ROCK LEAGUE BASEBALL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Transcription

1 ROCK LEAGUE BASEBALL RULES AND REGULATIONS (March 2016) NOTE: The rules for Rock League Baseball (RLB) will be played in accordance with Major League baseball rules; RLB rules shall override the above when applicable; RLB Divisional rules shall override the above when applicable, but shall apply to game rules only within each specific division TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Governance and League Structure 2. Player Participation 3. Rock Sports Facility Rules 4. Code of Conduct 5. Grievances, Protests and Appeals 6. Uniforms and Playing Equipment 7. Game Procedures 8. Pitchers, Fielders and Runners Decoys and Collisions, and Batter Division Specific Playing Rules Division Specific Playing Rules , 45+ and 55+ Division Specific Playing Rules 1. GOVERNANCE & LEAGUE STRUCTURE 1(a) Rock League Baseball will be managed by: President, assigned by The Rock Committee Officers, assigned by the President Division Presidents, elected by division managers Committee Members (3 5), assigned by the Committee Officer 1(b) The following committees shall be created by the President who will select those Officers to spear head:

2 Player Conduct Committee adjudicates game suspensions and protests Player Transaction Committee adjudicates player paper work, trades, draft, etc. Expansion and Franchise Committee Will have the authority to approve under recommendation of the President any new franchises (teams) and their respective rosters. Will also work as PR liaison with managers as needed. Tournament Teams Committee Helps facilitates the RLB tournament strategy (MSBL World Series teams, tournaments, etc.) 1(c) The President may also create such other committees he deems necessary for the proper administration of the league. 1(d) The League shall consist of multiple age brackets (18+, 28+, 35+, 45+, and 55+), herein referred to as Divisions. RLB on a yearly basis as needed may change the number of divisions and the age minimums. Each Division shall operate as a separate competitive entity but shall be subject the Leagues Rules and Procedures as set forth herein unless specifically stated otherwise. 1(e) Division President: Each Division shall have a Divisional President appointed by the managers to serve on a yearly basis. The Presidents responsibilities will include but not be limited to: run divisional meetings, communicate with divisional managers, adjudicate issues arising within the division, determine draft order, collection of dues, and conduct preseason draft. 1(f) It is assumed that the teams that constitute a division are best suited as a group to make decisions concerning the administration of all divisional issues. Therefore, each division may enact on the field rules and procedures that will apply to that division only. 1(g) All rules and procedures enacted, and decisions made by the divisional managers and Division President are subject to review by the RLB President. 1(h) It is acknowledged that the rules and procedures set forth herein may not directly address every issue that may arise. Therefore the absence of any specific rule prohibiting a particular act is not to be construed as allowing said act. The President, Division President and/or Player Conduct Committee members may take into account intent as well as other factors when considering an issue and reaching a decision.

3 DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES & SCHEDULING 1(i) Division Presidents will set their own specific in game rules as it relates to such items as line-ups, courtesy runners, designated hitters, as well as division play off structure and play off eligibility. 1(j) Scheduling will be done by the office of RLB each winter. A block of time slots will be given to Division Presidents for the game scheduling. All rain outs will be rescheduled by the office of RLB. 1(k) In order for a player to qualify and participate in the RLB 18+ division local league playoffs, tournaments and post season events, he must do all of the following: Appeared in a game by July 1 Appeared in 6 total games during the season (an appearance is one PA or IP) 16 total PA's, IP's or a combination during the season. If such a player fails to meet the requirements due to injury, a letter should be submitted to the league president explaining noncompliance. Local leagues retain the right to their own qualifications for local tournament only. 1(l) In order for a player to qualify and participate in his team s local league playoffs, tournaments and post season events, a player must have made an appearance in 50% of his team s regular season games. An appearance is either one PA or one IP. If such a player fails to meet the requirements due to injury, a letter should be submitted to the league president explaining non compliance. 1(m) A few select players were grandfathered in for the 28+ division that will be 26 or 27 in Only players that were discussed at league meeting will be allowed on rosters. The 28+ division president has the list of these players. 2. PLAYER PARTICIPATION AND TRANSACTIONS 2(a) Team rosters shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined in the team manager s packet. 2(b) A waiver and participation contract, (hereafter known as Player Documents ),

4 developed and distributed by RLB, and available on their Website shall be signed and dated by both the new player and the Team manager. A player participating without properly executed Player Documents shall be declared an illegal player and each game he has played in will be forfeited. 2(c) Players are eligible to participate in an officially sanctioned game in the calendar year that they reach their 18 th, 28 th, 35 th, 45 th, or 55 th birthday for the respective divisions. All players must show their valid driver s license to the manager, and include their driver s license number on the appropriate Player Documents. 2(d) While in season and prior to participation of a new player, team managers shall submit Player Documents and appropriate fees to RLB within 48 hours of the next game. 2(e) All new players must be in full and proper uniform to be eligible to play. Any exceptions must be approved in writing by the RLB who decision is final and not subject to appeal. 2(f) No player may switch teams during the season without the consent of both managers and the Player Transactions Committee. 2(g) The league will organize and conduct a yearly preseason tryout and draft for the purpose of allocating new players and those existing players wishing to change teams within a division. 2(h) The Player Transaction Committee in consultation with the Division President shall determine the procedures to be used in conducting the tryout and draft with the primary goals being to promote league parity, stability and fairness. 2(i) Players currently on a RLB roster need not participate in the tryout in order to be drafted though said player must have appeared in at least 5 league games within the previous season to obviate the need to tryout. (Effective in 2014). 2(j) Any new player to the league must participate in the tryout in order to be eligible to be drafted, unless they are family or close personal friend of a team manager. Notification of this player must be submitted to the Player Transaction Committee where each case will be reviewed. Family and friends players will be used as that teams draft pick(s). (Effective in 2014). 2(k) Drafting order shall be determined by each Division President in accordance with divisional rules. 2(l) Teams may execute trades involving players, and draft choices in accordance with their division rules. Any player being traded must consent in writing and/or to the trade. Should draft choices be included in a trade, the draft choice must be for the

5 current season or for the season 1 year in the future. 2(m) The Player Transaction Committee must approve any and all trades. A decision restricting or forbidding a trade is not subject to appeal though it is subject to review of the RLB Division President who retains the authority to veto the decision if he feels it is in the "best interests of the Division and thus the league. 2(n) After the playing season is over; any player in RLB may do one of the following: 1. Remain with his existing team. 2. Join another existing team. 3. Enter the League s Draft. 4. Propose to start a new team. 5. Not play in our league the next year. Put player dress 3. Rock Sports Facility Rules 3(a) All teams will be playing on the following major league replica fields: (i) Fenway (all natural), (ii) AT&T (all natural), (iii) Citizens (synthetic infield), and (iv) PNC (synthetic infield). PNC is our designated Championship field. 3(b) Carry ins with the exception of water are prohibited. The Rock Sports Complex offers a full service concession hut with beer, food, and candy. Water jugs will be provided in each dugout. 3(c) No tailgating will be allowed in parking lot or other areas on the complex. The Rock Sports Complex offers a full service concession hut. 3(d) Infield and/or batting practice warm ups will only be allowed if time permits between games after each field is done being groomed and prepped by the ground crew. A Rock crew member will indicate if practice is allowed. Outfields may be used for throwing in between games. 3(e) No soft toss against the fences whatsoever. 3(f) Grounds keeping and field maintenance will be the sole responsibility of The Rock Sports Complex. Players and fans should not attempt to help maintain fields.

6 3(g) For games scheduled to be played Monday through Friday, the Facebook page and hotline number will be updated to reflect a change in the playing status by 4:30 PM. For games scheduled to be played on Saturday and Sunday, Facebook and the hotline number will be updated one hour and fifteen minutes (1:15) prior to the start time of the first game if appropriate. 4. CODE OF CONDUCT 4(a) The League s Player Conduct Committee and/or RLB President has the right to suspend or expel any league member who abuses league rules, doesn t play within the spirit of the league (e.g. who does not exhibit a sense of sportsmanship), or who plays without regard to the safety and respect of himself, fans, umpires, RLB staff, or other players. RLB takes the Spirit of The League seriously and will enforce strict penalties and suspensions. The Spirit of The League includes but is not limited to: Physical attacks: May not lay a hand upon, shove, strike, or threaten any player, fan, manager, official, or Rock employee before, during, and after a game. Players or managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. Umpire dissent: Be guilty of excessive objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official's decision. After being told by an official to end a discussion, a player shall not continue to discuss with an official or officials the decision by them, except for the manager or his designee who are authorized to participate in such discussions. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. Verbal abuse: Be guilty of verbal abusive attacks upon any player, manager, official, or spectator before, during, or after a game. This includes trash talking, bad mouthing, or swearing. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended for that game and for the next game their team plays and be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season. Equipment throwing: Be guilty of throwing bat, helmet, glove or any other piece of equipment in a manner that puts others at risks or causes a negative scene. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately warned by the umpire. A second act or severe first act will lead to an immediate in game suspension and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. Excessive rough play: Use of unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body of an opposing player is forbidden. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game

7 and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. Continued misconduct: If a player or manager has been suspended and then exercises further misconduct within that current season that causes an official to remove them from the park itself, that player shall be automatically suspended for the remainder of the season. The manager will subject to suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. Cheating: Be guilty of cheating or bending the rules of any kind. The manager and team will be subject to suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. Facility disrespect: Be guilty of mistreatment of The Rock Sports Complex facilities which includes littering, vandalizing, and general disrespect for equipment and grounds. In game smoking: Smoking on the field of play or in the dugout is forbidden. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. In game alcohol: There will be no beer, or alcoholic beverages, permitted on the field before, during, or after any game. The field refers to the general playing area, and dugouts. Substance abuse or use of illegal drugs: Use of illegal drugs at any point or being in an intoxicated condition at any point. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game plus the next and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee. Administrative delinquency: A team is considered in good standing if all required fees and forms are current and complete. A team that is delinquent in payments or paper work is not eligible to participate in any league meetings, cannot vote on any league matter, nor participate in any league games or tournaments. Any team scheduled to play a team in violation of above will receive a win, but not be eligible for a refund for a game not played at the end of the year. Any team in violation of above will not be charged a forfeiture fee. Forfeits: Forfeits should rarely occur. Three forfeits by any team shall mean immediate expulsion from the league with no money refunded to the team. If a team forfeits a game it must submit an additional fee of $200.00, 48 hours prior to their next game or that game will be deemed a forfeit. Each additional forfeit fee will require $ more than the previous forfeit fee.

8 4(b) Players must serve their suspension by sitting out the game in uniform, on the bench. If a player is not present for the entire game on the bench then the suspension will not count. All suspended players must check in with the RLB Scorekeeper before and after the game. The suspended player may not help with base coaching either. 4(c) An umpire has the sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game at any time. 4(d) An opposing manager may at any time have the right to question a player's age. If a manager wants to lodge a protest, proof of age must be postmarked to the manager, who lodged the protest, with a copy to the office of RLB and the Player Conduct Committee within 48 hours immediately following the completion of the game. If an underage player is detected, the penalties will be forfeiture of all games in which the underage player participated in and a minimum two year suspension for the player. The manager s suspension will be determined by the Player Conduct Committee. 4(e) Any acts of conducts such as specified above shall be submitted to the Player Conduct Committee, in writing, via E Mail, within (7) calendar days by either a player, manager, or an official for any action to be taken. The Player Conduct Committee shall make a ruling within seven (7) calendar days of receiving said report. 4(f) The Player Conduct Committee or RLB President may suspend any player or manager for such a period of time and upon such terms it feels necessary, for the conduct which in its opinion is contrary to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league. 4(g) Any player or manager that has been ejected or serves any suspensions for any reason may be placed on probation for the next 12 consecutive months which will include the playoffs and the next season at the full discretion of Player Conduct Committee. 4(h) A player found in violation of any provisions delineated in the Code of Conduct, after being placed on probation for the next 12 consecutive months shall be suspended for the remainder of the season. 4(i) Any manager who has been suspended for any amount of games, shall understand as that suspension includes not continuing to manage the team. If the manager of the opposing team believes the suspended manager is managing the team, he can appeal to the umpire(s). If the umpire(s) agrees, than the umpire(s) shall immediately call the game and award the opposing team a forfeit victory. 4(j) Two Game Suspension: all players ejected from the game shall serve a 2-game suspension, in addition to the game they were ejected. All players shall be able to grieve their ejection/suspension to the Player Conduct Committee, which is made up of

9 all league presidents. This suspension rule applies to all age divisions; 18+, 28+, 35+, 45+, GRIEVANCES, PROTEST & APPEALS 5(a) Grievances may be filed by an individual player or by the manager of a team, provided that a grievance is formally submitted, in writing (via E Mail), and within 7 days of the event leading to the grievance to the office of RLB. 5(b) All protests of an appealable umpire decision must be made to the umpire at the time of the decision or if it is a game ending decision, must be submitted to the office of RLB via e mail, no later than noon of the next day. 5(c) All decisions made by the President and/or Player Conduct Committee regarding any section of these Rules and Regulations (except for a one (1) game suspension) may be appealed in writing within (7) calendar days of the decision. The written appeal will need to have a $50.00 check submitted with it made out to The Rock. If the appeal is reduced in any manner, the appellant will receive his check back. If an appeal is submitted, penalties issued shall be suspended until the Appeals Board hears the appeal and makes their decision. 6. UNIFORMS AND PLAYING EQUIPMENT 6(a) All players on a team must wear identical uniforms during a single game. This includes hat, jersey, belt, pants, and socks (if socks are visible). We encourage managers to keep a couple extra sets of uniforms at all times. Hats: Players must have matching hats as it relates to color and logos, but can wear varying "style fits" (e.g. snap back, fitted, and stretch). Hats that are ragged, frayed or overly worn will not be allowed. Jersey: Major league quality jerseys are required. Full button down with embroidery, twill and other standards used by major leagues will be the standard. Pull overs will be accepted if they have two buttons and maintain the embroidery and twill standards discussed above. No t shirts and no silk printing. Teams needing a "transition year" in 2013 will be allowed on a case by case basis, approved by The Rock. Belts: Players must wear matching belts. Pants: Players must wear matching colored and/or braided, non braided pants. Teams needing a "transition year" for braiding option will be

10 allowed in Socks: Players must wear matching color socks if sock is showing. Numbers: All players must wear their uniform numbers on the back of the uniform as a minimum. No two players may have the same number. No crude images/logos: No pattern that imitates or suggests crude behavior may be used on uniforms. Discrete commercial advertisements on uniforms will be allowed (e.g. patches). Team names must be MLB or approved by RLB. No commercial team names will be allowed (e.g. Joe s Pub). Names: Teams may include the last names of its players on their backs, but not nick names. If adopted, the league highly suggests that all uniforms for a team must have the names of its players. 6(b) Any player out of uniform will NOT be allowed to play. Who enforces this? 6(c) All batters, runners, catchers, and coaches in the coaches box must wear helmets. There is no exception to this rule. Full, double ear flapped helmets are encouraged for batters and runners: but as a minimum, the batter s helmet must have an earflap facing the pitcher. Coaches helmets are not required to have earflaps. 6(d) Players must wear plastic moldable cleats, plastic interchangeable cleats, or turf shoes. Metal spikes will not be allowed. Umpires will be doing pre game cleat checks prior to the start of each game. 6(e) RLB will provide 4 baseballs for each game. Only balls approved by RLB will be permitted. Balls are property of The Rock sports complex (balls will not be given to teams post game). 6(f) Only wood or wood composite bats are allowed. 7. GAME PROCEDURES 7(a) All regularly scheduled games shall be the lesser of nine innings or two hours and thirty minutes (hereafter known as the Time Limit ). There shall be no time limits on play off games. In addition, time spent addressing an umpire injury shall not be included in the time limit. 7(b) The lights will be turned off no later than 11:00PM sharp. All play must stop by

11 10:55 due to Franklin city ordnance. 7(c) No new inning shall start after the Time Limit has expired. Subject to rules regarding inclement weather and/or darkness, the remainder of that inning that is in progress shall be completed. 7(d) In the event of a tie at the expiration of the Time Limit, one and only one additional inning shall be played. If after the completion of the additional inning and the score remains tied, the game shall be declared final and be recorded in the standings as a tie. 7(e) All games may be deemed completed prior to the Time Limit, when agreed upon by both managers. 7(f) At the start of play a team must have nine (9) players to count as an official game, but may play with eight (8) players in the event of a player injury during the course of the game. However, each time the vacated spot comes up in the order it will be an out. The injured player may reenter the game after being removed from the lineup, but only in the event that he is the ninth player. A 10-minute grace period from the scheduled game start time will be allowed for ninth player to arrive. If a team does not have 9 players to start a game it is a forfeit. 7(g) All teams must announce all offensive substitutions, and/or changes to the home plate umpire AND opposing team manager and/or scorekeeper. Only after this has been done will the added player be deemed a legal substitution. If a team fails to announce an offensive change, the player will be called out as soon as he occupies the batter s box and the lineup will revert back to the lineup in effect prior to the player entering the game. The unannounced player will not have officially entered the offensive lineup and is therefore still available offensively even though an out has been assessed. A second injury that causes a team to drop the lineup to seven players will result in a forfeit of the game. 7(h) An ejection that causes a team to drop to eight (8) players will result in a forfeit of that game. 7(i) Visiting teams shall occupy the first base dugout and home teams shall occupy the third base dugout. 7(j) No players may be on the playing field other than the manager and one team representative while the umpires are giving ground rules and review lineups with the scorekeeper. Umpires shall go over ground rules at 5 minutes before scheduled start of game. 7(k) Immediately following the ground rules teams will line up in the base path for cleat check, announcements, and the national anthem.

12 7(l) Upon completion of the game it is expected that each player line up and shake hands with the opposing team. 7(m) With respect to rain and/or darkness, a game shall be deemed complete after 5 full innings (4 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead). A game that is stopped due to darkness and/or rain before being deemed a complete game shall be considered suspended and shall be resumed at the point of suspension. The length of time played at the point of suspension shall be noted and the remainder of the game shall be played within the Time Limits. 7(n) RLB, at its discretion, can suspend, cancel, or call a game if, in their opinion; the safety of the players is compromised due to weather or darkness. While during a game and in the event of inclement weather, unless the field is deemed unplayable by RLB or the umpire and both managers agree to end the game sooner, the umpire shall wait a minimum of 30 minutes before canceling all further play. 7(o) In the event of suspended game, a manager may alter the lineup based upon the players available to him at the new date and time at which the game is resumed. The status of each player will be reset as if the resumed game is a new game. 7(p) RLB will be doing scorekeeping through Gamechanger App. The manager must have their line up in to the scorekeeper at least 10 minutes before game time and communicate in game lineup changes in a timely manner. At the end of each game, each manager is required to meet with the scorekeeper to review any glaring differences in book keeping as well as score the umpires. The scorekeeper makes the ultimate decision on book results and all data is final after the game. Hiring scorekeepers shall be the responsibility of all teams. Rock staff will continue to recruit and train scorekeepers and develop a list of trained scorekeepers and distribute at the beginning of each season. Each age division shall decide how soon after a game, game statistics need to be entered into Game Changer. 8. PITCHERS, FIELDERS, RUNNERS 8(a) No player, while pitching, may wear white or gray sleeves, batting glove, or a wristband. 8(b) If a pitcher hits four (4) batters in any game, the pitcher must be removed from pitching, after the fourth hit batsman. 8(c) There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or a week. 8(d) A pitcher must be removed from the game (as a pitcher) after a limited number of meetings with his manager per inning as follows: If the manager is not playing a

13 defensive position, the pitcher must be removed on the manager's second trip to the mound in any one inning or if the manager is playing a defensive position, the pitcher must be removed on the manager's third trip to the mound in any one inning. 8(e) Players shall not intentionally collide with nor attempt to hurdle any other player. In the case of a runner intentionally colliding with or attempting to hurdle a fielder, the runner will be called out and may, at the umpire's discretion, be ejected from the game. All base runners must either slide, or stop and give themselves up, or run around a defensive player (however runners may not avoid a tag by running more than 3 feet out of the baseline) if the defensive player: has possession of the ball or is in the act of receiving the ball, and will be able to make an apparent play on the base runner. Note: A person may have incidental contact with out being called out and ejected from the game by the umpire. The determination of flagrant and incidental contact is at the sole discretion of the umpire and is not subject to appeal. 8(f) If a defensive player is not in possession of the ball, or is not in the act of receiving the ball, he cannot block the base or be in the base path so as to impede or obstruct the base runners right to that base. Under such circumstances the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid any collision. If a collision does occur under these circumstances, the runner shall be declared safe and the obstruction rule shall be enforced. The defensive player may be expelled from the game if the umpire deems the action intentional and that decision is not subject to appeal. 8(g) If a defensive player forces a runner to slide because of a decoy when there is no play on the runner, all players on base will advance one base. If the same player makes an illegal decoy twice in the game, he will be expelled from the game and suspended from league play. (This is not to be confused with smart baseball. For example, a fair decoy is when a shortstop who sees a man attempting to steal second base during a hit and run, looks upward and says that he has the pop up when in fact the ball has been hit on the ground to the second baseman. This play might cause the base runner to stop and retreat to first base, but did not cause the base runner to slide unnecessarily.) 8(h) If a runner attempting to break a double play does not make a legitimate attempt to slide within reach of the base, or stands up in the way of a pivot man, or raises his hands in an attempt to deflect the ball or distract the fielder, an automatic double play will be called, regardless of how close the play at first might have been DIVISION SPECIFIC PLAYING RULES RLB 18+ follows the Major League Baseball Rules. Specifically the American League rules pertaining for allowing the designated hitter for the pitcher if they so choose. 9(a) There is no free substitution or re entry in the 18+ RLB. Once a player is pinch hit for he is out of the game. Position players may switch throughout the game

14 (maintaining set batting order) but once a player substitutes into the game from reserve status, the player he replaced may not renter the game. There is no reentry for injuries or ejections. 9(b) A manager may not add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time. 9(c) There are no courtesy runners in the RLB 18+ division. 10(d) Trade Deadline (18+ age group): July 1 shall be the trade day deadline. 10(e) Pro Player Rule (18+ age group): Any player ever paid to play baseball is considered a professional player. All position players must be out of baseball for 3 years and pitchers 5 years, before being able to play DIVISION SPECIFIC PLAYING RULES 10(a) A team manager may bat a maximum of 12 players, with a minimum of 9. Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position. 10(b) A manager may not add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time. 10(c) A team must have 9 players for an official game to start. There is no borrowing of players in the 28+ RBL. 10(d) Players that will need courtesy runners must have their manager notify the opposing manager prior to the start of the game. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 2 players per game who can be run for each time that they reach base. The individual who runs for these player(s) needing a courtesy runner is not determined ahead of time. It is always the last batted out who must run for the person needing the courtesy runner. Once the game begins the courtesy runners are locked and no additional runners will be allowed in any circumstance; i.e. injury or ejection, regardless if a team did not use it s full complement of allowed courtesy runners. If a batter (designated as needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, or forgets to get a courtesy runner and subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner for the remaining portion of the game. The offensive team that is replacing the courtesy runner has 30 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within this time period, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy runner for this particular batter will be forfeited for the balance of the game. The 30 second time limit will begin at the time the umpire calls for time to allow replacement for the runner. 10(e) California Rule for Tie-breakers at the end of game time regulation: At the end of time regulation, teams will play with the following rule: the last batted out shall be placed on second base with 1 out and the hitter shall have a 2-1 count. Play shall

15 continue until a team wins. This rule applies only to the 28+ and 55+ age groups , 45+, 55+ DIVISION SPECIFIC PLAYING RULES 11(a) A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, with a minimum of 10 (subject to the number of players available, if less than 10). Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game. If a team has only 9 (nine) players and therefore bats only 9, the opposing team will have the option of batting 9 as well. If a team has more than 9 players and still only bats nine, they will be assessed an out each time the 10th batting position is skipped. Batting only 9 players is NOT a protestable offense. 11(b) A manager may add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time but if a batter is pinch hit or run for (except under courtesy runners as outlined in section 5), the player may not re enter the game as a hitter but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher. Added players to the bottom of the lineup may be added as individual hitters or as A/B. Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both. 11(c) A team MAY declare at the time that lineups are exchanged prior to the start of play that any batting order position (i.e. 9, 10, 11, etc.) can be occupied by two (2) players in each such batting position. That is, 9A/9B, 10, 11A/11B, 12, etc. The first time that position 9 gets an at bat, 9A would hit and the next time this slot hits, 9B would be up. Then 9A hits the third time this spot in the order comes up, and so on, alternating between these two players throughout the game. Once a team declares the use of this A/B system, it must continue using it for the remainder of the game. Hitters in the A/B position may be pinch hit for, just as any other player. 11(d) If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or ejection, a reserve player, not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the replaced hitter s place. If there are no reserves who can replace the individual, the spot is skipped and all hitters below that position move up. The first time this vacated spot comes up in the batting order, an out will be assessed, after that one time, no out will be recorded for skipping the spot vacated by the displaced player. 11(e) A team must have 8 players for an official game and may borrow a player from an opposing team with the opposing manager s consent or may borrow a player from another team, also with the opposing manager s consent. If the team s 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team. 11(f) All players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the players offensive status in the line up. If the pitcher is removed, he may re enter to pitch only one time during the course of the game, but not in the same inning. The

16 removed pitcher may play any other position after being removed or no position at all. The re entering of a pitcher can only be done once a game. 11(g) California Rule for Tie-breakers at the end of game time regulation: At the end of time regulation, teams will play with the following rule: the last batted out shall be placed on second base with 1 out and the hitter shall have a 2-1 count. Play shall continue until a team wins. This rule applies only to the 28+ and 55+ age groups. 11(h) Player Release Rule (45+ age group only): A player being released shall have a monetary value of $115. Players that will need courtesy runners must have their manager notify the opposing manager prior to the start of the game. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 2 players per game who can be run for each time that they reach base. The individual who runs for these player(s) needing a courtesy runner is not determined ahead of time. It is always the last batted out who must run for the person needing the courtesy runner. Once the game begins the courtesy runners are locked and no additional runners will be allowed in any circumstance; i.e. injury or ejection, regardless if a team did not use it s full complement of allowed courtesy runners. If a batter (designated as needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, or forgets to get a courtesy runner and subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner for the remaining portion of the game. The offensive team that is replacing the courtesy runner has 30 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within this time period, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy runner for this particular batter will be forfeited for the balance of the game. The 30 second time limit will begin at the time the umpire calls for time to allow replacement for the runner. Courtesy Runners (45+ age group only): 8(h) Courtesy runners are not allowed to steal unless: A. Pitcher delivers pitch from wind-up (vs stretch) delivery B. Pitched ball hits ground or not a clean catch by catcher, courtesy runner may advance at own risk. C. Courtesy runner may advance at own risk on any play made on another base runner. D. Courtesy runner may advance at own risk if pick-off attempt gets by fielder after runner first attempts to get back to original base. (Cannot steal on pick-off throw) 8(i) A. If the umpires determine the courtesy runner(s) did violate the above, time will be called and all runners will return to the base they occupied at the time of pitch. B. If it is the team's first offense to the rule, the umpires will issue one team warning per play.

17 (if two courtesy runners steal on same play, first warning issued) C. After the team's first offense to the rule, the courtesy runner(s) will be called out for all following violations. Points of Emphasis A batter shall not delay the game by failing to take his position promptly in the batter's box within 20 seconds from the time the pitcher has the ball. The batter must keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout the time at bat except that the batter may leave the batter's box under any of the following conditions: The batter swings at a pitch. The batter is forced out of the box by the pitch. The batter attempts a drag bunt. The defensive team feints or attempts a play at any base. The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound or takes a position more than 5 feet from the pitcher's plate after receiving the ball. A member of either team requests and is granted, "Time". The catcher leaves the catcher's box. The catcher does not catch the pitched ball. Failure the umpire shall call a strike. If the batter leaves the batter's box and none of the exceptions in above apply, the plate umpire shall charge a strike to the batter. The pitcher need not pitch, and the ball remains "alive". Pitchers shall have the customary eight (8) warm up pitches. There is no free substitution or re entry in the 28+ RLB. Once a player is pinch hit for he is out of the game. Position players and EH s (there may be a maximum of 3 EH in the lineup) may switch throughout the game (maintaining set batting order) but once a player substitutes into the game from reserve status, the player he replaced may not renter the game. There is no reentry for injuries or ejections. Document Revised March, 2016