BIG 12 CONFERENCE - ArbiterSports



BIG 12 CONFERENCE 2014 BASEBALL REGULAR SEASONADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL*Changes are underlined1. ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL RULES. This administrative manual has the status of Rules of the Conference. Violations of Administrative Manual rules are subject to the following procedural guidelines with the understanding that the Commissioner may impose more severe sanctions if warranted (from Conference Rule 11.3): First offense:Private reprimand sent to Director of Athletics;Second offense:Private reprimand sent to President or Chancellor with a warning of an institutional fine if the violation occurs again;Third offense:Financial penalty.ERNANCE. 2.1Sport Committee. The Big 12 Baseball Committee is composed of head baseball coaches, one from each Big 12 member institution that sponsors the sport, plus one senior woman administrator. Any additional administrator who serves on an NCAA Baseball Committee (Sport or Rules) will be an ex officio member of the committee. The chair of the committee will be the head coach from the institution that chairs the conference for the year (Conference Rule 5.2). Accordingly, the 2013-14 chairperson is Oklahoma State and the 2014-15 chairperson is Kansas.2.2Meetings. The Big 12 Baseball Committee shall meet annually and shall be responsible for policy recommendations governing the conduct of Big 12 baseball competition. Head coaches must attend the Annual Conference Coaches Meeting or Teleconference.? Exceptions to this attendance requirement can only be granted in writing by the Commissioner after the coach's athletics director submits a written request for a waiver.? Violations of this rule will result in a $10,000 institutional fine for a first offense and a $25,000 institutional fine for a second and each subsequent offense. (Conference Rule 5.6.1) 2.3Recommendations. Committee recommendations (adopted by a majority vote of members) shall be submitted for subsequent approval by the senior woman administrators, athletics directors and faculty athletics representatives of the Big 12 institutions.2.4Moratorium. Subsequent to the close of any sport committee meeting, the action taken or the adopted amendment may not be subject to reconsideration or further amendment until two calendar years after the effective date, unless there is new pertinent information (i.e. Conference school adds/drops a sport, NCAA legislative changes, etc.). (Effective 2005-06)2.5Minutes. Minutes of each Big 12 Baseball Committee Meeting shall be distributed to all appropriate administrative personnel by Conference staff.3.Game Officials3.1Dressing Room. Each institution will provide a dressing room closely located to the baseball facility for umpires. Admittance to this room shall be limited to game officials and Conference office representatives. No guests, visitors or institutional personnel (other than a trainer or manager upon request or Conference office representative) shall be admitted. The dressing room shall be stocked with soft drinks, water and/or isotonic beverages and towels.3.2Umpire Crews (Effective 2013-14). A four-person crew will be assigned by the Big 12 to each Conference home series. A crew chief will be appointed for each series and shall be responsible for all travel plans, logistics and communication with the host institution and supervisor.3.3Assignment. The Big 12 coordinator of umpires shall work with each institution’s local assignor to assign three officials to work each non-conference contest. The coordinator will make all umpiring assignments for Big 12 Conference series. All fees and expenses, for Conference games, will be paid by the Big 12 based upon established formula, with reimbursement to the Conference by institutions. Umpires are encouraged to travel together as a cost-saving measure. Coordinator of Umpires: Rich Fetchiet, 734-637-2861 (mobile), plateman@umich.edu 3.3.1Fees & Expense/Conference Games. Umpires assigned by the Big 12 Conference will receive $1,200 per series (regardless of whether games are played if umpires are on-site); mileage allowance (56.5 cents) for four umpires (if the crew is driving from opposite directions. Also note there is a $450 mileage reimbursement cap.); coach airfare for a round-trip more than 200 miles, plus reasonable and pre-approved cost for ground transportation for the crew; $120 expense allowance for each umpire and three hotel rooms for series requiring overnight stay; and $25 airport parking allowance also provided. The Big 12 office will pay game officials directly after verification of assignments from the coordinator.3.3.1.1Arrival on Site. Umpires are required to arrive on site at least 90 minutes prior to the start of the first game of a series, and 60 minutes prior for all other series games. If the travel distance for a day game is more than 150 miles, umpires are encouraged to be on site the night before the game.3.3.1.2Payment/Cancelled Conference Games. Umpires who are on site if a series is cancelled due to inclement weather (or other factors) will receive full payment of fees. Officials will not be paid if a series is cancelled and they are notified of such prior to departure for the site.3.3.2Fees & Expense/Non-Conference Games (Effective 2013-14). A flat fee of $400 per umpire (inclusive of game fee, travel reimbursement, per diem, etc.) per game for all non-conference games in which a Big 12 program serves as the host institution.3.4Evaluation. The coordinator of umpires will develop a format for the evaluation of game officials to be presented to the coaches for their review and input. As part of the format, the coordinator will assign an on-site observer to each Conference series. The observer is not part of the umpiring crew. The host institution is to provide the observer a seat in a climate-controlled environment, such as the press box, with an unobstructive view of the entire playing surface. 3.5Game Officials Confidentiality. Game officials, by the very nature of their duties, are placed in a position of being exposed to privileged information regarding personnel or activities of competing teams. Under no circumstances may a game official relay this privileged information regarding personnel or play of an institution’s team, or comments regarding officials or officiating of Conference games, to the general public, the media or personnel of another institution.3.6Game Tickets. Umpires are not permitted to request nor receive complimentary game tickets for Big 12 competition. Institutions will hold two tickets for each umpire for purchase until the Tuesday preceding a series. Umpires will contact the ticket manager directly and will be financially responsible for any tickets ordered.4.Pregame Arrangements4.1Batting Practice. The pregame schedule will feature batting and infield practice for both teams, unless field conditions prevent such. Both the home and visiting teams will be afforded equal opportunity, unless prevented by weather or other conditions beyond the control of the teams.4.1.1Pregame schedule. The schedule for pregame procedures will be as follows. It is agreed that this format will be altered for mid-week games to allow the visiting team to hit first when such a change will provide the home team the opportunity to attend morning classes. Under this scenario, the visiting team will assist infield preparation (e.g., pulling the tarp).Big 12 Baseball Pregame Schedule40 minutes home-team batting practice40 minutes visiting-team batting practice12 minutes for home-team infield12 minutes for visiting-team infield20 minutes for field preparationNational AnthemFirst Pitch4.2Exchange of Rosters. Coaches shall exchange the 27-player eligibility rosters before the start of a series. There may be no additions to the list once the rosters have been exchanged.4.3Training Needs. At a minimum, the home team shall provide the following to the visiting team: ice to make a minimum of 10 bags for each game; availability to the home team’s training facility for special treatment of injuries; 10 towels for each game (which must be returned to the home team); and, other items as may be mutually agreed upon by the managers/trainers. It is suggested that the visiting team’s managers/trainers contact the host institution at least two weeks prior to a scheduled contest with any special needs or requests.4.4Laundry. If the visiting team desires the use of institutional laundry facilities, notification at least one week prior to a scheduled contest is desired. It is understood that not all institutions can afford the visiting team access to laundry facilities, but best efforts will be made. 5.Conference Agreements5.1Travel Squad Size. Each institution shall be limited to a 27-player roster for Conference games. Visiting teams may travel only the 27 players on the submitted roster. There are no restrictions on the number of players in uniform for the home team and these players may participate in pre-game activities. An institution playing a non-conference series adjacent to a Conference series is not prohibited by Conference rules from taking additional players to the Conference series. However, these players may not be in uniform, may not sit in the dugout and may not take part in pregame activities. Travel squad restrictions are not applicable if there is no overnight stay associated with the contest (in such instances there are no restrictions on the number of players in uniform for the traveling team and these players may participate in pre-game activities) (Effective 2013-14).5.1.1Exception for Split Series. For those series played either at neutral sites, split between each team’s campus and/or a combination thereof, there are not restrictions on the number of players in uniform for the originally designated host institution for the games on its campus or at neutral sites. The originally designated visiting institution may have an unlimited number of players in uniform only for games on its campus. The visiting team may also have an unlimited number of players in uniform for a single-game that is part of a split series between each team’s campus and/or at a neutral site if there is no overnight travel.5.1.2Final Season of Eligibility and Medically Unable to Compete Due to Incapacitating Injury or Illness Exception (Effective 2013-14). ? An institution may travel any student-athlete who is in his or her final season of competition or will exhaust eligibility at the conclusion of the semester or academic year and who has been deemed medically unable to compete the remainder of the season due to an incapacitating injury or illness without counting the student-athlete against the travel squad limits.? The student-athlete may not miss class to travel with the team unless the missed class time is approved by the Faculty Athletics Representative in advance of the travel, and the institution must be able to provide medical documentation of the incapacitating injury or illness upon request of the Conference office. (Conference Rule 11.4.4)5.2Official Baseball. The official ball of the Big 12 Conference is the Rawlings R1-NCAA. The Conference has negotiated an agreement with Rawlings for a price of $54.55 in 2014. The Rawlings R1-NCAAB12 will be used in all home Conference and non-conference games. For more information about the Rawlings agreement, contact Mr. Randy Kirby, 817-279-6445.5.3Uniforms. Home teams will wear white and visiting teams will wear gray/colored uniforms. Institutions may alter the uniform sequence by mutual agreement. In the event the sequence is altered, the home team shall set the rotation.5.4Complimentary Admissions. By Conference rule, each visiting team is afforded twice the number of complimentary admissions of the allowed number of travel squad participants. In baseball, however, the visiting team is allowed a maximum of 60 complimentary admissions. The host institution shall utilize best efforts to locate reserved seats in the area of close proximity to the visiting team dugout. The visiting team will notify the host institution of its desire to utilize these tickets in a timely manner. Distribution of tickets designated by student-athletes shall be done in a manner consistent with NCAA guidelines.5.5Conference Credentials. Selected Big 12 staff will utilize photo credentials that allow for access at all member institutions. These credentials will be produced by the league office for Big 12 staff and each of the governance groups (Presidents/Chancellors, FARs, ADs, SWAs). Big 12 staff will alert the respective media relations contacts in advance when planning to attend an event.5.6Practice. It is the responsibility of the visiting team to notify the host institution in writing at least one week prior to the start of a series to arrange for a practice opportunity on days preceding a series. The host institution will determine if weather and/or field conditions are acceptable and the visiting team may be required to assist in the field preparation (e.g., removal or placement of the tarp).5.7Scouting. There shall not be any scouting by institutional personnel of opponents at any time, except that Conference teams entered in the same tournament may scout each other during that event. This provision does not preclude the use of videotape (e.g., taping televised games and reviewing same). By agreement, coaches are prohibited from sharing information about Conference teams with non-conference or other Conference institutions (including videotape sharing); however, nothing prohibits an institution from securing information about Big 12 teams from non-conference institutions.5.8Filming/Radar Guns. Videotaping of contests from the stands is permitted, as is the use of radar guns. Individuals operating video and radar equipment may not be in uniform. Big 12 policy dictates that, by mutual agreement, the home team shall be responsible for videotaping games and providing a copy to the visiting team upon conclusion of each game. In the event the visiting team must leave prior to receiving a copy of the tape, the home team will overnight the tape to the opponent. The visiting team should contact the home team to discuss specifics of the filming and delivery of the tape prior to the start of the series. The visiting team will provide an adequate number of tapes to the home team prior to the start of the series if it desires copies of the game tape. If the home team does not videotape the game for the visiting team, it will use best efforts to provide suitable filming space for the visitors. Two seats behind home plate will be made available for visiting team radar.5.9In-Stadium Replays. In-stadium video replays are permitted as outlined in Appendix C.5.10Public Comments. All reports or comments pertaining to officiating, home-management responsibilities or concerning players, coaches, and/or officials shall be directed only to the Conference office. Public airing of such matters by coaches, players, administrators, or officials is prohibited and subject to sanctions by the Conference. This policy also extends to comments about the officiating program in general in addition to remarks about officiating in a particular game/series.? Discussion with Conference office staff and/or officiating coordinators about officiating is confidential and not to be shared publicly, including the use and exchange of video.? Public airing of officiating matters, whether directly or indirectly, during or after a game, verbally or by use of video, on or off the record, is prohibited.?Additionally:Coaches shall not contact officials directly through correspondence or telephone, and all matters pertaining to officials or officiating shall be directed to the Conference office or the Supervisor of Baseball Umpires.bSports Information Directors shall not make game officiating assignments public prior to game day.5.11Crowd Control. As a general principle, crowd control shall be a home-management responsibility. Administrative personnel, coaches, players, and game officials influence crowd behavior by their actions and their attitudes. Coaches and players can assist in regulating crowd reactions by controlling their own reactions to the play of the game; game officials can materially aid in such situations by clearly and quickly signaling calls. The following procedures have been adopted as they pertain to crowd control at Big 12 Conference baseball games.In order to reduce the potential for crowd misconduct, the following announcement will be made during pregame activities:"Good _________ Big 12 baseball fans. The _________ (name of host institution) and the Big 12 Conference promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or sexist comments or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from this facility. Any spectator who interferes with the game by coming onto the field or throwing objects onto the field at any time will be removed. Your cooperation is appreciated."If debris is thrown on the playing field in isolated instances, institutional personnel and game officials shall remove such debris and continue with the playing of the contest. If debris is thrown on the playing field in such a manner that the normal conduct of the game may not be resumed or other conditions prevent normal resumption of the contest, the umpire shall request both teams to return to their respective benches or dressing rooms until the home administration has cleared the field. In such cases, the following announcement should be read:“The game officials and the coaches and players of both teams have been directed by the Big 12 Conference to remain off the field until such time as order has been restored.”5.12Band/Audio Play. In-stadium sound systems, public address announcements, bands and/or other forms of artificial noisemakers are prohibited when the ball is live or being made ready for play.5.13Radio Networks. Space will be provided for at least one originating visiting radio network. At the expense of the radio networks, a reciprocal telephone system will be established at all institutions, with two lines available for each designated primary station. It is the responsibility of the radio networks to orchestrate this program.5.13.1Commercial Radio Format. By Conference agreement there will be a 90-second (one and one-half minute) break between innings in all games carried by a commercial radio station.5.14Pool Reporter Designee. At the request of the media, the home media relations director (MRD) or his/her designee must accompany the pool reporter to the umpires’ locker room for a rule(s) clarification. The host MRD will inform the on-site game administrator of the request and will determine if it meets the Pool Reporter criteria. Both individuals will go to the umpires’ locker room to notify the crew chief that a request for a Pool Reporter has been approved and the nature of the request. The umpires will be allowed a brief period to review the topic prior to admittance of the pool reporter. The crew chief will serve as the spokesperson. No question may be asked regarding a judgment call. It is required that the home MRD, or his/her designee, assign the Pool Reporter from the media present. All questions must be recorded and a printed sheet of the responses will be distributed to all media present. The recorded interview cannot be used for any live or taped distribution via any means, including but not limited to radio, television or Internet. A recording of the interview must be available for Big 12 Conference office use. The host MRD, or designee, must notify Big 12 Conference associate commissioner Bob Burda within 12 hours upon utilization of a Pool Reporter. Institutions will post the Pool Reporter Policy in the press box and umpires locker room.6.Regular Season Competition6.1Rules. All games played by the Big 12 Conference member institutions shall be conducted under NCAA rules.6.2Schedule. The Conference office will produce a 24-game schedule which features eight, three-game series for each team. Based upon an approved formula, an institution will play no more than four series at home in a given year.6.2.1Scheduling Obligations. Schedules for competition in all Conference sports shall be approved by the Conference. Once approved, Member Institutions shall be obligated to adhere to such schedules and any violation of this policy will subject the involved Member Institution to Conference enforcement procedures. (Conference Rule 10.5)6.3Champion. The Big 12 regular season champion will be the team with the best win-loss record (percentage-wise) for Conference games played. No team shall be eligible for the championship unless it has played a minimum of 16 Conference games on the schedule issued by the Conference office.6.3.1Big 12 Championship Qualification. No team shall be eligible for participation in the Big 12 Baseball postseason Championship unless it has played a minimum of 16 Conference games on the schedule issued by the Conference office. The winner of the Big 12 Baseball Championship shall be the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament. In the event the championship is terminated before completion, then the Big 12 regular season champion (No. 1-seeded team for the championship), will serve as the Conference’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA tournament (See Appendix A).6.4Length of Games. All games will be nine innings in length. Exceptions to this provision may be allowed for delays caused by inclement weather, poor field conditions or as outlined under rule 4.5.6 below. 6.5Sequence of Games. Member institutions shall mutually agree on the starting date of a series, including the sequence of contests within each three-game series. If the institutions cannot agree on a sequence of games or the starting date of the series, the weekend series will feature single games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and midweek series played with two games on Tuesday and a single game on Wednesday. All weekend series will be played in a maximum of three days; however, weekday series will be scheduled for two days.6.5.1Rain Days. There are no rain days for the Big 12 weekend series inasmuch as a maximum of three days are allowed to complete each series.6.5.2Makeup Games. There are no provisions for makeup games outside of the three-day window of schedule competition per weekend series; and two-day window for mid-week series.6.5.3Schedule Adjustment. Within two weeks of the start of a series, institutions may not delay, adjust or extend the three-day window after publication of the schedule by the home team, except if inclement weather or poor field conditions are imminent. In such a case, changes could be made by mutual agreement of the two teams and approval of the Commissioner, or designee, but must be made no later than the departure of the visiting team from its campus prior to a scheduled series.6.5.3.1Site Changes/Home Field Designation. Institutions will designate site(s) for home games by approximately December 1 and after that date games may be moved only within the immediate locale of the home team. The intent of this provision is to provide an adjustment in the site of a game to a nearby location when field or facility conditions prevent playing of the game(s) at the originally designated location. Any such adjustments must be approved by the Commissioner and cannot require major adjustments in the travel plans of either team.6.5.4Starting Time. The visiting team will be notified of starting times at least two weeks prior to each series.6.5.510-Run Rule. NCAA Rule 5-7-b-4 relative to the stoppage of play by a run-rule will be utilized in Big 12 play. By Conference rule, however, in Big 12 Conference play, the mercy-rule (10-run lead after the seventh inning) will be enforced only for double-headers, the last playing opportunity of a series and the non-championship games of the Big 12 Championship. For non-conference games, this rule will apply only by mutual consent prior to the start of the contest.6.5.6Suspended Games. If a game, other than the last playing opportunity of a weekend series, has been halted, play is suspended with the game to be completed, if possible, the next day (within the Conference three-day window). The game shall proceed from the point of suspension and all playing rules shall apply. It shall be ruled a complete game if such a game is the last playing opportunity of a series and is an official game under baseball rules and the score is not tied. As a general guideline:If a suspended game has completed five innings and a doubleheader is scheduled the next day, the game will be resumed as a nine-inning game prior to the doubleheader, which would then consist of two seven-inning games.(b)If a suspended game went into extra innings and required a minimum of six innings to be played after resumption, only the first game of the doubleheader, which would be nine innings, would be played. If permissible within the Conference three-day window, the final game would be played the following day (nine innings).It is understood that it is not possible to cover all scenarios by rule and the philosophy of the Conference is to play all scheduled games as nine-inning contests within the three-day window. Special consideration will be given to minimizing missed class time and the transportation arrangements for the visiting team.6.5.6.1Games Per Day. No more than two games may be started on a single day. This provision does not preclude the conclusion of a suspended game and the start of a doubleheader.6.5.6.2Get-Away Day. Visiting teams utilizing commercial air transportation assume the responsibility for advising the home team of time constraints associated with such travel and should secure the latest possible departure time on get-away day. A minimum of five hours will be allowed from the scheduled start of the first game on get-away day and a scheduled commercial flight from an airport in the immediate locale of the home team. It is the responsibility of the visiting team to notify the home team of its travel itinerary (e.g. bus, commercial flight, charter flight, arrival and departure information, etc.) at least three weeks prior to a scheduled series. Any changes in the itinerary should be provided in writing immediately. Teams are encouraged to work together on coordinating get away day game times to allow for favorable air fares for the visiting institution. Coaches are encouraged to make best efforts to secure flight arrangement to avoid having to start Sunday games before 1:00, and to notify the home team well in advance if air travel arrangements necessitate an early start.6.5.6.3Series Conducted Adjacent to Final Exam Periods. Home teams are required to make accommodations to assist the visiting teams for series adjacent to final exam periods, including adjusting dates and times for the series. Teams which have completed final exams should make every effort to play series until completion even if such requires departing the day after the final day of competition.6.6Lights (Where applicable). It is the responsibility of the umpire crew chief to request that lights be turned on during play.6.7Tobacco. The use of all tobacco products by student-athletes and game personnel (e.g., coaches, umpires, athletic trainers, managers) is prohibited at the site of the game competition. The umpires’ jurisdiction begins with regard to this rule upon their arrival on the field or dugout in uniform. Umpires who use tobacco before, during or after a game in the vicinity of the site shall be reported to and punished by the proper disciplinary authority.6.8Seasons. The 132-day playing and practice dates end the last day of the conference championship (per NCAA rules). Per current NCAA regulations the first permissible practice date is January 24, with competition to begin no earlier than February 14. For the fall 2015 non-championship segment, practice may not begin prior to September 1.6.9Protest Procedure. When a game has been played under protest, and has followed the protocol of NCAA Baseball Rules and Interpretations 5-13.a, b, c and d in declaring the protest, the head coach, or designee, must file the protest in writing with the Conference office within eight (8) hours of the protested game’s completion. Immediately following the game, the protesting coach, or designee, must communicate directly with the Conference’s baseball liaison to inform him/her of the protest. Information contained in the written protest submitted to the Conference must include specific reference to the misapplied rule, the game situation, and description of the play/situation in question. The Conference commissioner, or designee, has authority to use any and all means at his/her disposal in reviewing the protest, and shall notify all affected parties of his/her decision within 12 hours of receiving the written protest. The decision of the commissioner, or designee, is final. If a protest is upheld for the final game of a series, the game would be ruled a “no contest” and its outcome would not be reflected in the participating teams’ win-loss records since the visiting team would have already returned to campus thus making a resumption of play from the point of protest not possible without a return trip to the host site.7.Awards7.1Weekly Awards. Player of the Week recognition will be awarded for pitcher, player and newcomer (player competing in his first year of eligibility). The weekly awards will be selected by a five-person media panel comprised of member institution’s radio announcers each Monday of the regular season. Honorees will receive certificates following the season. 7.2Team Trophy. The Big 12 champion/co-champion(s) will be awarded a trophy to be presented at their first game of the Conference Championship. 7.3Of the Year Awards. Individual awards include a plaque for the Player, Pitcher, Newcomer, Freshman, Coach, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Criteria for “Newcomer of the Year”:The “Newcomer of the Year” is considered a JC-transfer or anyone other than a true or redshirt freshman who has spent his first season in the Big 12 Conference. Criteria for “Freshman of the Year”:Each candidate must be a true or redshirt freshman. Criteria for “Scholar-Athlete of the Year”:The Scholar-Athlete of the Year must be a junior or senior in athletic and academic standing; cumulative GPA of at least 3.2; participation in at least 60% of team’s scheduled contests, and minimum of one year in residence at the institution. (Effective 2012-13);7.4All-Conference Teams. The leagues head coaches will select annually 17-member first- and 17-member second-team All-Conference squads. Each All-Conference team will consist of five (5) non-position specific infield spots, one (1) catcher, three (3) non-position specific outfielders, one (1) designated hitter, one (1) utility player, four (4) starting pitchers, and two (2) relief pitchers. First-team All-Conference selections will receive medallions, while second-team choices are awarded certificates. Honorable Mention (those receiving at least one vote) will receive press release recognition only. 7.5All-Freshman Team. An All-Freshman team as selected by the league’s head coaches will be recognized annually consisting of no more than 12 players, and not restricted by position. 7.6Voting Procedure. Coaches’ votes for the 2014 Big 12 All-Conference teams and individual awards are due by 5 p.m. CT on Sunday of the final day of the regular season (May 18). Voting will be coordinated on-line through a password protected intranet site. The coaches participating in the Conference Championship will meet following the Monday, May 19 pre-championship meeting to review the All-Conference team selections. The coach from the non-participating institution has the option to participate via conference call. The 2014 Big 12 All-Conference team and individual award winners will be announced Tuesday, May 20.7.6.1Voting. Coaches cannot vote for their own student-athletes or themselves. Conference sportsmanship principles apply to voting for Conference awards.7.7All-Academic Team. The 2014 Academic All-Big 12 Baseball Team will be announced May 15, 2014. First Team CriteriaA student-athlete must have achieved a GPA of at least 3.20. This GPA can be either cumulative or from the two previous semesters. A student-athlete must have participated in 60 percent of the team’s scheduled contests (with the exception of baseball and softball pitchers at 20 percent).Freshman and transfer student-athletes are not eligible during their first year of academic residence.Senior student-athletes in their final year of athletic eligibility who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all criteria except percent of participation are eligible. A student-athlete must maintain a 4.00 GPA over the last two semesters or cumulative, in order to be recognized with a perfect GPA.First-team honorees will receive a disc award.Second Team CriteriaA student-athlete must have achieved a GPA of at least 3.00. This GPA can be either cumulative or from the two previous semesters. A student-athlete must have participated in 60 percent of the team’s scheduled contests (with the exception of baseball and softball pitchers at 20 percent).Freshmen and transfer students-athletes are not eligible during their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes in their final year of athletic eligibility who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all criteria except percent of participation are eligible.Second-team honorees will receive a certificate.The academic classification used in selection of the teams is based on athletic eligibility/classification and not academic year. Therefore, a fourth-year student-athlete may not have the participation quota waived under the senior guidelines if he/she is approved to compete for an additional year. A mid-year transfer student-athlete that participates in a two-semester sport (e.g., basketball, wrestling) is eligible for Academic All-Big 12 Team recognition after participating in 60 percent of the team’s scheduled contests that occur upon satisfying applicable transfer requirements. 7.7.1Academic Awards Summary. All academic awards are summarized below.Academic Awards SummaryCriteriaAnnouncedAwardAcademic All-Big 12 First TeamMin. 3.20 GPA plus participation and eligibility requirements May 15, 2014Disc AwardAcademic All-Big 12 Second TeamMin. 3.00 GPA plus participation and eligibility requirements May 15, 2014CertificateDr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award100 hours of earned credit with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.80 or higher. Mar. 4, 2014PlaqueAll-Rookie Academic TeamMin. 3.00 GPA plus participation and eligibility requirements described aboveJune 2014CertificateCommissioner’s Honor RollSemester GPA of at least 3.0.End of each semesterCertificate8.Ancillary Game Management8.1Dugout Personnel. The dugout should be limited to players in uniform, coaches, institutional administrative representatives, and an appropriate number of managers, trainers/medical staff and bat handlers. No other individuals should occupy the dugout. (Please refer to rule 3.1 Travel Squad and the restrictions placed upon ancillary travel squad members accompanying a team for a non-conference series adjacent to a Conference series.)8.2Public Address Announcer. The basis of a successful public address announcer lies in the selection of a competent, responsible and informative announcer. It is essential that the public address announcer be alert to provide helpful and stimulating comments and information, but it is likewise vital to remember to be ancillary to the game and not an attraction. The basic rule is to be thorough but always underplay the part.8.3Team Mascots. The policy regarding mascots on the field is a home-team administrative responsibility; however, no mascot shall be on the field during play. At no time may mascots interact with opposing players, coaches or game officials.8.4Bat Handlers. It is the responsibility of home-team management to assure that bat handlers, ball shaggers and/or other game personnel are familiar with the rules of baseball and ground rules of the facility.8.5Game Manager. The host athletics director or his/her designee should meet briefly with the umpire crew chief approximately 60 minutes before each game and with a visiting team representative to inform them where he or she will be located during the contest in case of a situation that requires action by game management (e.g., misbehavior by fans). This person must be available throughout the duration of the contest and is not to be part of the host institution’s baseball staff unless approved by the Conference office.8.6Post Game Protocol. Conference members should develop a protocol that ensures the protection of teams, coaches, officials and administrative staffs, particularly in the event of a post game celebration. In addition, institutions should conduct video surveillance of student sections and of any incidents of fans rushing the field, with video of such occurrences being provided to a campus senior administrator for student affairs for appropriate adjudication.9.Issues Not Addressed. Issues not addressed directly by NCAA, Big 12, or intercollegiate baseball rules; these procedures or the accompanying appendices will be acted upon by the Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, alone, or in concert with the Board of Athletics Directors.BIG 12 CONFERENCESPORTSMANSHIP AND ETHICAL CONDUCT(Appendix A)excerpt from the Conference HandbookPrinciples of Sportsmanship and Standards for Conduct. The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. The member institutions of the Big 12 Conference place great importance on the principles of sportsmanship and the ideal of pursuing victory with honor in intercollegiate athletics. Participation in athletics, including as a spectator, is a privilege and not a right.General Statements of Responsibility. All those associated with the Conference athletic programs, including University personnel as well as fans, have responsibility to conduct themselves consistent with the principles of sportsmanship. The Conference adopts the following minimum standards of responsibility.Institutional Responsibility. The Big 12 member institutions have the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure that all university employees, students, and others in attendance at athletics events conduct themselves in a dignified manner and exhibit respect and courtesy towards game officials, other institutions and their employees, students (including student-athletes) and fans.Athletics Department Responsibility. The Institution’s Athletic Director shall have the responsibility to effectively communicate to all athletics department staff, coaches and student-athletes the basic principles of sportsmanship and standards for conduct. It must be made clear that concerns about Conference programs, such as officiating, and about other member institutions must be addressed within the Conference’s governance structure and not in a public forum.Game Management Responsibility. The Institution’s Athletic Director shall have responsibility to take reasonable steps to create an environment that is fair and safe for visiting teams. The athletics director, or his/her designee, must contact the visiting coach of a spectator sport to address any issues and identify the game manager who can respond to concerns during the contest and the location of this individual during the contest. Each institution must arrange its seating at spectator events so as to emphasize sportsmanship and minimize harassment of the visiting teams. Coach Responsibility. Coaches are expected to be role models and have the greatest influence over the young people in their programs and must continually emphasize the need for sportsmanship. Coaches have responsibility to control the behavior of their student-athletes and staff members to ensure they are demonstrating respect for their opponents, the game officials and the game itself. Coaches shall remain in their designated areas during a contest and refrain from behavior to incite the crowd toward negative conduct. Conference Responsibility. The Commissioner of the Conference shall have responsibility to promote and enforce these principles and standards of conduct in connection with all athletics events involving a member institution, including competition against non-conference institutions. The Commissioner shall have broad authority to interpret the standards, review disciplinary action taken by member institutions and further penalize those deemed to have violate the standards.Violations. Violations of this rule requiring actions by the Commissioner are:Verbal or Physical Abuse. Prior to, during and after a contest, coaches, student-athletes, and members of the athletics department staff and spirit squads are prohibited from committing verbal or physical abusive acts toward game officials or an opponent’s team members, coaching staff, institutional personnel or ments about Officiating. Coaches, student-athletes, and members of the athletics department staff are prohibited from making any public comment regarding the game officials or the officiating at any contest. The public airing of officiating matters, whether directly or indirectly, during or after a game, verbally or by use of video, on or off the record, is prohibited. Comments about Other Members. Coaches, student-athletes, and members of the athletics department staff are prohibited from making public comments that are negative about other member institutions, including, but not limited to, negative comments about the personnel, student-athletes, support groups and general matters related to the university, its location, etc. Processing of Possible Violations. When a member institution has reason to believe that a violation of Section 12.3 has occurred, it shall be reported immediately to the Commissioner. Written communication between the Conference and the involved institution shall include copies to the president or chancellor and faculty athletics representative. Report of Commissioner. After the Commissioner becomes aware of a possible violation of these rules, he/she or a designated Conference staff member will gather all information available for review of the matter. If the Commissioner concludes that a violation occurred, a report will be provided to the athletics director(s) of the institution(s) involved which will set forth the Commissioner’s findings and penalty, if any, to be imposed. Response by Institution. After the receipt of the Commissioner’s report, the athletics director(s) of the involved institution(s) shall within 24 hours of receipt of the report submit a response to the Commissioner indicating the institution’s position on the matter. Final Decision by the Commissioner. Within 24 hours of the receipt of the institution’s response, the Commissioner will send his final report to the athletics director(s) of the involved institution(s). The university will have 24 hours after receipt of the Commissioner’s final decision to indicate in writing to the Commissioner whether or not it will appeal his/her decision under the provisions of Section 12.6 below. Delegation of Authority and Timing Waiver. The Commissioner or Director of Athletics may designate another member of their staff to act on their behalf and the Commissioner shall have the authority to waive the timing requirements set forth above.Penalties. The penalties that may be imposed by the Commissioner for violation of these standards may include, but are not limited to, private and public reprimand, institutional fines, and suspension from practice and/or competition. Violation by a Director of the Board, Other Institutional Personnel, Institutional Board Member. The members of the Conference Board of Directors, high ranking institutional staff outside of athletics and institutional board members are obligated to adhere to these sportsmanship rules. The Commissioner shall submit a report to the full Board if it is alleged that such personnel have violated the rules. The Board has sole authority to consider the allegation and will determine whether a violation occurred and the penalty, if any, to be assessed. Appeals. Only the president or chancellor of a member institution may submit an appeal on behalf of the institution or individual affected by the final disciplinary action of the Commissioner involving a suspension from competition or fine or forfeiture of a game. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the Commissioner within 24 hours after receiving the final decision. In all other cases, the Commissioner’s decisions shall be final. The Board of Directors, or its designated committee, shall be the body to consider the appeal and shall do so as expeditiously as possible. The Board may increase or decrease any penalty imposed by the Commissioner. Appeal Hearing. Once an appeal has been timely filed, a hearing in person or by teleconference will be conducted by the Board as expeditiously as possible. A minimum of three Directors of institutions not involved in the incidents that resulted in the Commissioner’s penalty will be required to hear the appeal. The president or chancellor making the appeal must participate in the rmation Considered by Board. The president or chancellor filing the appeal must submit a written statement outlining the reasons for the appeal to the other Directors at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. In addition, the Conference office will submit its report, along with other relevant material (e.g., video, media reports, statements by witnesses, etc.) for the Board’s consideration. Hearing Process. If the chair of the Board cannot participate, he/she will appoint a chair of the appeal hearing from the Directors who will hear the appeal. The president or chancellor making the appeal will make an opening statement after the hearing is called to order by the chair for the hearing. The Conference staff will participate and will issue an opening statement as well. The hearing then will be open for discussion between all parties participating after which the chair will require that everyone except the Directors hearing the case. The Directors then will deliberate and make a determination to uphold, modify or reject the Commissioner’s final decision. In modifying the decision, the Directors are authorized to decrease or increase the Commissioner’s penalties. The chair will then contact the Commissioner to relay the Board’s decision and the Commissioner will notify the president or chancellor who submitted the appeal. Final Decision. The decision of the Appeal Board shall be final.12.6Processing Sportsmanship Violations During Conference Championships. In recognition that an expedient process is required during championship events to address possible violations related to Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, all decisions of the Commissioner, or designee, are considered final, and are not subject to appeal.BIG 12 CONFERENCECHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION(Appendix B)1.Championship Qualification. No team shall be eligible for participation in the Big 12 Baseball Championship unless it has played a minimum of 16 Conference games on the regular season schedule issued by the Conference office. The Conference office will annually produce a 24-game schedule which features nine, three-game series for each team. Based upon an approved formula, an institution will play no more than five series at home in a given year.2.NCAA Automatic Qualification. The winner of the Big 12 Baseball Championship shall be the automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament. In the event the championship is terminated before completion, then the Big 12 regular season champion (No. 1-seeded team for the championship), will serve as the Conference’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA tournament.3.Big 12 Champion. The winner of the Big 12 regular season shall be recognized as the Big 12 Baseball Champion.4.Format. The eight teams with the best records (percentage-wise) in regular season competition will qualify for the Big 12 Baseball Championship. The general format/bracket of the Championship is attached. In the event of a tie or ties in the standings, the following tie-breaking system will be implemented.(a)If two teams are tied, head-to-head competition will be used to break a tie.(b)If two teams remain tied, the winner of the first game of the Conference series between the two tied teams will be used.c)If two teams remain tied, there will be a comparison of the records of the tied teams against the highest place team(s) in descending order from top to bottom until the tie is broken; or,(d)If two teams remain tied, there will be a drawing to determine the seed or qualification for the tournament;(e)If three or more teams are tied, there will be a comparison of head-to-head records in a ‘mini round-robin’ of tied teams, followed by steps (a), (b), c, and (d). Once a team has been eliminated from a multi-team comparison, it is dropped from further comparisons.5.Site Selection. Chickasaw BrickTown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been selected as the host city for the 2014 championship.6.Administrative Manual. The Big 12 Conference office will prepare a championship administrative manual. BIG 12 CONFERENCEVIDEO BOARD (IN-STADIUM TELEVISION) POLICY(Appendix C)The intent of limitations related to in-stadium video board operation is to reduce the risk of interference with game management procedures. This policy allows for the use of all replays at full speed but institutions are asked to be cautious in showing controversial replays.The showing of replays in-stadium shall conform to specifications in accordance with NCAA Baseball Rules, Appendix B.1.Controversial Replays. While Conference procedures allow for unlimited showing of controversial replays at full speed, institutions are asked to use good judgment in their use and to maintain balance in showing plays that protect the interests of both teams. Controversial replays would include, but are not be limited to, a situation where a ball is ruled fair or foul, close plays at the base/plate, or another situation that could incite a violent crowd reaction toward participants. [It is acknowledged that the setting for college baseball differs from professional baseball and institutions should value the protection of the game and its participants above the aesthetics provided to fans and advertisers by in-stadium video.] (Updated 2013-14)2.Non-Controversial Replays. Institutions are permitted to show replays of non-controversial calls in a manner consistent with sportsmanship and good taste. These replays may be shown multiple times and at slow motion.3.Live Shots. In the spirit of sportsmanship, it is requested that institutions refrain from showing coaches and game officials involved in discussions; inappropriate demonstration by coaches and/or players; and, other situations that could embarrass or jeopardize the safety of game participants via in-stadium production.4.Penalty. Institutions with in-stadium video opportunities have agreed to serve as a policy board related to infractions of these policies. Violations of these established guidelines could eliminate an institutions ability to show multiple and slow motion replays. BIG 12 CONFERENCECHANGE OF SCHEDULE POLICY^(Appendix D)The host institution is responsible for initiating the change of schedule notification by sending an e-mail to the following individuals:visiting team’s administrator;conference office liaison;coordinator of officials; andcopy all relevant personnel (coach, event manager, etc.) at the host institution.This form can be accessed and downloaded through: . If needed, contact Rob Carolla (469/524-1011, or rcarolla@) for your institutional username and password.The visiting team’s administrator should “reply all” as to acceptance of the change and copy his/her institution’s relevant personnel. The change of schedule should not be considered final until the visiting team has indicated its agreement.Please attach this form to the e-mail or include the necessary information in the body of the message. Thank you.Sport: _________________________ ________________________ (visiting team) at ________________________ (home team)Type of Change:Original InformationProposed ChangesSite:___________________________Site:___________________________Date(s):___________________________Date(s):___________________________Time(s):___________________________Time(s):___________________________Additional Information:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________E-mail DirectorySportConference LiaisonE-mailCoord. of OfficialsE-mailMobile PhoneBaseballBob Burdabob@Rich Fetchietplateman@umich.edu734-637-2861^Notes: Changes that occur while on-site due to weather (e.g., during baseball/softball series), do not need email notification. Work with on-site officials and coordinator in concert with home team game management.Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship BracketChickasaw BrickTown BallparkOklahoma City, OKMay 21-25(Appendix E)WednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdayMay 24SundayMay 21May 22May 23May 25Division One Game 19 a.m.Winner Game 7Game 7Winner Game 74 p.m.*Game 13Game 2Game 11(if necessary)Division Winner12:30 p.m.9 a.m.4 p.m.Loser Game 7Loser Game 1Winner Game 11Game 9Game 53:15 p.m.Winner Game 99 a.m.Winner Game 5Loser Game 2Game 154:30 p.m.Division TwoGame 34 p.m.Winner Game 8Game 8Winner Game 87:30 p.m.**Game 14Game 4Game 12(if necessary)7:30 p.m.12:30 p.m.***7:30 p.m.Division WinnerLoser Game 8Loser Game 3Winner Game 12Game 10Game 67 p.m.Winner Game 1012:30 p.m.Winner Game 6Loser Game 4Seeds and game times are TBD until the regular season has been complete.Day One matchups will feature: Division One – Seeds 1 vs. 8, 4 vs. 5 ? Division Two – Seeds 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6.*Game 13 will be necessary if the winner of Game 9 also wins Game 11.**Game 14 will be necessary if the winner of Game 10 also wins Game 12.***if Game 13 is unnecessary, Game 14 will be played at 4 p.m. rather than 7:30 p.m.Note: If both bracket winners are undefeated after Game 12, Game 13 & 14 will not be played and the two undefeated teams will play in the championship game on Sunday at 1 p.m.Division 1 consists of seeds #1, 4, 5 and 8 ? Division 2 consists of seeds #2, 3, 6 and 7Rainout PolicyIn the event the championship is terminated before completion, the Big 12 regular-season champion (#1 seeded team for the championship), will serve as the Conference’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA tournament. ................
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