Introduction

This manual was created as a guideline for operation Magnolia Little League (MLL) throughout the season without having to change the constitution and by-laws. It was designed to be reviewed and updated each year and is arranged in chronological order, starting with events that normally occur in the fall, and ends with the tournament in late summer.

Most of the information in this manual can be found in other publications of Little League Baseball, such as the current versions of the Official Playing Rules and Regulations, the Operating Manual, the Model Constitution, and “A Year in the Life” publication.

This manual is not intended to replace the Rules, Regulations or Policies of Little League Baseball. It is a guide to our league’s operation. The final word on any issue is always the Bylaws, Rules, Regulations and Policies. Where applicable, references to other publications are included in bold italics.

Chapter 1 - WHO ARE WE?

Magnolia Little League is part of the world’s largest organized youth sports program. The language of healthy competition in Little League Baseball is spoken in scores of countries on six continents around the world. Little League Baseball has full-service centers in six U.S. states and Europe, with offices in Canada, Latin America and Asia.

Nearly 2.7 million youngsters took part in Little League Baseball and Softball programs last year, under the direction of more than 1 million adult volunteers. This makes Little League Baseball more than twice the size of all other baseball programs combined.

Purpose

Little League Baseball is much more than just bats, balls, a field, dugouts, or any of the other dozens of physical items that go into baseball and softball. It has become, over the years, a leadership program for both children and adults, with the aim of helping children to become good and decent citizens. Through the application of Little League Rules, Regulations and Policies, developed over decades of experience, Little League has become a beacon throughout the world. Children learn the positive values of good sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork — values they can use throughout their lives. Adults involved as volunteers in a local league gain a sense of belonging in a community, and can convey their leadership qualities to today’s children so they will grow to be tomorrow’s leaders. Any decision made by a Magnolia Little League member should be with both of these questions answered positively:

1. Is it in the best interests of the children of the League?

2. Will it bring credit to our Little League Program and to Magnolia as a whole?

Chapter 2 - FALL

Conduct of the Fall Baseball Program

Magnolia Little League participates in a Training and Development program for its players known as the Fall Baseball Program. This program is a Training and Development League (TAD), designed for the following purposes:

· To give ALL players a positive sports experience.

· To teach the skills of fundamental baseball.

· To instill basic rules of play and sportsmanship.

· To prepare players for advancing to the next level of Little League play.

If Magnolia Little League is hosting the League, the Board shall appoint a commissioner of the fall program and that commissioner shall be responsible for all operating aspects of the program. All fees, bond, and other monies shall be approved by the Board and managed by the League Treasurer. If the Board elects not to host the league, it shall find a suitable league for its players with aforementioned goals in mind.

Notice of Election

In accordance with Magnolia Little League’s Constitution and Bylaws, written notice of the election (Annual Meeting) is delivered to all Regular Members in good standing, at least 10 days before the election. The process for notification is by any method approved by the Board. Notification shall include at a minimum: date, time and place of the Annual Meeting.

Voting Eligibility

The MLL Constitution and Bylaws require that only members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election of the Board of Directors. Eligibility is determined by participation in MLL activities throughout the season. Each activity carries a point value and those members accruing 17 points throughout the year may vote in the election. Points are accrued in accordance with the following:

Activity	Points
Board Appointment	3
Concession (non-Team)	3
Qualified maintenance	3
Auxiliary Board	3
Commissioner (IL27)	3
Commissioner (Fall)	3
Manager	2
Umpire	2
Meeting Attendance	1
Full Work day (4 hours)	1
Registration Help	1
Team Mom	1
Coach	1

Absentee Ballot

An absentee ballot is only distributed when requested by a Member-in-Good-Standing. It must be obtained IN PERSON from the League Secretary, in a sealed envelope. The ballot shall be returned to the League Secretary prior to the election.

Election Procedures

The election shall be held in accordance with the published league schedule, but prior to November 1^st. Nominations shall be heard for voting Board positions during the three (3) meetings prior to the election. Any member is eligible for nomination. Only those Members-in-Good-Standing may vote. Persons nominated must positively affirm their nomination in person at a legally (quorum preserved) held meeting. Nominations are closed by vote of Membership.

Election procedures are as follows:

· Determine if a quorum is present. The quorum at Magnolia Little League is a simple majority of voting Board members, as listed in the Constitution and Bylaws. If a quorum is not present, the election cannot be held. (Robert’s Rules of Order.)

· Appoint an election Chairperson. (May or may not be the current President.)

· Ratify the Membership and Membership-in-Good-Standing list for those present.

· Every Member-in-Good-Standing receives one ballot for each position. Ballots shall be distributed as follows:

o President then,

o Vice President then,