The Knothole Club

Of

Greater Cincinnati, Inc.

 

Rules and By-Laws

Of

District #23

Campbell County Knothole

 

Mission Statement

 

To provide the opportunity to grow and become productive through teamwork and competition, in an atmosphere of wholesome community participation.

 

Officers:

Mike Combs, District Supervisor

Dave Franzen, President and Associate District Supervisor

John Rawe, Vice President – Field/League Operations

Gene Combs, Vice President – Umpires

Larry Eten – Equipment Director

Leslie Hertzenberg – Uniform Director

Bill Paulin – Accounting Services Provider

John Roetting – Web Site Administrator

Kim Bowling – Concession Manager

 

 

Section One – District

  1. District 23 of the Knothole Club of Greater Cincinnati, Inc. shall be known as the Campbell County Rural Knothole League, Inc. or Campbell County Knothole.
  2. A non-profit 501-C-3 corporate charter performs the Operation of the District.  Non-profit board meets at least on a bi-annual basis to review the financial and other matters regarding the operation of the league.
  3. The non-profit board is established by consent vote of the current members to allow for the appointment of any new or replacing member.
  4. The succession of the non-profit corporation if it fails to continue to operate to have its assets transferred to the Campbell County Fiscal Court, Recreation Department.
  5. Any financial information can be obtained by contacting the District Supervisor.

 

 

Section Two – Boundaries

  1. The Campbell County Schools service area determines the Campbell County Rural Knothole League boundaries.  Such boundaries have been filed and established with the Knothole Club of Greater Cincinnati, Inc.
  2. Campbell County Knothole has been requested recently due to growth to accept registrations from areas south of the Campbell County Line in Bracken and Pendleton Counties.  Pendleton County currently has an inactive district operation and has been inactive for the past 15 years.  Campbell County Knothole currently allows registrations from these areas due to no current program for youth baseball.

 

 

Section Three – Players/Teams

  1. Legal Team – Not less than eleven (11) or more than seventeen (17) players shall constitute a legal team.
  2. Each manager is entitled to the same group of players that comprised the team the previous season, providing no other rules apply.
  3. For the purpose of determination of draft, team status during the preseason, etc. the number of players necessary to be a team or considered as such is six (6).  Note: This is not an absolute determination and circumstances can warrant consideration to the number.
  4. It is mandatory that all players complete the entire registration process, including all financial obligations and considerations.  It is the obligation of the managers to complete their team registration process in a timely manner.
  5. Teams in Classes First Year/E/D/C1 will be filled by means of the draft system.  The League Director will conduct this draft.  Teams will be required to maintain a minimum roster of thirteen (13) players if such numbers exist in the draft pool.
  6. There is a complete draft rules section separate from this document.
  7. Any player being refused a release from a manager for a valid reason may appeal the manager’s decision to the Executive Committee who has the power to overrule and release the player.
  8. Full uniforms are NOT permitted in Classes First Year/E/D1.  The team can match the shirts and hats provided by the league, however.  Under no circumstances will this rule be violated and such will result in disciplinary action against the manager.
  9. Class A, Class B and Class C2 is considered open classes with no draft.  A separate section from this document is available.
  10. No team may enter into Campbell County Knothole that was formed outside of the league in prior years and under no circumstance will any team that has been formed by former Knothole players be permitted to reenter as a team or be coached by coaches who recruited such players from Knothole without the expressed exception granted from the District Supervisor AND the Executive Committee.  This Rule also applies to all teams for Division One.

 

Section Four – Games

  1. The official game shall be dictated in duration, by the amount of innings specified by class play.
  2. Any scheduled game stopped by rain or darkness shall be considered an official game after 4 ½ innings are completed in Classes A and B and 3 ½ innings in Classes C and D, provided the home team is leading in each case. 

NOTE: Any game stopped by rain or darkness shall be considered suspended from the point of play and continued from such point.  This is the same rule as Tournament Play.

  1. For games not played at Pendery Park, the home team will furnish one new baseball and bases.  The visiting team will furnish the second ball.  After the game, the home team will get the choice of the two baseballs.  For games at Pendery Park, a new baseball will be provided to the umpire by park staff.  Both home and visiting teams will provide a second and third ball.  The home team receives two balls at end of game, visiting team receives the remaining ball.
  2. Prior to the game, the following will apply:
    1. The umpire will determine ground rules.
    2. Fielding practice to be evenly split at the time of the arrival of both teams.  Example:  both teams arrive at 6:00 for a 6:30 game:  both will be awarded 15 minutes of fielding time.  No batting practice is permitted 1 hour before game time at the game field.
    3. Overthrow rules to be reviewed by umpire.
    4. Sliding base rules to be reviewed by umpire.
    5. Any additional or special rules that may apply will be reviewed.

 

NOTE:  Umpires are usually asked about their strike zone, calling balks, etc.  The league instructs its umpires to call the game to the player’s best ability level of play being performed.  It is unrealistic to expect a D game strike zone to be the same as a B game.  Umpires are instructed to call the game as players can perform it.

 

  1. Calling balks will be up to the judgment of the umpire.  No balks should be called in Class D, should be considered a basic concept of Class C, and total understanding of balks should be expected in Class B and higher.  Note:  Warnings may or may not be given on balks.  At no time will pitching infractions be allowed to become a defensive advantage during the game and that will include Class D.
  2. Time limitations will be 2 hours for all classes, except Class A.  Scheduled time limits will be applied if game starts late due to either or both teams being late.  Note:  Game delayed by natural causes or injury will not affect the two-hour limit.  Further, it is the expectation of the league for umpires to administer the hustle on and off the field, after outs, etc.  It is expected for umpires to encourage and, if necessary, warn the offending team of a time delay.  It is expected if, after two warnings during the course of the game, an out will be called on the offending team at the very next at bat.  If a second out is called, the manager will also be ejected.  At the third offense, the game is forfeited.
  3. Proper equipment for players will be used at all required times and a catcher’s head set must be used by any player warming up the pitcher before and between innings.  This will also include warming up off the field of play.
  4. No steel spikes allowed in any class except Class A.

 

 

Section Five – General Rules and Regulations

  1. NO jewelry (including earrings) is permitted by any player in a Knothole game.  Any violation of this rule will require an immediate stop of the game and such item removed.  This includes rings, chains, etc.  If it is found a constant violation of the rule by any particular player or team, additional penalties may apply.

 

NOTE: In tournament play, use of jewelry will result in an immediate out call on the offensive team and/or immediate interference call on the defensive team.  This is strictly a safety consideration and it will be enforced.

 

  1. Any player, coach, manager or scorekeeper permits no tobacco products of any kind during the game.
  2. No alcohol may be consumed at any game or practice.  All local and state laws are supported by Campbell County Knothole.  Anyone who comes to any Knothole game or practice in an intoxicated state will be referred to the legal authorities immediately.
  3. After each game, it is the responsibility of each team to clean up the dugout area and spectator area of their fans.  This is essential due to the fact that we are a guest at several fields as well as taking care of our own complex at Pendery Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. No parent or fan will directly talk to an umpire in a “passion of the moment” and all managers will be responsible for such actions.  No parent or fans will directly verbally assault an umpire before, during or after the game.  Any incident of such will be considered as occurring during the game and such rules apply.  NOTE:  Umpires have been instructed to inform the league of such conduct and league officials will address teams violating this.  The umpires are directed to exit the field via the opposite end of the fence line on the fields to avoid the interaction possibility.
  2. Parents and fans will not engage in detrimental conduct towards the opposing team or fans.   If such occurs, and after warning from the umpires, the offending parties will be removed from the area of play.
  3. Any ejection will result in the immediate removal of the involved individual(s) from the playing area, out of view and no contact with the participants will be permitted.  Anyone ejected failing to leave will be dealt with following the next game(s) up to and including removal from the league activities.

 

NOTE: It is against state law to verbally harass and threaten any sports official.  The league will support such actions.  Further, several umpires are of minor age and any offending adult could be open to civil charges of assault due to minor’s age.  Our league’s reputation of aggressive actions against umpire abuse is well known and we are proud to actively support a safe and sound environment.

 

  1. The officers, directors, managers, coaches, and volunteers give of their time to the exclusive benefit of our community and children.  No one should have to tolerate negative comments, rudeness, and discourteous conduct or comments.  Anyone insisting to act in this disruptive and rude manner will simply be removed from the area of play, and continued disruptive actions will simply result in expulsion from the league.
  2. No fence or “fungo” hitting into the backstop or screen area is permitted on any field unless specifically allowed at the particular location.  NOTE:  Fence hitting is NOT permitted at Pendery Park.
  3. Rules not specifically covered will be governed by the rulings of District Supervisor or appointed representatives.
  4. Managers and coaches are directed to not over-coach during the game.  Excessive time-outs will not be allowed.  Managers/coaches will confine themselves to the dugout and base box area during play.
  5. During the game, if there is a rule question, the team representative, usually the manager, will request time at the end of play and address the umpire for such rule applications and points.  Running towards the umpire in an aggressive manner is strongly cautioned and anyone other than the team representative will be directed towards the dugout immediately.  Such discussions will be between the umpire and coach only.  The umpire is directed to make the correct call and to take whatever steps are necessary to accomplish such.  This does not mean, however, that correct steps are strictly in the opinion of the protesting team.

 

Manager Rules and Regulations
  1. You will be required to sign a Code of Ethics and it is encouraged that you read the form to the team’s parents.
  2. It is encouraged that you develop a call list, drink list, etc. from your parents – this will encourage support for you!
  3. All drink policies of the fields being played on must and will be observed.  NOTE: Pendery Park is a concession field and must be used if team drinks are purchased.  NO violation of this rule will be permitted.  No excuse can be tolerated because concession sales are a big part of the revenue that allows fields to be maintained.  Anyone failing to support this basic requirement risks being removed as coach.
  4. You are the team’s representative and must attend the coaches meetings or have an assistant attend.  To have anyone represent more than one team is permitted only on two occasions during the season, unless the representative is the manager of BOTH teams.  Failure to attend could result in tournament play removal.
  5. Competition is a natural result of keeping score and game play.  You are the manager of the team and you are responsible for team conduct.  Your parents should be encouraged to act, as they would expect their children to act.  This league does not tolerate “passions of the moment” due to a missed call or perceived act.
  6. As managers, you may sometimes be way ahead in the game in the score.  Keep in mind that it is in no one’s best interest to run up the score on any opponent.  Champions and winners are determined by how they win – not how much they win by.
  7. Participation is the key to youth baseball.  It is expected and encouraged that all of your players play.  It is also expected that parents follow the rules and support the team by being at practice and practicing with their children on their own.  A suggestion:  During the season, start all the players in any game to simply allow them to start.  This goes a long way in player enthusiasm and self-worth.
  8. Parents are expected to act towards you in a reasonable and respectable manner.  Everyone cares about the kids who play, so it is natural to be on the same side.
  9. The home team coach is responsible for checking the field to make sure it is playable.  The home team coach is responsible for confirming his umpire for the game the day before.  The volunteers who work at Pendery Park are for the benefit of the Campbell County Knothole League.  The volunteers are NOT the benefit of your particular team or particular field.  Please do not put anyone in a position by asking a task to be performed for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Games are to be played as scheduled.  Effective this season, rain out games on Saturday will be rolled over to Sunday as follows:

Saturday Game Time                            Sunday Game Times

10:00                                                   12:00

12:00                                                     2:00

2:00                                                       4:00

            This will be posted on the schedules, website and covered in meetings.  You are  

Advised to review this with your parents as soon as possible.  There is no cancellation of this rule except in the case of a team being impacted by a particular event.  Missing a player or two is NOT a team-impacting event.

 

The other policy rule in effect this year is after you receive your schedule for the season, you have two weeks to advise of any team, cannot play conflicts due to camps, vacations, etc.  AFTER the two weeks are up, the schedule and its changes will be played as established.

  1. When a game is cancelled due to weather, every effort must be made to reschedule the game as soon as possible.  Please consider Memorial Day Weekend as a makeup game date, both Saturday and Monday, day.  Games will already be scheduled for some teams, so plan on Pendery Park being open.

 

Items of Interest and Importance        

1.      Pendery Park is our home.  It is the lease responsibility of Campbell County Knothole to maintain, improve and run the baseball complex facility.  Questions regarding where the fees and revenue are spent can be viewed by looking at the baseball complex.  The park started in 1997 and Campbell County Knothole has spent, literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in the form of donations, in kind services and revenues.  There is no personal gain for any of the officers or park volunteers.  There is reimbursement for actual expenses in the performance of the park for any volunteer that provides such documentation and prior approval.

2.      Pendery Park is a concession-operated facility with exceptional pricing on items for sale.  We understand the cost of feeding our families and work very hard to provide value pricing.  ALL profits of the concession operation significantly help underwrite the cost of operation and expenses of Pendery Park.  As such, drink and food policies are expected to be honored and respected.  No food or drink is to be brought into the park.

3.      Campbell County Knothole and Pendery Park is a family oriented facility.  As such certain rules do apply.  There is NO alcohol allowed from the curb, trunk of the car, etc to be consumed at the park complex.  There is no tobacco use permitted in the dugouts, field of play and shelter area of the baseball complex.  Please discard cigarette butts into proper places vs. leaving on the ground.

4.      The only compensated volunteers are the umpires, most of the concession workers and field maintenance personnel.  You will notice that several of the compensated people are kids from our community.  It is a strong position of your youth league to employ kids where it makes sense. 

5.      Pick up the trash and items around your bench area after each game and encourage parents to do the same.

6.      Campbell County Knothole is a private, non-profit organization.  Any questions regarding financial audits and review may be obtained by contacting Mike Combs, District Supervisor.

7.      Campbell County Knothole has a very long history of support from various cities and other organizations.  There is also a strong level of support from Campbell County Knothole for Bishop Brossart High School, Silver Grove High School and Campbell County High School.  Enough support to suggest Campbell County Knothole provides the highest level of support, donations and services of any youth program in the Northern Kentucky area.

8.      Interested in using the Park?  Contact Mike Combs, District Supervisor at 859-635-1080.

9.      Our league is only as strong as the effort, support and enjoyment of all the membership.  The success of Campbell County Knothole is evident by Pendery Park Baseball Complex, the quality of field conditions and facilities and equipment provided and used.  Thank you for your on going support.

10.  There is a major, long-term plan for Pendery Park.  If you have any questions or interest in getting involved, please contact Mike Combs, District Supervisor.  We can guarantee you long hours on hot days, frustrating moments, issues with unintended mistakes, etc.  We can also guarantee you an occasional moment of satisfaction/reward for your involvement when a young player in the league, occasionally, few times a year, comes up to you and simply says “Thank you”!  The result:  the best payday around!

 

 

 

Special Class Rules

 

Class D-1 Rules:

 

1.                            There will be no balks called on a pitcher by the umpire.  However, no pitcher will be allowed to pitch illegally to gain a defensive advantage.

2.                            A game will be five innings long and will not exceed nine batters or six runs in each side of the inning.  The ninth batter cannot be walked intentionally.  If such occurs, there will be an additional batter allowed.

3.                            All players will be listed to bat in the bating order regardless if they play in the field or not.  Every player must be allowed to play in the field at least 2 full innings provided each player has fulfilled the team obligation of practice attendance, team rules, etc.

4.                            On a dropped third strike, the batter is out.

5.                            There is no infield fly rule.

6.                            Pitchers are limited to two (2) innings or 50 pitches. 

7.                            Stealing of bases is allowed in the following manner:  Second and third base only.  No stealing of home.  No advance of runner on overthrow by catcher.  Runner can advance on overthrow by a fielder and it is ONE BASE ONLY.  It is the intent of this rule to limit the consequence of trying to get an out.  We encourage the catcher to throw down to each base on a steal attempt AND on a lead off attempt at third base.  Remember, there is NO ADVANCE ON OVERTHROW BY CATCHER.  Ruling clarification:  If a runner at third has a big league and there is a pick off attempt and the runner elects to run home on that attempt, the RUNNER is OUT.  It is the purpose of this clarification to avoid huge leads by the offense.

8.                            All other rules, district and league will apply.

 

Class E-2 Rules

 

  1. Class E-2 is considered an instructional league.
  2. All games will be limited to 5 innings.
  3. All players will be placed into a batting lineup regardless if they play in the field.
  4. Two additional outfielders will be used.  The outfielders should be 20’ behind the baselines.
  5. The coach will pitch to the players.
  6. There is no running on third strike, leading off, and no stealing of bases.
  7. Three outs, six runs or nine batters constitute a half inning.
  8. There are no protests considered in this league.
  9. Field substitution is allowed throughout the game.
  10. The pitching distance shall be 40’ and bases at 50’
  11. The pitching coach is to avoid the ball in play except to protect himself.  One defensive player will play the pitcher’s position.
  12. The offensive team will be permitted to have a first base coach and a third base coach.  The coach pitching will umpire home plate and second base.  The base coaches umpire the other bases.
  13. No bunting will be allowed.
  14. No batter can be walked.
  15. Each batter will be thrown a maximum of 8 pitchers to hit the ball.  If the last pitch is fouled, then the batter is given an additional pitch until missed, hit or out.
  16. On throws from the outfield, a runner may advance until the ball is in the infield.
  17. First base will not be awarded to a hit batsman.
  18. All other rules of the game, league and district shall apply.

First Year/Class E-1

  1. The pitcher’s position will be from 35’ to 45’.  A line will be placed on the field at each distance to indicate the pitcher’s boundaries.
  2. The bases will be 50’ apart.
  3. The game will last 5 innings regardless of the score, except to conflict with the two (2) hour time limit.
  4. All players will be placed in the batting lineup and will bat in that order regardless if they play in the field.
  5. Batting Rules:
    1. First Year is required to use the Batting Tee Only.
    2. E-1 Class has the option to coach pitch – limit 3 pitches and time of 30 seconds between each pitch, then a mandatory tee will be used.

NOTE:  NO FIRST YEAR PLAYER CAN BE COACH PITCHED.

                  VIOLATION WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION

  1. Each player will continue to bat until he/she hits a legal fair ball.
  2. An arc from foul line to foul line will be marked on the field prior to the game at 20’ from home plate.  Any ball hit, which does not travel at least 20’ in any direction from the batter, is a foul ball.
  3. The offensive team will be allowed one coach for each base including home plate.  Each offensive coach will also be the umpire for the base that coach is coaching.
  4. The defensive team will be allowed to have 2 coaches on the field.
  5. The defensive team may have up to eleven players on the field.  The outfield is to have 5 fielders.  The catcher is to have catcher equipment.  Use of a fielder’s glove by the catcher is optional.  The pitcher will be located in the area of the marked lines.
  6. There will be no stealing or leading off base, no bunting and no infield fly rule.
  7. A base runner can advance only when the ball is hit.
  8. On an overthrow to any base, the runner will advance to the base he is going to ONLY.  There are no extra bases.
  9. On any ball that is hit to the outfield, the base runners may advance until the ball is returned to the infield itself.  Once returned, the base runner may only continue going to the next base.
  10. If a base runner runs into a fielder attempting to make a tag, it will be up to the discretion of the nearest umpire if it was deliberate or accidental.  If it is determined to be deliberate, the runner is out.
  11. Interference rules on batted balls are at the discretion of the home plate umpire.
  12. Catcher’s interference is at the discretion of the home plate umpire.
  13. Out of turn batting will be settled by the 2 managers.
  14. A half inning will be ended when the batting team accumulates 3 outs, 9 batters or six runs.
  15. If there are any discrepancies in a ball game, it will be the responsibility of both managers to resolve it in an orderly manner.  It will be the absolute responsibility of the team manager to control the parents and fans on any issue.
  16. There are no protests in this program.
  17. All players are to play equal time on the field.

 

 

 

To contact Campbell County Knothole:

 

Campbell County Knothole

PO Box 392

Alexandria, KY 41001

 

Baseball Complex:

Pendery Park Hotline Number

859-392-8377

 

Website:

www.ccknothole.com