LEAGUE RULES

(Modified 03/22)

The objective of this league is to promote fellowship among the members of all churches regardless of race, creed, or religion, and to provide recreation and encourage good sportsmanship.

I. DARTBALL BOARD & PLAYING AREA

  1. Dartball Board:
    1. The dartball board should measure four feet square.
    2. The board may be made of any material that will hold a dart.
      1. Wood, however, is recommended.
      2. Tongue and grooved board will hold its shape better.
    3. Exact dimensions for all target sections of the board are available upon request from the officers committee.
    4. It is required that wire be inserted between targets of the board to make umpiring easier.
    5. The official color code for the targets is as follows:

      6. Dart Board Color Code
  2. Dartball Stand:
    1. The base of the board should measure 24 inches above the floor; thus the center of the board be 48 inches above the floor.
    2. The tilt of the board shall be 8 inches from perpendicular with the base of the board near the pitching line.
    3. The stand must not have a lip to hold the board in place. The base of the board should be seen and in play.
  3. Pitching Lines:
    1. Pitching lines shall be 6 feet wide and parallel with the front base of the board.
    2. Tape is recommended for pitching lines.
    3. If a rug is chosen as a team's pitching line, it must be secured to the floor and cannot move at all during practice and the match.
      1. If the rug cannot be secured, then it must be replaced with tape.
  4. Pitching Distance:
    1. The pitching distance is measured from the front base of the board to the front edge of the pitching line.
    2. The standard pitching distance is 20 feet.
    3. An additional pitching distance of 15 feet may be used by:
      1. All ladies.
      2. Young boys under age 13.
      3. Men age 80 & over.
      4. Players who require the assistance of a walker or wheel chair, the wheels are required to be on the line.
    4. Any player with special needs, that may require a closer pitching distance, must have officers committee approval.
  5. Lighting:
    1. It is required that all teams have a spotlight on the dartball board at all times (practice and games) during the match.
  6. Darts:
    1. Official No. 2 Dartball Tournament Darts (wooden darts with white turkey feather flights, 4-feather version, colors are optional) are required and shall be used for all games.
    2. Darts shall not weigh more than 8 ounces per dozen.
    3. Loading of darts is forbidden.

II. PLAYING REGULATIONS

  1. A minimum of seven players shall constitute a team. An automatic out shall be recorded in the batting order for each player under the required seven. If a team does not have at least five players, the game is forfeited.
    1. However, if the opposing team's manager (has more than seven players and) wishes to lend a team the sufficient (at least five) number of players, then there shall not be a forfeit.
    2. If a team has at least five players, then player lending is not recommended.
    3. Statistics for "borrowed" players should be kept by both managers and scorekeepers as they shall count towards individual trophies and games played.
  2. The home team practices from 7:00 PM to 7:15 PM. The visiting team practices from 7:15 PM to 7:30 PM. No practice darts shall be thrown after the game has started with the exception of those players arriving late who may have three practice darts.
  3. The first game of the match should start by 7:30 PM, with 15 minutes grace. If a team does not have a sufficient number of players by 7:45 PM, then the first game shall be forfeited. If a sufficient number of players arrive for the second game by 8:00 PM, then there shall not be a forfeit of the remaining two games.
  4. Each team should provide one scorekeeper, one line judge and one umpire (recommended to be at least age 16, umpires can be removed at the managers discretion).
  5. A player may not reenter a game from which he/she has retired (that player is not allowed back into that game).
    1. Pinch hitting (player substitution) is not permitted. If a player retires from the game, his/her place in the batting order is not replaced (it will remain vacant and skipped over during the remainder of that game).
    2. Players entering the game after it has started are placed at the end of the batting order.
  6. Base runners shall advance one base on a single, two bases on a double, and three bases on a triple. All base runners advance two bases on a long single. Unless forced, base runners do not advance on a walk, but a walk does count as a hit toward a player's batting average. An error is scored as a single.
  7. On a double play, the batter is out, plus the base runner closest to home. Remaining base runners advance one base. If there are no base runners, the batter is still out (only one out).
  8. On a sacrifice, the batter is out, all base runners advance one base. If there are no base runners, the batter is still out. A successful sacrifice does not count as a time at bat.
  9. The batter is out if his/her dart fails to hit the board or strikes the edge of the board and glances off.
  10. The following shall be considered dead darts:
    1. A dart that hits the board, but fails to stick long enough for the umpire to make a call.
    2. A dart ricocheted off the board after it hits a wire.
    3. A dart that sticks in the body of another dart that has already been thrown.
    4. A dart hitting a line between two colors where the wire is broken, unless either color brings the same result.
  11. The batter's foot may touch the pitching line without penalty. No part of the foot may be over the pitching line (including the wheels of mobility assistive device). After the line judge has given the batter a warning, the batter may be called out if he/she goes over the pitching line again within the same game.
  12. All darts shall be removed when a batter completes his/her time at bat. (Remove darts with a twisting motion of fingers.)
  13. Player Conduct:
    1. While the batter is at the pitching line, opposing players are not permitted to wave arms, throw objects, kick legs forward, tilt head forward, make sudden movement or sudden loud noise which will distract the batter.
    2. While the batter is at the pitching line, umpires or any players standing or sitting behind the batter are not permitted to make verbal remarks to the batter.
    3. If a player does not comply with these rules, then a warning shall be given to the team by a manager and the dart may be thrown again after consulting both managers. If the actions continue, a second warning shall be given to the team by a manager. A third occurrence shall result in the forfeit of the game.
  14. If a player begins the season with a team, he/she should continue to play for that same team the entire season. However, a player may switch teams if his/her present manager approves, but he/she would not be eligible for the Post-Season Tournament or individual awards, unless it is approved formally at a league meeting.
  15. All children under the age of 16 must stay in a designated area, away from the throwing area. If in another part of the church, they must be accompanied by an adult. If a child is in an area without permission, the team will be given 2 warnings, and then they must forfeit the game. It is strongly encouraged that all players under the age of 16 have written permission from a parent/guardian in order to play. Manager should keep this information in their files.
  16. If a player bats out of order, the player who was scheduled to bat is out and play resumes with the next player in the batting order. The opposing manager must call attention to the foul before the next player throws a dart, or play will continue through the batting order with no penalty.

III. LEAGUE GAMES

  1. Each team shall participate in 22 matches (66 games) a season. A match shall consist of three, 9 inning games between two teams. The home team shall bat last in the first and third games. The visiting team shall bat last in the second game.
    1. If the game is tied after nine complete innings, the teams will continue to play until the 10th inning. If the score is still tied after ten complete innings, the game shall be declared a tie.
  2. The officers committee shall be responsible for scheduling the matches for the season.
  3. Guns and weapons are not permitted at dartball buildings and events (regardless if you have a permit to carry firearms). Tobacco use and alcoholic beverages are also not permitted during dartball games. Vulgar language is forbidden. Good sportsmanship is expected by all participants.
  4. A league match may only be postponed due to weather conditions, a death in the family of a team member, special church functions such as a revival, or other emergencies determined as acceptable by the officers committee.
  5. The manager who is postponing a match should give the opposing team as much notice as possible (never later than 5:00 PM the night of the match). If the call is made after 5:00 PM, and there is no valid justification, the opposing manager may take the match by forfeit.
  6. It is the responsibility of the manager of the postponing team to initially contact the other manager to reschedule the match. Both managers should strive to reschedule the match as soon as possible and report the scores to the appropriate person designated by the officers committee.
  7. In fairness to other teams participating in the league, forfeits should be avoided if at all possible. Forfeits affect the league standings, teams and players; including those who are not involved thus could be penalized for no fault of their own.

IV. OFFICERS COMMITTEE

  1. Chairman.
    1. Schedule league meetings and contact managers.
    2. Preside over league meetings and League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.
    3. Work with statistician in making the league schedule.
  2. Secretary.
    1. Take and report minutes at all league meetings.
    2. Ensure that all appropriate information is recorded in the programs for the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.
    3. Ensure that programs are printed and available.
    4. Add all approved changes to league rules.
    5. Maintain a list of all members of the Clubs, Hall of Fame, etc.
    6. Record names of the Fellowship Night Tournament champions.
  3. Treasurer.
    1. Keep an accurate account of all funds and money transactions made through the league.
    2. Give treasurer's report at all league meetings and League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.
    3. Collect entry fee for each team participating in the league.
    4. Write checks and/or money orders for appropriate spending of money as approved by the league.
    5. Assist statistician in purchasing league trophies.
  4. Statistician.
    1. Set up appropriate format for the following to be approved by league managers:
      1. Fellowship Night Tournament.
      2. Post-Season Tournament.
      3. All-Star Game.
    2. Keep and record special individual and team statistics from year to year.
    3. Provide a printed list of individual and team statistics at the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet for the present year.
    4. Work with chairman in making the league schedule.
    5. Work with secretary and treasurer to secure trophy orders and payments.
  5. Other Special Posts.
    1. Tasks may be appointed by the officers committee as deemed necessary.
      1. Tournament Director
      2. Website Manager

V. TROPHIES & AWARDS

  1. A player's age is frozen as of the first day of the regular season. This is to determine pitching distance and individual trophies.
    1. Boys who have not turned age 13 as of the first day of the regular season may throw from the 15 foot pitching line.
    2. Players who have not turned age 16 as of the first day of the regular season are eligible for any "Players Age 15 & Under" trophies.
    3. Players who have not turned age 55 as of the first day of the regular season are not eligible for any "Players Age 55 & Over" trophies.
    4. The exception to this rule is that any player who turns age 70 at any point of the season.
  2. Individual trophies shall be awarded sequentially in each of the following categories, without choice, as determined by results of statistics kept by team managers or scorekeepers:
    1. Highest Batting Average.
    2. Best Slugging Percentage.
    3. Most Runs Batted In.
    4. Most Total Bases.
    5. Most Hits.
    6. Most Singles.
    7. Most Doubles.
    8. Most Triples.
    9. Most Home Runs.
    10. Most Long Singles.
  3. Trophies shall be awarded for each of the ten categories above to the winners from the following classifications:
    1. League Leaders (eligible players, regardless of age).
    2. Players Age 55 & Over.
    3. Players Under Age 55 - (Hall of Fame members are not eligible).
    4. Players Age 15 & Under.
  4. A player may win only one individual trophy per season.
  5. All senior players who are Age 70 and Over shall be recognized at the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.
  6. All players who have a batting average of .400 or better shall be recognized at the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.
  7. A small, token trophy shall be awarded to each member of the team who wins the Fellowship Night Tournament.
  8. The Joe G. Conklin Memorial Trophy shall be awarded to those senior players who turn 70 years old during the season.
  9. The Carlton T. Calvert Memorial Award shall be awarded to the team with the most youth players under the age 25.
  10. The Carl Hoy, Jr. Honorary Award shall be awarded to the Manager of the Year (as voted on by the league team managers).
  11. The Chuckie Calvert Memorial Trophy shall be awarded to a player (Age 15 and Under that does not qualify for an individual trophy) who embodies "Dartball Spirit and the Love of Dartball"; as voted on by a special committee appointed by the league chairman.
  12. The Rookie of the Year Award shall be awarded to a qualifying player (based on rookie season statistical points earned). Qualifications include: 1st time playing 21 complete games AND was not awarded an individual trophy in that same season.
  13. All statistics for individual trophies must be available for final verification at the Post-Season League Meeting.
    1. All decisions are final as far as the program and trophies are concerned once the meeting is adjourned, even if an error is discovered later.
    2. However, if an error is discovered, the league statistician reserves the right to correct these errors. Managers will receive notification of all corrections.
  14. An individual must play in at least 21 complete games to be eligible for an individual award.
  15. Team trophies shall be awarded to the champion and runner-up of the League Championship, and of other division playoff brackets as determined by the officers committee.

VI. HALL OF FAME

  1. A player shall enter the Hall of Fame upon winning three individual trophies. These three awards do not have to be won in consecutive seasons. The exception to this rule is that individual trophies in the "Players Age 15 & Under" category do not count towards the Hall of Fame.
  2. The Hall of Fame roster shall be kept updated yearly by the league secretary.

VII. POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT

  1. All teams are eligible for the Post-Season Tournament.
  2. Individual players must have played at least 21 complete games to be eligible.
  3. Each match in the Post-Season Tournament will be a "best of five" series consisting of 7 inning games.
  4. The Post-Season Tournament brackets shall be determined by the officers committee on a year-to-year basis.
    1. League Championship
      1. The winner of this bracket determines the League Champion for the season.
    2. Other Divisions
      1. "B" Division and "C" Division playoff brackets are the norm.
      2. Depends upon the number of teams participating in the league.
  5. Standings will be based on a points system. A team will earn 3 points for a win, 2 points for a tie and 1 point for a loss. If two or more teams finish with the same number of points at the end of the regular season, then the following tiebreaking procedures are to be used:
    1. The greater number of wins.
    2. Points earned in head-to-head competition.
    3. Average runs per game for the entire season.
    4. Total runs scored against each other in head-to-head competition.
    5. Coin flip.
  6. If a Post-Season Tournament match cannot be played at the scheduled time/venue, all efforts should be made to reschedule the match to avoid a team dropping out.
  7. In the event that a team cannot participate in a Post-Season Tournament match, the following criteria shall be implemented:
    1. In the event that a team knows that they will not be able to participate in a Post-Season Tournament match before the Post-Season League Meeting, that team should then drop out of the Post-Season Tournament. All remaining teams will then move up in the standings.
    2. In the event that a team drops out of the Post-Season Tournament after the Post-Season League Meeting, the following criteria shall be implemented:
      1. If a team drops out of the First Round (Quarter-Finals) of the Post-Season Tournament, the team that they were scheduled to play shall receive a forfeit.
      2. If a team drops out of the Second Round (Semi-Finals) of the Post-Season Tournament, the two highest seeds that lost in the First Round (Quarter-Finals) will then meet (at the site of the opponent that was scheduled to play the team dropping out) to play one, 7 inning Second Round (Semi-Finals) qualifying game. These two teams shall not receive any pre-game practice. The winning team will then advance into the Second Round (Semi-Finals), taking the place of the team that dropped out. Immediately following this game, the team originally scheduled to play in the Second Round (Semi-Finals) shall receive 15 minutes practice. The Second Round (Semi-Finals) match will then begin.
      3. If a team drops out of the Third Round (Finals) of the Post-Season Tournament, the team that they were scheduled to play shall receive a forfeit.

VIII. LEAGUE MEETINGS

  1. Pre-Season League Meeting (late August).
    1. Discuss any rules modifications.
    2. Address any potential issues that may arise during the season.
    3. Discuss teams to participate in the league for the upcoming season.
    4. Discuss arrangements for Fellowship Night Tournament.
    5. Determine costs for the season (prices for darts, prices for boards, league entry fee, etc.).
  2. Mid-Season League Meeting (Thursday of Week 11 or Week 12).
    1. Discuss potential location for the Post-Season Tournament Finals.
    2. Discuss potential location for the All-Star Game.
    3. Discuss the League Fundraising Tournament.
    4. Discuss potential location for the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.
    5. Address any issues that have arisen or may arise during the course of the season.
    6. Determine mid-season statistical leaders.
    7. Reschedule any missed games.
  3. Post-Season League Meeting (Thursday of Week 22 or Week 24).
    1. The following must be turned in at this meeting, either by the team manager or a team representative, to the league statistician:
      1. All final team and individual statistics.
      2. Complete team roster. This is to include the complete (first & last) names and ages, as well as the number of games played. This is to include all players, regardless of the number of games played that season.
      3. The list of players on your team who are already in the Hall of Fame.
    2. Nominate and elect the officers committee for the next season.
    3. Announce final arrangements for the Post-Season Tournament, All-Star Game and the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.
    4. Address any issues that have arisen during the course of the season.
    5. Address any possible rules modifications for the next season.

IX. MANAGER DUTIES

  1. The manager shall be responsible for the conduct of his/her team.
  2. The home manager shall be responsible for preparations for matches: scoring table, chairs for each team, playing board and stand, darts, spotlight, refreshments, etc.
  3. Both managers shall be responsible to report match scores to the appropriate person designated by the officers committee immediately after the match. This can be done by phone, text message, or e-mail.
  4. The manager shall provide the opposing team's manager or scorekeeper with a line-up prior to each game.
  5. Managers are not permitted to make any agreements among themselves that will violate other league rules. Example: Playing with fewer than seven players with no automatic outs.
  6. The manager shall be responsible to bring his/her team's individual statistics to the Mid-Season and Post-Season League Meetings.
  7. The manager must attend all league meetings or send a representative from his/her team.
  8. In the event of a protest, it is the manager's responsibility to contact the league chairman and notify him/her of the circumstances related to the protest.
  9. Managers may not change any of the league rules without approval of a majority of all league managers at a scheduled meeting.
  10. The manager may set his/her own team policies, so long as they do not conflict with league rules. Examples: Church attendance, good-will offering, etc.

X. ENTRY FEE

  1. There shall be a league entry fee for each participating team in the league. This fee should be paid to the league treasurer at the Fellowship Night Tournament.
  2. The amount of the league entry fee shall be determined at the Pre-Season League Meeting. The fees need to be enough to at least cover the expense of trophies, the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet and programs, and other materials or supplies that may be needed during the upcoming season.

XI. TEAM CREDITS

  1. Team credits can be earned by working at and/or participating in the League Fundraising Tournament.
  2. The only approved uses for team credits are league entry fee, dartball board, darts and the League Awards Ceremony/Banquet.