WEMBLEY TEE-BALL ASSOCIATION
WEMBLEY HANDBOOK ( excerpt )
2019 – 2020Season
Affiliated Clubs:
Balcatta Baseball Club
City Beach Tee Ball Club
Stirling Apache Tee Ball Club
Woodlands Tee Ball Club
The Wembley Tee-Ball Association (WTBA) is made up of elected office bearers and representatives of each club called delegates. Normally, if you would like to have any matter considered by the committee, you should discuss it with your club’s committee, which will include the delegate to WTBA and the club should forward to WTBA on their clubs letterhead. You are of course welcome to contact any member of the WTBA committee for general advice.
AGE CUT OFF
The Wembley Tee-Ball Association has an age cut off of 30 June with the year being that of start of the season.
For the 2019/2020 season the age cut off is at 30 June 2019.
Under 7’s Division – a child must be 6 or under as at 30 June 2019
Under 9’s Division – a child must be 8 or under as at 30 June 2019;
Under 11’s Division – a child must be 10 or under as at 30 June 2019.
PLAYING DATES
Round 1 Saturday 19 October 2019 – 16 November 2019
Round 2 Saturday 23 November 2019 - 21 December 2019
Round 3 Saturday 1 February 2020 – 22 February 2020
Twilight Games Friday 14 February 2020 – Under 7’s and 9’s
Friday 21 February 2020 – Under 11’s
NOTE In all junior sport, some teams dominate. To avoid this situation in the Association, regrading based on team performances is carried out after each set of five games.
Representatives from each club meet to do this.
It is important that the results of games are entered on the Score Card/Incident Report form.
It is the umpire’s responsibility to check and sign the bottom of the form. Club representatives are to email results to WTBA Secretary by COB the following Monday.
All Wembley Tee-Ball Association games are smoke free zones.
SCORECARD/INCIDENT REPORT
If a child is injured the incident is to be reported on the Score Card/Incident Report form. Club President should contact parent of child to discuss insurance process if required. Please note Insurance Company will require a copy of this report.
Umpires are required to write a report about each game onto the score-card, providing feed-back to the WTBA on the conduct and proceedings of the fixtured games.
The report is to contain details of any significant aspects of the game, such as condition of the diamond, weather, conduct of players, officials or spectators, or that no Base Umpire provided by the visiting team. Note that reports on positive aspects of games are encouraged, covering areas such as standard of play, and sportsmanship displayed by players and officials.
GAME REGULATIONS
All games within the WTBA are played in accordance with the current Tee-Ball Association of Western Australia Official Rule Book. However the following local regulations and rules interpretations apply:
1. Game Times
Under 7’s and 9’s 8.30 am
Under 11’s 10.15 am *
*Teams that are ready to start at 10am may with the approval of both coaches and the Plate Umpire, start the game early.
Games are generally played on Saturday mornings at the above times. However, in some cases there may be a need for mid-week games. In these cases, teams will be advised in the fixtures.
2. Games Affected by Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, teams should remain at the ground for a minimum of 15 minutes from the normal start time (ie until 8.45 AM for Under 9’s and 10.30 AM for Under 11’s) before abandoning a game. Similarly, if a game is interrupted by weather concerns, teams should remain at the ground for 15 minutes, provided that this period will not extend beyond the scheduled finishing time for that game. The decision to delay and/or abandon games shall be made jointly by both coaches and the nominated Plate Umpire. If necessary a majority decision will apply.
NOTE:
(a) Umpires and coaches should make every effort to complete at least three innings. Three innings will constitute a game.
(b) In making a decision to delay or abandon a game, the players’ safety must be the over-riding consideration.
(c) A game that has commenced and is interrupted by weather must still be concluded at the scheduled finishing time - there is no extra time.
(d) Abandoned games (ie where less than 3 innings have been completed) should be played mid week at the scheduled venue and at a time acceptable to both coaches. These games should preferably be played before the next scheduled game, but definitely before the next regrading.
(e) Inclement weather or extremes of temperature; includes heavy rain, storms, heat, etc.
3. Lack of Players
Should a team have less than seven players at the scheduled start time, the game may be delayed for up to 10 minutes, where it is anticipated that additional players will arrive. After this, if the deficient team still has less than seven players the game shall be forfeited. Games starting late should be concluded at the scheduled finishing time - there is no extra time.
Player/s can be offered to the team with less players and for the remainder of the game is part of that team. Or can rotate off the bench.
4. Forfeited Games
Any team unable to play on any scheduled date (except finals) may ask the opposing team to play on an alternate date, at a time and venue acceptable to both coaches. Any arrangements made between coaches for rescheduling a game must be finalised by 6.00 PM on the day two days prior to the original game date (normally Thursday, except for scheduled mid-week games). If not, the team unable to play on the scheduled day shall forfeit the game and the score will be 9 – 0.
5. Umpires
Games must have two umpires. The home team (team listed first in the fixtures) shall supply the Plate Umpire. The visiting team shall provide a Base Umpire.
6. Junior Umpires
Junior umpires should be at least two years older in age than the age group they are umpiring and have their level 1 TBAWA accreditation.
Junior umpires should be at least a level 2 TBAWA accredited umpire to officiate Blue and Gold Division games.
7. Playing Out Of Age Group Permanently to Reflect Children with Special Needs
Requests for players with special needs to permanently play out of their age group must be made in writing to the Team Club first and then the Club makes a request, in writing, to the WTBA Committee. The Committee will review each request and treat each case on its merits.
8. Playing Out Of Age Group Temporarily
Any Under 11 team that has less than 9 players for a game may make up numbers with any registered Under 9 player. Preference should be given to the oldest available of the younger players and only sufficient younger players to bring the team to 9 players may be recruited.
9. Changing Teams
Players are not permitted to change teams during any one season, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Any requests for changing teams during the season must be made to the WTBA Committee in writing via your own club. Each case will be treated on its merits.
10. Protective Equipment
Under the official rules of TBAWA, all players fielding as Pitcher must wear helmets fitted with a facemask and a chest plate. All children wearing hats under helmets must have the peak at front at all times.
Under the official rules of TBAWA, all batters, base runners and catchers must wear helmets.
Under WTBA regulations, helmets must be worn by all batters, base runners and catchers in:
Under 11’s and
Under 9 divisions.
Under 7 divisions it is optional to wear batters helmets.
If glasses, (including prescription) are worn, it is recommended that they be approved sports glasses
Mouthguards are recommended in all divisions.
11. Tees
Fold down tee must be used in all games. The tee is placed directly on top of the home plate. The stem of the tee shall be directly above the point of the home plate.
Note the Plate Umpire shall be the only person to handle the tee and at the request of a player/coach adjust the tee height as required.
12. Game Balls
The following balls are to be used in the Wembley Tee Ball Association games:
Under 7 and 9 Divisions Teeball
Under 11 Division Normal Baseball
13. Safety Bases
The yellow safety base is to be used at first base in all Under 7 and Under 9 Divisions.
All Under 11 Divisions will use a standard white base.
The yellow safety base is only used for the batter while running to first base (so as to comply with TBAWA rule 17.5). Once the batter/runner has made it safely to the base, then the yellow safety base no longer is used by the players and all umpiring decisions must be based upon the use of the white part of the safety base only.
14. Time Call
The time call is to be used so as to avoid situations where base runners are able to gain extra bases purely due to fielding errors. In applying the rule, umpires should consider whether at the time the ball is in possession of a fielder in an infield position, a good throw and a good catch would result in the runner being given out if they continued to the next base. If so, time should be called, and runners who in the umpire’s opinion are forcing play to the next base without having substantially advanced to that next base, should be returned to the bases they last occupied.
The intention here is to eliminate any chance of runners forcing fielders to throw the ball in the hope of gaining an advantage from any possible mistake. It applies particularly in cases where the ninth batter is running the diamond.
15. In-Field
The In-field is bounded by the dead ball lines and includes the diamond and that part of the field normally occupied by fielders at First Base, Second Base, Shortstop and Third Base. It extends past the diamond to an imaginary (ie not marked) arc. The decision as to whether a player is positioned in the in-field is at the discretion of the Plate Umpire. Fielders must field in fielding areas.
16. Warm Up Boxes or Circles
There will be NO warm up batting boxes or circles to be used. Children are not to warm up/swing bats once game has commenced.
17. Team Officials
All team officials, including coach, Umpires, manager, base coaches and scorers are to wear closed in shoes.
18. Eligibility for Finals – In the WTBA Nominated Under 11 Divisions
To be read in conjunction with clause 8.
To be eligible to play in finals matches, a player must play in at least Five (5) games with the team during the current season.
19. Date of Finals
The Wembley Teeball Association Finals will be scheduled immediately after the long weekend in March.
20. Duration of Finals
All finals games will start at 09.30am and continue until both teams have completed 7 innings
(there is no time limit).
If there is a tie after both teams have completed the 7th innings, the play will continue until there is a winner after both teams have completed an equal innings.
21. Inclement Weather for Finals
In the event of inclement weather, the WTBA Executive and all umpires of the games would meet to decide on continuing, abandonment or rescheduling the finals.
22. Umpiring Duties for Semi Finals
The semi finals will be played utilising a three umpire system as developed by TBAWA. The Plate Umpire will be from a neutral club.
All Plate Umpires should be dressed accordingly as described in the handbook clause “Notes on Umpiring”.
1st and 2nd base umpires, if not accredited, should be dressed in club uniform with a green Hi Vis vest.
Home team shall supply an umpire to officiate 1st base.
Away team shall supply an umpire to officiate 2nd base
Plate umpire will officiate home plate and 3rd base.
CONTENTIOUS ISSUES – clarification on some issues that arise every season
No jewellery No earrings, no studs, no sleepers, no necklaces, no bracelets.
Refer to TBAWA Rule Book (Rule 2.3 (d) Player Safety) – Exposed jewellery such as wrist watches, bracelets, earrings and neck chains etc., must not be worn during a game. Medi Alert bracelets and or Medi Alert necklaces are not considered jewellery and may be worn but these must be taped to the body without covering the information they contain. A Doctors Certificate must support any request for exemptions.
The wearing of jewellery has become more common and there is a danger of hooking such jewellery on the webbing of the glove during a tag or ripping an earring when taking off a helmet. Umpires will refuse to let the player participate until jewellery is removed.
Umpires and Coaches (Rule Number 1.1 of TBAWA Rulebook). Umpires and Coaches must respect each other’s roles. An Umpires judgement decision is final. However, an inquiry may be made on decisions based on rule interpretations but only by the team coach and directed to the plate umpire. Umpires must not make any disparaging remarks about Coaches. As Coaches must not make any disparaging remarks about Umpires. Also spectators are not to make any disparaging remarks about umpires. Any breach of these rules may result in removal from the game.
Batting out of Order (Rule Number 16.3 of the TBAWA Rulebook)
When a batter is found batting out of turn, the umpire shall call time, nullify all play, including “out” (Unless it is the third out) which took place whilst the improper batter was at bat, by returning all runners to the bases where they were before the ball was hit by the improper batter. The proper batter then takes their turn at bat.
The rule shall apply from the call of “Play Ball” for the improper batter to bat, to the call of “Play Ball” for the next batter to bat.
The improper batter becomes a legalised batter when “Play Ball” has been called for the next batter to bat. The next batter is then the batter named after the legalised improper batter.
Base Runners (Rule Number 17.2 of TBAWA Rulebook) Removing Helmet
After the batter hits the ball, any base runner, who intentionally removes their helmet and is not put out before the umpire calls “Time”, will be returned to the base they last crossed before the helmet was removed.
First Base Running (Rule Number 17.5 of TBAWA Rulebook)
Batters, running to first base, must run the second half outside the diamond. If not and a play is made between home and first base, the batter/ runner will be called out.
Standing Still in the Outfield (Rule Number 19.3 (b&f) of TBAWA Rulebook)
Fielders do not have to stand still in the outfield. Fielders must be in orthodox fielding positions and reasonably settled prior to the call of play ball. Out fielders should not be running.
Holding up the Ball
Players holding the ball in mid air to stop play or to have time called is not and never has been a rule of Teeball. Coaches please refrain from using this terminology. Coaches should use the words eg “Stop the play” rather than “hold up the ball”.
Hit By A Batted Ball
This was a rule a few decades ago but is not a rule any longer. If a runner is hit by a batted ball, he/she is not out but if a runner deliberately kicks the ball away from the fielder, the umpire can call the batter out.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on the diamond or in the shelters. Under Council By Laws - Owners must carry a leash and ensure that their dog/s are under effective control at all times. Whilst the term ‘under effective control’ can be interpreted in many ways, broadly it means:
the dog responds to owners command, and particularly returns when called;
the dog does not act in a threatening or aggressive manner;
the dog does not cause damage to flora or fauna;
the dog does not enter a lake or water channel; and
the dog does not bother other people or other animals.
ORTHODOX POSITION
19.3 Fielding Positions
From the call of “Play Ball” until the batter swings and hits or misses the ball:
a) Fielders must field in orthodox fielding areas, approximately as shown below, while maintaining relative separation.
b) Fielders should be reasonably set in their positions. Eg: outfielders should not be running.
c) The pitcher must be in contact with the pitching plate, and must be the only fielder inside the diamond.
d) The catcher must have their whole body to the side opposite the batter, outside, and behind, the back line of the batting box. Only an arm may extend forward of the back line but not into the batting box.
e) No fielder, except the catcher, may be in foul territory.
f) From the call of Play Ball until the batter swings, only limited movement is permitted within their orthodox fielding positions for all fielders except pitcher and catcher who should remain stationary. The Umpire shall not call “Play Ball” until all fielders are reasonably settled
g) When, in the umpire's opinion, the offending fielder gains an advantage from a violation of (b), (c), (d) (e) or (f) the umpire shall call: "Dead Ball" and return all runners to their bases. On all occasions, the Umpire shall warn the offending player.
No line in front of the batting boxes
NOTES ON UMPIRING
The WTBA is very grateful to all parents and siblings who take on the responsibility of umpiring. Without these volunteers, games would not be possible. It should always be remembered that umpires are not paid for their efforts, they are simply people who are prepared to assist our children to enjoy their game, and they deserve everyone’s respect and thanks.
Below are some guidelines to assist umpires:
Prior to games all umpires must walk the diamond checking for positions of bases and any hazards.
Know the rules well so that you can make decisions quickly, accurately and with confidence.
Know that you are in charge of the game and that once confirmed, your decision is FINAL.
Be aware that you MAY consult with other officials (ie field umpire) and change your decision if you agree that you have misinterpreted a rule. You should not change a decision that is purely based on your judgment (eg the question of whether a runner was or was not tagged).
In all cases, only the nominated team coach of either team may query your decision.
Be prepared to move around quickly to be in the best position to observe a play and make a decision.
Make each decision firmly and clearly and then keep the game moving.
DO NOT be influenced by calls from spectators, coaches etc.
DO NOT get involved in arguments. If, having made a decision, a team official (or spectator) wishes to argue, he/she should be quietly informed that the matter is closed. Continue the game.
Be dressed smartly and in keeping with the high quality of presentation of the players. Eg: accredited umpires shirt or club shirt with green hi vis vest.
Be punctual, arrive at the game at least 10 minutes before play is to commence, and introduce yourself to both coaches
TEE -BALL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR BALL CODE
PLAYERS
Play by the rules.
NEVER argue with an umpire or the opposition. If you have a problem, discuss it with your coach quietly.
Play to enjoy the game and improve your skills.
Be a good sport and acknowledge all good efforts of your team mates and the opposition.
Co-operate with your coach, team mates and umpires.
PARENTS
DO NOT force an unwilling child to participate in Tee-Ball.
Ensure that your efforts to enjoy your child’s involvement in Tee-Ball do not detract from their or others enjoyment.
Encourage your child to always play by the rules.
Focus on your child’s efforts rather than the result of the game.
DO NOT question the Umpires’ judgment and never their honesty.
Support all efforts to remove verbal abuse from the game.
NEVER ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake.
Photography –please be mindful when taking photographs of your child that other parents may not wish for their child to be in your photos.
COACHES
Teach your players that the rules and codes of behaviour are essential to the successful running of the game.
Teach your players to respect the opposition and the umpires.
Remember that all players, regardless of skill, need and deserve an equal opportunity to play.
NEVER yell at or ridicule a player for making a mistake.
NEVER become involved in a disagreement with the umpires or opposition in front of the players - speak to them quietly after the game.
Always endeavour to ensure that team supporters behave in a manner that supports the players, umpire and the objectives of Tee-Ball.
ONLY team coach can approach the umpire.
BASE COACHES
Support the decision of the Umpire at all times. If you are asked for an opinion, give it honestly.
If you have a query, remember it must be made through your team coach only.
Encourage your players throughout the game.
Everyone to Wear suitable attire (eg closed in shoes not thongs or sandals).
WEMBLEY TEE-BALL ASSOCIATION www.tbawa.org.au/wembley
The Wembley Tee-Ball Association is made up of elected office bearers and representatives of each club called delegates. Normally, if you would like to have any matter considered by the Committee, you should discuss it with your club’s committee, which will include the delegate to WTBA and the club should forward to WTBA on their clubs letterhead. You are of course welcome to contact any member of the WTBA Committee for general advice.
OFFICE BEARERS
President : Tracey Honeycutt 0414 647 249
Vice President : Behnaz Abdollahzadeh 0430 787 611
Treasurer : Rachel Eagar 0406 511 947
Secretary : Sue Lothian 0412 718 883
Registrar : Mick Kontoolas 0438 758 446
Assist Secretary/Treasurer Toby Bird 0411 727 579
Chief Coach: Sue Lothian 0412 718 883
Chief Umpire : Trevor Naulls 0419 760 105
TBAWA Delegate : Tracey Honeycutt 0414 647 249
TBAWA Delegate: Trevor Naulls 0419 760 105
Property Officer: Charles Honeycutt 0414 647 249
State Champs Coordinator Tracey Honeycutt 0414 647 249
CLUB DELEGATES
Balcatta Alan Burman 0400 214 772
City Beach Andrea Lam 0433 124 164
Stirling Apache Aaron Beeson 0427 562 429
Woodlands Sue Lothian 0412 718 883
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