League Structure

1. The New Americas Replay Conference (NARC) will be maintained according to the provisions set forth in these Bylaws. All provisions will be enforced by the league officer(s) as required.

2. Any league member in good standing may propose changes and amendments to the Bylaws. Any change must follow the amendment process as documented in that section of the Bylaws.

3. All games will be played using the computer game, Diamond Mind Baseball (DMB). The league is committed to staying up-to-date with game versions but no upgrades will be made once the league begins play without unanimous approval of the league membership.

4. This is a winter league. Refer to the rules governing the schedule to determine exactly when games are played.

5. A signature feature of NARC is the non-intrusive way we blend league participation into our real lives. Rules concerning instructions and series results allow our league members maximum flexibility in scheduling their time.

6. League Officers
   1. A Commissioner will be elected/confirmed, from the membership expressing their intent to remain active, at the end of each season. The Commissioner will be responsible for overseeing normal league operations and enforcing league rules when appropriate. Although the Commissioner can't make unilateral changes to the Bylaws, he does have final power of interpretation in cases of ambiguity. If, at any point, the Commissioner becomes inactive or is not in good standing, a new Commissioner will be elected immediately.
   2. Assistants may be appointed at the discretion of the Commissioner to handle specific league operations or to research specific projects. Appointments will be made without regard for payment or other special privileges.

7. The league will consist of twenty-four (24) teams. Expansions will be discussed as major league baseball expands. The intent is to prevent an all-star league.
   1. The league will consist of two conferences -- Junior and Senior. Each conference will be approximately equal in size. Both conferences will allow the use of the designated hitter.
   2. Each conference will further be broken down into two divisions approximately equal in size. The divisions in the Junior Conference will be named Sidd Finch and J. Henry Waugh. The two Senior Conference divisions will be named Earnshaw Cook and Archie Graham.
   3. Alignment will be done with highest consideration for ease of play. Special consideration will be given to teams desiring head-to-head play. Realignment can only be proposed at the conclusion of a season. The final Division configuration must be approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the league membership.

8. Team rights will be retained, year over year, by a league member. Members will not be permitted to exchange teams.

9. Player rights will be retained, year over year, by each team except when altered by one of the accepted activities included in these Bylaws.

1. Proposed amendments (proposals) must be sponsored by a league member. That person must be in good standing.

2. Sponsors must present their proposals openly to the league for discussion. Comments from league members will be seriously considered in preparation of the final proposal. Discussion should continue until members stop offering new points or ideas.

3. The sponsor is responsible for writing up the final proposal. It must identify the section(s) of the Bylaws that need to be changed and the updated text to add. It is possible for one proposal to alter many sections of the Bylaws.

4. In order to prevent the league from entering into a never-ending session of proposals, the sponsor must have named support from at least three other league members in good standing. These names must be included in the final proposal.

5. When the above items are complete, the proposal will be posted on the web site. The Commissioner reserves the right to alter the proposal to clarify areas of responsibility if the proposal will require a significant increase in the amount of work required to run the league.

6. The Commissioner will call for a vote and provide a deadline for all votes to be received. Votes may be cast publicly on the Discussion Board or privately via e-mail or a phone call.

   Members have three possible choices for voting.

   1. They may vote in favor of the rule change (support).
   2. They may vote to keep the rules unchanged (reject).
   3. They may choose to abstain from voting.

   The lack of a vote or a vote received after the deadline will be considered as an abstention.

7. All rule changes require a 2/3 majority of the league membership in order to be implemented.

1. League dues are $10 (U.S. funds) and payable to the Commissioner by June 30. The dues will be used to offset the running of the league which includes, but is not limited to, web site hosting, site registration fees, and communication expenses. Dues must be paid on time to remain in good standing. Only members in good standing will be allowed to participate in league activities. These activities include playing games, drafting, trading, voting, or any other activity involved with the ongoing operation of the league.

2. Each team will have an active league member act as Owner, General Manager, Field Manager, and Director of Player Personnel. Responsibilities include:
   1. Submission of final rosters.
   2. Submission of series instructions for each home series of the season.
   3. Act as game manager for all road games.
   4. Submission of series results for each road series of the season.
   5. Roster management (trading, drafting, player usage, etc.).
   6. Voting on Bylaw changes and other league issues.
   7. Meet all game and data licensing requirements as defined by the game company.

3. In addition to the above, the Commissioner will either oversee or provide the following:
   1. League information including general news, a league directory, league files, trades, roster changes, statistics, and standings. All information will be either posted on the web site or distributed via e-mail.
   2. The season schedule, including all post season playoffs.
   3. Review final rosters for adherence to these Bylaws.
   4. Approval of all trades as outlined in the Bylaws.
   5. Conducting all drafts as outlined in these Bylaws.
   6. Assessing player usage penalties at the end of the season.
   7. Resolution of disagreements between league members. League members are encouraged to reach amicable agreements among themselves. In the event a formal protest must be filed, the person filing the protest must provide a written statement (e-mail) of the protest and requested penalty or desired outcome. All appropriate evidence such as score sheets and playing instructions must accompany the protest. The Commissioner will respond in writing to all involved teams within a reasonable period of time, stating his decision and any further action that is appropriate.

1. The maximum roster size for any team, at any time, is forty (40) players. Any transaction (draft pick, waiver pick, trade, etc.) that causes a roster size to expand beyond this limit will be voided unless accompanied with the necessary instructions to keep the roster under the limit. Alternatively, the Commissioner may provide his own instruction if voiding the transaction causes other undesirable events.

2. When final rosters are due, the maximum roster size will be reduced to thirty-five (35) players, unless altered for a specific and temporary reason by the Commissioner.
   1. The first twenty-five (25) players will be considered part of the active roster. Changes to the active roster are covered under Monthly Instructions. During the last month of the season, the active roster may be expanded to include all players on the final roster.
   2. The remaining players will be considered part of the team's minor league affiliate.

3. All teams' final rosters must have enough pitching (innings and starts) and plate appearances at each position to participate in a full season. The Commissioner has the power to adjust rosters for those teams that do not comply with this rule.
   1. Each team must have pitchers with a minimum total of 162 starts after applying usage adjustments.
   2. Each fielding position must have a minimum total of 650 plate appearances after applying usage adjustments. Note that plate appearances for a player who played multiple positions may be spread as necessary, but not duplicated.
   3. Each team must have a minimum of two (2) players that qualify to play each defensive position.
   4. Each team must have a minimum total of 6,200 plate appearances after applying usage adjustments.
   5. Each team must have a minimum total of 425 bullpen innings after applying usage adjustments. Starter/Relievers will have six innings per start over a minimum required starts deducted from their available innings for the purpose of this calculation.

4. The active roster will have at least four (4) starting pitchers. Additionally, all defensive positions must be covered by a minimum of two (2) players. Note that one player can be used to back up more than one defensive position.

5. Each team must play in a different ballpark. The date of record for determining park ownership is the day of the annual free agent draft. Once selected, a team must play and remain in a ballpark for a minimum of three seasons or until a new league member takes over the team.
   1. League members may change ballparks only between the conclusion of a season and the date of record noted above.
   2. League members must select an unoccupied ballpark or they may agree to trade parks as allowed by the rules covering trades as long as the trade is completed by the date of record.

6. March 31st is the deadline for voluntarily releasing players to free agency before the annual free agent draft. Roster spots may not be opened after this point until the conclusion of the annual free agent draft.

1. The Commissioner or a designated Coordinator will conduct the annual draft. This person will oversee the recording of picks, control the progression through the selection process, and act in the best interest of the league to complete the draft in a timely and fair manner.

2. The draft will begin on the second Saturday after April 15. If that date coincides with Easter weekend, then the draft will be delayed until the following Saturday. The draft room will open at 8AM pacific time.

3. It is the responsibility of each league member to make alternate arrangements if they cannot be available to execute their draft picks. The league member may:
   1. Submit a draft list to the Commissioner / Coordinator;
   2. Designate a proxy to execute draft picks;
   3. Submit an automated electronic draft list;
   4. Provide telephone contact information. Note that the league member will bear the cost, if any, of telephone costs.
   5. Designate that the game's draft utility be utilized to execute picks.

   In the event that no provisions are made, the Commissioner / Coordinator, at his sole discretion, will decide the best way to proceed. Picks may be executed by using an electronic draft utility, asking for a consensus of participating managers, or allowing the pick to slide to a later point in the draft. This decision is final and cannot be appealed due to the nature of the draft process.

4. At least two weeks before the draft, all league members will be given access to a list of eligible players. This is done by posting the list on the web site and making a downloadable pre-season league file available to all league members authorized by the game company. The file will be updated for all trades, team penalties, and free agent filings. Errors should be promptly reported.

5. The order of the draft will be determined as follows, using the results from the season just completed.
   1. All teams not participating in the post season will draft in reverse order of their previous season record. The team with the least number of victories will draft first. To break potential ties, the following will be used in the order presented:
      1. Worst road record (since Managers play road games);
      2. Worst run differential;
      3. Commissioner's decision.

   2. Draft positions for teams that participate in the post season will follow in line after the other teams based on their reverse order of finish in the playoffs (i.e. the league champion will draft in the last position each round).

      All teams that are defeated in a specific round will be treated as finishing in a tie. These teams will be ranked in reverse order based first on their regular season record and then following the tiebreakers listed above. The group of losers from round 1 will draft before the group of losers from round 2.

6. The length of the draft (number of rounds) will be determined using the following guidelines.
   1. A minimum of ten rounds will be scheduled;
   2. Not bound by any round limitations, each team is entitled to fill its roster to the size of the final roster.
   3. It is customary, but not required, to include a few supplemental rounds at the end of the draft to allow league members to fill holes that they may not have noticed through this point in the draft. Each league member who did not record a pass pick to this point will be given 24 hours after the last regular pick to evaluate their roster and submit a prioritized list of players.

7. The official record of the draft will be recorded using the Draft Robot utility developed to enhance the drafting process. All picks will be recorded, either by the Commissioner / Coordinator or the person making the pick / proxy, in the Robot immediately. Doing this will allow quick on-line access to the complete status of the draft at any moment in time.

8. It is important that the draft not be subjected to long delays, which will result in too much future information becoming known about player performance.

9. The draft schedule shall be the sole responsibility of the Commissioner or person designated as Draft Coordinator. That person will use the following schedule as a guideline but it is subject to change to best serve the needs of the league as a whole.
   1. If a majority of league members can meet for a "live" draft and the needs of the absent members can be reasonably met, then the schedule will be set such that the draft can be completed in the amount of time allocated by the participating members.

      If members agree to gather at an agreeable site then the draft will be completed before the members disburse home. If the live draft is held online then more flexibility should be given to absent members.

   2. If a suitable facility cannot be arranged for a live draft and/or not enough members can be present to sustain sufficient selection momentum, then the Draft Robot will be used to complete the draft. A suggested pick expiration schedule may look like this:
      1. Day 1
         1. The day will begin at 8 AM Pacific time
         2. A minimum of three (3) rounds will be completed. Additional picks will be allowed if league members wish to execute those picks, either in person or by use of a draft list
         3. All scheduled picks will expire 5 minutes apart
      2. Day 2
         1. The day will begin at 8 AM Pacific time
         2. A minimum of three (3) rounds will be completed. Additional picks will be allowed if league members wish to execute those picks, either in person or by use of a draft list
         3. All scheduled picks will expire 5 minutes apart
      3. Day 3 and beyond
         1. The day will begin at 8 AM Pacific time
         2. A minimum of one (1) round will be completed. Additional picks will be allowed if league members wish to execute those picks, either in person or by use of a draft list
         3. All scheduled picks will expire 30 minutes apart

10. League members are entitled to participate in the draft as long as they select a player from the free agent list. Once a member passes on a pick, all future picks in the draft, including supplemental rounds, are forfeited.

11. Expiration times will be used to keep the draft moving at an acceptable pace. Teams will not lose picks that expire. They will still be available to exercise at any time after the expiration time. The Commissioner / Coordinator may elect to exercise a pick for a team if, in their sole opinion, allowing a pick to slide beyond a particular point would cause irreparable harm to that team.

12. Unexercised picks will remain open for one (1) week following the scheduled close of the draft. A "pass" selection will be entered for any pick that remains unexercised at that point.

1. Open trading periods will be as outlined below. Trades reported and/or confirmed outside an open period will be voided with the involved teams eligible to make the trade during the next open trading period.
   1. The first trading period will be open from the conclusion of the season until the due date for final rosters that is announced by the Commissioner each year. This date will be at least four (4) weeks after the conclusion of the annual draft. All trades reported during this period are effective as soon as they are approved.
   2. The second trading period will be open from December 1 thru December 25 (the 4th month of season play). All trades approved during this period become effective on the first day of the next month.

2. All trades must be reported to the Commissioner or his appointed assistant by both league members using the reporting procedures as outlined on the web site. If the trade is not confirmed within one week of being reported, then that trade may become null and void. Any trades between the same two teams may not involve these same players until the following year.

3. The Commissioner must approve all reported trades and will void any trades not deemed in the best interest of the league. In the event a trade is voided by the Commissioner, he will notify both teams and explain the ruling.

4. Tradable commodities include:
   1. Players owned by a team who is a principal party to the trade.
   2. Draft picks for the coming free agent draft.
   3. Ballparks.

5. Trades may include any quantity of tradable commodities such that both league members believe they are receiving equal value.

6. If a league member has traded future picks for players and/or other picks, and that league member subsequently leaves the league between the end of a draft and the start of the next season, the incoming league member or Commissioner will have the right to void these trades. This decision must be made within a reasonable amount of time.

7. If a trade is made while a season is in progress, all players involved in the trade must not be exceed their maximum usate to clear waivers. If one or more of the players exceeds their maximum usage then the entire trade and any other dependant trade will be voided. Player usage responsabilities transfer soley to the owner of the player at the end of the season.

1. The regular season schedule will be developed and made available to all active league members at least three weeks before the final roster deadline.

2. The following parameters will be used to determine the schedule:
   1. All teams will play 162 games evenly divided between home and road.
   2. All games will be grouped into series. Each series will contain three (3) to five (5) games per series.
   3. Each team will play every other team at least one series during the season. If a team plays another team only once in a season, the home field advantage will be rotated each year.
   4. The schedule will contain no more than 48 series spread out over six months (April - September). Consideration will be given to a lighter schedule in April and July.
   5. Each team will be scheduled to have the same number of home and road series each month.
   6. The schedule will be weighted most heavily towards division and then towards conference games.
   7. The last month of the season will be heavily weighted with division games.
   8. Doubleheaders will be scheduled in September, when an entire roster is active, to test the depth of a pitching staff.

3. Each month of the schedule will correspond to a month in real life. All games scheduled in a single month on the schedule must be completed in their associated real-life month.

4. The schedule will physically be played beginning in September. That means that games scheduled in April will be played by league members in September. Similarly, games scheduled in September will be played in February.

1. Final Rosters and Default Instructions
   1. A final roster for each team must be submitted to the Commissioner by the prescribed deadline. The season cannot begin until an acceptable final roster is received and approved.
   2. In the event that a team has no manager and an alternate can not be found in time, the Commissioner will use the computer manager and other tools to prepare the final roster.
   3. The final roster will consist of the following components. A more detailed description is available on the help page.
      1. Electronic manager profile created using the game software. This should include lineups that can be easily utilized (i.e. for LH pitchers and RH pitchers), bullpen roles, a depth chart, and settings for manager's tendencies.
      2. A full season pitching rotation free of usage violations. An Excel spreadsheet called the Rotation Assistant is available to help with this exercise.
      3. A roster that meets the size requirements documented in the Teams and Rosters section. Players must be farmed so that the active roster is ready to play games.
      4. A text file containing a list of players on the final roster and a list of players cut. This will be used to troubleshoot problems importing the manager profile mentioned above.
      5. A text file of default instructions that you would like posted any month you are unable to meet the deadline.
      6. Any petitions you are making for players to be rated at positions where DMB has not provided ratings. These must follow the rules for petitioning unrated positions.
      IMPORTANT! League members should not make changes to the content of rosters or other items (team numbers, the schedule, etc.) once the league file is distributed. Changes to the electronic manager profile are expected. Violating this directive could make it impossible to communicate using the standard import/export game facility.
   4. Once all teams default instructions have been received, roster files will be assembled and prepared for distribution. This information will be posted on the league's web site and an e-mail sent using the then current procedure for contacting all league members.

2. Monthly Instructions
   1. League members will prepare a set of instructions for each of their home series. These can include anything the non-game manager feels are necessary for the game manager to successfully complete the games. Examples are listed in the help pages but often include:
      1. An electronic manager profile that communicates the active roster, starting lineups, and bullpen assignments.
      2. A list of starting pitchers or a directive to refer to the season-long rotation posted on the web site.
      3. Details about player usage/restrictions.
      4. A short list of game strategies (attempt to keep this to one typewritten page).
      5. Directions on how to use the computer manager.
   2. The deadline for submitting the instructions for a series is the 5th day of the month when the series is scheduled to be played. (All series in a given month have the same instruction deadline.)
   3. Each set of instructions must be posted to the web site. Upon successfully completing the posting, each affected league member will be notified by e-mail that the instructions are available.
   4. If instructions are not posted by the deadline, the default instructions submitted as the beginning of the season (as part of the final roster) will be used.
   5. Home team managers can update the posted instructions until the game manager retrieves them. Once retrieved, a lock will be placed on the file and any updates are subject to the acceptance of the game manager.

1. Each series will be played in a copy of the season database void of all other game activity. This will allow the statistics to be added to the league database as well as individual databases maintained by league members. You can review this procedure by using the league's help facility.

2. The game manager must assemble series results at the conclusion of each series. An Example is listed in the NARC help facility. It must include:
   1. Statistical export files for the home team.
   2. Statistical export files for the road team.
   3. Expanded boxscores and scoresheets for each game.

   Details about electronically submitting results can be viewed in the NARC help facility.

3. Series results will be submitted by the last day of the month when the series is scheduled to be played. (All series in a given month have the same result deadline.) Members are encouraged to post results as early in the month as possible. This will allow other members to review their team usage before sending out the following month's instructions.

4. Each set of results must be posted to the web site. Upon successfully completing the posting, each affected league member will be notified by e-mail that the results are available.

5. If instructions are not posted by the deadline, the series will be played using the computer manager and each team's instructions in affect for the month. The results will be posted as soon as possible after the series is complete.

6. It is the responsibility of the non-game manager to review each series' results. The game manager and Commissioner must be promptly notified by the non-game manager if he/she feels that his/her instructions were not adequately followed.

1. April / May
   1. Free Agent Draft begins on specified date (see The Draft).

2. June
   1. 30th - League dues should be paid by today.

3. August
   1. Schedule available at the beginning of the month.
   2. Trading window closes just prior to Final Roster due date.
   3. Final Rosters due prior to end of month

4. September
   1. 1st - Season File available for distribution
   2. 5th - Series instructions uploaded for April games
   3. 30th - Series results uploaded for April games

5. October
   1. 5th - Series instructions uploaded for May games
   2. 31st - Series results uploaded for May games

6. November
   1. 5th - Series instructions uploaded for June games
   2. 30th - Series results uploaded for June games

7. December
   1. 1st - All-Star balloting begins; Trading period is opened
   2. 5th - Series instructions uploaded for July games
   3. All-Star games played by volunteer around Christmas
   4. 25th - Trading period is closed
   5. 31st - Series results uploaded for July games

8. January
   1. 1st - Database posted with December trades and all usage to date
   2. 5th - Series instructions uploaded for August games
   3. 31st - Series results uploaded for August games

9. February
   1. 5th - Series instructions uploaded for September games
   2. 28th - Series results uploaded for September games
   3. 28th - End of regular season

10. March
    1. Prior season penalties are levied
    2. 1st - Trading period is opened
    3. 7th - Post season file available for round 1 of the playoffs
    4. 16th - All results from round 1 of the playoffs due
    5. 19th - Post season file available for round 2 of the playoffs
    6. 28th - All results from round 2 of the playoffs due
    7. 30th - LCS file available
    8. 31st - Deadline for releasing free agents before the draft

11. April
    1. Free Agent list and draft order are published
    2. 7th - Results from the League Championship Series are due
    3. Post-season is concluded

1. Player usage is the responsability of the manager owning a player at the end of the season. This is true even if the majority of a player's usage was associated with a different team.

2. For purposes of usage and eligibility, players will be classified in one of the following categories:
   1. Elite Player
      1. Batter with a minimum of 575 plate appearances
      2. Starting pitcher with a minimum of 25 starts
      3. Relief or starter/relief pitcher with a minimum of 60 innings OR 50 appearances
   2. Normal Player
      1. Batter with a minimum of 125 plate appearances
      2. Starting pitcher with a minimum of 8 starts
      3. Relief or starter/relief pitcher with a minimum of 20 innings OR 25 appearances
   3. Fringe Player
      1. All rated batters with less than the minimum of a Normal Player
      2. All rated pitchers with less than the minimum of a Normal Player

3. If the major league season being used as the basis to create player statistics is not 162 games in length, the player usage data will be altered (expanded or contracted) to represent a 162 game schedule.

4. Only players who are part of the active roster are allowed to play in games.

5. An Excel spreadsheet called the Usage Assistant has been developed to help league members manage the maximum and minimum usage outlined in this section. In addition, usage information will be posted to the web site each month that shows usage compared to these limits.

6. Batter utilization will be based on games and/or plate appearances (PAs) which consist of at bats, walks, intentional walks (use caution not to double count intentional walks since they are usually included with walks), sacrifices, sacrifice flies, and hit by pitches.
   1. Maximum usage:
      1. Elite batters are limited to 103% of their MLB plate appearances or games played.
      2. Normal and Fringe batters are limited to 103% of their MLB plate appearances.
   2. Minimum usage:
      1. Elite batters must have 60% of their MLB plate appearances.
      2. Normal and Fringe batters must have 40% of their MLB plate appearances.

7. Pitcher utilization will be based on starts and/or innings pitched, as appropriate.
   1. Starting pitchers are pitchers who
      • were NEVER used in relief during the MLB sesaon (type A) or;
      • are Starter/Relievers whose MLB relief appearances are less than or equal to 10% of their total appearances (type B).
      Usage for these types of pitchers will be determined as follows:
      1. Maximum usage based on starts -- no inning restrictions. All pitcher classifications are limited to their MLB starts. A special exemption is available for Normal and Elite pitchers with an ERA 5.50; their maximum starts can be extended by 17 starts but not to exceed a maximum of 32 starts for the NARC season.
      2. Minimum usage for pitchers is a little more involved. Only one of the following two conditions must be met to satisfy the minimum usage requirement.
         1. Innings pitched is the primary measure.
            1. Elite pitchers must have 60% of their MLB innings pitched.
            2. Normal and Fringe pitchers must have 40% of their MLB innings pitched.
         2. Batters faced is used as a secondary measure.
            1. Elite pitchers must have 60% of their MLB batters faced.
            2. Normal and Fringe pitchers must have 40% of their MLB batters faced.
      3. Type A Starting pitchers may not be used in relief during the NARC season. Type B Starting pitchers may be used in relief during the NARC season. In the latter case, the manager should use MLB appearances as a usage guideline.
   2. Starter/Relievers used only as Starters during the NARC season.
      1. Maximum usage based on starts - no inning restrictions. All pitcher classifications are limited to their MLB starts.
      2. Minimum usage is the same as for starting pitchers.
   3. Starter/Relievers not limited to only starts during the NARC season.
      1. Maximum usage:
         1. Elite pitchers limited to their MLB starts and 103% of their MLB innings pitched.
         2. Normal and Fringe pitchers are limited to thier MLB starts and 103% of their MLB innings pitched.
      2. Minimum usage is the same as for starting pitchers.
   4. Relief pitchers are pitchers who were NEVER used as starters during the actual season.
      1. Maximum usage:
         1. Elite pitchers are limited to 103% of their MLB innings pitched.
         2. Normal and Fringe pitchers are limited to 103% of their MLB innings pitched.
      2. Minimum usage is the same as for starting pitchers.
      3. These players may not be used as starters.
   5. Starting pitchers must rest a minimum of three (3) days after each start.

8. Placing players out of position (no rating) is not allowed except when all of the following conditions are met. Note that outfielders moving between outfield positions are not considered "out of position" and are not eligible to receive alternate ratings for these positions. The game will be used to adjust the ratings as necessary.
   1. The player had a rating at the position the prior year. In this case, the player will receive the worst rating of a similar position this year and actual position last year.
   2. The player's rights are retained by the team he played for in the prior season, without any interruption in service.
   3. The Commissioner is notified of the intent to play the player out of position through use of the default instructions.
   4. The Commissioner enters the rating alteration before distribution of the final league database.

1. The DH will be used. Managers may opt to bat their pitchers if plate appearances become a problem. However, severe penalties, including league expulsion, may be imposed as outlined in the Penalties section if the Commissioner suspects that a Manager is trying to intentionally loose games.

2. Injuries will not be configured.

3. No bullpen warm-up will be required to use relief pitchers.

4. Automatic rest days will be used by the Computer Manager to manage usage and bench player usage will be limited as a percentage of playing time.

5. Weather effects will be utilized. Any game called for weather before it has become "official" will be ignored and replayed.

6. Game-by-game stats will be saved .

7. Expanded boxscores and scoresheets will be created and saved.

8. No actual transactions or line-ups will be used from the MLB season.

1. The post season will be played between eight (8) teams comprised of:
   1. Four (4) division winners. Ties will be decided by a one game play-off played head-to-head or by one or two impartial league members. The home team will be the last team of the two to be in first place, ahead of the other team.
   2. Four (4) wild card teams comprised of two (2) non division-winning teams with the best record from each conference. Ties will be won by the team with:
      1. Best head-to-head record;
      2. Best home-road differential (since Managers play road games);
      3. Best run differential;
      4. Commissioner's decision.
      The above will be applied in the order listed.

2. Each series will consist of seven (7) games played in a 2-3-2 format with each manager playing their scheduled road games. The first team to win four (4) games will be declared the winner of that series.

3. Series match-ups will be determined as follows:
   1. When wild card teams are from different division, each wild card team will play the division winning team of the other division with-in the same conference.
   2. When wild card teams are from the same division:
      1. The wild card team with the best record will play the division winner with the worst record within the same conference;
      2. The wild card team with the worst record will play the division winner with the best record within the same conference;
      3. Ties will be determined using the procedure in item outlined above.

4. The home team for any particular match-up will be determined as follows:
   1. Division winner;
   2. Best regular season record;
   3. Tie breaker as outlined above.

5. The first round will begin three (3) days after the regular season is scheduled to be completed. Two (2) days of rest will be scheduled between each playoff series based on the team taking the longest time to win the previous series.

6. Each series will begin with both teams fully rested. Starting pitchers must follow the same rest schedule as in the regular season and the rest requirement carries over from the regular season and any tie-reaking games. Unlike the regular season, usage will carry over as the venue changes. There will be days off after game 2 and game 5.

7. If a seventh game is required, it will be played head-to-head or by one or more impartial league members.

8. Once the conference champions are crowned, the process will be repeated for the league championship. The LCS will be played between the two conference champions. The league championship trophy is known as the John Gatto Memorial Trophy in honor of a league member who died while playing in our league.

9. Post season roster
   1. The active roster will consist of no more than twenty-five (25) players;
   2. Rosters cannot be changed once they are set for the post season;
   3. Fringe players are not eligible for post season games unless they are the only available backup at a position (position players only). The Commissioner must be notified of this situation and be given an opportunity to verify the need for using a fringe player.
   4. In the event that there are ambiguities regarding the makeup of the post season roster, the rules for the regular season will prevail.

10. Player limitations for each series are calculated as follows:
    1. Batters
       1. Elite batters have unlimited plate appearances.
       2. Normal batters are limited to 10% of their actual plate appearances.
       3. Fringe batters may not start at any position. They may be used as pinch runners and as defensive replacements.
    2. Pitchers
       1. Elite pitchers have unlimited innings, but are constrained by rest requirements.
       2. Normal pitchers are limited to 15% of their actual innings and are also constrained by rest requirements. Note that pitchers may pitch tired because their performance will be impacted by the game.
       3. Starting pitchers may appear in relief subject to all other applicable usage restrictions.

While fines and penalties go directly against the prime objective of this league--to have fun--they are an essential element of running an orderly season.

1. Player usage has been implemented to provide guidelines for fair play. Maximum limits are intended to restrict the usage of players who have unrealistic ratings due to limited playing time in the major leagues. The intent of minimum limits is to force the usage of players during their development period and to prevent stock piling of future stars. Usage will be strictly enforced since up-to-date statistics are posted to the web site at least at the end of every month.

   Taking advantage of these usage guidelines for the purpose of winning or intentionally losing games goes against the spirit of fair play and will be dealt with as behavior not in the best interest of the league.

2. It is important to define some terms in order to make usage and penalties more understandable. These terms give implicit meaning to numbers and situations that they represent. They will be used later in this section to describe the methodology for calculating a team's penalty point assessment.
   1. A kicker is used to increase the severity of a specific violation. This is worth four (4) points.
   2. Acceptable usage threshold is the number of penalty points allowed before a player must be released to free agency. This threshold is three (3) points.
   3. Gross usage threshold is the number of penalty points allowed before a player has crossed over into a gross usage violation. This threshold is currently undefined.
   4. Gross usage violation is a term used to describe a player who has been over used and who has exceeded the gross usage threshold.

3. Usage penalties are comprised of two elements--team and individual player. Team penalty points must be translated into a penalty unless reduced/eliminated by the Commissioner. Individual player penalty points may be erased, in some circumstances, by releasing the player to free agency.

   1. Team penalties are assessed to a team for violations that are caused by a player but where responsibility cannot be directly tied to this player. The total team penalty is the sum total of all the components below for all identified players.
      1. Starting Pitcher Rest - One half of a point (.5) will be assessed for each rest violation by a specific player. If the total team rest violations exceed four (4), then the total rest penalty assessment will be doubled. If the total team rest violations exceed eight (8), then the total rest penalty assessment will be quadrupled.

   2. Individual player penalties are assessed to a player for violations that are related directly to his usage. A player's total penalty is the sum total of each of the components below.
      1. Plate Appearances - If usage falls outside usage limitations, the penalty points are determined by selecting the minimum result of the following three formulas. An additional kicker is added for any penalty exceeding the acceptable usage threshold.
         1. .5 point for over / under usage of 1 to 5 plate appearances.
         2. 1 point for each 3% of over / under usage or portion thereof (i.e. 3.1% = 2 points).
         3. 1 point for each 12 plate appearances of over / under usage or portion thereof (i.e. 13 plate appearances = 2 points).
      2. Innings - If usage falls outside usage limitations, the penalty points are determined by selecting the minimum result of the following three formulas. An additional kicker is added for any penalty exceeding the acceptable usage threshold.
         1. .5 point for over / under usage of up to and including 1 inning.
         2. 1 point for each 3% of over / under usage or portion thereof (i.e. 2.9% = 1 point).
         3. 1 point for each 2.3 innings of over / under usage or portion thereof (i.e. 2 innings = 1 point).
      3. Starts - A 1 point penalty will be assessed for the first start over the maximum allowed starts for any pitcher. Each additional start over the maximum will be assessed a penalty that progresses linearly. (e.g. 3 starts over the maximum = 1+2+3 = 6 points).

   3. The Commissioner reserves the right to adjust point assessments based on information known by, or provided to, him/her.
      1. A common example is the custom of not assessing penalties to teams whose Manager leaves NARC (customary, but not required).
      2. Violations caused by opponents not following instructions will be reduced or eliminated based on circumstances and proactive communication.
      3. Additional penalties may be imposed to fit the severity of the overall violation. These might include removal of a team from the playoffs or a league member's expulsion from the league. These will only be employed where it is clear that a team's success is clearly the result of intentional or negligent over / under usage or where behaviors jeopardize the viability of the team or league.

4. The final penalty point assessment for a team must be calculated before penalties can be levied. This is done using the following procedure.
   1. Accumulate all points for each individual player and add that to the team violations. This is the preliminary penalty point assessment.
   2. Identify all players who are identified as having a gross usage violation.
      1. These players must be released to free agency.
      2. Deduct the gross usage threshold for each player from the preliminary penalty point assessment. The affect of this is to penalize a team for severe usage by losing the player and creating an additional consequence.
   3. Identify all players who exceed the acceptable usage threshold.
      1. These players must be released to free agency.
      2. Deduct each player's penalty point assessment from the preliminary penalty point assessment.
   4. The league member must identify all players whose penalty point assessment exceeds his/her perception of the player's value.
      1. These players are voluntarily released to free agency.
      2. Deduct each player's penalty point assessment from the preliminary penalty point assessment.

5. Other events that could negatively affect the league are listed below. The Commissioner has the discretion to assign penalty points, levy draft pick fines, release players, remove teams from the playoffs, or remove league members from the league as deemed necessary for the specific violation.
   1. Failure to follow the required NARC reporting formats places an excessive burden on league officers to keep up with statistics. League reports will NOT be accepted in any other format. If reports are not in the required format, they will be ignored until the proper format is received. When possible, automated verification will be done and feedback provided to each Manager.
   2. Late reporting of default instructions, final rosters, and/or a season rotation causes the start of the league to be delayed. This negatively impacts all league participants. Any Manager in violation of this rule will be fined not less than a third round pick depending on how late the reports are filed. The Commissioner reserves the right to post default instructions developed by the computer manager.
   3. Intentionally loosing games for any reason is contrary to the purpose of playing in NARC. If the Commissioner has sufficient evidence that this is occurring, the league member will be removed from the league.
   4. Other actions and activities not covered above that are determined not to be in the best interest of the league.

6. Actual penalties will be determined by the league member using the following table to "spend" his/her final penalty point assessment. The amount "spent" can be split into any combination, as long as the total penalty points do not decrease. It is acceptable to select the same penalty multiple times when those conditions can be applied.

   Penalties involving forfeiture of a resource will be applied before all other penalties. Once the resource is forfeited, no furhter penalty can be levied against it. As an example, if a 5th round pick is forfeited, it may not have other penalties, such as moving down in the round, applied against it.

   Note that a team's own picks will be used as a first option to satisfy the penalties listed below. Alternate picks in the same round (possibly acquired by trade) can be used, starting with earlier picks and progressing to later picks, to satisfy a penalty if a team's own pick is no longer owned by that team.

   1. 1/2 point can be translated into the following penalties:
      1. 6th round draft pick in the free agent draft;
      2. 7th and 8th round draft picks in the free agent draft;
      3. Move down 5 positions in rounds 5 - 7 in the free agent draft
   2. 1 point can be translated into the following penalties:
      1. Move down 2 positions in rounds 1 - 3 in the free agent draft;
      2. Reduce maximum roster size by 1 player for following season;
      3. 5th round draft pick in the free agent draft;
      4. 6th and 7th round draft picks in the free agent draft.
   3. 2 points can be translated into the following penalties:
      1. Move down 2 positions in rounds 1 - 5 in the free agent draft;
      2. Reduce maximum roster size by 2 players for following season;
      3. 4th round draft pick in the free agent draft;
      4. 5th and 6th round draft picks in the free agent draft.
   4. 3 points can be translated into the following penalties:
      1. Move down 4 positions in rounds 1 - 5 in the free agent draft;
      2. 2nd round draft pick in the free agent draft;
   5. 4 points can be translated into the following penalties:
      1. Move down 5 positions in rounds 1 - 7 in the free agent draft;
      2. 1st round draft pick in the free agent draft;

7. If a penalty calls for the loss or adjustment of one or more draft picks, and the pick in jeopardy is not owned (i.e. traded away or already lost to penalty) by the team being penalized, then the first available pick preceding this pick will be lost/adjusted. If the team being penalized does not own any suitable draft pick(s), then the Commissioner may substitute other picks, roster spots, players, or other franchise assets, such that the severity of the penalty remains in line with the violation.