Portage Junior Miss Softball, Inc.General RulesThe follow special rules and regulations shall apply to all in-town league and division play withinthe Portage Junior Miss Softball, Inc. All other rules and regulations shall be in accordance with thecurrent official N.S.A. Rules Book.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Registration and Eligibility 3A. DivisionsB. FundraisingC. PitchingD. Fall BallSection 2: Code of Conduct 6A. PJM “Code of Conduct” AcknowledgementB. Disciplinary ActionSection 3: Managers/Coaches Responsibilities 9A. Keeping Order in the LeagueB. Manager SelectionC. Manager ExpectationsSection 4: Player/Team Responsibilities 11A. Team ResponsibilitiesB. UniformsSection 5: Teams Draft & Practices 13A. Player DraftsB. Open DrawC. Practice Dates and Times

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Section 6: Scheduling and Rescheduling 15A. Scheduling/ReschedulingB. Make-up GamesSection 7: Weather Safety Guidelines 16

Section 8: League Standings 16A. StandingsB. AwardsSection 9: Concession Stand/ Umpires 17A. Concession StandB. UmpiresSection 10: All Stars 18A. All Star TeamsB. All Star ManagersSection 11: PJM Elite Travel Teams 20A. PJM Elite Managers/CoachesB. PJM Elite EligibilityC. PJM Elite TryoutD. PJM Elite Tournaments/PracticesE. PJM Elite Playing TimeF. PJM Elite UniformsG. PJM Elite CostsH. PJM Elite FundraisersI. PJM Elite Other ProvisionsSection 12: Liability 24

Section 13: Board of Director Position Definitions 25

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Section 1: Registration and Eligibility

1. Players can reside anywhere within the State of Indiana to register and play for PJM.2. Registration, player fees and fundraising fees will be set and voted upon by the PJM Board on anannual basis.3. No refunds will be given after player drafts.4. All ages are as of December 31st of the prior calendar year. This excludes Little Tykes.5. The Board will review/approve/deny all Hardship applications on an individual basis. Allhardship cases are required to fill out a form requesting assistance, if approved, parents arerequired to volunteer a minimal of 10 hours in the concession stand and/or with the equipmentrepresentative to offset the cost.6. All Players must be registered and all player registration fees paid in full to be eligible toparticipate in the current season player draft.7. Players are required to register online or in person on an annual basis at the PJM pre-seasonregistration events.8. In the event of an Insufficient Fund Check (NSF), PJM will issue a registered letter to theparent/guardian of the player.9. Late registrations will be accepted in accordance to PJM Rules and Regulations. There will be alate registration fee ($25.00) assessed to each player after open registration is closed. (ExcludingSenior Division- June 1st Deadline). In the event of late registration (post draft), the player isplaced on the next team identified in the draft order.10. No player in any division will be allowed to participate if pregnant.11. No umpire/ manager/coach/team mom will be allowed on field during game play or practice ifpregnant.12. Players participating in high school softball are not eligible to participate in practice or gameplay until the conclusion release from their end of high school team season.

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13. All Managers, Coaches, Participants who fail to turn in, money, equipment, or other PJMproperty as required by the prescribed date will be subject to suspensions and/or fines asdetermined by the PJM Board.14. Any player that is defined as a travel ball player is eligible to register and play on a PJM teamwithin its division with the exception of any PJM All-Star team. Travel Ball Players are in-eligible totry out for All Stars.15. Travel Ball Players must indicate on registration form if they are a Travel Ball Player.16. For players requesting move up to next level division, a formal written request form must becompleted by the parent or legal guardian of the player and provided to the Player Coordinatorprior to the move and prior to the Player Drafts. The Portage Jr. Miss Softball Board of Directorswill have final decisions on move up. (Forms can be found of the PJM Website) March 1st deadline17. Players may play down with the approval of the PJM Board.There must be a concern about the player’s ability to perform within an age division.There is a concern about the wellbeing, both physical and mental of the player.There is a concern about the safety of the player in question or the safety of other playerswithin the age division the player is in.There must also be consideration of the division the player will be placed within prior to movingsaid player down. A formal written request form must be completed by the parent or legalguardian of the player and provided to the Player Coordinator prior to the move and prior toPlayer Drafts. The Portage Jr. Miss Softball Board of Directors will have final decisions on moveup. (Forms can be found on the PJM Website)18. Player Ride Share Rule: One (1) ride share player request can be made in the Little TykesDivision and Gingham division only! Junior through Major Division ride share request will beconsidered and noted, but not a guarantee. Each player must list the name of the other player whoshe will be riding with on his or her application. (No Pitchers from same division can requestanother Pitcher ride share from same division)19. All parents/legal guardians/players 18 and older have the right to request one refusal of amanager with a valid reason and completed form turned into player coordinator, which can befound on the PJM website. Written refusal must be made prior to March 1st.

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A. PLAYER DIVISIONS

Little Tykes: 4 yrs old by June 1st of current year; 5 & 6 yrs old by December 31st of prior yearGingham : 7 & 8 years old by December 31st of prior yearJuniors: 9 & 10 years old by December 31st of prior yearMinors: 11 & 12 years old by December 31st of prior yearMajors : 17 years old by December 31st of prior yearSeniors: 18 years of age and olderB. FUNDRAISING

1. Parent or legal guardian of the registered player(s) acknowledges registered player(s)participates will be required to participate in PJM Annual Fundraising that is set by the Portage Jr.Miss Softball, Inc., Board of Directors on an annual basis.2. All fundraising money is to be due by a date set by the Portage Jr. Miss Softball board ofdirectors on an annual basis.3. Parent or legal guardian, acknowledges and understand that if the fundraising money is notturned in prior to the date set by the PJM Board of Directors. The registered player(s) will be in-eligible to play until all fundraising money has been turned in.4. Parent or legal guardian of the registered player(s) acknowledges if participate player(s) signsup late after Opening Day a $100.00 fee per participate ($200.00 family max) fundraising fee willbe assessed to the registration fee costs.5 . Raffle Tickets: If the annual fundraiser is selling raffle tickets: Fundraising fees cannot be paidonline by credit card due to gaming commissioner rules. Raffle Fundraiser money shall be paidand made payable to PJM by Check, Money Order, Cashier Check or paid by cash on the dates setby the PJM Board of Directors.6. Parent or legal guardian of the registered player(s) acknowledges that if check is returned NSFall fees/money owed to PJM must be paid in Cash, Money Order or Cashier Check, and the Player(s) below will be ineligible to play until all fees and NSF fee have been paid in full.

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C. Pitching

1. Players are considered Pitchers if they have pitched in ten or more innings in previous season.2. Refusal to pitch: Parent and/or Legal Guardian of player must complete a Refuse to Pitch Form ifthey do not want their player participate to pitch during the current season. (Form can be foundon the PJM website).3. Parent and/or Legal guardian of the player understands that player will be ineligible to pitchduring any of the current regular season games, tournaments and/or All Stars play. Form must

be completed and provided to the Player Coordinator prior to Player Drafts and prior to

March 1st.

D. Fall Ball

1. Fall Ball is open to any travel or recreational ball teams.2. As per IHSAA rules, no more than 5 players from the same High School team.3. Fall Ball player may only register for one team.4. Players may sub for another team in same division or up but must play outfield and bat last.5. Fall Ball uniform must be worn or travel ball team uniform.Section 2 Code of Conduct

A. PJM “Code of Conduct” Acknowledgement:1. All Players and parents, guardians, managers, coaches, and board members shall be required toacknowledge the PJM “Code of Conduct” prior to being permitted to participate in any regularseason, post season, all-star or elite game play. An electronic version of the “Code of Conduct” willdelivered via e-mail during online registration and will serve as acknowledgement of receipt for allindividuals.

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2. PORTAGE JUNIOR MISS SOFTBALL, Inc hereinafter (PJM) seeks to enhance the physical, mental,and emotional well-being of every child that takes part. It is PJM’s express goal that every playerwill be a better citizen, and have a greater chance for success in future endeavors, as a result oftheir softball experiences at PJM. As such, PJM expects the highest degree of sportsmanship fromits members. In keeping with this philosophy, the following Code of Conduct has been adopted tobetter promote fairness, teamwork, good citizenship, sportsmanship, responsibility, and respectamong the members of the Portage Junior Miss Softball.Players will learn these values by the examples they see from those around them, and to this end,the following rules will be strictly enforced:

Verbal abuse of an official, manager, coach, player, or spectator, including obscene gestures,will not be tolerated. The offender will be removed from the PJM fields at the discretion ofan umpire or PJM board member. Softball is a game of interpretations, and as a result, disputes will occur from time to time.However, it is important that players learn respect. All disputes that are taken up with theumpire will be handled in a civil manner. Only the manager/coaches of the team mayinitiate such discussions with an umpire. The manager/coach will conduct themselves withdecorum and once the umpire has made his/her final ruling, the manager will make nofurther field protest. Managers/Coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players andfans. All discussions will be held in conversational tones. Under no circumstances will amanager, coach, fan, or player yell at an umpire, coach, fan, or player. The lone exception tothis rule is when a coach or player shouts to another coach or teammate during the courseof a play as part of that play. Profanity is expressly forbidden at all times at the PJM complex. Alcoholic beverages and the use of illicit drugs are prohibited at all PJM Complex. PJM Complex is a non smoking facility - Use of any tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaporinhalers, or other devices that present the appearance of smoking is prohibited once insidethe PJM main entrance gate. (Smoking will only be allowed in the designated area: Outsideparking lot and 8ft away from PJM main entrance gate to the field)

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B. Disciplinary Action:

1. First Offense: Upon the reporting of a first offense by an individual, the PJM Board of Directors,at a minimum, will provide a written warning to the offender, detailing the consequences of futureinfractions. Depending upon the severity of the infraction, nothing precludes the PJM Board ofDirectors from banning a repeat offender from all PJM activities, including, but not limited to,practices and games, for a period of time deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.2. Second Offense: The Board of Directors may institute a wide range of penalties for repeatoffenders, beginning with the second offense, as deemed appropriate by the Board. Such penaltiesinclude, but are not limited to: ⦿ Suspension from all manger/coaching activities for a prescribedperiod of time. ⦿ Ban from participating in all PJM activities for a set period of time or number ofgames. ⦿ Severe violations can result in suspension from all PJM activities for the remainder ofthe current season or tournament. The PJM Board of Directors may choose to apply any of thepenalties prescribed for a second offense. In the most extreme of circumstances, the PJM Board ofDirectors may hold a meeting to determine whether or not the individual should be permanentlybanned from all future PJM activities. The individual in question must receive a letter of such ahearing at least one week prior to the meeting, and must be given the opportunity to speak at themeeting.3. Immediate Expulsion: Written/Verbal/Physical Abuse –Written/ Verbal/Physical abuse of anofficial, manager, coach, player, or spectator will result in immediate expulsion from the PJM fieldsat the direction of an umpire or a PJM board member. Anyone expelled for this reason may notreturn to the PJM fields or participate in any PJM activity until the PJM Board of Directorsapproves. Any parent, manager, coach, fan, player, or umpire who has been suspended or bannedfrom league activities may petition, in writing, to the Board of Directors for a review of the penalty.The petition should be delivered to the league president, and the PJM Board of Directors will meetas soon as reasonably possible to consider the petition. The aggrieved parties will have theopportunity at the meeting to present their appeal.

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Section 3: Managers/Coaches Responsibilities

A. Keeping Order in the League:

1. Board members may be used in any capacity to help the league.2. Violation of league general rules and playing rules will be subject to the disciplinary action ofthe Board.3. If any manager, coach, player, fan, or umpire exhibits inappropriate behavior, any member maysubmit a written complaint. If the complaint is valid, appropriate action will be taken against theperson, up to and including being banned from the Portage Junior Miss Complex.4. Any player, fan, spectator, coach, or manager that is ejected from a game must leave the fieldplaying area. The ejected person must go to the PJM parking lot and remain at least 30 feet awayfrom playing field area including the fence line. If the ejected person continues to displayunsportsmanlike conduct, he/she will be asked to leave the PJM complex immediately. If theperson refuses, the Portage Police Department will be contacted and the ejected person will bebanned from PJM for 1 full calendar year.5. PJM Playing rules supersede any other sanctioned rules. (NSA rulebook will govern anythingnot covered in the league rules)6. Inappropriate behavior toward an umpire will result in Board action against the person.Incidents must be reported within 48 hours.7. No Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Mopeds are allowed to park inside the playing area of thecomplex. (i.e. Sarah’s Park, Dugouts, etc.) Parking is only allowed in the designated parking areas.8. PJM Complex is a non smoking facility - Use of any tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaporinhalers, or other devices that present the appearance of smoking is prohibited once inside thePJM main entrance gate. (Smoking will only be allowed in the designated area: Outside parking lotand 8 ft away from PJM main entrance gate to the field/complex)9. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at any time during practice, regular season games,scrimmage games, or tournament play.

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10. No animals (dogs, cats, etc) are allowed inside the PJM Complex. Exception: Trained servicedogs, and dog must be on a leash and be accompanied by handler only at all times.B. Manager Selection

1. The Board will approve managers for all team. Managers will be subject to a background checkprovided by PJM. Managers are also required to have all completed paperwork filled out bytheir coaches and team moms and turned into the PJM Board.2. When we have more manager applications than teams available; managers from previous yearwill have a team, if Board approved.3. Manager from their division has first option, and then managers from another division will bechosen by experience, and then coaches from the league. All managers must be Board Approved.4. Any team left without a manager must be filled by a manager draw from a pool of eligiblecandidates, if any exist5. Managers will select 2 coaches (at least 18 years of age) to assist in the direction and training ofplayers. The board must approve said coaches. They cannot pick their coaches until after theplayer draft.6. Any complaint or misbehavior of the manager and/or coaches of the team will constitute ahearing by the board.7. Managers will give their legible lineup to opposing team and the home plate umpire prior to thegame. Only the players listed on the lineup will be allowed to play. All players are eligible on a re-scheduled game. Late players may enter the game up until the top of the second inning.√ Players Last Name and Shirt # shall be displayed on the lineup.√ Division Name and Team # shall be displayed on top for both Home/Visitor Team√ Pitchers Last Name and # shall be noted or circled and indicate inning pitched.√ Official Final Score and date of Game shall be listed for both Home/Visitor Team

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8. The Home Team Manager is responsible for the Official Scorebook for both home team andvisitor team.9. Managers will be responsible for the return of equipment to the Equipment Rep, or an availableBoard member, at the end of each season.10. Any Manager that has been issued PJM equipment from the prior year season that has not beenreturned and/or damaged cost fee unpaid will be ineligible to manage/coach in any division andplayer(s) are ineligible to participate.C. Manager Expectations1. Managers and its Coaches will sign a manager code of conduct form and will abide by each of therules. Any manager or coach who violates the rules and/or philosophy will cause that individual tobe excluded from all future positions of responsibility with PJM.2. Manager or coach from each team must attend a clinic offered by PJM. This is a mandatory clinic.Managers that do not attend this clinic will not be permitted to manage. If a manager cannotattend due to work, they must send a coach in their place.3. Verbal abuse of an official, manager, coach, player, or spectator, including obscene gestures, willnot be tolerated. The offender will be removed from the PJM fields at the discretion of an umpireor PJM board member.4. Softball is a game of interpretations and as a result, disputes will occur from time to time.However, it is important that players learn respect. All disputes that are taken up with the umpirewill be handled in a civil manner. Only the manager/coaches of the team may initiate suchdiscussions with an umpire. The manager/coach will conduct themselves with decorum and oncethe umpire has made his/her final ruling, the manager will make no further field protest.5. Managers/Coaches will refrain from complaining about perceived bad calls to players and fans.6. All discussions will be held in conversational tones. Under no circumstances will a manager,coach, fan, or player yell or use profanity at an umpire, coach, fan, or player. The lone exception tothis rule is when a coach or player shouts to another coach or teammate during the course of aplay as part of that play.

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Section 4: Player/Team Responsibilities

A. Team Responsibility

1. Each team must have at least one adult female, at least 18 years of age at all practices andgames. An adult female must stay with her team until an authorized person has picked up all girls.EFFECT: Ejection from the game or next game if at a practice.2. Home teams dugout is the 3rd base dugout for regular games, no exceptions. Home team will bedesignated at the time schedules are drawn up.3. Each team is responsible to rake the infield and clean out their dugout and bleacher area afterEVERY GAME prior to leaving the complex. PENALTY: Division Rep will assign forfeit of a futuregame and/or a scheduled clean up.4. All team members must remain in the dugout unless they are the on deck batter or base coach.Any base coach (18 & under) must wear a batting helmet while coaching a base and will not beallowed to make any trips to the mound to talk to the pitcher5. Catchers MUST wear all full gear anytime they are catching for a batter during practice, duringwarm-up, or during an official game. PENALTY: Catcher and manager or coach responsible will besuspended from a future game.6. All pitchers, 1st base, and 3rd base players must wear a face mask during games and practices.7. All league players MUST wear a batting helmet whether they are the batter or the runner duringa practice or a game.8. Any girl who has missed scheduled games because of an injury serious enough to warrant adoctor’s visit must turn in a doctor’s release form before she will be allowed to play. The releaseshould be turned in to the division rep and then forwarded to the PJM Player Coordinator. No girlmay play with a hard cast even with a doctor’s release.

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B. Uniforms

1. Players must wear black baseball/softball style only pants. (Pants will not be supplied by PJM).2. Players/Coaches must wear supplied uniform team T-shirt to be able to participate on gamedays.3. Supplied uniform t-shirt cannot be altered by any player or coach exception only: names may beadded to the back of the shirt.4. Player shirts must be tucked in during game play.5. Jewelry of any kind may not be worn in any games or practices. No Exceptions.6. No metal cleats allowed.Section 5: Teams Draft & Practices

A. Player Drafts

1. All registered players will be placed in a draw each year to be selected by the division managers.2. Sisters in the same division will play on the same team, if registered before the draw, unlessotherwise specified by their parents. Exceptions will be determined by the Board3. Managers or coaches are not compelled to have their daughters on the same team that they aremanaging or coaching.4. Trades will be allowed at the end of draw with a 15-minute time limit per division. Parity doesnot apply during trade(s).5. No player may sign up after June 1st or placed on a team from a player pool after this date.6. After the team draw, if any late players have signed up or on waiting list will be added tothe next team to maintain the same number of players per team. If any player quits or does notshow to any practices or games you must notify your division rep immediately to receive areplacement player.

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B. Open Draw

1. Each manager will draw a number to determine his/her position in seating for team draw. Uponseating & each manager will draw another number to determine his/her position for pitcher’sdraw.2. The first choice will be made by the #1 team and so on; until the last team has chosen then theorder will reverse. EXAMPLE: 8 team division: first round draw begins with #1 and ends with #8.3. All eligible registered players in each division will be listed by age and in alphabetical order. If agirl is a pitcher or was on the All Star team the previous season, this will also be shown.Elite/Travel Ball will also be shown. Pitchers will be the first draw. Remainder of draw forgingham, juniors, minors, and majors, will be an open draw. Once a team reaches thepredetermined parity number for an age group, that age group is closed to that team until all otherteams reach parity in that age group. After all teams are at parity any player left in their divisionmay be drawn.4. Little Tykes will be an open draw.5. A manager can draft any player they want unless that player has refused that manager atregistration. This will be marked on the master sheet (player coordinator copy) and the managerwill be notified privately.6. Each manager will have 2 minutes max to make their selection.C. Practice Dates and Times

1. Managers will indicate and complete a form on their preferred day for practices at draft day.2. The “Official Practice period” begins April of the season year. The PJM board of directors mayalter the practice period at its discretion.3. Practices are limited to no more than (5) hours per week during the regular season, fromopening day until the last game. No practices will be held at the PJM fields once regular season hasbegun. Unless Board approved.

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4. PJM practices are to be held at the designated practice locations. Any team practices or activitiesheld outside of the locations not provided by PJM; and therefore, liability will be at theresponsibility of the parents unless these locations are approved by PJM each year6. Managers of Little Tykes through Majors are required to have at least 1 practice per week ifteam has two games or less.Section 6: Scheduling and Rescheduling

A. Scheduling/Rescheduling

1. The starting times, dates, and field locations will be as listed on the official league schedule.2. Makeup/Rescheduled game dates, locations, and times will be determined by the PJM Board ofDirectors. Managers must notify the Player Coordinator who will assign the first available date. If ateam cannot make the rescheduled game date and time, the game will be considered a forfeit bythe team who is unable to participate.B. Make-Up Games

1. All rescheduled games will be played on a priority basis and re-scheduled in a sequence if at allpossible. Player Coordinator will then notify umpire-in-chief, the teams involved, and theconcession manager as to the date and time.2. Games will not be rescheduled for any other reason than:a. Nature (rain, lightening, etc)b. School Events (that are counted for a grade) (4 or more players must be absent)

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Section 7: Weather Safety Guidelines

1. Before the game, it is at the board discretion for a decision to call the game.2. During the game, it is the umpire and/or board member discretion to call the game.3. If lightening is seen, players will come off the field for fifteen minutes. Play can resume oncethere has been no lightning for a full fifteen minutes.4. If lightening is seen during the waiting period, then the waiting period starts over.5. If there is another sighting of lightning within that fifteen minutes- the game will be rescheduledor will be official as per playing rules.6. Little Tykes only- no practice or games if temperature is 50 degrees or below.Section 8: League Standings

A. Standings:

1. All games must be played.2. In the event of a two-way tie for first place in any division, there will be a one-game playoff todetermine the clear winner. This game will be scheduled by the Player Coordinator.3. In the event of a three-way tie, there will be a three team round robin with each team playingeach other, the clear winner determined as the team who collects two victories.4. PJM In House Tournament – Division Standings will determine the team placement intournament draw.

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B. Awards:

1. Participation awards will only be given to Little Tykes, Gingham, and Junior divisions.2. The number of team awards will be based on the number of teams per division. For divisionswith 3-6 teams, awards will go to the first and second place teams only. For divisions with 7 ormore teams, awards will go to the first, second, and third place teams.3. Home Run awards will be presented to player participant in which hit a home run ball that goesover the fence and was pitched by a player. *Only one award per girl per season. (Home Runawards are excluded from Elite Teams, All Star Teams and Senior Division).Section 9: Concession Stand/Umpires

A. Concession Stand:1. Concession Stand Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the concession stand.Responsibilities will include ordering concessions, assigning workers and overseeing alloperations monies of the stand.2. A separate checking account will be used for the concession stand.3. Concession Stand Manager shall sign an annual self employed independent contract each year.B. Umpires1. Umpires are considered and construed as Self Employed Independent Contractor and are notemployees of PJM, a not-profit corporation. Umpires are self employed independent contractorsusing PJM as a procurement and assignment office. (See IRS rules and regulations)2. Umpires accepts and solely assume all risk of damages, injury, including death, incurred orsuffered while umpiring and therefore hold harmless, release, discharge and agree not to sue PJMand/or the PJM Board of Directors designated herein, to their owners, officers, agents, servants,associations for any claim, damage cost or cause of action may have or may have in the future hasresult of injuries or damages sustained or incurred while umpiring at PJM.3. Umpires will wear proper umpire attire.

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4. Any time lost during a game in excess of 5 minutes (at umpire’s discretion) because of manager,umpire conferences, rules interpretations, injury, weather, etc. will be added to the playing time.(Umpire will confer with the official scorekeeper on time lost.)5. Any abusive language toward umpires in which is reported within 48 hours will result in themanager being suspended for one game for their first offense and removed from their position ontheir second offense.6. Home plate umpire will confirm with official scorekeeper time the game begins and ends. Timeswill then be entered into the official scorebook.7. In the event of a “Rain Out” before the game begins, the umpire will receive $5, unlessnotification was made prior to arrival. If notification is made prior to umpire arrival there will beno pay. If the game starts, but cannot be completed umpire will receive ½ pay. In the event of aforfeit, umpire will receive $5.8. Umpires will turn in completed scorecard to the concession stand.Section 10: All-Stars

A. All Star Teams

1. All Stars Divisions will be determined and approved each year by the PJM Board.2. All Star player cost will be determined each year by the PJM Board.3. All girls will abide by the managers and coaches rules during a tournament.4. Any player who misses 1 tournament or 3 practices without a legitimate reason may be droppedfrom the team, with Board approval.5. All Star Age Groups are as follows:a. 8U who played in Gingham Division during season (Limited with PJM BoardGuidance)b. 10U 9-10 years oldc. 12U 11-12 years oldd. 14U 13-14 years olde. 16U/18U 15-17 years old (TBD)(Excludes players on Senior Team)6. A girl can be a member of only one All Star team. Players that were roster on a travel ball rosterand travel ball team are ineligible for All-Stars.

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7. Any girl who quits All Stars after committing to a team will be ineligible to All Star election thefollowing season.8. All Star teams must have a minimum of 11 players, but not to exceed 12.9. Any girl who does not play a minimum of 1/3 of regular season games, (excluding High Schoolteam members), with PJM is ineligible for All Stars. (If because of injury, Board will review.)10. All Star practices held at the PJM complex. Practice times and field location will be scheduledthrough the Player Coordinator.11. All Star teams will be chosen based on tryouts, player performance, and managerrecommendations.12. Any registered PJM Player can try out for the PJM All Star team. Player must complete a signedapplication and code of conduct and be present at tryouts, unless otherwise approved by the PJMBoard due to unforeseen circumstances.13. The All Star manager will select his/her team after the tryouts are complete.B. All Star Managers

1. All Star managers must have at least 2 years of experience as a PJM manager or coach, unlessboard approved.2. At Player Drafts, Division Managers will be asked if they would like to be considered for theupcoming season All Star Manager position; The Player Coordinator will then take down themanager names that would like to be considered for the All Star manager. The PJM Board ofDirectors will then meet to discuss the list of potential All Star Managers 2 weeks prior to the AllStar tryout date; The PJM Board of Directors will then vote on the selected managersfor eachdivision based upon the coach's experience, conduct, feedback from parents and from othercoaches. The division representative will then advise his/her division on who has been selected asthe All Star manager.3. All Star tournaments and tournament paid by PJM will be determined by the Board each year.4. All Star Teams may request fundraising permission through the Board for All StarTournaments/Events. Upon their approval, it is to be brought before the Board of Directors.5. All funds raised must be accounted for on a received and deposited basis, and any surplusmonies must be turned over to the Treasurer and re-entered into the General Account.

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6. Funds raised will be allowed to accumulate and be held in the general treasury of the League.When the All Star season (last tournament played) is over those funds will revert back to theleague as a whole. The accumulated funds will rollover to the following All Star Season. All StarManagers must within 7 days of last tournament turnover any excess funds to the league treasureralong with all receipts.7. All Stars Managers and its Coaches will sign a manager code of conduct form and will abide byeach of the rules. Any manager or coach who violates the rules and/or philosophy will cause thatindividual to be excluded from all future positions of responsibility with PJMSection 11: PJM Elite Teams

A. PJM Elite Managers

1. PJM Elite Manager volunteer application shall be submitted to the President or the VicePresident of the league on or before July 1st in order to be considered for the volunteer PJM Elitefor the next season. The Volunteer Manager application is open to anyone who is affiliated withPJM or has no affiliation with PJM and/or PJM player.2. PJM Elite teams Managers will be approved by the PJM Board3. The PJM Elite teams will not draw on additional league funds. PJM Elite team sponsor proposalswill be reviewed and approved by the executive board, to avoid conflicts with PJM supporters andsponsors of previous years.4. A written proposal by the PJM Elite Managers shall be submitted to the board at the first boardmeeting after the try out. The board will provide the minimum requirements that will have to beincluded in that proposal, tournaments, practices, etc.5. PJM Elite Team managers will fill out a finance record form provided by the league for all teamfinancial activities and meet all of the league treasurer deadlines for those forms. Managers whodo not comply with the boards requests will be immediately removed from their position withtheir PJM Elite Team and Regular Season Team. At no time will extra monies raised by the teamsbe given to coaches, managers, parents or players to cover personal expenses, hotels, gas etc.

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6. PJM Elite “Team Awards” will be turned over to the league President or other board membernot involved with that team before that team will be allowed to participate in another tournament.Failure to do so will be considered theft of league property and appropriate action by the leaguewill follow7. Any complaints regarding any manager or coach will be heard by the president or vice president8. PJM Elite Manager and Coaches will sign a manager code of conduct form and will abide by eachof the rules. Any manager or coach who violates the rules and/or philosophy will cause thatindividual to be excluded from all future positions of responsibility with PJM.10. Exemplary behavior is expected of all managers and coaches when engaging in any type ofactivity representing PJM Softball. This includes the following behavior but is not limited to thislist of stipulations:a. To be a model of good sportsmanship for both teams, other managers/coaches, umpiresparents and spectators.b. Vulgar or abusive language at any softball activity is prohibitedc. The use of alcoholic beverages before or during a softball activity is prohibited11. PJM shall conduct criminal background checks to ascertain my fitness for this position.B. PJM ELITE ELIGIBLITY

1. PJM Elite Tryouts is OPEN to any female who resides within the State of Indiana2. PJM Elite Divisions will be determined by the PJM Board on an annually basis.3. PJM Elite Players are considered players of Portage Jr. Miss Softball4. No Refunds will be issued to any PJM Elite Player that quits the PJM Elite team and will beineligible to try-out the following year for season.5. Any PJM Elite player or parent that makes a conscious decision to disrupt the activities of thePJM ELITE TEAM, (i.e. quit, stop going to practice, or not show up at tournaments) will forfeit thatsaid player’s eligibility for the PJM Elite try out the following season. Any illness or injuries will bebrought to the attention of the board and handled on a case-by-case basis

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6. PJM Elite Players are not guaranteed a team spot each year.10. PJM Elite Players may play in regular spring season play and will be considered and treated asan Elite/Travel Ball Player.C. PJM Elite Tryout

1. Open tryouts will be held annually in early August for PJM Elite teams2 PJM Elite team divisions will be determined yearly by Board.3. If a player cannot attend the tryout on the date scheduled by the PJM Elite Manager it is yourobligation to arrange and have a tryout with that that Manager. However, please be advised thatthe Elite manager DOES NOT have to provide a separate tryout for your daughter nor will he/shebe required to do so. You are not guaranteed a tryout if you miss the scheduled tryout date. Pleasecontact the PJM Elite Manager if you need to schedule an alternate tryout:4. PJM Elite Manager will be allowed up to take up to a maximum of 12 Players on each Elite Teamto make offers to players on the PJM Elite Team and shall be made shortly after tryouts are held.We encourage you to address any concerns that you have about the Elite team in advance.D. Elite Tournaments/Practices

1. PJM Elite team season will begin in August and will end mid to last weekend in July.2. Practices will be determined by the PJM Elite Manager and PJM Board of Directors.3. PJM Elite Teams will participate in approximately 10 + tournaments. Tournaments will bedetermined by the Elite Manager.4. If a player and/or its parents cannot commit to be available on weekends for games andpractices, please DO NOT have her tryout for the PJM Elite Team.E. PJM ELITE PLAYING TIME

1. Elite teams will compete in tournaments that are competitive and therefore guaranteed playingtime cannot be expected by any player on an Elite team.

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F. PJM ELITE TEAMS UNIFORMS

1. PJM Elite Teams uniforms and spirit wear will use the PJM Elite logo.2. PJM Elite Teams uniforms will be the same for each Elite team.G. PJM ELITE PROGRAM COSTS

1. PJM Elite player costs will be determined on an annual basis. All payments shall be madepayable to PJM.2. PJM Elite players are considered players of Portage Jr. Miss Softball and each of these playerswill pay its annual PJM player member registration fee by and through its Elite fee costs. Player feewill be determined on an annual basis by the PJM board of directors.3. The PJM Elite Agreement will be provided to the parents, prior to committing to the team. Theagreement will cover the program costs and player expectations.4. Once an offer is accepted and the PJM Elite and Commitment is signed and returned to the PJMElite Manager. PJM will require a commitment fee of $200.00 which will go towards the PJM ELITEPlayer Fee by and no later than the 2nd weekend in August. This payment is non-refundable.5. Once committed to the PJM Elite team there will be no refunds given or issued.6. Portage Jr. Miss Softball will pay the following fees for each of the PJM Elite teams⦿ 1 Sanction Fee⦿ Team Insurance⦿ PJM Fallball⦿ PJM Wednesday Night Travel league (TBD each year)H. PJM ELITE TEAM FUNDRAISERS1. Will be determined by the PJM Elite Manager and PJM BoardI. OTHER PJM ELITE PROVISIONS1. Portage Jr. Miss Softball Board of Directors reserves the right to change/modify at any time theabove PJM Elite information in (Section 11: A thru H)

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Section 12: LIABILITY

A. WAIVER OF LIABILIBITYIn consideration of being allowed to participate in any way for Portage Junior Miss Softball, Incand its related events and activities, at Portage Junior Miss Softball Inc, the registered player,parents, legal guardian acknowledges and understands the risk of injury from the activitiesinvolved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death,and while particular skills, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk ofserious injury does exist; and,The registered player, member parent, KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, bothknown and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others,and assume full responsibility for my registered players participation; as PJM does not carry

Secondary Insurance.HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS Portage Junior Miss Softball their officers,directors, officials, agents, other participants, , sponsors, and if applicable, owners and lessors ofpremises used for the activity ("Releases"), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY,DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property associated with my presence or participation,WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullestextent permitted by law.

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Section 13: PJM Board of Directors PositionsWill be composed of not less than (5) persons which includes the President, Vice President,Secretary, Treasurer and Player Coordinator. These Board positions are listed in the PortageJunior Miss by-laws and cannot be changed without revising the transaction of business of theleague will be listed in these Portage Junior Miss General Rules. Board positions may changeannually by affirmative vote of a majority of the PJM Board. If a board member relinquisheshis/her duties (i.e., resigns, quits, and/or is terminated) he/she will not be eligible to run for anyposition for the next term election year.PRESIDENT1. The President will preside at all meeting, (conducted under “Roberts Rules of Order” as revisedby The Board), of the membership or board and he or she shall also be an ex-officio member of allcommittees, except nomination.2. It will be the President’s responsibility to administer the rules, policies and principles of PortageJr. Miss Softball.3. The President will supervise the appointment of all committee members selected by The Boardexcept the Nominating committee, who shall be selected by The Board.VICE-PRESIDENT1. The Vice President will assist and will act as president in his Absence.2. The Vice President will act as parliamentarian and attend all meetings, give recommendationsand counsel.3. He should also attend all Division Representatives meetings.SECRETARY1. The Secretary or someone appointed by Secretary shall keep Minutes of all meetings of themembers and of the board of directors, and of the executive committee, and shall preserve inbooks of the corporation true minutes of the proceedings of all such meetings.2. He or she shall safely keep in his or her custody the seal of the corporation and shall haveauthority to affix the same to all instruments where its use is required.3. He or she shall give all notices required by statute, by-law or resolution.4. He or she shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to him or her by The Board or bythe executive committee.

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TREASURER1. The Treasurer receives all monies for the League and deposits in in the name of Portage Jr. MissSoftball League in a bank chosen by The Board.2. He or she will keep an account of receipts and disbursements and Maintains financial records. Alisting of income and expenses must be submitted at the first Meeting of the new board.3. He or she will give a written report monthly to The Board and complete annual reports to beavailable for inspection at each annual sign up.4. He or she will make available a copy of income and expenses to any member upon writtenrequest and with at least 10 day notice at member’s expense.5. He or she will prepare the League budget and discuss it with The Board. The office of theTreasurer is required to be bonded.PLAYER COORDINATOR1. Responsible for selecting all league teams and members.2. He/She will be responsible for notifying the Portage Junior Miss Softball’s Board of Directors ofthe team members’ additions and/or deletions.3. The Player Coordinator will conduct a meeting with the managers during the months of Marchor April for the purpose of a player draft.4. Player Coordinator shall at all times inform each of the PJM Executive Board and the PJMDivisional Rep of the name, telephone number, date of sign up, whether paid or unpaid of playerson waiting list for each division.5. Additional responsibilities include:a. Listing of pertinent information including all player, team, sponsor, gameschedules/scores, etc.b. All information for website must be discussed with the Board before submission towebsite.c. The Coordinator must inform the President of the website password.

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TOURNAMENT REPRESENTIVE1. This representative will coordinate activities of the travel and All Star teams.2. He/She will coordinate all League hosted tournaments.3. He/She will conduct managers’ meetings and discuss matters needing committee action.4. He/She is responsible for arranging workers league hosted tournaments.3. He/She is responsible for providing financial statements directly to the board for alltournaments.Little Tykes/Gingham/Junior/Minor/Major/Senior Division Representatives1. Will coordinate activities on the teams and field level of his/her division.2. He/She will conduct managers meetings and discuss matters needing committee action.3. He/She will coordinate the year-end divisional tournaments.4. Each Divisional Representative is responsible for the maintenance of their field to include butnot limited to mowing, dragging, lining, garbage, etc.5. Each Divisional Representative at the end of regular season shall turn over to the ExecutiveBoard and Player Coordinator a complete copy of name of the players in their division who pitchedmore than 10 games to be eligible for the next pitchers draft.6. Each Divisional Representative shall turn over to the Board a complete copy of the names andbrief explanation of the managers/coaches who they received complaints upon during their dutiesat the end of the regular season.7. He/She shall be present to issue team awards for its division (i.e. banquet, tournament)DIRECTOR OF UMPIRES1. Will arrange for all umpires.2. Conduct umpire meetings and training, and will consult and oversee all umpiring skills inconjunction with Portage Junior Miss Softball rules.3. He/She will also be responsible for scheduling of umpires.EQUIPMENT REPRESENTATIVE1. Will be responsible for all equipment owned by the League.2. He/She will be in charge of distributing said equipment to managers of League.3. He/She will advise Board of equipment needs and conditions at all times.4. Equipment Rep shall provide to the Board signed “equipment agreement”

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UNIFORM REP/ PUBLIC RELATIONS / FUNDRAISING1. Will be responsible for the ordering and disturbing of all League uniforms at the beginning ofseason.2. He/She will take charge of Portage Junior Miss newsletters.3. He/She will be responsible for any and all advertisements of Portage Junior Miss activities, i.e.signups, promotions, etc.4. He/She will contact local newspapers and advise of League status.5. He/She will take and maintain order of said sponsorships to the League.6. He/She will coordinate, arrange, and distribute league fundraising and activities that PortageJunior Miss conducts.8. He/She will conduct meetings and discuss matters needing committee action.9. He/She is responsible for fundraising activities.10. This representative will coordinate activities for all fundraising activities.11. He/She will coordinate, arrange, and distribute league fundraising and activities that PortageJunior Miss conducts.12. He/She will conduct meetings and discuss matters needing committee action.13. He/She is responsible for providing fundraising financial statements directly to the BoardFIELD AND GROUNDS SUPERVISOR1. Will be responsible for the field and grounds maintenance.2. He/She will be responsible for, but not limited to the following:a. Be responsible for the League grounds at all times.b. Coordinate times/schedules for individuals working on League grounds.c. Coordinate with division reps for the maintenance of the fields and grounds.d. Report to the Board at all times, the condition and improvements needed of Leaguegrounds.