PLAYERS AND TEAMS
- Player Eligibility – All men (50+) and women (40+) are eligible to play provided they attain the minimum age anytime during the calendar year of the current season. When required, proof of age must be furnished (Driver’s License, Passport, or other recognized picture ID). Former players which have been suspended in any previous season, for any reason, must request reinstatement from the THCSSL Board of Directors. All players must complete applicable registration forms prior to participating in any THCSSL activity.
- Annual Team Formation (Draft) – Teams will be formed each season via a drafting procedure in the attempt to promote competitive equality. The draft will be held on a date to be determined each year using the previous season ratings for returning players and after the scheduled skill assessment session for new players. The drafting protocol will be determined each season by the number of teams to be formed. Once selected, each player must play the current season for the drafting team, unless officially released by the team manager and approved by the THCSSL BOD. The released player may not join another team during the current season unless approved by the BOD.
- Team Rosters/Participation – Maximum active team rosters will be 12 players. Should all active team rosters reach the maximum roster size, the THCSSL reserves the right to form an additional team and adjust the playing schedule accordingly for the remainder of the season.
- In-Season Player Additions (Summer or Winter League) – Once all teams have at least 11 players, priority for placement of new players will be replacement of injured/inactive roster players, provided the appropriate paperwork has been submitted to the THCSSL president or representative. These “free agent” players will be assigned on a “first in, first out” basis and the fee will be pro-rated based on the number of games left in the season.
- Injured/Inactive Players – In order to be placed on “Inactive/Injured” status, both player and manager must sign the appropriate paperwork (or email) and submit same to the BOD for approval. Only after the necessary paperwork is completed shall the injured/inactive player’s team be eligible to replace the subject player. If the subject player wishes to be reinstated during the current season, he/she may request reinstatement. Once reinstated, the subject player will be reassigned by the Player Evaluation Committee based on teams’ roster needs and competitive balance. Team managers who return from the injured/inactive status may return to their original team.
- Player Skill Assessment – Players joining the league for the first time must complete a skill assessment prior to the annual draft, or prior to team assignment if joining in-season at the discretion of the Player Evaluation Committee. The skill assessment will consist of batting (5 swings), fielding & throwing (5 chances at position of player’s choice), and base running. Each skill will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5 by the team managers and BOD present at the session.
- End-Of-Season Player Ratings – At the end of each season, team managers will rate all players on his team. These ratings will be submitted to the BOD President who will compile average ratings for use in the next season’s draft.
- Player Fees – Player fees for each playing season shall be based on anticipated costs (caps & jerseys, playing & practice fields rental, umpire & scorekeeper fees, administrative & operating, etc.). Individual player fees will be due & payable before the Annual Team Formation Draft. Team managers will not issue player uniforms until the fee is paid. If a player opts to withdraw before the first game of the season, a full refund will be given. Thereafter, a player refund will be given only in the event of a season-ending injury, according to the following schedule, if & when the jersey & cap are returned in useable condition: 100% – before game two, 50% – before game 5, 0 – after game 5.
PLAYER CONDUCT
- Alcoholic beverages or smoking inside the Sports Complex fence is not permitted as per City of Kerrville ordinance. Any player or manager observed drinking or smoking within the confines of the playing field or the dugout will receive a warning. If the warning is ignored, the offending player will be ejected from the game and is required to leave the premises. Additional offenses by the same player will result in suspension for the remainder of the season.
- Vulgar or offensive language will not be tolerated and will result in a warning or ejection (depending on the severity) from the umpire. After a warning has been issued, continued misconduct will result in ejection and the player is required to leave the premises.
- Throwing the bat in anger or a careless manner will result in a warning and then ejection if it happens again, and the player is required to leave the premises.
- Throwing a punch at another player will result in immediate ejection and may result in expulsion for a calendar year. The ejected player is required to leave the premises.
- Arguing with the umpire will result in a warning and continued misconduct will result in ejection from the game and the player is required to leave the premises.
- After any game in which a player has been ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, the head umpire will discuss the ejection with the THCSSL president, who will make a report and recommendation to the THCSSL board. The board will determine if further action of up to a lifetime suspension is justified and notify the offender of the decision in writing. The offender may appeal the decision within 90 days.
- When the team is at bat, the only players allowed outside the dugout are the batter, on deck batter, and two base coaches. Any other players outside the dugout will result in a warning to the manager. A second offense will result in a team OUT, and a third offense in the same inning will result in a second team OUT. Any player that is ejected will automatically receive a one game suspension.
- Continued violation of the THCSSL Playing Rules may result in disciplinary action by the ethics committee.