1998 American Legion Baseball Rules

Malicious Contact. (See NCAA Rule book for interpretation .) The National Baseball Subcommittee is concerned that some coaches may not have explained to their players that malicious contact is illegal. The majority of intentional collisions occur at home plate where the catcher is blocking the plate. Runners should be instructed to slide directly to the plate, or away from the catcher, or to avoid making contact with the catcher especially when the defender is in possession of the ball . Any player who, in the judgment of the umpire, maliciously runs into another player is automatically ejected and is declared out. Our Tournament umpires have been instructed that if there is any intentional and excessive force, or if there is any intent to injure another player, the offending player shall be ejected from the game. Malicious contact penalty will be enforced whether committed by an offensive or defensive player. Any player ejected by an umpire is automatically removed from the National Tournament, unless that player is reinstated by the National Tournament Director.

O. Force-Play Slide Rule. (See NCAA Rule book for interpretation.) The intent of the force-play slide rule is to ensure the safety of the defensive player. This is a safety rule, as well as an interference rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation regardless of the number of outs.

1. On a force play at any base, including home plate, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases. This is a legal slide even if contact is made with the fielder.
   a. On the ground can either be a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground.
   b. Directly into a base means the runner's entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases. (A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the individual slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the defensive player.)
2. Contact is allowed if the runner:
   a. Makes a legal slide directly to the base, or
   b. Is on the ground at the time of contact and the fielder moves directly down the line between the two bases to attempt a play. Interference shall not be called.
3. It is an illegal slide if:
   a. The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder;
   b. The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide into a fielder.; (A pop-up slide is a legal slide as long as the runner does not make contact with, or alter the play of the fielder.)
   c. The runner's raised leg is higher than the fielder's knee when in a standing position;
   d. The runner goes beyond the base and makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder; (Beyond the base refers to any part of the offensive player's body that makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder beyond the base.)
   e. The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg, or
   f. The slide is flagrant. (If the runner's slide is flagrant, the individual shall be ejected from the game.)
4. If the runner, on a force play, makes an illegal slide at any base, including home plate, interference shall be called. PENALTY - With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance. With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

P. 10-Run Rule. All National Tournament play shall utilize a 10-run rule after seven innings, unless the home team is ahead by 10 runs or more after 6 1/2 innings.

Q. Designated Hitter Rule. All National Tournaments shall utilize the American League Designated Hitter Rule as published by The Sporting News.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS - RULE 2

A. Players age. American Legion Baseball competition in 1998 is open only to players born on or after August 1, 1979. Any player born before August 1, 1979, is not eligible.

B. Player's residence (domicile). A player's legal residence shall be established before March 31, 1998.

1. A player's legal residence shall be his parents' or permanent court-appointed guardian's, permanent and legal residence (domicile). Note: Temporary guardianship does not apply unless a Court having jurisdiction over such matters has determined the parents to be incapable of supervision and care until the player reaches the age of majority (18 years of age).
2. If a player's parents are divorced or legally separated, that player may play for a team of either parent's legal and permanent residence (domicile) provided:
   a. The player must declare, in writing, the team of his choice and file that declaration with the Department Chairman prior to the Department closing date. The player's declaration shall be final and valid for the re mainder of the player's eligibility.
3. In the event that both parents are deceased, or incapable of caring for and supervising of the player during minority, the player's residence will be determined by the domicile of the permanent legal guardian appointed by the Courts having jurisdiction to make such an appointment.
4. Should a situation arise which is not covered by the provision of this rule, the authorized Department Offi cial will, in their sole discretion, determine the player's legal residence for the purpose of his participation in The American Legion Baseball Program.
   a. Such decision shall be in writing and filed with National Headquarters. In all situations the enrollment of the player's high school shall be counted.

C. Professional contract rule. Players who are 18 years of age may be signed to a professional baseball contract in accordance with the provisions of Professional Baseball Rule 3-(i).

D. Amateur rule. Competition is open to amateurs. To be amateurs, players must not:

1. Receive money, favors or gratuities, direct or indirect, for playing baseball.
2. Accept money or favors for reimbursement for time lost at work while playing, or for expenses incurred while playing.
3. Participate in an all-star baseball game that is not approved by the authorized Department Official.
4. Accept, directly or indirectly, money or any favors by anyone for their baseball services, past or present.
   a. This also applies to a player's parents, trustees, guardians, etc.
5. Try out for any professional team without the written permission of their American Legion Baseball coach or Post Commander. (Professional Baseball Rule 3-(i) governs tryouts and merits of contracting with professional clubs.)

(NOTE: Departments, Districts or Posts planning an all-star game should contact their state high school athletic association to clarify each player's high school eligibility.)

E. Birth Certificates. Records of birth must be an original or a state certified document from the State Bureau of Vital Statistics or Department of Health or other governmental agency authorized to certify birth documents. (A raised state seal shall be visible on the state certified document.)

1. Notarized photocopies of birth certificates, hospital records, baptismal records, school records or certificates are not acceptable proof of age and will disqualify a player and/or the team.
2. In case of foreign birth, a player will present any certificate or document duly issued to the bearer by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service or by the Department of State that shows the birth date of the bearer. Official birth certificates issued by a foreign country are acceptable when accompanied by a letter with an English translation, and such birth certificate must have an official seal.
3. A properly notarized copy of that portion of permanent legal adoption papers showing the place and date of a player's birth shall be acceptable in cases involving adopted players.

PLAYER RECRUITING - PLAN "A" - RULE 3

Plan "A" recruiting rules are based on zones and designed for large cities where Plan "B" base school recruiting would be impractical. Under Plan "A" rules, a specific boundary is drawn on a map. Players who live within this zone must play for the team in that zone, unless waived to an adjacent zone. All zoning is subject to approval by the National Americanism Commission.

A. Zoning. Zoning of cities, counties and/or school districts may be requested by a team(s).

1. Requests for such zoning shall be approved by the Department Baseball Committee.
   a. It shall be the responsibility of the authorized Department Baseball Official to forward such zone(s) for approval to the National Americanism Commission before April 15, 1998.
2. Such requests must be accompanied by a detailed street map showing boundaries, locations of all high schools and the enrollment figures of all high schools.
3. Requests for previously approved zoning do not require a new map. If a team's boundaries are changed, a new map and letter of explanation must be submitted for approval prior to April 15, 1998.

B. Player Recruiting. A Post may select:

1. Any players whose parent's domicile was established in their zone before March 31, 1998.
2. Players not selected to participate with the team in his zone (provided the player has obtained a written transfer from the team manager of his zone) may play for the next nearest Plan A team.
   a. Zones must be adjacent to each other.
   b. Transfers are permitted only when the combined enrollment of the two zones is less than 4,000.
   c. Transfers shall be final and valid for the player's remaining eligibility, barring any permanent change of address of the parent domicile.
   d. All transfers must be approved by the Department Baseball Chairman prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
3. Players whose parents move and establish a new permanent residence (domicile) in a zone after March 31, 1998, must compete for the team in the zone of the new residence, unless that player is in their final year of eligibility, in which case, the player shall have an option of playing for their old team or playing for the new team of their parent's new residence.
   a. A written request must be filed with and approved by an authorized Department Baseball Official prior to placing the player on the National Form #1. This request must be accompanied by the parent affidavit stating that the move is permanent and listing the previous and present addresses (domicile).
4. In the event a new team is formed, which requires new zones to be established; therefore, changing a players eligibility, those players, previously registered on National Form #1 and filed with National Headquarters, are permitted a one time option of playing for the team of their old zone or playing for the team of their new zone.
   a. A written request must be filed with and approved by an authorized Department Baseball Official prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.

PLAYER RECRUITING - PLAN "B" - RULE 4

Plan "B" allows Legion Baseball teams to select players from various high schools adjacent to one another. Individual high school boundaries are combined together to form a recruiting area. Players whose parents' residence (domicile) is located within these high school boundaries are eligible to tryout and play for the team, so long as the combined enrollment of a recruiting area (combination of schools) does not exceed 4,000 students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades. Plan "B" recruiting rules are more flexible, but more complex than the Plan "A" (zoning) rules. Study these rules carefully.

A. Base school. All teams must have a base school from which they start recruiting.

1. New teams must request, and receive approval for, a base school from the Department Baseball Committee at the time they register with the Department Baseball Committee.
2. Existing teams may request to change their base school; however, this request must be in writing and approved by the authorized Department Baseball Committee prior to placing any player on the National Form #1.
3. If two or more teams are sponsored by the same American Legion Post or outside sponsor, the authorized Department Baseball Official will assign the base school for each team.

B. Player recruiting. Teams may select players who are regularly enrolled on March 31, 1998, in any public, private, technical, vocational, regional, or preparatory high school, or any combination of these schools.

1. Schools in any combination must be adjacent schools.
2. Existing teams may request a new combination of schools from the Department Baseball Committee; however, approval must be given prior to placing any player on the National Form #1.
3. Teams may not recruit a player(s) from another team's base school; however, teams may select:
   a. Player(s) who have been cut and transferred by the old team manager.
   b. Players who qualify under Rule 4.C.
   c. Teams may also select non-base school players whose parent's or guardian's domicile is nearest the team's base school.
4. The combined total enrollment of the schools cannot exceed 4,000 students for 10th, 11th and 12th grades.
   Note: Teams shall count the enrollment of the high school a player attends. Also see Bypass Rule 4. F.
   a. Single gender student body schools enrollment must be doubled. (Example: If a 1,000 all male school, it shall be counted as 2,000 and the team's total school enrollment cannot exceed 4,000).
5. Enrollment for a school(s) is determined using only the number of 10th, 11th and 12th grade students officially recorded on March 31, 1998, by the State Board of Education or other state or county agency that has jurisdiction over school enrollment. Note: Every student registered shall be counted; including special education students, physically challenged students, bilingual students, and students over the age of 19.
6. When single high school enrollment exceeds 4,000 students, that team shall not recruit players from any other school.

C. "Option" Rule. Any player attending a high school other than the public school of his parent's legal residence has a limited option of playing for the base school nearest the high school he attends, or playing for the base school team nearest his parent's legal residence (domicile). (Note: For the purpose of clarification, if the parent's domicile is located in a base school boundary, that base school is the next nearest team.)

1. The player must complete National Declaration Form #77 on which the player declares in writing the team for which he wishes to play. The team manager must forward Form #77 to the Department Baseball Chairman prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
   a. The Bypass rule (4.F) does not apply to players if the parent's domicile is located WITHIN the base school boundary.
   b. Such election shall be final and valid for the remaining player eligibility (unless player changes school or domicile).

D. Players in elementary schools, middle schools, junior high and 9th grade freshman high-school students. These players shall play for the base school team nearest their parent's legal residence. Enrollment of the schools they attend WILL NOT be counted.

E. Transfer Rule. Any player cut by the team manager must obtain, in writing, permission from that team's manager to play for the team next nearest his parent's legal residence.

1. To determine the next nearest team from among several, a straight line will be drawn on a map from the parent's house (domicile) to a team's base school. The shortest line is the next nearest team.
2. The player must complete Transfer Form #76, which must be forwarded by the new team manager to the authorized Department Baseball Official for approval prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
   a. All transfers shall be final and binding through the remainder of a player's eligibility.
   b. The Bypass rule 4.F. will be enforced.
3. Any transfers across state lines require mutual written permission of both Department Chairmen.

F. Bypassing Rule. The enrollment of the school a player attends along with the enrollment(s) of any high school boundary through which a player must pass through will be added to the enrollment of the base school for which he plays.

1. To determine if "Bypass" violation occurs, draw a straight line on a map from the player's school to the team's base school (building to building). If that line crosses over any other high school boundary, the total enrollment of the school(s) within that boundary will be added.
2. Any school, public or private, that does not have a defined school boundary (private schools, vocation schools, etc.) will assume the boundary of the public high school in which it is located
3. Any public school system (open enrollment) that does not have established boundaries shall have boundaries established by the Department Baseball Committee.
4. The Bypassing rule shall not apply to those high schools that do not participate in Interscholastic Athletic Competition.

G. Private Schools: High schools where tuition is charged will be considered as public high schools and the enrollment will be counted. Note: Players who attend private high school have a limited option, under Rule 4.C. to play for the team nearest their parents' legal residence or for the team nearest the school they attend (even if the private school is a base school).

1. The Bypassing Rule 4.F. may or may not apply. See Rule 4.C.1.a. for clarification.

H. Private Boarding Schools: Schools where tuition is charged, and the majority of students (51%) remain housed at the school during the school year, the total enrollment will be counted; however, Bypassing Rule (4.F.) will not apply. Note: Players who attend this type of school have a limited option to play for the team nearest their parents' legal residence or for the team nearest the school they attend.

SPECIAL RULES - PLAN "B" ONLY - RULE 5

A. Teams that no longer Exist. Players who are unable to complete their eligibility because the Post team and sponsor for which they last played no longer exist must compete for the team nearest their parents' or guardians' legal residence.

1. Written permission for such competition must be obtained from the authorized Department Baseball Official prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
2. Enrollment figures for the school in which they are enrolled, and any school bypassed, shall be counted.

B. School Enrollment Expansion. Players who are unable to complete their eligibility because enrollment expansion eliminated their school from previously approved legitimate combinations may continue on the team for which they played, provided that no new players are recruited from their school.

1. Written permission for a player to continue under these circumstances must be obtained from the Department Baseball Official prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
2. Teams may not form different combinations of schools each year in order to keep individual players eligible under special rule 5.B.

C. Change of Address. Players (including college and university players) who are no longer eligible for their previous team because of a permanent change in their parents' or guardians' legal residence (domicile) shall be eligible to compete for the team nearest their parents' new legal residence.

1. A notarized statement from the player's parents must list previous address and new permanent address. Written permission must be obtained from the authorized Department Baseball Official in which the "new" team is located prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
   a. If cut, the player may be transferred to the next nearest team, as covered under Rule 4.F. (Transfer Rule.)
2. The enrollment of their previous high school shall be counted; however, the bypass rule shall not apply.

D. Final Year of Eligibility. Players who have one year of eligibility remaining; however, their parents move out of the team's recruited area, shall have an option of playing for the team nearest their parent's new residence or returning to play for which they played last.

1. The enrollment of the high school the player attends on March 31, 1998, shall be counted.
2. Written permission must be obtained from the Department Baseball Chairman prior to placing the player on National Form #1.

E. Non-High School Players. Players who did not play American Legion Baseball while in high school, for any reason other than previous ineligibility, may compete for the team nearest the legal residence of their parents or guardian.

1. Previous ineligibility includes former enrollment in high schools from which players could not be recruited by a particular team, due to excessive enrollment. Note: The enrollment of a player's former high school and any high school bypassed shall be counted.
   a. Written permission for such competition must be obtained from the Department Baseball Official prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.

F. Non-High School players. Players who are no longer in high school, including college and/or university players, may compete for the team nearest their parent's or guardian's legal residence (domicile).

1. Written permission for such competition must be obtained from the authorized Department Baseball Official prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
2. Enrollment figures for the high school in which they were previously enrolled, and any high school bypassed, shall be counted. Please note exception of enrollment in Rule 5.C.2.

G. Home-Schooled Players. A player who is home-schooled may compete for the team nearest their parent's or guardian's legal residence (domicile).

1. Written permission for such competition must be obtained from the authorized Department Baseball Official prior to placing the player on the National Form #1.
2. Enrollment figures for such players shall be those of the high school boundary of his parent's residence. The by-pass rule 4.F. shall apply.

H. New Team Formation. In the event a new Legion team is formed which is nearer to a player's domicile, that player has a one time option of playing with the team for which he played last or for the new team.

1. Written permission must be granted by the Department Baseball Chairman prior to placing the player on National Form #1.
2. The enrollment shall be added to the team's total enrollment.

PROTESTS - RULE 6

A. Protest Procedures. All Departments must, in their rules, define procedures for filing protests. This rule will specify how protests are to be filed, time limits, fees, if any, and with whom protests are to be filed.

B. Written Proof. All protests of player eligibility must be specific, with written proof.

C. Forfeitures. If a player is ruled ineligible, he shall be disqualified immediately and all games in which the disqualified player participated shall be forfeited.

D. Game Protest. Protests of Official Baseball Rules published by Sporting News during actual game conditions must be filed with the chief umpire before the next legal pitch is thrown.

E. Appeals to National Headquarters. All protests filed with the National Appeals Board must be sent via the Department Chairman. (See Rule 9: - Department Jurisdiction).

TEAM AND PLAYER CERTIFICATION - RULE 7

A. Player and Team Registration. Teams wishing to compete in American Legion Baseball must register with the Department Baseball Committee using the ALB National Form #1 and Form #2. (Both forms are furnished by the National Americanism Commission to all Departments for distribution to teams.)

1. The National Form #1 and National Form #2 must be fully completed.
2. The authorized Department Baseball Official must certify that the team is properly registered by the Department closing date.
3. Certificates of insurance (both liability and medical) must be attached and filed with Department Officials at the time of registration.

B. National Form #1. American Legion Baseball players must enroll on Player Roster of Eligibility (ALB National Form #1). This form must be typed and completely filled out to include each player's full name and the address of their parent's permanent legal residence. The original Form #1 must be forwarded to National Headquarters by the Department Baseball Chairman.

C. National Form #2. All American Legion Baseball players and their parents or guardians must complete Player Agreement and Parent's Consent Form #2. The original Form #2 must be filed with the Department Baseball Chairman. The second copy will be retained by the Team Manager. Any team or player who fails to complete and file Form #2 shall be disqualified from any further play.

D. Duo Participation. American Legion Baseball players or teams may participate in other amateur baseball programs, subject to prior approval from the Department Baseball Chairman. It is important that dual participation will not in any way interfere with a player’s responsibility to American Legion Baseball.

E. Players Per Team. No American Legion team may have more than 18 registered players, once the National Form #1 is registered with the Department. Each team must be certified by its Department closing date. A member of the Post should have charge of the team as manager, except in the case of outside sponsorship. A non-Legionnaire may act as coach.

1. In cases of death a player may be replaced on a National Form #1.
2. A player may be replaced if that player is placed on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States following the submission of the certified National Form #1.

F. Non - American Legion Post Sponsorship. Outside sponsorship is permissible, subject to the approval and supervision of the Department Baseball Committee, under Department regulations.

SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT - RULE 8

A. Conduct. Managers, coaches or players who, in the opinion of the Department Chairman or his representative, conduct themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner that would discredit this program may be removed by the Department Baseball Committee. The Department Baseball Committee's decision will be final.

B. Heckling. No player, coach, manager or other party associated with an American Legion Baseball team shall abuse, heckle or make uncomplimentary remarks to opposing players, team officials or umpires. An individual violating this regulation shall be ejected immediately from the game by the umpire.

C. Sportsmanship. Any player, coach, manager or other party accompanying a team will be EJECTED for the remainder of the game from the time of the infraction, if they:

1. Use profane language.
2. Make unnecessary or obscene gestures in protesting an umpire's decision. (Only team managers or coaches may ask for a clarification of a rule; they may never argue.)
3. Throw bats or other equipment.
4. Make unnecessary or obscene gestures to fans or opposing players.
5. Resort to unnecessary roughness on the playing field.

D. Reinstatement. During a National Tournament, any player, coach or manager suspended from a game by an umpire for unsportsmanlike conduct is suspended for the balance of the tournament unless reinstated by the National Tournament Director. The National Tournament Director's decision is final.

E. Ejection from the Ball Park. Any player, coach or manager ejected by an umpire must leave the ballpark.

DEPARTMENT JURISDICTION - RULE 9

A. Department Rules and Regulations. It is the duty of the Department (State) Baseball Committee (before the start of the season) to formulate rules, regulations and boundaries that are not in conflict with National Rules for all play within that Department.

1. Department Rules may be more restrictive than National Rules.
2. Such Department Rules will include rules of procedure for protests. (The protection and stimulation of competition must be used in setting these regulations.)
3. Five copies of the Department Rules must be filed with National Headquarters before April 15, 1998.

B. Department Chairman's Rulings. All questions, disputes and protests within a Department shall be decided by the Department Baseball Committee.

1. The Department Committee shall have the authority to disqualify or suspend anyone violating a Department or National Rule.

C. National Rules Interpretations. Interpretations of National Rules will be made by the representative of the National Americanism and Children & Youth Division.

1. All requests for interpretations must be in writing. Telegrams and Fax copies, from the Department Chairman are considered to be written requests.
2. All requests must be sent through the authorized Department Baseball Official; interpretations will be routed back through that official.
3. Any person violating this rule is subject to the discipline of the Department Baseball Committee, which may include suspension and/or a fine.

NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS - RULE 10

A. National Tournament Registration. The Department Championship team must be certified by its authorized Department Baseball Official and certification must be sent to the National Americanism Division postmarked no later than midnight on August 9, 1998.

1. National Headquarters will only be financially responsible for a maximum of 18 players and two adults registered on National Form #1.

B. National Competition. Tournament competition is open only to teams that have registered with the State Baseball Committee whose responsibility it is to file the original ALB National Form #1 with the Baseball Section, The American Legion, 700 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204, postmarked no later than July 15, 1998, in accordance with Department regulations.

C. National Tournament Supervision. All National tournaments will be played under the supervision of the National Americanism Commission. All disputes and questions shall be referred to the National Tournament Director. Any situation not specifically covered by National rules or regulations will be referred to the National Americanism and Children & Youth Division. The decision of the National Division shall be final.

D. Tournament Photographs. Department Officials are required to furnish National Headquarters and Local Regional Tournament Chairman, with two glossy (color) photographs, 5" x 7" of their Department Championship team with players and coaches identified. The Department Chairman must express mail to the Local Regional Tournament Host, two photographs, no later than August 7, 1998 , to insure the Championship team's photo will appear in the Regional Tournament souvenir program and local newspaper.

E. Department Championship Play. No Department will be permitted to enter a team in a National tournament unless an official Department tournament was held, with two or more regularly certified teams participating.

1. At least eight teams must be officially certified in regular season play for a Department to enter a team in a National tournament.

F. Regional Tournament Host. No Regional host team shall be denied the opportunity of winning earlier championships at the County, District or Department levels. Nor shall any team hosting a Department or National Regional Tournament refuse to participate in County, District, Area or Department Tournaments.

G. Player Eligibility Protest. Eligibility protests of players involved in National tournaments must bear written proof of ineligibility and must be filed with the National Tournament Director at each such tournament no later than 9:00 a.m., local time on the first day of the tournament involved, except on the discovery of fraud. When fraud is discovered, the eligibility protest and a written description of the alleged fraud, must be filed immediately. All other protests shall be filed as specified in the Official Baseball Rules The Sporting News.

H. National Tournament Play. Teams competing in National tournaments will play every day.

1. The National Tournament Director has complete instructions concerning an eight team pool play and tiebreaking system.
2. No National tournament games will begin after 11:00 p.m., local time.

I. Aerosol Air Horn Prohibited. The National Americanism Commission has an established policy that prohibits aerosol-can air horns at all times.

1. Fans who operate such air horns will be asked not to do so. A second warning will cause those fans to be removed from the stands.

NATIONAL BASEBALL APPEAL BOARD - RULE 11

A. National Appeal Board. There is a National Baseball Appeal Board (hereafter referred to as "the board") composed of: (1) the Chairman of the National Americanism Commission; (2) Chairman of the Baseball and Recreation Subcommittee; and (3) a third member appointed by the chairman of the National Americanism Commission. The chairman shall also appoint two alternate members to the board to act in the absence or unavailability of one or more of the board members. The term of office for board members and alternate members shall be one year.

B. Time Limit. An appeal filed under this rule must be made within 24 hours of the time when the interpretation of the National Americanism and Children & Youth Division is issued. Such appeal may be made by telegram, Fax, or mail-a-gram and shall state the precise points of contention that are the basis for the appeal. If an appeal is not filed within 24 hours to the National Americanism and Children & Youth Division, interpretation will not be considered.

C. Filing An Appeal. All appeals, must be in writing and addressed to The American Legion, National Baseball Appeal Board, 700 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. Faxes are acceptable when sent in by the Department Baseball Chairman or Department Adjutant. National Headquarters Fax Number is (317) 630-1369.

D. Final Authority. The board shall have sole jurisdiction over any appeal filed following a decision involving American Legion Baseball rule interpretations rendered by the National Americanism and Children & Youth Division. The decision of the board shall be final and may be enforced by a court of law. The concurrence of a majority of the members of the board shall constitute the final determination of the board.

E. Approved Interpretations. Interpretations rendered by the National Americanism and Children & Youth Division during tournaments supervised by National Headquarters shall be approved by the National Baseball Appeal Board before publication.

F. Appeal Procedure. No appeal shall be considered by the National Baseball Appeal Board until all established appeal procedures within the respective Department's rules have been exhausted, as certified in writing by the Department Baseball Chairman.

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