PREAMBLE: The major conceit of single-league (NL-only or AL-only) leagues is intra-league player movement. Many leagues simply take a “tough luck” approach to teams losing players. The BVLL, however, designed an advanced Compensation System which roughly replicates the talent values of players “lost” TO the AL (“Outgoing Players”) by using their counterparts arriving FROM the AL (“Incoming Players”).

CONCEPT: Although the system contains some complexities and technicalities involving player eligibility, Compensation revolves around the concept of "unexpected loss." This ensures the integrity of the Compensation System, by precluding teams from trading (or drafting) their way into the Compensation draft.

SYSTEM: At the time a team acquires a player (through draft or trade), he falls into one of three categories: he is under contract to a real-life NL team, he is under contract to a real-life AL team, or he is owned by neither.

1. If he is already in the AL, he is not eligible for compensation due to failing to adhere to the "unexpected loss" principle. Such players will be listed as "pounded" and will be listed with a "#" symbol next to their names on league rosters and draft lists. The only way a player can lose his pounded status is if he returns to the NL, and receives an NL Card, during the season he was pounded; otherwise, you lose all rights to this player after the season.

2. If a player was in the NL or was a free agent at the time he was acquired, he now falls into one of the following categories:

a) He has an NL card only this year; you have the right to either keep his NL Card on your 22-man roster or cut him back into the draft.

b) He has an AL card only this year; you may submit his AL Card for Compensation or elect Retainer Rights. If Retainer Rights are selected, you may keep the player on your roster without counting against your 22-man roster. You will have rights to the player if he ever receives a future NL Card*.

c) He has both NL and AL cards this year; you may keep his NL Card on your 22-man roster or submit his ML Card for Compensation.

d) He has no card this year; you must protect him uncarded as part of your 22-man roster to continue your ownership of this player.

Managers will vote for the compensation order, listing the most deserving 1st, next most deserving 2nd, etc., all the way down the “Outgoing” list. Outgoing players will be ranked by their card “value” (usage + quality) with lesser consideration given to age and potential.

Managers are NOT eligible to vote for their own players. If irregularities in a manager's ballot are apparent (the obviously undeserving receiving undue support to undermine the process), the Executive Committee may invalidate such ballots and take disciplinary action. THIS VOTE MUST BE AS HONEST AS THE GAMES.

Tiebreaker: If there are any ties, they will be broken by dropping the high and low ranks for each player until the tie is broken. If the tie cannot be broken in that manner, the tie will be broken by a roll of the dice.

Once the results are tallied, the Compensation Draft order will be determined. Shortly after the order is determined, the Compensation Draft takes place. This is approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the Rookie Draft via e-mail with results posted on Facebook by the Compensation Committee.

Any owner failing to submit a compensation list by the deadline will be assessed 30 penalty points, and the Executive Committee will make compensation decisions for the team using their best judgment.

*Teams lose Retainer Rights on any player who has not received a SOM card for three consecutive seasons.