SOUTHERN SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF, INC
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SSAD BY LAWS AND RULES
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Incorporated at Atlanta, Georgia in 2003 RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE S.S.A.D Established by 12/01/02 Last Revised by 04/19/2003 Table of Contents ARTICLE 1- NAMEARTICLE 2- OBJECTIVESARTICLE 3- TERRITORYARTICLE 4- MEMBERSHIPARTICLE 5- HOUSE OF DIRECTORS (DELEGATES)ARTICLE 6- MANAGEMENTARTICLE 7- DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERSARTICLE 8- COMMITTEEARTICLE 9- CONDITIONS OF COMPETITIONARTICLE 10- COMPLAINTSARTICLE 11- DUES AND EXPENSESARTICLE 12- REGIONAL TOURNAMENTARTICLE 13- SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT RULESARTICLE 14- ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY RULESARTICLE 15- INVITATION TOURNAMENTARTICLE 16- HALL OF FAMEARTICLE 17- ATHLETE OF THE YEARARTICLE 18- DISSOLUTIONARTICLE 19- AMENDMENTSARTICLE 20- FINES AND SUSPENSIONSARTICLE 21- PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING SOUTHERN SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF, INC. ARTICLE 1 -NAME Section 1.1 This organization shall be known as the Southern Softball Association of the Deaf, Inc. (hereafter referred to as this Association of the SSAD.) Section1.2 The association is incorporated under the Georgia Non-Profit Corporation Act.
ARTICLE 2 -OBJECTIVES The objectives of this Association are: Section 2.1 To foster and improve athletics throughout its territory in accordance with the standards and under the rules prescribed by the National Softball Association of the Deaf (NSAD) and the United States of America Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF). Section 2.2 To protect and promote the mutual interests of its members. Section 2.3 To institute, regulate and reward athletic championships of this Association. Section 2.4 To select teams to represent this Association at the National tournaments.
ARTICLE 3 - TERRITORY Section 3.1 The territory under the jurisdiction of this Association shall be composed of the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee (except the city of Memphis), west Virginia and Virginia (except North Virginia Club of the Deaf). Section 3.2 North Territory consists of the following: Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina Section 3.3 South Territory consists of the following: Alabama, Georgia, and Florida
ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP Section 4.1 The membership of this Association shall be limited to clubs of the deaf. Section 4.2 A club shall have at least 15 members, a set of by-laws, hold regular meetings and elect officers to conduct the business of the club. Section 4.3 Independent Club (without 501c3) is subject to a $100.00 dollar fee. ARTICLE 5 – HOUSE OF DIRECTORS (DELEGATE) Section 5.1 Every member club of this Association shall appoint one delegate to represent their member club at the meeting of the Board of Directors. Such delegates must be members in good standing of member club. A representative shall not represent more than one club and another member club’s team during the current SSAD tournament. Section 5.2 The past Presidents, past Delegates at Large and past Softball Commissioners are entitled to be a delegate at large at the meeting of the Board of Directors. Section 5.3 Delegates shall be fined for being late at a meeting of the Board of Directors. (Refer to Section 21.7) Section 5.4 The delegate’s form must be handed to the Secretary at a meeting of the Board of Directors. Section 5.5 Participating member clubs not represented by a delegate at the meeting of the Board of Directors shall be fined. (Refer to section 21.6) Section 5.6 The meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held prior of the tournament day. Section 5.7 No alcohol beverages allowed in all meetings. Section 5.8 The SSAD Secretary-Treasurer shall send a notice and time for the meeting; the minutes of the previous meeting; an unaudited Treasurer’s report; the officers’ reports and mailed all papers that Softball Commissioner prepared for the brackets and copies of the signed registration forms. Section 5.9 The SSAD Secretary-Treasurer shall send within 60 days after the annual tournament, the minutes of the meeting and the results of the tournament to the delegates who were present. Section 5.10 At the meeting of the Board of Directors, the order of business shall pertain only to subject of softball depending on the type of the tournament held at the time of the meeting. The following shall be the order of business: 1. Call to Order 2. Roll call of Officers and Delegates 3. Report of the tournament host club chairperson 4. Report of the upcoming SSAD tournament host club chairperson(s) 5. Report of the following year’s tournament host club chairperson 6. Reading of minutes 7. Reports of the Executive Committee 8. Reports of Committees 9. Unfinished business 10. New business 11. Selection of the future annual SSAD tournament host 12. Election of the officers 13. Announcements 14. Adjournment
ARTICLE 6 - MANAGEMENT Section 6.1 The management of the affairs of this Association shall be vested in a Board of Directors composed of the player representative, delegates at large and the elected officers who shall have power to make such decisions as it deems necessary for the betterment of this Association. Section 6.2 The Board of Directors shall elect a Softball Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Secretary/Treasurer to serve a two (2) year term starting as of September 1st of the odd-numbered year of the election and terminate on August 31st two years later. Section 6.3 Officer’s Oath. "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of Southern Softball Association of the Deaf, and will do the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and By-Laws of the Southern Softball Association of the Deaf, I do." Section 6.4 The Executive Officers shall be composed of the Softball Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Secretary/Treasurer.
ARTICLE 7 - DUTIES AND POWER OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Section 7.1 To admit to membership any club eligible under these rules and regulations applying thereof, they deem it proper. Section 7.2 To return any regulation forms, delegate authorization forms, and/or membership application that are found to be lacking information, to the member clubs for correction. Section 7.3 To remove from office by a two-third (2/3) vote of Board of Directors, any member of the Executive Committee who, by neglect of duty, or by conduct tending to impair usefulness as a member of such committee, shall be deemed to have forfeited his/her position on the committee. Section 7.4 The office of any officer who moves or lives out of the SSAD region for thirty (30) or more days shall be declared vacated and the Executive Committee shall fill the vacancy. Section 7.5 To fill any vacancies in the Executive Committee occurring from any cause. Section 7.6 To collect the dues and funds of this Association and to expand the same. Section 7.7 To explain, define and interpret provisions of the Rules and Regulations of this Association upon request of a member club. Section 7.8 Copies of all correspondence of official nature shall be sent to each member of the SSAD Executive Committee at all times. When the correspondence deals directly with the NSAD as well, the Administrative Board of that body shall also be included. Section 7.9 Any person who is in good standing of a member club shall be eligible to run any office of the SSAD.
Section 7.10 The SSAD Softball Commissioner shall: Section 7.10.1 Presides at the meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Officers. He/she shall perform such other duties pertaining to the office of Softball Commissioner. The office of the Softball Commissioner shall be served a term of 2 years and is eligible for re-election. Section 7.10.2 Prepare brackets for the tournament to the officers of this Association and to all the member clubs fifteen (15) days prior to any meeting of the Board of Directors. Copies of the signed registration forms will be sent only to those member clubs participating in the annual tournament. Section 7.10.3 Be in charge and preside at the coaches meeting whenever he/she deems a necessary Section 7.10.4 Inspect and approve the facilities 1-year before a tournament date. Section 7.10.5 Select Head Statistician with the approval of Tournament Director to help him/her maintains vital statistics relating to the SSAD tournament. The statistician shall receive expense accounts as agreed by SSAD Board for service rendered. Section 7.10.6 Enforce the rules of competition of the tournaments. Section 7.10.7 Is responsible for printing up bracket pairings for the host club to use during the drawing before tournament dates... Section 7.10.8 Shall work with the Tournament Director who has a complete knowledge of the Rules and Regulations of the softball tournament. Will make a full report to the Softball Commissioner. Section 7.11 The SSAD Deputy Commissioner shall: Section 7.11.1 Has power to perform the duties of the SSAD Softball Commissioner in the absence or inability of the latter to act. He/she shall select a committee of three (3) persons to serve on Auditing Committee and also select a committee of three (3) persons to serve on Law Committee. Section 7.11.2 Serves as the Chairperson of the Law Committee. Section 7.11.3 Select 3 auditors for SSAD Financial Report... Section 7.11.4 Be responsible for printing of score sheets and statistic paperwork regarding said tournament and hand over the some, within 60 days following the end of the tournament, and will be responsible for updating and maintaining all records of the tournaments. Section 7.10.5 Shall make a checklist paper for all coaches for team to check the list of do’s for the club team. Section 7.10.6 Cannot play at the SSAD Tournament. Section 7.11.7 Be a co-chairman of All-Star Selecting Committee with Softball Commissioner and be responsible for updating and maintaining all the records of the tournaments. These records will be published in the program book and the SSAD Newsletter. Section 7.11.8 Will be responsible for the printing of special ballot sheets for selecting the All-Star. Section 7.11.9 Oversee the SSAD Hall of Fame proceeding as guided by his/her adherence to the Rules and Regulations under ARTICLE 19. He/she shall report and outline plans for the Hall of Fame Banquet at the annual softball meeting. The Hall of Fame inductions shall take place during the annual softball tournament. Section 7.11.10 Bring a camera to take several pictures of the championship teams and send them to the NSAD. Post the pictures in the SSAD Website and include the highlights of games. Section 7.11.11 Send to host camera-ready sheets of Hall of Fame list, records and any other materials for the tournament program books. Section 7.12 The SSAD Secretary-Treasurer shall: Section 7.12.1 Keep the record of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, conduct all official correspondence, issue notice and time of the meetings of the Board of Directors, keep a complete copy of records of all meetings and athletic events held under the auspices of this Association. Section 7.12.2 Receive all the monies of this Association and shall pay all bills approved by the SSAD Softball Commissioner with the knowledge of the Executive Officers. Section 7.12.3 Deposit all the monies to the credit of the SSAD, Inc. in an interest bearing savings account and/or checking account in a bank of his/her residence city. Section 7.12.4 Submit and turn over to the Auditing Committee all monies, accounts, books, papers, vouchers, records, receipts, bank books, and statements pertaining to his office and shall turn them over to his/her successor after the election within 45 days. Section 7.12.5 Is bonded by a reputable bonding company subjected to approval of the Executive Officers. Section 7.12.6 Supply the Secretary of the NSAD the names and addresses of the newly elected officers of the SSAD within 10 days of the election. Section 7.12.7 Mail the annual SSAD affiliated Clubs Directory to all members clubs. Section 7.12.8 Receive an annual expense account of $150 dollars for services rendered. .Section 7.12.9 Send the member clubs sponsoring a team, copies of completed roster forms fifteen (15) days before the tournament date. Section 7.12.10 Make reports to prepare, write, edit and print the SSAD Website. Section 7.12.11 Shall be prepared all of the SSAD’s financial reports and compiled by CPA-approved financial accounting software. Section 7.12.12 Fiscal Year of the SSAD - The fiscal year of the SSAD shall be from January 1 to December 31.
ARTICLE 8 - COMMITTEES Section 8.1 The Auditing Committee shall audit and examine the accounts of the SSAD Secretary-Treasurer and reports its finding to the Board of Directors during the SSAD tournament. Section 8.2 The Law Committee work on By-Laws. The Deputy Commissioner shall appoint the other two members to the committee. Section 8.3 The Hall of Fame Committee shall be composed of two members. The Deputy Commissioners shall be chairperson of the committee and shall appoint the other two persons to the committee. Both appointed persons must reside in the territory of the SSAD (pertaining to the Section 3.1). Section 8.4 The All-Star Committee shall be composed of 5 members. Section 8.5 Other committees as the SSAD Softball Commissioner. shall appoint deemed necessary.
ARTICLE 9 - CONDITIONS OF COMPETITION Section 9.1 The conditions of competition in and the rules governing any athletic tournament given by this Association shall be those prescribed in the Rules and Regulations of the NSAD. Section 9.2 Copies of all inter-club communication pertaining to the SSAD matters concerning competition shall be made for all members of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE 10 - COMPLAINTS Section 10.1 Any club or member making a complaint against another club or an individual must submit the complaint in writing to the Secretary-Treasurer and must send a copy of complaints to the Executive Committee and to the club or individual against whom the complaints is made. Section 10.2 The SSAD Secretary-Treasurer shall investigate the alleged complaints. The expenses of such investigation shall be paid from this Association treasury; and accused member club or individual is to reimburse this Association of the amount spent. In the event that the accused member club or individual is cleared of such complaints, the member club which requested the investigation shall be required to reimburse this Association for the full amount spent within 30 days. Section 10.3 Any complaint related to a tournament made by a club team during the tournament shall be investigated and resolved by the Softball Commissioner immediately.
ARTICLE 11 - DUES AND EXPENSES
Section 11.1 Every
member club shall pay annually of a Twenty-Five ($25.00) fee to SSAD
Secretary-Treasurer on or before March 1st
Section 11.2 The host club shall provide transportation and hotel lodging (three nights) expenses for the officers of this Association. This Association and the member host club sponsoring the regional tournament will limit the fare to .30 cents a mile by for officers residing within 400 round trip miles of the tournament city and the lowest air-fare(within 21 days of advance) for others. The SSAD officers shall hand in their airfare or travel expense receipts (duplicate or copy) to the Host Chairperson upon arriving at Tournament site. Section 11.3 This Association shall reimburse the Softball Commissioner of this Association or his/her alternate, an officer in the next order of rank, for fifty (50%) percent of the transportation costs he incurs up to the cost of the lowest round trip fare upon of receipt(s) reflecting the mode of transportation to attend the NSAD Board of Directors meeting. This Association shall reimburse the SSAD Officer for a limit of hotel lodging or five (5) nights and a limit of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for meals for five days in the NSAD Tournament City.
ARTICLE 12 - REGIONAL TOURNAMENT Section 12.1 BIDS FOR FUTURE TOURNAMENT Section 12.1.1 Host Clubs shall be determined by a bidding system according to the two-(2) divisions established for the SSAD territory. Section 12.1.1.1 North Division consists of the following: Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina. Section 12.1.1.2 South Territory consists of the following: Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Section 12.1.2 The SSAD clubs shall submit their bid at the annual meeting 2 years before the tournament date of their territory. Section 12.1.3 A member club bidding for the future SSAD tournament shall have been a member of the SSAD at least 2 years. Section 12.1.4 The member club must have a team at least 2 years to be a qualified bidder. If no qualified club bids for the hostship, any member club may bid. Section 12.1.5 The 2 divisions will alternate hosting the annual SSAD softball tournament. The SSAD club bidding from the hosting division with the highest ballot vote shall be awarded the said tournament. The Board of Directors will vote at the annual meeting by secret ballot. Section 12.1.6 The member club granted the tourney bid shall pay a fee of $200 dollars payable to the SSAD Secretary/Treasurer with club letterhead immediately. Section 12.1.7 In the event of HOST MEMBER CLUB withdraws prior to its tournament; the hostship fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be FORFEITED to the SSAD. Any club who wins the bid and then decides to drop the hostship, gives the SOFTBALL COMMISSIONER full authority to find a club that is capable of the hostship. The Hostship, who won the bid, must pay the hostship fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) in full within two years of their host date. Section 12.1.8 The Softball Commissioner will inspect the host city’s Facilities in one (1) year advance. Transportation and hotel expenses shall be paid on an equal 50-50 basis by the club and the SSAD. Section 12.2 REGISTRATIONS Section 12.2.1 The annual SSAD tournament shall be open to all the active SSAD member clubs desiring to participate. The SSAD Secretary shall send 3 players’ registration forms to each club. (Men’s, Women’s and 1 Coed’s). Section 12.2.1.2 All Men, Women, and COED teams are required to go to SSAD Tournament as follows: If there are: 3 or more SSAD Men teams that wish to participate in the NSAD tournament 3 or more SSAD Women teams that wish to participate in the NSAD tournament 3 or more SSAD Coed teams that wish to participate in the NSAD tournament
If there are: 1 or 2 SSAD Men teams, these teams can bypass SSAD Tournament and go to NSAD tournament 1 or 2 SSAD Women teams, these teams can bypass SSAD Tournament and go to NSAD Tournament 1 or 2 SSAD Coed teams, these teams can bypass SSAD Tournament and go to NSAD Tournament Section 12.2.2 The registration forms including all financial requirements must be postmarked on or before 3rd Monday of June and be sent to the SSAD Secretary by CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL. Failure to abide by this rule shall result in a fine Section 12.2.2 The registration forms including all financial requirements must be postmarked on or before 1st Day of June and be sent to the SSAD Secretary by CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL. Failure to abide by this rule shall result in a fine (revised by 03/26/04) Section 12.2.3 Each team shall prepare all lists of the typed names of players on a white sheet to send the host club for program book. Section 12.2.4 A flat rate of fifty ($50.00) dollars per team shall be paid to the SSAD Secretary-Treasurer as the team’s registration fee, regardless of the number of players who signed up (twenty ($20.00) dollars for SSAD and twenty five ($25.00) dollars for NSAD). Section 12.2.5 The fee for each member of the team for Softball team shall be pay twelve ($12) dollars each. Six ($6.00) dollars from the men’s fee to the SSAD neb’s representing team in the National Tournament, Six ($6.00) dollars from the Coed’s fee to the SSAD Coed’s team representing team in the National Tournament from Coed’s fee or Six ($6.00) from the women’s fee to the SSAD women’s representing team in the National Tournament. Four ($4.00) dollars to the SAAD treasury and Two ($2.00) dollars shall divide equally for 2nd and 3rd place in the respective division. Section 12.2.6 A SSAD club shall be included a guarantee of one hundred-fifty ($150.00) dollars as bond. This bond shall be returned if team participates. If the team fails to participate, the bond of one hundred-fifty ($150.00) dollars shall go to SSAD. Section 12.2.7 Distribution of Fans registration of twelve ($12.00) dollars. Six ($6.00) dollars will go to the SSAD treasury; one ($1.00) dollar will go to the SSAD Website; one ($1.00) dollar will go to the Hall of Fame Fund; and four ($4.00) dollars each Men, Women and Coed team will go to the representative teams going to the National Tournament ( NSAD). Note: If there is no COED and Women team participates, two ($2.00) will go to 2nd place for men team. Section 12.2.8 No player may register with more than one member club team. If a player signs a second registration form, this player automatically is suspended from all NSAD competition for a period of two (2) years from the date of the second signature. Section 12.3 REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS Section 12.3.1 The annual SSAD softball tournament shall be held annually on the 3rd weekend of June. A weekend shall be either Friday or Saturday or Saturday and Sunday if necessary. The tournament date is subjected to approve by the Executive Officers. Section 12.3.2 Such approved date shall be announced one (1) year in advance. Section 12.3.3 Such tournaments shall be in the complete charge a committee appointed by the host club. Section 12.4 METHOD OF DRAWING Section 12.4.1 Pool Play seeding for the softball tournament shall be limited to top 4 teams from the previous year tournament. All other teams shall be drawn from a hat starting from the top to bottom of the diagram. Section 12.4.2 The bracket diagrams shall be designed and made by the Official Softball Association. Section 12.4.3 The Play Pool system and Double Elimination system shall be used at the SSAD softball tournament. Section 12.4.4 Pairings shall be drawn by lot of the SSAD Softball Commissioner and two (2) persons appointed by the SSAD Softball Commissioner during the Coach Meeting before the Tournament. Section 12.4.5 The host club shall announced a timetable of the tournament to the Tournament Director. Section 12.4.6 The Softball Commissioner shall notify the participating team coaches of the results of the Pool Play drawings and time of the games 15 days prior to the annual SSAD tournament. Section 12.4.7 Once such annual SSAD tournament pairings have been made, approved, and announced, no changes whatsoever may be made in the diagram. Section 12.5 TOURNAMENT HOST CLUB Section 12.5.1 The Executive Officers shall review itemized ticket information including registration fees and individual ticket prices set by the host club at least six (6) months before the annual SSAD Softball tournament. The host clubs to any SSAD club without at first getting approval from the Executive Committee may not distribute flyers with itemized prices. Once approved, the amounts shall not be changed. Section 12.5.2 The host club shall remit to the SSAD of registration fee of twelve ($12.00) dollars for each fan combination ticket sold. The fee shall be included in the price of such fan tickets. Section 12.5.3 The SSAD officers shall pay only registration fees and they shall receive passes for all functions. Section 12.5.4 The Delegates, Delegates at large and the SSAD Hall of Fame members shall receive passes to all events including the program book for $27.00 dollars. Twelve ($12.00) dollars shall go to the SSAD. These passes shall be good all functions except the banquet if one held is held. Section 12.5.5 17 passes to any Softball tournament (at the special rate of $10.00 dollars each) shall be given to rosters each team. Team passes shall be available only to rosters of the team listed on the NSAD Player Registration form. EXTRA roster pass shall be $20.00 dollars each. These passes shall be good for all functions except the program book and the banquet if one is held. Section 12.5.6 The host club shall present awards to the following: Based on Men’s, Women’s and Coed’s team entries: The first four places
Section 12.5.7 The host club shall properly engrave the awards as follows: 1. Number of annual tournament and name of the sports tournament . Section 12.5.8 The host club shall provide the official scorekeepers, to keep score during the annual softball tournament. The host club shall be responsible for compensating the scorekeepers for their time. The SSAD Softball Commissioner shall approve the official scorekeepers. Section 12.5.9 Should the host club fail to appoint the scorekeepers; the Softball Commissioner shall present a list of names to the Executive Committee for approval. The host club shall then remit to each official scorekeeper $10.00 dollars per game. Section 12.5.10 All softball balls shall be 12 inches-MPF 47 with blue (USSA Certified) or red (ASA Certified) stitch for men’s and COED men. 11 inches-MPF 47 with either blue (USSSA Certified) or red (ASA Certified) stitch for COED women. Blue (USSSA Certified) or Red (ASA Certified) Stitch will be determined by the host club. (announcement on www.ssad.net homepage for special message regarding legal and illegal balls coming soon) Added by 4/20/04) Section 12.5.11 Each participating team shall provide a new and a good condition used ball for each game. Section 12.6 EMERGENCIES, DAMAGE, and BAD CHECK & INSURANCE Section 12.6.1 All SSAD member clubs shall be responsible for the physical condition of the members of their teams during the tournament games. Any unforeseen accidents or mishaps to players during the tournament games will be the liability of such member club sponsoring the team. The SSAD, the NSAD, USADF, and the host club shall not be held liable for any injury whatsoever to. Section 12.6.2 All participating team members shall sign a waiver and release form before participating in the annual SSAD tournaments. In case of failure to sign, no team member shall be eligible to participate in any SSAD tournament games. Section 12.6.3 Should any club whose name appears on a delegate form or on the registration form of a participating team in an annual SSAD tournament fail to pay a hotel bill or write a bad check that club shall be suspended for a period of 1 year. Upon proof of payment of the delinquent bill to the hotel, or the bad check(s) made good, all suspensions shall be lifted. SSAD shall not be responsible for fan bills. Section 12.6.4 All participating players, coaches, and managers are recommended to be covered by their club teams or their personal insurance for any and all injuries or claims suffered by them.
ARTICLE 13 - SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT RULES Section 13.1 All tournament game rules and regulations other than the ones specified in these Rules and Regulations of the SSAD and of the NSAD shall be follow either the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). United States Slo-pitch Softball Association (USSSA) or National Softball Association (NSA). Section 13.2 All games in the annual SSAD softball tournament shall have 2 umpires recognized, championship games are required to have 3 umpires recognized, and certified by the ASA , the USSA or the NSA and shall be paid by the host club. Section 13.3 Each field must have a backstop, outfield fence lights for night games and a high fence to ward off foul balls to protect the spectator area. There shall be at least 4 fields. Section 13.4 All players and the first and third base coaches of each shall wear shirts and caps of the uniform color design. Players shall have a number on back of shirts of at least 6 inches. Shorts and/or pants may be worn as long as they are of the same design and color. For female players, caps are optional. Section 13.5 All games shall be seven (7) innings or 70 minutes however a game shall be concluded when a team has at least a twenty (20) run lead after four (4) complete innings, a twelve (12) run lead after five (5) complete innings or for and a half five and half (5 ½) innings if the home team leads by this margin. Only the Championship game(s) may not have time limit, no home run limit and no run limit. Section 13.6 There shall be limit of twenty (20) players on each team. Manager(s) and coach(es) may play and will be counted in the limit. Section 13.7 Additional rules regarding games of the annual SSAD tournament shall be determined at the annual of the Board of Directors. Section 13.8 In case of inclement weather during the first 2 days of the SSAD tournament, the 10 run rule shall be enforced after the start of the 2nd inning. In case of inclement weather during the 2 days (either FRI & SAT or SAT & SUN if necessary) of the SSAD softball tournament causes cancellation of all games, the Softball Commissioner of this Association shall call a special meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall vote on by majority and decide which teams shall select to represent the SSAD at the National Tournament.
ARTICLE 14 - ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY RULES Section 14.1 All Athletic Eligibility shall not conflict with the NSAD’s rules and regulations. Excepted noted in Section 17.2. You are allowed to have up to 3 free agents but one must be from each category. Category 1 – At least 40 years old ; Category 2 – 5/10 member ( a player who has played for the same region for 10 years in a row and the same team for 5 years in a row ); Category 3 – any free agent. Section 14.2 The players who are students must include a letterhead or email from his/her institution; if no letter, he/she cannot participate. Section 14.3 No zone players defines as participants from Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland can play SSAD or EAAD territory. Section 14.4 No zone territory shall be Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland. ARTICLE 15 - INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENTS Section 15.1 Any SSAD club desiring to sponsor an invitational (NSAD sanctioned) tournament shall present its plans and objectives and remit one hundred ($100.00) dollars to the SSAD Secretary-Treasury at least 1 month prior to the scheduled date of the invitational tournament. Fifty ($50.00) dollars shall go to the SSAD and the fifty ($50.00) dollars shall go to the NSAD. Section 15.2 All rules and regulations of the invitational tournament must follow the NSAD’s rules and regulations (NSAD By-Laws Article 8). Section 15.3 If the sponsoring club cancels the invitational tournament, the sanction fee of the $75.00 shall not be returned. Section 15.4 During the fourteen-(14) days before the SSAD tournament, SSAD club shall not host any deaf tournaments. Hearing league, playoff games or another region’s club tournament is expected. ARTICLE 16 - HALL OF FAME Section 16.1 INTRODUCTION - The purpose of the SSAD Hall of Fame is to honor deaf persons who have performing exceptionally in the territory under the jurisdiction of the SSAD as players, coaches, managers, leaders and/or writers. Section 16.2 RESPONSIBILITIES - The Hall of Fame Committee shall screen and prepare all nominations, handle all ballots, announce the results, and control and oversee the annual Hall of Fame Ceremony. The Hall of Fame Committee shall also keep all nominations, photographs and other related materials permanently in files. These files shall be passed on to their successors. Section 16.3 TIMETABLE - The Hall of Fame chairpersons shall mail sketches of nomination leftover from previous years and one blank nomination form of each category to the electors and the member clubs before the SSAD Softball tournament. The electors and the member clubs may send in new nominations or update the existing information on the sketches before October 30th. The biographies and the blank ballots shall be mailed to the electors before December 20th. The marked ballots shall be returned to the chairperson before February 20th. The chairperson shall notify any newly elected Hall of Fame members on or before April 1st. Section 16.4 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION - Candidates for the Hall of Fame may be nominated by the member clubs of the SSAD and by Hall of Fame electors with exceptions of the Hall of Fame committee members. It shall be the responsibility of the nominator to supply all supporting material. However, if the chairperson has addition facts available, it shall be his/her responsibility to enclose the information with the nomination. The nominator’s name shall not be disclosed. Candidates will be nominated on the basis of outstanding leadership, outstanding performance, and/or exceptional contribution to sports, and sportsmanship. No consideration will be given to race, religion, creed, sex or geographical residence. No candidate shall be nominated to or be electors in more than 2 categories. Categories and criteria for each are as follow: a) Players must have played at least 7 years with the SSAD. Section 16.5 PROCEDURE - The Hall of Fame Committee shall screen all nominations and on the basis of the criteria, select not less than 3 or more than 5 nominees who meet the highest standards. In category, that shall be left off the ballot. A summary of each nominee’s qualifications, not to exceed 300 words, shall be prepared and these shall be mailed with ballot. If a nominee is not elected in 5 consecutive years, his/her name shall be deleted form the leftover list. Section 16.6 ELECTORS - The electors shall be as follows: the Executive Officers, all past SSAD presidents, and Hall of Fame members. Section 16.7 VERIFICATION OF BALLOTS - The ballots shall be counted, the results tabulated, and they shall be sent to the 4 members of the Hall of Fame Committee for verification. Ballots and a copy of the tabulations shall be sent to the SSAD Secretary-Treasurer before the chairperson makes any announcements of the winners. After a period of 6 months, the SSAD Secretary-Treasurer shall destroy the ballots. Section 16.8 POINTS - Electors may note for up 3 candidates in each category on a scale of 5 points for 1st choice, 3 points for 2nd choice, and 1 point for 3rd choice. Section 16.9 MINIMUM POINTS - To be elected to the Hall of Fame, a candidate shall receive 70% of the total points of electors put in no case may this be less than 70% in the event, no candidate receives the minimum 70% of the ballots, there shall be no selections in that category. Section 16.10 AWARDS - All newly elected Hall of Fame members shall receive a standardized plaque as memento of their induction. Such memento shall be paid for from the Hall of Fame Fund. Section 16.11 CEREMONY - The ceremony shall be held at every annual SSAD softball tournament either at the banquet, the ballroom or before the championship game. Section 16.12 HALL OF FAME FUND - Newly elected Hall of Fame shall receive one night of hotel/motel and the registration fees. The Hall of Fame fund shall be used to pay these expenses. ARTICLE 17 – ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Section 17.1 Although the award of Athlete of the Year does not enshrine the person in the Hall of Fame Committee shall assume responsibility for the nominations and balloting of this annual award. The same electors shall serve. Section 17.2 INTRODUCTION – There shall be an annual Athlete of the Year award given to the deaf person who has brought the most national or international acclaim to deaf athletics. No consideration shall be given to race, religion, creed, sex or geographical residence. A person may win this award more than once. He/she must reside in the territory of the SSAD. Section 17.3 TIMETABLE – Request for nominations shall be mailed before the 4th weekend of August. Nominations are to be returned by screening committee before September 30. Ballots and biographies are to be mailed before December 20th. Deadline for returning ballots is February 20th. Winner shall be notified by April 1st. Section 17.4 PROCEDURES – The same procedures as for the Hall of Fame shall be followed. No minimum number of points is required for election. Section 17.5 CEREMONY – The Athlete shall receive a different plaque. The ceremony shall be held immediately after the Hall of Fame inducted ceremony. Section 17.6 HALL OF FAME FUND – Athlete shall receive one (1) night of hotel/motel and the registration fee. The SSAD Hall of Fame Fund shall be used to pay these expenses.
ARTICLE 18 - DISSOLUTION Section 18.1 In the event of the dissolution, the residual assets of the organization will be turned over to one or more organizations which themselves are exempt as organization described in Section 501 C (3) and 170 c (2) of the Internal revenue Code if 1954 or corresponding sections of any prior of future law, or to the Federal, State, or Local government for exclusive public purpose. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this corporation will not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by: (a) a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 C (1) if the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 on the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law or; (b) a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 c (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or any other corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue. Said Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, the making of distributions to organizations to organizations that quality as exempt organization under Section 501 C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United State Internal Revenue Law. ARTICLE 19 - AMENDMENTS Section 19.1 Amendments to Rules and Regulations shall be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Law Committee at least sixty (60) days prior to the Board of Directors Annual Softball meeting. Passage of an amendment shall require a two-third (2/3) of vote. The Law Committee may also propose amendments. Section 19.2 The chairperson of the Law Committee will send copies of the proposed amendments to all SSAD clubs at least thirty (30) days prior to a meeting of the Board of Directors. Section 19.3 Amendment(s) proposed at the tournament meeting of the Board of Directors shall be referred to the Law Committee for action at the next tournament meeting of the Board of Directors. Section 19.4 Within 30 days of enactment, the chairperson of the Law Committee shall send to each member club a listing of all approved amendments. Section 19.5 Law Committee shall recommend an effective date.
ARTICLE 20 – FINES Section 20.1 Club Membership applications form mailed to the Secretary-Treasurer after mailing deadline date. $ 50.00 Section 20.2 Signed player roster forms mailed back to the SSAD Secretary-Treasurer not Certified or Registered. $ 10.00 Section 20.3 Scratch off or white out names on the roster form. $25.00 each names Section 20.4 No clubs secretary signature on the roster form. $10.00 Section 20.5 Bad checks (bounced) from member club. $ 30.00 Section 20.6 No delegate to represent team at the Board of Directors meeting $10.00 Section 20.7 Delegates arriving late at the annual Board of Directors meeting $5.00 Section 20.8 Unsportsmanship conduct by any club, player or delegate during tournament, (Clubs are to be held responsible for the conduct of their players and delegates) Up to $100.00 Section 20.8.1 Any players who are involved in physical confrontations during the tournament weekend shall be suspended for one (1) year. Section 20.9 In violation of uniform code rules by any players, coaches, and managers. 1st offense = $10.00; 2nd offense = $25.00; 3rd offense = $50.00 and suspended from the tournament Section 20.10 Any other violations. From $5.00 up to $200.00
ARTICLE 21 – PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Section 21.1 Robert’s Rule of Order, Newly Revised, shall be referred to as the Parliamentary Authority of all meetings of the SSAD. |