Welcome to the home of the
Northwest Independent
Baseball League

Portland, Or. 4/14/09 – League Information

Do you miss the crack of a baseball rocketing off a WOOD BAT? Do you miss puttin' on metal spikes and gettin' dirty diving for that "web gem" play? Miss the thrill of blowing a fastball by a hitter? Getting mobbed by your team for that walk off hit that drives in the winning run? We play hard and we play to win but most importantly we have fun.

So if you are a former or current player who has what it takes to compete, EMAIL US NOW. We are gearing up for this season! Catchers, LH Pitchers, and LH Hitters welcome!

2009 NWIBL ADULT WOOD BAT SUMMER LEAGUE play will consist of each team playing 20 league games, starting play May 16, no league games Memorial Day weekend (May 23, 24 & 25) or July 3 thru 5 (4th of July weekend). All teams will then advance to the League Championship Tournaments, scheduled for August 6 thru 9 with the American and National Champions advancing to the 1st Annual NWIBL Adult Summer Series August 15, 16 & 17
If you have a team or want Tryout Information call
Duane Wangenheim 866.858.1174 Baseball@nwibl.org

Northwest Independent Baseball League Try Out Information Here

Looking for talented teams and players....18 and over

18+ teams and 25+ teams

So get a glove and come try out April 5 2009 12 noon to 3 pm
at Sckavone Stadium...the NWIBL has a team waiting for you......

NEW PLAYER REGISTRATION/WORKOUT/DRAFT

SATURDAY April 25, 2009 @ SCKAVONE FIELD
12 Noon to 2 PM

baseball_tryouts@nwibl.org

Try Out Information Here

Register Now Here

New Player Summer Forms

Register your team for Fall Leagues Now
18+ 45+
Baseball@nwibl.org

Northwest Independent Baseball League
Info

Most players who pay the League registration dues will get drafted, so you've got a great chance of playing. In subsequent years some players move up to a more competitive division after showing their skills, or
polishing their skills after many years of inactivity. With different age/skill Divisions, we have room for most all ages and most all levels of talent. If you do not get drafted, we will promptly refund your money.

Players may sign up as a free agent and sub for teams in need of players during the season. There is a $20 playing fee when called to play and will be charged to credit card on file unless other arrangement are made prior to start of game. Players may be assigned to tams up to June 30 at a prorated league fee.

What if you get drafted by a team and refuse to report?

Simply put, you don't get to play and you don't get a refund. The NWIBL wants to ensure parity, which is the reason for the NWIBL Draft. Before the actual Draft, you need to decide if you really have the time,
desire and money to play. Certainly not after! To be fair to the team drafting you, you should be available to play in at least 75% of the games. If you refuse to report after being drafted, you will not be able to play
in the NWIBL for two (2) years. And there will be no refund of your registration dues. If you “drop out” on the team that drafted you, that team loses a valuable draft pick and will be without a player for a full season.
Thus, the severe penalty.

Do you need to be in shape?

Like Manny Ramirez once said, “I’m not an athlete, I’m a baseball player.” So there is hope for all of us. At this level, the player who is in good condition can often times out perform a more skilled player.

What if you have not played for awhile?

Welcome to the crowd. Almost everyone now playing in the NWIBL had not played for a number of years. If you played some high school baseball, you probably won’t have any trouble competing. Actually, there
are some good players in the League who were outstanding athletes in other sports, but never played baseball during their youth. Give it a whirl; there is no cost to try out.

What about equipment?

Besides purchasing your uniform, there’s your glove, cleats (metal or plastic) and other personal gear that you must have. Most teams will have bats to use, but these usually belong to individual players. You are
encouraged to have your own wood bat and batting helmet. A helmet that fits can be purchased for $15-40 from a baseball catalog or a sporting goods store. Wood Bats and Wood Composite -3 are the only bats
allowed........are mandatory. No bat may have a differential of greater than –3 and must be BESR certified (Length can’t be more than 3 ounces more than the weight in ounces). corked bats will be removed from play and the player suspended for 3 games.

For the Tryouts, you are strongly encouraged to bring your own bat and helmet. Generally, each catcher has his own equipment. Don’t forget to mark your equipment in case it gets misplaced.

Where are the games played?

As the premier adult league in the area, we are privileged to play on the best fields available in the greater Portland area. These fields are located at Sckavone Stadium, Walker Field and Clark Community
College The league will play approximately 100 games this season. We continually strive to improve the overall field quality in our game inventory through feedback from teams and by working with the schools
and communities who provide the venues.

When are the games?

Generally, teams will average two (2) games per week over the regular season with fewer games in May and June and more games in July and August. Weekday games on unlit fields usually begin at 6:00 pm at lighted fields. Games will last seven innings; a few will end earlier due to darkness or field-specific time limits.

Is there a minimum playing time rule?

The NWIBL does have a 2 hour 30 minute rule with no inning starting after the 2 hour 15 minute spot. Many teams have policies of playing every player who shows up for the game both offensively and in the field.

Rainouts

We'll have rainouts, no doubt. The League Rainout Line is 503.477.8972. Every effort is made to post rainout information at least 2 hours before the scheduled first pitch. Obviously, at times this is impossible. Be
patient. Remember, you're not the only one playing on any given day. Some Saturdays or Sundays we'll be playing games league-wide, so there are a lot of field conditions to monitor. The rainout hotline
can be called 24 hours a day. Some days it will be updated numerous times. An effort will be made to contact the manager of a team whose game is rained out, but at times this can't be done. Every player is
encouraged to call the Rainout Line several times throughout the day.

What is the role of the Manager?

The manager is the key to the overall success of this League. He is the main link between you and the League, especially with respect to communications. He must attend all monthly NWIBL General Meetings, handle
all administration and managerial functions. The manager may appoint an on-the-field manager, but in the eyes of the League the manager is the boss of his team. Click up at top in the menu on manager to learn
more about the manager’s role. However, the game strategy and decision making responsibilities on game day are those of the Field Manager, not the manager.

At the end of each season, every manager’s performance may be reviewed by the League. It takes a majority vote of the team’s players to "fire" a manager, and they must have a qualified replacement for the
ousted manager. This may be done at any time.

Once on a team, can I change teams?

No, not within your division, unless a suitable trade can be worked out. You can request to be traded at any time as long as both Managers agree and the League approves it. If you are unhappy at the
end of a season, you may go back into the Draft the following year by trying out again and, if you are selected, you can join another team within that division. Once you are on a team’s roster, you are no longer a
free agent within that division. For more information, please read the Player’s Rights document.

What umpires are used in the NWIBL?

The best available. The same professional umpires are used by the local high schools and colleges. Like the players, they make mistakes, but experience has proven that overall they make fewer mistakes (both
mental and physical) than the players.

How does the NWIBL deal with discipline?

The best approach is not to find out. We are very severe to those who choose to not obey our rules. For example, a player was suspended for 7 games (with no pro rated refund) for spitting sunflower seeds on an
artificial turf field, which is against the rules. Several players have been given lifetime NWIBL bans for misconduct. If the rules say you can't do something, don't do it. Because we are all adults, every player is
expected to conduct him or herself beyond reproach. The excellent reputation of our League allows us to play on the best fields available. The NWIBL has established itself as being more than just a "beer
league", so there are enormous penalties (and possible expulsion from the League) for any bad conduct on or near the playing fields. Ask for a set of rules if you have any questions. Your manager has a
copy. They are on the website as well. When administering any punishment, the League will assume that you were fully aware of these rules before any such violation occurred. It’s not possible to register online
without agreeing to the Rules of Conduct

When does the season begin and end?

It generally runs from early-May to the end of August. NWIBL Divisional Playoffs run for several weeks in August. Previous attempts to start our season earlier were met with too many rainouts and a lack of playing
fields which are occupied by youth teams.

How about Holidays during the NWIBL season?

There normally are no regular season games scheduled on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends. It is up to the team to request to play on a holiday weekend before the game schedule is finalized.
Some NWIBL teams choose to play in tournaments over the Memorial Day Weekend, July 4th and Labor Day Weekend.

What Division's can you play in?

It depends on your age. Whatever your age, you can always “play down” into a lower age bracket, assuming you are good enough. Unless you are an exceptional player, we encourage you to stay in your own age
category. On the registration form you may indicate whether you hope to play in the most competitive division regardless of age or that you prefer to play with players your own age.

2009 teams are open to all ages .

Again, your calendar age applies in order to be eligible to play. In other words, if your birthday is on December 31st, whatever your age is at that time qualifies you to play in the appropriate Division / age bracket
during that preceding summer season. For example, if a player doesn’t become age 28 until December 31, 2009, he is still eligible to play in the (28 and over) Division during the 2009 season (as well as in any
of the 18+ Divisions). There is no age restriction for female players. They can “play up” despite the fact that they may be younger than the required age bracket.

Can you play in two (2) Divisions?

You can do this, however, you must pay two (2) registration dues, with a discount applied to your 2nd team. The dues for your 2nd team are approximately 80% the dues that's owed for your 1st priority division
team. You must indicate which Division will be your priority team in the event there is a game conflict in the schedule. This enables the managers on both teams to know your intentions in advance.

What about Medical Insurance?

Each player is personally responsible for any medical expenses as a result of an injury while playing in the NWIBL. While the League has a liability policy, it does not provide medical insurance for players.

Whom should you contact if you have any further questions?

Our website address is www.NWIBL.ORG. . Questions should be only directed to Duane Wangenheim the head of NWIBL 866-858-1174

The NWIBL telephone has a voice mail system which will have important information and updates on the Tryouts, Draft and other issues. The League telephone number is 503-477-8972.

If and when you are drafted by a team, your main contact will be your Manager.

All tryout sessions are FREE. Under no circumstances will a player be allowed on the field prior to filling out and signing a Registration Form. For this, there are no exceptions. Our Insurance requires it.

Thank you for interest and/or participation in the NWIBL. We hope to see you at the tryouts!

Please review the NWIBL Terms and Conditions:

2008 NWIBL Player Registration

The following Northwest Independent Baseball League (hereinafter referred to as the “League” or “NWIBL”) Refund Policy must be acknowledged and accepted in order to proceed to the Registration forms. If a
player does not wish to accept the League Refund Policy, the registration process will stop and the player will not be able to play in the NWIBL.

NWIBL Player Dues Refund Policy

Once a player has paid his annual dues to become a member of the Puget Sound Senior Baseball League, the League will not refund dues to players who refuse to play for the team they are drafted by or are
returning to. In these cases, the league will make efforts to arrange a trade with another team, but cannot guarantee that such a trade will be completed. managers are required to fill out their rosters with
a minimum of 15 full dues paying players to cover the cost of playing a full season of baseball. As stated on the registration form, any player refusing to report or play will be banned from the league for two years
and no refund of dues will be made.

However, if a player is forced to leave a team due to season-ending injury prior to the team completing half the regular season schedule (but in no instance after the 20th of July) a player may submit a request for
a pro-rated refund of their membership dues which will be calculated based on the number of games remaining in the season for the team or teams in question AT THE TIME THE REQUEST IS SUBMITTED TO
THE LEAGUE TREASURER.

If a player breaks a bone in the second game of the season but waits until the 10th game of the season to submit a refund request, the refund will be based on the 10 games left to play, not the 18 games left at
the time of the injury. The refund will be based on a flat rate of $20 plus $10.00 per game not played from the date the refund is requested. All other remaining dues paid are non-refundable. This includes $50 of
the original registration dues, as well as any other extra dues or late registration charges.

PLEASE NOTE: TEAMS MUST MAINTAIN 15 PAID PLAYERS FOR ANY REFUND TO BE ISSUED. Teams will be required to add players to fill out the roster to 15 prior to a refund being issued to an injured or
relocated player.

NWIBL Player Conduct & Maintenance Rules

The following is a compilation of all field rules. To be on the safe side, please apply ALL of these guidelines to EVERY field. Those who fail to observe these rules will face consequences.

Our number one rule in the League is simple and carries over from year to year: All field supervisors, groundskeepers, etc. must be treated with maximum respect. Acquiring quality fields to play on takes an
enormous amount of time and effort each year. However, we can be barred from a field for a single player’s actions. If your actions cause the League to lose games at a field, be prepared to face disciplinary
action. The same respect for field personnel must also be given to all umpires as well as to your opponents and teammates.

Managers: Do not play ineligible players (unpaid, un-signed), ever... no exception. This is one rule where there will be extreme sanctions levied, as the consequences could put the League in serious jeopardy.
You must have submitted a player application prior to a player playing
in ay league practice or official game. Required by our insurance.

Conduct Rules

WOOD BATS and Wood Composit ONLY No bats greater than a -3 differential (BESR certified)-penalties enforced for use of illegal bats. NO CORKED BATS
Do not use profane language, alcohol, controlled substances or tobacco.
Do not smoke anywhere on or near the playing field.
Do not urineate on the fields use the restrooms.
No fighting, threatening, obscene or indecent conduct.
Stay on the warning tracks/pathways when possible, and ALWAYS when on deck (not on grass!!).
Do not take batting practice on the field before or in between games of doubleheaders.
Do not (intentionally) throw or hit balls into the fence. USE OF WIFFLE BALLS OK
Do not play pepper in front of the dugouts (outfield only).
Do not jump over fences to gain access to fields if gates are locked. Stadiums are for league games only.
Warm-up, throw, and stretch in the outfield and not in the infield or in front of the dugouts.
Do not stand or play catch on the foul lines during pre-game warm-ups.
No animals on the field or in dugouts.
Non-roster persons (i.e. children, fans) are NOT permitted in the dugout or on the playing field.
Do not park illegally to avoid a towing or parking ticket.
Pick up all trash, litter, bottles, etc. after each game, even if it's not yours.
No glass allowed on the field or in dugouts.
If the umpires call the game (rain), do not practice on the field.

Most fields will provide field preparations and maintenance. However, you should still leave the field in the same condition in which you found it. Feel free to ask maintenance personnel if you can help. If you are
responsible for field maintenance (we aren't at most fields), make sure it gets done. Both teams will pitch in, the home team will be held "responsible." Complimenting our field providers and workers when
appropriate is strongly encouraged. On the few fields where we are required to help with maintenance, please observe the following:

Rake dirt out of and away from the grass and do not place tarps on the grass...dirt only.
Fill in any holes on the mound and/or batters boxes before putting on tarps.
Put away all equipment (including bases if needed) and lock storage areas.
Lock up field, if applicable.

Contact Duane Wangenheim (866-858-1174) with any questions or concerns. baseball@nwibl.org

For Registration problems or changes, please contact Duane Wangenheim (866-858-1174) with any questions or concerns. baseball@nwibl.org
if you need to make a change to your registration later.

Use this handy form to send us your thoughts
Feedback form

Contact Northwest Independent Baseball League Duane Wangenheim 866.858.1174 Baseball@nwibl.org

Northwest Independent Baseball League Summer Bylaws and Rules