Discussions: 2012 UEFL Rules Summit

As baseball's offseason begins, the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League presents the 2012 Rules Summit. The purpose of the UEFL Rules Summit is to discuss any controversial issues which have surfaced during this past season and to set forth a framework for rectifying these issues by modifying the existing UEFL Rules Book in advance of next season.

This discussion thread is an open forum for proposing, discussing and debating potential rules changes. The 2012 Rules Summit discussion thread shall remain open for 1/2 week, which should provide ample time for the discussion of possible rules changes heading into the 2013 season.

The following matters are already on the docket for the 2012 Rules Summit, though any UEFL'er or guest may contribute an idea by replying to this thread. Modifications are identified by plaintext, while deletions are identified by italics and additions are identified by bold text. >> Indicates a proposition & vote.

Rule 1 (Selection of Umpires), Deletion, Modification or Addition.
>> Section 3 & 4-a. Abolishes/deletes the permutation restriction (mutual exclusivity) related to secondary umpires. This deletion would allow two members to draft the same combination of secondary umpires. Accordingly, if this proposition passes, Rule 2-4-b-4 and all associated provisions will be repealed. Alternately, adds a second primary umpire to form a "crew" of two primaries, two secondaries + crew chief (crew division).
>> Section 4-b-1. Deletes "In the case of a new member, he is assumed to have finished the previous season with a score of zero" and adds "New members shall draft following all returning members and in the order in which registrations have been received."

Rule 4 (League Scoring), Modification.
>> Section 2-b. Changes point structure from (-4 Incorrect, -2 Incorrect [crewmate], +1 Correct [crewmate], +2 Correct) to (+0 Incorrect, +2 Incorrect [crewmate], + 5 Correct [crewmate], + 6 Correct).

Rule 5 (Statistics), Addition.
>> Section 3. Adds three conditions to the top of "ties" so that the primary determining factor in breaking a tie is primary umpire points, the secondary determining factor is total secondary umpire points and the tertiary determining factor is crew division points.

Rule 6 (Challenges and Appeals), Modification and Addition.
>> Section 1. Adds to §6-1 the requirement that all challenges shall be accompanied by a charge of appeal (e.g., "... I appeal on the grounds that..."). Establishes that validity of challenge shall be determined by the UEFL Commissioners (in the event of a 1-1 tie, the challenge will be accepted). Alternately, adds a requirement that only league participants may challenge a ruling.
>> Section 2-b-2. Modifies Miller Rule for the sake of improving accuracy in determining vertical balls/strikes QOC; converts normalized units to feet, using sz_top, sz_bot and pz, instead of norm_ht.
>> Section 6-b-5-c. Adds throwing of equipment to Unsportsmanlike/Irrecusable status. Places the burden of proof on demonstrating the act is NEC and not concerning one specific call.
>> Section 6-b-8. Adds a section addressing ejections wherein umpiring mechanics are incorrect, though the call itself may be correct. Allows for Appeals Board review of killed plays. Known as "Scott Rule." Would authorize the elimination of QOC for this class of ejection.
>> Section 4-a-4. Adds a section clarifying that appeals board members are elected during the pre-season via plurality-at-large voting with optional sixth and seventh positions that may be elected or appointed with UOC discrection. Specifies that in the event of re-election/retention, conducted during the Rules Summit, an absolute majority vote is required for each candidate.
>> Section 4-b. Modifies language: "Upheld (Affirmed)" => "Reveresd" / "Denied" => "Affirmed."
>> Section 5-c. Adds "Pitching Change Exemption" in similar language to the existing "Post-Inning Exemption. This would add an exemption similar to the existing §6-5-d-2 for Balls/Strikes Ejections.
>> Section 5-c-3. Specifies that QOC for an irrecusable call that otherwise would have been ruled "incorrect" shall carry a one point deduction as penalty for the previously ruled incorrect call.

Rule 7 (Unresolved Classifications and References), Addition.
>> Section 2. Adds a "clear and convincing" provision in which official box score information may be overturned if evidence surfaces to suggest the box score is erroneous (e.g., umpire name, etc.).

Rule 8 (Umpire Odds & Ends and Community Issues), Addition.
>> Section 1. Deletes reference to "UEFL shall not impose a set of posting guidelines" and adds a rudimentary set of guidelines in which certain actions (name-calling) are prohibited. Additionally, >> should all commenters be required to post with a name (not anonymously)?

Appeals Board Membership: Re-Election Ballot (Click here to view 2012 Appeals Board decisions)
The following 2012 UEFL Appeals Board Members are seeking re-election via the 2012 Rules Summit.
>> Shall Albertaumpire be re-elected to the UEFL Appeals Board for the 2013 season?
>> Shall RichMSN be re-elected to the UEFL Appeals Board for the 2013 season?
>> Shall tmac be re-elected to the UEFL Appeals Board for the 2013 season?
>> Shall yawetag be re-elected to the UEFL Appeals Board for the 2013 season?

Again, this post is the discussion phase of the UEFL Rules Summit and will remain active through 11/4, after which proposals will be officially drafted and voting will commence. Please do not vote in this thread.