved of all further assignments.  If a player/manager/coach
  is ejected from the game, a written report must be submitted to the BAALBL by the ALBUA within 48  
  hours.  All teams can request that certain umpires do not work any of their games.  This request must  
  be in writing at the May meeting.  The umpires are to receive the lineup cards and umpire fees from  
  both teams prior to going over the ground rules.  Lineup cards are to include players' name, number  
  and position of starting team.  White copy to the umpire, yellow copy to opponent and pink copy for your
  team.  If the umpires show up for a game that has been postponed without being notified, they shall  
  receive a $10 traveling fee by the home team.  In the hope of playing a game, the home team may   
  postpone late.  Even in this case, the $10 fee for each umpire is to be paid by the home team.  If a  
  scheduled game has been postponed, the ALBUA shall be notified at least two (2) hours before the  
  starting time of the game by the home team.  If a game is delayed because of rain/lightning etc., the  
  umpires are required to wait a minimum of 20 minutes before calling it.  It is an official game if 5 innings
  have been completed or if the home team is ahead and 4 1/2 innings have been completed.  For  
  fields with lights, games would be suspended and picked up at a later date at that point for lights that  
  malfunction.  For fields with curfews, the teams should be notified of curfews. If it's an official game, the  
  results stand at that point of stoppage of play.  For all game time changes, umpires must be notified  
  72 hours in advance.  If a problem arises, contact the President and Pete Amoruso for extenuating  
  circumstances.            
                 
RULE #9:  SLIDING RULE - The high school slide rule will be used for league play.  The runner should  
  slide into a base or try to avoid contact, especially with the catcher.  No barrel sliding or spikes above  
  the knee.  The runner must slide directly into the base, not in the vicinity of the base and just be able to   
  touch it with either hand or leg.  There should be no unnecessary roughness or intent of bodily harm.  
  The ejection will be automatic and the player must follow the ejection policy of the BAALBL.  
                 
RULE # 10:  TOBACCO RULE   - Per National Rule 1, Section L - The use of any form of tobacco by a 
  player, coach, manager or umpire while on the playing field, benches, in the bullpen or dugouts is prohibited.
  Any individual violating this rule will be ejected from the game.   See Rule 17 for Ejection Policy.  
                 
RULE #11:  PROTESTS - A protest must be lodged with the umpire before the next pitch in an American
  Legion game. All protests are to be in writing within 48 hours and in accordance with Department    
  and National rules.  A $25 check must accompany the protest.  The check will be returned if the  
  protest is upheld by the league.  Any further appeals must conform to Department and National rules.  
  It must be for a rule interpretation and not an umpire's judgement call.      
                 
                PAGE 3
RULE #12:  MASTER SCHEDULE CHANGES  The BAALBL season will begin on Saturday,
  May 30, 2009.  The schedule is to be finalized at the May meeting.  A team may postpone a game when 4 or 
  more players are involved in a high school function on the same day of an American Legion game. Any conflicts
  should be submitted before the May meeting.  Once the schedule is finalized, the only changes accepted will
  be if 4 or more players are involved in the high school playoffs or graduation.  If you have to postpone any
  games, please do so one game at a time.  You must start your season two days after your high school completes
  it's season.  If a team has 4 or more players involved in a Sports Awards function, the President must be notified
  5 days in advance and you can only use this cancellation once during the season.  The BAALBL master 
  schedule regular season will end on Thursday, July 2, 2009.  All games must be completed on the master
  schedule, even if one of the teams has been eliminated from the playoff picture.  Games can't be moved without
  just cause.  Any questionable changes must be cleared through the President, especially when the other team
  is unhappy because of the change.            
  ALL RE-SCHEDULED GAMES MUST GO THROUGH THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEAGUE.
RULE #13:  SPECIFIC GAME RULES AND INFORMATION -  - All games are to be played in accordance with
   the baseball rules as published by the Triumph Books, National and Department.  A current rule book from the
  Triumph Books should be purchased for league use. The only exceptions are those listed in the BAALBL ByLaws.
  The designated hitter is acceptable for any player in the lineup.  The re-entry rule applies to any player in the
  starting line-up.  One conference per inning, per pitcher.  Second conference in an inning, the pitcher must  
  leave the mound but can remain in the game to play another position.  If there are less then nine (9) players
  for the visiting team at game time, there shall be a 30 minute waiting period when the game must start or be
  forfeited.  The team that forfeits must pay both umpires, a $25 league fine and lose 2 points in the  
  standings.  The home team must be ready at the starting time with 9 players or forfeit the game.  Two  (2)
  or more forfeits in two (2) consecutive years will result in the team being suspended for the following  
  season.  All players must wear the same uniform with the American Legion patch on the left sleeve.  All
  managers/coaches must wear uniforms to go on the playing field.  A $25 fine will result if the uniform   
  rule is not followed.  If a team is ahead by ten (10) runs at the end of the 5th or 6th inning, the game will  
  be terminated.  The home team may declare before the game if the lights will be used if necessary.  
  Both the visiting team and the umpires must be notified before the game.  The Legion rule will apply  
  for jewelry.  An umpire can request that jewelry be removed for safety reasons.  Games must begin with 9
  players and must finish with more then 6 players.  The league has adopted the high school speed-up rule
  regarding courtesy runners for the pitcher and/or catcher.  BASE COACHES MUST WEAR A HELMET OR BE EJECTED!!!
                 
RULE #14:  TAUNTING RULE No players, coaches or managers will be allowed to taunt the opposing
  players, coaches or manager.  The umpire may issue a warning before any ejections are made.  
                 
RULE # 15:  DISRESPECTFUL CONDUCT No American Legion coach or team official can speak
  poorly in any respect of another American Legion team's members.  Any infraction will result  
  in a disciplinary hearing by the Executive Committee and possible suspensions, fines, etc.  
                 
RULE # 16:  TEAMS IN ARREARS If a team exceeds the $200 Refundable Bond, it won't be included
  in the current season's schedule until all monies are paid in full.  All arrears must be paid by March 1st or
  those teams won't be allowed to play in the Bergen Area American Legion Baseball League.  
                 
RULE #17:  EJECTION POLICY - Penalties for a player ejection:
 First Ejection:  One (1) game automatic suspension        
   Second Ejection:  Two (2) game automatic suspension        
   Third Ejection:   Indefinite suspension based on an Executive Committee hearing.    
  The following penalities will occur for a Manager/Coach ejection:
 First ejection - $50 fine and two (2) game suspension from coaching on the field, but can remain in the 
    dugout if no other coach is available.        
   Second ejection - $100 fine and a hearing before the Executive Committee    
   Third ejection - Penalty determined by Executive Committee hearing      
                 
RULE #18: Any threats of verbal or physical violence or physical contact by players, coaches &/or umpires will
  be dealt with by the Executive Committee and punished in accordance with the severity of the incident.  
                 
RULE #19:  RAIN DATE MAKE-UPS  - The two teams shall re-schedule within 3 days and played by the end of
  the season.              
                 
RULE #20: ATTENDANCE  - If a team fails to attend by the March meeting without notifying the President, they will be
  suspended for that season.          
      TELEPHONE NUMBERS PAGE 4
                 
Bergenfield Post 90……….Mgr. Wayne Briggs   H (201) 384-6373   cell  (201) 638-0898    Wayne Briggs Jr. cell (201) 724-5863
80 South Prospect Ave.  Bergenfield HS Mike Hegel (201) 385-0754 cell (201) 726-6587  Steve Hegel cell (201) 952-3994
                 
Clifton Post 8............…G. M.  Mike Vinceguerra   H (973) 471-1222, W (973) 470-5868,  cell  (201) 638-6433,   Post (973) 253-9933 
333 Colfax Ave, Clifton HS Mgr. Pat Errico H (973) 777-8869 cell (973) 487-7425    Tom Lesch (973) 345-4963
                 
Clifton Post 347.......Mgr. Doug Koban  H (201) 797-6024  cell (201) 873-0072    
333 Colfax Ave, Clifton HS Gen'l Mgr. Tom Corradino  H (201) 843-3686    W (973) 430-3911  
                 
Cresskill Post 21 ………Mgr. Harry Meyer   H 201 894-9723 cell 201 647-6116,  Fred Meehan H 201 894-9723 cell 201 523-2048
1 Lincoln Drive, Cresskill HS Glen Bickford H (201) 894-1449, cell (201) 538-0962  Rich Guillod  cell (201) 527-0976
                 
Demerest Norsemen…. Mgr. Mike Carcich H (201) 446-7758  W (201) 768-3200 ext. 13677  
150 Knickerbocker Rd.  Northern Valley Demerest Tom Kaechele H (201) 384-5983  cell (201) 852-5414  Tom Mansfield H (201) 262-1663
                 
Emerson Post 269................Mgr.  Howie Brody  H (201) 833-1405,  cell  (201) 757-3761,  Pager (201) 607-1403
139 Main St, Emerson HS            
                 
Glen Rock…………………Mrg. Lou Karcanes H (201) 444-2825     cell (609) 254-5981  
400 Hamilton Ave., Glen Rock HS George Podolak H (201) 436-0177  cell (646)458-1997  
                 
Jersey City Bull Dogs............Mgr.  Mike Hogan    H (201) 451-4339,   W (201) 714-8340,   cell  (201) 745-2880
35 Colgate St, Jersey City, Ferris HS Josh Beteta cell (201) 208-3034    Juan Garcia cell (201) 936-0353
                 
Jersey City Ramblers……  Mgr. Pat Laguerre  H (201) 432-5681   W (201) 656-8008  cell (201) 805-7595
209 3rd St. Jersey City  St. Mary's HS          
                 
Kearny Post 99...…Mgr. Doug Gogal H (201) 997-8945  cell (201) 303-5869  Jason Scavalla (973) 669-0587  cell (973) 868-5583
336 Devon St, Kearny HS G. M.  Jim Sickinger  H  (201) 997-4416  cell (201) 978-7524    Frank Bifulco H (201) 991-0635
                 
Lyndhurst Post 139 Bears… Mgr. Jeff Radigan    cell (201) 519-3382       Jerry Sparta (201) 935-4836  
53 Elliot Place, Rutherford HS Matt Ackermann (201) 838-6083     Rob Kost (201) 638-5820  
      Rich Gress  H (201) 531-9130   cell (201) 522-8206            
                 
Park Ridge Post 153 Mgr. Tom McDermott H (201) 391-7445 cell (201) 805-1907,  Bob Howell  H (201) 782-0437
2 Park Ave., Park Ridge H S  Doug Mino H (201) 391-4472  cell (201) 424-2835,  Tom Scheulen H (201) 573-9508  cell (917) 662-2701
                 
Passaic PAL...................Mgr. Chris Buttler  H (973) 844-0584  cell  (973) 951-9364,   Gen'l Mgr. Rick Fernandez cell (973) 800-6988
170 Pauleson Ave., Passaic HS Jason Navarro  (973) 930-9522      
                 
Pascack Valley Mike Hourigan  H (201) 930-0014  W (201) 664-8366  cell (201) 400-3894
200 Piermont Ave. Pascack Valley H S          
                 
Paterson Cardinals…. Mgr. Wael Yasin  H (973) 839-2232  cell (973) 224-0473  Chris Sewell H (973) 433-4396 cell (973) 885 0834
61-127 Preakness Ave., Paterson, JFKennedy HS Craig Siepe  H (973) 839-1170  cell (973) 652-3863  
                 
Waldwick Post 57…...………Mgr. Tom Topolski  H (201) 847-0375    cell (201) 739-0437    W (201) 445-7673
155 Wyckoff Ave.  Waldwick HS G. M. Harold Scheideler  H (201) 652-7104  cell (201) 785-4690  
      Doug Moore H (201) 444-0949   cell (201) 233-7858    
                 
Wayne Post 174…. Mgr. John Zisa  H (201) 529-8062  cell (973) 930-2939    Kyle Bednarski  cell (973) 632-1982
551 Valley Road., Wayne Valley HS Gen'l Mgr. Greg Komeshok   H (973) 473-5111,    W (973) 470-5228   cell (973) 277-5911
      Ass't G. M. Steve Paterson  H (973) 773-5174   Randy Nelson  cell (201) 638-7907
                 
West New York Tigers..........Gen'l Mgr.  Lou Nagurka    H  (201) 392-0899,  cell  (201) 724-0093     
5501 Park Ave, WNY, Memorial HS      Mgr. Harold Schroeder   H (201) 854 1697  cell (201) 320-4148   Jack Nagurka  (201) 861-9405
                 
Wyckoff Raiders……………Mgr. Joe Spafford  cell (201) 686-6895      
George St., Franklin Lakes, Ramapo HS Andy Wingfield  (201) 891-3350    
                 
                HOME GAME FIELDS & TIMES
Bergenfield Bears - Memorial Park  8 PM   Kearny Post 99 - Franklin Field  -  6 PM & 1 PM
Clifton Post 8 - Woodrow Wilson Middle School -  6 PM Lyndhurst Post 139 - Breslin Stadium  -  7:00 PM
Clifton Post 347 - Nash Park -  6 PM   Park Ridge - Sulak Lane Field - 8:15 PM & 7:30 PM
Cresskill Post 21- Cresskill H S - 6 PM & 5 PM Passaic Indians - Passaic HS Stadium  -  6 PM, Noon & 1 PM
Demerest Norsemen - No. Valley Demerest HS Field Pascack Valley - Pascack Valley HS  6 PM & 1 PM
Emerson Post 269 - Emerson HS -  6 PM & 2 PM Paterson Cardinals - Totowa Oval or Buckley Park
Glen Rock -  Glen Rock H S 5:30  PM    Waldwick Post 57 - Waldwick HS  6 PM  
Jersey City Bull Dogs- Cochrane Field  6:00 PM Wayne Post 174 - DePaul HS Field  -  6 PM, 11 AM & 3 PM
Jersey City Ramblers - Cochrane Field  6:00 PM West New York Tigers - Miller Stadium  -  8 PM
          Wyckoff Raiders - Memorial Field  6 PM  11 AM
                 
                 
                 
       2009 PLAYOFF STRUCTURE PAGE 5
                 
LEAGUE  CHAMPIONSHIP AND WILD CARD SERIES ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THURSDAY, JULY 9TH.
TEAMS QUALIFYING:             
  For a 2 Division season only, the 2 Division winners will play a 2 out of 3 series for the League Championship.
  For a 1 Division season, the 2 top point teams will play a 2 out of 3 series for the League Championship.  They
  automatically qualify for the District Tournament.  Wild card games will be made up of teams with a .500 record or
  better.  If an odd number of teams qualify for the Wildcard Playoffs, an additional team will be added so an even number
  of teams will participate.  It will be the team with the next highest point total.  The remaining District spot(s) will determine 
  the number of games needed.  Wildcard playoffs may be a single or double game elimination.  All suspended games for
  darkness or rain must be continued from that point to completion.  Seeding will be by points at the end of the season.
                 
    TIE BREAKERS            
  1. Head to Head            
  2. Percentage vs teams in the playoffs          
  3. Flip for seed              
                 
    8 TEAM WILD CARD DOUBLE ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT    
    ====================================================    
1st________              
              1  |_________            
8th________|               |            
              7  |__________          
5th________               |           |          
             2              2 |________ _______|           |          
4th________|             |          
          11  |____________________________    
3rd________             |                      |      
             3              3 |_________           |                      |      
6th________|               |           |                      |      
              8  |__________|______ _____|                      |      
7th________               |                        |      
             4             4 |__________ _______|                   14 |_________ __________  
2nd_______|                          |   |  
                 L 11      _________  _____________                    |   |  
          |                  |   |  
                   L  8___________   |                  |           IF |  
      |   |                  |     NEC 15 |______________________
    9 |__________ 13 |_________|   |  
  L 1________ | | |   |  
                 5 |____________ | | |   |  
  L 2_______ |   | |   |  
      12 |_____________ |             L 14 __________ |  
  L 3________   |          IF 1ST LOSS    
                 6 |____________ |        
  L 4_______ | | |        
    10 |__________ |        
      |          
                   L 7___________ |          
                 
THIS TOURNAMENT BRACKET MAY BE REVISED BASED THE NUMBER OF TEAMS INVOLVED!!
District Tournaments start Saturday, July 18th        
State Tournament starts Saturday, July 25th        
Regional Tournaments start Thursday, August 6th        
World Series starts Friday, August 14th