Post by Rangers GM (Stephen) on Nov 17, 2015 5:45:33 GMT -5
Welcome to the MLB Baseball League!
MLB Baseball League (MBL) is a high quality, competitive (yet well-mannered) 30 team dynasty league that combines some of the best rules of fantasy baseball with current practices of Major League Baseball. Each team has an MLB roster and controls the minor league system associated with the MLB franchise they represent. MLB Baseball League will always be a non-payout league and prides itself on spirited competition that results in a league champion.
1.1 Code of Conduct
1.2 Teams
1.3 Divisions
1.4 Team Ownership
1.5 Rule Changes
1.6 Commissioner Discretion
1.1 Code of Conduct
It’s understood that the MBL is a place that encourages the competitive spirit and promotes an atmosphere that is conducive to do everything one can in a fantasy setting to have the best team possible. However, there are some ground rules to follow in order to assure that we are all treated in a civic and respectful manner.
- Be nice. This is a competitive league, and we all like a good fight, but let's remain civil at all times in order to promote an atmosphere of fun within the league.
- Avoid profanity.
- Be helpful whenever possible.
- Always strive to remain calm. Any problems or disputes will be handled in a timely fashion. Don't take things personally if a decision is made that is not in your favour.
- Collusion or cheating will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- All teams should be trying to finish as high as possible in the standings with their available rosters, selecting their optimum line-up wherever and whenever possible.
- This is a year-round league with daily lineup changes and plentiful board activity. To keep up to date with trade activity and remain actively involved in the league all owners are expected to log in to Proboards most days - even in the offseason. As a common courtesy it is expected that personal messages from other owners be responded to in a timely manner (ideally no more than a few days) – even if it is to say “No thanks” or “Sorry, I’m not interested”.
That said, we understand that from time to time real life can get in the way of fantasy baseball. If at all possible please let us know in advance if you're going to be away or uncontactable otherwise you may return to find that your team has been given to another owner.
1.2 Teams
Team names shall represent one of the thirty MLB franchises. MBL team images, sounds and other identifying team characteristics should be consistent with their MLB counterpart whenever possible.
a. MBL GMs shall have the freedom to exercise their judgment in regards to their avatars, signatures and banners, but they should always reflect a sense of good taste and should not be anything which can be construed as offensive to any league member in particular, and the viewing public in general.
b. MBL members may only run one team within the league unless given express permission by the commissioner. Clandestine ownership of a second team is grounds for immediate removal from the league. Such action is at the sole discretion of the commissioner.
1.3 Divisions
The league will be divided into six divisions (three per league), replicating those in Major League Baseball.
1.4 Team Ownership
Allocation of and changes to team ownership will be at the discretion of the Commissioner.
As a measure of owner quality control, newcomers to the league should expect to successfully navigate at least two separate stages during the application process. Applications may be declined at any stage of the application process without explanation.
Where no team is available, applicants will be added to the waiting list. When a vancancy arises and applicants are present on the waiting list, the applicants on the waiting list will be sent the secondary questionnaire and given 72 hours to respond. In most cases, the strongest applicant (and therefore the allocation of the vacancy) will be determined by the quality of answers given in the secondary questionnaire.
Existing owners may apply to swap teams assuming the following conditions are met:
-The application to switch teams is submitted to the Commissioner within 48 hours of the vacancy being announced
-The team being applied to has not previously been available since the owner joined the league
-The owner has not previously switched teams
-The team being applied to is specified as a favourite team or a local team in the owner's original application post
Where multiple teams and/or applicants are simultaneously available, team ownerships will be offered at the discretion of the Commissioner with potential considerations including (but not limited to):
-allocating owners to a favourite or local team (as specified in the owner's original application post)
-strength of application
-length of time on the waiting list
-strength of past performance in MBL
-length of service in MBL
In scenarios where there are multiple suitable candidates for a vacancy, it should be understood that a new applicant may not be offered ownership of their first choice team and/or may be asked to join the waiting list pending a future vacancy.
1.5 Rule Changes
Any proposed rule changes should be submitted to the Commissioner with a detailed description of why the rule change is being proposed and a reasonable amount of practical detail on how it will work. The Commissioner reserves the right to decline Rule Change proposals without a vote if it is considered unfeasible or not in keeping with the original intent of the league.
Any rule vote submitted to the league for voting will as a minimum include:
-A description of the options available
-Timescales for the application of any proposed changes
-Notification of whether the vote is a "rule change proposal" or a "league decision"
-The deadline of the voting period
A "rule change proposal" is a change to a clear and existing rule in the constitution (or a brand new rule), whilst a "league decision" covers anything else.
Any "rule change proposal" receiving a two-thirds majority of the vote when a minimum of 10 votes are received, or receiving 16 or more votes in favour of the change will be written into the rulebook at the agreed time.
Any "league decision" receiving the majority of the vote from those responding to the poll will be accepted and (where appropriate) written into the rulebook at the agreed time.
As part of the minimum level of activity expected from league members, all team owners are expected to vote in all rule votes.
1.6 Commissioner Discretion
Whilst it is the Commissioner's strong desire to maintain a "light touch" on the league (especially once we are beyond the initial phase of league creation/startup), the Commissioner reserves the right to take whatever action he deems necessary to maintain the integrity of the league.