1.  PURPOSE

   • To encourage volunteer participation and promote fairness across all families, the Mountainside Softball & Baseball League (MSBL) maintains a Work Bond Program.

     A significant amount of work happens both on and off the field to ensure our league operates safely and successfully. As a volunteer-run organization, MSBL depends on the time and effort of its member families to support league operations, facilities, and special events. Registration fees alone do not cover all operating and maintenance costs, and each player’s family is expected to contribute volunteer time or equivalent support.

     The Work Bond Program helps ensure that essential work—such as field maintenance, cleanups, and event support—is shared equitably across the league while also providing families the flexibility to either volunteer their time or financially support league needs.

2. AMOUNT
   • Each family is required to pay a mandatory Work Bond.
   • The Work Bond amount is $100 per player.
   • The Work Bond is automatically added during registration for the Spring Recreation program.
   • During registration, families indicate whether they:
     • Intend to volunteer to earn back their Work Bond, or
     • Opt out of volunteer hours and donate their Work Bond to MSBL.
   • Donated Work Bonds are used to help offset operational costs, hire assistance when needed, and support capital and facility improvement projects.

    

3. EARN-BACK ACTIVITIES
   • • Families who do not opt out may earn back some or all of their Work Bond by participating in approved volunteer activities.
     • Eligible earn-back activities include:
       • Field Cleanups
         • Spring Cleanup - 2-hour event – 25% reimbursement
         • Fall Cleanup (Event #1) - 2-hour event – 25% reimbursement
         • Fall Cleanup (Event #2) - 2-hour event – 25% reimbursement
       • Work Parties:  Work Parties are smaller volunteer events focused on repairs, improvements, or projects requiring multiple participants. Examples include:
         • Snack shack cleanup
         • Field repairs and divot filling
         • Fence and equipment maintenance
         • General facility upkeep
         • Each Work Party attended earns a 25% reimbursement of the Work Bond.
     • The MSBL Board reserves the right to add eligible activities throughout the year as league needs arise. Additional opportunities may include:
       • MSBL-hosted tournaments
         • Snack shack work
         • Scorekeeping
         • Pitch counting
         • Field maintenance (raking, lining, mound preparation)
       • Opening Day preparation
       • Closing Day cleanup
     • Volunteer opportunities are plentiful but may be limited by event capacity. Some activities will require advance signup to ensure volunteer efforts are distributed fairly throughout the year.
     • Families with multiple children:
       Earn-back requirements and reimbursements are per family and are not multiplied by the number of children registered with MSBL.
     • MSBL greatly appreciates families who volunteer as Team Managers, Coaches, or Team Helpers; however, these roles are not eligible for Work Bond reimbursement.

4. WORK BOND PROGRAM DATES
   • The Work Bond Program follows the calendar year.
   • Any portion of the Work Bond not earned back by the final eligible activity of the year (typically the last Fall Cleanup in December) will be forfeited to MSBL.

    

5. TRACKING AND REFUND MECHANISM
   • MSBL will track attendance at Spring and Fall Cleanup
   • MSBL will issue partial refunds of the Work Bond as each family earns it back
   • MSBL will choose the mechanism that offers the least overhead.  Refunds may be issued to the credit card used during registration, Venmo, check, or account credits usable towards future registrations.

If you have questions on the above, please send an email to info@msbl.us.