2013-14 ABL Rules - Australian Baseball League

RULES & REGULATIONS 2018-19

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS

RULE 1: LEAGUE AND TEAMS....................................................................................................................................... 3 RULE 2: PLAYER LISTS AND LIMITS ............................................................................................................................ 3 RULE 3: CONTRACTING PLAYERS ............................................................................................................................... 6 RULE 4: ELIGIBILITY TO SIGN CONTRACT, CONTRACT TERMS, AND CONTRACT TENDERS ............................ 7 RULE 5: ASSIGNMENT OF PLAYER CONTRACTS ...................................................................................................... 8 RULE 6 - SUSPENDED PLAYERS .................................................................................................................................. 8 RULE 7: PLAYING OTHERWISE THAN IN ABL COMPETITION ................................................................................... 8 RULE 8: UMPIRES AND OFFICIAL SCORERS .............................................................................................................. 8 RULE 9 - MISCONDUCT ................................................................................................................................................... 9 RULE 10: CLAIM PRESENTATION ................................................................................................................................. 9 RULE 11 - HOLIDAYS .................................................................................................................................................... 10 RULE 12: UNIFORM PLAYING RULES ......................................................................................................................... 10 RULE 13: SCHEDULES .................................................................................................................................................. 10 RULE 14 - ENFORCEMENT OF RULES ........................................................................................................................ 12 RULE 16 - DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 12 REGULATION 1: UNIFORMED PERSONNEL............................................................................................................... 13 REGULATION 2 - PRE-GAME PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................. 17 REGULATION 3: UNCOMPLETED GAMES .................................................................................................................. 18 REGULATION 4: BALLPARK ........................................................................................................................................ 19 REGULATION 5: SUPPLEMENTARY PLAYING RULES ............................................................................................. 21 REGULATION 6: SECURITY .......................................................................................................................................... 24 REGULATION 7: UMPIRES ............................................................................................................................................ 25 REGULATION 8: DISCIPLINE ........................................................................................................................................ 26 REGULATION 9: OFFICIAL SCORERS ........................................................................................................................ 27 REGULATION 10: PACE OF GAME PROCEDURES ................................................................................................... 28 ATTACHMENT 1 - ELBOW PAD APPROVAL NOTICE ................................................................................................ 30 ATTACHMENT 2: UNIVERSAL GROUND RULES ....................................................................................................... 31 ATTACHMENT 3: ABL STANDARD PLAYER AGREEMENT ...................................................................................... 32 ATTACHMENT 4: ABL PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................... 51 ATTACHMENT 5: ABL VEHICLE USE AUTHORITY FORM ........................................................................................ 52 ATTACHMENT 6 - NOTICE TO PLAYER OF RELEASE OR TRANSFER ................................................................... 53 ATTACHMENT 7 - PLAYER TRANSFER REQUEST .................................................................................................... 54 ATTACHMENT 8: THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS DECLARATION FORM ...................................................................... 55 ATTACHMENT 9: PLAYER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT....................................................................................... 56 ATTACHMENT 10: QUALIFYING OFFER/LETTER OF INTENT .................................................................................. 58 STANDARD PLAYER AGREEMENT

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS game), the ABL in its absolute discretion shall determine the Active List size for both Teams.

Rule 1: LEAGUE AND TEAMS The ABL shall determine the number of Teams competing in the League. The Teams in the League shall be: Auckland Tuatara, Adelaide Bite, Brisbane Bandits, Canberra Cavalry, GeelongKorea, Melbourne Aces, Perth Heat and Sydney Blue Sox. The ABL may expand, contract or relocate Teams at the sole and absolute discretion of ABL.

2. In addition to the limits set above, teams may nominate a specified number of additional players on the following lists that may be eligible to appear in a Game Series; i. Three (3) Reserve List Players ii. Six (6) Development List players (Home Games only) Players on either of the lists above shall only be eligible to appear in a Game Series subject to the specific rules applicable to that list.

Rule 2: PLAYER LISTS AND LIMITS A. REGISTERED LIST. The ABL shall continuously maintain and update a Registered List for each Team. Each Registered List shall include all players, player-managers, and playercoaches who are currently under Standard Player Agreements (SPA’s) or Player Participation Agreements (PPA’s). For a player to be eligible to be placed on the Registered List and subsequently, the Active List or Development List, each Team must submit a signed SPA or PPA for that player. Teams must submit a player’s signed SPA or PPA by the 1st October 2018. A player may be added to the Registered List during the season with an ABL approved signed SPA or PPA submitted at least seven (7) days prior to activation. Such documents must be signed by the player and the Team, but can only be countersigned by the ABL. Final contracting and placement on the Registered List is at the sole discretion of the ABL. Once approved by the ABL, any player on a Registered List for an ABL team cannot play for any other ABL team until they are removed from the team’s Registered List or apply to the ABL for special consideration and are granted a release. A Team may place a maximum number of thirty (30) players on its Registered List and each Team shall immediately notify the ABL in writing of any proposed changes to its Registered List. Such Registered List changes shall not take effect until approved by the ABL. A Registered List may contain more than the maximum number of players if the additional players are on the Ineligible, or Military Lists. Each player on a Reserve List shall also appear on a Team’s Active, Reserve, Development, Disabled, Game Inactive, Suspended, Ineligible or Military Lists. B. ACTIVE LISTS. The ABL shall maintain continuously and update during the ABL season an Active List for each Team. An Active List shall include all players from a Team’s Registered List who the Team declares to be eligible to appear in a game for the Team. Each Team shall file its Active List by such time or times before the opening date of the ABL season as the ABL may set forth, provided, however, that any such filing time shall be no later than 72-hours before the scheduled start of the first game of the season. Each Team shall immediately notify the ABL in writing of any changes to its Active List. An ABL Team may adjust its Active List by notifying the ABL in writing at any time up two (2) hours prior to the scheduled start of the first ABL Game of any Game Series. Player-coaches and playermanagers shall be considered active players and shall be bound by all such restrictions. A Game Series is defined as a series of four (4) consecutive games scheduled against a single opponent. 1. The limit of Players on a Team’s Active List is Twenty-Two (22) for any Game Series consisting of 4 games (or fewer). In the event a Game Series extends beyond four games for any reason (such as rescheduling of a previously postponed

3. On each team’s Active list, the following limits shall apply: i. 150 points for the regular season based on an average weighting of Fifteen (15) points per series. a. Note: An additional 15 points are added to the seasonal total for each round of playoffs. Player Level Level of Play Points Marquee Players 1 (2 MAX PER SEASON) 0 Australian National Identified Players 2 (50 players Max) -1 All other Australian/Native Country 3 Players -2 4

Asian League Players (Imports)

5

MLB Assigned Players (Imports)

6

Independent Players not from AUS, NZ or Asia (imports)

1 2 4

4. Marquee Players. Marquee Players are classified as any of the following: i. MLB current player, or previous MLB All-Star, or 5 + years’ MLB service time. ii. Current CPBL, NPB or KBO contracted player, or previous Asian-League All-Star, 5 + years’ AsianLeague service time Maximum of two (2) players under contract throughout the season can qualify as Marquee players. If a player is lost due to season ending injury, or returns overseas, or the player’s services are terminated any other reason they may be replaced – but only once (i.e., Players cannot play, leave, be replaced and then return. Once a player is replaced, they cannot take any further part in the ABL Competition for any Team in that season. 5. Teams may use a maximum of two (2) Import Starting pitchers during each series. i. Teams may be subject to protest of any game in which they violate this rule. If the ABL upholds a protest, the Team in violation shall lose the game on forfeit. Any protest must be lodged with the umpire-in-chief at the time of the alleged violation as per Regulation 5.5. NOTE: For ABL Playoff Series (ABL Semi-Finals and ABL Championship Series) this Rule 2B.5. will apply to a maximum of one (1) Import Pitcher used to start the game in either Game 1 or Game 2 in each Playoff Series. Teams may use any pitcher to player in any one-game Playoff or “Wildcard” game. C. DEVELOPMENT LISTS. Within their Registered List, ABL teams may nominate up to ten (10) players on their Development List prior to the start of the ABL season. Players

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS who are not nominated prior to the beginning of the season must apply for special consideration from the ABL. The Development List cannot be changed unless a player from the Development List is permanently removed from the list (by either being released or being permanently nominated to the Active List) at which time the Team may place an additional player on the Development List to replace him. To be eligible for the Development List, a player must meet ALL the following criteria: i. Player must be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident ii. Player must be 23 years of age or under, prior to the start of the ABL season iii. Player must not have accumulated 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched during a previous ABL season or seasons. Development List Players may appear in all regular season games where their Team is the nominated HOME team. Of these players, there may be a maximum of three (3) additional Pitchers. (For example, teams may have 3 position players and 3 pitchers, or 6 position players, but may not have 4 or more pitchers). This rule does not apply to any ABL Post-Season games or the ABL Championship Series (ABLCS). For all Post-Season games teams are only permitted the specified number of players on their Active List in Rule 2B.1. above. NOTE 1: Development List places are designed for players who would ordinarily not make a Team’s Active List. As such, these additional positions are voluntary in nature and will not be paid. Any team suspected to be deliberately subverting the intent of this rule, and repeatedly naming players on their Development List that should ordinarily make a Team’s Active List may be subject to penalties listed in ABL Rule 2.M. and the permanent disqualification of such players from the Development List. NOTE 2: Players on Development Lists under the age of 19 who are looking to preserve US college eligibility must sign an ABL Participation Agreement, NOT a Standard Player Agreement. SPECIAL NOTE: Development Players may NOT enter the lineup during any extra-Inning of any game. For purposes of this Rule 2C., any “extra inning” is defined as the 8th inning or later in a 7inning game or the 10th inning or later in a 9-inning game. D. RESERVE LISTS. ABL teams must nominate up to three (3) players on their Reserve List prior to the start of each Game Series against a single opponent. During a Game Series, a Team may move players from its Reserve List to its Active List and from its Active List to its Reserve List and shall give notice to ABL of any such roster moves. Such roster moves shall hereinafter be identified as a Player “Option”, Player “Optioning”, or being “Optioned”. An Option shall apply to a player transaction in either direction (that is from the Active List to the Reserve List, or vice versa). Each Player may only be Optioned ONCE during any Game Series, and a maximum of three (3) times in any ABL season.

In all instances, both Players being Optioned in a transaction must be similar players. That is, a Position Player Optioned to the Reserve List from the Active List, may only be replaced by another Position Player Optioned from the Reserve List to the Active List. The same rule applies to Pitchers. If Optioning a Player, notice of the request for a change must be received by the ABL in writing before 11:59PM (local time at the Game Series location) on the day prior to the Option taking effect. A verifiable, time-stamped email must be sent to [email protected] for the Option to be accepted. Active List Players are not eligible to be Optioned onto the Reserve List during a Game Series under the following circumstances; i. If they have pitched twenty (20) or more pitches in any single ABL game during that series. ii. If they have pitched in two (2) separate games during that Game Series. iii. If the Player has exhausted his five (3) Options. iv. If a similar Player is not available on the Reserve List. Reserve Lists Players are not eligible to Optioned onto the Active List unless they are activated under one or more of the following circumstances; i. To replace an injured Player ii. To be activated from the Game Inactive Lists, or to replace a player placed on the Game Inactive List. iii. They have completed a specified sanction on the Reserve List and are eligible to be removed from the Suspended List. The Reserve List does not apply to any ABL Post-Season games or the ABL Championship Series (ABLCS). For all Post-Season games teams are only permitted the specified number of players on their Active List in Rule 2B.1. above. NOTE: Both Active Lists and Reserve Lists can be reset after each Game Series. E. DISABLED LISTS. From time to time Teams may nominate players to the Disabled List. The following restrictions apply to players named to the Disabled List during an ABL Game Series; 1. “Day-to-Day” Injuries If a Player has been named to a Team’s Active List for a Game Series and after the Game Series Commences the Player has subsequently determined to be unable to take further part in that Game Series, the Team may choose to Option that Player in exchange for another Player on the Team’s Reserve List. In these instances, the injured player may be transferred to the Reserve List and does not need to be placed on the Disabled List. Both the injured Player and the Replacement player would however be using one of their three (3) available Options outlined in Rule 2.D. 2. 10-Day Disabled List Alternatively, if a Player has been named to a Team’s Active List for a Game Series and subsequently the Player is unable to take further part in that series, the Team may place the injured Player on the 10-Day Disabled List and replace him with another Player on the team’s Reserve List. In these instances, neither the injured Player nor the replacement Player would forfeit one of their three (3) Options.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Upon request from the ABL, any Team who seeks to place a Player on the Disabled List must be able to provide a signed declaration from the team’s Physiotherapist or Doctor detailing the nature and extent of the injury or illness. This declaration must be witnessed by the Team’s Manager and may be required by the ABL prior to approval of the transaction. Any player placed on the 10-Day Disabled List, is not eligible to be placed on either the Active List, or Reserve List for any Game Series that commences within a period of 10-days from the time the official roster change has been approved by the ABL. For the purposes of this rule, a “Day” shall constitute a calendar day, whether in whole or in part. The day the official roster change takes effect cannot be the same day as the Disabled Player has participated in an ABL game or has been requested to be replaced. For the avoidance of doubt this means changes cannot be enacted on the same day as the game being played. All teams are expected to adhere to the spirit of this rule, and in any circumstance where misuse or deliberate manipulation of this rule is suspected, the ABL at their absolute discretion, can choose not to approve the roster change. NOTE 1: In both Rule 2.D.1. and Rule 2.D.2. the Player must continue to be replaced by a similar Player. (i.e. Pitchers replace Pitchers, Position Players replace Position Players) NOTE 2: If a Team has already Optioned three (3) Reserve Lists Players onto the Active List during a Game Series, they cannot make additional replacements for any reason (including if a Player is injured and wishes to be placed on the Disabled List). F. GAME INACTIVE LIST. From time to time Teams may nominate Player to the Game Inactive List. Players may only be placed on the Game Inactive List for the following reasons; 1. Players under the reserve of a Major League Baseball Club, NPB Club, KBO Club or CPBL Club may be placed on the Game Inactive List at the written bequest of their club. Viable reasons include but are not limited to workload/playing time management, and/or injury rehabilitation. Such request must be received by the ABL fourteen (14) days in advance. 2. Players are unavailable due to bereavement or personal reasons including but not limited to: Death, illness or any other reason deemed appropriate at the sole discretion of the ABL. A Team may move players from its Active List to its Game Inactive List by utilising Options as outlined in Rule 2.D. No player on a Game Inactive List shall be eligible to move to an Active List during a Game Series, unless they are also one of the three Players under the Reserve List for that Game Series. G. SUSPENDED LIST. The ABL may place a player on a Suspended List in its discretion as a disciplinary measure for onfield behaviour, violation of the player’s SPA or for other cause. No player on a Suspended List may be placed on an Active List. Players who are sanctioned by the ABL for a fixed number of Games must be listed as one of the Team’s three (3) Reserve List

Players for the duration of the suspension, however the Player cannot be Optioned to the Active List while suspended. H. INELIGIBLE LIST. The ABL may place on the Ineligible List any player or other person found guilty of misconduct or other acts mentioned in Rule 9 (Misconduct) or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. Any player on an Ineligible List shall not count against the Registered List limit. No player on an Ineligible List may be placed on an Active List. A player or other person on the Ineligible List shall not be eligible to associate with any Team. No ABL player shall knowingly play with or against a team with which, during the current season, any ineligible player or person has had any connection. Should a player knowingly play with or against any such team, the player shall be placed on the Suspended List. A player may apply to the ABL for reinstatement from an Ineligible List. An application for reinstatement may be granted upon such terms and conditions as the facts may warrant in the judgment of the ABL. Only the ABL may remove a player from a Restricted List. In all cases the ABL may determine, at any time, either on its own initiative or at the request of a Team or player, that the best interests of the ABL require that a player, Team or ABL official or employee, or other person, be placed on the Ineligible List and may also, in the sole discretion of the ABL and upon such terms and conditions as the ABL may deem proper, reinstate any such person from the Ineligible List or transfer the person from the Ineligible List to the Suspended List. I. MILITARY LIST. The ABL may place a player on a Military List if such player has received orders to report for military service and has failed to report for or has left the player’s Team in preparation for reporting for Military Service. No player on a Military List may be placed on an Active List. Only the ABL may remove a player from a Military List. A player on a Military List shall not count against a Team’s Registered List limit. J. LIMITATIONS ON COACHES, PLAYER-COACHES AND PLAYER-MANAGERS. No Team shall have more than one manager or more than six coaches. If a Team wishes to make a manager or coach eligible to play, then each such manager or coach shall first sign a SPA before appearing on a Team’s Registered List or Active List. K. PLAYOFF LISTS. The ABL shall maintain a Playoff List for each Team, consisting of players each Team wishes to be eligible to appear in any single Playoff Series. No player shall be included in a Team’s Playoff List unless such player has appeared on such Team’s Active List for a minimum of three (3) ABL Game Series AND actually taken the field in at least one game in each of those three Game Series during the championship season. Each Team shall file its initial Playoff List by such time or times before the first game of the ABL Playoff schedule as the ABL may set forth, provided, however, that any such filing time shall be no later than 72 hours before the scheduled start of the first game of ABL Playoffs. Each Team shall immediately notify the ABL in writing of any changes to its Playoff List. An ABL Team may adjust its Playoff List by notifying the ABL in writing at any time up until two (2) hours prior to the start of the first ABL Game of any single ABL Playoff Series. A player-manager or player-coach shall be considered an active player. In circumstances where a Player has not appeared on a Team’s Active List for at least three ABL Game Series during the ABL

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS championship season, such Team may apply to the ABL in writing for special consideration of such players to appear on such Team’s Playoff List, and the decision of the ABL shall be in its absolute discretion and shall be final. Any Team may apply to the ABL in writing for special consideration to replace a Playoff eligible player with a noneligible Australian player if the Playoff eligible player has either; 1. Sustained a long-term or season ending injury. 2. Departed the country and will not return prior to the end of the season. 3. Has received definite orders to report for Military service; or any other such directive that prevents the Players further play in the ABL season. (For example, written directive from the Player’s MLB organisation) In all such instances, the player must be replaced by a similar player (Pitchers replace Pitchers; Position Players replace Position Players) and the Player removed from the Playoff List shall be removed permanently from the Team’s Active List; and shall not be permitted to take any further part in the ABL season under any circumstances. L. NOTIFICATION. The ABL shall promptly record any transactions or player transfers permitted by these Rules and shall make them available to all Teams through electronic communication or other means. M. PENALTIES. Any breach of this ABL Rule 2 Player List and Limits, the Team Salary Cap (see Rule 3 below), as determined at the absolute discretion of the ABL will result in an automatic $5000 penalty (per breach) to the Team. In addition, the ABL may at its sole discretion impose some or all the following immediate sanctions; 1. Reduction in the Points permitted on the Team’s Active List (i.e less than 150) 2. Reduction of ABL Team’s Active Playing Roster (i.e. 22 reduced to 21) 3. De-registering of any Player Contract found in breach.

Rule 3: CONTRACTING PLAYERS A. CONTRACT FILING. The ABL League Office is the only entity permitted to approve and register player contracts. Teams or Team Management can issue and execute agreements with Players, but these shall be invalid until registered with and approved by the ABL. B. MLB PLAYERS. A player who is reserved to as Major League Baseball Club may be signed to a contract only with the assent of such Major League Club. All Teams and Personnel must notify the ABL of their intent to recruit or contact any player reserved to an MLB Club and/or any intent to contact MLB club directly. MLB Club permission must be presented to the ABL in writing prior to signing. C. FIRST RIGHT TO NEGOTIATE. Except by written exemption, all ABL teams have first rights to negotiate and agree to terms with any Player they held under contract in the previous ABL Season. The same rights apply to any Australian-native player not previously contracted to an ABL Team, who resides

within a 200km radius of that ABL Team Home Venue during the ABL Season. ABL may request supporting documentation to substantiate Player residency. Such determinations and exemptions shall be at the sole discretion of the ABL. The period of exclusivity afforded to an ABL Team ends at 12:00pm AEST on August 1, 2018. D. CONTACTING PLAYERS. Prior to August 1, 2018 no Team may contact a player bound to another Team under Rule 3.C. without the prior knowledge and written consent of that player’s Team and the ABL. Any Team proven to have breached this rule may be subject to penalties listed at ABL Rule 2.M. Where it is found that Players bound to one ABL Team under Rule 3.C. have initiated the contact with another Team and such Team has not engaged in active recruitment of said Player no such Penalty shall apply. After August 1, 2018 , no restrictions shall apply. NOTE: The ABL may provide exemptions/concessions to this rule for Expansion Teams. E. QUALIFYING OFFERS AND TRANSFERS. All “Qualifying Offers” are set at $125/game ($5,000/season). Teams who make a certified “Qualifying Offer” to any player they held under contract for the previous season are provided first right of refusal on that Player’s services. All “Qualifying Offers” must be presented to Players prior to 4:00pm AEST on August 1, 2018 and players will have ten (10) days to respond from the time the offer is filed and approved with the League Office at which point the league will publish this information as either “Accepted/Decline.” If a player declines the Qualifying Offer they will become a Free Agent and free to negotiate with any team. If the player accepts the Qualifying Offer, this player must be paid their full salary whether they are active or not unless they are placed on the Game Inactive or Suspended Lists. If the Player subsequently declines the Qualifying Offer and signs with another Team, the Player’s new Team must pay $3,000 cash in compensation to the Player’s former Team. A player failing to respond to a Qualifying Offer will automatically default to a “Decline” response. In the event of a dispute, if the League Office has a verified offer on file, the player will then have three (3) days to reconsider the offer even if this dispute is after the deadline. F. SALARY CAP. The Salary Cap for player payments shall be defined as. 1. Total of all Active List Player payments must be disclosed in detail and fall within the salary Cap. The Salary Cap is set at AU$100,000 for 2018/19 Season. 2. The Salary Cap may be adjusted under the following circumstances: a. The cap value of an acquired Player will be the greater of; i. The Player’s Contract Value, or ii. Value of the declined Qualifying Offer, plus $3,000 b. The Team receiving $3,000 compensation for the loss of a Qualifying Offer player will have this added to that

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Team’s cap value (i.e., Salary Cap increased to $103,000 for the loss of one player) 3. Two (2) Marquee Players (if applicable) do not count toward the Salary Cap. 4. Player payments are limited to Active List players only (22 Max per series). Development List players must not be paid. 5. All Teams must adhere to the following minimum salary requirements; i. A minimum of eight (8) Australian or Native Country players must each earn a minimum of A$4,000 per season. G. SIGNING OF NON- NATIVE PLAYERS. The relevant “Native Country” shall be defined as either; 1. Australia 2. The “Home” country, of any team based outside Australia, or under foreign License control. For the purposes of league rules and salary minimums, the ABL will define Native players as follows; Criteria

Description

Documentation

Citizenship

A citizen of Australia or Native country or with an application submitted to the relevant Govt organisation.

Passport or by Application only.

Legal Resident

A permanent legal resident of Australia or Native country

Govt issued proof of permanent residency

In addition to meeting one or more of the criteria above, any player ineligible to compete for Australia or their Native country at any Internationally sanctioned event (either WBSC or WBC sanctioned) for any reason shall be classified as an Import Player. All Imports must be eligible to obtain a 408 (Sport Stream), 462 (Visitor/Holiday), or alternate legal working permit. Players are also subject to ABL and Police Background checks. H. THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS. Upon request, each ABL Team must submit a signed declaration of all Third-party payments, income or benefits including any accommodation, travel and motor vehicle expenses provided to players for the purposes of acquiring their services to play in the ABL. (See Attachment 8) Declaration must include but are not limited to; 1. Income derived by the player from baseball related activities (e.g. camps, coaching clinics), and/or 2. Income derived from activities that employ ABL Team logos or names, and/or 3. Income derived by playing baseball for a non-ABL another Team within 200km of the ABL team, and/or 4. Income provided by a company/individual involved is an ABL sponsor, and/or 5. Income provided where a company/individual is acting on behalf of a Team to secure the Player’s services. F. PLAYER TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS. All players, personnel and umpires must complete mandatory training and workshops as directed by the ABL, with including but not limited to: ASADA Level 1 Anti-Doping Course

Rule 4: ELIGIBILITY TO SIGN CONTRACT, CONTRACT TERMS, AND CONTRACT TENDERS A. ELIGIBILITY TO SIGN CONTRACTS. 1. A player may be signed to a contract if the player: i. at least 16 years old at the time or signing, or ii. is 15 at the time of signing, but will attain age 16 prior to November 15 of such effective season Proof of age in the form of a birth certificate or other appropriate documentation, issued by an appropriate government agency, and shall accompany the filing of such player's first contract. 2. No player is permitted to, directly or indirectly, provide to the ABL any false material information or documentation regarding the player's age, identity, citizenship or residence in connection with the player signing with the ABL. Any Player found to have violated this Rule 4.A.2. shall be declared ineligible to sign with the ABL for a period of one year, if the Player does not have a contract with the ABL, or shall be placed on the Ineligible List for a period of one year, if the player does have an approved contract with the ABL. The ABL shall have the discretion to reduce the mandatory sanctions described in this Rule 4.A.2. only if the ABL concludes that extraordinary circumstances exist that call for the exercise of such discretion. Any person employed by or affiliated with the ABL or any Team who participates in, aids or abets any violation of this Rule 4.A.2 shall be subject to such sanctions as may be deemed appropriate, in the discretion of the ABL. B. UNIFORM CONTRACTS. 1. Uniform Contract for Players. To preserve morale among all players and to produce the similarity of conditions necessary for keen competition, all contracts between the ABL and Players shall be in the form of the Australian Baseball League Standard Player Agreement or Player Participation Agreement that is appended to these Rules as Attachment 3. All contracts shall be in duplicate and the player shall retain a counterpart original. 2. No Player shall participate in any ABL game until the player has signed a contract in the form prescribed by this Rule 4.B. for services during the current season. Use of an ineligible player shall subject the offending Team to such penalties as the ABL may impose, including, without limitation, forfeiture of any game won by the Team that uses an ineligible player. C. CONTRACTS IN VIOLATION. Any written or oral contract made in violation of these Rules (including any agreement between an ABL Team and a Player that is not embodied in an Australian Baseball League Standard Player Agreement or has not been registered by the ABL League Office) shall be declared null and void, and the official, scout or employee of the offending ABL Team who participated in the violation shall be subject to such penalties as the ABL may impose. D. UNIFORM MANAGER & EMPLOYEE CONTRACTS. Managers, coaches and trainers must sign contracts on forms prescribed by the ABL before rendering services to a Team.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS E. CERTAIN PAYMENTS FORBIDDEN. 1. Gift to Employee for Securing Employment. No scout, player, employee or official of the ABL or any Team, or any umpire, employee or official of the ABL or any Team, or any other person with any relationship to any of the aforementioned persons, shall demand or receive any money or other valuable consideration, whether gratuitous or otherwise, for or because of services rendered, or to be rendered, or supposed to have been rendered, in securing the services of any person with the ABL or any Team. Such money or other valuable consideration shall be returned immediately upon its receipt, and if not so returned, the ABL may impose such penalties, including ineligibility, as the ABL may deem proper. 2. Payment to Player’s Personal Trainer. Neither the ABL nor any Team shall make any payment or convey anything of value to any firm or person for services provided to a player relating to preparing such player for professional baseball. 3. Payment of Finder’s Fee. Neither the ABL nor any Team shall make any payment or convey anything of value to any firm or person not retained or employed by the ABL or such Team for bringing such player to the attention of the ABL or such Team as a prospective player. Any firm or person who is retained or employed by the ABL or a Team and who brings unsigned players to the attention of the ABL as prospective players (e.g., as a so-called “Bird Dog” scout) shall disclose to any player the relationship with the ABL and shall not act as agent or representative for any player. 4. Payment to Player’s Representative. Neither the ABL nor any Team shall make any payment or convey anything of value to any firm or person for legal, representational or other services provided by such firm or person to a player relating to the negotiation of a contract between the ABL and the player.

Rule 5: ASSIGNMENT OF PLAYER CONTRACTS A. NOTICE. After consultation with a player’s Team, the ABL may assign any player, manager, coach or other personnel to a Team or from one Team to another Team, in its absolute discretion. The player, upon receipt of written notice of the assignment, is by the player's contract bound to serve the Team to which the player has been assigned. Written notice of assignment of a player's contract shall be given to a player.

Rule 6 - SUSPENDED PLAYERS A. MISCONDUCT OR INSUBORDINATION. The ABL may suspend a player that it has under an ABL Standard Player Agreement for insubordination or other misconduct, including, without limitation, for on-field misconduct, or for violation by the player of any regulation or other provision of the player's contract. At its discretion, the ABL may impose a reasonable fine and deduct the amount of the fine from the player's salary or may suspend the player without salary for a period of time, or both. Guidelines outlining the ABL Disciplinary Protocols and sanctions are published and available for review by Players at any time. Written notice of the fine, or suspension, or both, and of the reason for the fine and/or suspension shall in every case

be given to the player. During the period of suspension, the player shall be ineligible to play with any other Team. B. DISCIPLINE. The ABL is entitled to discipline any player, manager, trainer, coach, scout or other personnel in case of a violation of contract, these Rules, ABL regulations, or other rules, policies and guidelines. Such discipline may include fining, dismissing, releasing, suspending or expelling the offender. C. EFFECT. Unless prior approval of the ABL is granted, no person who has been suspended or otherwise declared ineligible shall perform any function for any Team or any other entity related to the ABL during the duration of the suspension or period of ineligibility. D. PLAYER NOT IN CONDITION. A player under an ABL SPA who fails to get into playing condition may be suspended without pay (subject to the terms of the SPA) until the player is in condition to play. ABL Teams are under no obligation to nominate any player on their Registered List to their Active List, if at the discretion of the ABL team they determine the Player is not in condition.

Rule 7: PLAYING OTHERWISE THAN IN ABL COMPETITION A. EXHIBITION GAMES. No Team is permitted to participate in any exhibition game without the prior approval of the ABL. No player shall participate in any exhibition game with or against any team that, during the current season or within one year, has had any ineligible player or which is or has been, managed and controlled by an ineligible player or who otherwise has violated, or attempted to violate, any exhibition game contract; or with or against any team that, during said season or within one year, has played against teams containing such ineligible players, or so managed or controlled. Any player who participates in such a game in violation of this Rule 7 shall be subject to discipline. B. PENALTY. A player who, during the ABL season, participates in a game of Baseball without the prior approval of the ABL with a team other than the one with which the player has contracted, shall be subject to discipline by the ABL.

Rule 8: UMPIRES AND OFFICIAL SCORERS A. STAFFING. The ABL shall appoint a staff of umpires to officiate ABL games with individual officials to make application to the league directly. B. DUTIES. The umpires assigned by the ABL shall be responsible for the conduct of all ABL season and Playoff or Championship Series games, according to the Official Baseball Rules. The umpires shall know thoroughly and obey meticulously the instructions of the ABL as to the mechanics and manner of performing their duties. The umpires shall be thoroughly familiar with and alert to the duties and responsibilities placed on the umpires by the ABL Rules and shall know and follow the interpretations of the Official Baseball

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Rules and the Australian Baseball Umpire Development Program. All ABL umpires shall receive from the ABL all assignments to duty and all instructions regarding the interpretation of the Official Baseball Rules and performance of their duties. If an umpire does not perform an assignment, the ABL may impose such penalty as the ABL may deem adequate. C. OFFICIAL SCORERS. The ABL shall appoint official scorers for each ABL game. The official scorer for each ABL game shall observe the game from a position in the press box or other suitable position as determined by the ABL. Subject to the Official Baseball Rules, the official scorer shall have sole authority to make all decisions involving judgment, such as whether a batter's advance to first base is the result of a hit or an error. The official scorer shall communicate such decisions to the press box and broadcasting booths and shall advise the ballpark public-address announcer, if requested. After each ABL game, including drawn and forfeited games, the official scorer shall prepare and retain a written record listing the date of the game, where it was played, the names of the competing Teams and the umpires, the full score of the games, and all records of individual players compiled according to the system specified in the Official Baseball Rules. The Australian Baseball Scorebook will suffice as a written record. Official scorers shall be paid such fees as the ABL may determine. The ABL designee shall have authority to discipline or remove any official scorer. D. RIGHT TO OVERRULE DECISIONS. The ABL has the right to overturn or change any ruling from an official scorer, if deemed necessary. This shall be at the absolute discretion of the ABL CEO, or other senior official determined by the ABL from time to time. E. UMPIRE CLAIMS. The ABL shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine finally any controversy respecting title to an umpire's services. F. UMPIRES ACTING AS SCOUTS. No ABL umpire shall receive or be offered money or other valuable consideration for services rendered or to be rendered, or supposed to be or to have been rendered, regarding the acquisition of players by any Team (whether an ABL Team or otherwise).

Rule 9 - MISCONDUCT A. MISCONDUCT IN PLAYING BASEBALL. Any player or person connected with the ABL, including each of the Teams, who shall promise or agree to intentionally lose, or to attempt to intentionally lose, or to fail to give his best efforts towards the winning of any baseball game with which he is or may be in any way concerned, or who shall solicit or attempt to induce any player or person connected with a Team to lose or attempt to lose, or to fail to give his best efforts towards the winning of any baseball game with which such other player or person is or may be in any way concerned, or who, being solicited by any person, shall fail to inform the ABL immediately of such solicitation, and of all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be declared PERMANENTLY INELIGIBLE. B.

GIFT FOR DEFEATING COMPETING TEAM. Any player

or person connected with the ABL, including each of the Teams, who shall offer or give any gift or reward to a player or person connected with another Team for services rendered or supposed to be or to have been rendered in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing Team, and any player or person connected with a Team who shall solicit or accept from a player connected with another Team any gift or reward for any such services rendered, or supposed to have been rendered, or who, having been offered any such gift or reward, shall fail to inform the ABL, as the case may be, immediately of such offer, and of all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be declared ineligible for not less than three years. C. GIFTS TO UMPIRES. Any player or person connected with a Team who shall give, or offer to give, any gift or reward to an umpire for services rendered, or supposed to be or to have been rendered, in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing Team, or for the umpire's decision on anything connected with the playing of a baseball game, and any umpire who shall render, or promise or agree to render, any such decision otherwise than on its merits, or who shall solicit or accept such gift or reward for any such service or decision, or who, having been offered any such gift or reward, or, having been solicited to render any such decision otherwise than on its merits, shall fail to inform the ABL, immediately of such offer or solicitation, and all facts and circumstances connected therewith, shall be declared PERMANENTLY INELIGIBLE. D. BETTING ON BALL GAMES. 1. Any player, umpire, or ABL or Team official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year. 2. Any player, umpire, or ABL or Team official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared PERMANENTLY INELIGIBLE. E. VIOLENCE OR MISCONDUCT. In case of any physical attack or other violence upon an umpire by a player, or by an umpire upon a player, or of other misconduct by an umpire or a player, during or in connection with any game in which an ABL Team participates, the ABL shall impose upon the offender or offenders such fine, suspension, ineligibility or other penalty, as the facts may warrant in the judgment of the ABL. F. OTHER MISCONDUCT. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as exclusively defining or otherwise limiting acts, transactions, practices or conduct not to be in the best interests of Baseball; and any and all other acts, transactions, practices or conduct not to be in the best interests of Baseball are prohibited and shall be subject to such penalties, including permanent ineligibility, as the facts in the particular case may warrant. G. RULE TO BE KEPT POSTED. A printed copy in English of this Rule 9 shall be kept posted in each clubhouse.

Rule 10: CLAIM PRESENTATION A. DISCIPLINE. All Teams and players shall submit themselves to the discipline of the ABL and accept the ABL's decisions rendered in accordance with these Rules.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS B. DISPUTES. All disputes between players and Teams shall be referred to the ABL and the ABL's decisions shall be accepted by all parties as final.

the ABL Semi-Finals Series (ABLSF) and the ABL Championship Series (ABLCS). The Team that wins the ABLCS shall be declared the ABL Champion.

C. TIME FOR PRESENTATION. Any disputed monetary claim or other complaint that any party may desire to submit for consideration, action or decision by the ABL must be presented within one year from the date the claim arose.

1. ABL Wildcard Game. The teams competing in the ABLWC shall be determined by the two lowest winning percentages of the following three teams; i. The two 2nd Placed teams from each division (seed #3 and #4), and ii. Next highest overall winning percentage (seed #5)

Rule 11 - HOLIDAYS

The ABLWC is a sudden death elimination game played between Seed #4 and Seed #5 two (2) days before the commencement of the ABLSF.

A. Whenever, by the terms of a player's contract, or of these Rules, a particular act or thing is required to be done on or before a designated date, and said date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or on a national legal holiday in Australia, the following business day shall be substituted.

The ABLWC will be played at the home venue of Seed #4 by virtue of their 2nd place division finish, regardless of whether they had a worse overall winning percentage than Seed #5. The winner of the ABLWC advances to the ABLSF.

Rule 12: UNIFORM PLAYING RULES A. OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES. Teams shall play all games according to the provisions of the Official Baseball Rules as Recodified, Amended and Adopted at New York City, December 21, 1949, and thereafter amended by the Playing Rules Committee of Major League Baseball, except as otherwise provided for in this Rule 12 or ABL Regulations attached hereto.

2. ABL Semi-Final Series. The winner of each division shall advance directly to the ABLSF and shall be seeded as Seed #1 and Seed #2 based on their overall winning percentages. The 2018/19 ABLSFS shall be two (2) separate “best-ofthree” game format series contested between the following Teams; i. Seed #1 (Home) vs Winner of ABLWC (Away) ii. Seed #2 (Home) vs Seed #3 (Away)

B. DESIGNATED HITTER. The Designated Hitter Rule, see Official Baseball Rule 5.11, shall be used in ABL games. C. DOUBLE-HEADERS. For all ABL games scheduled as double headers prior to the commencement of 2018/19 Championship season, a double-header shall constitute one (1) 7-inning game, followed by one (1) 9-inning game. Notwithstanding this rule, if the first game (scheduled for 7innings) extends to the 10th inning or longer, the option for the second game of the double header to revert to a 7-inning contest may, upon request by an ABL Club and the mutual consent of the opposing Team Managers, be approved by the ABL. This specifically excludes circumstances where a double header has been created or rescheduled during the 2018/19 Season due to a postponement or other such circumstance. In these instances, all double headers shall automatically constitute two (2) 7-inning games.

Rule 13: SCHEDULES A. CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON. In each year the ABL shall prepare and issue the official schedule for the ABL championship season. The ABL may, in its discretion, reschedule or postpone any game as the ABL may deem necessary, whether for reasons of inclement weather, unplayable field conditions or otherwise. B. POST-SEASON SERIES. After the conclusion of each championship season, the ABL shall schedule and conduct postseason series. The Teams with the two highest winning percentages in each division (known as the North-East Division and the South-West Division) in addition to the next highest overall winning percentage from either division in the championship season, shall qualify to play in the Post-Season. Such series shall be called the ABL Wildcard Game (ABLWC),

Opponents in either ABLSF may be from the same Division. All three (3) games (if required) shall be played at the home venue of Seed #1 and Seed #2 respectively. 3. ABL Championship Series. The two (2) winners of the ABLSF shall meet in a “best-of three” format Game series known as the ABLCS. Game One of the series shall be played at one Team’s home venue, while Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) will be played at the other Team’s home venue. The highest ranked team shall have the choice of hosting either Game 1, OR Games 2 & 3. Teams must notify the ABL of their hosting preference by 12pm AEST on Wednesday January 16, 2019. NOTE: The ABL reserves the right to determine the hosting format of any Post-Season Series independent of the team’s rankings if compelling circumstances such as field availability, team travel schedules, prohibitive flight availability and/or costs or other external circumstances arise. Such decisions will be at the absolute discretion of the ABL. C. TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES. In the event that two or more Teams finish the championship season with identical winning percentages, the ABL shall determine the seeding of the Teams, for purposes of Rule 13.B (Post-Season Series) according to this Rule 13.C. The ABL may determine the procedures to break any ties that are not otherwise provided for in this Rule 13.C. 1. Two-Team Tie. If two Teams are tied with an identical winning percentage at the conclusion of the ABL season, including all rescheduled games, the ABL shall deem as the

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Team with the higher winning percentage, for purposes of determining qualification for a post-season series or scheduling within a post-season series, as follows: (A)

to the tied Team with the higher winning percentage in head-to-head competition between the two tied Teams during the ABL championship season; or,

(B)

if the Teams remain tied, then to the tied Team with the higher winning percentage only in the games each team played against teams within its own division; or

removed from the tied-team equation and then the two remaining tied Teams shall be separated, according to the procedures of Rule 13(c)(1). ii. If the Teams remain tied, the procedures described in Rule 13(c)(1)(B) through Rule 13(c)(1)(E), shall be continued until one Team has been separated from the remaining Teams. After one of tied teams has been separated, that team is removed from the tied-team equation and then the two remaining tied Teams shall be ranked, according to the full procedures of Rule 13(c)(1). iii. If the Teams remain tied, then to the Team that prevails in a random draw that the ABL conducts, with all procedural aspects of the draw determined by the ABL in its sole discretion. The draw shall be used only to determine the lowest ranked team amongst the three tied teams. After one of the three tied teams has been removed, then the two remaining tied Teams shall be ranked, according to the full procedures of Rule 13(c)(1).

(C) if the Teams remain tied, then to the tied Team with the higher winning percentage only in the games each team played against teams within the opposing division; or, (D) if the Teams remain tied then the Tied Team with the higher winning percentage against the Team with the highest overall winning percentage that is not one of the tied teams. If the Teams remain tied, this process will continue in descending order against each of the teams with the next highest winning percentages that is not one of the tied teams, until the tie is broken; or, (E)

(F)

if the Teams remain tied, then to the tied Team that allowed fewer runs, divided by the number of innings playing in defence, in the games between the tied Teams only; or if the Teams remain tied, then to the Team that prevails in a coin flip that the ABL conducts, with all procedural aspects of the coin flip determined by the ABL in its absolute discretion.

2. Three-Team Tie. If three (3) Teams are tied for a place in the standings with an identical winning percentage at the conclusion of the ABL season, including all rescheduled games, the ABL shall deem as the Team with the higher winning percentage, for purposes of determining qualification for the Post-Season series or scheduling within the PostSeason series, as follows: (A)

(B)

The Team with the higher winning percentage in headto-head competition among the three tied Teams during the ABL championship season shall be deemed to be the Team with the higher winning percentage. If any two of the tied Teams have identical winning percentages in head-to-head competition among the three tied Teams during the ABL championship season, then the Team that would be deemed the higher-finishing Team in a Two-Team tie, according to the procedures of Rule 13(c)(1), shall be deemed to be the higher-finishing Team.

If the three tied Teams have identical records against one another in the ABL championship season, then: i. the Team that is deemed to have finished higher in the standings shall be the Team among the three tied Teams with the higher winning percentage against the highest placed Team during the ABL season that is not one of the tied Teams. After one of the three tied teams has been deemed to have either a higher winning percentage or a lower winning percentage, that team is

3. Four-Team Tie (or more). If four (or more) Teams are tied for a place in the standings with an identical winning percentage at the conclusion of the ABL season, including all rescheduled games, the ABL shall deem as the Team with the higher winning percentage, for purposes of determining qualification for the championship series or scheduling within the championship series, as follows: (A) The Team with the higher/lower winning percentage in head-to-head competition among the tied Teams during the ABL championship season shall be deemed to be the Team with the higher winning percentage or lower winning percentage respectively. Such teams shall be removed from further tied-team equations. If any of the remaining tiedTeams have identical winning percentages in head-to-head competition among the other remaining tied-Teams, then the then the remaining tied Teams shall be separated, according to the procedures of Rule 13(c)(1) (two remaining tied teams) or Rule 13(c)(2) (three remaining tied teams). (B) If the four or more tied Teams have identical records against one another in the ABL championship season, then the procedures described in Rule 13(c)(1)(B) though Rule 13(c)(1)(E), shall be applied to all four tied-Teams and continued until one (or more) Team has been separated from the remaining Teams. After one or more of the four tied teams has been separated, such teams are removed from the tiedteam equation and then the remaining tied Teams shall be ranked, according to the full procedures of Rule 13(c)(1) (two remaining tied-teams) or Rule 13(c)(2) (three remaining tied teams). (C) If the Teams remain tied, then to the Team that prevails in a random draw that the ABL conducts, with all procedural aspects of the draw determined by the ABL in its sole discretion. The draw shall be used only to determine the lowest ranked team amongst the tied teams. After one of the tied teams has been removed, then the remaining tied Teams shall be ranked, according to the full procedures of Rule 13(c)(1) (two remaining tied-teams) or Rule 13(c)(2) (three remaining tied teams.)

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Rule 14 - ENFORCEMENT OF RULES A. In case the ABL shall determine that a Team or person has violated any of the foregoing Rules, as to which penalty provisions are not otherwise set forth in these Rules, the ABL may take action it deems appropriate.

Rule 16 - DEFINITIONS The definitions set forth in this Rule 16 shall apply to the following terms as they are used in these Rules, the Australian Baseball League Regulations, and all documents incorporated into or appended to these Rules or the Australian League Regulations. A.

The term “ABL” shall refer to Australian Baseball League.

B. The term “Team” shall refer to a baseball team authorised by ABL to play in the ABL. C. The term "Major League Club" shall refer to a professional baseball club that is party to the Major League Constitution. D. The term "Major League Baseball Player" shall refer to a professional baseball player who is on the Major League or Minor League Reserve List of a Major League Club. E. The term "championship season" shall refer to the schedule of regular-season games that has been approved by ABL

SPECIAL NOTE ON ABL RULES: The ABL reserves the right in exceptional circumstances to allow certain exemptions to these rules if deemed necessary. Exemptions shall be at the absolute discretion of the ABL CEO.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS ABL. The only logos allowed on the neck of any authorised undershirts are the Team logo and the ABL logo.

Regulation 1: UNIFORMED PERSONNEL 1.1. APPEARANCE, UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT. 1.1.1. Uniform Dress Policy. All players, managers and coaches are required to be in uniform and are to wear only ABLissued apparel and equipment while on the field, in the dugout, in the bullpen and in any public areas up to 30 minutes following any game. No alterations, writing or illustrations are to be made to any part of the uniform. Players shall wear a clean uniform at the start of a game. 1.1.2. Batting Practice Uniform. All players, managers and coaches are required to be in full uniform when batting practice begins. The batting practice uniform consists of: 1.1.2.1. Top. A player's top must be the Team's batting practice jersey or its authorised outerwear. All other nonauthorised apparel must be worn underneath the uniform with no visible logos showing. 1.1.2.2. Uniform pants, or shorts if approved in writing by the ABL. 1.1.2.3.

Batting practice cap.

1.1.3. Game Uniform. All players, managers and coaches are required to be in full uniform after pre-game infield practice and at all times during a game while on the field, in the dugout, in the bullpen and in any public area up to 30 minutes following any game. The game uniform consists of: 1.1.3.1. Uniform jersey (home, road or alternate). All other non-authorised apparel must be worn underneath the uniform with no visible logos showing. For exhibition games, a Team may, in its discretion, substitute its batting practice jersey for its uniform jersey. 1.1.3.2.

Uniform pants.

1.1.3.3.

Game cap or batting helmet.

1.1.3.4.

Authorised outerwear.

1.1.6. Equipment Manufacturer's Logo. Items such as wristbands, batting gloves, catcher's equipment and protective equipment may have one placement of traditional footwear or equipment manufacturer's logo that is not oversized and is tastefully displayed. 1.1.7. Violations. Examples of violations of the Uniform Dress Policy include, but are not limited to: markings, writing or illustrations on the outside of the cap or batting helmet; pins or other adornments attached to the cap or batting helmet; corporate identification or unauthorised logo visible on any part of the undershirt; and unapproved or altered outerwear. See Official Baseball Rule 3.03. 1.1.8. Numbers and Names. The uniform of every player, manager and coach shall contain a large, legible number on the back of the uniform jersey. Each Team shall assign each of its uniformed personnel an individual number, so that there are no duplicate numbers on one team. Each player, manager and coach shall wear the uniform number assigned to that person by the Team. Names on the back of uniforms are preferred but are not mandatory. 1.1.9. Uniform Changes. Teams are not permitted to wear different uniforms or headwear or commemorative patches without prior approval from the ABL. Any request to wear a different uniform or headwear or commemorative patches for promotional purposes or otherwise should be made in writing at least 90 days prior to the scheduled event, so that the ABL may consider the request and give the proper approval. 1.1.10. Helmets. No batter shall be permitted to take a position in the batter's box unless the batter is wearing protective headgear furnished by the batter's Team. Base runners must wear protective headgear. All Helmets must have both right and left ear protections. 1.1.11. Bats. In addition to the requirements of Official Baseball Rule 3.02, bats must conform to the following criteria. 1.1.11.1. Bat Manufacturers’ Names and Trademarks.

1.1.4. Alternate Uniforms. Prior to the first game of each series, the home Team shall be responsible for communicating to the visiting Team its intention as to which uniform it will be wearing for each game of the series. In the event that the home Team has indicated that it will not be wearing its alternate jerseys for a game, the visiting Team is permitted to wear its alternate jerseys for such game. If a home Team has indicated that it will be wearing its alternate jerseys for a game, the visiting Team shall not be permitted to wear an alternate jersey if that jersey is too similar to the home Team's alternate jersey (e.g., black jerseys would be considered too similar to an opponent's navy jerseys, but red jerseys would be permitted when an opponent wears blue jerseys). 1.1.5. Undershirts. All players, managers and coaches are to wear the same colour undershirt or t-shirt as decided by the Page 13 of 58

1.1.11.1.1. Manufacturers’ names, marks and rings are permitted to appear in only one area of the bat. 1.1.11.1.2. This area is not to exceed four inches in length or two inches in height and should start 18 inches from the knob end of the bat. 1.1.11.1.3. If a trademark ring is used as part of the manufacturer’s identification, it is not to exceed one inch in length and is to start 18 inches from the knob end of the bat. 1.1.11.1.4. The name and mark appearing on the bat must be of the company that manufactures or markets the bat and may not be the name or mark of another company or product.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1.1.11.1.5. A two-colour bat must be divided into two sections, each of one solid colour. The dividing point between each of the colour sections must be 18 inches from the knob end of the bat, or next to the one-inch ring, if applicable.

1.1.11.5.3. Full brown or black stain may be used if a portion of the tangential face at 12 plus or minus 2 inches is left unfinished at the point where the slope-of-grain test is conducted. The area shall be at least one square inch in area, and be created by covering the test area with tape, or similar product, prior to finishing. The slope-of-grain test can also be conducted by lightly sanding the finish at the test location to a point where the remaining stain clearly highlights the grain angle.

1.1.11.1.6. If a bat is made from a ring-porous wood (ash, the oaks, and elm) the bat must have the supplier’s name and mark placed on the face-grain surface of the bat. 1.1.11.1.7. Bats made from a wood that fall in a category between ring- and diffuse-porous must have the supplier’s name and mark on the face-grain surface of the bat. 1.1.11.1.8. Bats made from diffuse-porous woods (such as sugar, maple, yellow birch and beech) must have the supplier’s name and mark on the edge-grain surface of the bat. 1.1.11.2. Player Name/Model Number. A player name or model number should be placed in a position that will end two inches from the top of the barrel. A letter prefix to identify the wood species should be placed somewhere on the bat, preferably at the end of the model number. The area reserved is not to exceed three inches in length or two inches in height, which would include one line for the bat model number (no corporate identification), a second area for the player’s name or signature, and a bottom line for the Team name. 1.1.11.3. Team Markings. Team logos, names or bat emblems may not be used without the permission of ABL. If such permission is granted, such marks are permitted to be placed in one area on the bat, not to exceed four inches in length or two inches in height: 1.1.11.3.1. centred between the manufacturer’s identification and the player’s name and model number; or 1.1.11.3.2. in an area on the side of the bat opposite from the manufacturer’s marks and the player/model number. 1.1.11.4. Bat Colours. Authorised colours for ring-porous or semi-ring-porous wood species (such as white ash) are:

1.1.11.6. Composite Bats. A player may use a composite bat, or other bat that is not one piece of solid wood, only if such bat was approved for use at the Major League Baseball Short-Season A and Rookie classifications in the Minor League season that immediately preceded the ABL season. 1.1.11.6.1. No player currently under contract to an MLB club is permitted to use such composite bats in ABL games if they have played the majority of the Minor League season that immediately preceded the ABL season in a league classified higher than “Short-Season A” or “Rookie” ball. 1.1.11.7. Approval. No supplier’s bat may be used in ABL games, practices and exhibitions unless such bat was approved for Minor League play by the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s Office for the immediately preceding season or unless such bat is approved by the ABL. 1.1.11.8. A player may affix ABL approved motion sensor devices (Blast Motion) on the handle knob of the bat. No sensors are permitted on the barrel of the bat. 1.1.12. Wrist Bands. No player is permitted to wear white wristbands or bandages during a game, because of the difficulty in discerning between the white of the baseball and the white of the wristband. With the exception of pitchers, coloured bands are permitted, but a white band with a coloured stripe is still considered a white band and is prohibited. 1.1.13. Golf Gloves. No pitcher is permitted to wear a golf glove or batting while pitching. Any player wearing a golf glove or batting glove underneath a playing glove may not rub up balls for use by the pitcher.

1.1.11.4.1. Natural finish; 1.1.14. Jewellery. No uniformed personnel may wear distracting jewellery of any kind during a game. This prohibition also applies to pins and other items being attached to any portion of the uniform (including the cap) or playing equipment.

1.1.11.4.2. Brown wood stain; 1.1.11.4.3. Black wood stain; and 1.1.11.4.4. Half stain with natural or clear finish on the handle and either brown or black stain in the barrel. 1.1.11.5. Bat Colours. Authorised colours for diffuseporous wood species (such as sugar maple and yellow birch): 1.1.11.5.1. Natural finish;

1.1.15. Shoes. All players, coaches and managers must wear the same basic colour of shoes, but the design of different manufacturers is allowed. The addition of tape to a shoe is not permitted and, if used, will mean the player, coach or manager is out of uniform. Players shall not wear pointed spikes similar to golf or track shoes. A player, and particularly a pitcher, shall not wear excessive or distracting flaps on shoes during a game. A player may not call time during a game to change shoes upon becoming a base runner. See Official Baseball Rule 3.03(i)

1.1.11.5.2. Half stain (Walker finish on the handle and either brown or black stain in the barrel); and Page 14 of 58

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1.1.19.4.2. A separate physician’s report diagnosing the injury and estimating the length of time the pad will be needed; and

1.1.16. Pitcher's Gloves. Any pitcher entering a game wearing a coloured glove must wear the same coloured glove for the pitcher's entire participation in that game. See Official Baseball Rule 3.07(a) (colour of pitchers’ gloves). Pitchers’ gloves that have long lacing or strings attached to them may serve as a distraction to the batter. If, in an umpire's opinion, glove material causes a batter to be distracted, the umpire may order the pitcher to either remove or cut off the leather string or other distracting material. See Official Baseball Rules 3.06 and 3.07 (pitchers’ gloves). 1.1.17. Fielding Gloves. An umpire may measure questionable fielding gloves in the umpire's discretion or the opposing manager may request that a glove be measured. Measurements shall be made from the front, or receiving, side of the glove and the measuring tape shall be placed in contact with the glove and follow all contours. Each manager is limited to two such requests per game. All measurements shall be taken by the umpire between innings only. If a glove violates the Official Baseball Rules, the glove will be temporarily confiscated. A player refusing to obey an umpire's order in regard to a fielding glove may be ejected from the game. Play that has transpired prior to a fielding glove measurement will be allowed to stand. See Official Baseball Rules 3.04, 3.05 and 3.06 (fielding gloves). 1.1.18. Prohibition of Attachments or Affixations onto a Glove. No player may use in a game any glove to which any pins, flags, commemorative patches, decals or other items have been attached, embroidered or otherwise affixed unless authorised by the ABL. 1.1.19. Protective Arm Pads. The following standard regulations govern protective elbow pads: 1.1.19.1. No player is permitted to wear a protective elbow pad that exceeds 10 inches in length, as measured when the pad is lying flat. 1.1.19.2. A nylon pad shall surround the shell of any protective elbow pad. 1.1.19.3. A manufacturer’s logo on the protective pad may appear in one location and shall not exceed 6.25 square centimetres.

1.1.19.4.3. A digital photo or sample of the proposed nonstandard protective pad. 1.1.19.5. Any player wearing a standard and/or approved non-standard protective arm pad while batting is required to remove the pad if the player reaches base safely. Exceptions to this requirement may be made on a case-bycase basis when a player demonstrates, with sufficient medical evidence, a need to wear the pad on the field at other times in order to protect the area of the player’s arm with a pre-existing injury and such use is pre-approved by the ABL. Hand and wrist protective pads are permitted so long as the coverage of the hand and wrist areas is reasonable. If, during the course of an ABL game, a Team has a complaint regarding the use of protective elbow pads, that Team should alert the umpire-in-chief. Following the game, the crew chief will file an Umpire's Incident Report regarding the complaint to the ABL, which will immediately begin an investigation. The Team’s general manager should also report the violation to the ABL. A Team will be subject to discipline if any of its players are found to have used a non-standard elbow pad without the prior approval of the ABL. Umpires will not be enforcing these guidelines on the playing field, either before or during a game. If a Team has a complaint about a violation of this policy, it must follow the complaint procedures described in this Regulation 1-1-19 and should not expect enforcement by the umpires on the spot. At a date determined by the ABL, all Teams must provide the ABL, with a list of its players who will wear protective arm pads. Teams requesting permission for a player to wear a non-standard elbow or arm protective pad must submit to the ABL, for each player, a completed copy of the Approval Notice, see Attachment 1, the physician’s report detailing the reason that the pad is necessary and digital photo of the proposed pad.

1.2. CONDUCT DURING PROGRESS OF A GAME 1.1.19.4. No player may wear a non-standard elbow protection pad, or any pad designed to protect the upper or lower arm, unless the player has an existing elbow or other arm injury, and the Team has obtained the prior approval of the ABL to wear that particular non-standard equipment. To obtain such prior approval, the Team shall provide the ABL the following: 1.1.19.4.1. The Protective Arm Pad Approval Notice, in which the Team identifies the player seeking the exception and briefly describes the nature of the injury and the proposed protective pad (see Attachment 1);

1.2.1. Bullpen. The only players allowed to stay in the bullpen during a game are pitchers and catchers and players serving as catchers. Players assigned to the bullpen shall not recline on the bench or occupy seats in the stands. Substitute players entering the game at the end of a half-inning and designated hitters entering the game as defensive replacements shall be allowed to warm up in the bullpen. 1.2.2. Time Called. Players shall not lie down or sit on the bases when time is called on the field. 1.2.3.

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Tobacco.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1.2.3.1. Banned at ballparks and during team travel. The use or possession of tobacco (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and smokeless tobacco) or any similar product (including, but not limited to, substitute products similar in appearance to tobacco) is prohibited at all times, in all parts of any ballpark and during Team travel. This includes, but is not limited to, the home and visitors’ clubhouse, umpires’ dressing room, bullpen, dugout, batting cages and the grandstands during pre-game and post-game workouts, games and all practices, and during all team travel, including bus, van, rail or air transportation. This Regulation 1-2-3 applies to all ABL managers, coaches, instructors, trainers, players, scouts, umpires, bat boys/girls, other field and clubhouse personnel and Team officials.

ban, or knowingly permits violations by players, coaches, instructors or trainers and fails to report same. 1.2.3.5.2.

1.2.3.5.2.1. Violations on the field, including dugout and bullpen. All on-field violators including those in the dugout and bullpen shall be ejected from the game (including pre-game) immediately by the umpire. The manager shall be ejected at the same time if the violator is a coach, player, instructor or trainer. No warning shall be given. In addition, the ABL shall fine violators. 1.2.3.5.2.2. Violations in the clubhouse or other parts of the ballpark and during Team travel. Violators in the clubhouse or other parts of the ballpark or during Team travel shall be fined by the ABL. The manager is responsible for reporting any violations.

1.2.3.2. Responsibility for enforcement. All violations of this Regulation 1-2-3 are to be reported by the following personnel to the ABL: 1.2.3.2.1. Managers. Managers shall be held responsible for eliminating the use and possession of tobacco or any similar product by coaches, instructors, trainers, players, bat boys/girls and other personnel at the ballpark and during all Team travel, and for reporting such violations to the ABL.

1.2.3.5.3. Umpires. Umpires in violation of this Regulation 1-2-3 shall be fined by ABL. 1.2.3.5.4. Bat boys/girls and other personnel. If a bat boy/girl or any personnel employed by the ABL violates this Regulation 1-2-3 tobacco policy, he/she shall be instructed to leave the ballpark. A second violation shall result in dismissal from the Team for the rest of the season.

1.2.3.2.2. Umpires. Umpires shall be held responsible for reporting/ejecting violators of this Regulation 1-2-3 for violations that occur on the playing field, in the bullpens and dugouts. 1.2.3.2.3. ABL officials. ABL officials shall check periodically for violations in the ballpark, clubhouses and umpires’ dressing room, during games and during Team travel. 1.2.3.3. Elimination of tobacco supply. All managers and athletic trainers shall dispose of all tobacco or similar products that are available or in storage in the clubhouse, dugout or bullpen and all Team personnel shall dispose of their own personal supply within the ballpark. No tobacco or similar products shall be stored in these areas, including free samples provided by various companies, or brought into the ballpark by players or any other Team personnel. 1.2.3.4. Definition of a violation. Each incident in which a person is found to have been possessing and/or using tobacco or a substance similar in appearance as described in this Regulation 1-2-3 shall constitute a violation. If multiple persons are reported to be possessing and/or using tobacco or substances similar in appearance to tobacco, each such person shall be deemed to have committed a separate violation. 1.2.3.5. Penalties for violations. The following penalties shall be imposed on the personnel shown below, but only an umpire has the power to eject anyone from a game. 1.2.3.5.1. Managers. Managers shall be ejected for any on-field violation of the ban by himself, a player, coach, instructor or trainer. In addition, a manager shall be subject to a monetary fine by the ABL if he violates the

Coaches, instructors, trainers and players

1.2.3.6. Smoking laws. All personnel shall comply with all laws in regard to smoking that may apply to any venue. 1.2.4. On-field Violence. Players engaging in on-field violence shall be subject to ejection by the umpires and to discipline by the ABL, which penalty may result in the imposition of a fine, suspension, or both. 1.2.5. Throwing Equipment. A player throwing equipment in protest over an umpire's call may be reported to the ABL in lieu of ejection of the player. An umpire may also eject the player if such player's actions warrant it. A player so reported shall be subject to such discipline as the ABL may deem appropriate. 1.2.6. Unnecessary Delay. Any player, manager or coach who, in the judgment of an umpire, engages in conduct intended to stall or delay the progress of a game shall be subject to discipline by the ABL, which penalty may result in the imposition of a fine, suspension, or both. See also Australian Baseball League Rule 9(a) (Misconduct in Playing Baseball). 1.2.7. On-deck Circle. The succeeding batter must occupy the spot designated as the on-deck circle. Prior to the time a pinch-hitter has been announced, the next batter in the batting order must occupy the on-deck circle. No other player of the Team at bat will be permitted on the field except the batter, base runners and coaches. A catcher shall not wear shin guards while in the on-deck circle.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1.2.8. Bat boys/girls. No Team may employ or use a child under the age of 14 as a bat boy or bat girl. A bat boy or girl shall not be permitted to occupy the on-deck circle with the batter, but should be kept on or near the Team's respective bench whenever the bat boy or girl has no duty to perform on the playing field. Only three bat boys/girls per team may be in uniform and occupy the bench or bullpen area during an ABL game. See also Official Baseball Rule 3.08(f) (regulating bat boy and bat girl helmet use).

whatsoever. Uniformed personnel are allowed and, indeed, encouraged, to sign autographs for fans prior to or after a game, so long as doing so does not interfere with batting practice or other pre-game activities. See also Official Baseball Rule 4.06 (prohibiting fraternization with opposing team).

1.2.9. Throwing Baseballs into Stands. Managers, players, coaches and umpires should not throw baseballs into the stands. Persons violating this Regulation 1-2-9 may be disciplined. If an individual player, manager or coach is reported throwing baseballs into stands and is subsequently warned in writing of the violation by the ABL; that player, manager or coach may be subject to immediate suspension from the ABL should additional violations be reported.

2.1. RESPONSIBILITY OF UMPIRES.

1.2.10. National Anthems. In order to convey the proper impression and attain a semblance of uniformity, it is suggested that all uniformed personnel, during the playing of the Australian National Anthem, do the following: 1.2.10.1. Stand at attention on the top step of the dugout or at their positions on the field; 1.2.10.2. Face the flag, hold one's cap in the right hand and place it over the heart, and extend the left arm downward along the left pants leg; and 1.2.10.3. Avoid spitting, chewing, laughing or talking during the playing of the anthem(s). 1.2.10.4. All uniformed personnel should make an effort to be out in the dugout for the playing of the National Anthem. The demeanour of all Team personnel should be respectful, especially as television cameras and photographers focus on the players during these pre-game ceremonies.

Regulation 2 - PRE-GAME PROCEDURES On game days, at least one home Team Official shall be at the ballpark to consult with the Chief Umpire and take charge of the playing field no later than one hour and thirty minutes prior to the advertised time for starting the game. Such Team Officials shall ensure that the visiting Team is allowed the requisite time for batting and fielding practice as set forth in Regulation 2-2 (Batting and Fielding Practice). The Team Officials shall also prevent players from engaging in bunting in front of the stands. All umpires shall be in the dressing room and in uniform at least fifteen minutes prior to game time

2.2. BATTING AND FIELDING PRACTICE. When the condition of the field permits, the home and visiting Teams shall take batting and fielding practice, except that either Team may excuse itself from either or both of such practices upon notice to the other Team at least three hours in advance of the advertised starting time of any game. Whenever possible, a Team should give notice of such intent the previous day. The home Team shall, prior to the start of each series, make available to the visiting Team its batting and infield practice times. Batting and fielding practice shall be allocated as follows: 2.2.1. The visiting Team shall conclude its batting practice no later than 95 minutes prior to game time; 2.2.2. From 95 minutes until 50 minutes prior to game time, the home Team may take batting practice; 2.2.3. From 45 minutes until 35 minutes prior to game time, the visiting Team may take fielding practice;

1.3. PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION. 1.3.1. Cooperation. All players shall cooperate with ABL and the Team in participating in any and all promotional activities of the ABL and the Team that, in the opinion of the ABL or the Team, will promote the welfare of the ABL, the Team and/or Australian Baseball, and shall observe and comply with all requirements of the ABL and the Team respecting conduct and service of its team and its players, at all times, whether on or off the field. 1.3.2. Prohibited Products. Unless directly authorised by the ABL, all players, managers and umpires shall be prohibited from being pictured in uniform in connection with the sponsorship or advertising of any alcoholic beverage product. Any person who violates this Regulation 1-3-2 shall be subject to discipline by the ABL.

1.4. FRATERNIZATION. Uniformed personnel shall not converse with spectators during a game and shall not sign any autographs during a game, except where doing so does not interfere with any aspect of the game

2.2.4. From 35 minutes until 25 minutes prior to game time, the home Team may take fielding practice; and 2.2.5. The final 25 minutes before game time shall be for preparation of the playing field. Players of the Team that has completed its practice shall leave the field to avoid interfering with the practice of the other Team and endangering its players. If there is an occasion when it is necessary for both teams to be on the field at the same time, stretching exercises shall be taken at the fence area, in foul territory, on opposite sides of the field. At no time should members of both teams be in fair territory at the same time. If any pre-game program or promotion might affect in any way the batting or infield practice of the visiting Team, the home Team shall advise the visiting Team prior to the start of the series during which the program is planned.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS If the game is a night game, the home Team shall provide adequate lighting for the visiting Team's practice periods. The visiting Team shall have the right to practice at the ballpark of the home Team for one hour each day a game is scheduled with the visiting Team, in addition to the regular pre-game batting and fielding workout. If the visiting Team wishes to exercise such right, the home Team shall make the field available from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on dates when a day game is scheduled and shall make the field available from noon to 1 p.m. on dates when a night game is scheduled. Teams not planning to take pre-game batting or fielding practice shall notify the other Team the previous day, whenever possible, but in any event, shall notify the other Team at least three hours in advance of the scheduled practice to permit adjustment of pre-game schedule. Cancellation of the pre-game workout must be with the written consent of the visiting Team, prior to the start of the series. Absent weather-related issues, a home Team is not permitted to cancel batting practice more than once in a series.

2.3. BASEBALLS 2.3.1. The only baseballs that are permitted to be used in games involving an ABL Team shall be the official baseball of the ABL, as authorised by the ABL. 2.3.2. No later than one hour prior to the advertised time for starting the game, the home Team shall deliver to the umpires' dressing room four dozen baseballs for each game. 2.3.3. The umpires shall ensure that the baseballs are rubbed with material, (usually a dirt mix) suitable for assisting with the tactile nature of the baseballs without causing excessive discolouration and then deliver the game baseballs to the Team representative in charge of the baseballs. The Team representative shall inspect the baseballs and then deliver them to the designated ball boy or girl. The umpire shall take the first consignment of baseballs from the ball boy or girl on the field. 2.3.4. The Team representative shall be responsible for returning all remaining baseballs to the umpires' dressing room at the completion of a game.

2.4. GAME STARTING TIMES 2.4.1. The regular starting time of a game (including championship season and post-season), as set by the approved official schedule, shall not be changed without the prior written approval of the ABL, provided, however, that such prior approval shall not be required if the regular starting time is delayed for weather-related reasons. Once the ABL championship season schedule has been issued, if the starting time of a championship season game is delayed for reasons other than weather for more than 30 minutes, the consent of the visiting Team is required. 2.4.2. Managers shall ensure that their pitchers have been warmed up and are in the dugout at the scheduled start for the game.

2.5. OFFICIAL BATTING ORDER 2.5.1. Each manager shall be prepared to announce a probable batting order to the media at least 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to the advertised starting time of a game. 2.5.2. Line-up Cards. The ABL shall supply each Team with official batting order cards, which managers shall use in giving their batting orders to the umpire-in-chief. See Official Baseball Rule 4.03. 2.5.3. The official batting orders shall show the positions to be played, as well as the names of the players who will start the game including the starting pitcher. 2.5.4. Each manager or uniformed representative shall provide the umpire-in-chief with a batting order card for the official scorer, in addition to the duplicate copies of the batting order described in Official Baseball Rule 4.03. Upon receipt of the batting order cards for the official scorer, the umpire-in-chief shall immediately cause such cards to be delivered to the official scorer in the press box. 2.5.5. From the moment the umpire-in-chief receives the batting order from the manager of the home Team or the Team's uniformed representative, the umpire shall enforce all Official Baseball Rules until the termination of the game.

Regulation 3: UNCOMPLETED GAMES 3.1. SUSPENDED GAMES. The rules for completion at a future date of suspended games, as described in Official Baseball Rule 7.02, are adopted for ABL play. A suspended game shall not be counted in league standings, and individual and team performances shall not be included in the official statistics, until after such game has been either completed pursuant to Official Baseball Rules 7.02(b)(1) through 7.02(b)(3) or called pursuant to Rules 7.02(b)(4)(A) or 7.02(b)(4)(B). See also Official Baseball Rule 4.04. The Australian Baseball League also adopts the following optional rules for suspended games. (as such, Official Baseball Rule 7.01(e) does not apply to ABL games.): Rule 7.02(a)(7) The game has not become a regulation game (4½ innings with the home team ahead, or 5 innings with the visiting club ahead or tied). Rule 7.02(a)(8) If a game is suspended before it becomes a regulation game, and is continued prior to another regularly scheduled game, the regularly scheduled game shall be seven innings in length. See the exception described in Rule 7.01(a). Rule 7.02(a)(9) If a game is suspended after it is a regulation game, and is continued prior to another regularly scheduled game, the regularly scheduled game shall be a nine-inning game. EXCEPTION: Optional Rules 7.02(a)(7), 7.02(a)(8) and 7.02(a)(9) shall not apply to the last scheduled game between the two teams during the championship season. The ABL may adopt

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS any of Rules 7.02(a)(7), 7.02(a)(8) and 7.02(a)(9) for its postseason games or ABLCS at its sole discretion.

No signage may be displayed unless approval of the ABL has been obtained.

3.2. FORFEITS.

The following regulations apply to signage behind home plate:

3.2.1. Score. A game shall be awarded to a Team by the score of nine (9) runs to none (0) in the event the other Team has forfeited the game pursuant to the Official Baseball Rules. See Official Baseball Rules 7.03 regarding Forfeited Games. Such forfeited games shall count in the championship season standings as if it had been a regulation game.

4.1.4.1. Signage must not be rotated while the ball is in play. Rotation may occur only between innings. There is to be no rotation of signs between batters.

3.2.2. Fines. The ABL shall investigate any forfeited game and shall impose such fines or other discipline upon the forfeiting Team and/or its personnel as the ABL may deem appropriate. If the fine or other discipline is imposed by a designee of the ABL, a Team or person fined or disciplined may appeal the penalty to the ABL by notifying the ABL in writing on or before the 10th day following the imposition of the penalty.

Content and placement of any signage must be submitted to the ABL to ensure that the signage will not interfere with the ability of players and/or umpires to follow batted or thrown balls.

3.3. RECORDS. If a game is declared “No Game” pursuant to Official Baseball Rule 7.01(e), individual and team performances shall not be included in the official statistics. See also Regulation 3.1 (suspended games).

Regulation 4: BALLPARK 4. 4.1. FIELD DIMENSIONS 4.1.1. The dimensions of the ABL playing fields shall not be altered or changed by the erection or removal of any barrier or seats between the opening day and the close of the championship season, except with the prior written approval of the ABL. 4.1.2. All proposed changes to an ABL ballpark that may have an impact on play, including the addition of seats, must be submitted to the ABL for approval prior to the commencement of work. Design plans must be submitted to the ABL for review before preliminary approval will be granted. The ABL may need to examine proposed changes after work has started prior to granting final approval. No such proposed change may be made unless written approval of the ABL has been obtained. See also Regulation 4.3 (Ground Rules). 4.1.3. All ABL ballparks shall conform to the minimum Facility Standards as set forth by the ABL and in adherence to Australian Baseball League Agreement between the ABL and Major League Baseball. 4.1.4. On-Field Signage. The ABL will monitor the on-field signage at each ballpark, particularly in the area behind home plate, and will address any specific issues or concerns that arise with the individual Teams involved. Any white/light-coloured signage creates a completely preventable safety concern for all on-field personnel, and the ABL will require that all Teams work toward removing any white/light-coloured signage from the playing field.

4.1.4.2. Signage must be covered if required by national telecast agreements.

No lettering, logos or other displays are permitted to be displayed on the field, in either fair or foul territory, whether painted, mowed or otherwise, without the prior approval of the ABL.

4.2. FIELD AND BENCH ACCESS 4.2.1. Except by express written consent of the ABL; no visitors shall be authorised to be in the dugout or on the field during a game. No one except the following may occupy a bench or bullpen area during a game: manager; authorised coaches, players and substitutes in uniform, two bat boys or girls in uniform, two bullpen catchers, two trainers, one member of conditioning staff (e.g., strength or conditioning coach, physical therapist, etc.), one interpreter; and one equipment person. All other personnel must exit the bench or bullpen area before game time, including batting practice pitchers, honorary coaches, VIPs, counsellors, masseurs/masseuses or others. 4.2.2. Teams requiring the services of an interpreter during a game must request prior approval from the ABL for areas where the interpreter may be present during a game, such as dugout tunnels, stairs, press box, etc.v 4.2.3. Injured players not on the active roster are permitted to sit on the bench in uniform. However, such injured players shall not; 4.2.3.1. shout at or harass the umpires or members of the opposing team; or 4.2.3.2. enter the playing field at any time, to participate in any arguments or confrontations or otherwise. Failure to comply with this Regulation 4.2.4 shall result in immediate ejection and the player may be fined by ABL.

4.3. GROUND RULES. 4.3.1. Universal Ground Rules. The Ground Rules listed in Attachment 2 will not be listed on the individual ballparks’ Ground Rules, but will be in effect at all ballparks. 4.3.2. Team Ground Rules. Any change in the standard ground rules for each Team shall be submitted to the ABL for

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS approval. If a change in a ballpark's ground rules is needed before approval of the ABL can be sought, the change must be approved in advance of each game by the umpire-in-chief. See Official Baseball Rule 4.05.

4.6.2. Highlight packages that may “show up” the umpires, incite the crowd or distract players may not be shown during or prior to future games. 4.6.3. Replays may not delay the game. The next batter is expected to immediately step into the batter's box.

4.4. PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER. The public-address announcer of each ABL ballpark shall, during the progress of a game, make all announcements that are directed by the umpire-in-chief pertaining to line-ups and the Official Baseball Rules, such as substitutions and game protests. The public and the media should be informed if there is an unusual or technical play or incident during the playing of a game. The home Team should notify the umpires whom to contact near the playing field (coach, trainer, public address announcer, etc.), who can then transmit the information to someone to notify the media and the public. It is the responsibility of the umpires to advise the press box in such circumstances. In order to avoid confusion, public address announcers are not to announce line-up or substitution changes until the plate umpire signals those changes to the announcer.

4.5. PRESS CREDENTIALS. The ABL shall furnish the Teams with a supply of official credentials to be issued to photographers and cameramen. No photographer or cameraman shall be permitted on the playing field, unless such photographer or cameraman has been issued and is displaying a valid credential allowing such access.

4.6. SCOREBOARDS AND AUDIO.

4.6.4. Fights or disputes between or among uniformed personnel on the field must not be shown. 4.6.5. No episode or event that would embarrass or denigrate an umpire, visiting Team member, visiting Team official or official scorer may be shown. 4.6.6. No replay of a controversial play may be shown during an argument with an umpire. 4.6.7. The likeness of an umpire may not be shown nor may an umpire's name be used in any way to embarrass an umpire. 4.6.8. Fans or other unauthorised persons running onto the field may not be shown 4.6.9. No live game action may be displayed. Close-ups of the batter in the on-deck circle are permitted, but once a player steps into the batter’s box all live action must stop. A still shot, statistics or other non-moving picture must remain on the screen until the batter finishes the plate appearance. Players may be shown circling the bases after a home run. 4.6.10. Arguments or disputes between umpires and players or managers may not be shown.

4.6.1. Ballpark scoreboards and other video monitors shall not be used in a manner that might incite fan violence or unrest, unnecessarily reflect upon the judgment call of an umpire, distract players or denigrate the visiting Team, visiting Team officials or official scorers. The home Team is accountable for what is seen and heard on any video boards and monitors in its ballpark and for what is heard over its ballpark sound system. The following plays may not be shown:

4.6.11. Live shots of fans are permitted so long as the Team uses good judgment. Unacceptable behaviour should never be shown. 4.6.12. Audio and LED or LED/Matrix boards. All music, chants or crowd-cuing messages should stop when the batter steps into the dirt cut out area surrounding home plate. Music, noise and cheers may be used during the following times:

4.6.1.1. Replays showing called balls and strikes from the current game or series;

4.6.12.1. Before the start of the game;

4.6.1.2. Brushback pitches; and

4.6.12.2. Between innings;

4.6.1.3. Any instance where an umpire has clearly made an incorrect call.

4.6.12.3. During pitching changes;

Exciting plays, such as spectacular catches or players circling the bases after home runs, may be shown more than once, but close plays may be shown only once, and none of the close plays may be shown in slow motion or freeze frame. Replay screens are not permitted to be used while a batter is in the batter's box. Double plays and force outs originating at second base will be permitted to be shown so long as the replay displays indisputable evidence that the umpire made a correct call and the displaying of the replay will not incite a negative reaction from the crowd. These plays are subject to the same restrictions as close plays and may be shown only once at full speed.

4.6.12.4. As the batter is heading towards the dirt cut out area surrounding home plate; and 4.6.12.5. After the game. Audio (music, organists, etc.) may not be played in a manner that may incite spectators to react in a negative fashion to umpires’ decisions. A Team shall use good judgment when using messages that encourage fans to cheer or make noise. LED or LED/Matrix boards may be operated during a lengthy stoppage of play, but their operation must cease when an umpire calls, “Play ball.” Use of LED or LED/Matrix boards should also stop when the batter steps in the batter’s box.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Ribbon LED boards attached to the facing of the stadium seating must stop its motion once the batter enters the dirt circle surrounding home plate until any action has ended. No white or light colours may be used as a background on these boards. It is the home Team’s responsibility to monitor its video and audio operations and abide by all guidelines and policies, including Regulation 16 (Pace of Game Procedures), impacting between innings entertainment. The home Team is accountable for what is seen and heard on any video boards and monitors in its ballpark and for what is heard over its ballpark sound system. Teams that violate these regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, with intentional or malicious violations resulting in severe disciplinary actions.

4.7. BULLPEN TELEPHONE. Where possible, each dugout shall be equipped with a working telephone linked to that Team’s bullpen.

4.8. CHAIRS IN BULLPEN. In ballparks where the bullpens are in foul territory, Teams and players shall keep bullpen chairs and benches up against the wall. Team personnel shall not bring chairs, stools or benches onto the field of play during the progress of a game.

4.9. DRAGGING INFIELD. The home Team's ground crew shall smooth the skinned part of the infield by dragging it at the home Team’s discretion. Dragging the infield may be suspended on windy days with the approval of the umpire-in-chief. If, in the judgment of the umpirein-chief, dragging the infield may jeopardise the completion of the game, the umpire-in-chief may forbid the dragging of the infield. The umpire-in-chief may request that the grounds crew perform maintenance to the field as necessary.

4.10. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. 4.10.1. The use of electronic equipment during a game is restricted. No Team shall use electronic equipment, including walkie-talkies and cellular telephones, to communicate to or with any on-field personnel, including those in the dugout, bullpen, field and, during the game, the clubhouse. All mobiles shall be handed in to security personnel a minimum of two (2) hours before game time and remain under lock until the completion of the game. Any player or personnel found otherwise will be subject to penalties as defined by the ABL. 4.10.2. Laptop computers and handheld devices are not permitted on the bench or in the dugout. Monitors for videotape of batters/pitchers should be in the clubhouse or, if in the tunnel, well away from the dugout and view of players/coaches on the bench. No television camera replay should ever be turned toward the dugout, nor may a television cameraman operator relay information to Team personnel in regard to a pitch or play. In addition, no televisions are permitted in the home or visitor bullpens.

4.10.4. No microphones or cameras are permitted in the dugout, bullpens or on the field of play without approval of the ABL. The ABL may approve certain camera placements within these areas and to place a microphone on a manager, coach, player or umpire with the consent of the person to be miked. Such telecast partners may also be given permission to interview a manager, coach or player who has left the game or is not scheduled to play. The ABL will notify Teams with specific information about approvals given to certain telecast partners. For those games approved for the use of microphones, umpires will be notified of which field personnel will be wearing microphones prior to the start of the game (usually by an ABL or broadcast representative). 4.10.5. The prohibition on the use of electronic equipment to convey information designed to give a Team an advantage includes a prohibition on Teams relaying radar device readings to players or staff through hand signals or otherwise. Teams are prohibited from manipulating pitch speed readings that are displayed on a ballpark scoreboard or from displaying such data selectively to offer a potential advantage to only one of the competing Teams. 4.10.6. No electronic equipment shall be used to revise an umpire’s decision or to assist an umpire in making a decision, with the exception of procedures involving instant replay (if such procedures are approved by ABL). 4.10.7. A Team must seek approval of the ABL before using any other or new electronic equipment during a game.

4.11. MASCOTS. Team mascots are not permitted on the field once a game has started, except when the infield is being dragged or if there is a rain delay. Mascots must leave the field no later than 1 minute and 40 seconds into the inning break to permit the publicaddress announcer to call the first batter of the next half-inning. Mascots or other entertainment personnel on the field in vehicles between innings are required to exercise all possible caution to avoid going near uniformed personnel or dugout or bullpen areas to avoid any risk of injury. Mascots must never become involved with the umpires, unless there is a special reason. In such a case, permission must be obtained from the umpire crew chief prior to the game.

4.12. PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAYS. All in-stadium promotional giveaways that could be thrown on the field of play, such as baseballs, Frisbees, etc. should be distributed to patrons as they exit the ballpark.

4.10.3. During an argument if a manager, coach or player makes reference to having observed a video replay that purportedly contradicts the call under dispute; such person is subject to immediate ejection from the game. Page 21 of 58


Regulation 5: SUPPLEMENTARY PLAYING RULES 5.

5.1. PERSONNEL EJECTED FROM FIRST GAME OF DOUBLEHEADER. In the event that a person has been ejected or removed from the bench by an umpire during the first game of a doubleheader, such person may participate in the second game of the doubleheader, but the ejected person may not leave the clubhouse after the ejection until the last out of the first game. In the event that such ejections are the result of exceptional cases of gross misconduct or physical assaults, the Umpire Chief may rule that person ineligible for the second game of doubleheader.

5.2. FIRST GAME CALLED FOR RAIN. If a doubleheader is scheduled and the first game is started and subsequently called off on account of rain, the second game shall also be called off. After the first game of a doubleheader has been started, it must be completed before another game may be played. A “day-night” doubleheader is not considered a doubleheader.

5.3.8. A player-coach shall be treated as a player until such time the player-coach is considered to have abused the privilege. If, in the judgment of the umpire-in-chief, the privilege is abused, the player-coach and the Team's manager will be advised that any future visits to the mound will constitute an official visit.

5.4. RELIEF PITCHER. When a pitcher warming up in the bullpen has been designated to the umpire-in-chief as a relief pitcher, at the call of the umpirein-chief, the pitcher must take a position on the pitching plate promptly. Any extra pitches thrown in the bullpen may be subtracted from the eight permissible from the mound.

5.5. PROTESTS. 5.5.1. In order to protest a game, the manager of the protesting Team must give notice to the umpire-in-chief that the game is being played under protest. Such notice shall be given immediately at the time of the disputed ruling and before the next pitch, play, or attempted play is made. The Umpire Crew Chief shall immediately cause an announcement of the protest to be made over the public-address system. An umpiring crew, before causing a protest to be announced, however, must engage in a thorough discussion before making its decision.

5.3. TRIPS TO THE MOUND. The rules pertaining to the visit of the manager or coach to the pitcher, as described in Official Baseball Rule 5.10(l), are adopted for ABL play. 5.3.1. A manager or coach on a first visit to the mound to any one pitcher must not return to the mound after leaving the mound. 5.3.2. If the manager or coach makes an obvious attempt to delay the game, the pitcher must remain in the game until the batter is retired or becomes a base-runner or the side is retired. 5.3.3. A manager or coach who starts toward the mound may turn back to the bench without penalty so long as the manager or coach does not cross the foul line. Umpires may warn a manager or coach if the manager or coach starts for the mound the second time in an inning. 5.3.4. The catcher or any other player may not go to the dugout and then proceed immediately to the mound. Such a visit will be considered a visit to the mound by the manager. 5.3.5. If a pitcher is removed and the manager or coach remains to talk to the new pitcher, this action shall not be charged as a visit with the new pitcher. 5.3.6. A manager may request permission from an umpire to visit the mound in case of injury to the pitcher and, if the umpire grants permission, the trip will not be counted as a visit to the mound. 5.3.7. Subject to the judgment of the umpire-in-chief, any visit to the mound by a player-manager shall be considered a trip to the mound by the manager. The umpire-in-chief shall notify the player-manager and the opposing manager each time a trip is charged.

5.5.2. The protesting Team shall file a written report with the ABL or the ABL's designee, setting forth all of the facts of the protest, within 24 hours after the protested game has been completed. Failure to file such written report shall cancel the protest. 5.5.3. The Umpire Crew Chief and the umpire involved in the disputed ruling shall file written reports with the ABL or the ABL's designee, setting forth all of the facts of the protest, within 24 hours after the protested game has been completed. 5.5.4. No consideration shall be given to a protest unless notice is served on the umpire-in-chief as provided in Regulation 5-5-1. See Official Baseball Rule 7.04. 5.5.5. After considering the written report of the protesting manager, the written reports of the umpires, and any additional information or evidence that may be deemed necessary, the ABL or the ABL's designee shall determine whether the protest shall be allowed. Such determination shall be made within five days after the date the ABL or the ABL's designee receives the written protest and shall not be subject to any appeal or other challenge in any forum. 5.5.6. If a protest is allowed and the Rules violation is determined to have adversely affected the protesting team’s chances of winning the game, see Official Baseball Rule 7.04, the game shall revert to the point of the protest, and the correct application of the Official Baseball Rule shall be applied and the game shall continue from that point as a suspended game. If the Rules violation is in relation to an actual or potential gameending play, and the correct application of the Official Baseball Rule to such a play is determined to have adversely affected the protesting Team winning the game on such play, the game can be deemed a completed game with the original result reversed.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 5.6. TIE-BREAKER RULES. This Tie-breaker rule shall be in place for all Regular Season ABL games. 5.6.1. This Tie-Breaker scenario shall trigger immediately in any game played that is tied at the commencement of the 10th inning. 5.6.2. In any game where the score is tied and the 10th inning is about to commence, the Team at bat shall commence the TOP of the inning with runners on first and second base. The batter who was scheduled to lead off the 10th inning shall continue to be the batter who would have normally led off the inning in the absence of this rule. The runner on first shall be the batter, (or substitute batter), immediately preceding the batter who leads off the inning. The runner on second base shall be the batter, (or substitute batter), immediately preceding the runner on first base. Any runner or batter removed from the game for a substitute shall be ineligible to return to the game, as would be the case with any substituted player pursuant to the Official Baseball Rules. For purposes of this Rule, the tiebreaker scenario shall apply in the 10th inning irrespective of the games originally scheduled length (7 or 9 innings). 5.6.3. The only exception to this rule shall be in games where a curfew is in place and timing calls for the Tiebreaker scenario to commence prior to the 10th inning as per Regulation 5.7.9. 5.6.4.

Tie-Breakers shall NOT apply to ABL playoff games.

5.7. CURFEWS. At any game venues where a curfew exists, the following procedures shall be followed: 5.7.1. Prior to the start of the championship season in which a curfew shall apply, each Team shall notify the ABL of the mandated curfew times and venues that are applicable to ABL games. The ABL shall then approve all curfew times in accordance with the official ABL game schedule. 5.7.2. In each instance, the home Team shall notify the visiting Team and the umpires prior to the start of a game that a curfew is in effect. 5.7.3. The umpire-in-chief shall notify both opposing Managers at the top-half of any inning that commences 70 minutes prior to the Curfew Time that the game shall proceed for a maximum two (2) more complete innings ONLY, unless concluded early under Rule 5.7.4 below. This shall be known as the “Cut-off Time.” For example, if a Curfew Time is 11:00 p.m., then the Cut-off Time shall be 9:50 p.m. A maximum of two innings shall be completed after the Cut-off time regardless of how many innings have been completed prior to the Cut-off Time. For Example, if only 6 innings have been completed prior to the Cut-Off Time, the game shall terminate at the conclusion of the 8th inning. A game may still conclude prior to the completion of the maximum two allowable innings if the Game End Time is reached under rule 5.7.4 below. 5.7.4. The umpire-in-chief shall terminate the game upon the completion of the at-bat of a batter who is batting five (5) minutes before the curfew time. This shall be known as the “Game End Time.” For example, if the Curfew Time is 11:00 p.m., then the

game would be terminated at the completion of the batter who is at bat at 10:55 p.m., which is the Game End Time. Notwithstanding this Rule 5.7.4, if in the judgement of the umpire-in-chief there is a “probable conclusion” to the half inning, the game may be permitted to progress. Judgement of “probable conclusion” means only a situation whereby; (a) The home team is leading and needs to only complete the top half of the inning to win, OR (b) The visiting team is leading and needs only complete the bottom half of the inning to win, OR (c) The scores are tied after the top half of an inning and the home team needs to score to win. Should any of these scenarios be likely to occur during the Game End Time, the umpire-in-chief must notify both team Managers, prior to the start of any such half inning that he will allow the half inning to proceed beyond the Game End Time to achieve the probable result. Once any half inning concludes after the Game End Time the game must terminate immediately. 5.7.5. If scores are tied, and two equal innings have been completed after the Cut-Off Time, then the game will be declared a tied game. 5.7.6. If the home Team is leading or takes the lead in the second inning after Cut-Off Time (and that inning is not the 9th inning), then the game will be terminated with the home Team declared the winner. The second inning in progress shall be deemed to be the ninth inning for purposes of applying Official Baseball Rule 7.01(g)(3). 5.7.7. If the visiting Team is leading the game, and the home Team has not completed their time at bat, or if the scores are tied at Game End Time, then the game shall be declared a suspended game. 5.7.8. Such suspended games as provided for in Regulation 5.7.7 shall be restarted at the point of suspension before the next game played between the two Teams or at another time as may be deemed necessary by the ABL. If the two Teams are not scheduled to meet again in the championship season, or the game for any reason cannot be rescheduled, then the game shall be declared a tied game. 5.7.9. If the score is tied one hour before Curfew Time, and any “extra inning” is about to commence, the Tie Breaker Rule shall apply. For purposes of this Regulation 5.7.9, any “extra inning” is defined as the eighth inning or later in a seven-inning game. 5.7.10. In all ABL games where a curfew is in place and the game has been either delayed or suspended for any reason; the game shall not recommence unless a minimum of 7 innings can be completed prior to the curfew time using the following calculation of time; Curfew Time; subtract Game Resumption Time, divided by the number of half-innings of play required to complete 7 innings. If result is 10 or greater, play will resume/commence. If the result is less than 10, game shall be abandoned.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Example 1: A game has been suspended due rain in the top half of the 4th inning. The curfew time is 11:00pm and the Game resumption time is set to be 9:30pm Calculation: 11:00pm – 9:30pm = 90mins Half innings required = 8 (top 4th – bot 7th) 7th) Result: 11.25 ≥ 10.00 (90 div by 8) Decision: Play will resume

Example 2: A game has been suspended due rain in the bottom half of the 2nd inning. The curfew time is 10:30pm and the Game resumption time is set to be 8:50pm Calculation: 10:30pm – 8:50pm = 100mins Half innings required = 11 (bot 2nd- both 7th) Result: 9.09 ≤ 10.00 (100mins div by 11) Decision: Play will be abandoned.

Example 3: A game start time has been delayed due to lighting malfunction. The curfew time is 10:30pm and the Game resumption time is set to be 8:00pm Calculation: 10:30pm – 8:00pm = 150mins Half innings required = 14 (top 1st – Bot 7th) Result: 10.71 ≥ 10.00 (150mins div by 14) Decision: Play will commence.

Regulation 6: SECURITY 6.

6.1. DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED AREAS. All playing fields, dugouts, clubhouses, batting cages, managers' offices, shower rooms, trainers’ and doctors' rooms, players' lounges, video, weight or exercise rooms, laundry and equipment rooms and umpires' dressing rooms in a ballpark shall be off-limits to all but essential personnel. Teams shall be free to designate other restricted areas. This Regulation applies to facilities for both home and visiting Teams and to all exhibitions, All-Star Game, championship season and postseason games and Team practices.

6.2. PERSONS ALLOWED. 6.2.1. List. Only the following groups shall be guaranteed full or partial access to the areas described in Regulation 6.1 (Designation of Restricted Areas): players; managers; coaches; umpires; trainers; team physicians; accredited media; appropriate Team and ABL officials and employees; and those persons necessary for the normal conduct of Team operations (e.g., clubhouse attendants, equipment staff, directors of travel, authenticators and security personnel). Scouts who have been issued ABL credentials shall be permitted in the clubhouse subject only to approval by the Team and Team field manager. Other persons such as former players, friends, associates, agents, attorneys, personal trainers, etc., are not to be granted access to the restricted areas described in Regulation 6.1. If a Team so permits, immediate family members (father, grandfather, brother, son) may also be allowed access to such restricted areas. The rules must be clearly posted in both clubhouses and made available in writing to all players and Team officials. Visiting Teams are required to follow the home Team’s policies regarding clubhouse access. Each Team must

provide the ABL a copy of its policy in regard to payer family member access to the clubhouse. 6.2.2. Credentials. Credentials that would permit access to restricted areas shall only be issued to authorised persons. Teams must compile a list containing the full names, and the specific responsibilities of all persons who have been credentialed for clubhouse access. Such list, which shall be gathered using an ABL-approved consent form, must be submitted to the ABL, and any changes in personnel during the season must also be reported to the ABL. The list should indicate whether a background check has either been completed or is pending. 6.2.3. Special Guests. With the prior approval of a Team, other groups or persons may be given access to limited-access areas in the ballpark where and when appropriate. 6.2.4. Excluded Persons. Restricted areas in a ballpark shall be closed to all other persons, including without limitation friends, business associates, agents, attorneys, equipment salesmen or other vendors, unauthorised doctors or therapists. 6.2.5. Deliveries. Where possible, each Team should minimize the need for the delivery of equipment, food and supplies to Clubhouses while players are using the clubhouses. 6.2.6. Vendors. Teams may grant clubhouse access to vendors that are licensees of ABL. Only those vendors that have been approved by the ABL will eligible to receive an ABL credential granting clubhouse access. Those approved vendors with authorised credentials must vacate the clubhouse at the request of the home Team. Teams are encouraged to continue the practice of using an alternative room for conducting vendor business. Teams do not have the discretion to issue credentials and grant clubhouse access to any vendor other than those approved by ABL. 6.2.7. Access to Clubhouse. With the exception of uniformed players, coaches and clubhouse staff, all persons entering the clubhouse or field, must present photo credentials to assigned Security personnel or Team officials prior to gaining access. All security guards, attendants and other individuals responsible for controlling access into the clubhouses must be familiar with these regulations and realize that absolutely no exceptions are permitted. All mobile phones must be submitted to the designated security personnel prior to entering the clubhouse and/or the field of play two (2) hours prior to game time, and for the duration of the game. 6.2.8. Credential checks. Team security personnel shall make random credential checks of photographers and others present on the field. 6.2.9. Media. A specific location must be assigned for media access into each ABL ballpark. All equipment and bags used by members of the press must be thoroughly inspected before being allowed into a ballpark. All broadcast equipment trunks must be removed from the ballpark immediately following pregame set-up.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 6.2.10. Performers. National Anthem singers and first pitch participants may be granted field access. Singers and other participants must be escorted on and off the field by a Team official and exit the field as expeditiously as possible. 6.2.11. Day-of-Game Credentials. Team sponsors and other guests may be issued a daily credential for field access. Those individuals must be escorted on and off the field by a Team official. There must be at least one Team escort to accompany every six guests. Group access should be limited to a part of the field that minimizes any potential disruption of the pre-game activities and any danger of injury (e.g., area cordoned off behind the batting cage). The Team escort(s) must remain with the group at all times during a field visit. Team guests are prohibited access to the dugouts, fair territory, and bullpens. Teams are required to track the issuance of all non-media, daily credentials with field access and be prepared to make such records available to the ABL upon request. Team officials should make every effort to retrieve daily field credentials when guests are escorted from the field.

6.3. FAN BEHAVIOUR. If a situation arises where a fan becomes obscene or unruly and the Team believes that he or she should be removed, it is recommended that the Team, if possible, wait until between innings, request the assistance of security and have security personnel remove the fan from his or her seat (or from the ballpark). If the fan action is so severe that the game must be held up, then security should be called immediately. The telephone number for the security director should be posted in the umpires’ dressing room and on the home Team’s dugout wall. Each Team should also advise its fans via a publicaddress announcement and/or in-park signage, not to interfere with baseballs that are in play and that a fan that interferes with a ball that is in play may be subject to removal.

of the ABL general requirements regarding the appearance of umpires.

7.3. UMPIRES FAIL TO APPEAR. If none of the umpires assigned to an ABL game are expected to be at the ballpark and ready to umpire at game time, the home Team immediately shall notify the ABL, which shall attempt to make alternate arrangements. If the originally assigned umpires arrive after a game has started with substitute umpires officiating, the regular umpires shall take over their assigned duties, relieving the substitute umpires.

7.4. RIGHT TO POSTPONE. The home Team, after consultation with the ABL, shall have the right to determine whether a game shall not be started because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field; provided, however, that the ABL may assume the authority vested in the home Team when the result of a possible postponement of a game during that series might affect the final standings of any Team in the championship season. The ABL may assume such authority at any time prior to the scheduled starting time of any game in such season series by notifying the home Team in person, by mail, by telephone, or by other electronic means. In such notification, the ABL may delegate such authority to the umpire-in-chief. Once a game has started, the umpire-in-chief shall have the sole right to recommend to the ABL or ABL Designee whether the game shall be terminated because of poor weather or playing conditions. Under the provisions of the Official Baseball Rules, the umpire-in-chief shall have the sole and unquestioned authority to determine whether and when play shall be halted during a game, however the Umpire in Chief must consult with the ABL whether and when play shall be resumed, and whether and when a game shall be terminated because of poor weather or playing conditions.

6.4. CROWD CONTROL. If a significant number of patrons enter the playing field or fans are otherwise interfering with the orderly procedure of the game by throwing objects, umpires shall halt the game and remove both teams from the playing field. If order is restored, umpires shall recommence the game after a reasonable time giving both pitchers as much time as needed to warm up. If, in the umpire’s judgment, conditions do not permit resumption of the game, umpires shall forfeit the game to the visiting Team. Announcement of the possibility of a forfeit must be made to both Teams and the patrons (via public address and scoreboard message) prior to ordering a forfeit.

Regulation 7: UMPIRES 7.1. INSTRUCTIONS. The ABL may issue a manual or other instruction for umpires to follow in the performance of their duties.

7.2. UNIFORMS. The ABL shall provide each umpire with a uniform, either in whole or in part, all parts of which the umpires shall wear while officiating as umpires. Where all parts of umpire uniforms have not been provided by ABL, uniforms must meet the satisfaction

Generally, if a game has not begun, the home Team controls the decision whether to postpone the game because of unsuitable weather conditions or the conditions of the playing field; however, after a certain date to be determined by the ABL through the end of the championship season, during the final series of the season between the two Teams in the home ballpark of either Team—even if a game has not yet begun—the ABL shall be the sole authority empowered to determine whether a game shall not be started because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit conditions of the playing field. If any game is postponed or halted due to poor weather or playing conditions then in conjunction with the ABL General Manager and/or CEO a decision will be made about postponement, cancelation or resuming game. Such decision shall be made in person, by telephone, or by facsimile or other electronic means with the home team General Manager and umpires and the ABL. One person with delegated Authority given by the ABL shall be responsible for passing on weather-related decisions and timelines for restart and shall inform the following persons in the first instance: Team Managers, Score Box, PA announcer and press box, Media, Fans in attendance.

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS The ABL shall decide at their sole discretion date and time of rescheduled game and shall inform all relevant persons including; ABL CEO, ABL General Manager, Media Relations/ Marketing staff, Team General Manager, Team Managers, Coaches, Teams, PA announcer, and Operations staff. The home Team Public Address Announcer makes first announcement of cancellation to fans. Players and coaches must remain at grounds in the dugout or clubhouse until announcement is made to fans that the game is officially cancelled or postponed.

7.5. FINISHING DAY GAMES UNDER LIGHTS. If it becomes too dark to continue play during any day game (including any Sunday game) the lights shall be turned on and the game shall be played to a conclusion. If darkness threatens to prevent the start of the second game of any daytime doubleheader (including a Sunday doubleheader) the lights shall be turned on and the game played to a conclusion. The umpire-in-chief shall have authority to determine when light conditions make it advisable to turn the lights on or off and may order the lights turned on or off at any time during any day game. All provisions under this Regulation 7.5 shall be limited by any pre-determined curfews that may exist at a given venue.

7.6. RESCHEDULING. The ABL and the Teams shall make every effort to complete all championship season games in the city in which the games were originally scheduled. If any postponed or tied, games remain unplayed after the last scheduled date in any city between the affected Teams, such games shall be rescheduled on an available mutual off-day. If such date is not available, such games shall be rescheduled at the ballpark of the opposing Team, with the original home Team remaining as the home Team, notwithstanding the location of the rescheduled game. If no available mutual off-dates or series remain between the affected Teams, the games shall be played following the season as originally scheduled, unless such games are not required to determine the final standings with respect to playoff positions.

Game Reports and Game Referrals lodged in respect of potential reportable offences. 9. A Game Report may be lodged by an officiating umpire for the relevant game. The DRP will contact the umpire who lodged the Game Report prior to deciding whether to charge the Player/Coach with the reportable offence(s) referred to in the Game Report. 10. A Game Referral may be lodged by officiating Umpires, Umpire Evaluators, the ABL Head of Technical Officials, and the CEO/GM of a Team competing in the relevant game. 11. Game Reports and Game Referrals may refer to, but are not limited to sourcing audio and/or video as evidence to support/refute reports and referrals.

8.3. DETERMINATION OF TYPE OF OFFENCE AND APPROPRIATE CHARGE (IF ANY). Following review of each report or referral, The DRP will determine whether the Player/Coach/Umpire/Team Official is to be charged with a reportable offence, and if so, the appropriate type of reportable offence. There are 3 levels of reportable offences. 8.1.1. Classifiable Offence. 8.1.2. Direct Tribunal Offence. 8.1.3. Fixed Financial Offence. The DRP will inform the player/coach/team official (or their respective Team) umpire whether or not there has been a charge imposed and if so the type of offence and corresponding base sanction for that charge. The DRP may in its sole discretion refer to the Offence directly to the ABL Tribunal.

8.4. OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO A PLAYER/COACH CHARGED WITH A REPORTABLE OFFENCE. A player/coach/umpire/team official charged with a reportable offence may:

7.7. POSTPONED, SUSPENDED AND TIE GAMES. 7.7.1. The ABL may select the date on which a postponed, suspended or tie game is to be rescheduled. 7.7.2. If a day game is rained out and the home Team desires to play it as a night game on the same day, it may do so only with the visiting Team's approval.

8.4.1. Plead guilty, in which case, subject to the discretion of the DRP, the relevant sanction for the offence will apply; 8.4.2.

7.7.3. Other. No game shall be rescheduled for any reason other than as a postponed, suspended or tied game, unless the ABL has given prior approval to the rescheduling.

Dispute the imposition of the charge or the severity of the fixed penalty, in which case the matter will be directed to and decided by the ABL Tribunal. The Tribunal may impose a greater penalty than the fixed penalty.

8.5. APPEALING A DECISION OF THE TRIBUNAL.

Regulation 8: DISCIPLINE 8.

8.1. DISCIPLINARY PROTOCOLS. All on-field ejections or disciplinary incidents will be referred to the ABL Disciplinary Protocols for determinations, categorisation and potential sanction.

8.2. LODGEMENT OF A REPORT. The ABL Disciplinary Review Panel (DRP) will assess all Official

The charged player/coach/team official (not the Team) umpire may appeal from the decision of the ABL Tribunal in accordance with Baseball Australia’s Member Protection Policy. Baseball Australia’s Member Protection Policy provides for appeals on very limited grounds. The Appeal must be submitted in writing to the ABL (and copied to Baseball Australia) within 24 hours after the player or personnel (or their respective team) has been notified of the sanction. The cost of the appeal is $500. This fee must be lodged with the ABL at the time of filing the appeal. If

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AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS the appeal is successful, $250 will be refunded to the charged player/coach. If the appeal is unsuccessful the $500 is forfeited. Whilst every effort will be made to hear any such appeal expeditiously it usually takes a matter of weeks to convene an appeal under Baseball Australia’s Member Protection policy.

Exceptional and compelling circumstances may arise where: 8.8.1. A Player/Coach has an exemplary record; 8.8.2. Offence was committed in response to provocation; 8.8.3. A Reportable Offence was committed in self-defence; 8.8.4. There are multiple Reportable Offences that arise from the same event or course of conduct.

8.6. CLASSIFIABLE OFFENCES. All reportable offences, deemed to be a Classifiable Offence will be classified as “low”, “medium”, “high” or “extreme” and the base sanctions will reflect accordingly. CLASSIFIABLE OFFENCE

Abusive, insulting, threatening, obscene language towards or in relation to an Umpire

BASE SANCTION

Low

25% of weekend match fees

No Penalty

Medium

1 Game + 50% of weekend match fees


High

2 Games + 75% of weekend match fees


4 Games + 100% of weekend match fees 1 Game + 50% of weekend match fees

3 Games + 75% of weekend match fees 50% of weekend match fees



4 Games + 200% of weekend match fees 8 Games + the greater amount of $3000 Fine or 400% of weekend match fees 25% of weekend match fees

3 Games + 150% of weekend match fees 4 Games + the greater amount of $2000 Fine or 300% of weekend match fees

Medium



High



Extreme



Medium



High

8 Games + the greater amount of $3000 Fine or 400% of weekend match fees

6 Games + the greater amount of $2000 Fine or 300% of weekend match fees

Extreme

Referred to Tribunal

Referred to Tribunal

Extreme Low Medium Physical Altercation (Intentional)

High

Extreme

Low Physical Altercation (Careless)

Careless Contact with an Umpire/umpire contact with a player

EARLY GUILTY PLEA

LEVEL

PRESS.

In any instance where a fine or suspension is imposed upon a Player/coach, notification of action by the ABL shall not be released to the media or the public, until ample time has been given for notification of the manager, coach or player involved.

8.11.

TIME.

Unless the ABL provides otherwise, any fines assessed by the ABL must be paid within 10 days of notification or the manager, coach or player shall be eligible for suspension.

No Penalty

8.12. EFFECT OF SUSPENSION. 8.12.1. Player, coach or team official. A player, coach or team official who has been suspended by the ABL may take part in the person's Team's activities prior to the start of a game. During the term of the suspension, the suspended person shall leave the field before the game starts, change into street clothes, and either leave the park or take a seat in the grandstand away from the vicinity of the Team's bench or bullpen.

Direct Tribunal Offences are those Reportable Offences which are referred by the DRP directly to the ABL Tribunal for determination without grading (i.e. without an assessment of the offence using the Classification Table) and shall include:

8.7.6.

Any fine assessed by the ABL against any manager, player, scorer or other employee must be paid personally by the manager, player, scorer, or employee and under no circumstances is the fine to be refunded to the manager, player, scorer or employee by any Team. If any Team reimburses any manager, player, scorer or other employee for any fine, then the Team making such reimbursement shall itself be subject to a further fine, in the discretion of the ABL.

8.10.

8.7. DIRECT TRIBUNAL OFFENCES.

8.7.1. 8.7.2. 8.7.3. 8.7.4. 8.7.5.

8.9. PAYMENT OF FINES.

Intentional Contact with and Umpire Careless Contact with an Umpire (Extreme) Spitting on or at an Umpire or Other Person Attempting to strike an Umpire Any Offence which attracts a base sanction that the DRP finds inappropriate Any other act of serious misconduct which the DRP considers appropriate to refer to the Tribunal

8.8. EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES . Where there are exceptional and compelling circumstances which make it inappropriate or unreasonable to apply financial or suspension sanctions that would usually apply to a particular Classified Offence, the DRP may impose any sanction it considers appropriate.

8.12.2. Manager. A manager who has been suspended by the ABL may take part in the manager's Team's activities prior to the start of a game but shall not be permitted during the term of the suspension to wear the Team uniform after a game starts, nor shall the manager take any part in the direction of the team, directly or indirectly, during any game. The manager shall leave the field before the game starts, change into street clothes, and either leave the park or take a seat in the grandstand away from the vicinity of the Team’s bench or bullpen. 8.12.3. Penalty. Violation of this Regulation 8.12.2 shall subject to offending person to further penalties at the discretion of the ABL, including an extension of the term of suspension.

Regulation 9: OFFICIAL SCORERS 9.1. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIAL SCORERS. The ABL shall appoint official scorers for each ballpark.

Page 27 of 58

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 9.2. CONDUCT TOWARD OFFICIAL SCORERS. Official scorers should be accorded courtesy and cooperation by all Team personnel. Under no circumstances should official scorers be influenced or pressured regarding their calls. No Team personnel in the press box or on the field should attempt to intimidate scorers into changing calls. Official scorers are not required to accept in-game or post-game telephone inquiries from the bench or clubhouse. Official scorers who wish to discuss plays or calls with field personnel must work through the ABL to arrange the conversation in person or by telephone. Team personnel should not facilitate scorer/field personnel discussions without the consent of the official scorer involved. If there are questions regarding a call that arises during the game, official scorers may be asked for an explanation between innings. The Official Scorer should not be interrupted while play is in progress. If after the explanation a Team continues to dispute a scoring decision, the Team may contact in writing the ABL with an official complaint. No complaint about a scoring decision shall be addressed unless it is directed at a rules interpretation. See Official Baseball Rule 9.01.

10.3.1.

There shall be a maximum 2:15 break for pitching changes, including pitching changes that occur during an inning break. NOTE: This Regulation does not apply to pitching changes where the Pitcher has been replaced due to injury and the substitute pitcher has not had sufficient chance to warm up.

10.4. BATTER’S BOX RULE. The following version of Official Baseball Rule 5.04(b)(4) shall apply: The batter shall keep at least one foot in the batter’s box throughout the batter’s time at bat, unless one of the following exceptions applies, in which case the batter may leave the batter’s box but not the dirt area surrounding home plate:

10.4.1.

10.4.1.1. The batter swings at a pitch; 10.4.1.2. An attempted check swing is appealed to a base umpire;

9.3. OFFICIAL STATISTICS.

10.4.1.3. The batter is forced off balance out of the batter’s

The ABL shall keep a record of the batting, fielding and pitching accomplishments of every player who appears in a championship season or post-season game. These records shall be in such form as the ABL shall prescribe. In order to compile and maintain these records, the ABL shall have access to the official score reports of all championship season and postseason games, as prepared and filed by each official scorer.

box by a pitch; 10.4.1.4. A member of either team requests and is granted “Time”; 10.4.1.5. A defensive player attempts a play on a runner at any base; 10.4.1.6. The batter feints a bunt; 10.4.1.7. A wild pitch or passed ball occurs; 10.4.1.8. The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound after receiving the ball; or 10.4.1.9. The catcher leaves the catcher’s box to give defensive signals.

The official statistics shall include the individual performances of all players in regulation games, in regulation tied games, in suspended games after they become regulation games under the provisions of the Official Baseball Rules and these Regulations and in any forfeited game that has progressed far enough to become a regulation game before the forfeit, except that no pitcher shall be credited with a game won, nor charged with a game lost in any forfeited game. The ABL shall make records available for publication at such times during the season as the ABL may elect. Official statistics, containing the individual and team statistics of all championship season games, shall be published as soon as convenient after the conclusion of the championship season.

If the batter intentionally leaves the batter’s box and delays play, and none of the exceptions listed above applies, the umpire shall issue a warning to the batter for the batter’s first violation of this Rule in a game. For a batter’s second or subsequent violations of this Rule in a game, the penalty will be to award a strike on the batter. In order to get signs in advance of the next pitch in at bat, the batter should keep one foot in (or within the immediate vicinity of) the batter’s box while glancing at the coach to get signs.

10.5. NO-PITCH INTENTIONAL WALKS

Regulation 10: PACE OF GAME PROCEDURES

10.5.1.

ABL will implement procedures designed to improve the “pace” at which games are played. These procedures call for the umpires to take a greater role in controlling the pace of game, particularly in the following areas:

In the event a team decides to intentionally walk a batter, no pitches shall be thrown. Instead, the manager shall signal to the home plate umpire with four fingers, indicating that the batter is being walked intentionally. The batter then becomes a runner and shall advance to first base without liability to be put out. “No-Pitch” Intentional walks may NOT be issued during the course of an at-bat and must be clearly signalled before the batter faces a pitch during the at bat in question.

10.2. INNING BREAK TIME LIMIT.

10.6. OTHER PACE-OF-GAME PROCEDURES.

10.2.1.

10.6.1.

10.1. UMPIRES’ RESPONSIBILITIES.

There shall be a maximum 1:50 break between innings. The timing of the break shall begin after the final out of the previous inning.

Public address announcers may not announce a pinch hitter until signalled, but umpires have been instructed to be alert for lead-off pinch hitters in the on-deck circle, in order to have such batters announced on time.

10.3. PITCHING CHANGE TIME LIMIT. Page 28 of 58

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 10.6.2.

Umpires must arrive at home plate for the groundrules discussion early enough to start the game at the appointed time. A member of the home Team’s baseball operations or scoreboard department must provide the umpire room attendant with a pre-game timing schedule that includes actual first pitch time for each game.

10.6.3.

10.6.4.

Whenever possible, pinch hitters should warm up prior to going to the on-deck circle. Unless there is a reason not to do so, the pinch hitter should be in the on-deck circle while the preceding hitter is at bat.

10.6.5.

Each Team must have a backup catcher available between half-innings to warm up the pitcher if the game catcher has not finished putting on the protective equipment when the pitcher is ready to begin his warm-up.

10.6.6.

Bat boys and bat girls must have a second bat readily available in the event a hitter breaks a bat during play.

10.6.7.

Between-inning entertainment as well as announcements and scoreboard entertainment must conclude at no later than 1:25 after the third out of the previous half-inning. Before the season begins, each Team should ensure that it has carefully timed all between-innings announcements and music and entertainment pieces so that they end no later than 1:25 after the last out of the previous inning.

10.6.8.

Television lights in broadcast booths must be turned off prior to the end of the break period, so umpires are able to start innings at the proper time.

10.6.9.

After an out is recorded with no one on base, the public-address announcement introducing the next batter should be made not later than when the ball reaches the third baseman as it is being thrown around the infield. Any music clip used to introduce a batter should start immediately after the public-address announcement and should stop when the batter reaches the dirt cut-out surrounding home plate. Music clips between pitches should be limited in order not to encourage the hitter to leave the batter’s box.

Page 29 of 58

Attachment 1 - Elbow Pad Approval Notice To:

ABL Baseball Operations

The ___________________ Team requests approval for _________________________ to wear a non-standard elbow protection pad. Player's Position: _________________________ Date of Request: _________________________ Estimated Length of Time Protective Pad Will Be Necessary: _____________________ Nature of Injury: _________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Manufacturer: ___________________________________________________________ Description of Proposed Protective Pad: _______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

_______________________ Physician's Name

__________________________ Physician's Signature

_______________________ Team Representative

__________________________ Date

_______________________ Office of the ABL

__________________________ Date

Page 30 of 58

Attachment 2: UNIVERSAL GROUND RULES (1) A ball on the top step (lip) of the dugout is in play. (2) No equipment is permitted to be left on the top step (lip) of the dugout. If a ball hits equipment left on the top step it is dead. (3) A batted ball in flight can be caught between or under railings and around screens. (4) A catch may be made with the fielder in contact with the field tarp. Players may lean against, place their arms, legs, hands and torso upon the field tarp however no player is permitted to stand on top of or otherwise elevate their position to make a catch. (5) a. b.

A batted or thrown ball lodging in fence or the signage behind home plate or along first base or third base stands is out of play. A batted or thrown ball resting on the fence rotating signage behind home plate or along the first base or third base stands is in play.

(6) The facings of railings surrounding the dugout and photographers’ areas are in play. a. Any cameras or microphones permanently attached on railings are treated as part of the railings and are in play. b. Any recessed railings or poles that are in the dugout and photographer’s areas are out of play and should be marked with red to mark them out of play. (7) Robotic cameras attached to the facing of the backstop screen are considered part of the screen. a. A batted ball striking the backstop camera is considered a dead ball. b. A thrown ball striking the backstop camera is considered in play. (8) A ball striking the guy-wires that support the backstop is a dead ball. (9) A ball lodging behind or under canvas on a field tarpaulin is out of play. (10) A ball striking the field tarpaulin and rebounding onto the playing field is in play. (11) No chairs can be brought out of the dugout or the bullpen and onto the playing field. (12) All yellow (or other contrasting colour) lines are in play

Page 31 of 58

ATTACHMENT 3: ABL STANDARD PLAYER AGREEMENT Australian Baseball League Standard Playing Agreement This Agreement is dated the

day of

2018

Between: [Club] [ABN / ACN] whose registered office is situated at [address] (the “Club”); AND [Player] of [address] (the “Player”), whose details and particulars are set out in Schedule 1. BACKGROUND 1

ABL conducts the ABL Competitions.

2

The Club enters a Team or Teams to play in the ABL Competitions.

3

The Club and the Player wish to contract with each other on the terms of set out in this Agreement.

OPERATIVE PROVISIONS 1

Engagement (a)

2

Term (a)

3

The Club engages the Player to play baseball for the Club on the terms and conditions of this Agreement in the ABL Competitions.

Unless this Agreement is terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, the Term of this Agreement commences on the Commencement Date and ends on the Expiry Date.

Player Obligations

The Player agrees to: (a)

When directed by the Club or an authorised official of the Club: (i)

To attend Matches in which the Club is engaged;

(ii)

To participate in any Matches in which he is selected to play for the Club;

(iii)

To attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of and to participate in training and preparation for Matches;

(iv)

To undertake such other duties and to participate in such other activities as are consistent with the performance of his duties under clauses 3(a)(i) to (iii).

(b)

Save in the case of the Player being selected to play in Representative Games, where the Player is a party to a playing agreement with a baseball team or organisation in respect of playing in another baseball league besides the ABL Competitions (where that Player is on “loan” from that other team to the Club) or otherwise as set out in this Agreement, to play the Game solely for the Club or as authorised by the Club or as required by the ABL Rules.

(c)

Play and train to the best of his skill and ability at all times.

(d)

Play the Game in a sportsmanlike manner and in accordance with the Official Baseball Rules. Page 32 of 58

(e)

Obey all reasonable directions of the Club relating to training for and playing the Game.

(f)

Maintain a high standard of physical fitness at all times except to the extent that the Player is prevented from doing so by reason of injury or illness.

(g)

Not indulge in any activity, sport or practice which might endanger the Player’s physical fitness or inhibit the Player’s mental or physical ability to play, train for or practice for baseball.

(h)

Comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of the Club.

(i)

Undergo doping control procedures and drug testing if and when required to do so by the Club, the ABL, Baseball Australia, ASADA and any other organisation with requisite jurisdiction (including WBSC and MLB).

(j)

Comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the Club.

(k)

Be bound by, and comply with, the provisions of the Club Rules

(l)

Be bound by, and comply with, the provisions of the ABL Rules insofar as the ABL Rules relate to the Player, whether those amendments are effected before or after this Agreement is entered into.

(m)

Wear only Team Apparel at training, in Matches and in all other public appearances determined by the Club and notified to the Player.

(n)

Act at all times in the best interests of the Club, the ABL and the Game.

(o)

Participate in all activities reasonably required by the Club or the ABL for the promotion of the Club, the ABL, the ABL Competitions and the Game.

(p)

Submit to the jurisdiction of, and comply with any decisions or determinations of the ABL’s board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer and any tribunal or body established under the ABL Rules.

(q)

Immediately report any illness, accident or injury of any nature to the Club and to carry out any reasonable direction given by the Club to the Player.

(r)

Submit promptly to such medical and dental examinations as the Club may reasonably require and to undergo such treatment as may be prescribed by the medical or dental advisors to the Club.

(s)

The Club communicating to its Chief Medical officer, medical advisors, the coach, trainers and other Club officials, and to the ABL, details of any illness, accident or injury which may affect the Player’s fitness, safety, health or well-being in training or playing the Game.

(t)

Undertake with the consent of the Club (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) to undergo all medical and dental treatment in respect of injuries sustained playing the Game or training for the Club.

(u)

The Club communicating to the ABL details of any personal misconduct on the Player’s part that might bear upon the question of whether he should be, or remain, currently registered as a Player or otherwise subject to sanction under the ABL Rules. The Club providing a copy of this Agreement to the ABL for registration purposes and other purposes set out in the ABL Rules.

(v)

The Player must not: (w)

4

Undertake or be involved in any activity or practice which will knowingly cause to be void or voidable, or which will invoke any exclusion of, the Player’s cover pursuant to any policy of insurance maintained by or for the benefit of the Player in respect of his health or physical wellbeing, including any policy of health insurance.

Club Obligations (a)

The Club agrees to: Page 33 of 58

(b)

(i)

Observe the ABL Rules and Club Rules; and

(ii)

Provide to the Player or make available to the Player before each ABL Season copies of the ABL Rules and Club Rules which affect the Player.

The Club agrees to use its best endeavours to provide an opportunity for the Player to: (i)

Train for the Game with the Club; and

(ii)

Play the Game in Teams representing the Club.

subject to the Player being possessed of sufficient physical fitness, playing form and mental attitude to train and / or play, as the case may be, to the level reasonably required of an elite baseball player with the Player’s level of skill and experience. (c)

5

The Parties acknowledge that, if the Player is selected to play in a Representative Match or if the Player is called upon by the baseball team or organisation referred to in clause 3(b), the Club shall make the Player available to train for and play in that Representative Match despite any conflicting obligations to the Club.

Publicity and Public Statements (a)

Subject to anything other term of this clause 5, the Player may make public appearances and contribute to the Media provided that: (i)

The Club has provided its consent or standing consent, or the Player has obtained the prior consent of the Club, which shall not be unreasonably withheld;

(ii)

The Player’s public appearances and contributions to the Media do not conflict with the interests of, or bring into disrepute, the Club, the ABL, the ABL Competitions, the Player, other clubs and players playing in ABL Competitions or the Game; and

(iii)

The Player’s public appearances and contributions to the Media do not cause the Player to breach this Agreement, including the ABL Rules.

Further, the Player may make contributions to Social Media provided that:

(b)

(iv)

The contributions to Social Media do not conflict with the interests of, or bring into disrepute, the Club, the ABL, the ABL Competitions, the Player, other clubs and players playing in ABL Competitions or the Game; and

(v)

The Player’s contributions to Social Media do not cause the Player to breach this Agreement, including the ABL Rules.

Notwithstanding the provisions of clause 5(a), the Player must not comment adversely on: (i)

The Club;

(ii)

The ABL;

(iii)

Baseball Australia;

(iv)

The ABL Competitions;

(v)

Any other club or team or player participating in any ABL Competitions;

(vi)

The performance of any Match Official;

(vii)

Any sponsor or corporate partner of ABL or the Club; or

Page 34 of 58

(viii)

6

Player Property (a)

The Player grants to the Club for the duration of the Term and in perpetuity thereafter an irrevocable licence on the terms of this Agreement to use and to licence the use of his Player Property and to sublicence those Rights to the ABL.

(b)

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, including this clause 6, the Player is entitled to use his Player Property for commercial purposes including endorsements, events, promotions, events and marketing.

(c)

The Player acknowledges and represents to the Club that each of the contracts, arrangements or understandings entered into by him at or before the Commencement Date in respect of the licensing or exploitation of the Player Property are listed in Schedule 2. The requirements of clause 6(e) do not apply to the contracts, arrangements and understandings listed in Schedule 2; however clause 6(e) does apply in respect of any variation, amendment, extension or renewal thereof entered into after the Commencement Date.

(d)

The Player must not exercise his rights under clause 6(b) where to do so would, or might reasonably:

(e)

7

Any matter which has been is or is likely to be the subject of a proceeding before the ABL Board or any tribunal or judiciary of the ABL.

(i)

Bring into disrepute the Club, the ABL, the ABL Competitions, the Player, other clubs and players playing in ABL Competitions or the Game;

(ii)

Conflict with, or be prejudicial to, the interests of the ABL, the Club, the ABL Competitions or the Game;

(iii)

Conflict with the name, reputation, image, products or services of the Club, the ABL, any of the Club’s sponsors or a sponsor or corporate partner of the ABL.

Before entering into any contract, arrangement or understanding whereby the Player intends using, exploiting, licensing the use of, or licensing the exploitation of his Player Property (or any part thereof) the Player must: (i)

Inform the Club of all the details of the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding;

(ii)

Supply the Club with a copy of the proposed contract together with any other document in which is recorded details concerning the proposed contract, arrangement or understanding; and

(iii)

Obtain the written approval and consent of the Club for the Player to enter into the contract, arrangement or understanding.

(f)

In using the Player Property for commercial purposes, the Player must not use any property of the Club or the ABL without the prior written permission of the Club and the ABL having been obtained.

(g)

Any rights in the Player Property used by the Club or ABL after the end of the Term will only be used by the Club or the ABL in connection with the Player being a Player who played in the ABL Competition during the Term.

Payment (a)

Subject to this Agreement the Club will pay to the Player the Match Fees in respect of the Matches played by the Player for the Club. The Match Payments shall be calculated in accordance with Schedule 1 and this Agreement.

(b)

Subject to this Agreement the Club, will pay to the Player the Playing Fee calculated in accordance with Schedule 1 and this Agreement.

(c)

The Club agrees to reimburse the Player for any amount of any reasonable expenses incurred by the Player in connection with this Agreement, where the Club has approved the incurrence of that expense in advance of the Player incurring the expense, and where the Player provides documentary evidence to the Club of the incurrence of the expense. Page 35 of 58

8

9

10

11

Termination Due to Health Risk (a)

The Player warrants to the Club that he is, and will throughout the Term make every effort to be, and remain fit to play the Game, and that he is, and will remain able to perform his obligations under this Agreement without exposing himself to a greater than usual risk to health or a greater than usual risk of injury.

(b)

If the Club Medical Officer acting reasonably forms the opinion that the Player would, by reason of some physical or medical condition, be exposed by playing the Game to a greater than usual risk to his health or to a greater than usual risk of injury, the Club may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect.

(c)

If the Club exercises a right of termination under clause 8(b), and the Player is not otherwise in breach of this Agreement, the Club shall on termination of the Agreement pay to the Player fifty (50) percent of the Playing Fee not already paid, for the year in which the termination occurs.

Termination Due to Incapacity (a)

Subject to clause 9(b), if the Club Medical Officer forms the reasonable opinion that the Player is unfit to play the Game and that he will be likely to remain unfit to play the Game for more than six months the Club may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect, provided that the Club shall on termination of the Agreement pay to the Player fifty (50) percent of the Playing Fee not already paid, for the year in which the termination occurs.

(b)

If the Player has failed to recover from an illness or from an injury sustained other than in the course of playing or training for the Game, the Club shall on termination pay to the Player twenty-five (25) percent of the Playing Fee which the Player would otherwise have received for that ABL Season.

(c)

In the event of the death of the Player, the Club shall pay to the Player’s estate an amount equal to fifty (50) percent of the Playing Fee for the relevant ABL Season that the Player would otherwise have received, had the Player not died.

Termination for Cause (a)

The Club may give written notice to the Player in the event that the Club forms the reasonable opinion that the Player is not playing the Game or training for playing the Game conscientiously and to the best of his ability and skill.

(b)

A notice given by the Club pursuant to clause 10(a) may include a statement to the effect that: (i)

The Club intends to take action under this clause 10; and

(ii)

Within 21 days from the date of the notice, the Player may make written representations to the Club regarding the action intended by the Club;

(iii)

After the expiry of the period referred to in clause 10(b)(ii) the Club may, after considering any written representations made by the Player, terminate this Agreement, in which case the Player shall only be entitled to receive payment for: (1)

Any outstanding Match Fees owed by the Club in respect of Matches in which the Player participated; and

(2)

The proportion of the Playing Fee for the ABL Season in which termination occurs, calculated in respect of the period commencing on the date the Player commenced training for the Club, and ending on the date on which this Agreement is terminated.

Termination for Breach (a)

The Player shall during the Term: (i)

Faithfully observe and comply in all respects with the terms of this Agreement; and Page 36 of 58

(ii)

(b)

Otherwise, not engage in misconduct or otherwise act in a manner inconsistent with the best interests, image or welfare of the Club, the ABL, the ABL Competitions, the Player, other clubs or players playing in ABL Competitions or the Game.

Without in any way limiting the interpretation of clause 11(a), the Player must not: (i)

Accept any bribe or inducement.

(ii)

Fail to report to the Club any attempt made to bribe or induce him.

(iii)

Agree not to play on his merits.

(iv)

Fail to report to the Club any attempt to induce him to agree not to play on his merits.

(v)

Not play on his merits.

(vi)

Fail to obey any reasonable direction of the Club relating to training for and / or playing the Game.

(vii)

Fail to obey a direction from a Match Official to enter or leave the playing area.

(viii)

Participate, or be directly or indirectly involved in any way, in gambling or betting in relation to the Game, including: (1)

Any conduct which is prohibited by the ABL Rules;

(2)

Any gambling or betting on any Match involving the Club;

(3)

Any gambling or betting on any ABL Competition in which the Club competes;

(4)

Any gambling or betting involving the Game regardless as to whether or not involving the Club or any ABL Competition, and regardless as to whether or not involving the Game in Australia or otherwise; or

(5)

Any conduct of the kinds referred to in sub-clauses (1) to (4) above, which is prohibited by WBSC.

Where the gambling or betting includes: (6)

Gambling or betting on the result of a match, matches, a competition, a tournament or a season of baseball, whether in connection with a ABL Competition or not;

(7)

Gambling or betting on any event in the progress of a match, whether played in a ABL Competition or not;

(8)

Gambling on the outcome of any other event in connection with the Game; whether in connection with an ABL Competition or not.

(ix)

Provide, or be directly or indirectly in the provision of, information that might assist any other person to gamble or bet in relation to the Game in any way described in clause 11(b)(viii).

(x)

Commit any Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

(xi)

Refuse to do anything required of him under the Anti-Doping Rules, including undergoing any sample collection process or procedure administered in accordance with the Anti-Doping Rules.

(xii)

Engage in any other form of conduct that might bring into disrepute or be detrimental to the interests, welfare or image of: (1)

The Club;

(2)

The ABL; Page 37 of 58

(3)

The ABL Competitions;

(4)

Any Match Official;

(5)

Other clubs and / or other players which compete in any ABL Competition;

(6)

The Game;

(7)

Any sponsor or corporate partner of ABL or the Club; or

(8)

The Player;

or would be likely to have that effect if the Player continued to be employed by the Club. (c)

(i)

Serve on the Player notice requiring the Player to appear before the Board not sooner than seven (7) days after the date the notice is served, to show cause why the Club ought not take action against the Player which the Club may take by reference to clause 11(f); and

(ii)

Convene a hearing before the Board for the purpose specified in the notice.

(d)

The hearing before the Board which is conducted for the purpose specified in clause 11(c) shall be conducted as directed by the Chairman with as little formality or technicality as possible, and in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

(e)

At the hearing before the Board which is conducted for the purpose specified in clause 11(c):

(f)

12

If the Club is of the opinion that the Player has acted in breach of clause 11(a) or clause 11(b) the Club may, in respect of that conduct:

(i)

The Player shall be entitled to be represented by counsel, solicitor or other representative; and

(ii)

The Club may retain and use counsel or a solicitor to assist in the conduct of the hearing.

Where at or after any hearing conducted for the purpose specified in clause 11(c) the Board finds that the Player is in breach of any provision of clause 11(a) or 11(b) the Board may do any of the following: (i)

Take no further action;

(ii)

Issue the Player with a caution or a reprimand;

(iii)

Issue the Player with a monetary fine not exceeding a sum equal to the Match Fees and Playing Fee that would otherwise be payable to the Player for the ABL Season in which the conduct the subject of the notice issued in accordance with clause 11(c)(i) occurred;

(iv)

Suspend the Player from playing the Game under this Agreement for a period no longer than the period up until the Expiry Date; and / or

(v)

Terminate this Agreement with immediate effect, whereupon such termination the only entitlement which the Player has in respect of payment is for any outstanding Match Fees owed by the Club in respect of Matches in which the Player participated.

Fines and Advances (a)

If the Club has made any advance to the Player during the Term, or if the Player has become liable to pay any fine under this Agreement or has otherwise become indebted to the Club, then, subject to any agreement to the contrary between the Parties, the money owed by the Player shall be payable without formal demand by the Club and may be deducted by the Club from any monies that are otherwise payable to the Player under this Agreement.

(b)

If the Player during the Term becomes liable to pay any fine to the ABL, which liability has been notified by the ABL to the Club, the Player agrees that the Club may: Page 38 of 58

13

14

15

16

17

(i)

Deduct the amount of that fine from any moneys payable by the Club to the Player; and

(ii)

Immediately remit that amount to the ABL in satisfaction of the fine.

Dispute Resolution (a)

If any dispute arises between the Club and the Player, either during the Term or after the expiry or termination of this Agreement, concerning this Agreement or any matter relating to the Agreement, other than a decision made under clause 11, the dispute shall be submitted exclusively to a Sub Committee formed for the purposes of hearing and determining the dispute.

(b)

The Sub Committee shall be entitled to organise its procedure as it considers appropriate, giving due regard to the circumstances of the case and the interests of the Parties.

(c)

Adherence by the Parties to the requirements of clause 13(a) shall be a condition precedent to either Party commencing any action in any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction.

Insurance (a)

The Player must, for the duration of the Term, take out and maintain the highest level possible private hospital, medical and associated health benefits insurance.

(b)

The Player acknowledges that, prior to entering into this Agreement; he has been advised by the Club to seek independent expert advice on obtaining additional insurance, at his own cost, for his own benefit, in addition to that arranged on his behalf by the Club or ABL.

(c)

The Club will arrange and provide comprehensive travel insurance for the Player for all travel required to be undertaken under this Agreement that is of a distance greater than 100 kilometres from the Player’s usual place of residence.

Suspension of Player (a)

Subject to clause 15(b), in the event that the Player is suspended from playing the Game for the Club by the Club, the ABL, or any tribunal or any other person or body with competent jurisdiction in relation to the ABL Competitions or the Game, the Club shall be entitled to reduce the Playing Fee to $1 for the duration of the suspension period.

(b)

Clause 15(a) does not apply in the event that the relevant suspension has given rise to the Club validly terminating the Agreement in accordance with clause 11.

Intentional Assaults (a)

The Player warrants that he will not intentionally strike or otherwise attack any other player in such circumstances which constitute battery or an intentional assault on that other player.

(b)

The Player agrees that he will indemnify the Club and the ABL against all damages, costs, liabilities and expenses that may be incurred by the Club and / or the ABL as a result of any breach by the Player of the warranty given in clause 16(a).

Early Releases (a)

The Parties may agree in writing that this Agreement is terminated, and that the Player is released from this Agreement. That variation document must set out the terms on which the Parties have agreed to terminate this Agreement. The document must be signed by each of the Parties.

(b)

Further to clause 17(a), the Club may subject to the terms of this Agreement release the Player from his obligations under this Agreement upon providing written notice to the Player to that effect.

(c)

If the Player is released from this Agreement in accordance with either clause 17(a) or 17(b): Page 39 of 58

(d)

18

(i)

The Player is, upon reaching agreement under clause 17(a) or receiving notice under clause 17(b), released from all of his obligations under this Agreement; and

(ii)

The Club must immediately notify the ABL of that fact that the Player has been released by lodging with the ABL any termination agreement entered into pursuant to clause 17(a) or notice of termination delivered to the Player in accordance with clause 17(b).

If the Club releases the Player in accordance with clause 17(b) the Club shall be liable to pay to the Player the Playing Fee (but not the Match Fees) which would otherwise be payable under this Agreement during the Term.

Prevailing Agreement The terms of this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of any ambiguity or inconsistency between this Agreement and any other playing contract entered into by the Player with the Club.

19

Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgements (a)

(b)

The Player represents and warrants that, as at the date of this Agreement: (i)

He is fit to play the Game and is, and will remain, able to perform his obligations under this Agreement without exposing himself to a greater than usual risk to health or a greater than usual risk of injury;

(ii)

He is able to grant the Rights to the Club, and that the granting of those Rights does not infringe on any right, title or interest of any third party;

(iii)

In entering into this Agreement and in performing his obligations under this Agreement he will not be in breach of any obligations owed to any third party or infringe any right, title or interest of any third party.

(iv)

Schedule 2 represents a full disclosure by the Player to the Club of all contracts, arrangements and understandings entered into by the Player with any third party concerning the Player Property or any part thereof.

(v)

That by entering into this Agreement he does not have the intention of attending any NCAA, NJCAA or NAIA institution or any other college, university or tertiary institution in the United States of America for the purpose of playing baseball, and that by entering into this Agreement he may forego or otherwise inhibit his eligibility to play baseball in any or all of those competitions at any such college, university or institution.

The Player acknowledges that: (i)

The Club has made available to him copies of the Club Rules;

(ii)

The Club has made available to him copies of the ABL Rules;

(iii)

He has had a reasonable opportunity to read the documents referred to in clauses 19(b)(i) and 19(b)(ii);

(iv)

The Club has advised him to seek, and given his sufficient time to seek, independent legal and financial advice about this Agreement before entering into this Agreement;

(v)

Subject to sub-clause (vi) below, this Agreement is a standard-form Agreement prepared in a form which is approved by ABL. Clauses 1 to 25 (both inclusive) of this Agreement must not be varied by the Parties. Any variation by the Parties of any part of clauses 1 to 25 (both inclusive) shall void the registration of this Agreement with ABL;

Page 40 of 58

(vi)

Any Special Conditions are set out at Schedule 3. Any such Special Conditions must be approved by ABL and are of no effect until this Agreement is registered with ABL in accordance with clause 22(b); and

(vii)

The Club’s liabilities in respect of the Player’s death or injury in performing his obligations under this Agreement are limited to those: (1)

Which arise by operation of law;

(2)

Which are stated in this Agreement; and

(3)

Out of which the Parties cannot contract.

at the relevant time. 20

Risk (a)

21

23

in

Indemnity (a)

22

Baseball is an inherently risky sport and accordingly the Player accepts all risks involved training, competing and otherwise participating in activities related to this Agreement.

The Player shall indemnify, keep indemnified and hold harmless the Club and the ABL against any liability, damages, loss, costs and expenses that the Club and / or the ABL may incur should any of the representations, warranties and acknowledgments set out in clause 19 be incorrect.

Registration with ABL (a)

The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is subject to and conditional upon the Player, as well as this Agreement, becoming and remaining registered with the ABL pursuant to the ABL Rules.

(b)

The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is of no force and effect unless the Player and this Agreement is registered pursuant to the ABL Rules. Upon the execution of this Agreement the Club must lodge with the ABL an executed copy of this Agreement;

(c)

Further to clause 22(b), if either the Player or this Agreement ceases to be registered by ABL, the Agreement will no longer be of any force or effect, save for: (i) Such rights as may accrue to either Party by reason of the act or omission that gave rise to the consequence that the Player and / or this Agreement ceased to be registered; or (ii)

Any right or liability which accrued before the date that the Player or the Agreement ceased to be registered; and

(iii)

Any rights granted to under this Agreement which survive the termination or expiry of this Agreement.

General (a)

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws in force in the State of New South Wales and the Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of its courts.

(b)

Any variation to this Agreement must be made in writing and signed by each Party; however any such variation shall have no force or effect until the variation is registered with the ABL in the same manner that this Agreement is registered.

(c)

Each Party when called upon to do so by the other Party shall execute all such instruments, and do all such acts and things as may be necessary to give effect to the terms of this Agreement.

(d)

If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable by a judgment or decision of any court of competent jurisdiction or any authority whose decisions shall have the force of law binding on the Parties, the same shall be deemed to be severable and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. Page 41 of 58

24

(e)

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the Parties in relation to its subject matter and supersedes any previous contracts, understandings, statements, representations, warranties and communications between the Parties relating thereto provided that nothing in this clause shall exclude or limit the liability of the Parties for fraud.

(f)

The terms of this Agreement are confidential. Neither Party shall disclose the terms of this Agreement to any third party other than the ABL without the prior written consent of the other Party, except for the purpose of: (i)

A Party obtaining legal or financial advice; or

(ii)

The performance of or the enforcement of the performance of this Agreement.

(g)

No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement will operate as a waiver, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise of that or any other right, power or remedy.

(h)

All notices required by or permitted under this Agreement shall: (i)

Be in writing addressed to the address of the other Party shown in this Agreement or such other address which the recipient notified the sender (in writing) after the date of this Agreement;

(ii)

Be signed by the sender or an authorised agent or officer of the sender; and

(iii)

Be deemed to be given or made three Business Days after posting provided that the notice was posted within Australia to an Australian address.

Definitions

In this Agreement the following capitalised words have the corresponding meanings unless expressly stated to the contrary or unless the context otherwise requires: (a)

ABL means Australian Baseball League Pty Limited (ABN 52 134 504 975).

(b)

ABL Appeals Committee means the tribunal so established under the ABL Rules.

(c)

ABL Board means the board of directors of ABL.

(d)

ABL Competitions means the various baseball championships, tournaments, competitions and matches controlled by and conducted under the auspices of the ABL including: (i)

any pre-season or official trial tournaments, competitions or games conducted by ABL.

(ii)

a Regular Competition including all baseball games played therein.

(iii)

a Postseason including all baseball games played therein; and

(iv)

the ABL Championship Series including all baseball games played therein;

(v)

and any other ABL-approved game.

(e)

ABL Judiciary means the tribunal so established under the ABL Rules.

(f)

ABL Rules means any rules, regulations, by laws, policies and guidelines made by the ABL from time to time which apply to the Player.

(g)

ABL Season means the annual baseball season of ABL and the ABL Competitions, which commence in or about November and end in or about the following May.

(h)

Active List means a subset of Players who are registered to the Club by the ABL who the Club declares to be eligible to appear in ABL Competitions for the Team. Page 42 of 58

(i)

Agreement means this agreement between the Club and the Player, including all appendices, annexures, schedules and incorporated documents.

(j)

ASADA means the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

(k)

Anti-Doping Rule Violation has the same meaning as given to that term in the Anti-Doping Rules.

(l)

Anti-Doping Rules means the Anti-Doping Policy of Baseball Australia and ABL, adopted as the applicable anti-doping rules of ABL and where applicable the anti-doping rules of WBSC.

(m)

Anti-Doping Tribunal means any tribunal or appeals tribunal formed for the purposes of hearing any case involving an anti-doping rule violation alleged to have been committed under the ABL Rules.

(n)

Baseball Australia means Australian Baseball Federation Incorporated (ARBN 075 732 437; ABN 18 610 026 404).

(o)

Board means the board of directors of the Club.

(p)

Business Day means a day between Monday to Friday (both inclusive) but excluding all statutory public and bank holidays New South Wales. Chairman means the chairman of the Board of the Club, or (if there is one director) the sole director of the Club.

(q)

(r)

Chief Executive Officer means the chief executive officer of ABL.

(s)

Club Medical Officer means the registered medical practitioner appointed by the Club as its medical officer, or who otherwise acts as the Club’s medical officer.

(t)

Club Rules means any rules, regulations, by laws, policies and guidelines made by the Club from time to time which apply to the Player.

(u)

Commencement Date is the date so defined in Schedule 1.

(v)

Contract Year means each 12 month period during the Term ending on June 30.

(w)

Expiry Date is the date so defined in Schedule 1.

(x)

Game means the sport of baseball.

(y)

Match means any baseball match involving any of the Club’s Teams, which is played as part of an ABL Competition (including pre-season and post-season matches) together with any other baseball match in which a Team representing the Club participates.

(z)

Match Fees means the amounts so described, which are payable under this Agreement in accordance with Schedule 1 only if the Player is selected to appear on the Active List for the Team in the ABL Competition.

(aa)

Match Official includes umpires, ground managers, timekeepers and any other person appointed by ABL or otherwise (including where a person is appointed by the Club or another club participating in a Match) in respect of the organisation, control administration or adjudication of a Match.

(bb)

Media means and includes all forms of broadcast, radio, print, electronic media, excluding Social Media.

(cc)

Official Baseball Rules means the code of rules of the sport of baseball that govern the playing of baseball games by professional teams of Major League Baseball and the leagues that are members of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

(dd)

Party and Parties means, respectively, a party to this Agreement and the Parties to this Agreement.

(ee)

Player Property means the Player’s name, nickname, likeness, image (including any footage of the Player training or playing the sport of baseball), voice, photograph, likeness, caricature, any identifying Page 43 of 58

characteristics or marks, signature, biographical material, or performance, in each case in whatever format.

25

(ff)

Playing Fee means the amounts so described, which are payable under this Agreement in accordance with Schedule 1.

(gg)

Postseason and ABL Championship Series: “Postseason” means the weeks of competition in a season immediately following the Regular Season that are played to determine the two ABL Championship Series finalists; and “ABL Championship Series” means the series between two final teams to decide the ABL Champions for a season.

(hh)

Representative Games means any: (i)

representative baseball game involving baseball teams representing Australia.

(ii)

international baseball game involving baseball teams representing Australia, including without limitation the Olympic Games; and

(iii)

other game determined by ABL to be a representative game.

(ii)

Regular Competition means the weekly regular season baseball games in the ABL Competition during any one ABL Season, but does not include the Postseason and ABL Championship Series or preseason or official trials.

(jj)

Rights means the rights granted by the Player to the Club under clause 6(a).

(kk)

Social Media means any website or application that enables users to create and share content or participate in social networking.

(ll)

Special Conditions means any special conditions of contract set out at Schedule 3.

(mm)

Sub Committee means any sub-committee of the ABL formed in accordance with the provisions of ABL’s constitution.

(nn)

Team means baseball teams which are selected to represent the Club in a Match.

(oo)

Team Apparel means apparel provided by the Club to the Player which is for use in playing, training or for other purposes specified by the Club.

(pp)

Term means the operative period of this Agreement, commencing on the Commencement Date and ending on the Expiry Date or the other date on which this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

(qq)

WBSC means the World Baseball Softball Confederation, the international governing body for the sport of baseball.

Interpretation (a)

A reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural, and vice versa, and A reference to a gender includes a reference to all genders.

(b)

The expressions “$A”, “$”, “$AUD”, “dollars” or any other reference to currency is a reference to Australian Dollars.

(c)

A reference to a clause, sub-clause, schedule, appendix or annexure is, unless stated to the contrary, a reference to the clause, sub-clause, schedule, appendix or annexure of this Agreement.

(d)

if a word or phrase is defined, its other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning.

Page 44 of 58

(e)

an expression importing a natural person includes any company, partnership, joint venture, incorporated association, co-operative, unincorporated association or other body corporate and any governmental agency.

(f)

a reference to this Agreement or other document includes any variation, novation or replacement of or supplement to any of this Agreement or other such document from time to time.

(g)

headings are inserted only for guidance and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

(h)

a reference to a Party includes that Party's heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

(i)

a reference to any statute, regulation, proclamation, ordinance or by-law includes all statutes, regulations, proclamations, ordinances or by-laws amending, consolidating or replacing them and a reference to a statute includes all regulations, proclamations, ordinances and by-laws made or issued under that statute.

(j)

The contra proferentum doctrine does not apply to the interpretation of this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to the disadvantage of a Party merely because that Party was responsible for the preparation of this Agreement or the inclusion of the provision in this Agreement.

(k)

The recitals, annexures and schedules of and to this Agreement form part of this Agreement and have the same force and effect as if set out in full in the body of this Agreement.

(l)

a reference to a specific time for the performance of an obligation is a reference to that time in Sydney, Australia.

Page 45 of 58

EXECUTED by [insert name and ABN / ACN of Club] Director Print Name:

Director/Secretary Print Name:

SIGNED by [insert full name of player] in the presence of:

_______________________________ Signature

_____________________________ Witness

SIGNED by [insert full name of parent or guardian of player if player aged under 18 years at Commencement Date] in the presence of: _______________________________ Signature

_____________________________ Witness

Page 46 of 58

Schedule 1 Information and Particulars – the Player

PLAYER INFORMATION Passport Number Driver Licence Number Driver Licence State International Residential Address (if applicable) Email Address Mobile Telephone / Cell Number Nationality Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) Bank Name BSB Number Bank Account Number Country and Place of Birth Height (cm) Weight (kg) Bats (LH / RH) Position Twitter Handle

Page 47 of 58

The Contract

TERM

Commencement Date

[date]

Expiry Date

[date]

ABL Seasons to which the Agreement applies

[insert]

PAYMENT

Playing Fee

$[insert – Note this can be $0]

Match Fee

$[insert fee per game played on the Active List]

Manner and Payment

Dates

for

[insert]

Page 48 of 58

Schedule 2 Contracts in respect of the exploitation of Player Property Name of counterparty

Start date

End date

1 2 3 4

Page 49 of 58

Any options (Y/N)

Schedule 3 Special Conditions

Page 50 of 58

ATTACHMENT 4: ABL PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT 1.

As a player in the ABL, you are the most visible face of baseball in Australia and part of an effort to grow the sport. Conduct yourself as a professional, with the concept of a positive public image for the sport and the ABL firmly in mind.

2.

Show respect for the sport, the Australian Baseball League, to teammates, opposition, fans and officials.

3.

Players report to both the Field Manager and Team General Manager/CEO equally. Any directive or instruction given to the player by either party is to be treated as his obligation under contract.

4.

Use of alcohol is permitted according to the direction of Team Management only. Drinking in any article of clothing issued by the ABL or displaying its brand is expressly prohibited and any incidence of drunk or disorderly conduct, public nuisance or other reckless behaviour may result in the immediate termination of your ABL contract.

5.

Tobacco use is expressly prohibited in all parts of all venues and during the full course of Team travel, covered in its entirety in Rule 1.2.3 of the Australian Baseball League Official Rules.

6.

Appropriate consideration and respect must be shown for roommates, host families, property management or housing staff at all times.

7.

Any activity likely to result in loss or wilful damage to private or ABL property or to cause a disturbance will not be tolerated. Damage to private or ABL property will see any costs deducted directly from the pay of responsible player(s).

8.

It is the player’s responsibility to report all injuries to a coach or trainer and schedule proper treatment with the physiotherapist; follow injury reporting protocols.

9.

Attend and be on time for all meetings, training sessions, games, meals and transport unless otherwise excused by Team Management.

10.

Uniformity and sharpness in proper on-field dress is a must. This applies for training sessions as well as games and is subject to the specific time schedules for dress set forth by the ABL and its teams.

11.

Proper off field dress will be worn as designated for team transport, meals and functions.

12.

Players are responsible for maintaining the quality and security of all ABL issued equipment and apparel. All uniforms and other issued materials are the property of the League and must be returned at season’s end. Damaged, lost or stolen property will be deducted directly from player pay.

13.

Be courteous and gracious at all times to all hotel guests, staff and service providers during the course of your stay with the ABL. Extending this courtesy to ABL staff, sponsors, corporate guests, members of the public and fans.

14.

It is the responsibility of the player to make full payment for any incurred hotel room expenses that exceed the amenities paid for in advance by the ABL.

15.

Players must remain professional in their on-field behaviour, at all times making the effort to refrain from criticism, vulgarity, obscene gestures or destruction of equipment or property.

16.

Be aware of Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and ABL/ABF anti-doping rules and policies. Any violation will result in the immediate termination of the player’s ABL contract. The ABL Anti-Doping Policy may be read in full at the following web address; http://www.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/abf/downloads/Anti-Doping/AntiDopingPolicyJan2010.pdf

17.

Cameras, mobile phones and head phones are expressly prohibited from the dugout or at the ball field (unless otherwise approved by Team Management). Music on planes and buses should be confined to headphones.

18.

Clear all media interviews with the team management before they occur; get team management’s OK before bringing a guest/media member into the player’s change-room. Never be critical of the ABL, teammates, coaches or the game of baseball publicly.

19.

Do all you can to enhance personal and team success while enjoying the experience in the ABL. Page 51 of 58

ATTACHMENT 5: ABL VEHICLE USE AUTHORITY FORM 1. SAFE DRIVING REQUIREMENT: I acknowledge that I must operate any vehicle I use on the ABL’s behalf in a safe, responsible manner in compliance with all applicable laws. I will follow all applicable rules or requirements established by the ABL for use of vehicles owned or leased by the ABL. I understand that I may be subject to ABL disciplinary procedures for improper use of a vehicle. I understand that my ability to drive a car owned or leased by the ABL is a privilege, not a right, and may be suspended or terminated in the sole discretion of the ABL. 2. PHYSICAL CONDITION: I have no physical or mental condition that may impair my ability to drive. If my condition changes such that my ability to drive may be impaired, I shall notify the ABL league office immediately. 3. PROHIBITION CONDITIONS: Neither I nor any Authorised ABL Vehicle Operator may: (A) Permit the use of any ABL vehicle by anyone other than myself or an ABL Authorised Operator; (B) Intentionally destroy, damage or aid in the theft of any ABL vehicle; (C) Use or permit the use of the any ABL vehicle by anyone: i. While legally intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or other absorbed elements which may adversely affect a person's ability to drive safely; ii. For any purpose that could properly be charged as a crime, such as the illegal transportation of persons, drugs or contraband; iii. To tow or push anything; iv. In a speed test, contest, race, rally, or demonstration; v. To carry persons or property for hire (i.e., for a charge or fee); or vi. To carry hazardous materials (other than customary quantities of materials used in the operation of the Car that are stored within the containers provided for them). 4. MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE: I am licensed to drive. I have provided a copy of both sides of my license to this form. I will promptly notify the ABL league office if my license is withheld by any police authority, suspended, revoked or expired. I authorize the ABL or its agents to obtain a copy of my official state motor vehicle record (showing the current status of the license and any traffic convictions). I further authorize the ABL to make this information available to the ABL’s insurance company. I further authorize the ABL to obtain updates of this information during my employment without additional authorization. I understand that failure to report my ability to drive, such as moving violations, DUI’s and suspensions, to the ABL may result in disciplinary action. 5. ACCIDENTS AND TRAFFIC CITATIONS WHILE OPERATING AN ABL VEHICLE: I shall report any accident involving an ABL owned or leased vehicle in my care immediately to the local police. As soon as possible, I will notify the ABL league office at 02 8226 0225, as well my ABL Team’s General Manager. I will complete all state and ABL insurance forms promptly, accurately and completely and cooperate with all ABL personnel in resolving all insurance, accident, litigation and other matters relating to any vehicle driven by me. I will report any traffic citation or parking ticket I receive while using an ABL owned or leased vehicle to the ABL league office as soon as practical. I understand that I am personally responsible for any traffic or parking fines that I may incur while driving an ABL owned or leased vehicle. I am 18 years of age or older. I have read and fully understand the above Vehicle Use Acknowledgment form.

___________________________ Print Driver's Full Name

___________________________ Drivers Signature

DOB (DD/MM/YY): Driver’s License #: Driver’s License State: Driver’s License Country: Passport #: Nationality:

Page 52 of 58

_______________ Date

ATTACHMENT 6 - NOTICE TO PLAYER OF RELEASE OR TRANSFER ____________________, _____ (Date) (Year) To: __________________________ You are hereby notified as follows: 1.

That you are unconditionally released; or

2.

That your contract has been assigned to the ______________________ Team.

A copy must be delivered to the player. THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS are given for the guidance of ABL officials completing this form: (1)

If the player is unconditionally released, cross out all of paragraph 2.

(2)

If the player is transferred to another team, insert the name of that team in paragraph 2, and cross out paragraph 1.

Page 53 of 58

ATTACHMENT 7 - PLAYER TRANSFER REQUEST DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)

TRANSFER BEING REQUESTED

☐ ☐

Pre-Draft Post Draft

☐ ☐

Yes No

☐ ☐ ☐

Moving Interstate due to family relocation Moving interstate due to work opportunities other than ABL Other (please provide detail)

☐ ☐

Yes No

Player Name:

Current Team: (Team player wishes to Transfer from)

Has the current Team been notified

New Team: (Team wishes player to transfer to)

Value of current/most recent ABL contract:

Value of proposed contract with new team:

Reason for transfer request:

Signed by Player

ABL USE ONLY Transfer Approved

Authorised By:

Signed:

Page 54 of 58

ATTACHMENT 8: Third Party Payments Declaration Form I, __________________________ hereby declare that all third-party payments, income or benefits including any accommodation, travel and motor vehicle expenses to players for the purposes of acquiring their services to play in the ABL for the ________________________ team herein for the 2018-19 season.

________________________ Signature

#

Player Name

Flights

____________________________ Date

Housing

Club Baseball

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Page 55 of 58

Camps/ Coaching Clinics

Sponsors

Other

Total

ATTACHMENT 9: PLAYER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT I, , understand that the Australian Baseball League (“ABL”) are conducting a national baseball competition at various sites throughout Australia during 2018 and 2019 (the “Event”), which will be sanctioned by Baseball Australia (“BA”) and will include six (6) teams from baseball associations throughout Australia (“Team(s)”). I agree that, if selected and approved to participate in the Event as a member of a Team, I will observe and comply with all reasonable requirements of the Event respecting conduct and service of each Team and its players, at all times whether on or off the field. In connection therewith, I agree as follows: 1.

I will perform such services diligently and faithfully and conform to high standards of personal conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship, and, in any case, in accordance with the Official Rules of the ABL and the Event.

2.

I will cooperate with the ABL and participate in a reasonable number of promotional activities, training clinics, or other public appearances that, in the sole opinion of the ABL will promote the welfare of the ABL, the Team and baseball in general, throughout the course of the Event.

3.

I agree that my picture may be taken for still photographs, motion pictures or television at such reasonable times as may be designated and further agrees that my name, nickname, signature (or facsimile thereof), biographical sketch, playing record, likeness, picture, portrait, voice, caricature or other identifiable feature, as depicted in a photograph, motion picture, television, footage, drawing, print or other media currently known or hereafter developed (hereinafter “Attributes”) may be used, reproduced, sold, licensed, or otherwise disseminated or published, in combination with ABL and Team names and/or logos, with the approval of the ABL, for merchandising, advertising and promotional purposes, including, but not limited to, use of Attributes on products in connection with the ABL or Team, and uses by media partners and sponsors of the ABL or Team.

4.

This grant does not extend to the individual endorsement of products or services, and I understand that ABL will not knowingly permit the use of my Attributes in connection with the ABL or the Event in a manner which would violate or conflict with the terms of any endorsement agreement(s) to which I am a party. I agree that I will inform ABL of any such agreements in existence as of the execution of this Agreement, and, if requested, provide a copy thereof to the ABL, which shall make no further disclosure of such agreements. I will not enter into any new agreements, or extend, renew or modify any existing agreements, which permit the use of my Attributes in conflict with the rights granted herein in connection with the Event.

5.

I understand the ABL will provide me with player uniforms on a loan basis. The uniforms will remain the property of the ABL and, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the ABL, shall be returned immediately to the ABL on the termination of this Agreement, or the conclusion of the ABL season. I agree to wear Team uniforms at the times and places requested by the ABL. I agree to care for uniforms properly and to advise the ABL promptly of any damage to the uniform. I agree that I will not alter or add to the uniform without the written consent of the ABL. In the event the ABL provides shoes, bats, gloves, mitts or any other playing equipment, I agree to use only the equipment so provided by the ABL and not to substitute equipment or alter or intentionally damage the equipment provided. I shall not wear or use any personal equipment item, article or apparel, or any other item with or upon my uniform that is not approved by the ABL or that is not in accordance with the rules and regulations of the ABL.

6.

I understand that all players participating in the ABL will be subject to the BA Anti-Doping Policy, Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (hereinafter “ASADA”) policies and practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (hereinafter “WADA”) Code. I understand that all ABL players (including myself) may be subject to random urine and blood drug testing administered by an authorised ASADA representative at any time during the term of this Agreement and that if I fail to submit to such tests and/or commit any subsequent breach of the WADA Code, I shall be subject to penalties and/or sanctions in accordance with the BA Anti-Doping Policy and enforced by ASADA and/or WADA.

7.

I understand that I will receive no cash, remuneration or other valuable consideration, whether gratuitous or otherwise, for or because of services rendered, or to be rendered, or supposed to have been rendered, in securing my services with the ABL or any Team.

8.

Notwithstanding, I understand that the ABL will provide me with accommodation, transport and some meals and reimbursement for all other necessary costs incurred by me during all Road Trips in which I participate with the Team. I agree to use the mode and class of transportation provided by the ABL. For the purposes of this Agreement a “Road Trip” consists of any travel with the Team to any ABL game outside of the Australian state in which Team is located.

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9.

I understand that if I am selected and thereafter agree to play for a Team in the ABL, I will be ruled permanently ineligible to play in any BA sanctioned Senior Little League competition.

10.

I understand that if I am selected and thereafter agree to play for a Team, I will use my best efforts to be available for all ABL games and shall play exclusively for the Team and no other baseball team, provided, however, that; (a) (b)

if the I am selected to play for any Australian, or other representative, or All-Star team to play in a sanctioned competition, the ABL will not unreasonably withhold its consent to my participation with such teams. if the Player is not selected by the Team for any series of games during the Event, the ABL will not unreasonably withhold consent for the Player’s participation in sanctioned games outside of the Event

11.

I understand that if I am selected and thereafter agree to play for a Team in the ABL, I will be ruled permanently ineligible to play in any BA sanctioned Senior Little League competition.

12.

I represent and warrant that I was born on or after November 15, 1999 and therefore have not have yet turned nineteen (19) years of age. I further agree that from the date of my nineteenth (19th) birthday, I shall take no further part in the Event under the terms of this Agreement.

13.

I represent and warrant that I have full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and that, except as set forth herein, no further consideration will be due to me or any other person or entity in exchange for the rights granted herein.

14.

I understand that my execution of this Agreement does not guarantee or confirm that I will be selected to play for a Team in the ABL or otherwise participate in the Event.

15.

I understand that this Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between ABL and me in connection with the Event, is personal and shall not be assigned or transferred by me, in whole or in part, nor may it be modified or revoked except by a writing signed by me and ABL.

This Agreement will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New South Wales, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Dated: _________________________,

____

By:

____________________________

Print Name:

____________________________

Date of Birth: ____________________________ (DD/MM/YYYY)

If signing player is under eighteen (18) years of age, please include his parent/guardian signatures: Parent/Guardian 1 By:

________________________________

Print Name: ____________________________

Parent/Guardian 2 By:

_______________________________

Print Name: ___________________________

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ATTACHMENT 10: QUALIFYING OFFER/LETTER OF INTENT

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE QUALIFYING OFFER/LETTER OF INTENT THIS OFFER is made between the Australian Baseball League Team listed below and the player whose full name is shown in the Schedule below (hereinafter called the “Player”) New Player (Letter of Intent):

Existing Player (Qualifying Offer):

SCHEDULE (First)

(Middle)

(Last)

ABL Team Presenting Offer: Playing Season covered by this offer: Offer amount in $AUD per game: Date of Offer: Team:

ABL:

Signature

Signature

Print Name

ABL Representative

Date

Date Received

The player has ten (10) days to respond to this offer from the Date of Offer Accept:

Decline:

Player:

Signature: Print Name: Date:

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