Bylaws & Policies

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Haltom City Little Miss Kickball

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to protect the Corporation's interests when it is considering a transaction, arrangement, or decision that may benefit the private interest of a director, officer, committee member, or other person in a position of substantial influence over the Corporation. This policy is intended to supplement, not replace, applicable federal and Texas law.

2. INTERESTED PERSON

An “Interested Person” is a director, officer, or member of a committee with Board-delegated powers who has a direct or indirect Financial Interest, as defined below.

3. FINANCIAL INTEREST

A person has a Financial Interest if the person, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:

• has an ownership or investment interest in an entity with which the Corporation has a transaction or arrangement;
• has a compensation arrangement with the Corporation or with an entity or individual with which the Corporation has a transaction or arrangement; or
• has a potential ownership, investment, or compensation interest in an entity or individual with which the Corporation is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.

A Financial Interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. A conflict exists only if the Board or appropriate committee determines that a conflict exists.

4. DUTY TO DISCLOSE

An Interested Person shall disclose the existence and material facts of any actual or potential Financial Interest before the Board or committee considers the relevant matter.

5. DETERMINING WHETHER A CONFLICT EXISTS

After disclosure and any questions, the Interested Person shall leave the meeting while the potential conflict is discussed and voted upon. The remaining disinterested directors or committee members shall determine whether a conflict exists.

6. PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING A CONFLICT

The chair may appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.

The disinterested directors shall determine whether the Corporation can obtain a more advantageous arrangement with reasonable efforts under circumstances that would not create a conflict.

If a more advantageous arrangement is not reasonably available, the disinterested directors shall determine by majority vote whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Corporation's best interests, for its own benefit, fair and reasonable, and consistent with its charitable purposes.

The Interested Person shall not vote on the matter.

7. VIOLATIONS

If the Board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a person failed to disclose an actual or potential conflict, it shall inform the person of the basis for that belief and allow the person an opportunity to explain. If the Board or committee determines that a failure to disclose occurred, it may take appropriate corrective action.

8. MINUTES

The minutes shall identify the person who disclosed or was found to have a Financial Interest, describe the nature of the interest, record the determination regarding whether a conflict existed, and reflect the names of persons present for discussions and votes and the result of the vote.

9. COMPENSATION MATTERS

A voting member of the Board or a committee who receives compensation from the Corporation for services shall not vote on matters pertaining to that person's compensation. Nothing in this section prohibits the person from providing information requested by the Board.

10. ANNUAL STATEMENTS

Each director and officer shall annually sign a statement affirming that the person has received, read, understands, and agrees to comply with this policy; understands that the Corporation is intended to operate for charitable and educational purposes; and agrees to disclose actual or potential conflicts promptly.

11. PERIODIC REVIEWS

The Board shall periodically review compensation arrangements, partnerships, joint ventures, and other significant arrangements as appropriate to ensure that the Corporation operates consistently with its charitable purposes and does not confer impermissible private benefit.

ADOPTION

Adopted by the Board of Directors of Haltom City Little Miss Kickball.

Section 1. General. The following League Rules are adopted as the operating rules of the League and are subordinate to the League's Bylaws and the Official Playing Rules and Regulations of LMKII. These League Rules may be adopted, amended, or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Directors present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum exists, or by written consent in accordance with Sections 3.13 and 8.2 of the League's Bylaws. In no event shall any League Rule conflict with the League's Bylaws or the Official Playing Rules and Regulations of LMKII. In the event of a conflict, the League's Bylaws or the applicable LMKII rule shall govern, as appropriate.

Section 2. Registration Procedures

• All registrants to the League will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fees must be paid before playing in an official league game unless otherwise approved by the Board.
• For a girl to be registered, she must furnish the League with the following:
• Birth date (proof provided upon request)
• Current residence
• Parent, guardian or managing conservator's signature as consent for the girl to participate in the League activities.
• The League shall accomplish the following during registration activities:
• Verify birth date information for proper placement in the age groupings for team placement.
• Ensure that the parent, guardian or managing conservator has signed the parental consent statement.
• Have parents, guardians or managing conservators complete and sign an Emergency Authorization Agreement, Travel Permission Form, Parent Code of Conduct Form, and any other form reasonably required by the Board of Directors.
• The Board of Directors shall determine the registration fees.
• The Board of Directors must approve the waiver of registration fees on an individual basis.

Section 3. Season Playing Schedule

• A schedule of games for season play shall be prepared by the League Scheduler, if one exists, otherwise by the Player Agent, and approved by the League Board, and must provide for not less than fourteen (14) regulation games per upper-division team in a regular season. The number of Rookie and Peewee games shall be determined annually by the Board, based upon the number of teams. For each division, these games shall be equally distributed as much as possible among the teams. Play-off and tournament games shall not be counted as a part of the regulation games. Note: A regular season schedule of less than fourteen (14) games for upper-division teams can only be approved by the Corporation Board. EXCEPTION: Rookie and Peewee Division
• Practice sessions for organized teams may not begin prior to a date designated by the Corporation Board. The first regular-season game may not be played prior to a date to be determined annually by the Corporation.EXCEPTION: Rookie and Peewee Divisions
• Opening-day ceremonies may take place on a date that the board approves.
• Regular season play shall end on a date to be determined annually by the Corporation.
• Teams of the League shall not play teams of another league as a portion of the season play. EXCEPTION:
• The Teenage Division will have inter-league play.
• Opposing Leagues may be asked to participate in exhibition games by the Expansion Director
• If the League has three (3) or less teams in either the Junior or Senior Division, the Corporation may grant a league's request to have inter-league play.
• A Junior Division team cannot play a Senior Division team, or a Senior Division team cannot play Teenage Division teams as a portion of regular season play (See exception Section E above).

Section 4. Player Additions

The Player Agent will establish the last day players can be added to team rosters. Generally, the last day shall be the end of the seventh (7th) week of the season.

Section 5. Uniforms

• All players must wear a complete Board of Directors approved uniform.
• A complete uniform is defined as a team shirt with Corporate Logo on the front or sleeve and a number on the back; visor (Upper Division only) and shorts and socks.
• Uniforms cannot be altered or changed except for the inclusion of team sponsor names and player names on the back of the uniform shirt, League approved awards or to achieve an appropriate fit.
• All uniform changes, alterations, colors, and styles must be approved by the Board of Directors.
• Shorts and shirts must be contrasting colors.
• Team sponsors will only be approved by the Board of Directors if the businesses or individuals are conducive to the beliefs and tenets of the League.
• Metal cleats are not allowed.
• Coaches shall wear uniform shirts, skirts, pants, or shorts; and shoes/socks conducive to coaching. Coaches shall not be allowed on the field during a game if not in uniform.
• In the event of cold weather, warm clothing may be worn under the uniform.
• No team shall be assigned the League's official colors.
• All Star uniforms must be consistent for all divisions and will represent league colors.
• All players, coaches and league representatives shall wear appropriate clothing during practice sessions, games, and league events (i.e., tee shirts, shorts, cleats, etc. Sports bras are not appropriate outerwear).

Section 6. Umpires

• All umpires must be certified annually by a written exam administered by the League or LMKII board member or his/her designee. All test results should be returned to the Rules Director or his/her designee. Certification cards may be issued by the LMKII Rules Director or his/her designee. Certified State All-Star Umpires are exempt from taking the written exam for the succeeding regular season. Only the LMKII Rules Director, with Corporation Executive Committee approval, has the right to revoke any certification card.
• Each team should have a minimum of one umpire who have been certified in accordance with Paragraph A of this section.
• Each team will receive an Umpire Game schedule. Each team's Head Coach is responsible for ensuring umpires are present for their team's scheduled games. If a team's certified umpires are not available for a scheduled game, it is the responsibility of the scheduled team to make arrangements with another team, etc. to ensure their scheduled game has adequate umpiring officials. All changes must be communicated and approved by the League Rules Director no less than 24 hours in advance of scheduled game time. At no time will any team be scheduled to umpire during a time they are scheduled for game play. If a Head Coach fails to comply, they will receive a one (1) game suspension. Further failure to comply will result in their team forfeiting their next scheduled game.
• Each team may be allowed to provide base umpires from among their team's certified umpires during their respective games if it is acceptable to the other team and approved by the Plate Umpire; and only if base umpires have not been provided by the League Rules Director. The Plate Umpire has sole discretion in the use of base umpires.

Section 7. Coaching Staff

• A team can have a maximum of four (4) certified coaches on its roster. At least one (1) of up to three (3) or two (2) of four (4) of the certified coaches must be female. All certified coaches must be an active participant in the development of the team. Should the need arise for any of the four (4) to be replaced temporarily (due to absence or temporary suspension), any current certified coach can fill in. Except as provided in subsection 7(B), anyone acting as a coach on the playing field during a game must be approved by the Board and certified annually by testing. The League Coach shall administer the testing program. The League Coach will recruit prospective coaches with final assignments made following registration. Prospective coaches may also make their desire known to the League Coach prior to the start of the season.
• Teenage assistants serving under the Rookie and Pee Wee Division Rules are governed by the applicable division appendix and are not considered certified coaches. Board-approved teenage assistants may perform the duties expressly permitted by the applicable division rules under the supervision of an approved adult coach, without being considered certified coaches.
• Priority consideration shall be given to parents or guardians of current-season players. Non-parent or guardian applicants with previous coaching experience within the League may also receive priority consideration. All coaches must comply with the Coaches' Code of Ethics outlined in the LMKII Rules and Regulations. When reviewing prospective coaches, the League Coach shall evaluate prior League experience and player retention.
• Following registration, the League Coach will present the names of the prospective coaches to the Board for approval. Prospective coaches must be approved by the Board of Directors to serve as a Coach or Assistant Coach.
• Coaches shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. Coaches may be removed as a coach of the League and/or suspended or disciplined for any violation of LMKII Rules and Regulations, Code of Ethics, the League's Bylaws or League Rules or displaying conduct considered to be inconsistent with the purpose of Little Miss Kickball. Individuals who have been suspended in a previous season will be considered on a probationary basis only, to be determined by the Board of Directors. Individuals with one (1) suspension, or who do not participate in the active development of their team may lose their eligibility. Individuals with more than one (1) suspension will lose their eligibility to coach in the League.

Section 8. Inclement Weather - In case of inclement weather, the Fields Director will decide, no later than one hour prior to game time, the status of game play. In the absence of a Fields Director, a member of the Executive Committee may cancel games. At any time during a game inclement weather conditions appear or worsen, a game can be delayed or canceled by the Umpire-in-Chief. To protect the safety of the players, the ranking Executive Committee member, or if none, any Director present at the field also retains the right to cancel a game at any time.

Section 9. Team Assignments and Tryouts - Each player shall remain assigned to her team for the duration of her eligibility within that division, unless she is released or elects to enter the annual draft. A returning player may choose to remain with her previous team, provided she is still eligible for that division, or enter the annual draft. A player who elects to enter the draft must indicate that choice on her registration form and shall be considered released from her previous team. The annual draft provisions apply only to the Upper Divisions. Rookie and Pee Wee team assignments shall be handled by the Player Agent in accordance with Section 9(A).

• Rookie and Peewee teams shall be assigned by the Player Agent. Sisters participating in the same division shall be assigned to the same team unless their parent or guardian requests otherwise. The Player Agent shall ensure that sibling assignments are accommodated when forming teams.
• Upper Division teams shall be created by tryouts, drafting or other selection processes as approved by the Board of Directors.
• Rookie teams shall consist of no fewer than five (5) and no more than seven (7) players.
• Peewee teams shall consist of no fewer than seven (7) and no more than ten (10) players.
• Upper division teams (Junior, Senior and Teenage) will consist of no fewer than ten (10) and no more than twenty (20) players. The preferred upper division team size shall be twelve (12) players.
• Exceptions to team size requirements or limitations may be approved by the Board of Directors where such exceptions meet all requirements of LMKII.

Section 10. The Draft (Upper Division Only)

• The League shall hold an annual draft to form new teams and fill vacancies on returning teams.
• The draft must be conducted no later than three (3) days before the first day of practice is allowed as set by LMKII. Each player registered with the League and eligible for the draft shall be placed in the draft. All players in the draft shall be drafted.
• A player is eligible for the draft when under any of the following conditions:
• The player is new to the League.
• The player was not registered with the League during the prior season.
• The returning player requested to enter the draft.
• The returning player has moved up to a new division.
• Players shall never be told the position, round, or in any other way the order in which they were drafted.
• Immediately following the draft, for a period not to exceed twenty (20) minutes, coaches may discuss and arrange trades of drafted players. All trades must be reviewed and approved by the Player Agent. If no trades are being contemplated, the Player Agent may, at his/her discretion, call an end to the draft.
• In the case of hardship or other parent requests, and with the approval of the affected coaches, the Player Agent may approve additional trades following the conclusion of the draft and prior to the first day of practice as allowed by LMKII. No further trades may be approved on or following the first day of practice as set by LMKII. The Player Agent shall report on any approved hardship or other parent requested trade to the Board during the next regular or special meeting following the trade.
• Players shall be notified of their team placement no later than three (3) days after the completion of the draft or prior to March 1, whichever comes first.
• The following system shall be used for drafting players by the Player Agent:
• Set the deadline by which registrations must be received for new and returning players to be included in the draft or to secure a spot on their returning team.
• Determine the number of teams and, therefore, the number of coaches needed.
• If the total number of players in the draft, plus the returning players and options, is less than the number of players required to fill all teams, the team with the least number of returning players may be eliminated. If the team is eliminated before the draft, any returning players of the eliminated team shall be notified and returned to the draft.
• Set the draft date.
• Set up the draft grids.
• At the time of registration, returning players shall choose to return to their previous year's team (if eligible) or to be placed in the draft; new players shall be placed in the draft.
• Coach Option: A family member of a coach may be automatically drafted onto her family member coach's team. This shall be accomplished by the drafting coach submitting a request to the Player Agent prior to the draft.
• If a bona fide hardship is determined to exist by the League Board, family members of players and/or coaches may receive special draft consideration. Such consideration must be approved by the Executive Committee before the draft and shall remain subject to the sister-placement requirements of subsection (i).
• Sisters participating in the same division shall be placed on the same team unless their parent or guardian requests otherwise. If one sister is a returning player, the other sister shall be assigned to her team. If two or more sisters enter the draft, they shall be drafted together and assigned to the same team. The Player Agent shall ensure that these assignments are accommodated before the draft begins.
• All newly formed teams, or teams with no more than three (3) returning players, shall be considered expansion teams and shall have two (2) draft choices prior to the beginning of the first round. If there is more than one expansion team, a coin toss or draw shall be used to determine the drafting sequence. The same sequence shall be used throughout the draft. Expansion teams shall be considered as the "last place" teams from the previous season and shall precede returning teams in each round of the draft.
• In the first round, the last place team from the previous season's standings shall have the first draft choice. The draft order will proceed up the standings from the preceding choice. In the case of a tie in the preceding season's standings a coin toss will determine which team drafts first.
• Additional teams should not be added after drafting has commenced, otherwise, all players originally in the draft must be redrafted.
• Not all teams are required to have the same number of players.
• The Player Agent shall assign late registering players, either new or returning to the next team in the draft sequence after the adjournment of the draft, or to a team with the lowest number of players. The method of assignment shall be equitable and approved by the Board of Directors. Assignments under this subsection shall remain subject to the sister-placement requirement in Section 10(H)(i).
• If a team disbands or is eliminated after the draft and prior to the first regular season game, those players shall be placed on other teams in that division by lottery or draw method, either method, to be determined by the Board.

Section 11. Team Practice (Upper Division Only)

• Practice is defined as four (4) or more players with coaches present, working out on a field.
• At least two (2) adults must be present at all practices; one (1) of the adults must be female.
• Pre-game warm-up is limited to thirty (30) minutes immediately preceding scheduled game time. Warm-ups of more than thirty (30) minutes will constitute a practice.
• A rained-out game and its rescheduled game count as one (1) activity.
• Upper Division Teams (Junior, Senior, and Teenage). Beginning on a date designated by the Corporation Board, the number of practices scheduled will be at the discretion of the Head Coach. Once season play starts, no more than four (4) days of kickball participation will be allowed per week, including games and practices (Sunday through Saturday).
• Exception: rescheduled games.

Section 12. Scheduling - Upper Division teams will play no more than three (3) games per week, and Rookies and Peewee Divisions will play no more than two (2) games per week.

Exceptions: Scheduling due to a shortage of available fields, Rescheduled games due to postponements or weather, Play-off games, Tournament Games.

• Weather Reschedules
• Games lost to weather will be played, in order of games lost per field, on an available date more than twenty-four (24) hours after the originally scheduled game time, until all games are played, forfeited, or declared ties.
• At the discretion of the Board of Directors, some games lost to weather may not be rescheduled. Such lost games will be recorded as a tie for season standings. The Board of Directors shall make every reasonable effort to ensure a team will not have more than 25% of its regular season games canceled due to weather.

Exception - Doubleheaders are not mandatory but can be scheduled with the affected Head Coaches approval.

• Conflict Reschedules
• If circumstances cause an upper division team to have less than nine available players, (Peewee division must have 5 available players), the league will reschedule a game, provided the request is made of the League Scheduler forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the game time. Otherwise, it will be a forfeit. The requesting head coach must provide a list of unavailable players, the reasons they cannot play, and verification of their unavailability on the official league form.
• Upon receiving a reschedule request, the League Scheduler will contact the Head Coach of the opposing team and present a minimum of three available slots within the next two weeks, however no later than the last day of the season as approved by the Board of Directors.
• The opposing team's coach will notify the League Scheduler within twenty-four (24) hours of the selected game date/time and the game will be reassigned. Should the opposing coach provide verification of conflict as to all slots provided by the Scheduler, the game will not be reassigned and will remain scheduled on its original date. Note: Once the non- requesting coach specifies the date and time, the game will be played or forfeited. The Board of Directors will have the discretion to grant exceptions in unique emergency situations on a case-by-case basis.
• Forfeits - Once a team's Head Coach announces a forfeit to the League Scheduler, the opposing team shall be awarded the win by forfeit.

Section 13. Tie Games - will not be replayed. Each team shall be given a 1/2 win and 1/2 loss in the season standings. The procedure specified in Section 14 will be used to determine standings and seedings.

Section 14. League Play-offs (Upper Divisions Only)

• The League champion for the Junior, Senior and Teenage Divisions will be determined by the best overall record at the end of the regular season. Trophies will be awarded at Closing Ceremonies to the appropriate number of teams. Should a situation arise in which there is a tie in the win-loss-tie record, the following format will be used to determine Regular-Season Standings:
• If two (2) teams are tied for a position:
• Playoff game, if scheduling permits, to be determined by the Board of Directors.
• Best win/loss record based on head-to-head competition.
• Runs given up during the regular season.
• Coin flip conducted by Player Agent and League Coach
• If three (3) or more teams are tied for a position:
• Playoff game, if scheduling permits, to be determined by the Board of Directors.
• If one, and only one, of the three or more teams beat each of the other tied teams.
• Best win/loss percentage against the tied teams.
• Runs given up during the regular season.
• Coin flip conducted by Player Agent and League Coach. Three (3) or more coins are flipped until one (1) odd coin is determined and that odd coin will be the winner of the coin toss.
• Tie-Breaker Procedure. The tie-breakers set forth in Section 14(A)(a) or Section 14(A)(b), as applicable, shall be applied in the order listed. If the first tie-breaker does not resolve the tie, the next tie-breaker shall be applied. This process shall continue until the tie is resolved.

Section 15. Awards - The League shall provide awards to the players of the first-place teams in the Junior, Senior, and Teenage Divisions. Awards for the Rookie Division and Pee Wee Division shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board may approve additional trophies or awards for any division as it deems appropriate.

Section 16. All Star Coaches (Upper Divisions Only)

• Application and Selection Process. The Board shall establish a deadline for applications for All-Star Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches. All applicants must timely submit an application and satisfy the qualifications set forth in this Section.

Following the application deadline, the Executive Committee shall review all timely applications and the present and past coaching experience, conduct, qualifications, and League participation of each applicant. The Executive Committee may interview any or all applicants and may consider any other information reasonably relevant to the applicant's qualifications and suitability to serve as an All-Star Coach.

After completing its review, the Executive Committee shall make a recommendation to the Board of Directors for the Head All-Star Coach for each division. The Executive Committee's recommendation shall not constitute appointment or selection. Final authority to select and approve each Head All-Star Coach shall rest exclusively with the Board of Directors.

The Board shall consider the Executive Committee's recommendation and shall select each Head All-Star Coach by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

• Head All-Star Coach Qualifications. An applicant for Head All-Star Coach must:
• timely submit an application by the deadline established by the Board;
• have been an approved and certified coach during the current League playing season; AND
• have previously coached in at least one Little Miss Kickball All-Star Tournament.

Priority consideration shall be given to the Head Coach of the first-place team in the applicable division, provided that the coach timely applied and satisfies all qualifications established by Section 16(B) of these League Rules. Priority consideration does not create an automatic right or entitlement to selection. The Board retains final discretion to select the qualified applicant it determines is best suited to serve the League and its players.

• Assistant All-Star Coaches. Applicants for Assistant All-Star Coach must timely submit an application and must have been an approved and certified coach during the current League playing season. Following selection of the Head All-Star Coach, the Head All-Star Coach may select up to three (3) qualified applicants to serve as Assistant Coaches, subject to final approval by the Board of Directors.
• No Qualified Applicants. If no applicant for Head All-Star Coach satisfies the qualifications established by this Section, the Executive Committee may identify and recruit other candidates with appropriate LMKII coaching experience. Any such candidate shall be presented to the Board of Directors and may serve as Head All-Star Coach only upon approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
• No Right to Appointment. Submission of an application, satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, prior service as an All-Star Coach, coaching record, or status as Head Coach of a first-place team shall not create a right or entitlement to appointment as an All-Star Coach. All selections shall be made in the best interests of the League and its players in accordance with this Section.
• All Star Coaches will have the following authority and responsibilities:
• They will participate in the player tryout (with assistance as requested of other personnel).
• They will objectively comment on the abilities of players during the voting period.
• They will announce the team at the Closing Ceremonies celebration.
• They will schedule practices in accordance with LMKII rules and regulations.
• They will coordinate with parents/guardians and league officials regarding all documentation that is needed to meet tournament requirements. (i.e., birth certificates, travel authorization, medical release forms, etc.).
• They will be cognizant of the health and safety of the players during practice and games.
• They will determine the game lineup and strategy.
• They will demonstrate good sportsmanship and leadership to the players.
• They will discuss the highlights and any problems experienced during practice and the tournament at the next regular board meeting.
• They will activate their team's alternate players as necessary.
• They will demonstrate good stewardship regarding team sponsorship and/or fundraiser monies.

G. Removal and Replacement of All-Star Coaches. All-Star Coaches shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. An All-Star Coach may be removed, suspended, or disciplined for any violation of LMKII Rules and Regulations, the Coaches' Code of Ethics, the League's Bylaws, these League Rules, or conduct considered inconsistent with the purpose of Little Miss Kickball.

The Executive Committee shall have the authority to immediately suspend an All-Star Coach when necessary and may appoint a temporary replacement pending Board action.

The Executive Committee shall promptly notify the Board of any suspension and recommend a permanent replacement, if necessary. The Board of Directors shall have final authority to approve the removal of an All-Star Coach and the appointment of a permanent replacement by a majority vote of the Directors present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum exists.

Section 17. All Star Selection Process (Upper Division Only)

• Junior, Senior and Teenage Tryouts: On a date announced by the Player Agent, players eligible for All-Stars will participate in a tryout. Players not participating in the tryout must be excused by the Player Agent or their names will be removed from consideration. Should a player not be available for try-outs due to extenuating circumstances, that player will be considered based on regular season play and past experience in Little Miss Kickball. The All-Star players shall be determined based upon skills tryouts, current season performance and players' overall attitude. If an All-Star becomes unavailable, an alternate may move up, a player may be added (via additional tryouts if necessary) to fill the vacancy, as determined by the All-Star Head Coach and Board of Directors.
• By a date set by the Player Agent, players shall verify their availability for All-Stars. Eligible players must submit all required documentation to the Board of Directors by the deadline established by the Board of Directors. Players must be eligible pursuant to LMKII Rules, Regulations and By-Laws.

Section 18. Rookie and Peewee Rules

• Local Rookies Rules - See Appendix A
• Local Peewee Rules - See Appendix B

1. ELIGIBILITY AND TEAM ROSTERS

1.1 Age Requirements. Players must be at least four (4) years old by March 1 of the playing season to participate in the Rookie Division. Six-year-old players may participate in either the Rookie Division (ages 4 to 6) or Pee Wee Division (ages 6 to 8), at the parent or guardian's discretion.

1.2 Team Rosters. Rookie Division teams are limited to a maximum of seven (7) players per team.

2. GAME FORMAT

2.1 Game Length. Rookie games shall consist of three (3) innings, subject to a sixty (60) minute time limit. Each team shall kick through its entire lineup once per half-inning. No new inning may begin after the sixty (60) minute time limit has expired. Any inning started before the time limit expires shall be completed.

2.2 Scorekeeping. No official score will be kept.

2.3 Umpires. Umpires will not be assigned to Rookie Division games. A coach may stand behind the kicking circle in the umpire's position to assist players and keep the game moving.

2.4 Minimum Number of Players. Games will be played regardless of the number of players present. All available players will participate.

3. KICKING AND PITCHING

3.1 Pitching Options. A pitcher is not required. The coach may choose any of the following based on players' abilities: allow a player to pitch from a distance shorter than the regulation pitcher's box; have a coach pitch from a distance shorter than the regulation pitcher's box; place the ball stationary inside the kicking circle for the player to kick.

3.2 Kicking Order. All players present will kick once during each offensive half-inning. Coaches should establish their kicking order and defensive rotation before the game begins. No penalty will be assessed for unintentionally kicking out of order.

4. DEFENSIVE PLAY

4.1 Defensive Positions. All players present will take the field when their team is on defense. Defensive positioning must comply with the following: one player will be positioned as catcher; no more than two (2) additional defensive players may be positioned in front of the pitcher's box; one player may occupy the pitcher's box, even if she is not pitching; all remaining defensive players must be positioned behind the pitcher's box in fair territory.

4.2 Coaches on the Field. Coaches and qualified assistants of the defensive team may be on the field to instruct players, assist with positioning, and encourage participation.

5. PLAYER PARTICIPATION

5.1 Playing Time. Every player present will participate throughout the game, both offensively and defensively. No player will be required to sit out due to roster size or substitutions. If a player chooses to sit out or needs a break, she may leave and return at any time.

5.2 Player Development. The Rookie Division introduces young players to kickball in a positive, encouraging environment. Coaches should emphasize participation, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fundamentals.

6. PRACTICES AND WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

6.1 Regular Season Activities. Once regular season play begins, Rookie Division teams are limited to two (2) kickball experiences per week. Team parties, makeup games, and rescheduled games do not count toward this limit.

6.2 Practice Supervision. At least one adult female must be present at every practice. Qualified adult assistants may assist at the discretion and under the direction of the Head Coach.

7. COACHES AND TEAM ASSISTANTS

7.1 Team Assistants. In addition to certified coaches, each Rookie Division team may have a Board-approved team assistant. The assistant may be an adult or a teenage girl with kickball experience. Teenage assistants under eighteen (18) years of age are not required to undergo background checks but must be approved by the Board of Directors and supervised by an approved adult coach.

All other coaching and volunteer requirements are governed by HC Impact's bylaws and applicable league policies.

1. ELIGIBILITY AND TEAM ROSTERS

1.1 Age Requirements. Players ages six (6) through eight (8) are eligible to participate in the Pee Wee Division, based on their age as of August 31 of the playing season. Six-year-old players may participate in either the Rookie Division or the Pee Wee Division at the discretion of their parent or guardian.

1.2 Team Rosters. Pee Wee Division teams are limited to a maximum of ten (10) players per team.

2. GAME FORMAT

2.1 Pee Wee games shall consist of six (6) innings, subject to a sixty (60) minute time limit. No new inning may begin after the time limit has expired. Any inning started before the time limit expires shall be completed.

If the home team is ahead after the visiting team completes its turn at kick in the final inning, the game will end without the home team taking its final turn at kick.

2.2 Minimum Number of Players. Each team must have at least five (5) players present to begin and continue a game. If a team has fewer than five (5) players at the scheduled start time or drops below five (5) players during the game, the team shall forfeit.

2.3 Run Limit. A maximum of five (5) runs may be scored by a team during each offensive half-inning. Once the fifth run is scored, play will stop and the teams will switch sides, regardless of the number of outs.

3. PITCHING AND KICKING

3.1 Coach-Assisted Pitching. During all preseason and exhibition games and the first week of regular season play, a coach or eligible team assistant will pitch to their own team. Each team will provide its own coach pitcher. If both Head Coaches agree, one coach may pitch to both teams. Beginning with the second week of regular season play, players will pitch, subject to the exceptions below.

3.2 Pitching Exceptions. After the coach-assisted pitching period, if two consecutive kickers are walked, the offensive coach may request to pitch to the next kicker. The coach must return to the dugout once that kicker reaches base, strikes out, or is put out by a defensive player. Any pitched ball that does not reach or cross home plate will be called a ball.

3.3 Intentional Walks. A kicker may be intentionally walked only once per game by the opposing defensive team. If the same kicker is intentionally walked a second time, she will be awarded second base. Alternatively, the kicker may refuse the walk and continue her turn at kick.

3.4 Kicking Order. All players present must be included in the kicking lineup. The rules and penalties for kicking out of order will be the same as those applicable to the upper divisions.

4. DEFENSIVE PLAY

4.1 Defensive Positions. No more than ten (10) players may take the field on defense at one time. Defensive positioning must comply with the following: one player will be positioned as pitcher; one player will be positioned as catcher; no more than two (2) additional defensive players may be positioned in front of the pitcher's box; all remaining defensive players must be positioned behind the pitcher's box in fair territory.

4.2 Coaches on the Field. During the first week of scheduled games, the defensive team may have up to two (2) coaches or qualified assistants on the field to provide instruction and assist players. After the first week, coaches and assistants will not be permitted on the field during play. Coaches may not make contact with players or the ball during active play.

5. PLAYER PARTICIPATION AND ROTATION

5.1 Player Participation. All players present must be included in the kicking lineup. Players may be substituted in and out of defensive positions at any time.

5.2 Defensive Substitutions and Rotation. Players may be substituted in and out of defensive positions at any time during the game. There are no restrictions on substitutions between consecutive innings. No player may play the same defensive position for more than two (2) innings during a game. Coaches should rotate players among defensive positions throughout the season to give every player opportunities to develop different skills. Coaches may be required to follow an established defensive rotation schedule.

5.3 Lineups. Coaches should establish their kicking lineups and defensive rotations before the beginning of each game.

6. PRACTICES AND WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

6.1 Weekly Kickball Activities. Pee Wee teams may participate in a maximum of three (3) kickball experiences per week, including games and practices. Of those three (3) experiences, no more than two (2) may be regularly scheduled games. Team parties and makeup or rescheduled games shall not count toward the three-experience limit.

6.2 Practice Supervision. At least one adult female must be present at every practice. Qualified adult assistants may assist at the discretion and under the direction of the Head Coach.

7. COACHES AND TEAM ASSISTANTS

7.1 Team Assistants. In addition to certified coaches, each Pee Wee Division team may have a Board-approved team assistant. The assistant may be an adult or a teenage girl with kickball experience. Teenage assistants under eighteen (18) years of age are not required to undergo background checks but must be approved by the Board of Directors and supervised by an approved adult coach.

All other coaching and volunteer requirements are governed by HC Impact's bylaws and applicable league policies.