Rules

SAN JOSE NATIONAL ADULT BASEBALL ASSOCIATION LEAGUE RULES

EFFECTIVE January 2023

Adult attitudes must always prevail, no matter how competitive the League becomes. The responsibility that this ethic sustains will remain the responsibility of the league's Executive Board, hereafter referred to as Board. The following rules were established to serve as guidelines for all players, managers, and umpires. Whenever a rule does not specifically cover a particular situation, the Board shall have the right to interpret the situation and determine what is in the best interests of the League, based on the League’s overall philosophy. 2019 MLB rules will apply on the field when a situation is not covered for purposes of umpiring a game.

COMPLETE UNABRIDGED RULES AND REGULATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ROSTERS AND ELIGIBILITY
EQUIPMENT AND FIELDS
GAME LENGTH
LINEUPS AND COURTESY RUNNERS
PLAYER SAFETY
PLAYER BEHAVIOR AND CODE OF CONDUCT
GENERAL LEAGUE RULES

1.) ROSTERS AND ELIGIBILITY

1.a) A player becomes eligible to participate in SJNABA on the date of their 18th birthday.

1.b) All players, prior to participating in any League sponsored game, must completely fill out and sign the Player Registration Form and Waiver, available on the League website. Failure to do so will result in an automatic forfeit for any game player participated in. This will also affect all other players on that game’s roster who will NOT receive a game played for the forfeiture. There is no expiration to this rule and it can be applied retroactively.

1.c) It is the manager's responsibility to update their team stats on a weekly basis no later than the Thursday following the game. At a bare minimum, the manager should be sure to list the players present for that game as listed on the lineup card, even if the stats aren't available, as this will be used as the official record for playoff eligibility. Note that it is not necessary to play in a game to get credit for a "game played" on the stat sheet, but just to be present and listed on the lineup card. This allows injured players to still gain credit towards playoff eligibility simply by attending, even when they can't play. When a game is rained out, all players on both teams' rosters on the date of the game shall be credited with a game if that game is not made up at a later date. In the case of a forfeit, no player will be credited with a game from the forfeiting team, while all players on the other team shall be credited with a game. The record for a given week is official as of Friday morning and all stats must be posted by then unless special permission has been given to a team for extenuating circumstances.

1.d) Players must be present for 50% or more of their team's games to be eligible for participation in the playoffs. If a team has an odd number of games scheduled, the number required is rounded down from 50% (Example: in a 17 game schedule, 8 games are needed to be eligible for playoffs.) It is the manager's responsibility to make sure his team has enough players on pace to be eligible for the playoffs and to encourage his players to be sure to attend the minimum number of games. Prior to the playoffs, teams will be asked to submit a list of playoff eligible players to the Board for review. If a team cannot field 9 eligible players for any given playoff game, they may appeal to the Board prior to the game with a written explanation for their need for a playoff roster exception. In general, the Board will require that any exceptions be given only to the players nearest the minimum game limit, no players may pitch in the playoffs that have not achieved 50% under any circumstances, and even if approved, the exception player may only play if the team has fewer than 9 players on game day without him. Furthermore, if a ninth eligible player shows up late, the exception player must be replaced immediately. Teams that use any ineligible player that was not explicitly approved by the Board will be automatically removed from the playoffs, and the Board may then impose further sanctions on the manager who used such players.

1.e) Grandfather Playoff Eligibilty Rule. A player will be granted playoff elgibility with 25% of the games played only if they were fully elgible for at least two previous seasons in a row. A players "clock" restarts once this rule is used and they will need to be fully elgible for two more straight seasons before being able to use the Grandfather Rule again.

1.f) The use of an ineligible player will not be tolerated. The accusing manager is charged with the burden of proof for any ineligible players, with no expiration of accusation. The managers must recognize their responsibility to the League as to not cross the line where winning is more important than playing fair. An opposing manager may at any time have the right to question a player's age or eligibility. In response to an eligibility protest, proof of age and/or a response to the accusation must be submitted to the Board within 5 days of the protest by the manager and/or player in question. If an underage or ineligible player is detected, penalties whether to the individual or team will be decided by the Board. Penalties could be forfeiture of all games in which the underage or ineligible player participated in, appropriate suspensions and/or expulsions. If the manager had prior knowledge, he is subject to similar suspension/expulsions. There are no deadlines for this type of protest but should be reported and handled as soon as they are discovered.

1.g) All participating players (as defined by one game played) are subject to one year of team retention starting from the final game played by that player. The term of one year will begin at the conclusion of the specified season. This rule applies to both Spring and Fall seasons; though Spring rosters will supercede Fall rosters.

1.h) In the event that a player wishes to change teams within his period of retention, both managers must agree on a returning compensation for the exiting player. In the event that no compensation can be agreed upon, the board will determine a value for the player and award that value to the affected manager. All board decisions are final.

1.i) All trades must be approved by the Board.

2.) EQUIPMENT AND FIELDS

2.a) For regular season games, all players must have, at a bare minimum, baseball pants, a baseball cap, and a baseball jersey. For all-star games, players must have the jersey and hat that represents their team. The umpire shall not allow a player to play that doesn't meet these basic requirements, regardless of opposing manager consent.

2.b) Home team to bring three (3) new, league-provided balls to the game, away team two (2). In addition, teams should also have numerous new or “quality reserves” on hand as needed in case balls are lost or become unusable. Only balls provided by the League shall be permitted. An ample supply of baseballs shall be provided by the League for all games. If a team is low on their supply of baseballs, it is that team’s responsibility to contact the Board well in advance to make arrangements to replenish their supply. If it is determined that the team is not due more baseballs, the team may be charged for additional baseballs.

2.c) All games are played with wood bats only. Composite and metal-wood bats are permissible as long as the hitting surface is made of wood. If a player uses an illegal bat and a protest is made, the offending batter will be declared out and ejected from the game.

2.d) In the event of acclimate weather, the two team managers and umpires will make a decision on the field’s playability. Majority vote will rule; though a board ruling will supercede said vote. Playable means that by playing on a field, the integrity of the turf, dirt, and/or grass will not be compromised for future use.

2.e) It is the responsibility of both teams to participate in field prep before the game and field cleanup after the game. Please report non-participating teams. If a team repeatedly fails to participate in field work, the team may be penalized.

3.) GAME LENGTH

3.a) Unless otherwise specified, all games are 9 innings. Regular-season doubleheaders played between the same two teams will consist of a 9 inning game followed by a 7 inning game. Games can be ended early at the umpires' discretion due to darkness, rain, or other field conditions if player safety is compromised, or due to field conditions (see rule 2.e). If a game is ended early, a minimum of 5 innings must be complete for the game to count in the standings. In the event of a tied score at the end of the scheduled number of innings for a game, extra innings shall be played as long as the time limit has not been exceeded. The International-Tie Breaker Rule will be applied to extra inning games.

3.b) In the regular season and playoffs, the time limit (i.e. the time after which a new inning may not start), is 2 hours 45 minutes for a 9 inning game, and 2 hours 15 minutes for a 7 inning game. The start of an inning is defined as the time of the final out of the previous inning. The game start time is scheduled time unless the umpires are the reason for a late start in which case the start time is the time when the umpires are ready at home plate for the pre-game meeting. The head umpire shall announce the official start time at the pre-game meeting and write that on the lineup card. The person with the official clock should be determined by both managers. 15 minutes shall be allotted to teams to avoid forfeits if a team is lacking 8 players, however the clock will start as previously noted. No team shall delay the start of a game awaiting the arrival of a particular player as long as the team has 8 available. PLAYOFFS: We have to have a winner in these games, no ties. We will be using the international tiebreaker rule of runner on second base either after the 9th inning or after we have passed the time limit, whatever comes first.

3.c) The trailing team can concede for any reason after 5 innings have been played.

3.d) Regular season games can end in ties and will not be completed at a later time.

3.e) Mercy Rule. 15 runs after 5 innings and 10 runs after 7 innings. 10 runs after 5 innings in a 7 inning game.

4.) LINEUPS AND COURTESY RUNNERS

4.a) Lineup cards must be submitted to both the umpire and the opposing manager at the start of the game, and must contain at least last name, and jersey number for each player. Only players present at the start of the game shall be listed, so the number of players listed should match the number of players present. Players that show up late may be added to the lineup card but should be announced to the umpire and opposing manager. Injured players may be listed as reserves if present, but need not be in uniform. Opposing managers are charged with confirming that players present match the players on lineup card.

4.b) A team must have 8 players for an official game. In the event that only 8 players are available, there is no penalty to the shorthanded team beyond the implicit penalty of having 8 fielders on defense. Teams which show up to the field without 8 players may borrow a player from the opposing team to reach 8 or 9 players if offered. The team accepting the borrowed player(s) is not subject to forfeiting the game as long as mutual agreement has been established between the teams. If the team's 8th or 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player shall be removed from that team unless it is the 9th player arriving and the opposing manager still agrees to allow the borrowing.

4.c) A team may bat as many players as desired, with a minimum of 9 (unless the team has only 8 players). Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game.

4.d) All players may be substituted defensively, at any time, without affecting the player’s offensive status in the line-up. In other words, each team has an offensive and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both.

4.e) The starting pitcher may re-enter the game defensively as a pitcher even after being removed. Said pitcher must sit out for at least one batter. This rule refers only to the starting pitcher and cannot be applied to any relief pitchers. The starting pitcher may only re-enter the game at one time. Once removed a second time he will be done pitching for the game.

4.f) A team may declare any batting order position as an A/B slot that is occupied by two (2) players that will alternate batting each time through the lineup. For example, if a 9A/9B is declared, than the first time 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, and A/B slots and non-A/B slots can't be changed once the game starts. However, players in an A/B position may be pinch hit for, just as any other player. If a player in an A/B spot leaves the game early, that spot is subject to the same rules as a normal lineup spot as explained in rule 4.k.

4.g) A team may identify, at the start of the game via the lineup card, a maximum of two "non-runners" that can be replaced with a courtesy runner whenever they reach base. Once the game begins, non-runners can only be added if a player sustains an injury. In the event a player becomes injured during the game and the maximum number of non-runners has already been designated, either a pinch runner must be used or the non-runner designation must be transferred from one of the previous non-runners to the injured player. Players designated as non-runners can always opt to run for themselves without penalty, however once a non-runner is on base and one pitch is thrown, the non-runner must continue to run for himself for the remainder of the game. If a pitcher is added as a non-runner due to injury after a game has begun, he may not pitch in the inning immediately proceeding.

4.h) If the player that will be playing catcher in the next half-inning is on base with 2 outs, he must be replaced by a courtesy runner. This is a mandatory replacement enforced by the umpire intended to allow the catcher time to prepare for the next inning and keep the game moving. If a replacement catcher is announced so that the existing catcher can remain in the game to run, the replacement catcher must stay in at catcher for at least one full inning. This rule specifically does NOT apply to the pitcher unless the pitcher is specifically designated as one of the two non-runners as specified above.

4.i) Courtesy runners, whether for catchers or non-runners, must always be the last batted out. In the first inning, if no batted out has occurred, the runner shall be the last batter listed on the line-up card. When players that might require a courtesy runner are at-bat, or if a catcher is on base with less than two outs, teams should determine ahead of time who the correct replacement runner should be so that the replacement can be made quickly. If the last batted out is on base, then the next to last batted out should run instead.

4.j) A manager may add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time. Players added to the bottom of the lineup may be added as individual hitters or as an A/B slot (if two players are added at once). If a batter in the starting lineup is pinch hit or run for, the player may re-enter the lineup in the same spot in the batting order, but only after the replacement player has had one official plate appearance as a replacement player.

4.k) All teams must announce offensive additions, substitutions, and/or changes to the home plate umpire and opposing team manager and/or scorekeeper. (It is not necessary to announce defensive changes, since those are independent.) 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.

4.l) If a player is forced to leave a game early for any reason, 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 AND the vacated spot was not due to injury, there will be an out assessed the next time that spot is due up in the lineup. After that, an out will be recorded every time that spot in the lineup is skipped. In the case of an ejection and a team cannot field the minimum 8 players, the game will be declared final and the team without enough players will be forced to forfeit.

4.l-Exception-1) If it is known at the start of the game that a player must leave early AND the team is choosing to bat every non-injured player present in the lineup, the manager can specify on the lineup card at which specific time that player needs to leave, and then the player can leave at that time and have their spot skipped without incurring an out penalty. However, once such a leaving time is requested, it becomes a requirement that the player leaves the field at the specified time, and an out will be declared if the player bats after the specified leaving time or is not available to bat in their spot before the specified time.

5.) PLAYER SAFETY

5.a) Only one offensive player (on-deck hitter) shall be permitted outside of the enclosed dugout area. Photographers wishing to take pictures must be inside the dugout or wear protective helmets when outside the dugout area. Children such as batboys shall not be permitted to be in an unprotected area (open area of dugout), even if they are wearing a helmet.

5.b) Catchers must wear a protective helmet underneath their mask. Base coaches are required to wear a helmet.

5.c) All teams are required to have a first aid kit on their bench.

5.d) If a pitcher hits 3 batters in any one game, the pitcher must be removed on the third hit batsman. The umpires shall enforce this. The opposing team manager may not choose to allow the pitcher to remain in the game. The pitcher in question is NOT ejected from the game; but is ineligible to pitch for the remainder of the game.

5.e) It is never specifically required to slide into a base, but there is zero tolerance for any violent, intentional collisions that could have been easily avoidable. In the event of such collision, at a minimum the instigating player shall be declared out and ejected from the game.

5.f) For the specific case of force-plays, we use U.S. High School rules in place of the MLB Rules, as follows:

Any runner is out when he does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play, or on a force play, does not slide in a direct line between the bases. A runner may slide in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder. Similarly, runner may “bail out” and make a deliberate attempt to run out of the base path to avoid contact or interference of the play. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal.

A legal slide can be either feet first or head first. If a runner slides feet first, at least one leg and buttock shall be on the ground. If a runner slides, he must slide within reach of the base with either a hand or a foot.
A slide is illegal if: a. the runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide into the fielder, or b. the runner's raised leg is higher than the fielder's knee when the fielder is in a standing position, or c. the runner goes beyond the base and then makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder, or d. the runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg, or e. the runner tries to injure the fielder, or f. the runner, on a force play, does not slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases. g. Jumping, hurdling, and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder as long as the fielder is lying on the ground. Diving over a fielder is illegal.

PENALTY: The runner is out. Interference is called and the ball is dead immediately. On a force-play slide with less than two outs, the runner is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. Runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. With two outs, the runner is declared out. The batter is credited with a fielder's choice.

5.g) No fielder may fake a tag where the primary purpose is to deceive a runner into thinking that a throw is coming. 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. If an injury of any type results from this or any type of unsportsmanlike behavior, the player may be ejected from the game. Safety is a primary concern of this League and unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.

6.) PLAYER BEHAVIOR AND CODE OF CONDUCT

6.a) Every ejection, for any reason, carries with it an automatic, minimum one-game suspension. An umpire has sole discretion to eject any player or manager from the game for cause. All ejections are then reviewed by the Board to determine if additional punishments are warranted, which may include a longer suspension or in extreme cases, expulsion from the league. This policy is intentionally strict, and is intended to underscore the League's philosophy of sportsmanship and fair play.

6.b) The League has the right to suspend or expel any team or 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. This Code of Conduct lists some behaviors that are strictly prohibited, along with the associated penalties.

No manager or player shall commit the following:

1. Lay a hand upon, shove, strike, or threaten an official.

2. Refuse to abide by an official's decision

3. Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official's decision.

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.

5. Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body or person of an opposing player.

6. Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game.

7. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game.

8. Consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during the game or be on the field of play at any time in an intoxicated condition

9. Smoke or use tobacco products on the field of play or in the dugout.

6.c) The Board may suspend any player or manager for such a period and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct with in its opinion is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or Charter of the League. Except as otherwise provided, the Board shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the Code of Conduct, and shall report their decision to the player and manager. Any player suspended or expelled from the league for due cause will forfeit all monies paid. Players or managers which are involved in behavior which causes the League to lose rights to a field will be dealt with appropriately up to and including expulsion from the League and forfeiture of all monies paid to date.

6.d) Grievances may be filed by an individual player or by the manager of a team provided that a grievance is formally submitted to the Board. An appeal of any action or ruling may be filed with the Board by an individual player or by the manager of a team provided that the appeal is formally submitted. However, all decisions by the Board are final and not subject to appeal. Votes which are initiated by the Board shall be announced and acted upon in a timely fashion. The Board will announce a deadline for votes on issues which are determined to be of significant importance to put to a vote of all managers. In the event of a tie on an issue, the tie shall be broken by the majority of Board members voting. Relatively insignificant issues will not be put to a vote and decided by the Board. This allows for the smooth functioning of the League. Any matter which a manager feels should be voted on by all managers may be proposed. A vote could then ensue if deemed appropriate by the Board.

7.) GENERAL LEAGUE RULES

7.a) Two forfeits by any team could mean immediate expulsion from the League with no money refunded to the team. Additionally, two or more forfeitures will automatically make your team ineligible for the playoffs. This rule is subject to board appeal.

7.b) Protests must be lodged to the Board within 72 hours after the game for which the protest is made.

7.c-Exception-1) Protests involving ineligible players may be lodged at any time. Do not assume that if you use an ineligible player you are “out of the woods” just because time has passed.

7.d) League fees for players are established by individual team managers. They are due and payable prior to the start of the season. Failure to pay as agreed (if partial payment is granted by manager for individual hardship cases) is grounds to dismiss a player from a team without refund of any prior payment. Players who have not paid in full by the end of a season, who have played said season, will not be allowed to play for any other team until fees are paid in full to prior team and should be declared by managers. The burden of proof is on the manager to demonstrate that a fee was agreed upon but not paid. Violations of this rule will be investigated and arbitrated by the Board. Individual players shall retain their own proof of payment in case they wish to be reassigned to another team after a team has been expelled from the League. An attempt will be made to reassign players to new teams. The team will forfeit all fees paid. The league is not responsible for any refunds to teams or players.

7.e) Special Circumstances: Any condition or circumstance not fitting exactly the above listed SJNABA Rules and Regulations is subject to a case by case evaluation by the Board of Directors.