Series Instructions

For each scheduled series not being played head-to-head, the visiting manager must prepare a set of instructions and send it to the home manager to let him know how to manage the visiting team in the series.  The instructions must include at a minimum:

• Starting Lineup (one lineup can be used for all games or multiple lineups can be specified)
• Starting Pitcher for each game in the series
• Roster of 26 players available for the series (roster must include at least 2 players for each of the positions C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS and OF so that there will always be at least one backup available at each position)

In addition to the above, series instructions may include any or all of the following:

• Bullpen Use (who to relieve and when, who to use and when)
• Pinch-Hitting (who to bat for and when, who to use and when)
• Pinch-Running (who to run for and when, who to use and when)
• Defensive Changes (who to replace and when, who to bring in at what positions)
• Hit & Run (with who on first and with who batting and when)
• Steals (who goes and when and how often)
• Sacrifice (with who batting and when)
• Defensive Strategy (infield close or deep, holding baserunners, pitching from the stretch, throwing to bases)
• Base Coaching (when to try for the extra base)
• Usage Limits (AB, SB attempts, pitcher appearances and/or innings) - especially important late in the season

The amount of strategy included is up to the visiting manager but managers are encouraged to keep instructions as simple as possible with the understanding that the home manager will be objectively fair with both teams in the play of the series.

The target date to send instructions for a series is the 25th of the month prior to the month in which the series is scheduled.  Instructions sent on that date or earlier will receive maximum attendance credit.  Instructions sent after the 25th will receive negative attendance credit.  See description of attendance system for details.  If instructions are not sent by the 10th of the month in which the series is scheduled, the series may be played without instructions.

Home Manager's Responsibilities

When a home manager receives instructions from a visiting manager, he is expected to:

• Manage the visiting team according to the visiting manager's instructions
• Take the initiative to employ sound strategy for the visiting team when situations arise not covered by the instructions
• Play to WIN for BOTH teams!
• Communicate the results back to the visiting manager when the series is complete

If instructions are not received for a series by the 10th of the month in which the series is scheduled, it becomes the home manager's responsibility to play the series without instructions from the visiting manager.  The home manager must contact the commissioner who will provide basic instructions for the team and the series can then be played.  Attendance credit will be given as if the instructions were received on the 10th of the month so any delay on the part of the home manager in getting the series played once the 10th passes may result in reduced attendance credit.