Dixie Assistance Programs- New Leagues
DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL, INC.
www.dixie.org/boys
Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. was founded in 1957 at Alexandria, Louisiana. The mission of the program is to provide a recreational outlet for as many 13-19 year old participants as possible. The program currently operates in eleven southeastern states and attracts over 35,000 players.
Dixie Baseball, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors and is comprised of Executive Officers as well as elected State Officials. The members of the Board (currently thirty-five) are responsible for determining program policies and rules. The Commissioner/CEO is responsible for managing the day to day affairs of the organization.
Leagues must comply with a basic set of rules and regulations as found in the rule book. The rules that appear in the Dixie Boys Baseball book are specific rules adopted by the Board of Directors. All other rules are found in the official playing rules of Major League Baseball. The Dixie Boys Baseball Commissioner/CEO is responsible for interpretation and rule enforcement.
League play is emphasized in the Dixie organization. Franchises/local leagues are given a great deal of autonomy in determining the specific program that will meet the community/school needs. The administrative functions that are necessary to successfully operate a local league are supported by the District and State Director.
While emphasis is on league play there is; however, district tournaments, state tournaments and a world series event for leagues wishing to participate after the close of the regular season. Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. has a rich tradition of offering quality events that capture the true essence of competitive play. The organization takes great pride in offering “premier events” that provides a memorable experience for everyone.
Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. each year also offers additional opportunities for participants. The Dixie Future Stars Tournament brings together the top Dixie baseball participants. Players are nominated with applications being submitted in hopes of being one of the fifty-six players selected. The eleven southern states that comprise the Dixie Pre- Majors region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) are divided into 4 teams: North Stars- South Stars-East Stars and the West Stars. The four teams compete in a wood bat format showcasing the individual talents of participants. This event has grown in popularity and has been expanded to three age groups.
The Dixie National team competes each year in the annual USA Baseball Tournament of Stars - the talent-rich tournament in which USA Baseball officials select participating players to tryout for the Junior National Team (18-U). This prestigious event is conducted at USA organization's training facilities in Cary, N.C. The tournament's structure has eight hand-picked amateur teams comprised of the nation's top players vying for the TOS championship and for the chance to compete for a roster spot on the USA Baseball Junior National Team. The Tournament of Stars includes the 144 best players in the nation. The Dixie National team won the Gold Medal in the 2008 event!
LOCAL LEAGUE ORGANIZATION
The league is the smallest unit of organization and is governed by the local program.
a. A league franchise can be granted for a league from two to ten teams.
b. The State Director is empowered to grant one team leagues based on circumstances.
SIMPLE STEPS REQUIRED TO BECOMING A FRANCHISED DIXIE LEAGUE.
The league makes application for franchise to the Commissioner. It would be agreed that the league would form based on the policies as found in the Dixie Boys rulebook. Additional information is also available on our website at www.dixie.org/boys.
The franchise obtains the approval of the appropriate Dixie State & District officials.
BOUNDARIES
The League would submit maps showing boundaries of the league.
The League would meet all boundary requirements.
TEAMS
League rosters can include up to 16 players in Dixie Boys and 18 players for Dixie Majors Baseball. Playing roster deadline is June 1.
Franchise deadline is May 15th. National Franchise Fee is $25.00 per team along with a $25.00 State Fee. A fee of $100.00/2 team min. is required for franchises. Online payment is available.
LEGAL PLAYERS
Age Control date April 30th. (AGE CONTROL CHART AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE)
a. Dixie Boys - (age 13-14) Any eligible player whose thirteenth birthday falls before May 1st of the current year and any player whose fifteenth birthday falls on or after May 1 of the current year shall be eligible to compete and complete the current Dixie Boys Baseball season.
b. Dixie Majors- (age 15-19) Any player whose fifteenth birthday falls before May 1st of the current year and any player whose nineteenth birthday falls on or after August 1 of the previous calendar year is eligible to compete and complete the current Dixie Pre-Majors Baseball season.
c. **Also any player who plays baseball for his school and whose fourteenth birthday falls before May 1st of the current year is eligible to compete in and complete the Pre/Majors season.******
SELECTION OF PLAYERS
Players may participate in other amateur baseball programs, subject to League approval. No league player; under any circumstances, shall be permitted to play on another amateur team once tournament play begins.
The League may choose to select a Junior Dixie Boys (age 13) tournament team and/or a Dixie Boys (age 13-14) tournament team. In the Majors division; a league may choose to select a Pre-Majors (age 15-16) tournament team and/or a Dixie Majors (age15-19) tournament team. Players can participate on one team only!!!
OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES
The League will agree to follow the basic playing rules of the organization.
The League understands that official tournament play requires the use of Dixie certified umpires. Dixie Baseball offers a National Umpire Program.
TOURNAMENT PROGRAM
JURISDICTIONAL CONTROL
The League would align and franchise as part of the state program. As such the league would be considered as a part of a district, region or zone of the state program. *The geographical location of the league will be a determining factor in any Dixie alignment decision.
Oversight and jurisdictional control of play would be the responsibility of the appropriate District Director & State Director from a given state.
RULES & REGULATIONS
The League would be required to adhere to all tournament rules and regulations. Rules and Regulations for Tournament Play are governed by the official playing rules as well as a tournament guidelines document. The following are a few highlights of these rules:
a. Rosters may include up to: thirteen players (Boys) and sixteen players (Majors) - three coaches.
b. Birth certificates are required along with a tournament team affidavit. Required information must be submitted at a credentials meeting held prior to tournament play.
c. Approved tournament baseballs must be used for all tournament play.
d. Teams are required to follow all established pitching rules with no exceptions granted.
e. Documentary evidence of insurance must be carried to all tournament games. Specific insurance requirements are found in Dixie Boys Baseball Official Rules.
STATE TOURNAMENT
The League would be afforded the opportunity to advance a team or teams from a local league into tournament play. Each state determines method based on number of leagues.
Tournament play would be conducted using double elimination play, round robin or pool play.
State tournaments are normally conducted two weeks prior to the World Series.
Tournament fees and travel allowances; if applicable are determined by the State Director.
DIXIE WORLD SERIES EVENTS HELD IN FOUR DIVISIONS
State Champions from each of the State Tournaments along with a tournament host team compete for the opportunity to be crowned “World Series Champions.”
A double elimination tournament is held for the two divisions of Majors. 2009 events will be held July 25-30. Pre-Majors World Series will be held in Ozark, Al. with the Majors World Series set for North Charleston, SC. The 2010 Majors’ series is slated for Montgomery, Al.
A double elimination tournament is held with play slated August 1-5, 2009. The Jr. Dixie Boys World Series will be held in Enterprise, Al. while the Boys World Series is slated for Seneca, SC. In 2010; Dothan, Al. will host the Jr. Boys World Series with Christiansburg, Va. hosting the Dixie Boys World Series.
State champions advancing to a Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. World Series event are provided (5) complementary rooms per evening as well as three meals per day beginning the night preceding the first Series game and ending with the night following elimination.
A festive Opening Ceremony is held that recognizes all players and communities represented.
World Series champions/finalists are recognized as well as a team sportsmanship award winner.
