What does BBF stand for?

The British Baseball Federation (BBF)

Is the BBF the National Governing Body of baseball in Great Britain?

Yes, we are considering the National Governing Body of baseball in Great Britain by consent.

When does the regular season start?

The regular baseball season in Great Britain starts in April and end in August for all senior divisions. For youth baseball the season starts in April and runs until July.

How many members clubs are there in the BBF?

33 registered member clubs throughout Great Britain.

How many participants are there in the BBF?

There are approximately 1500 active participants playing baseball within the BBF. Active participants includes youths and adults. The definition of active participants means an individual who plays in an organised BBF member team and pays a fee to the club.

How do I get involved in playing baseball?

You can contact directly any of our 33 clubs, which offer different opportunities for players of various ages and skils.

What is the BBFs Twitter handle?

@BritishBaseball | Twitter

What is baseball usually called in England?

British baseball, sometimes called Welsh baseball, or in areas where it is played simply baseball, is a bat-and-ball game played primarily in Wales and England. ... As a traditional bat-and-ball game, its roots go back much further, and literary references to baseball and rounders date back many centuries.

What is GB Baseball?

Our National Team Baseball Programme is better known as GB Baseball. GB Baseball comes under the oversight of the British Baseball Federation.

BBF Privacy Policy Statement?

The BBF Privacy Policy can be found at the following link https://www.britishbaseballfederation.com/private-policy

Where do I find information about BBFs Disclosures?

You can find informaiton about BBFs Disclosures at the following link https://www.britishbaseballfederation.com/private-policy

What about Little League in the UK?

Little League in the UK is run by the District Administrator, who is independent from the British Baseball Federation (BBF). The BBF is plays no role in running UK Little League other than a team wanting to take part needs to register with the BBF (£15) per team. The District Administrator in the UK is supported by BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK). Teams registered with the BBF may take part in Little League competition, fees may apply by the UK Little League Administrator. The UK Little League Qualifiers are usally held in June.

What is BSUK?

Since 2007, Baseball Softball UK (BSUK) acts as a development agency jointly for both sports, with a basic ongoing remit to serve both Federations in developing the playing of baseball and softball in the UK. BSUK has received major funding awards from Sport England since 2005 e.g., in 2017, they received a two-year award of just under £1.1 million for development work, and a four-year award of £175,000 for talent progression, In the previous four year funding cycle it received over £3 million over four years from Sport England. There is a Members Agreement between BSF, BSUK and BBF. The Members agreement sets-forth the responsibilities and assignments of some duties under schedules.

Does my BBF insurance cover me when I travel abroad and play?

No, your BBF club insurance does not cover you when you travel and play abroad. You are required to secure your own individual or team insurance when you travel abroad and play.

When I host teams from abroad or from another non BBF league does my BBF insurance cover the visiting participants?

No, your BBF club insurance does not cover you when you host non-BBF members (including international teams). For the above you need to source seperate insurance and the costs are at your expense.

What is the process to get BBF insurance?

In November 2017 we began to notify clubs they could begin to registe for the 2018 season at the start of 1 December 2018. The start of the new insurance coverage (indoors and outdoors) for both our Personal Accident and Combined Liability insurance starts from 1 December 2017 to 30 November 2018. To receive both coverages above a club would have to pay 100% of their insurance premiums. Afterwards, we would provide your club your insurance certificate confirming your coverage.

What kind of insurance does the BBF provide its member clubs?

The BBF offers both personal and combined liability insurance for fully paid clubs members (terms apply).

What is my obligation for an incident report and claims information?

It is a condition of your policy that any circumstance that may give rise to a claim is reported promptly to your Insurers. In order to ensure you are complying fully with your policy terms and conditions you must ensure: All existing losses have been accurately and fully disclosed to us You are not aware, after enquiry, of any circumstances which might give rise to a claim in respect of the risks to which this insurance relates (For example this may include any incident involving bodily injury (including injury to employees, third parties or volunteers) or financial loss. If you have any questions contact us immediately.

We would recommend that a designated person within your organisation is made responsible to record any reportable accident. Records must be kept for at least 3 years. Names and addresses of any possible witnesses should also be recorded.

Record the following information relating to all reportable accidents or dangerous occurrences:

• date and time of accident
• as regards a person at work - full name; occupation; nature of injury; age
• as regards a person not at work - full name; status [e.g. customer]; nature of injury; age
• place where accident occurred
• a brief description of the circumstances
• method by which the event was reported.

Is there an excess fee to insurance claims?

Yes, there is a £50 excess fee, per claim.

Does a member club have a duty of care to disclose information to receive and maintain the BBF insurance coverage?

We take this opportunity to remind you that you owe a duty to make a fair presentation of the risk to the insurer and BBF, promtly. You have a duty to disclose to the insurer and the BBF, every material circumstance which you know or ought to know after a reasonable search or which is sufficient to put the insurer on notice that it needs to make further enquiries for the purpose of revealing those material circumstances. In addition, you have a duty to disclose information in a clear and accessible manner. Failure to disclose a material circumstance may entitle an insurer to:  In some circumstances, avoid the policy from inception and in this event any claims under the policy would not be paid.

As a fully paid member club for insurance purposes what you I consider are my incident recording duties?

Incident Recording Guidelines
• We would recommend that a designated person within your organisation is made responsible to record any reportable accident. Records must be kept for at least 6 years (and significantly longer where the incident involves a minor). Names and addresses of any possible witnesses should also be recorded
• Businesses are legally obliged to have an accident book which is compliant with data protection legislation; Regardless even if a club is not a business it would be good practise to keep an accident book.
• The accident book must contain the following information relating to all reportable accidents or dangerous occurrences:
- Date and time of accident
- As regards a person at work - full name; occupation; nature of injury; age
- As regards a person not at work - full name; status (eg customer); nature of injury; age
- Place where accident occurred
- A brief description of the circumstances
- Method by which the event was reported

What type of insurance can I receive from the BBF for membership?

Approved qualifying member clubs which are fully paid, can receive club and personal liability insurance (terms apply). The fees are pass through from our insurers to the clubs. The BBF does not impose a mark-up, unless when it rounds up or has to estimate the cost spread over an esitimated number of clubs at the start of the season to pay their insurers for your club insurance.

What are the 2018 insurance fees?

In 2018, the BBF insurance fees are: £145 per club and £30 per team. In addition a club needs to pay all of thier applicable BBF membership fees.

How to I receive my insurance coverage certificate?

You receive the full coverage when you pay (in full) your applicable general club insurance and personal accident fees. Plus BBF membership fees. After the above, you will receive confirmation (certificate) your coverage has begun by contacting our treasurer at treasurer@britishbaseball.org

Is softball covered under a clubs baseball insurance coverage?

Our insurers provide services to BSUK, BSF and BBF.
Under the terms of our insurance we have some teams that have both softball and baseball as a played sport. For non organised games and practises our baseball insurance covers softball activities (on a limited basis). For organised play of softball (leagues) the procedure is you need to be a member of British Softball Federation and seek their full softball insurance coverage.

Principle exclusions of the BBF club members insurance

Principal Exclusions:

Liability arising out of:

- Criminal Acts

- The ownership, possession or use of any mechanically propelled vehicle, aircraft, hovercraft or water-borne craft.

- Product Guarantee or recall, repair or replacement.

- In connection with damage to any data.

- Medical malpractice.

- Damage to own property.

- Abuse in respect of the individual accused or alleged to have committed abuse or have permitted abuse

- Incidents prior to the retroactive date

- Incidents / claims known to you but not reported to Insurers

- Organised softball play

- Playing non BBF affilated member clubs, teams or players

- Damage to property (including car damage because of play)

- Travel abroad

- Fans injuries

- Only select umpires

- Legal actions brought in a court of law primarily outside of the UK (exclusions apply)

- Negligence

- Not assessing the risks before a practise and game by conducting a risk assessement of the area. Thereafter not taking the appropriate action to mitigate your (clubs, participants, volunteers, umpires, players or others taking part or attending a practise or game) risks.

- Restricted cover applies in respect of legal actions brought in a court of Law within the USA or Canada

- Allowing those who do not adhere to the applicable DBS checks or safeguarding requirements.

- Teams or clubs suspended or resigned by the BBF

- Batters and coaches (in the coaches box) not wearing the appropriate helmets. The mentioned includes players in practise (outdoor and indoor) taking batting practise.

NOTE: The above list is not exhaustive, you can ask the BBF for more specific details.

What do I do in the event of a claim?

You must report every claim and any incident that is likely to give rise to a claim in the future. Complete the necessary report/claim form as soon as possible to avoid prejudicing your claim. The form and more information is available online at www.baseballsoftballuk.com/insurance. You can also contact BaseballSoftballUK Ltd by emailing insurance@bsuk.com (cc: BBF).

Do not admit liability; do not make an offer or promise to pay.

What are the incident notification guidelines?

It is important that all incidents that may give rise to a claim are reported to us as soon as possible after the event. This will enable Insurers to carry out investigations at an early stage whilst information relating to the claim remains fresh in the mind. This will also ensure that you are complying fully with your policy terms and conditions.

In order to achieve this, we ask that you notify us immediately of any incident that involves:-

• a fatal accident.
• an injury involving either referral to or actual hospital treatment.
• any allegations of libel/slander.
• any allegations of Professional Negligence i.e. arising out of tuition, coaching or advice given.
• any investigation under any child protection legislation.
• any circumstance involving damage to third party property.

An injury is defined as:-

• any head injury that requires medical treatment [Doctor or Hospital.]
• any fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes.
• any amputation, dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine.
• loss of sight [whether temporary or permanent.]
• any injury resulting from electrical shock or burn, leading to unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
• any other injury leading to hypothermia, heat induced illness or to unconsciousness which requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
• loss of consciousness caused by asphyxia or by exposure to a harmful substance or biological agent.

Please note the above list is not exhaustive and if you are unsure as to whether an incident should be reported, then please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice.

We would remind you that in NO circumstances should you admit liability or agree to pay for any damage caused as this may prejudice the position of Insurers and COULD result in the withdrawal of any indemnity.

What is an appeal play?

A runner shall be called out, after a successful live ball appeal, if he: failed to tag up on a batted ball caught in-flight, failed to touch a base the last time he passed it, or failed to touch all previous bases in order To properly execute a live ball appeal, a fielder must, with a live ball, tag the runner or base in question and communicate to the umpire what the infraction was and which runner committed the infraction. Such communication may be non-verbal, implicit, or assumed—so long as the intent of the fielder is clear to the umpire. Contrary to popular belief, an appeal out is not a force out unless it is regarding a missed force base. For example, if a runner from third base tags up and scores, but a runner from second base leaves too early, failing to tag up, and then is put out on the appeal, the run counts if it was scored before the appeal by the fielders. Rare situations with a viable appeal on a runner who misses his force base require the umpire to recognize an apparent fourth out.

What is a balk?

In baseball, a pitcher can commit a number of illegal motions or actions that constitute a balk. Most of these violations involve a pitcher pretending to pitch when he has no intention of doing so. In games played under the Official Baseball Rules, a balk results in a dead ball or delayed dead ball. In certain other circumstances, a balk may be wholly or partially disregarded. Under other rule sets, notably in the United States under the National Federation of High Schools (Fed or Federation) Baseball Rules, a balk results in an immediate dead ball. In the event a balk is enforced, the pitch is generally (but not always) nullified, each runner is awarded one base, and the batter (generally) remains at bat, and with the previous count. The balk rule in Major League Baseball was introduced in 1898.

What is base on balls?

A base on balls (BB), also known as a walk, occurs in baseball when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls, and is in turn awarded first base without the possibility of being called out. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules,[1] and further detail is given in 6.08(a). It is, however, considered a faux pas for a professional player to actually walk to first base; the batter-runner and any advancing runners normally jog on such a play. The term "base on balls" distinguishes a walk from the other manners in which a batter can be awarded first base without liability to be put out (e.g., hit by pitch (HBP), catcher's interference).[5] Though a base on balls, catcher's interference, or a batter hit by a pitched ball all result in the batter (and possibly runners on base) being awarded a base,[6]the term "walk" usually refers only to a base on balls, and not the other methods of reaching base without the bat touching the ball. An important difference is that for a hit batter or catcher's interference, the ball is dead and no one may advance unless forced; the ball is live after a walk (see below for details). A batter who draws a base on balls is commonly said to have been "walked" by the pitcher. When the batter is walked, runners advance one base without liability to be put out only if forced to vacate their base to allow the batter to take first base. If a batter draws a walk with the bases loaded, all preceding runners are forced to advance, including the runner on third base who is forced to home plate to score a run; when a run is forced on a walk, the batter is credited with an RBI per rule 10.04. Receiving a base on balls does not count as a hit or an at bat for a batter but does count as a time on base and a plate appearance. Therefore, a base on balls does not affect a player's batting average, but it can increase his on-base percentage.

What is a double-play?

In baseball, a double play (denoted as DP in baseball statistics) is the act of making two outs during the same continuous play. Double plays are relatively common, as they can occur any time there is at least one baserunnerand less than two outs. The simplest scenario for a double play is a runner on first base with less than two outs. In that context, four example double plays are: The batter hits a ground ball to a middle infielder, who throws the ball to the other middle infielder, who steps on second base to force out the runner coming from first (first out), and then throws the ball to the first baseman in time to force out the batter (second out). As both outs are made by force plays, this is referred to as a "force double play". To the first baseman, who steps on first base to force out the batter (first out), and with the baserunner trying to advance from first base to second base, throws the ball to the shortstop who tags the runner before he reaches second base (second out). As the force out at first base removed the force condition at second base (requiring that out to be made with a tag), this is referred to as a "reverse force double play". The batter hits the ball in the air a line drive to the first baseman, who catches it (first out), and then steps on first base before the baserunner can return to first to tag up (second out). This is also an example of an unassisted double play. a deep fly ball to the right fielder, who catches it (first out), meanwhile the baserunner tags up and attempts to advance, and the outfielder throws the ball to the shortstop who tags the runner before he reaches second base (second out). The force double play is the most commonly seen double play, however double plays can occur in many ways in addition to the noted examples, and can involve many combinations of defensive players or even special circumstances

What is a double switch?

In baseball, the double switch is a type of player substitution, usually performed by a team while playing defense. The double switch is typically used to make a pitching substitution, while simultaneously placing the incoming pitcher in a more favorable spot in the batting order than was occupied by the outgoing pitcher. (On the assumption that the pitcher will be a poor hitter, the incoming pitcher will generally take the spot in the batting order of a position player who has recently been put out, so as to avoid the pitcher making a plate appearance in the next couple of innings.) To perform a double switch (or any other substitution), the ball must be dead.

What is an earned run?

In baseball, an earned run is any run that was fully enabled by the offensive team's production in the face of competent play from the defensive team. Conversely, an unearned run is a run that would not have been scored without the aid of an error or a passed ball committed by the defense. An unearned run counts just as much as any other run for the purpose of determining the score of the game. However, it is "unearned" in that it was, in a sense, "given away" by the defensive team. Both total runs and earned runs are tabulated as part of a pitcher's statistics. However, earned runs are specially denoted because of their use in calculating a pitcher's earned run average (ERA), the number of earned runs allowed by the pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e., averaged over a regulation game). Thus, in effect, the pitcher is held personally accountable for earned runs, while the responsibility for unearned runs is shared with the rest of the team. To determine whether a run is earned, the official scorer must reconstruct the inning as it would have occurred without errors or passed balls.

What is an error?

n baseball statistics, an error is an act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to advance one or more bases or allows an at bat to continue after the batter should have been put out. The term error can also refer to the play during which an error was committed. An error does not count as a hit but still counts as an at bat for the batter unless, in the scorer's judgment, the batter would have reached first base safely but one or more of the additional base(s) reached was the result of the fielder's mistake. In that case, the play will be scored both as a hit (for the number of bases the fielders should have limited the batter to) and an error. However, if a batter is judged to have reached base solely because of a fielder's mistake, it is scored as a "hit on error," and treated the same as if the batter had been put out, hence lowering his batting average. Similarly, a batter does not receive credit for a run batted in (RBI) when runs score on an error, unless the scorer rules that a run would have scored even if the fielder had not made a mistake. For example, if a batter hits a ball to the outfield for what should be a sacrifice fly and the outfielder drops the ball for an error, the batter will still receive credit for the sacrifice fly and the run batted in. If a play should have resulted in a fielder's choice with a runner being put out and the batter reaching base safely but the runner is safe due to an error, the play will be scored as a fielder's choice, with no hit being awarded to the batter and an error charged against the fielder. Passed balls and wild pitches are separate statistical categories and are not scored as errors.

What is a fielders choice?

n baseball, fielder's choice (abbreviated FC) refers to a variety of plays involving an offensive player reaching a base due to the defense's attempt to put out another baserunner, or the defensive team's indifference to his advance. Fielder's choice is not called by the umpires on the field of play; rather, it is recorded by the official scorer to account for the offensive player's advance without crediting him with an offensive statistic such as a hit or stolen base. Though there are several definitions of fielder's choice, the most common (and the only one commonly referred to as FC) involves a fielder fielding a fair ball and choosing to try to put out another baserunner, thereby allowing the batter-runner to safely reach first base. The defensive player may or may not have an opportunity to retire the batter runner. If a preceding runner is retired on a force out, the batter will not be rewarded with a hit and will be scored a Fielder's Choice (FC). Other plays that fall under the definition of FC are usually referred to using other terms such as "defensive indifference" or "on the throw." Fielder's choice is defined in MLB Rule 2, "Definitions", as "the act of a fielder who handles a fair grounder and, instead of throwing to first base to put out the batter-runner, throws to another base in an attempt to put out a preceding runner." FC is recorded for the batter-runner if he reaches first base safely regardless of whether the attempt to put out the other runner(s) is successful. If the other runner is successfully put out for the third out, FC is recorded for the batter-runner regardless of whether he had already reached first base (if the other runner was forced out, the batter is described as grounding into a force play).

What is a force play?

In baseball, a force is a situation when a baserunner is compelled (or forced) to vacate his time-of-pitch base—and thus try to advance to the next base—because the batter became a runner. A runner at first base is always forced to attempt to advance to second base when the batter becomes a runner. Runners at second or third base are forced only when all bases preceding their time-of-pitch base are occupied by other baserunners and the batter becomes a runner. A forced runner's force base is the next base beyond his time-of-pitch base. Any attempt by fielders to put a forced runner out is called a force play. Think of forced runners as bumper cars. If with a runner on first, the batter hits a ground ball, the batter must run to first, and since two runners are not allowed to stay on one base at one time, the runner who was on first to begin with is now bumper-carred by the advancing batter over to second. If there already was a runner on second as well, that runner is now bumper-carred over to third, and so on. If a runner is bumper-carred over to the next base by the advancing batter or by another runner who was bumper-carred by the advancing batter, then that runner is considered to have been forced to advance to the next base. If, however, with a runner on third, for example, the batter hits a ground ball, the batter must run to first, but the runner on third, not having been bumper-carred by the batter, is not forced to advance and can stay where he is if he elects to.[1] Force plays, or force outs, are one of the two ways to get a runner out on a ground ball. For a fielder to get a forced, bumper-carred runner out, he needs only to retrieve the hit ball and (1) step on the base in question before the forced runner gets there, or (2) tag that runner before the runner gets there. For example, with a runner on first, the batter hits a ground ball to the second baseman. The runner on first is being bumper-carred or forced over to second by the advancing batter. Since this is a force play, the second baseman, once he catches the ball, needs only to step on second base or tag the runner before the bumper-carred runner gets there in order to get him out. A tag out, or tag play, the second way to get a runner out on a ground ball, involves an unforced runner and is much more difficult to execute.[2] A force on a runner is "removed" when the batter or a following runner is put out. This most often happens on fly outs—on such, the batter-runner is out, and the other runner(s) must return to their time-of-pitch base, known as tagging up. It also occasionally happens when a sharply hit ground ball is fielded by the first baseman, who then quickly steps on first base to force out the batter-runner. This removes the requirement that the runner already on first must advance to second base; he cannot be forced out by a defensive player holding the ball while touching second base, and the runner can try to escape from a rundown by returning to first base.

What is a grand slam?

In baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners ("bases loaded"), thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge,[better source needed] in which a grand slam involves taking all the possible tricks. The word slam, by itself, usually is connected with a loud sound, particularly of a door being closed with excess force; thus, slamming the door on one's opponent(s), in addition to the bat slamming the ball into a home run.

What is ground rule double?

A ground rule double is a baseball rule that awards of two bases from the time of pitch to all baserunners including the batter-runner, as a result of the ball leaving play after being hit fairly and leaving the field under a condition of the ground rules in effect at the field where the game is being played. An automatic double is the term used to refer to a fairly hit ball leaving the field in circumstances that do not merit a home run, as described in Major League Baseball (MLB) rules 5.05(a)(6) through 5.05(a)(9).[1] The automatic double (or rule-book double) is quite often mistakenly called a ground rule double. The far more commonly occurring automatic double results from the generally applicable MLB rules 5.05(a)(6) through 5.05(a)(9). These rules govern how to treat the batter (and any runners on base) when a batted ball is hit fair but passes out of the field of play or becomes artificially obstructed while in the field of play. For example, these rules cover balls that hit the ground in fair territory and land out of play, typically by bouncing over a fence or wall in the outfield. MLB rules also provide generically for the award of a double when a batted ball goes through or under a fence; and when it goes through or sticks in shrubbery or vines on the fence.

What is a hit and run?

A hit and run is a high risk, high reward offensive strategy used in baseball. It uses a stolen base attempt to try to place the defending infielders out of position for an attempted base hit. The hit and run relies on the positioning of the defensive players in the infield. The first and third basemen normally stand close to the lines, generally near their bases but slightly closer to home plate. The second basemanand shortstop stand on opposite sides of second base, covering the areas between first and second, and second and third, respectively. Second base itself is not directly covered, as the pitcher can field batted balls in this direction. In normal play, if the ball is hit into the infield, one of the players will run toward the ball while another runs toward the base that is no longer covered. For instance, if the ball is hit toward the second baseman, he will run toward the ball while the shortstop runs toward second base. This allows the fielding player to throw the ball to the player on the base to attempt a put out. However, during a stolen base attempt, the normal gameplay and positioning is altered. In the typical case, a baserunner on first base will start running toward second, causing the infielders to move toward that base in order to tag the runner when the ball is thrown to them from the pitcher or catcher. This reaction places the infielders out of position for a hit ball, with gaps opening at midway points between first and second and second and third. The hit and run takes advantage of this difference by having the baserunner attempt to steal as soon as the pitch is thrown; the batter then attempts to hit the ball into one of the resulting gaps in the infield defense. The name "hit and run" is therefore a potential misnomer in that the chronological order of the offensive play is "run and hit," with the runner beginning the steal attempt before the batter makes contact, although in a logical sense it is accurate in that the batter's swing occurs while the runner's steal attempt is ongoing, such that any contact ("hit") will occur simultaneously with ("and") the steal attempt ("run").

Hit by the pitch?

In baseball, hit by pitch (HBP) is a situation in which a batter or his clothing or equipment (other than his bat) is struck directly by a pitch from the pitcher; the batter is called a hit batsman(HB). A hit batsman is awarded first base, provided that (in the plate umpire's judgment) he made an honest effort to avoid the pitch, although failure to do so is rarely called by an umpire. Being hit by a pitch is often caused by a batter standing too close to, or "crowding", home plate. Per baseball official rule 5.05(b), a batter becomes a baserunner and is awarded first base when he or his equipment (except for his bat): - is touched by a pitched ball outside the strike zone, - and he attempts to avoid it (or had no opportunity to avoid it), and he did not swing at the pitch.[1] - If all these conditions are met, the ball is dead, and other baserunners advance if they are forced to vacate their base by the batter taking first. Rule 5.09(a) further clarifies that a hit by pitch is also called when a pitch touches a batter's clothing.[2] In the case where a batter swings and the pitch hits him anyway, the ball is dead and a strike is called.[3] If the batter does not attempt to avoid the pitch, he is not awarded first base, and the pitch is ruled either a strike if in the strike zone or a ball if out of the strike zone. Umpires rarely make this call.

How do I calculate Winning Percentage?

Definition: A winning percentage is used in sports as the percentage of games/ matches won by a team. Draws are counted as 1/2 a win. A winning percentage is important in any sport, let's take basketball, for example, only the top 8 teams in the western and eastern conference get to the playoffs and to do this they must have a good winning percentage. In baseball, a pitcher has his own winning percentage based on his win-loss record and for soccer generally, a manager is judged on their winning percentage. A winning percentage can also be used in video games such as Starcraft 2 and league of legends, people use the winning percentage to see how good a team or player is. If you'd like to see how good of a season a team or a player has had, their winning percentage is a good indicator. Not all sports use winning percentage another method that is used in basketball and baseball is Games behind also know as games back (GB). Source CW

How do I calculate Games Back (in the standings)?

Definition: In the US and Canada Games back or Games behind is used to show the gap between the top team and another team in the sports league, conference or division. When using games back, the team in first place is always 0 games behind and any team below them is games behind them. An example is if the Reds are in first position and the Rays are 2 games behind, for the Rays o catch up and tie with the warriors, they would have to win the next 2 games while the warriors would have to lose their next 2 games.

It is possible for a team with the most wins to not be in first position if team A has 54 wins and 15 loses but team B has 53 wins and 12 loses, team B is in front as Team A is 1/2 game behind.

How do I calculate Batting Average Calculator?

Definition: Batting Average is a statistic in baseball that is used to measure the performance of batters success at the plate.

Batting average is often used when comparing batters. Generally the best batters in the game can reach over a .300 and there have been twenty players that manage a batting average of at least .400 in a single season of major league baseball with the last player to do so being Ted Williams in 1941, he played for the Boston Red Sox.

A batting average of .400 is four hits in every 10 at-bats, so while a batting average is important it does not account for all aspects of the game. As it doesn't account for any time a batter makes the base by walks etc.
Lets say a batter gets a 146 hits in a season and has 530 at bats, to calculate the batting average all we have to do is 146/530 = 0.275 being the batting average. A batting average is generally expressed as a decimal of 3 places. A batting average of 0.000 means a player has no hits, while a 1.000 means they get a hit every time they bat. Soucre CW

Who do I calculate ERA?

Earned Run Average is the number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings, an earned run is a run that is the pitcher's fault. Runs from defensive errors (including a pitcher's defensive errors) are unearned runs and not included in ERA calculations.

ERA is generally accepted for evaluating pitchers, ERA's job is to tell us how well a pitcher prevents runs from scoring by calculating how many runs the pitcher allows on average that are his fault in any given game.

It is important to note that comparing historical records for ERA does not have meaning as baseball has changed throughout its history. As before the 19th century, pitchers had extremely low ERAs but the pitcher's mound was much closer to the batter.

ERA can fluctuate depending on a pitchers place in the rotation, pitchers defense and the division. A pitcher with an average defense is at a disadvantage compared to a pitcher with a top defense. Relief pitchers generally have lower ERA than the starting pitchers as they play less and typically spend all their energy on their short time rather than spreading it out over the course of a game.

What is the BBF official baseball?

Baden (3B-NHFS) and Wilson (A1010) have been selected as the exclusive baseballs for the British Baseball Federation (BBF), valid for the 2018 season. The above baseballs only apply to the BBF senior divisions, and exclusive of our Youth Super League. Also, the select Baden and Wilson baseballs will be used for our National Baseball Championships. This year is the last year of our tri-party agreement to make use of the Baden and Wilson baseball for our leagues. Purchase of either baseball by our member's clubs comes without any financial markup from the BBF. Local suppliers have an ample supply of the official baseballs is stock, and they are ready for purchase. About the Baden 3B-NHFS baseball: Boasting a Perfection Raised Seam™, this double-stitched ball optimises a grip for superior performance. The ball is made with a pro-grade premium leather cover for top-notch durability to withstand wear and tear from team practices, so it's ideal for our senior leagues. The Perfection Ballistic Windings™ is a durable A-grade grey wool, which helps the ball maintain its shape long term. A high compression core and cushion cork centre keep the ball lively. The ball is NFHS approved. Sold in a dozen.
About the Wilson A1010 baseball: Dura-Core Technology™: Added to Red Cushioned Cork to help the ball retain hardness 15% better than the competition. Formed to withstand impact and give you the game-changing performance you need. Red Cushioned Cork: Give your game an edge with a baseball that stays more energised during bat/ball collision. Super Seam Technology™: Sold in a dozen.

Where can I buy the BBF official baseballs?

The Baseball Shop http://www.thebaseballshop.co.uk

What are the age groups in the National Team (GB Baseball)?

U12 U15 U18 U23 Seniors

Which entity oversees the National Team Programme (GB Baseball)?

The British Baseball Federation (board) oversees GB Baseball.

Does GB Baseball receive any public funding?

GB Baseball receives no public funding.

What is the world baseball ranking for GB Baseball in 2018?

No. 34 with 122 points

Who are the coaches for GB Baseball?

Liam Carroll is the GB Coach for Seniors, U23s etc liam.carroll@britishbaseball.org and Will Lintern is the U18 Coach will.lintern@britishbaseball.org

What is the London Series?

Major League Baseball (MLB) announced in May 2018, they will be hosting the LondonSeries which takes part on 29-30 June 2019 in London. The two game series will consist of two official regular season games between the New York Yankees vs the Boston Red Sox.

How do I get tickets to the LondonSeries?

You need to register your interest at the following link which is organised by MLB: https://www.mlb.com/london-series

Where is the London Series being played?

The London Series is being played at London Stadium. https://www.london-stadium.com

What if it is rains for the London Series?

MLB has said "...all rainouts will be made up in the US (subject to change)."

What are the BBF Rules and Handbook?

The BBF adopts the Official Rules of Major League Baseball (MLB), based on the official baseball rules (OBR), as the rules governing all games and competitions organised by the BBF, subject only to modification by the byelaws, youth baseball rules (BBF adopts use Little League rules unless otherwise noted) and other relevant parts of this handbook. The MLB rules that are adopted for each season are those from the MLB season immediately prior to the current BBF season. For example, for the 2018 season, the MLB 2017 rules will be observed. For BBF youth tournament play, the rules adopted are those of Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League and etc. Local rules may be adopted for local youth league play to accommodate the particular needs of that league; however, rules around pitching, catching and bat sizes must not be changed without approval from the relevant Youth Commissioner. Additionally, as members of CEB, the BBF adopts elements of CEB tournaments rules where appropriate. Collectively, the above rules are called the British Baseball Rules. In the case of a dispute between any set of rules adopted and rules defined in this handbook, this handbook shall in all cases prevail.

BBF Byelaws?

It sometimes becomes necessary to amend certain official rules to suit league requirements and these are referred to as byelaws. These Byelaws shall supersede any other byelaws in existence. All adult teams will use wood bats in accordance with Rule 3.02 of the Official Rules of Major League Baseball (MLB). There is no age exception to this rule.

BBF game lengths?

All adult double headers will be seven innings as allowed by OBR 7.01 (a) unless otherwise stipulated by a BBF League Commissioner (e.g., if games are time limited).

BBF run difference rule, whereby a game will end early?

The CEB Run Difference Rule applies to all adult games as follows: 9 inning games: If after or any time after 7 (seven) complete innings for the visiting team or 6½ innings for the home team, there is a 10 (ten) run score difference between the teams, the game is called. If after or any time after 5 (five) complete innings for the visiting team or 4½ innings for the home team, there is a 15 (fifteen) run score difference between the teams, the game is called. 7 inning games: If after or any time after 5 (five) complete innings for the visiting team or 4½ innings for the home team, there is a 10 (ten) run score difference between the teams, the game is called.

What is the BBF rule on allowing designated hitters?

The designated hitter rule is optional for either team in any game. Rule 5.11 of the OBR still applies.

What is the BBF rule on player substitutions?

In Single A and Double A leagues, up to three substituted players may re-enter the game once subject to the following: • a player being replaced by a substituted player must have played at least three consecutive defensive outs and had at least one plate appearance • a player can only re-enter at the start of an inning

What is the BBF rule on protesting a game?

Should a game be protested under Rule 7.04 of the OBR then the relevant BBF League Commissioner must be notified in writing (email) within 48 hours of the game along with payment of the appeal fee of £20 or else the right of protest will be lost. The payment should be made by bank transfer to the BBF. A BBF decision will be made within 14 days.

What are the BBF rules on pitiching restrictions?

(i) A pitcher may pitch any number of innings in one single nine inning game. (ii) If a pitcher pitches in both games of a doubleheader, he/she shall not accumulate more than nine full innings over two games, however distributed. (iii) It shall be the responsibility of the opposing manager to bring violations of these pitching rules to the attention of the home plate umpire. A pitcher shall be considered to have violated these rules if he throws one pitch in an inning above the prescribed limits. The minimum penalty for violating these rules is automatic ejection from the game for the pitcher and his manager. (iv) Clubs must ensure that the pitching restrictions which apply to youth players are adhered to whenever a player aged 19 or under plays for a senior team. This includes the “rest requirements” in the event that the player aged 16 or under has thrown 21 or more pitches on the previous day(s). (v) Pitchers aged 18 and under must adhere to the pitching restrictions for their age and also the mandatory rest requirements driven by the number of pitches in a day. The restrictions are those detailed in MLB Pitch Smart which also are adopted by Little League and other youth baseball organisations. Coaches are strongly encouraged to adhere to pitcher restrictions listed for their player aged 19- 22 years of age.

What is the BBF rules on affiliation?

Clubs affiliate to the BBF under Article 4.3 of the BBF Constitution. An annual club registration process which takes place prior to each season and is notified to clubs who were affiliated to the BBF in the prior season. Note: Clubs may request to apply for membership mid-season to the BBF board. All payments for club affiliations and insurance premiums shall be made electronically and or as detailed in the registration process published each year on the BBF website. Clubs wishing to change their name must seek explicit approval to do so from the BBF by writing to the Secretary. New clubs and their team(s) affiliating to the Federation shall not be permitted to use a name or logo, which is currently used by an existing affiliated club. Clubs who wish to enter a single team into BBF leagues must register and sustain a minimum of 12 registered players for that team.

What is the BBF rules on rostering players?

All clubs are to ensure their players register each season and to have rostered their players on the BBF website before their first game of each season. Existing players must register individually once registration is open unless otherwise stipulated when registration opens. Clubs may register new players (i.e. previously unregistered with any club that season) throughout the year. Players are to individually register via the BBF website setting up a user account if they are new to playing for a BBF affiliated team or using their existing account to register for each new season. Players will not be eligible to take part in NBL and AAA League games unless they have been added to the online roster of their team at least two (2) days before the game, e.g. a player must be activated in the team roster no later than Friday in order to be eligible to play on Sunday. If a team fields an ineligible player, an automatic forfeit win will be awarded to their opponents. It shall be the responsibility of the opposing team to bring such violation of these rostering rules to the attention of the relevant BBF League Commissioner not later than two (2) days after the game. The exception to this rule is the temporary call-up of a player already rostered on a lower league team within the club. As long as the player has been rostered on the lower league team two (2) days before the game, then such player can be added to the higher team’s roster for stats purposes. The above will also apply to the Single A and Double A Leagues, with the exception that, in the AA and A Leagues, player registrations may be backdated by up to three (3) days. This allows for new players and “walk ins” e.g. a player plays for the first time on a Sunday, and may be registered at any time up to and including the following Wednesday. In the AA and A Leagues, it shall be the responsibility of the opposing team to bring a violation of these rostering rules to the attention of the relevant League Commissioner not later than five (5) days after the game. Rostering of players for teams must be done via the team page on the BBF website by users with team page administration rights. If you need guidance on any part of this BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION e-mail info@britishbaseballfederation.com Once a player has played six times for a team in a higher league or where a club has two teams in the same league, they are rostered to that team for the purposes of applying player movement rules.

What is the BBF minimum age requirement?

The minimum age for senior players is 14 and must be 14 before 1 April. In line with child welfare guidelines, parental / guardian approval must be obtained prior to a player under the age of 16 years playing senior baseball. A form for this purpose is available from the BBF website or alternatively e-mail info@britishbaseballfederation.com to enable clubs to administer this process internally.

What is the BBF player transfer rule?

For a transfer request the following rules apply: • May do so once per season. • Must not have been approached by another club or any of its members or representatives enticing him or her to transfer away, without that club first contacting the player’s current club and seeking their agreement. • Can do so without restriction if they are a free agent defined as a player who has not participated in any BBF games for a full season and or they do not owe any money to a former or current club. • Can only do so during the playing season when there are no transfer restrictions as follows: In the National Baseball League (NBL), during two-week transfer window which is two weeks immediately before the 45% completion point of the scheduled season, which is notified to clubs. A player can move outside of these two weeks, but can only practise not play for the new club. A transfer request shall be reported to the relevant BBF Commissioner through the online form on the BBF site. Copies of the transfer request will be sent to the original club, the Players can only transfer once in the same season between affiliated clubs. The exception to this is where a player transfers to or from an overseas club. Note: Other federations may require a player to obtain a release form from their former club and from the BBF Office. They must allow at least 14 days for this to occur to avoid being prohibited from playing in another federation’s league. There will be no transfer fee.new club and the BBF. It is the responsibility of the new club to contact the current club management (President, Secretary or similar) prior to the transfer request is sent (e-mail) to the BBF. If the original club does not respond to the transfer request within 14 days, the transfer request will be reviewed by the relevant BBF League Commissioner. If the new club does not follow the above process a penalty fee of £30 might be levied by the BBF. When a registered participant owes money to another BBF affiliated club then, should they fail to pay the debt, the club to which they are affiliated will become liable to the other club. Where a registered participant owes money to any BBF affiliated club then their transfer request will not be accepted until the debt is repaid. Details of the debt should be copied to the player’s club and the BBF Board form the creditor. Transfer fees can be paid through our Treasurer at treasurer@britisbaseball.org