THE 2018 PFBL-A BYLAWS (last revision made 12/21/2018) PFBL-A Commissioner: Doug Stewart 4811 Colombia Drive Pasadena, TX 77505 Phone (281) 702-5799 E-mail: UEACES80@aol.com PFBL-A Homepage: http://www.locrasto.com/pfbla/index.html CONTENTS: ------------------------------ I> LEAGUE REQUIREMENTS II> LEAGUE STRUCTURE III> TEAM ROSTERS Cap Limits IV> PLAYER USEAGE Use Limits Side Limit Position Average V> SEASON PLAY VI> PLAYER ACQUISITION AND TRANSACTIONS Losing players VII> POST-SEASON VIII> LEAGUE VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES IX> PFBL-A ADMINISTRATION X> SCHEDULE OF LEAGUE ACTIVITIES I> LEAGUE REQUIREMENTS 1. OWNER REQUIREMENTS: (a.) IBM compatible computer that will play the DMB game; (b.) REGISTERED OWNER of the most current DMB game version (currently version 8); (c.) REGISTERED OWNER of the most current DMB season disk; (d.) a phone; (e.) modem and (f.) access to an online service, to allow access to the Internet. 2. LEAGUE DUES: The PFBL-A dues are set each season based on the prior season cost of running the league. The cost for the 2002 season is $15.00, these dues are payable to the Commissioner (see Sect. # IX-1) by November 1st. If not paid by Nov. 30th the dues will be $20.00. Failure to pay your dues in a timely fashion can result in the loss of your franchise. Note: The PFBL-A does not give full or partial refunds of dues to managers who leave the league regardless of their reason for leaving or regardless of when they leave. II> LEAGUE STRUCTURE 1. TEAMS: The PFBL-A has two conferences, one named the American Conference (AC) with 14 teams and the other named the National Conference (NC) with 16 teams. The teams in each conference are geographically aligned each season into three divisions based upon the MLB park they play in: East, Central, and West. 2. TEAM NICKNAMES: No two PFBL-A teams can have the same nickname. The League has the right to reject any nickname that it deems to be offensive. Teams are encouraged to use cities and not a rotisserie type name. No team can have a nickname that does not fit within the space allotted for that name as provided by DMB. Teams that already have such nicknames are "Grand fathered in". 3. TEAM BALLPARKS: Each PFBL-A team must play their home games in a separate real life major league park with AC teams in AL parks and NC teams in NL parks. During the off season managers may trade their parks within their own conference. If a team changes Conferences, it must leave behind its park and accept the vacant park left behind by the team in which it is swapping conferences. There is no charge for swapping parks with vacant franchises. 4. TEAM VACANCIES: Should a team lose its owner and a replacement cannot immediately be found, the Commissioner has the right to declare such team an open franchise and all of its home games will be played by the league or an appointed league member using the computer manager until a new owner takes over. 5. FRANCHISE RIGHTS: An owner has the right to keep his franchise as long as he is in good standing (dues are paid on time; team's PFBL-A dollars show a positive balance; his duties are performed in a timely and conscientious manner and his actions do not pose a threat to the future success of the league.) An owner does NOT have the right to sell his franchise. No one person is permitted to participate in the operations or management of more than one team in the PFBL-A. PFBL-A managers may not "drop" their original PFBL-A team to pick up a new team. 6. SCHEDULE: The PFBL-A schedule will consist of a 162 game season beginning on April 5th and ending on September 25th. Each team will play 81 home games. We will use the previous MLB seasons schedule and your team will be assigned the same schedule of the team associated with your park. Therefore if you play in Jacobs Field you will get the Indians MLB schedule. 7. PLAY PERIODS: The games will be played in six (6) playing intervals. (A.) Month #1 all games in March and April (B.) Month #2 all games in May (C.) Month #3 all games in June (D.) Month #4 all games in July (E.) Month #5 all games in August (E.) Month #6 all games in September and October Play will begin on April 5th and end on September 25th. Before July play we will have a trading period. 8. THE DESIGNATED HITTER: A designated hitter will be used in the AC, but will not be used in the NC. During Inter-League games and the World Series the home team's rule will apply. 9. LEAGUE FINANCIAL SYSTEM: Franchises will accumulate PFBL-A dollars to be used for free agent bidding, league mandated fines and penalties, or as a tradable commodity. PFBL-A dollars will carry forward each year. (A.) League Revenues and Expenses (1.) Each year every franchise will be awarded $2.5 Million PFBL-A dollars at the beginning of Month #1. (a.) New teams will be awarded $3 Million PFBL-A dollars. If a new team starts during a season they will have their beginning dollars prorated at an amount of $.500 Million per month left in the season. (b.) Teams joining the league after the completion of one season but before the beginning of Month #1 for the next season are to be awarded $500,000. This is to allow these teams some ability to bid on Free Agents. They in turn will receive $2.5 Million at the beginning of Month #1. Combined these amounts equal the $3 Million awarded to new teams. (2.) Players sold or bought for PFBL-A dollars (see Sec. # VI-1). (3.) Exceeding the Team Roster Cap Limit penalty (see Sec. # III-4). (4.) Roster Cuts if over the 34 man roster limit during the season ($1 Million each, see Sec. # III-2). (5.) League mandated fines, penalties or bonuses. (6.) Franchises will earn or lose PFBL-A dollars based on the two tables below. These PFBL-A dollars will be awarded at the end of the season. TABLE A - TEAM OVERALL RECORD => 102 Wins $1.000 Million 97 - 101 Wins $.750 Million 92 - 96 Wins $.500 Million 87 - 91 Wins $.250 Million 76 - 86 Wins ------------- 71 - 75 Wins <$.250 Million> 66 - 70 Wins <$.500 Million> 61 - 65 Wins <$.750 Million> <= 60 Wins <$1.000 Million> TABLE B - ROAD WINS MINUS HOME WINS => +6 Wins $1.000 Million +4 or +5 Wins $.875 Million +2 or +3 Wins $.750 Million -1 Lose to +1 Win $.500 Million -2 or -3 Loses $.375 Million -4 or -5 Loses $.250 Million -6 or -7 Loses $.125 Million => 8 Loses ------------- III> TEAM ROSTERS 1. TOTAL ROSTERS: (Which include the following type players: injured; minor league/farmed; retained non-computer file; and active players) must total no more than 34 players from March 1st through September 25th. From September 26th to February 28th (February 29th in a Leap Year) there is no roster player limit. (A.) PFBL-A Active Roster Limits: From Month #1 through Month #5 teams will be limited to 25 active players on their roster. In September the maximum limit is 34. Active rosters may be changed between months but are frozen once the play begins each month. (B.) Active Roster Composition: TEAMS MUST HAVE TWENTY-FIVE (25) ACTIVE PLAYERS EACH MONTH. Within these twenty-five active players teams MUST have as a minimum: two (2) DMB rated catchers, two (2) DMB rated shortstops and nine (9) DMB rated pitchers each month. NOTE: Each violation of the minimum roster limits shown above will result in a $250,000 fine per month per violation. 2. ROSTER CUTS: Teams must cut their roster to 34 players by March 1st, the winter deadline date. Any cut made after the cut down date to get back down to 34 players will cost $1 Million PFBL-A dollars. Therefore, if you are planning on selecting an unemployment pool player or two, you may want to trim your roster at the cut down date of (3/1) to below 34 players. Note: Failure to submit your cuts on time will result in the cuts being made for you. The Commissioner will cut players using his conscience until the roster reaches the allowable size of 34. 3. Teams may increase roster size to 36 players in the Pre-Season Unemployment Pool session (3/10) (see Sec. # VI-3). However, for every player over 34 on their roster, they must designate a 5-year veteran to a one (1) year contract. Thus, regardless of the player they pick up they must name a player to be the one year contract player (it may be the player they picked up). This player will become a unemployment pool free agent at the end of the playoffs, these players are eligible for the post season. This designation is due as soon as the roster is expanded. Thus, if you select a player in the Pre-Season Unemployment Pool session (3/10) you must designate the player(s) to be given a one year contract at the time of this selection. Also, your roster must be down to 34 players again by (3/15), to publish cuts in a Newsletter, and these cuts will cost $1 Million PFBL-A dollars per player. 4. TEAM ROSTER PLAYER CAP LIMITS: (New Method 2012 MLB) All PFBL-A pool players are assigned points based on the WAR (Wins Above Replacement) as listed on the FanGraphs website. Our system uses a three year weighted average. For the PFBL-A 2013 calendar season this is how the weighted average was calculated: 2012 WAR 50.00% 2011 WAR 33.33% 2010 WAR 16.67% All players are ranked together regardless of position assignment 5 point players - top 8 percentile 4 point players - 8+ % to 20 percentile 3 point players - 20+ % - 40 percentile 2 point players - 40+ % - 65 percentile 1 point players - 65+ % - 100 percentile Each team is limited to 95 points without any penalty assessment. Below are the penalties if your team is over the 95 point limit at 1) the beginning of the season following the final preseason cuts to a max of 34 players or 2) after the mid-season trading period. 96-100 points Penalty of $125,000 per point over 95 and forfeiture of 4th Round Pick. 101-105 points Penalty of $250,000 per point over 100 and forfeiture of 3rd Round Pick. 106-110 Penalty of $500,000 per point over 105 and forfeiture of 2nd Round Pick. 111+ Penalty of $1,000,000 per point over 110 and forfeiture of 1st Round Pick. NOTE: The penalties shown above are cumulative. Example: If your team was at 102 points your penalty would be: Forfeiture of both 3rd & 4th round picks and a fine of $1,125,000 calculated as follows; ($125K x 5) plus ($250 x 2). IV> PLAYER USEAGE 1. THE PFBL-A PLAYER POOL: The player pool for a PFBL-A season will consist of any players having at least 38 MLB At Bats (AB's) or at least 18 MLB Innings Pitched (IP's) for the season in question. (Any players qualifying for the player pool that are not on the DMB disk will be created.) A manager may retain a non-Player Pool Player as a member of their roster (see Sec. # III-1) by informing the Commissioner of such players before the winter cut down deadline of March 1st. A non-Player Pool Player is defined as any player with at least (1) season of MLB experience, but who doesn't meet the above minimum AB/IP for the previous season. There is limit of 9 of non-Player Pool Players that a team can protect and still be at 25 active players. 2. PLAYER USE RESTRICTIONS: Teams will be able to play whom they want to play as much as they want to play them, which is what managing is all about. We, unlike the actual Managers, GM's and Owners, do have perfect hindsight. Therefore, we must add certain restrictions. There are five (5) such Limitations: (A.) Fatigue: (B.) Injury Limitations. (C.) Limitations to prevent unrealistic PFBL-A play. (1.) September Call-up Limited (Available only Month #6) (2.) Side Limited (Restricted vs either LHP or RHP) (3.) Secondary Side Limited (Restricted vs either LHP/RHP or available months 4-6) (4.) Optional Downgrading of Jump Ratings (D.) Defensive Limitations. (E.) Pitchers Pinch Hitting or Pinch Running. (A.) Fatigue Restrictions: A uniform maximum number of games played limit based on a player's position with exceptions for those who exceed these restrictions in MLB. (1.) Starting Pitchers: Defined as pitchers who start in as many, or more, current PFBL-A season games than they appear in as relievers. Starting pitchers must have at least four days rest between starts. They may relieve between starts if they have at least three days rest after their last start. After their last relief appearance starters must have at least three days rest before their next start. Starting Pitchers are limited to three (3) times their actual MLB starts, not to exceed 35 starts. (SEE EXCEPTION) (Example: A pitcher who had 3 MLB starts may start a maximum of 9 games for your PFBL-A Team.) (2.) Relief Pitchers: Defined as pitchers who relieve in more current PFBL-A season games than they start. Relief pitchers who post ten (10) PFBL-A saves or more for the current season are limited to 80 games and 100 innings pitched. Relievers who post less than ten (10) PFBL-A saves for the current season are limited to 80 games and 120 innings pitched. (SEE EXCEPTION) (3.) All Non-pitchers: Limited to 150 games. (SEE EXCEPTION) (4.) Catchers: Limited to catch in only 130 PFBL-A games and are limited to a total of 150 games, meaning they can appear in 150 games, but can only appear as a catcher in 130 of the games. (SEE EXCEPTION) *EXCEPTION* Players whose actual major league usage exceeded that of the above constraints will be able to play up to their actual major league usage for Games, IP, or games caught. Example; suppose Cal Ripken played in 162 games for his real life team (can you imagine that?). He would then be allowed to play in all 162 PFBL-A games. (5.) Teams with over used players will be fined $50,000 per player over used and an additional (1.) $10,000 per game for a position player (2.) $10,000 per complete IP if a reliever goes over the IP limits (3.) $20,000 per game appeared for a reliever and (4.) $50,000 per game appeared for a starter. Gross over usage can be punished with the loss of playoff eligibility if so deemed by the Commissioner or Conference President. Note: Both fines #2 and #3 will be applied to a reliever if he goes over both the IP and games limits. (B.) Injury Limitations: (A.) The DMB injury rating will be set to "none"; (B.) Any player on the disabled list in MLB for 80% or more will be out with an injury for four PFBL-A months; (C.) Any player on the disabled list in MLB for 60% to 79% will be out with an injury for three PFBL-A months; (D.) Any player on the disabled list in MLB for 40% to 59% will be out with an injury for two PFBL-A months; (E.) Any player on the disabled list in MLB for 20% - 39% will be out with an injury for one PFBL-A month. Each manager must decide which month(s) his injured player(s) will be out of action and on the PFBL-A disabled list. (C.) PFBL-A Unrealistic Play Limitations: Players who performed unrealistically will receive the following constraints. (1.) September Call-up Limited: September call-up limited players may only play in Month 6 and are NOT eligible for the playoffs. The following players will be September call-up limited: (a.) (Revised 11-30-17) Hitters with 30 games or less played and that have either of the following AB totals of less than 60 AB's vs RHP or less than 21 vs AB's vs LHP; and have a side OPS that is greater than the position average for "his position." (b.) Pitchers appearing in less than 10 games. (SEE EXCEPTIONS) *Exceptions* Usage: If any pitcher has 30 or more IP's then the September Limitation is waived. Performance: If any pitcher has an ERA of 5.00 or higher and a WHIP ratio of 1.60 or higher then the September Limitation is waived. (2.) Side Limited: Players receiving a side limitation may not start or enter a game versus that sided pitcher. However, they may be put in the managerial profile as a defensive replacement against the side in question. Also, they may be used as pinch runners, but may not remain in the game to hit unless their team bats around to his position in the order during the inning in which he was inserted as a pinch runner. The following players will be side limited: (a.) Lefty Limitation: Any batter who has less than 36 AB's (thus 35 and less) versus LH pitching and who has an OPS greater than "his position" average. (b.) Righty Limitation: Any batter who has less than 101 AB's (thus 100 and less) versus RH pitching and who has an OPS greater than "his position" average. Note: If a player is limited by injury month(s) the AB's in #1 & #2 above will be reduced by 7 AB's per month vs LHP and by 20 AB's per month vs RHP. Table: 1 Month of DL time = 28 AB's vs LHP & 80 AB's vs RHP 2 Months of DL time = 21 AB's vs LHP & 60 AB's vs RHP 3 Months of DL time = 14 AB's vs LHP & 40 AB's vs RHP 4 Months of DL time = 7 AB's vs LHP & 20 AB's vs RHP ******* NEW RULE for 2001 ******* (3.) Secondary Side Limitation: Players falling under the secondary side limitations will be limited in one of two ways. The owner of a secondary side limited player may choose (a.) season long side limit for the player which will also be enforced in the playoffs, or (b.) an unrestricted mid-season recall of the player; this will allow the player to be unlimited in the playoffs. This choice must be made by the team prior to the beginning of play in month #1. Note 1: The unrestricted recall protects a 5 year plus MLB player from demotion free agency if he is farmed in the first half of the season under the constraints of this player limitation. Note 2: This new rule fully replaces both the following old rules a.) any arbitrary side limits imposed by the Commissioner or the Rules Committee and b.) the All-Star Game Call Up rule. The following players will be secondary side limited: (a.) Lefty Limitation: Any batter who has between 36 and 50 AB's versus LH pitching and who has an OPS which is 120% greater than "his position" average. (b.) Righty Limitation: Any batter who has between 101 and 140 AB's versus RH pitching and who has an OPS which is 120% greater than "his position" average. Note: If a player is limited by injury month(s) the AB's in #1 & #2 above will be reduced by 7 AB's per month vs LHP and by 20 AB's per month vs RHP. ******* NEW RULE FOR 2008 ******* (4.) All Star Game Callup Pitcher - any pitcher with less than 25 Games appeared + less than 50 IP + WHIP of 1.20 or less is limited to the 2nd half of the PFBL-A season. (5.) Optional Downgrading of Jump Ratings: In an effort to have more control over stealing and base running on the road, each manager is permitted before the season starts to designate any of his players to have a new season Lower Jump Rating. Let the Commissioner know what players you want to have a new Lower Jump Rating before the first LEAGUE DATABASE is mailed. Note 1: Computer Settings for Players with a Limitation: A player with a side limitation will have his "Playing Time Limits" in the Manager Profile set to zero for his limited side on the PFBL-A MASTER DISK. September limited players and injured players must be "farmed" out by the home manager before each series in months 1-5. The league will be set to "limit playing time". ****** Revised 2001 Season ****** Note 2: The Commissioner retains the right to disregard a player limitation in the interest of league fair play. This right would only be used to aid a team that is not playoff caliber and that has been decimated by injuries and thus is limited in available players to field a team. In the event of a trade involving such a limit waived player the players' restriction will revert to his normal restriction when traded. Note 3: "His position" means, the first listed position for a player in the current STATS Inc., Major League Handbook. Note 4: OPS means, the on-base percentage plus slugging percentage. Note 5: Position Averages for 2017 are as follows; C .720, 1B .825, 2B .735, SS .735, 3B .780, LF .770, CF .760, RF .780 and DH .745 These are subject to annual review. Last review December 2017. Note 6: September Limitations take precedent over Lefty or Righty Limitations. However, batters can receive both a September and a side limitation if they have 20 or less AB's against RHP or 7 or less AB's vs LHP. Note 7: If a hitter qualifies for both a Lefty and Righty Limitation he will only be limited against the side with the most AB's. (Revised December 2011). Note 8: A rookie is defined as a player who made his MLB debut the previous MLB season. (D) Defensive Limitations: Managers may only play players at the positions where they have a DMB rating, with the following exceptions: (1.) Starting Pitchers may relieve; (2.) Center Fielders may play any Outfield position; (3.) Left Fielders may play Right Field and vice versa; (4.) Shortstops may play any position with the exception of Pitcher and Catcher; (5.) Second Basemen may play the Outfield or Third Base. These defensive allowances are based on Bill James' defensive spectrum; (6.) Any player with no real life position rating given to him by DMB will be given a first base rating of poor and 50% more errors than the STATS first base error average. (E) Pitchers Pinch Hitting or Pinch Running: (1.) Only a pitcher having 50 or more at-bats in the previous MLB season may be used as a pinch hitter. (2.) Pitchers may not be used as a DH. (3.) Pitchers may be used as pinch runners, but may not remain in the game to hit unless they had 50 or more AB's. If the team bats around to his position in the inning that he was inserted as a pinch runner he can bat during that inning. V> SEASON PLAY 1. LEAGUE DATABASE DISTRIBUTION: The commissioner will distribute eight (8) league database files a season via e-mail. Before installing the league database you must create a Directory for the PFBL-A: Step 1: Activate the DMB game; Step 2: Select FILE, Select Create new empty database; Step 3: Name the new database, ex:PFBLA2001; Step 4: Click OK; DMB should prompt you that database has been created. Install the League Database file sent by the Commissioner by following the directions sent with the E-mail message and the disk will install itself. -The first file will be the preseason database (it will be labeled PFBLAYRP) to give everyone a starting point for the upcoming season. -The second file (it will be labeled PFBLAYR1) will be the LEAGUE DATABASE for the first month of the season. -The third (labeled PFBLAYR2) will be the LEAGUE DATABASE with the Month 1 stat transfer data, and will be used for month 2 play. -The fourth (labeled PFBLAYR3) will be the LEAGUE DATABASE with the Months 1 & 2 stat transfer data, and will be used for month 3 play. -The fifth (labeled PFBLAYRM) will contain the LEAGUE DATABASE with the Months 1, 2 & 3 stat transfer data including the Unemployment-Pool selections, but before trades are recorded. -The sixth (labeled PFBLAYR4) will be the LEAGUE DATABASE with the Months 1, 2 & 3 stat transfer data including mid-season trades, and will be used for months 4 & 5 play. -The seventh (labeled PFBLAYR6) will be the LEAGUE DATABASE with the Months 1-5 stat transfer data, and will be used for month 6 play. -The eighth (labeled PFBLAYRF) and last will be the LEAGUE DATABASE with the FINAL regular season stats transfer data. **NEVER MAKE CHANGES TO THE LEAGUE DATABASE....EVER!!!!!!!!** Any team making a change to the LEAGUE DATABASE will be assessed a $1 Million " tampering fine ". Teams tampering with the LEAGUE DATABASE will also lose their second round draft choice in the upcoming rookie draft. 2. COMPUTER MANAGERIAL PROFILES: All teams are required to submit a file containing a transfer of their team's computer managerial profile prior to the start of the season and then again prior to each playing period (if changes are needed). The Computer Manager Profile must contain: lineups versus left and right handed pitching; lineups with and without DH's as needed (NOTE: Always place the lineups vs. LHP for each period of time first and vs RHP for each period second as that is how DMB determines which lineup to use); tendencies; a five-man rotation; and a bullpen setup. Rotations should be set to "five man" and "strict". 3. TEAM INFORMATION TEXT FILES: All teams are required to submit a team info text file in DOS ASCII text file format. This file needs to contain your pitching rotation for the entire season and your inactive players for each month, note that you need to show your injured players and the month of the injury they are serving. You may revise your rotation and/or your inactive players monthly as long as the Commissioner, MIS Vice President and your affected opponents receive the revision prior to the beginning play date of the month in question. 4. ROAD INSTRUCTIONS: You do NOT need to send out road instructions directly to your opponents unless the instructions, rotation, or inactive roster differs from what was listed your Team Info Text File. If such changes need to be made; they must be received by your opponent prior to the starting date of the month in which your series is to be played. 5. PLAYING THE GAMES: Teams must wait until the beginning play date for the month(s) before playing any games that month. Until the beginning play date for a month(s) your opponent has the right to E-mail out changes to their computer manager profile or their team info text file. Before beginning each series make sure the visiting team's roster is correct per their inactive players from their team text file. If you find any discrepancies contact your league president and the opposing manager before continuing. Play your home series for a month using the scheduled game selection and play all games in scheduled order. DMB will give the correct off days when the schedule is followed correctly. Giving manual off days is no longer required. After selecting the correct scheduled game to play, Home managers should: (A.) Manually select the visitors Starting Pitcher (found on the visitors team info text file) and batting lineup; (B.) Prior to first pitch, switch visiting team to computer manager; (C.) adhere to the PFBL-A rules and their conscience. 6. RESULTS: Home managers are required to save and e-mail the following items for each playing period using PKZIP, or WINZIP, to create a single zip file. (A.) To opponents; Scoresheet, news box and or box score for each game. NOTE: Please let the MIS VP know of any special games (4HR's, Cycle, Perfect Game, No Hitter, 18 Innings+ or etc.), so he can post these events on the Homepage. (B.) To Commissioner; Exported stat transfer files for the series played within the current playing period by the ending play date for each playing period throughout the season. Failure to submit the results on time in a file can result in a fine and the rejection of your stats if submitted late. Transferring Stats to the Commissioner: Step 1: Play your games for the month(s) Step 2: In DMB - Select transfer Step 3: Select league Step 4: Select export statistics Step 5: Click on "select all" button; then "next" Step 6: Click on "new games" selection circle; then "next" Step 7: Click on "new transactions" selection circle; then "finish" Step 8: Save file in the default "export" directory; name file using following guide (team name)(month); ex:Mojodogs3 Step 9: DMB should prompt that the export was successful. Step 10: E-Mail the newly created zip file to the Commissioner. 7. File Exchanges: Save yourself time and PFBL-A fines by: (a.) Making backup copies of everything at every stage. (b.) Following directions. (c.) Checking your disks and files before E-mailing. VI> PLAYER ACQUISITION AND TRANSACTIONS 1. TRADING: Trades can be made at anytime. However, trades can only be reported (and updated on the league's MASTER DISK) during our two trading periods: December 1st through March 1st; and before July play. For a trade to be official: (a.) both managers must notify the Trade Administrator in writing, (b.) during the winter trading period and with mid-season trades that involve draft choice trades, and if applicable, the trade must be approved by the Fair Trade Jury (see Sect. # IX-5). Draft choice trades are only permissible: (a.) for the upcoming rookie draft after the beginning of a season, thus the period between a current draft and the start of a season there will be no trading of future draft picks allowed; (b.) during the Winter trading period with no additional restrictions; and during the pre-July play trading period with the following additional restriction; there must be at least one first, second or third round pick received by a team trading away any 1st round pick. Teams may trade PFBL-A dollars to acquire players as long as the result of the transaction leaves the team with a zero or positive PFBL-A dollar balance. ********************** WARNING **************************** Mid-season trades of draft choices will be reverted, if the manager trading the draft choice drops out of the PFBL-A before the Rookie Draft in question and the Rules Committee believes that the reversing of the trade is needed to enlist a manager for the vacant team. 2. THE ROOKIE DRAFT: (A.) The Draft Order: (1.) for the 18 non-playoff teams: draft order will be determined by the formula of (Team RC/27 - Team ERA) at the beginning of the prior PFBL season. This formula is called the Power Ranking. (2.) Playoff teams draft order will be decided the same way except they will be grouped by the round in which they are eliminated from the playoffs. Thus #19-#22 will be from the 1st Round, #23-#26 from the 2nd Round, #27-#28 the eliminated teams from Conference Championships and #29 is the World Series loser and #30 the World Series Champion. Tiebreaker: #1 Worst Road Record, #2 Worst Overall Record, #3 Head to head record and #4 Coin Toss. (B.) Method: The draft will be done by both E-mail and submitted lists, with the 18 non-playoff teams drafting first followed by the 12 playoff teams. The 1st - 3rd rounds will be conducted by E-mail with 4 selections to be made on Saturdays and Sundays and 2 selections on each weekday. Rounds 4-6 will be handled by the teams due to select each submitting a list for their pick. These lists should not exceed six selections. (C.) Draft Eligible: Players eligible for the rookie draft are all MLB players who made their first MLB appearance. 3. UNEMPLOYMENT POOL: The Unemployment Pool consists of players that are not listed on any PFBL-A team's roster after the March 1st Winter cut down date (see Sect. # III-2). Teams can claim these players at two times: (A.) The Pre-Season Unemployment Pool claim date is March 10th, the selection order is the same as the Rookie Draft order for that season. The Pre-Season unemployment pool claim draft will be conducted by teams submitting an unlimited list of players to be selected in a 3 round draft. Teams will be awarded up to a maximum of three (3) selections. (B.) The Mid-Season Unemployment Pool claim date is June 25th, the selection order is determined by the league standings at the end of the Month #3 playing period, the tie breaker is the Rookie Draft order for that season. The Mid-Season unemployment pool claim draft will be conducted by teams submitting an unlimited list of players to be selected in a 3 round draft. Teams will be awarded up to a maximum of three (3) selections. During both selection periods, a team's own cuts must go unclaimed by all of the other teams before they may reclaim them. If a team claims a player from either unemployment pool that causes his team to exceed the roster limit of 34, they must immediately release a player(s) to make room for the claimed player(s). The release of such a player(s) costs a team $1,000,000 per cut. Note: Unemployment pool spots are NOT TRADABLE! 4. FREE AGENTS: Each off-season teams may acquire free agents with their PFBL-A dollars. Teams may submit a closed bid on the free agents with their PFBL-A dollars by providing a SINGLE unlimited list with the players and positions they desire listed in order of the dollar amount bid on each player. Teams should make a note at the bottom of their list specifying how many players at each position they want and how much money they are willing to spend. Bids in any other form will not be accepted. The team who makes the highest offer on a free agent receives the free agent for the amount they bid. Bid Notes: (A.) The minimum bid is ten-thousand .010; (B.) Ties for winning bids will be broken based on postmark - showing the date and time mailed. These bids are due by Dec. 10th, a list of the Free Agents will be published no later than November 20th. (C.) Cash traded from the opening of trading on Dec. 1 through Dec. 10th is not available for the purpose of free agent bidding. There are three types of PFBLA-A free agents: (A.) Player "Use" Discontent; (B.) Player "Demotion" Discontent and (C.) Non-Roster Veterans: (A.) Player "Use" Discontent: Any player who has appeared in five (5) or more MLB seasons (as listed in the current STATS Major League Handbook) will become a free agent if: (1.) Non-Pitchers, if the player had 360 (or more) official at bats in his real MLB season AND in the PFBL-A he had less than 50% (no rounding) of his number of official MLB season at bats. (2.) Pitchers, if the pitcher appeared as: (a.) only as a MLB starter in at least 20 MLB games (or more) - the pitcher in PFBL-A must start in at least 50% (no rounding) or greater PFBL-A games than he did as a MLB pitcher or the pitcher will become a PFBL-A free agent. (b.) only as a reliever in at least 40 MLB games (or more) - the pitcher in PFBL-A must appear in at least 50% (no rounding) or greater PFBL-A games than he did as a MLB pitcher or the pitcher will become a PFBL-A free agent. (c.) as a starter and reliever in MLB games where his starts plus 50% the MLB games relieved equals or exceed 20 appearances - the PFBL-A total number of games must be 50% (no rounding) or greater of the MLB starts plus the MLB games relieved or the player will become a PFBL-A free agent. Exception: Mid-season unemployment pool selections cannot become disenchanted free agents in the season they are selected. Logic is that these players had poor seasons the year before and would be satisfied to be a minor league player. (B.) Player "Demotion" Discontent: Any player who has appeared in five (5) or more major league seasons (as listed in the current STATS Major League Handbook) will become a free agent if he is placed on his PFBL-A teams' minor league roster during the season. Such players placed on their team's minor league roster in Months 1 through 3 will become free agents and go into the mid-season unemployment pool. Players being sent down between Months 4 through 6 will become free agents after the end of the season and will not be eligible for the playoffs. Additionally, these demotions are each assessed a $1,000,000 fine to the offending team. Exception: Players removed from the 25 man roster due to an Injury Limitation, Secondary Side Limitation or a September Limitation are exempt for the month(s) with these limitations. (C.) Non Roster Veterans: All Player Pool Veterans, who are not currently on a PFBL-A team and are not eligible for the rookie draft. VII> POST-SEASON 1. PLAYOFF FORMAT: Six teams in each PFBL-A conference will make the playoffs; the three division winners and the 3 non-division winners as wildcards (team's with best records besides the division winners). The three division winners will be seeded #1 - #3 and the top two seeds will receive first round byes. The three wildcards will be seeded #4 - #6. Round 1 - #3 (Home) vs #6 and #4 (Home) vs #5 Round 2 - #1 (Home) vs #4 / #5 winner and #2 (Home) vs #3 / #6 winner. Round 3 - Conference Championships, home field to the best seed. The two Conference Champions will then meet in the PFBL-A World Series. In DMB MLB season calendar years that are odd the NC will have the Home field and in the DMB MLB season calendar even years the AC will have the Home field. Ties for playoff positions will be broken using the following tie breakers: (1.) best road record, (2.) head to head record, (3.) best net runs and (4.) coin flip. Ties for home field advantage in the playoffs will be broken by the same tie breaker method. 2. PLAYOFF GAMES: All playoff series will be seven games with the team with the better seed hosting games 1, 2, 6 and 7. Visiting managers have the right to manage their team over the phone at their own expense or using NetPlay. All players will be "rested" at the start of the playoffs, this will be done by the issuance of a special playoff disk from the Commissioner. An off day will be taken after games #2, #5 and #7 in each series. REVISED (11-30-17) Starting pitchers must have two days rest between starts. Any Starting Pitching can relieve regardless of days of rest or their fatigue rating. Limitation on playoff starts allowed for Starting Pitchers is as follows: (a) If a Starter had less than 5 MLB starts no PFBL-A playoff starts are allowed. (b) If the Starter had between 5-7 MLB starts then 1 PFBL-A playoff start is allowed per playoff series. (c) If the Starter had 8 or more MLB starts then only the two days of rest applies. Settings: (1.) Weather On - October (2.) Unless both managers agree to show all pitches, games should be played using show all plays. If the games are played on two separate computers, the home manager is to send the exported stats transfer file to the other manager after games #2 & #5, so that games 3-5 and 6-7 can be played on their opponents computer. If during "phone" playoff games, the home manager makes a data entry "mistake" which has or most probably may cause a significant negative impact for the visiting team, the game must be "quit" and replayed unless the visiting manager accepts the mistake and agrees to continue playing. "The determination on whether a game should be replayed is the responsibility of the Conference President (if it is a World Series game - the Commissioner). Thus, if there is a doubt in either managers' mind regarding whether or not a game should be replayed, the Conference President (or the Commissioner if a World Series game is involved) should be called. At the completion of each series the advancing teams will be given the appropriate number of off days (see schedule below). Prior series 7 games - 1 day off Prior series 6 games - 2 days off Prior series 5 games - 4 days off Prior series 4 games - 5 days rest At the completion of each round of playoffs the Commissioner will issue a new league database for the next round. Do not begin the next round until receiving this new database. The same rules for each round apply throughout until the completion of the playoffs. 3. PLAYOFF COMPLETION DEADLINE: The playoffs must be completed and the PFBL-A World Championship determined by November 30th (see Sect. # X-A-4). 4. POST-SEASON TEAM ELIGIBILITY: REVISED (11-30-17) A team may deemed ineligible for the playoffs if: (A.) A team's home winning percentage is .250 (equals 21 Games) or more than a team's road winning percentage. (B.) A team over used their players (See Sect. #IV-2-A) and in the opinion of the Conference President, the overuse had an impact on the standings. Note: Teams prohibited from making the playoffs, will be considered to have forfeited their first playoff series for draft positioning. 5. POST-SEASON MANAGER ELIGIBILITY: A manager is NOT eligible for the playoffs if his team is $3,000,000 or more in debt to the league. Managers ineligible for the playoffs have the right to set their 25-man rosters; pitching rotations and manager profiles. However, they are NOT permitted to play or participate in any Post-season games. Opponents of these teams should play the entire series on their computer and the suspended manager's team should be managed by the computer manager. 6. POST-SEASON PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for post-season play, a player MUST have appeared on their PFBL-A team's 25-man active roster prior to Month #6 of that season. (Thus, a September limited player is not eligible for the playoffs.) Players over used during the season (see Sect. # IV-2-A) are suspended at the start of post-season play for the number of games that they were over used during the season. NEW (11-30-17): Teams must set their playoff roster at 25 by submitting their 25 man MP to the Commissioner prior to the start of each playoff series (i.e., thus you can make roster changes between series - just not during a series). No roster substitutions are allowed for suspended players. Note: Over used starting pitchers are suspended in the post-season for 4 games for each game they were over used. Relievers are suspended for 2 games for each game they were over used. **Note: No roster substitutions are allowed for suspended players. VIII> LEAGUE VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES There are seven violations that will earn managers a fine: (I) Tardiness - $100,000 per day late (II) Incorrect submitted disks or transfer files (III) Failure to adhere to PFBL-A Bylaws (IV) Failure to follow an opponent's road instructions (See Penalty B) (V) Failure to perform a league requirement (VI) The FTJ vetoes a trade of yours and you have previously had a trade vetoed by the FTJ. (VII) Over used players. PENALTIES: (A.) Each violation that affects a single team is a $50,000 fine increased $10,000 per violation. Each violation that affects the entire league carries a $1,000,000 fine increased $100,000 per violation. (B.) Forfeits: Forfeits of games may be granted if it is determined that the violation is both costly and inexcusable. Note: If a team's failure to follow road instructions costs his opponent PFBL-A dollars in regard to an over used player fine, then that team will be required to reimburse the affected team for the PFBL-A dollars cost by their carelessness. (C.) Indebtedness: If during the first three months of a season any team goes into debt to league as a result of a league fine, they must sell a player at mid-season to pay the fine or the fined will be doubled. (D.) Late Disk or Transfer File: If a team's transfer disk is more than 3 days late, the Commissioner will play the games using the computer manager at a cost of $100,000 a game to the home team plus the normal late fine of $100,000 per day. **************** WARNING SEVERE PENALTY ********************** A team's final transfer disk that has not been received within three (3) days of the due date will forfeit their fourth (4th) round pick in the upcoming Rookie Draft. Any transfer disk not received within five (5) days of the due date will forfeit their third (3rd) round Rookie Draft choice. Seven (7) days late will cause the forfeiture of the teams second (2nd) round Rookie Draft choice. Ten (10) days late will forfeit their first round Rookie Draft choice. After fourteen (14) days late you are banned from next year's Rookie Draft. IX> PFBL-A ADMINISTRATION 1. COMMISSIONER: Duties include: determining league limitations, free agents, rookies, putting together the league MASTER DISKS, administer PFBL-A team dollars, administer the Free Agent Bidding, administer the pre-season and mid-season Unemployment Pool drafts, schedule creation, newsletters, handling the monthly stat transfer files and the collection of annual league dues. The Commissioner has the right to make PFBL-A Bylaw changes when and if: (A.) MLB makes a rule change; (B.) if a "mistake"; "problem" or "weakness" in the PFBL-A Bylaws is found. The Commissioner also has the sole right to put rule changes to vote. The Commissioner also has the secondary right to submit trades to the FTJ for review. The Commissioner will appoint the PFBL-A Conference Presidents, the Trade Administrator, the MIS Vice President, Fair Trade Jury and the Rules Committee to help run the daily operations of the league. The Commissioners' term limit is 3 years with no limit to the number of terms served. PFBL-A Commissioner: Doug Stewart 2. THE PFBL-A CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS: The PFBL-A Conference Presidents are appointed by the Commissioner and will oversee the daily operation of the league. They are to be senior long standing members of the PFBL-A. The Conference Presidents are the ruling authority on all interpretations of the league rules or any conflict which may occur. They will serve on both the Rules Committee and the FTJ. The PFBL-A Conference Presidents are bound by the Bylaws and the direction of the Commissioner. AC President: Don Gilbert, Sr. NC President: Joe Karbowski 3. TRADE ADMINISTRATOR: The Trade Administrator is appointed by the Commissioner and will administer, record and maintain the following: (A.) Trades and (B.) the annual Rookie Draft. The Trade Administrator has the primary right to submit trades to the FTJ for review. Trade Administrator: Bruce Reid 4. MIS VICE PRESIDENT (MIS VP): The MIS VP is appointed by the Commissioner, the duties are to maintain and update the league home page in a timely manner. MIS VP: Don LoCrasto 5. THE FAIR TRADE JURY (FTJ): The FTJ comprises 5 senior members of the PFBL-A as appointed by the Commissioner. The Commissioner or the Trade Administrator can submit any trade to the FTJ. Trades involving teams with winning percentages of more than .550 or less than .450 will receive more scrutiny. Any trade needing review must be approved by at least two of the five members to pass. The Committee members MAY NOT vote on their own trades. If a trade made by a committee member is under review, the MIS VP will be the first substitute voter and the Commissioner the second substitute voter. On veto trades, FTJ members are encouraged to make recommendations on what could be done to make the trade pass the FTJ. Note: A manager is allowed one "free" vetoed trade during his tenure as a PFBL-A manager. A second vetoed trade will result in a fine. (See Sect. #VIII-VI) The FTJ is as listed; Chairman: Greg Kniasz Don Gilbert, Sr. (AC-Pres) Joe Karbowski (NC-Pres) Jon Hersey (AC) Bill Galaway (NC) 6. RULES COMMITTEE: The Rules Committee is a seven (7) Member court of the PFBL-A. This "Court" will rule on subjects that are submitted by the Commissioner. Including but not limited to Rule changes, Manager complaints, Special limitations, Exceptions to rules, Manager Expulsions and any other subjects deemed necessary by the Commissioner for their investigation. Rules Committee is as listed; Chairman: Brad Daves Don LoCrasto (NC) Roy Haller (AC) Babu Srinivasan (NC) Don Gilbert Sr. (AC-Pres) Joe Karbowski (NC-Pres) Mike Thomsen (AC) X> SCHEDULE OF LEAGUE ACTIVITIES A: PFBL-A ACTIVITIES 1 - PFBL-A Dues Due 2 - Preseason Master Disk-p Mailed (if available from DMB) 3 - Newsletter #1: Containing - Free Agent List; Rookie List; and Player Limitations 4 - Playoff Completion Deadline 5 - Winter Trading Period Begins 6 - Free Agent Bids Due 7 - Newsletter #2: Containing - Free Agent Bidding Results; Playoff Results; Rookie Draft order and times 8 - Rookie Draft Begins 9 - Newsletter #3: Containing - Rookie Draft results; and the list of available Pre-Season Unemployment Pool Players 10 - Cut Rosters to a max of 34 Players 11 - Winter Trading Period Ends 12 - Pre-Season Unemployment Pool Selections Due 13 - Newsletter #4: Containing - List of Trades and the Pre-Season Unemployment Pool Selections, Cuts & 1 Year Contract Free Agents 14 - Computer Manager Profiles for Months 1-3 & Team Text Files for the complete season Due to Commissioner 15 - Master Disk-1 (for months 1, 2 and 3) Mailed 16 - Play ball!! (Month 1), Road Instruction Changes Due 17 - Month 1 Transfer Disk Due to Commissioner, Game Results Due (box scores, score sheets and series summary to all opponents) 18 - Month 1 Results Disk Mailed 19 - Play ball!! (Month 2), Road Instructions Changes Due 20 - Month 2 Transfer Disk Due to Commissioner (See #19) 21 - Month 2 Results Disk Mailed 22 - Play Ball!! (Month 3), Road Instruction Changes Due 23 - Month 3 Transfer Disk Due to Commissioner (See #19) 24 - Mid-Season Unemployment Pool Selections Due to the Commissioner 25 - Mid-Season Trading Period & All-Star Game Played (Trades Due to Trade Administrator 7/20 by 11am EST) 26 - Computer Manager Profiles & Text File Updates for Months 4, 5 & 6 (if necessary) Due to Commissioner 27 - Month 3 Results Disk Mailed 28 - Newsletter #5: Containing - Mid-Season Trades & Mid-Season U-Pool Selections 29 - Play Ball!! (Month 4 & 5 Games), Road Instruction Changes Due 30 - Month 4 & 5 Transfer Disk Due to Commissioner (See #19) 31 - Month 4 & 5 Results Disk Mailed 32 - Play Ball!! (Month 6 Games), Road Instruction Changes Due 33 - Month 6 Transfer Disk Due to Commissioner (See #19) 34 - Final Results Disk Mailed 35 - Newsletter #6: Containing - Playoff Seeding and Fines for over used players. 36 - The Playoffs begin B. DATES: Notes: (1.) The below dates are for PFBL-A only; (2.) Managers must adhere to the below dates unless otherwise stated in the PFBL-A newsletters; and (3.) Deadline time for deadline dates is always 11:00 AM Eastern; Holidays or Sundays DO NOT push back the deadline dates. 1 - Due November 1st 2 - Mailed on November 20th 3 - Mailed on November 20th 4 - November 30th (got to get the draft order ready) 5 - December 1st 6 - Due December 10th 7 - Mailed on December 13th 8 - Begins (12/15/2001) and ends on Saturday (2/2/2002) 9 - Mailed on February 15th 10 - Due March 1st 11 - March 1st 12 - Due March 10th 13 - Mailed on March 15th 14 - Due March 25th 15 - Mailed on April 1st 16 - April 5th 17 - Due April 25th 18 - Mailed May 1st 19 - May 5th 20 - Due May 25th 21 - Mailed on June 1st 22 - June 5th 23 - Due June 25th 24 - Due June 25th 25 - July 1st - July 20th 26 - Due July 25th 27 - Mailed on August 1st 28 - Mailed on August 1st 29 - August 5th 30 - Due August 25th 31 - Mailed September 1st 32 - September 5th 33 - Due September 25th 34 - Mailed on September 30th 35 - Mailed on September 30th 36 - October 5th