Monday, November 16, 2015

2015 UEFL Rules Summit Ballot and Voting

Voting for the 2015 UEFL Rules Summit is now underway following last week's discussion phase. It is now time to vote for proposals to amend the UEFL Rules Book in advance of the 2016 baseball season.

The following ballot includes a list of proposals, descriptions of each measure, and an opportunity to cast a vote. Upon Commissioner approval, all passing proposals will become rules for the 2015 UEFL season. The Rules Summit ballot also includes a section for the UEFL Appeals Board pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-4-a-4, which affords Appeals Board members the opportunity to sit for re-election during the annual Summit.

Proposals with two options (Yes/No) will pass upon receiving an absolute majority of votes cast while proposals with more than two options require a plurality, wherein the combination of votes cast for similar options in that specific poll has resulted in a simple majority in favor of the option gaining plurality. For more information on Rules Summit procedure, consult UEFL Rule 8-3.

The Rules Summit ballot will close Saturday, November 21, at 11:59 pm PST. A run-off ballot and/or election, if necessary, will follow.

The 2015 Rules Summit includes 12 polls related to proposals and five Appeals Board re-election polls. Carefully consider the below options before submitting your ballot. You may vote in as many or as few polls as you wish. We will review voting records to determine ballot authenticity and adjust the record accordingly to account for suspicious or fraudulent activity or misconduct. Click "read more" to access the ballot.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Australian Baseball Ejection: Riley Barrington

Offseason activity as Australian Baseball League 3B Umpire Riley Barrington ejected Sydney Blue Sox Manager Jason Pospishil for arguing a safe (out of the base path non-) call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Bite-Blue Sox game. With none out and two on, Bite batter Tom Brice hit a 1-1 fastball from Blue Sox pitcher Alex Balog on a fly ball to left fielder Alex Howe, who threw to 3B Joshua Dean as Bite baserunner R2 Jordan Cowan attempted to advance to third base on the sacrifice fly. Replays indicate Cowan jumped around Dean, but are inconclusive as to the timing of Dean's tag attempt relative to the distance Cowan deviated from his base path to third base, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Bite were leading, 3-0. The Bite ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

Rule 5.09(b)(1) [pre-2015 Rule 7.08] states that a runner is out when, "He runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely."

Wrap: Adelaide Bite vs. Sydney Blue Sox (Australian Baseball League), 11/15/15
Video: Creative baserunning avoids the tag sliding into third base, prompting ejections theatrics (ABL)