ACADIANA AMATEUR BASEBALL LEAGUE

RULES AND REGULATIONS

(Revised 3/19/22)

1. UNIFORMS, HELMETS, AND BASEBALLS

a) All teams must be uniformed. Each player must have matching jerseys, pants, caps, socks, and belts. Also, shirts must be tucked in at all times and caps must be worn in the traditional manner.

b) All batters and runners must wear double-ear flapped helmets while both at bat and on base. There is no option to this rule. Catchers must wear a helmet underneath their mask. Also, anyone who warms up a pitcher in between innings must wear a mask.

c) Each team is required to supply its own game balls. A minimum of two game balls must be supplied to the home plate umpire prior to the game. Only league approved baseballs will be allowed, i.e. MABL/MSBL stamped baseballs. The umpires have the ultimate say when it comes to which balls are deemed appropriate for game action. Whenever additional baseballs are needed, it is the responsibility of the team at bat to throw in more game balls. Also, whichever side a foul ball is hit, it is the team that dugout’s responsibility to retrieve and throw in those balls.

d) Wood or metal bats are allowed. ONLY BBCOR BATS ALLOWED! 

e) Metal cleats are allowed.

f) NO metal cleats allowed at turfed fields. Molded cleats must worn on this field.

2. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE, AND RAIN-OUTS

a) All games are 9 innings unless deemed otherwise.

b) In the event of inclement weather, a game is considered complete after 5 complete innings. The umpire may call a game if, in their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised.

c) Rained out games will be re-scheduled. The President will schedule the makeup game for the teams. All makeup games will be played the following Saturday at the same scheduled time of . No Exceptions! Unless a game is played on a Saturday due to holiday, the game will then be made up the next available Saturday. Games may be made up on a weeknight week after the postponed game. IF lthe eague can find a field within budget and all managers agree.

d) The run rule is as follows: 10 runs after 7 innings, 15 runs after 5 innings. However, if the losing manager agrees to continue on, then the game may continue even after a run rule has been reached. If this occurs, any extra inning played, must be completed. 

e) There will be no time limit set on games. However, it is the duty of each manager to make sure teams hustle on and off the field in between innings to maintain a good game flow. 

f) In the event that a game is suspended due to inclement weather and it is not considered a complete game (at least 5 innings), then the game will be made up starting from that point. This will be the case no matter what the score is. Umpire pay for the suspended game will be half the normal fee ($50) unless designated otherwise by the Umpires’ Association. Once a regular game begins umpires are guaranteed a full game’s pay.

3. TEAMS, PLAYERS, AND LINEUPS

a) Players must be 18 years of age to participate. 

b) All players, prior to participating in a game, must have a signed waiver form on file with the league. Any player who participates in a league game without a signed waiver form will be deemed ineligible. Consequently, any games that the player participated in will result in a forfeit for that team.

c) For a player to be eligible to participate in postseason play, he must have:
 

- Have played in a minimum of 4 regular-season games with that team, or any equivalent to a 1/3 of the season. An exception can be made if a player gets injured before playing in a total of games required. If the player is healthy to play again in the playoffs and he has not played in the required number of games, he is still eligible to participate in the playoffs provided that his league fee was paid and he was on the roster.
 

- Been rostered and played the number of required games before the last game of the original schedule. (Any make-up games do not count if the player was added after effective date)

f) A player who leaves a team must get a release from the previous manager to join another team.

g) Collegiate Players – Each team is allowed a maximum of 2 college who are either on a roster, active, or have played ball for a collegiate school in the current season. This does include Red-Shirted players.

h) A team may bat as many players as he desires. Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game.

i) If any player arrives after the start of play, he may be added to the bottom of the line-up. Managers may move batters in and out of the line-up, however, a removed batter may only re-enter into his initial spot in the line-up. Also, managers must communicate to the scorekeeper what is taking place. If a manager knows two players will split time in a spot in the batting order, then both names should be in the book beforehand.

j) Two players may occupy the same batting spot in the line-up. Either player may hit at any point in the game or run for either player at any point of the game (pinch runner). Both names should be written when the book is made. If not written in at the start of the game, then just like with any addition, it needs to be announced to other manager and/or scorekeeper for it to be a legal substitution.

k) All teams must announce all offensive additions, 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 addition/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.

Example: Team A is batting 12 players and wishes to add a player to the bottom of the lineup (Player 13). Player 13 walks to the plate and is not announced to either the opposing team or home plate umpire. Once this player occupies his position in the batter’s box, the umpire will immediately call him out for an illegal substitution and it will then go back to the number 1 position in the lineup. Player 13 is still available to be added to the lineup legally.

l) If a player is forced to leave a game for any reason (even 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 that can replace the individual, then an out is recorded the first time the player comes up to bat. After that, no penalty will be assessed. If there is an injury during the game, (NOT an EJECTION), a player that was in an "A/B" spot may be moved to the injured players spot in the batting lineup only if that player has not made a plate appearance.

m) A team must have at least 9 players for an official game. However, if a team is short of players, they may borrow a player from another team, if and only if, the opposing manager gives his consent. However, if players show up, they will replace the borrowed players. Game time is forfeit time.

n) All players may be substituted or defensively at any time without affecting the players’ offensive status in the line-up.

o) First and last names must be used in the to allow for player identification for follow up on any inquiries or disputes that may arise. NO  NICKNAMES!

p) Both teams will be required to keep a scorebook for a system of checks and balances and to enter on to the website. Lineups should be exchanged at least 15 minutes before the game’s start time. Doing this will eliminate delayed start times.

q) There is a minimum play rule in the AABL. Every player who shows up on game day must play a minimum of one of the following: 1) three full innings defensively 2) one at-bat 3) pinch or courtesy run twice. 4) pitch to at least one batter. Exceptions will be allowed for pitchers-only or any players that have agreed to waive the "minimum play", i.e., they are complacent with not the minimum required per game. Those players' names must be turned in by the team's manager. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a $100 fine the first occurrence, a $200 fine the second occurrence. A third occurrence would result in discipline decided on by the other league managers. Managers have also agreed that this rule is in good faith, so common sense will prevail.

r) 9 players on and on defense constitute a full game. A game cannot be played with 8 players. Up to one player may be borrowed from the opposing team if both managers agree. That player has to be on the field and in the batting lineup. If a team does not have 9 players, the game will be deemed a forfeit no matter the outcome.

4. COURTESY RUNNERS & PINCH RUNNERS

a) Courtesy runners are optional for the pitcher and catcher at all times. If a player gets on base and he will be entering in the defensive half of that team’s inning as a catcher or pitcher, then he is eligible for a courtesy runner. The manager needs to make the other team aware of what is happening though. Courtesy runners can only be the last batted out or a player who is not in the line-up elsewhere. If the last batted out is a courtesy eligible player as well, the previous batted out will be the eligible courtesy runner.

b) Pinch runners can be used as well. Pinch runners can include anyone that has not entered the game offensively. In addition, multiple players sharing the same spot in the batting order, when one gets on, the other can pinch run for the other at any time. However, when a pinch runner is used, it must be announced to the scorekeepers what is taking place. If it is not announced to the scorekeepers, then the move will be deemed illegal, and the runner will automatically be called out.

 5. PITCHERS

a) No pitcher while pitching may wear white or gray sleeves. Nor may a pitcher wear a batting glove or wristband while pitching

b) The umpire may take a pitcher off the mound if an excessive number of batsmen are hit by a pitch. This will be at the discretion of the umpire, if he determines it unsafe for the opposing team. If an opposing manager feels a pitcher is unsafe, he may discuss this with an umpire only if the other manager is present in the conversation.

c) If a pitcher is deemed by an umpire to be at a batter, he will be ejected from the game. Further discipline will be decided on by the League Board. (This is further discussed in the discipline section.)

d) There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or a week.

e)  If a 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 removed pitcher may play any other position after being removed or no position at all.

f) Balk rule will be the same as high school rules. An immediate dead ball will be called by the umpire and no runners may advance.

6. FIELDERS

a) Any fielder may use a decoy only if it serves a strategic purpose. For example, if a fielder, who sees a man attempting to steal second base during a hit and run, looks upward into the sky and says that he’s got the pop-up when in fact the ball has been hit on is a legal decoy as it may cause the runner to retreat to first base and prevent him from advancing.

However, if a fielder fakes a tag, forcing a player to slide, when there is no strategic purpose or apparent play, the runner will be ruled safe and all runners will advance one base.

This is entirely an umpire and not a rule that may be protested.

7. FORCE PLAY SLIDE RULE (FROM MABL)

The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of the defensive player. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.

    a) On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.

    Exception—A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder.

1. "On the ground” means either a slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground.

2. "Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.

3. If a runner goes into a base standing up and does not make contact or alter the play of the defensive player, interference shall not be called.

   
b) Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner:

1. Makes a legal slide directly to the base, or

2. Is on the ground at the time of contact and the fielder moves directly down the line between the two bases to attempt a play.

3. Makes a legal slide and makes contact with a defensive player who is on or over, but not beyond, the base.

4. When the base runner slides beyond the base, but does not (a) make contact, or (b) alter the play of the defensive player, interference shall not be called.

   
c) Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:

       
1. The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the ;

2. The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder;

3. The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position;

4. The runner goes beyond the base and either makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder;

a)  "Beyond the base” means any part of the offensive player’s body makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder beyond the base.

              5. The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg;

6. The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.

        PENALTY:

1. With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

2. With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

3.  If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the contest.

4. If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.

7. PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND RESPONSIBILITY

a) There will be no alcoholic beverages or tobacco products permitted at the field before, during, or after the game. The field refers to the general playing area and the ancillary areas.

b) The league has the right to suspend or expel any team member who abuses league rules or who does not exhibit a sense of sportsmanship or who plays without regard to the safety of the umpires or other players.

c) An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game. Furthermore, disruptive fans may also be asked to leave at the discretion of the umpire.

d) Fighting amongst players or aggressive physical contact with an umpire will not be tolerated and players expelled from the game for either violation will be subject to suspension or expulsion from the league. (Suspensions will be covered in the “discipline” section.)

8. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES

a) The AABL is run by the League President Jude Vice. However, most decisions are referred to and agreed upon by the League Board, which is comprised of the League Managers. All protests should be presented to the League President for a referral to the League Board.

b) Please notify the League President in advance if you cannot field a team for your scheduled game. If you cannot field a team, you must notify the League President and your opposing team’s manager. If it is at least the day prior to the scheduled game, then no forfeit fee will be assessed. However, if you forfeit on game day, then the forfeit fee is $200 (to cover both umpires).

c) After the second forfeit, a team will be disqualified from league play the remainder of the season, no exceptions.

d) NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANY REASON.

e) Each team is responsible for helping rake the mound and the plate after their game. If required, bases should be picked up and the caps inserted into the bases. Each team is responsible for cleaning their respective dugout. And managers and players should also pick up any trash they see in the stands or outside of the field.

f) tFor he early games, two representatives from each team are required to be at the field at least one hour prior to game time field preparation. This includes, but is not limited to, painting the foul line. 

g) Teams are responsible for entering their team's stats on the league website. If a team is not comfortable this task, they must email their books to Jude within 24 hours following a game. Also, following your game someone from the team will need to report the score to Jude and any other designated parties either via phone or text messaging so that the scores can be posted on the league website.

h) Each team is responsible for paying the umpires before the game begins.

This should be in cash. Each team pays $100 per nine-inning game. Once the first pitch is thrown, both umpires are guaranteed the full amount.

i) Only players, managers, and coaches that have signed the league waiver are allowed in the dugouts during the game.

9. CODE OF CONDUCT

Managers and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all. No manager or player shall commit the following:

1. Lay a hand upon, shove or strike, or threaten an official. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the League Board. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.

 2. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the League Board. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.

3. Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.

4. Discuss with an official or officials the decision reached by such official or officials, except for the manager or his designee who are authorized to participate in such discussions. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.

5. Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body or person of an opposing player. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.

6. Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the League Board. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.

7. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the League Board. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.

8. Consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during the game or be upon the field of play at any time in an intoxicated condition. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.

9. Smoke on the field of play or in the dugout. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game.

10. The use of loud profanity will not be tolerated and will be subject to a fine or suspension of player and or manager. Guilty party will be warned on second offense disciplinary action will be taken.

11. DISCIPLINE AND PENALTIES

a) Any player or manager who is ejected from a game will then be suspended for the subsequent game. More serious offenses may deem longer suspensions. Any manager may appeal to the League Board suspensions handed down to players ejected in a game. The appeals process will involve an investigation into the statements by the team managers involved in the contest, the umpire(s) involved in the contest, along with the player(s) ejected.

b) Any player who plays a hand upon, shoves, strikes, or threatens an official will be automatically expelled from that game and will also face a minimum one game suspension. The League Board will then decide upon any further penalties and/or whether the player will be allowed to participate in the league for the remainder of the season and/or beyond.

c) Any player who displays rough tactics in the play of the game will be suspended for one subsequent game.

d) Any player who is physically or verbally abusive towards any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game will be suspended for one game, possibly more after review by the League Board. 

e) Any player who consumes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco (chewing including) will be suspended a minimum of one game, possibly more after review by the League Board. A second offense will mean a one year expulsion from the league.

f) If a team attempts to play a player under suspension, the team will be fined $100 and will be forced to forfeit any games the aforementioned player participated in.

g) If a team does not pick up after themselves following a game, the team will be fined $25.

h) If a team does not maintain the field after the game, the team will be fined $25. Maintenance includes raking up the pitcher’s mound, batter’s box, around the bases and also removing the bases and putting in the plugs (if necessary).

i) Failure report scores and turn in scorebook within the confines of the rules will result in a $25 fine.

j) If anyone other than AABL players or managers are caught in the dugout, that team will be fined $25.

k) If a player or team is caught using an illegal bat, the team will be fined $25.

l) All fines should be paid before the next scheduled game. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of said game. No subsequent game will be played until all fines are paid.

***ANYTHING NOT COVERED IN THESE RULES & REGULATIONS WILL BE LEFT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE LEAGUE BOARD***

***Any questions, comments, grievances, protests, or appeals should be directed to League President Mike Guidry by phone at (337) 288-2856 or email [email protected].***