Buddy and Coaching Requirements

To be a coach within Antigonish Baseball Association or a Buddy in Antigonish Challenger Baseball there are certain requirements that need to be met.  You will need to:

• Contact with the association to express your interest in coaching or becoming a buddy
  • Talk to someone during registration
  • Email antigonishbaseball@gmail.com (coaches) or randy.crouse@hotmail.com (buddies)
  • Talk to a board member or existing coach.
• If you are over 18, complete a Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
  • If you have not already been given one already by your contact, ask for a record check letter from ABA / Challenger. This will waive any fees associated with the record check.
  • Take the letter, along with proof of identity (e.g. a driver’s licence) to your local RCMP station where you will complete and submit a form
  • Two weeks later go back and collect your Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.
  • Submit that form to your Antigonish Baseball or Antigonish Challenger Baseball contact
• Complete any additional required training.
  • Buddies will have to attend an information session with Randy Crouse at the start of the season
  • Coaches may have to take NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) courses. Course requirements depend on the Division and level you intend to coach at.  See the chart below to determine which courses you have to take.

* Online Module is recommended but not required for this level.

Antigonish Baseball Association may, but is not required to, make contributions towards these coaching course costs.  

Umpires are paid positions as per Baseball Nova Scotia Umpire Division (BNSUD) policy.  If you are interested in becoming an umpire please contact antigonishbaseball@gmail.com or 902-863-7771.  You can also reach out to BNSUD directly via their website (http://www.bnsud.com/).

Antigonish Baseball Association (ABA) uses both junior umpires, who oversee our house league games, and certified umpires, who are certified by BNSUD and officiate rep team games.  Junior umpires are compensated in accordance with ABA guidelines.  Certified umpires, who are required to successfully complete a training course, are compensated in accordance with BNSUD guidelines.

Umpire courses are offered by BNSUD every spring at multiple locations across Nova Scotia.  Course locations in the Antigonish area will be advertised on the ABA website.  You can also find and register for courses on the BNSUD website (http://www.bnsud.com/).  Courses usually have a registration fee payable to BNSUD, and consist of a day long training session and an online exam.  Umpires are required to purchase their own clothing and protective gear.  ABA may, but is not required to, make contributions towards these umpire fees and costs.  

Umpires assignments for ABA sanctioned home games are assigned by the ABA head umpire.  Certified umpires are allowed and encourage to seek additional assignments outside of Antigonish.  

BY-LAWS FOR A NON-PROFIT SOCIETY

Definitions

1. In these by-laws:
   1. “Society: means Antigonish Baseball Association
   2. “Registrar” means the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies appointed under the Nova Scotia Companies Act
   3. “Special Resolution” means a resolution passed by not less than three-fourths of such members entitled to bot as are present in person or by proxy, where proxies are allowed, at a general meeting of which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been duly given.

Membership Rights and Responsibilities

2. The Society is ultimately accountable to the members of the Society
3. Every member is entitled to attend any members’ meeting of the Society
4. Every member may vote at any members’ meeting of the Society after they have attended at lease one previous members’ meeting.
5. Any member of legal age, or with their guardian’s written consent, is entitled to hold any office.
6. Membership in the Society shall consist of:
   1. the minimum of 5 subscribers to the Memorandum of Association,
   2. those who support the objects of the Society,
   3. those whose name and address is written in the Register of Members by the secretary,
   4. those who an annual fee in an amount to be determined by the Society, and/or
   5. those who reside in the geographic area of Nova Scotia and/or _______,
   6. other:_________________________.
7. Membership in the Society is not transferable.
8. Membership in the Society shall cease:
   1. Upon death, or
   2. If the member resigns by written notice to the Society, or
   3. If the member ceases to qualify for the membership in accordance with these by-laws, or
   4. If, by vote of the majority of the members of the society or a majority vote of the Directors of the Society at a meeting duly called and for which notice of the proposed action has been given the Member’s membership in the Society has been terminated.
9. The members may repeal, amend or add to these by-laws by a special resolution. No by-law or amendment to by-laws shall take effect until the Registrar approves of it.
10. No funds of the society shall be paid to or be available for the personal benefit of any member.

Members’ Meetings

11. Every member, subject to by-law 4, shall have one vote and ono more and there shall not be proxy voting.
12. A general or special meeting of the members may be held at any time and shall be called:
    1. If requested by the chair, or
    2. If requested by a majority of the directors, or
    3. If requested in writing by 10 of the members
13. Notice to members is required for general or special meetings. The notice must:
    1. specify the date, place and time of the meeting,
    2. be given to the members seven (7) days prior to the meeting,
    3. be given to the members by newsletters, newspapers, television, radio, e-mail, telephone, fax and/or other electronic means
    4. specify the nature of business, such as the intention to propose a special resolution, and
    5. the non-receipt of notice by any member shall not invalidate the proceedings.
14. An annual general meeting shall be held within three months after every fiscal year end and notice is required which must:
    1. specify the date, place and time of the meeting,
    2. be given to the members thirty (30) days prior to the meeting,
    3. be given to the members by newsletters, newspapers, television, radio, e-mail, telephone, fax and/or other electronic means
    4. specify the intention to propose a special resolution, and
    5. the non-receipt of notice by any member shall not invalidate the proceedings.
15. At the annual general meeting of the Society the following items of business shall be dealt with and shall be deemed ordinary business and all other business transacted shall be deemed special business:
    1. minutes of the previous annual general meeting,
    2. consideration of the annual report of the directors,
    3. consideration of the annual financial report of the Society,
    4. the appointment of auditors for the ensuing year, and
    5. election of directors.
16. Quorum shall consist of 5 of members. No business shall eb conducted at any meeting unless a quorum is present to open the meeting and, upon request, before any vote.
17. (a) If a meeting is convened as per by-law 12(a) or 12(b) and quorum is not present within one-half hour from the time appointed for the meeting, it shall be adjourned to such time and place as a majority of the members present shall decide. Notice of the new meeting shall be given and at the adjourned meeting the member present shall constitute quorum only for the purpose of winding up the Society.

(b) If a meeting is convened at the request of the members as per by-law 12(c) and quorum is not present within one-half hour from the time appointed for the meeting, it shall be dissolved.

18. The President, or in his/her absence, the Vice-President, or in the absence of both of them, any member appointed from among those present, shall preside as Chair at members’ meetings.
19. Where the is an equality of votes

the motion shall be lost.

20. The Chair may, with the consent of the meeting, adjourn any meeting. No business shall be transacted at the subsequent meeting other than the business left unfinished at the adjourned meeting unless notice of such new business is given to the members.
21. At any meeting a declaration by the Chair that a resolution has been carried is sufficient unless a poll is demanded by at least three members. If a poll is demanded it shall be held by a shoe of hands or by secret ballot as the Chair may decide.

Directors

22. Any member of the society shall be eligible to be elected a director of the Society and a director of the society shall be a member.
23. The number of directors shall be 4-8 (not less than 5). The subscribers to the Memorandum of Association of the Society shall be the first directors of the Society.
24. Directors shall retire from office at the end of each annual general meeting at which their successors are elected. Retiring directors shall be eligible for re-election.  Directors shall be elected to

two year terms, with one-half of the directors elected each year.

25. If a director resigns his/her office or ceases to be a member in the Society, his/her office as director shall be vacated and the vacancy may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the board of directors from among the members of the Society
26. The members may, by special resolution, remove any director and appoint another person to complete the term of office.
27. The management of the Society is the responsibility of the directors. In particular, the directors may engage a General Manage, and determine his/her duties, responsibilities and remuneration.
28. The directors may appoint an executive committee and other committees as they see fit.
29. Directors who have, or could reasonably be seen to have, a conflict of interest have a duty to declare this interest. The declaration should be made to the members
    1. upon nomination, and
    2. if serving as a director, when the possibility of a conflict is realized.
30. A conflict of interest does not prevent a member from serving as a director provided that he/she withdraws from the decision making on matters pertaining to that interest. The withdrawal should be recorded in the minutes.

Directors’ Meetings

31. The board of directors shall meet no less than 3 times each year.
32. A meeting of directors may be held at the close of every annual general meeting without notice for the purpose of electing officers. For all other board meetings, notice is required and must:
    1. specify the date, place and time of the meeting,
    2. be given to the directors seven (7) days prior to the meeting,
    3. be given to the directors by newsletters, radio, public bulletin boards, e-mail, telephone, fax and/or other electronic means
    4. the non-receipt of notice by any member shall not invalidate the proceedings.
    5. Notice can be waived of board meetings with the unanimous approval of the Board.
33. Quorum shall consist of 4 of the directors. No business shall be conducted at any meeting of the board of directors unless a quorum is present to open the meeting and, upon request, before any vote.
34. The President or, in his/her absence, the Vice-President or, in the absence of both of them, any director appointed from among the directors shall preside as Chair of the Board.
35. At directors’ meetings, where there is an equality of votes

the motion shall be lost.

Officers

36. The officers shall be elected by the directors and shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer and a Corporate Secretary. The offices of Treasurer and Corporate Secretary may be combined.
37. One of the officers shall be the President. The President shall be responsible for the effectiveness of the board and shall perform other duties as assigned by the members or the directors.
38. One of the officers shall eb the Vice-President. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the Chair during the absence, illness or incapacity of the President, or when the Chair may request him/her to do so.
39. One of the officers shall be the Corporate Secretary. The Corporate Secretary shall:
    1. have responsibility for the preparation ad custody of all books and records including:
       1. the minutes of members’ meetings,
       2. the minutes of directors’ meetings,
       3. the register of members, and
       4. filing the annual requirements with the office of the Registrar, and
    2. have custody of the seal, if any, which may be affixed to any document upon resolution of the board of directors, and
    3. file with the Registrar:
       1. within fourteen (14) days of their election or appointment, a list of directors with their addresses, occupations, and dates of appointment or election
       2. a copy of every special resolution within fourteen (14) days after the resolution is passed, and
    4. have other duties as assigned by the board.
40. The directors may also appoint a Recording Secretary
    1. who is responsible for taking minutes of all board and members’ meeting, and
    2. who need not be a director.
41. One of the officers shall be the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have responsibility for the custody of all financial books and records of the Society, and carry our all other duties as assigned by the board.
42. Contracts, deeds, bills of exchange and other instruments and documents may be executed on behalf of the Society by the President or the Vice-President and the Corporate Secretary, or otherwise as prescribed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Finance

43. The fiscal year end of the Society shall be the last day of December (month).
44. The directors shall annually present to the members a written report on the financial position of the Society. The report shall be in the form of:
    1. a balance sheet showing its assets, liabilities and equity, and
    2. a statement of its income and expenditure in the preceding fiscal year.
45. A copy of the financial report shall be signed by the auditor of by two directors.
46. A signed copy of the financial report shall be filled with the Registrar within fourteen (14) days after each annual meeting.
47. An auditor of the Society may be appointed by the members at the annual general meeting and, if the members fail to appoint an auditor, the directors may do so.
48. The Society may only borrow money as approved by a special resolution of the members.
49. The members may inspect the annual financial statements and minutes of membership and directors meeting as the registered office of the Society with one week’s notice. All other books and records of the Society may be inspected by any member at any reasonable time within tow days prior to the annual general meeting at the registered office of the Society.
50. Directors and officers shall serve without remuneration and shall not receive any profit from their positions. However, a director or officer may be paid reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his/her duties.
51. The Society shall not make loans, guarantee loans or advance funds to any director.

DIVISION INFORMATION

Divisions are based on year of birth.  To be eligible for a given division a player must not turn older than the maximum age within that calendar year.  For example, a 11-year-old that turns 12 in 2018 (even if that occurs after the baseball season has ended) is ineligible to play in 11U and would instead play in 13U.  Players must play in their allotted age division unless recommended for an older division by their coach and approved by the executive.  Baseball NS allows an exception to the division rule for girls, as they are allowed to play one extra year in each division (i.e. a girl turning 12 in 2018 can play either in 13U or in 11U).

Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, Vaping policy

Antigonish Baseball does not allow for the consumption or use of any alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, vaping or illicit product of any kind at any home game, practice, or event by its players, coaches, officials, or spectators.  Players, coaches, and officials must be sober during all association activities.  When travelling to other facilities, the rules of those facilities will be respected.  Anyone found in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the premises.  Refusal to leave will result in the suspension of the activity and the authorities being contacted.  Depending on the severity of the infraction they may also be removed from membership within the Association. 

ATTIRE

For safety, we request that children do not wear open-toed shoes, sandals, flip flops or Crocs while playing.  Sneakers, baseball cleats and soccer cleats are all appropriate footwear for minor baseball.  Cleats are recommended in 11U division and higher.   Metal cleats are not permitted in 13U and below.   Metal cleats are not permitted on the Sandlot field. 

Ball hats are recommended to be worn during practices whenever player is not wearing their batting helmet.  Ball hats are required to be worn during games in 11U division and higher. 

Long pants (sweat, track, or baseball) are recommended to be worn but are not required in 9U division and lower.  In 11U and higher long pants (sweat, track, or baseball) are to be worn during practices.  Players on teams in 11U division and higher will need to wear baseball pants, belts and socks during games.  Baseball socks and belts should be red.  Baseball pants will either be grey or white, check with your coach as to what color your team will use. 

Protective athletic supporters (i.e. cups, jill straps) are required for boys and recommended for girls in 11U division and higher.  During games catchers, regardless of gender, are required to wear protective athletic supporters.

Players in 9U division and lower will be given team shirts.  Players in 11U division and higher will be given team hats.  Players on teams in 11U division and higher will wear jerseys during game play that will be provided by the association.  Jerseys remain property of Antigonish Baseball Association and should be cleaned and returned at the end of the season.

CANCELLATIONS

In the event that a baseball night/event needed to be cancelled, Antigonish Baseball Association will inform The Hawk and XFM about the cancellation. The cancellation will also be posted on www.antigonishbaseball.com, on Facebook and, if possible, through an email to parents/guardians. Although our association attempts to make the decision to cancel baseball in a timely fashion; sometimes, due to work commitments and changes in the weather, this is not possible. Please check our website/Facebook prior to leaving for baseball each evening.  If weather declines during practices or games, coaches or umpires will utilize their own discretion as to when to cancel.  Parents are welcome to pull their child from the field if they feel weather conditions are unsafe.  

Baseball is an outdoor activity is subject to weather concerns.  Every effort will be made to provide make-up dates for sessions (i.e. practices, games) cancelled due to weather and or other safety concerns to ensure at least the minimum program length is achieved.  In most years, the minimum program length is 8 weeks worth of programming.

Antigonish Baseball Association is not to be held liable and is not required to reimburse registration fees if the minimum program length is not met due to cancellations because of weather concerns, safety concerns, or lack of participant attendance. 

Antigonish Baseball Association is not liable and is not required to reimburse registration fees to participants who choose to miss sessions (i.e. practices, games).

FAIR PLAY CODE - COACHES

I will teach my players to play fairly. I will teach my players to respect the rules. I will teach my players to respect their opponents, teammates, officials, coaches, volunteers and parents. I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and playing time. I will treat all players equal regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or economic status. I will not ridicule my players for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players' age and abilities. I will abstain from the use of tobacco, drug or alcohol products while in the presence of players. I will refrain from the use of insulting, harassing or offensive language while performing coaching duties. I understand that hostility and violence of any form will not be tolerated. I understand that bullying will not be tolerated.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

Due to Baseball Nova Scotia regulations, any individual (18 years old and above) wanting to volunteer with children must have a criminal record check completed. The criminal record check will be completed at no cost to the volunteer. If you plan on volunteering and have not picked up a criminal record request form from Antigonish Baseball Association, please do so as soon as possible. The request form can be dropped off at the local police department for processing. Once you have received your criminal record sheet from the police department, please provide Antigonish Baseball Association with a copy.

HELMETS AND GLOVES

Double ear flap batting helmets are required to be worn whenever a player is batting.  For hygiene purposes, all players will be required to bring their own batting helmet and glove to practice/games.  Chinstraps are mandatory in the 13U division and below during games.  

FAIR PLAY CODE – PARENTS/GUARDIANS

I will not force my child to participate in baseball. I will remember that my child plays baseball for his/her enjoyment. I will respect players, officials, coaches, volunteers and other parents. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing. I will refrain from the use of insulting, harassing or offensive language at the field and surrounding areas. I understand that hostility and violence of any form will not be tolerated. I understand that bullying will not be tolerated.

PICTURES AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Many families post pictures online of their children participating in baseball. While Antigonish Baseball Association does not want to discourage the sharing of pictures of children enjoying physical activity, please be aware that not all families want pictures of their children on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other forms of social media. Before posting pictures online, please make sure that if the picture includes a child who is not your child, that you have permission from their family before doing so. 

Antigonish Baseball Association will obtain consent for use of participants pictures annually during registration.

FAIR PLAY CODE - PLAYERS

I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to. I will play by the rules and in the spirit of the game. I will respect my opponents, teammates, officials, coaches, volunteers and parents. I understand that use of tobacco, drug or alcohol products during baseball activities will not be tolerated. I understand that throwing and/or mishandling of equipment will not be tolerated. I will refrain from the use of insulting, harassing or offensive language at the field and surrounding areas. I understand that hostility and violence of any form will not be tolerated. I understand that bullying will not be tolerated.