You can register to be a spare on the web site or by mail. See the Registration section on the main web page.
If you become a full-time player at some point during the season, you must pay the Association fee (which will be pro-rated if a significant part of the season has already past).
Spare Player Management Process
Note: The process outlined below is dependent on team numbers and a sufficient list of spares.
Objective
To support the Association teams with comparable caliber spares when required.
To evaluate the spares to align with the Association ratings.
To provide playing time to those signed up as spares.
To maintain a minimum batting order of 11 players
To keep teams as balanced as possible.
To maintain full teams during peak vacation periods or in the event of injuries.
Definition of a Spare
Spares MUST register with the Association to be a spare (see above).
Those players who know they cannot play full time during the season and want to participate in and support the Association.
Players from teams that are sitting off (e.g. bye week or playoff eliminated) may be considered as spares. Such players who wish to spare must inform their Captains at least 24 hours prior to game time.
Spare Player Evaluation
Spares will be evaluated at the yearly Rookie Evaluation Camp.
As new spares are added, they will be contacted by the Spare Coordinator to set an evaluation date and time (this could happen in a game).
Spare evaluations will be done by 3 Captains and/or Association Board of Directors members using the Association evaluation criteria.
Spares that can be pitchers, will also have a 'P' designation for assignment.
Spare Player List
Spares will be listed alphabetically based on their Spare Rating; this list will be a rolling list, so all spares are asked to play in rotation.
As new spare players are added, they will be a priority assignment player for one week before being added to the alphabetical list.
Spares will be contacted based on their rating / availability and the similar rating of the missing player.
Captains Responsibilities
At least 24 hours prior to game time, submit to the Spare Coordinator:
Spare request indicating the number needed and if a pitcher is needed
List of missing players (even if not requesting a spare)
List of players wishing to spare from teams sitting off
Submit the above information via e-mail.
Provide feedback to the Spare Coordinator when spares are used regarding rating and suitability.
Review the rating of all spare players with the Spare Coordinator after each round-robin.
Impress on their players for the need to inform their Captains ASAP if they will be away as well as if they are willing to spare if they are sitting off. The spare process can only work with timely information.
Report any game day use of an unassigned (aka parking lot) spare to the Spare Coordinator after the game.
Spare Players Responsibilities
At least 24 hours prior to game time, identify to the Spare Coordinator that they are available to spare.
Spare players who are issued requests to play must confirm with the Spare Coordinator by 5pm.
Submit notifications and confirmations via e-mail.
The Spare Coordinator will contact a spare based on the following criteria:
Registered spares have first priority to be assigned as spares; full-time players from any team(s) sitting off who have indicated they are willing to spare will then be assigned as spares.
Spares will be assigned in rotation to allow equal playing time to all registered spares to the extent possible
If a pitcher will be missing, those spares who can pitch will be contacted.
Captains may request a spare able to play a specific position; the Spares Coordinator will take this into account when assigning a spare, but with no guarantees.
Spares added to the Association within the last 7 days must be evaluated, and receive a priority ranking for one week.
An attempt will be made to assign spares based on their rating and the rating of the missing player as well considering the roster balance of both the team needing the spare and the opposing team.
A spare will not be assigned if it makes the roster balance materially worse. There may be some flexibility and discretion during the regular and seeding round-robins but not in the elimination playoffs.
Teams with less than 11 players will have priority over teams requesting a spare to field a roster of 12
The Spare Coordinator will contact the spare player via e-mail as soon as the information becomes available but no later than 1pm the day before game day.
If the spare does not confirm by 5 PM the day before game day, then another name on the spare list will be contacted. In this case, the spare may be contacted via text or phone call.
Every effort will be made to supply an equivalent spare to the team missing a player.
During the regular round-robins, any spare from any category may be assigned if demand exceeds the number of spares available.
During the seeding round-robins the spare should be rated at or below the rating of the player being replaced. This may not always be possible given the demand for and availability of spares.
During the elimination playoffs, the spare must be rated at or below the rating of the player being replaced and due regard will be given to roster imbalance.
Spare usage in the elimination playoffs requires agreement of the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and Spare Coordinator.
A Spare Activity Report will be provided to the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and team Captains by 8 PM game day.
No spares will be assigned by the Spare Coordinator on game day.
To cater to last minute changes and emergencies, loaning players or picking up a parking lot spare is subject to mutual agreement by the two Captains with no obligation. This accommodation is only available in the regular or seeding round-robins and is not available in the elimination playoffs.
Once spares have been assigned and confirmed, they are expected to play. If the missing player that a spare has been assign to replace shows up unexpectedly, that player can only play subject to agreement by the two Captains. This will only be permitted in the regular and seeding round-robins and not in the elimination playoffs.