WORLD PROFESSIONAL

BASEBALL LEAGUE

(W P B L)

CONSTITUTION

REVISED:              November 26, 2004

LEAGUE EXECUTIVES:

COMMISSIONER:                                               EC

VICE COMMISSIONER:                                     Bob Campeau

VICE COMMISSIONER:                                     Jeff Leach

VICE COMMISSIONER:                                     Paul Lamond

TREASURER:                                                       EC

STATISTICIAN:                                                  Paul Lamond

WEB MASTER:                                                   Bobby Porter

1.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

To provide fun and friendship through the framework of a continuous ownership baseball mail league which uses the APBA Basic Baseball game.

2.  LEAGUE STRUCTURE:

2.1.  Number of Teams:

There are fourteen (14) teams competing during the 2004 season.

2.2.  Alignment:

There are two (2) conferences, and each conference includes seven (7) teams.

2.3.  Team Alignment for the 2004 Season:

Donaldson Conference – Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates

Erickson Conference – Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners

3.  EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Shall consist of a Commissioner and three (3) Vice Commissioners.  It shall be their duty to administer the league.

3.1.  Commissioner:

Serves continuous terms with the consent of the membership.

The responsibilities of the Commissioner are:

to update the web site or appoint another manager to do so.

to conduct the annual Rookie/Free Agent draft.

to provide updates of the constitution at least once a year.

to provide a league budget and statement of expenses at least once a year.

to rule on any protested games.

to draw up the schedule.

to determine divisional composition.

to enforce the rules.

The Commissioner may delegate these responsibilities to other members of the Executive Committee or to

individual managers.

3.2.  Vice Commissioners:

THREE (3) Vice Commissioners will be appointed by the Commissioner.  Their duties are as follows:

to assist the Commissioner in operation of the league.

to assume the duties of the Commissioner, if for some reason he is unable to perform them.

to carry out any other duties delegated by the Commissioner.

3.3.  Statistician:

Appointed by the Commissioner. Duties are:

to compile league statistics, including league leaders, on a regular basis.

to carry out any other duties as delegated by the Commissioner.

3.4.  Executive Removal:

It will require a two-thirds majority vote by managers to remove an Executive Committee member from office.

The loss of a team by penalty points will automatically result in the removal of an Executive Committee member from office.

4.  SERIES PLAY PROCEDURES:

4.1.  Series Instructions:

By the 15th of the previous month, the two managers involved in a series send a set of instructions to each other containing all basic decisions and strategy to be made for their teams.

4.2.  Series Play:

Each manager, using the opposing manager's instructions, plays the required number of games for that series, recording the play on standardized game sheets in such a way that the play can be reconstructed.

The manager then compiles the statistics for the games that he played and completes the Series Report and mails to the opposing manager:

the Game Sheets

the Series Report

Managers have the option of playing the series face-to-face in which case instructions do not have to be exchanged.

5.  MAILING PROCEDURES:

5.1.  Series Instructions:

By the 15th of the current month each manager will send the SERIES INSTRUCTIONS to the opposing

manager for his away games for the NEXT month.

Example:  The instructions for the May series will be sent on or before the 15th of April.

5.2.  Series Reports:

By the 10th of the current month each manager will play the home games and send out a Series Report to:

1)       the visiting manager

2)       the manager responsible for the WPBL Monthly Standings Report

3)       the League Statistician

4)       the Commissioner

Example:  The May series should be completed and reported by May 10th.

Game sheets must also be sent to the opposing manager by that date.

5.3.  Mailing deadlines:

The mailing dates are absolute deadlines, not the dates that you can wait for, to mail things out.  Please try

to be as early as possible as it makes things easier for all concerned.  Failure to meet these deadlines will

result in penalty points.

6.  INSTRUCTIONS:

6.1.  Deadline for Mailing the Series Instructions:

Written instructions are to be sent to opposing managers on or before the 15th day of the month prior to

which the games are to be played.

6.2.  Basic Game Strategy:

The following should be included in your instructions to opposing managers:

*Starting Line-up                 *Sacrificing

*Pitching Rotation                               *Base Coaching 

*Ejection  Substitutions                     *Infield Play

*Major League Roster                        *Pinch Hitting

*Hit and Run                                        *Defensive Replacements

*Relief Pitcher Usage Strategy

*Minor League Call-Ups (for Aug/Sep/Oct instructions only, if applicable)

Clear and concise instructions should require no more than one (1) typewritten page.

6.3.  Default Instructions:

Each manager is required to make up a set of default instructions to be posted on the web site.  These

instructions should be as brief as possible so that they are no longer than one-half page in length.  Any

manager may change his default instructions any time by sending the changes to be posted on the web

site.

6.4.  Late Instructions:

If a manager does not receive his opposing manager's instructions by the 20th of the month, he may play

the series using the opposing manager's default instructions as posted on the web site.

Example:  Should the May series instructions not be received by April 20^th, the default instructions may

used to play the games.

7.  STATISTICS TO BE REPORTED:

7.1.  Hitters:

Following are the stats to be kept for the HITTERS:  GS, AB, R, H, D, T, HR, RBI, SB, BB, K, E, HBP,

DP.

7.2.  Pitchers:

Following are the stats to be kept for the PITCHERS:  G, GS, CG, W, L, SV, IP, H, R, ER, K, BB, SHO.

8.  REPORTING OF PLAY:

8.1.  Game Sheets:

Games are to be reported on standard APBA game sheets or a reasonable alternative approved by the

commissioner.

8.2.    Series Reports:

A copy of the SERIES REPORT form will be supplied by the league.  Managers are responsible for making copies of the form.  Team stats are to be totaled to make sure there are no errors.  Inaccurate stats and team totals can result in penalty points.

9.  BASIC RULES OF PLAY:

WPBL will use all rules listed on the APBA Basic Baseball Game boards, including ALL advanced

rules, except where WPBL has passed a specific rule as described in Section 10.  These WPBL rules

will supersede those on the game boards.   The boards to be used are the ABPA version published as of

January 1, 1995.  The WPBL does not use the APBA Master Game Boards or the APBA Computer game

since they would require a different set of  instructions. 

10.  SPECIAL RULES OF PLAY:

10.1.  Hit and Run:

The batter in a Hit and Run play must have at least TWO 31's on his card.

10.2.  Games Called Because of Rain:

Rain outs are to be ignored.

10.3.  Player Injuries:

If a play result indicates an injury to a player, then the injury will be ignored.

10.4.  Use of Pitchers as Pinch Hitters:

No pitcher may be used as a pinch-hitter unless he is rated at a non pitching position (i.e. OF-1).

10.5.  Baserunning:

Managers cannot “play it safe” on hits at any time.

10.6.  SLOW RUNNER CHART:

The chart below should be used to determine the advancement of a base runner when the play result is 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, and ALL three of the following are correct:

1)       the runner is SLOW

2)       the hit and run board is NOT in use

3)       the slow runner is on:

10.7.  Designated Hitter (DH):

Managers may use a designated hitter for the pitcher.  Starting pitchers may bat for themselves, but a DH

must be used for relief pitchers.  WPBL treats the DH just as any other position.  This means the DH can

be shifted between positions just like other players as provided in the basic rules of baseball, without

penalty (i.e. NOT the American League Rule).

10.8.  Superior Fielding (SS-10, 2B-9):

With bases EMPTY and if the play result is #18 or #20, and if the team in the field has a SS-10 or 2B-9, respectively, then re-roll ONE die.  If the result is an:

EVEN number the play remains an error.

ODD number, then the board result is changed to a ground out.

10.9.  Inferior Fielding (C-5, 2B-5, 3B-2 and SS-6):

If the team in the field has a C-5, 2B-5, 3B-2 or a SS-6, then the play result #12 is changed to a single

with all base runners advancing TWO (2) bases.  This applies in ALL base situations including the HIT

AND RUN, but NOT on the SACRIFICE.

10.10.  Board Roll Results:

Board result numbers 24, 25 and 29 will require use of the team fielding rating.

10.11.  Hit & Run Reroll Chart:

When using the HIT and RUN, if you get play result "13" or "14" and a runner would steal second, then you must re-roll two dice and consult the chart below.  The catcher's rating is determined by using the following formula:

[(defensive rating + arm rating) * 2]

HIT AND RUN PLAY CATCHERS RATING CARD REROLL FOR "11" OR "10"                                                                                  

11- 2 12-25 13-17 14-30 15-11 16-28    21-23 22- 4 23-18 24-36 25-10 26-13

31- 8 32-26 33- 3 34-31 35- 9 36-33      41-24 42-19 43-29 44- 5 45-14 46-12

51- 7 52-27 53-15 54-32 55- 6 56-34     61-21 62-22 63-16 64-20 65-35 66- 1   

10.12.  Moore Pitching Grade Chart:

WPBL uses the Moore Pitching Chart, which was developed by former manager Dick Moore.  It allows

us to use the MASTER GAME pitching grades in connection with the Basic Game boards.  If you get a

hit result number that could be modified by the pitchers grade, then you re-roll the dice and consult the

appropriate Moore chart for the Master Game grade of the pitcher to find out what Basic Game Grade is

for this particular Hitter.  If the pitcher is downgraded to an E grade, then a 12 result becomes a single

with all runners advancing two bases.  The Moore Chart will be distributed by the Commissioner.

10.13.  Grade Reduction for Pitchers:

10.13.1.  Starting Pitchers:

Grade is reduced 5 MG grades after they allow 5 earned runs in a game and by 5 more MG grades for

EACH additional earned run they allow.

10.13.2.  Relief Pitchers:

Grade is reduced by 5 MG grades after they allow 3 earned runs in a game, and by 5 more MG grades for EACH additional earned run they allow.

10.13.3.  Starting Pitcher Fatigue:

A STARTING PITCHER's grade is reduced 5 MG grades after they have pitched 10 innings in a game

and by 5 more MG grades for EACH additional inning pitched.  Starting pitchers are NOT eligible for

grade advancement after the 10^th inning.

10.13.4.  Relief Pitcher Fatigue:

A RELIEF PITCHER's grade is reduced by 5 MG grades after they pitch 4 innings in a game, and by 5

more MG grades for EACH additional inning pitched.

10.13.5. Mercy Rule for Pitchers

ALL pitchers MUST be removed from the game in progress after giving up 10 earned runs, unless there

are no other pitchers available.

10.13.6.  Grade "D" Pitchers:

A MG-2, 3, or 4 pitcher who is reduced, becomes a 1 and is NOT eligible for future advancement in that

game.

10.14.  Grade Advancement for Pitchers:

10.14.1.  Basic APBA Game Board Rules Apply:

One (1) BG grade equals five (5) MG grade.

There is no advancement for pitchers starting out with an MG grade of 19 or more.  An MG grade nineteen (19) is the maximum for any pitcher who starts out below 19.

Example:   A starting pitcher with a MG-17 who pitches 8 shutout innings becomes a 19 and cannot be

reduced by subsequent runs.  A starting pitcher with a MG-13 becomes an 18 after 7 shutout innings, but

if he pitches an 8th shutout inning he goes up only to 19, not 23.

10.14.2.  Relief Pitcher Advancement for First Batter:

A RELIEF PITCHER who enters the game in the middle of an inning (after at least one batter has completed an AB) has his MG grade raised 5 points for the first batter he faces IN THE GAME.  However, if the pitcher is a 16, 17, or 18, his grade is raised only to 19.  If his grade is 19 or above, it is not raised at all.

10.15.  Starting Pitcher Removal:

The starting pitcher must remain in the game until:

he has pitched a minimum of 5 innings, except if he is pitching a shutout in which case he must pitch 6

innings.

OR

until he gives up 3 earned runs or 4 runs in total.

10.16.  Error Numbers & Error Card:

When an Error Number, #15 to #21, is obtained, under any situation including hit and run and sacrifice, re-roll the dice and use the Error Card below to determine the result number.

ERROR CARD REROLL FOR #15 TO #21                                                                                 

11-15 12-15 13-15 14-15 15-16 16-16   21-16 22-16 23-17 24-17 25-17 26-17

31-18 32-18 33-18 34-18 35-18 36-18   41-19 42-19 43-19 44-19 45-19 46-19

51-20 52-20 53-20 54-20 55-20 56-20   61-21 62-21 63-21 64-21 65-18 66-19  

10.17.  Rare Play Numbers & Rare Play Card:

In ALL situations, INCLUDING BASES EMPTY, HIT AND RUN and SACRIFICE,

if the Rare Play numbers 23 or 36 to 41 are obtained, then re-roll BOTH dice and consult

the RARE PLAY CARD shown below to get the RARE PLAY number.

RARE PLAY CARD REROLL IF #23, OR #36 - #41                                                                                 

11-38 12-39 13-37 14-39 15-36 16-40   21-41 22-36 23-23 24-40 25-36 26-40

31-37 32-39 33-38 34-39 35-37 36-40   41-41 42-40 43-23 44-36 45-37 46-40

51-36 52-39 53-37 54-39 55-36 56-40   61-41 62-37 63-23 64-40 65-40 66-38  

10.18.  Breaking Ties at the End of the Season:

In the event two or more teams are tied at the end of the regular season play, the following procedure will

be used to break the tie.

A.      The team with the best record in head-to-head play will be the winner.  Should teams still be tied

then:

B.  The team with the best record within the CONFERENCE will be the winner.  Should teams still be tied then:

C.  The winner will be decided by lottery.

D.  Should there be a tie, and the tie breaking procedure described in A through C above would result in one of the teams being left out of the playoffs, then the two teams will play a best of three series to decide the winner.  Should game three be required, the home team will be decided by lottery.  In the event that there is a best of three playoff series, all rules under section 20 must be followed except that limits for relievers will be 1/3 of normal playoff limits described under sections 20.5 and 20.6.  There will be no travel days during a best of three playoff series.

11.   FIELDER USAGE:

11.1.  Season Limits for Hitters:

In a situation where the full Major League season was not 162 games, the use of hitters in WPBL

can be adjusted at the discretion of the Commissioner.

11.1.1.  Iron Men:

Hitters who had 149 or more actual games played can play the entire season.  This is equivalent to 92% of

regular season games.

11.1.2.  Regulars:

Hitters with 200 or more At Bats + Walks + Hit By Pitch in a regular 162 game Major League season

can start the number of games given by the following formula:

Games to Start = (AB + BB + HP) / 3.8 

11.1.3.  Part Timers (35 STARTS):

Hitters with 150 to 199 At Bats + Walks + Hit By Pitch in a regular 162 game Major League season have 35 STARTS (GS).

11.1.4.  Bench Warmers (20 STARTS):

Hitters with 100 to 149 At Bats + Walks + Hit By Pitch in a regular 162 game Major League season can

have 20 STARTS (GS).

11.1.5.  Pinch Hitters (0 STARTS):

A hitter with 99 or fewer At Bats + Walks + Hit By Pitch in a regular 162 game Major League season

cannot start at all and is limited to his actual plate appearances in the season.

For example, a player who has 19 plate appearances in the season is limited to 19 plate appearances in the WPBL season.

11.2.  Game Starts:

A Game Start (GS) is defined as:

A hitter in the Starting Lineup, or a hitter entering a game in progress at any point and batting twice.

The ONLY exception is that if a player replaces an ejected player, that particular game doesn't count as a start.

11.3.  Backup Players:

During the season, each team must have at least one backup player for each position.  A single player may back up several positions.  A player with 164 starts still needs a backup in case he is ejected from the game.

11.4.  Season Overuse:

A hitter with Game Starts (GS) for the season, once he has reached his limit, may not accumulate any

additional GS for the remainder of the regular season, as outlined in Section 11.2.  A hitter limited to

Plate Appearances (PA) for the season, once he reaches his limit, may not accumulate any further PA.  If

either limit is exceeded, penalty points will be assessed for these games and the games may be forfeited at

the discretion of the commissioner.

11.5.  Fielding Position:

Player cannot play at a fielding position not listed on his APBA card unless no other available player is

rated at the position, and he is replacing an ejected player.  His defensive rating shall be that

shown on Board "A" of the APBA Basic Game for fielders not rated at a position.

12.   PITCHER USAGE:

12.1.  Season Limits:

In a situation where the full Major League season was not 162 games,  the use of pitchers in WPBL

can be adjusted at the discretion of the Commissioner.

12.1.1.   Starting Pitchers:

STARTING PITCHERS (except those with a ratio of GS to G less than 0.5) are limited to ACTUAL

GAMES STARTED and can only start.

12.1.2.   Relief Pitchers:

RELIEF PITCHERS are limited to ACTUAL INNINGS PITCHED and can only relieve.

12.1.3.   Relief Pitcher Definition:

No pitcher may be used in relief without having an (*) after a pitching grade on his card, unless he is a D

pitcher.  A "D" pitcher can start or relieve.

12.1.4.  Split Grade Pitchers:

SPLIT GRADE PITCHERS are limited to ACTUAL INNINGS PITCHED and can start or relieve.  If a

split grade pitcher has a "D" starting grade, and he is used ONLY as a starter, then he is limited according

to rule 12.1.8 below.  If he pitches to at least one batter in relief during the season, then he is limited to

actual innings pitched.

12.1.5.  Special Split Grade Pitchers:

Any pitcher that receives a straight starting grade, but has a ratio of GS to G of less than 0.5 will be treated as a split grade pitcher in WPBL.  This means he will be limited to innings pitched and can be used as either a starting pitcher or in relief.

12.1.6.   Starter Overuse:

If a starting pitcher starts more games than he is allowed, penalty points are assessed and those games

may be forfeited at the discretion of the commissioner.

12.1.7.   Relief or Split Grade Pitcher Overuse:

If a pitcher, restricted on innings, reaches his limit in a game that is still in progress, he may finish that INNING and must then be removed.  Any further games he pitches in during the regular season will result in penalty points and the games may be forfeited.

12.1.8.  Grade D Pitchers:

All grade D pitchers have no restriction on the number of innings they may pitch in a season.  However,

grade D pitchers are limited to a maximum of the most starts of any non-D pitcher in the league or actual

starts, whichever is greater.  This rule does not supersede the rule on having a 4 man pitching rotation or

any of the other single series restriction rules.

12.2.  Series Restrictions:

12.2.1.  Split Grade Pitchers:

If a split grade pitcher starts in a series, he must follow the guidelines listed for starting pitchers.

However, if he used as a reliever, then he is limited to 9 IP in a 4 game series and 12 IP in a 5 game

series.

12.2.2.  Starting Rotation:

Teams must have at least a 4 man pitching rotation, but it need not carry over from one series to the next.

12.2.3.  Relief Pitchers:

Relief pitchers are limited to:

9 innings in a 4 game series.

12 innings in a 5 game series.

12.2.4.  Starting and Relieving:

No pitcher, including split grade and D pitchers, may start and relieve in the same series.

13.  TEAM ROSTERS:

13.1.  Players Under Contract:

WPBL allows each team to have a MAXIMUM of 38 players under contract during the season.  There is no limit during the off-season.

13.2.  Major League Roster:

 All teams will send, to the Commissioner, on or before the Fifteenth (15th) of March, the names of 25

players who will be on the Major League Roster (MLR).  No player is allowed to play in any game

unless he is on the MLR.  Players cannot be removed from the MLR during the season.  During the final

three months of the season each team will be allowed to add five (5) players to the MLR from their Minor

League Roster.  However, these players will not be eligible for the Playoffs.

13.3.  Minor League Roster:

All teams can have up to 13 players on their Minor League Roster.  The names of these players must be

sent to the Commissioner on or before the 2nd Sunday in April.

14.  PLAYER CONTRACTS:

14.1.  Players on Roster:

All players on the roster will be under contract.

14.2.  Contract Term:

Contracts are for a period of one (1) OR five (5) years at the end of which time the manager can renew

the player's contract for an additional one (1) or five (5) years no later than November 30th.  The cost of

the new contract will be the salary calculated as per Section 28 of this constitution, except that the

minimum is $100,000.

14.3.  Free Agents:

Players whose contracts are not renewed become Free Agents and are placed in the Rookie/Free Agent

draft provided they will be getting APBA cards.

15.  ROOKIE/FREE AGENT DRAFT:

15.1.  Player Eligibility:

Shall include all players receiving a APBA card, including "XB's" provided they are not on any WPBL

roster as of December 1st.

15.2.  Timing of draft:

The draft shall be held on the second Saturday in January each year, unless otherwise specified by the Commissioner.

15.3.  Eligible player list:

A list of players eligible for the draft and the cost of their contracts will be sent to each manager prior to

the draft.

15.4.  Suspension of trading:

Trading is suspended from one hour prior to the start of the draft until completion of the draft.

15.5.  Drafting Procedures:

ROUND 1:  Teams will draft in reverse order of finish, with playoff teams drafting at the end of the

round. Ties are to be decided following the procedures described in Section 10.18 of this Constitution.

ROUNDS 2 and Later:  Teams will draft according to penalty points assessment.  The team with lowest

number of penalty points will draft first.  Ties to be decided as follows:

The Team with lowest EARNED penalty points drafts first.

In the case where teams are still tied, they will receive the higher pick in alternate rounds.

15.6.  Cost of Rookie/Free Agent Contracts:

The method used in calculating the cost of a Rookie/Free Agent contract is shown in Section 28.  Stats

published in the USA TODAY at the end of the regular season will be used to calculate the cost of

Rookie/Free Agent contracts.  The stat for Hit-By-Pitch will not be used in the calculation of the contract

cost.

15.7.  Money for Draft:

A team drafting a player must have sufficient funds in its team treasury to purchase the players contract.

15.8.  Total Rounds in the Draft:

The draft shall continue as long as teams continue to select  players and have money to purchase

contracts.

16.  PENALTY POINT SYSTEM:

16.1.  Effect on the Rookie/Free Agent Draft Order:

The order of drafting in the Rookie/Free Agent Draft in all rounds after the first will be determined by

total penalty points, with the team with the lowest points going first. Total penalty points are the sum of

the BASE PENALTY POINTS and the EARNED PENALTY POINTS.

16.2.  Base Penalty Points:

The BASE PENALTY POINTS depend on the overall final regular season standings.

In the case of a tie the penalty points will be divided equally among the teams that are tied.

The BASE PENALTY POINTS are determined as follows:

OVERALL STANDING       BASE POINTS                      OVERALL STANDING       BASE POINTS     

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9           0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1                         24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45

16.3.  Earned Penalty Points:

EARNED PENALTY POINTS will be assessed by the Commissioner for the following reasons:

16.3.1.  Late Instructions, Series Reports, or Game Sheets:

One (1) penalty point for each day the mailing is late. Each series is considered a separate mailing. 

Maximum of five (5) points per mailing deadline missed.

16.3.2.  Penalty Point Assignment:

Penalties for lateness will be assigned only after the mailing date has been verified by the Commissioner using the DATE of the email or the POSTMARK on the envelope.  Penalties for lateness may, at the discretion of the Commissioner, be limited to a maximum of 5 points for any one mailing.

16.3.3.  Player Overusage in a Series or Season:

Five (5) penalty points will be assessed for violation of the HITTER and PITCHER usage restrictions.

For HITTERS limited by games started, an additional penalty point will be assessed for each game he is

over the limit.

For HITTERS limited by plate appearances, an additional penalty point will be assessed for each 3 PA’s

he is over the limit.

For STARTING PITCHERS, an additional 2 penalty points for each start over the limit.

For RELIEF PITCHERS, an additional penalty point for each full 3 innings pitched over the limit.

16.3.4.  Inaccurate or Incomplete Stats:

Penalty points will be assessed for inaccurate or incomplete stat reporting.  The maximum number of

penalty points that will be assessed for this reason for any one month is 5.

Following is a list of errors and the penalties they will earn.

Incomplete Stats - from 2 to 5 points, at the discretion of the Statistician.  This includes things such as failure to include major pieces of information, i.e. failure to total the stats.

Individual Series Stats Reports - team totals that do not balance, ONE (1) point for each set of totals out of balance.  This means offensive teams runs, hits, walks and strikeouts must balance with the game stats for the opponent's pitchers.

Errors in Transferring Information (from game sheets to stats) - 1 to 3 points at the discretion of the Statistician.  If the team totals are balanced, most of these errors should be prevented.  It will be the responsibility of the visiting team manager to report errors in transferring information from the game sheets to the series stats.

Sloppy or illegible stats - 5 to 10 points at the discretion of the Statistician or Commissioner. This is for stats that are very difficult to read or for game sheets where the game results cannot be reasonably reconstructed by the visiting manager or the Commissioner.

16.4.  Penalty Point Reporting:

The penalty points that are assessed and the reasons for them, as well as the team totals to date, will be

reported on the league web site.

16.5.  New Manager:

When a new manager takes over a team, he will receive the league average at that time for penalty points

and treasury balance.  The average calculations will not include the penalty points or treasury balance of

the team assigned to the new manager.  The treasury balance average will not include any web site article

money earned by managers of other teams.

16.6.  Penalty Point Season Limits:

16.6.1.  Loss of Draft Choices:

THIRD ROUND:  After a manager reaches 20 penalty points he loses his 3rd round pick (or an equivalent player) in the next rookie draft.

SECOND ROUND:  After a manager reaches 35 penalty points he loses his 2nd round pick (or an equivalent player) in the next rookie draft.

FIRST ROUND:  After a manager reaches 50 penalty points he loses his 1st round pick (or an equivalent player) in the next rookie draft.

16.6.2.  Probation:

After a manager reaches 65 penalty points, he is put on probation or the Commissioner may ask him to

forfeit his team if the Commissioner thinks the manager has no hope of improving.

16.6.3.  Forfeiture of the Franchise:

After a manager reaches 80 penalty points forfeiture of his team is automatic.

17.  TEAM TREASURY:

17.1.  Monetary Awards:

Treasury money is earned in the following ways:

17.1.1.  Completion of Series Reports:

Completion of Series Reports on time:             Award $70,000/series

17.1.2.   Publication of Articles:

$ 60,000/page for single spaced original narrative articles.  Maximum $180,000 per article.

$ 15,000/page for team stats reports and similar items.  Maximum $60,000 per article.

17.1.3.  Maximum Article Awards in a Year:

Total earnings for articles submitted by each manager shall be a maximum of $150,000 during the period

from October to March, and $150,000 during the period from April to September.

17.1.4.  Playoff and World Series Awards:

The Playoff and World Series awards are described in Section 20.7.

17.1.5.  Special Awards:

Special Awards may be made from time to time.

17.2.  Use of Treasury Money:

Money can be used to renew player contracts, purchase Rookie/Free Agent contracts, or as part of any trade.

17.3.  Treasury Record:

A record of each team's treasury will be maintained by the Commissioner.

18.  TRADING OF PLAYERS:

18.1.  Trading Period:

Shall commence on October 15th at 12:01 A.M. local time or as specified by the Commissioner.

Shall STOP at midnight on the second Sunday in March, local time.

18.2.  Trading Suspended During Rookie/Free Agent Draft:

Trading is suspended one (1) hour prior to the start of the Rookie/Free Agent draft until the draft is

completed.

18.3.  Reporting of Trades:

All trades must be reported by phone or e-mail to the Commissioner by one of the managers involved.

18.4.  Trading of Draft Choices:

Draft choices in the first 10 rounds of the current draft ONLY may be traded.  No trading of draft picks will be allowed between the end of the rookie/free agent draft and the start of the regular season.

18.5.  Trades Involving Future Considerations:

Trades involving "future considerations" or "player to be named later" are not allowed.

18.6.  Commissioners VETO:

The Commissioner has the right to veto all disputed trades, and trades involving only cash for a player.

18.7.  Maximum Cash Allowed in a Trade:

The maximum amount of cash that can be part of a trade is $250,000.

19.  POST-SEASON PLAY:

19.1.  Playoff Participants:

The teams in the PLAYOFFS will include the two (2) CONFERENCE pennant winners (both will receive

first round byes) along with the second and third place finishers in each conference.

WILD CARD PLAYOFF SERIES

3^rd place team vs 2^nd place team in each conference

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Wild Card Playoff Series winner vs 1^st place team

WPBL WORLD SERIES

Donaldson Conference Champion vs Erickson Conference Champion

19.2.  Series Length and home field advantage:

The WILD CARD PLAYOFF, CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP, and WORLD SERIES will each be contested in a four out of seven game series, with home field advantage going to the team with the best record.

19.3.  World Series Deadline:

Every effort will be made to play the WORLD SERIES prior to the Rookie/Free Agent Draft.

19.4.  Breaking of Ties for Post Season Play:

If there should be a tie for a playoff position at the end of the season the team entering the play-offs will be

decided by the procedure described in Section 10.18D.

19.5.  Series Play:

The series may be played by mail or face-to-face.

19.6.  Schedule:

The schedule is as follows with Team A being the team with the best record of the two teams involved. 

Games in parenthesis are “if necessary”.

20.  SPECIAL RULES FOR PLAY-OFFS AND WORLD SERIES:

20.1.  Starting Pitchers:

Starting pitchers must have at least four (4) days rest between starts.

20.2.  Hitters:

Hitters with at least 80 GS in the regular WPBL season are unlimited in the playoffs.

Hitters with between 50 and 79 GS in the regular WPBL season are allowed 4 GS in each playoff series.          

Hitters with 1 or more "GS" in the regular WPBL season who enter the game in the 7th or later may remain in the game indefinitely.

20.3.  Removal of Starting Pitcher:

Any starting pitcher must stay in the game for at least 3 innings or 2 runs total.

20.4.  Relief Pitcher Limits:

No reliever may pitch more than 4 innings in any game, or more than 10% of their season limit on

innings pitched for the entire series, rounded to the nearest whole inning.

20.5.  Starting Pitchers as Relievers:

Any pitcher without an asterisk (*), who is not being used as a starter in the series, can be used in relief

for 6 innings in the series.

20.6.  Series Reporting:

Managers involved in the World Series will be required to send the game sheets, game-by-game stats, and

game write-ups to the opposing manager and the Commissioner.

20.7.  Awards:

CONFERENCE PENNANT winners will each receive $75,000.

WILD CARD teams in second place will each receive $50,000.

WILD CARD teams in third place will each receive $25,000.

WILD CARD PLAYOFF SERIES winners will each receive $25,000.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES winners will each receive $100,000.

WORLD SERIES winner will receive $100,000.

21.  FACE-TO-FACE PLAY:

Face-to-face play is encouraged but not to the detriment of the mail league concept.  Face-to-face games can be played during or before the month scheduled.  The only reason why a series may be played late is if a manager, who would be traveling more than 150 miles from home, can play another manager face-to-face at a date later than when the series has been scheduled.  The Commissioner must be notified ahead of time of such an occurrence.

22.  BACKUP MANAGERS:

When a manager drops out of the league, for any reason, a backup manager will immediately take over that team in the league.  A backup manager must follow the teams with great care as he must be able to take over any team at a moment's notice.

A backup will receive all league information including rosters, schedule, standings, stats, etc. but will not have voting rights.

23.  SUSPENSIONS:

The Commissioner reserves the right to suspend any manager for any of the following reasons:

23.1.  Failure to Pay Dues:

A manager may be suspended from the league for non-payment of dues past the date payment is required.

23.2.  Tardiness:

Continuous tardiness in any aspect which results in penalty points being assessed.

23.3.  Suspected Cheating:

A manager will lose his team if obvious cheating is established to the satisfaction of the league executives.

24. PROTESTS:

A manager may protest the loss of a game(s) if he feels there is enough reason to substantiate the protest.

24.1.  Procedure for Filing a Protest:

The protest must be made to the Commissioner within 30 days from the time the series results were received.

That manager must send the play-by-play game sheet(s) and a copy of the instructions of the game(s) that

is being protested to the Commissioner, along with his written reasons for the protest.

24.2.  Commissioners Ruling:

The Commissioner will then rule on the protest and determine the outcome of the game(s) involved.

25.   LEAGUE DUES:

25.1.  Amount:

League dues will be set on an annual basis by the Commissioner.

25.2.  Use of Funds:

Dues will be used to cover the cost of running the league.

25.3.  Payment Deadline:

Each manager is required to pay the dues prior to the deadline set by the Commissioner.

25.4.  Backup Managers Dues:

Back-up managers are also required to pay dues, but their dues will not be greater than half the dues paid

by full-time managers.

A manager who is suspended or expelled from the league for any reason will not be given a refund of dues paid, regardless of how much of the season has been completed.

26.  AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION:

This constitution may only be amended during the off-season and only by a two-thirds majority vote.

27.  TEAM NAMES:

Team names can be any name of a current team in the American or National Leagues.

During the period between the end of the season and the Rookie/Free Agent draft, any manager may change his team name to any team name that is not already taken by another manager.

28.  PLAYER SALARY CALCULATIONS:

28.1.  Source of Stats:

The stats published in USA TODAY following the end of the regular season will be used to calculate the

salaries of players.

28.2.  Hitters Salary Calculation:

Salary = (AVE*150+OBP*250+SLG*300+(SB/(AB+BB))*50))*(((AB+BB)/3.8)/164)

28.3.  Pitchers Salary Calculation:

Salary = ((1/ERA)*800+W*0.2+IP*0.2+GS*0.2+SV)*(IP/300)

28.4.  Minimum Salary for Free Agents and Rookies:

FREE AGENTS - $100,000 to resign with current team.

ROOKIES/FREE AGENTS - $ 50,000.