Thank you for taking the time to participate in our 2016-2017 Offseason Poll. The results of this poll will play a big part in the considering rule changes for the 2017 season, and beyond. After conducting surveys and speaking with team captains, we’ve narrowed the ballot down to 5 final questions. While the results of this polls do not automatically mean a rule change, winning ballot answers will be strongly considered. A brief explanation of each question will be located above the corresponding question. Please vote on all questions, and vote only once. Thanks again, and we look forward to an exciting 5th season!
1. Conference Organization
Beginning in 2017, the Gateway Baseball League will be changing to a “Conference Format,” meaning that all teams will play under the same rules, with the same schedules, and as one large league. Previously, National League and American League presidents were responsible for their respective teams. Under the new format, all teams will be under the supervision of the Gateway Baseball President, and all team captains will have a say in league-wide decisions. Should these new Conferences be based on location, such as a North Conference and a South Conference, or should teams be assigned randomly to Conferences, regardless of location. Randomly assigned conferences would be later named through a later process. Supporters of the location-based think it would be easy to decide what team belongs where, but teams could end up changing conferences often, based on moves and new team locations. Supporters of the randomly assigned conferences like the stability and the chance to develop teams within their conference, and the opportunity to create unique conference names, but successful teams within a conference could become perennial conference champions.
2. Draft Eligibility
Under the current GBL rules, player contracts are allowed, but not required. Even if a contract does not exist, players are assumed to be on the same team on a season-to-season basis. Should unsigned players be returned to a pool to be re-drafted from season to season, or be allowed to remain on their team from the previous season? Some suggest that re-drafting players each season would benefit less successful teams, while others argue that team chemistry would be hard to build if players change teams every season. The case is made by some, even, to require minimum contracts to all non-reserve players.
NOTE: This rule would not affect players under contract with a team, OR Reserve players. Players would still be allowed to sign and serve contracts as they do currently (see Section 5 of the GBL Rules) , and Reserve players could still play under Reserve status. This rule would only affect players on teams who are not under contract.
NOTE: This rule would not affect players under contract with a team, OR Reserve players. Players would still be allowed to sign and serve contracts as they do currently (see Section 5 of the GBL Rules) , and Reserve players could still play under Reserve status. This rule would only affect players on teams who are not under contract.
3. Team Fees
Gateway Baseball has explored charging fees to cover increasing expenses, but also values being a free-to-play league. A potential solution is to charge team fees as opposed to individual fees. Fees could be paid equally by each member of a team, solely by the team captain, or even by team sponsors. Players who are under Reserve status would not face any fees to play (maintaining our free-to-play status), but teams competing for a GBL Championship would pay a set fee, based on an annually set amount. This amount would be agreed to in a meeting with captains prior to each season, and would potentially cover costs of things like baseballs, field equipment, field rentals (for night games or special venues), uniforms, etc. If this proposition does not pass, team captains will continue to be responsible for supplying their own baseballs and equipment at home games, and individuals will be responsible for their own uniforms, equipment, etc.
4. Uniforms
Since a vast majority of games are played at public parks, appearance can be a very important aspect in the public's perception of Gateway Baseball. Current GBL rules require players on a team to wear matching colors, but there has been strong support for an even more formal uniform policy. With this proposition, teams would be required to wear matching uniforms and baseball pants during games. These uniforms can consist of as little as matching plain t-shirts, up to custom team jerseys, and anything in between. The only requirement is that teams have a minimum of two sets of uniforms (team colored home, and grey away). Additional alternates would be acceptable, and while teams would be permitted to get their uniforms from wherever they like, there are very affordable options available through League suppliers.
5. Base Running
While 9 v. 9 games seem within reach for the 2017, the GBL has developed over the past 4 seasons a unique set of
"Baseball/Indian Ball Hybrid" rules that allow for games to be played as small as 3 v. 3 (see Section 1 of the GBL Rules). Late in the 2016 season, experimentation began with a form of "intermediate base running" that could be used with as little as 6 v. 6. If passed, this proposition could lead to the development of a new set of rules to accommodate "intermediate base running" for games between 6 v. 6 and 9 v. 9, and even raise the minimum needed for a game from 6 total players to 12 total players. Otherwise, current rules will be maintained for all games less than 9 v. 9.
"Baseball/Indian Ball Hybrid" rules that allow for games to be played as small as 3 v. 3 (see Section 1 of the GBL Rules). Late in the 2016 season, experimentation began with a form of "intermediate base running" that could be used with as little as 6 v. 6. If passed, this proposition could lead to the development of a new set of rules to accommodate "intermediate base running" for games between 6 v. 6 and 9 v. 9, and even raise the minimum needed for a game from 6 total players to 12 total players. Otherwise, current rules will be maintained for all games less than 9 v. 9.
