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Southwest Ohio Baseball Federation ( Revised November 1,2020 )
Contents
OVERVIEW
RULES
1. LEAGUE FEES
League Deposit
Fees for Players
Fees for Teams
Miscellaneous Fees
2. UNIFORMS, HELMETS, BASEBALLS, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
Uniforms
Helmets
Baseballs
Bats
3. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE, FORFEITS, and RAIN-OUTS
Game Length
Run-rules
Rainouts
Ties
Standings
Forfeiture of Game(s)
4. SCOREKEEPING AND STATISTICS
Submitting Scores
Game Recaps
Statistics
5. TEAMS, PLAYERS AND LINEUPS
New Teams
Team Rosters
Player/Coach Waivers
Player Eligibility
Batting Lineup
Borrowing Players/Subs
Defensive Substitutions
Playoff Eligibility
6. Contracts, Trades, Free Agency, Waiver Wire
Free Agency
Player Releases
Team Disbands
Transfers
Player Contracts
Spring Training Invitee List
Player Signing Period
Switching Teams
Trades
SOBF Draft
Waiver Wire
7. COURTESY RUNNERS
8. SPEED UP RULE
9. PITCHERS
10. FIELDERS
11. EX-PRO STATUS AND REGULATIONS
12. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES
13. PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITY
14. SOCIAL MEDIA
15. CODE OF CONDUCT
15.1. Prohibitions
15.2. Penalties
15.3. Ejections
15.4 Procedures for enforcing penalties are as follows:
15.5. Grievances, Protests, and Appeals
16. All-Star Game
17. Homerun Derby
18. League Awards
18.1. Voting
OVERVIEW
This league was created to provide for adults 18 years old and over an alternative to softball and enable us to play the game we all grew up playing. Adult attitudes must always prevail, no matter how competitive any league is. The responsibility that this ethic sustains will remain at the responsibility of the Chairman and the Board of Directors, and anyone who abuses the league’s code can be fined, suspended or expelled from the league.
League Government – The operation of the league is handled by league officers in conjunction with the Board of Directors. Team managers will assure that the spirit and letter of the league rules (in that order) are being followed. The Director of Operations will be in charge of budgeting, scheduling, and promoting the league. The Treasurer will be in charge of paying league bills and reporting status of league balance at the end of each month. League decisions that are put up for vote will be made only by The Board of Directors, at league meetings. Voting results are implemented based on majority.
Coaches Meetings – At least one representative from each team in the league is required to attend each league meeting. It is imperative that each team is represented during the league meetings, as several key topics are discussed, and the league needs to make sure that all teams’ opinions and votes are accounted for. If a team representative is not present during a meeting, the team’s voting opportunity will be denied.
RULES
1. LEAGUE FEES
League Deposit
1.1. The league deposit (non-refundable) of $1000 is due approximately one month before the season starts. Exact dates will be distributed to coaches each season during the pre-season coaches meeting.
1.1.1. If a team fails to pay the league deposit plus any outstanding fees by the date mentioned in Section 1.1, the team will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming season.
Fees for Players
1.2. Player Fees – Each team will be responsible for setting their fees based on the roster for the team sizes Team Fees will be set at $3,000.00 per team.
1.2.1. Additional fees (such as uniform, hat, equipment, etc.) will be incurred by the player as requested by the team’s manager.
1.2.2. Players should not be allowed to play until they have paid league fees to the team, (this rule is left at manager’s discretion, but he is still subject to rule 1.3.1). Exception: see description of prorated league fees in Section 1.2.3.
1.2.3. Players who are added to the initial roster after Opening Day will be required to pay league fees to their respective clubs based on the teams requirement, The League will not intervene on any collection of fees for individual players, only teams playing in the league.
Fees for Teams
1.3. League Fees – A team’s league fee is set at $3,000.00 and it is up to managers and or Owners to collect fees for that amount. Example if a team has 20 players and the league fees are $3,000.00 per team each individual on the team should pay $150.00. For the team to break even
1.3.1. If your league fee is not paid by the designated date, your next game (or games if it happens to be a DH) will be counted as a forfeit and a forfeit win will be awarded to the opposing team.
1.3.2. If fees are then not paid in full within 24 hours of your team’s 2nd scheduled game date, your team will forfeit the remainder of the season. All monies collected by the league up to that point will not be refunded. (See Section 3.9 for description of team forfeitures.)
1.3.3. If teams are proven unworthy to continue in the league, all money paid up to that point in the season will not be refunded.
Miscellaneous Fees
1.4. League fees cover the following expenditures: Umpires, fields, baseballs, insurance, website upkeep, marketing materials, and league awards.
1.5 Additional fees collected throughout the season include fines and forfeit fees.
2. UNIFORMS, HELMETS, BASEBALLS, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
Uniforms
2.1. All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, belt, sanitary socks and/or stirrups - each player’s uniform must be of similar design to his teammates’ uniforms. Teams having sponsorship will be allowed the sponsor’s name on their uniforms via patch or uniform shirt (must meet approval from the League Board). COLOR EXCEPTIONS: All uniforms must be approved by the league board. Uniform vests must be worn with an undershirt.
2.1.1. No player on your roster out of uniform will be allowed to play without the opposing manager’s consent. A player is considered out of uniform if his hat and/or shirt do not match the team, and/or they do not have baseball pants on, i.e., no sweats, shorts, etc. Pants may NOT be of a different color, but they may differ in piping; it is preferred that the complete uniform match.
2.1.2. All teams should have their uniforms by their first game. A grace period of 2 scheduled games is extended for newly activated players after the first scheduled game of the new season.
2.1.3. Metal cleats are permitted.
Helmets
2.2. All batters and runners must wear helmets for both at-bats and on base. There is no exception to this rule. Full double-ear flap helmets are encouraged for at bats and are encouraged for the bases. Catchers are also encouraged to wear a helmet underneath their mask.
2.2.1 First base coaches and third base coaches are encouraged to wear batting helmets to reduce the risk of injury. (Signature on SOBF waiver form releases the league of all liability from injuries incurred at SOBF event.)
Baseballs
2.3. All teams will use baseballs provided by the local league. Each home team should bring a maximum of 2 new balls to each game. Visiting Teams will bring 2 new balls to each game Additional baseball’s (previously used league baseballs, or other brand) may be used (upon agreement of both coaches) during a game in which the maximum number of league balls has been used up. It is strongly encouraged that each team purchase a few dozen new baseballs from the league each year to use as extras.
Bats
2.4. Wood and Wood Composite are allowed and both will be permitted for the regular season and postseason. Exception: Only bats with a weight differential no greater than -3 may be used in any SOBF league game or affiliated tournament game.
2.4.1. As of 2016, bats with the BESR stamp are no longer allowed in league-affiliated games. All Composite bats should now have the BBCOR stamp.
2.4.2. If a player is caught using an illegal bat,
during the at-bat before the first pitch is thrown: The team must remove the bat from the game, the batter will need to find a legal bat to use;
during the at-bat after a pitch is thrown: The player will be ruled out and no base runners will advance. The pitcher will be awarded a strikeout. The bat will be removed from play;
after the batter has put the ball in play and before the next batter has received his first pitch: The batter using the illegal bat will be ruled out. All base runners will return to the bases they occupied prior to that batter’s plate appearance. The pitcher will be awarded a strikeout;
any other time during the game: Bat will be removed from field of play
3. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE, FORFEITS, and RAIN-OUTS
Game Length
3.1. All single games are 7 innings – unless they are weeknight games (which are 7). No time limit may be invoked for weekend games unless noted or described in 3.1.4. More often than not, if more than two games are played at the same location, a time limit may be invoked. In which case, each game will be played up until no new inning after 2 hours and 45 minutes as determined by the umpires. All weeknight games will begin between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM. With the agreement between coaches and umpires, some weeknight games may start as soon as 6:30 p.m.
3.1.1. All double headers are 7 innings each with one exception: If a team plays two different opponents in the doubleheader, then games will be 7 innings in length, or 7 innings depending upon the scheduling.
3.1.2. All playoff games will be 7 innings each with two exceptions: a) game 3 of a best-of-three series will be 9 innings, and b) all games in the championship series will be 9 innings. All league playoff games must be played to completion.
3.1.3. Games may be ruled completed due to darkness/rain. Re: darkness - 7 innings complete at umpires discretion; Re: rain - 5 innings complete at umpires discretion.
The umpire may suspend or call a game if, in their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised due to rain, darkness or time limits.
3.1.4. When more than 1 game is played by 2 separate sets of teams at the same location on the same day and the first game requires extra innings - if the game goes through 11 complete innings still tied, the 12th inning (and all subsequent innings) will require the last batter from the previous inning to start the inning at second base. This will hopefully allow for the game to speed up.
Run-rules
3.2. If there is a 15-run discrepancy at the end of 3 innings or greater in a 7 or 9 inning game and the losing team has had an opportunity to bat, the game will be ruled final. If there is a 12-run discrepancy at the end of 4 innings or greater in a 7 or 9 inning game and the losing team has had an opportunity to bat, the game will be ruled final. If there is a 10-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings or greater in a 7 or 9 inning game and the losing team has had an opportunity to bat, the game will be ruled final.
3.3. Run-rules will be in effect for playoff games
Rainouts
3.5. Two hours prior to the start of a game, the field owner or home team manager (in that order) determines the status of a field.
3.5.1. Once a game is started, rainout decision will be made by the umpires.
3.5.2. Any games rained out will be re-scheduled (if possible) by the league. All make-up games will be played on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Sundays at the league’s discretion. Other days/nights may be utilized for make-ups only at the discretion of both teams involved. Rain out games will be made up if possible in order of cancellations.
3.5.3. In the case of games late in the season (and cannot be made up later) that get rained out while the visiting team is batting in an inning past the fifth inning – if the home team does not get a chance to bat, then the score will revert to what it was at the end of the last complete inning (whether the visiting team took the lead or not in the rained out inning). So any runs that scored during the top half of the rained out inning will not be counted in the final score as the home team did not get a chance to bat. – Note: This is only in the case when coaches have been notified ahead of time late in the season that games cannot be made up.
Ties
3.6. Tie games can be played to completion at a later date (but is not required), with the agreement of both teams and league notification. Note: Coordination with Head of Umpires will also be a factor in making up tie games.
Standings
3.7. Final league standings in each division will be determined by overall won/lost percentage. Ties will be decided by divisional record, head-to-head results, then scoring differential. (Subject to change at preseason, Board meetings.)
3.8. Playoff seeding will be based on overall won/lost percentage. Ties will be decided by divisional won/lost percentage, head-to-head results, then scoring differential. (Subject to change at preseason, Board meetings.)
Forfeiture of Game(s)
3.9. Forfeits will be defined as any of the following:
Failing to play a scheduled game date (regular or postseason), to include the inability to have the minimum number of players to field a team before or during a game
Failing to pay any outstanding fines prior to the scheduled game date
Using an ineligible player defined as:
Not getting permission from opposing coach to use a non-league player as a substitute
Not having a signed player waiver on file with the league (grace period of 7 days given for receipt of waiver)
Not having played in any of team’s regular season games (pertaining to postseason eligibility only)
Not appearing on the Final Roster (pertaining to postseason eligibility only)
3.9.1. If your team must forfeit one or more games on a scheduled game date, your team will be required to pay a $150.00 reinstatement fee before your next scheduled game. If the fee is not paid to the league before the next scheduled game, you will be forced to forfeit your second game of the season, thereby ending your season, with no monies returned.
3.9.2. Two forfeits by any team will bring an immediate meeting of the Board of Directors and the Competition Committee, to discuss options to include possible expulsion from the league with no money refunded to the team.
3.9.3. In the event of an expulsion order, for the team to return the next season, the team must pay all reinstatement fees due to forfeiting two games in the previous season. The team will be subject to league approval for re-entry is subsequent season(s).
3.9.4. If a team forfeits an entire season or the majority of the season, or is eradicated from the league, league officers have the right to rework the league schedule to give teams more games as replacement games and therefore, the affected teams that have yet to play the eliminated team, will not receive compensation for a forfeit win.
3.9.5. For a game forfeited on game day, umpires will still be compensated for showing up.
3.9.6. Forfeit wins will count as a Win for the opposing team and a Loss for the forfeiting team.
4. SCOREKEEPING AND STATISTICS
Submitting Scores
4.1. All scores should be submitted to the Director of Operations within 24 hours of game completion. If managers report different scores, the home team book will be used as the official score.
4.1.1. It is encouraged that coaches/scorekeepers get together after each game to compare books/statistics. Home team will always be official score, unless the home team relinquishes that right prior to the start of the game.
4.1.2. If the home team does not have a scorekeeper, the visiting team will be official book. If both teams do not have scorekeeper, it is imperative that both coaches get together afterwards to complete both sides of the score.
4.1.3. Each team will be required to complete online box score with the lineup used during your most recent game in order to keep track of players’ eligibility status.
4.1.4. Any team not completing their online box score within 7 days of game completion will be fined $10 for every 7 days that go by without completion.
Game Recaps
4.2. Game recaps are not required, but they are encouraged, as they provide visibility to your team and other teams/players in the league. Game recaps should be submitted to the league website developer no later than 48 hours from completion of the game. Monday is the most frequently viewed day for the recaps on the website, so the sooner they are received, the better.
Statistics
4.3. Managers are encouraged to complete their game's box scores online as soon after the completion of the game.
5. TEAMS, PLAYERS AND LINEUPS
New Teams
5.1. Requests for a new team to join the SOBF will undergo a review process with the League Board.
5.1.1. Head coach must provide the League Board with proof of competency to include coaching background and sports-related personal reference contacts
5.1.1.1. The League Board, by majority vote, will have the final say on whether to include a new team in the SOBF
5.1.1.2. If head coach of new team is denied having a team join the league, players are welcome to join the league via the draft, or may repeat review process with a new head coach provided.
5.1.1.3. If an inclusion of new teams results in the possibility of an odd number of teams in the league, all new teams and other teams under league review will be required to participate in a Team Evaluation Day for the league board to review teams' qualifications.
5.1.1.4 All new teams accepted must by January 15th of the year they are accepted provide a minimum of a 12 player Roster (of new reliable players) in order to participate in the league draft.
Team Rosters
5.2. Team rosters will consist of all players who have completed the online waiver contract.
5.2.1. Roster Extension – Players may be added after the start of the season. However, rosters may not be changed after July 15th. Exception: See Section 5.8.3 and 5.8.4.
5.2.2. Rosters need to include the following information: First Name, Last Name, Phone Number(s), Address, Email address , Birth date, and Uniform Number.
5.2.3. Initial team rosters must have no less than 12 players.
5.2.4. Only people that appear on a team’s roster will be allowed on the field during games. If a team has a non-playing coach, that person must also be listed on the roster. (Designated coaches, who do not play, will not be required to pay league fees). It is strongly encouraged to keep children out of the dugouts during the game. If your children have to be in the dugout, they must wear helmets at ALL times.
Player/Coach Waivers
5.3. All players and coaches, prior to participating in a game, must have signed waiver forms on file with the league. (see Section 5.8.3 for additional stipulations on using non-roster players)
5.3.1. If a player is on a team’s roster and is found to have participated in a game without a signed/dated waiver form (subject to the 7-day grace period), that team will forfeit that game in which the ineligible player was used. (see Section 3.9 for more details on forfeitures)
Player Eligibility
5.4. A player is eligible to participate in an official league sanctioned game on the date of his 18th birthday, and not before due to liability reasons.
5.4.1. Failure to abide by age regulations – the managers must all recognize their responsibility to the league and the perpetuity of it as to not cross the line where winning is more important than playing. An opposing manager may at anytime have the right to question a player’s age. If a manager wants to lodge protest, proof of age and residence must be mailed to the Director of Operations by Friday of the following week. If an underage player is detected, penalties whether to the individual or team will be decided by the league. As a national precedent, the penalties will be forfeiture of all games in which the under-age player participated in and a minimum two-year suspension. If the manager had prior knowledge, he is subject to similar suspension.
5.4.2. New Players – The league board shall control the assignment to teams of all new players who have contacted the league in response to advertising or who have been referred to the league by any means. A player who has not played in any league game in either the current or previous year shall be regarded as a new player
Batting Lineup
5.5. A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, with a minimum of 9 (subject to the number of players available, if less than 9).
5.5.1. Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game. (Exception: See Section 5.7).
5.5.2. The coach, at his discretion, may bat a 9a, and a 9b, and a 10a, and 10b if so desired. For example, when the 9th position in the hitting order comes up for the first time, 9a bats. The second time around in the order 9b bats, so on and so forth. You may add as many a and b batters starting with the 9th hitting position. You cannot delete these batters (Exception: See Section 5.7)!!
5.6. Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both.
5.6.1. 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 7), the player may not re-enter the game as a hitter but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher.
5.6.2. All teams must announce offensive additions, substitutions and/or changes to the opposing team manager/representative. Only after this has been done will the added player be deemed a legal substitution.
5.6.2.1. If a team fails to announce an offensive addition/change, the player will be called out as soon as the first pitch is thrown to that player 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.
5.6.2.2. The out made due to the illegal substitution will be registered for the player for which the substitution would have been made.
5.6.3. All players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the player’s offensive status in the line-up.
5.6.4. If any pitcher is removed (starter or reliever), 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.
5.7. If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or commitment or if a player is ejected from a game, a reserve player (even if this player is solely a pitcher), not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the batter’s place. If no reserve is present, that spot is skipped and all batters move up accordingly, with no penalty to the affected team.
Borrowing Players/Subs
5.8. A team must have 7 players for an official game and may borrow up to two players from the opposing team with the opposing manager’s consent or may borrow players from another team, without the opposing manager’s consent.
5.8.1. The borrowed players must bat at the bottom of the batting order. If the team’s 8th or 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team.
5.8.2. A team will not be allowed to borrow a player from another team during the playoffs.
5.8.3. Only with the opposing coach’s consent will a player not on a team’s roster be allowed to play in a league game. In addition, any accepted player not on a team’s roster (herein called Sub) can only play if he has signed the player’s waiver form. The Sub’s waiver form must be submitted to the league no later than 7 days after the game begins and must be dated with the date of the game. If a Sub player is found to have participated in a game without a signed/dated waiver form submitted in the proper time span, that team will forfeit that game in which the ineligible Sub player was used.
5.8.4. A Sub player, as mentioned in Section 5.8.3., may be added to the team roster permanently following the player’s first game played. If the player is not added to the team roster after his first game played and subsequently is needed to fill in a lineup for a later game, the player will be subject to the same opposing coach’s consent laid out in Section 5.8.3.
5.8.5. A Sub player will be charged by the team and not the league as fees are at the team level for collection.
5.8.6. Team borrowing a player from another team – player cannot pitch. If the team wants to borrow a catcher from another team, it must be approved by the majority of team managers (not counting 2 managers in affected game) prior to game time.
5.8.7. It is allowed (and encouraged, but not required) for the opposing team to borrow a defensive player if the team is short on players. Note: This will not be allowed in the playoffs.
Defensive Substitutions
Playoff Eligibility
5.9. In order for a player to qualify and participate in his team’s local league playoffs, he must participate in at least 2 of his team’s regular season games and have his league fee paid in full and have any outstanding league balances paid in full. Documentation of games may be required.
5.9.1. If such a player fails to meet the requirements due to injury, an email should be submitted to the Director of Operations explaining non-compliance. It will then be taken to the Board of Directors for a majority vote. (Provided the following apply)
5.9.1.1. The appeal must include date of injury and documentation of treatment. The appeal must be submitted at least 2 weeks before playoffs are scheduled to begin.
5.9.1.2. A majority vote by the Board of Directors will have final say on eligibility.
5.9.2. For a Sub to be eligible for the playoffs, he must meet the 2 games played minimum, have league fees paid for the number of games played, and must pay a $25 playoff exemption fee.
5.9.3 Players not appearing on the Final Roster are not eligible for playoffs no matter if they meet minimum games played requirement.
6. Contracts, Trades, Free Agency, Waiver Wire
Free Agency
6.1. The League will post a list of Free Agents on its website, who may be contacted at any time by any of the coaches.
Player Releases
6.2. A player from a non-disbanding team, who does not sign the SOBF waiver contract by December 31st, is welcome to re-enter the draft or join any team in the league, thereby becoming a Free Agent.
6.2.1. Players can petition the league for their release at the conclusion of the playoffs, by emailing their decision to the league board. These players cannot be included on the previous team’s Spring Training Invitee List. (See Section 6.6)
6.2.1.1. The league board will then notify the coach that said player will be released and added to the Free Agency List.
6.2.2. Players may inform the league board to exclude them from being posted on the Free Agent List if they have no intent on playing next season.
6.2.3. Coaches may release players voluntarily at any time, thereby placing the player on the Free Agent List.
6.2.4. An existing player must be released, or not be on the Spring Training Invitee List, before another coach can speak with him about joining his team.
Team Disbands
6.3.1. In the event a team disbands during the season, all players (from this point on called ‘displaced players’) in good standing financially with their previous team will be placed on the waiver wire.
6.3.1.1. Any displaced players that have outstanding fees will not be allowed to join another team until those fees are paid to the team in full to the league board. Compensation to previous coach will be paid back from this amount. No team may claim more than 50% of a disbanded team.
6.3.1.2. Once league fee is paid in full, displaced players will be added to the waiver wire.
6.3.1.3. Displaced players selected via waiver wire are committed to the team claiming them for the remainder of the season, unless otherwise released.
6.3.1.4. Displaced players that do not get claimed while on the waiver wire, will be placed on the waiting list and are free to join any team.
6.3.2. In the event a team disbands at season’s conclusion, all the players will become automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team.
6.3.2.1. New players from a team that disbands after the season MUST submit a formal request to the league board for a formal review prior to joining a new team.
6.3.2.2. If the league approves the transition, the player is free to join the new team immediately. If the league disapproves the move, the player must re-enter the league via the draft, form a new team, or sit out one season from league play.
Transfers
6.4. Generally, a transfer can be denied under these circumstances:
Tampering: Proof a player was recruited or induced financially, etc., to change teams.
The transfer runs counter to the SOBF’s philosophy that better teams should not “load-up” at the expense of lesser teams.
The transferring player has not met financial or equipment obligations to the team he is leaving.
6.5. The League Arbiter / Director of Player Operations, may choose to discuss the matter of player transfers among the non-affecting team managers, but will ultimately make the final decision on whether enough evidence presents itself that tampering may or may not have been involved in recruiting a player. If tampering is decided to have occurred, the team found guilty of recruiting a player will lose all draft picks for the current season (if resolved prior to the season), or next season (if resolved during the season) AND will be issued a $100 fine payable to the league.
Player Contracts
Spring Training Invitee List
6.6. October 31st of each year is the deadline for coaches to invite players back to the team and not be placed on the Free Agents List. A list of spring training invitees will be submitted to the league board and subsequently posted on each team’s page on the league website.
6.6.1. Players requesting release from team after the season will not be allowed to be included on the Spring Training Invitee List of previous team.
6.6.2. A team may still re-sign players from his previous season’s roster even though the player is on the Free Agents List.
Player Signing Period
6.7. All players who sign the SOBF waiver contract are committed to the team for the upcoming season.
6.7.1. Coaches have until December 31st of the current year to have spring training invitees sign SOBF waiver contracts for the upcoming season.
6.7.2. Starting on January 1st, coaches may begin contacting players on the Free Agents List.
Switching Teams
6.8. Players who sign a contract with a team and, after December 31st, decide to play with another team in the league – the player MUST get consent from both coaches and the Director of Operations.
6.8.1. If the current coach disapproves and the league approves the switch, the team losing the player will be rewarded with the receiving team’s first draft pick of the upcoming season. If the league does not approve the switch, the player will either have to play out the season with the current team, or the player must sit out one calendar year from competition, from the last date of his playing, or re-enter the league’s next draft, making himself available to any team for selection.
6.8.2. If player is included on a team’s Spring Training Invitee list, and before signing a waiver to play with his returning team decides to want to play on another team, the player is free to switch teams as long as a formal request is submitted to (and approved by) the Director of Operations.
6.8.2.1. The team losing player mentioned in 6.8.2 will be compensated by getting the receiving team’s top draft pick selection under the following condition:
If player was a league award winner in the past two seasons
Trades
6.9. Player trades may occur under the following scenarios:
One or more players may be traded between teams if both coaches and the Director of Operations approve the trade.
A coach has the right to trade one of his first round draft pick opportunities (current or next year only) for a player or first round draft pick (current or next year only) of another team.
Draft picks beyond the first round will not be used as trade bait.
A coach from Team A may trade a first round draft pick opportunity for the upcoming season to another coach on Team B in exchange for Team B’s next year’s first round draft pick.
6.9.1. If Team B disbands after the current season, then Team A will be compensated with a pick at the end of Round 1 of next year’s draft (herein called the Compensatory Round).
SOBF Draft
6.10. Each year, all players on the league’s waiting list will be invited to a draft. The annual draft will be conducted in a manner to allow parity in leagues by having the prior year’s teams with the lowest finishing records drafting first. (Or in the event of a tie a numbers draw will determine order)
6.11. New teams will be added to the end of Round 1 of the draft and will subsequently start off Round 2.
6.12. Any teams needing to draft players should submit, in writing, no later than 1 week prior to the draft date on how many players the coach will be drafting. If the coach states that he will be drafting three players, then that coach will receive at least three players as a result of the tryout, if at least that many players are available left to choose from.
6.12.1. If the coach is able to find additional players (that do not include players who have worked out with the league) within the week prior to the draft and not after the tryout start time is surpassed, will be allowed to notify the league board that a decrease in draft picks is needed.
Waiver Wire
6.13. The waiver wire will be set based on 1. Expansion teams; 2. Lowest winning % from previous season; 3. 2nd lowest winning % from previous season; etc.. The waiver wire will go into effect immediately after the draft ends.
6.14. If during the season or after the draft, a new player seeks to join a team in the league, the team at the top of the waiver wire will be contacted to see if a spot is available on the team. If this team agrees to take the new player, the team will thus be added to the bottom of the waiver wire and will not be able to add additional new players unless the remaining teams all pass on subsequent requests.
6.15. If all teams pass on a waiver claim, the player will be posted on the league website on the Waiver Wire page to be eligible to be picked up by any team at any time during the season.
7. COURTESY RUNNERS
7.1. Players that will need courtesy runner’s, must have their manager notify the opposing manager BEFORE game time. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request.
7.2. Each team will be allowed the maximum of 2 courtesy runner’s per game.
7.2.1. (Updated for the start of the 2021 season): The player to make the last recorded out must be the courtesy runner.
7.2.2. Once the game begins and the full complement of 2 courtesy runner’s has not been used, only by obvious injury can a courtesy runner be used.
7.2.2.1. In the event a player becomes injured during the game and the maximum number of courtesy runner’s (2) has already been designated, the former courtesy runner will be forfeited, and the injured player will become the new designated player needing a courtesy runner.
7.3. 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.
7.4. If a courtesy runner ends up running for another player, is on base, and is on deck to bat, the person scoring the last run will run for the courtesy runner, so as not to deter from the player’s opportunity to warm up to bat.
8. SPEED UP RULE
8.1. Catcher/Pitcher Speed Up Rule – With the catcher/pitcher on base and two outs, the player making the last recorded out can replace the catcher/pitcher on base as the runner.
8.1.1. If the player that recorded the last out is also the pitcher/catcher or a person that was already designated as needing a courtesy runner, then the person closest in the batting lineup who is not on base will run.
8.2. Coaches may agree before the game to allow pitchers and/or catchers to be courtesy-run for, at any point during the game and not just with two outs. (Example: If game is played in 100 degree heat.)
9. PITCHERS
9.1. No player while pitching may wear white or gray sleeves, or be sleeveless, nor may a pitcher wear a batting glove or wristband while pitching.
9.2. Intentional walks will be allowed, but batters may be passed on to base.
9.3. If a pitcher hit 4 batters in any one game, the pitcher must be removed on the fourth hit batsman.
9.4. There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or a week.
10. FIELDERS
10.1. Infielders will NOT be allowed to decoy a throw or catch. Penalties for decoying a throw or catch are subject to NCAA interpretations.
10.2. Runners who intentionally try to screen an infielder from a batted ball, will be ruled out, and a dead ball situation will be in effect (subject to umpire’s discretion).
10.3. If a fielder has a chance to field a batted ball, but misplays it and while attempting to recover it, the ball is in the fielder’s immediate reach and the fielder is contacted by the base runner attempting to reach a base, interference shall be called.
10.4. If a fielder has a chance to field a batted ball, but misplays it and must chase after the ball, the fielder must avoid the runner. If contact occurs, obstruction shall be called.
10.5. If a fielder chases after a deflected batted ball ahead of a runner’s arrival and is in the act of picking up the ball (fielding) when contact is made by an offensive player, interference is the call. If the fielder is chasing after the deflected batted ball and contact is made between the two players, obstruction should be the call.
10.6. If the fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the throw, he may be considered “in the act of fielding the ball.”
10.7. When a fielder has made an attempt to field a batted or thrown ball, has missed and is in pursuit of the ball, he may no longer be considered “in the act” of fielding.
10.8. After a fielder has misplayed a batted ball and the ball is “within a step and a reach” the fielder is still considered “in the act.”
10.9. On a pickoff play at any base, the defensive player must clearly have possession of the ball before blocking the base with any part of the defensive player’s body. The umpire will call “That’s obstruction” and then signal and call “Time.” The ball is dead immediately, and the runner being played on is awarded one base beyond the last base he had attained before the obstruction.
11. EX-PRO STATUS AND REGULATIONS
11.1. A player must be out of pro-ball for 1 complete SOBF season before becoming eligible to participate in our league. (i.e. To play in 2012 season, player must not have played in any professional game in 2011 calendar year.) Pro-ball refers to major and minor leagues.
11.2. Players playing in the Independent leagues will be allowed to play in the league with no time restrictions.
11.3. Each team will be limited to a maximum of 3 players who have played either, major league, minor league, or independent baseball.
12. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES
12.1. Field Upkeep - Keep in mind that we are guests on all the fields we use, and behave accordingly. Do not damage the field or facilities in any way, and make every effort to clean the dugouts after your games. This will go a long way toward assuring our continued use of the best facilities and keeping our costs down.
13. PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITY
13.1. There will be no beer or alcoholic beverages permitted at the field before, during or after the game. There will be no smoking allowed in the dugouts or on the field. The field refers to the general playing area and ancillary areas.
13.2. 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.
13.3. An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player, manager, or spectator from the game.
13.4. Fighting among 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, fines and possible expulsion from the league. (See Section 15.1(8)(f)).
13.5. Players shall not intentionally collide with any other players. In the case of a runner accidentally colliding with a fielder, the runner will be called out, but will be allowed to remain in the game. However, at the umpire’s discretion, if it is determined that the contact was intentional the player may be expelled from the game. All base runners must either slide or give up their right to a base (avoid a collision by stopping or leaving a base path) if the defensive player (e.g. catcher) has possession of the ball, is in the act of receiving the ball, or is about to immediately receive the ball and will be able to make an apparent play on the base runner.
13.5.1. If a defensive player is not in possession of the ball, is not in the act of receiving the ball, or is not about to immediately receive the ball so that he is able to record an out (apparent play. at any base), he cannot block the base (e.g. home plate) or be in the base path so as to impede (obstruct) the base runner’s right to that base. Under such circumstances, the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid collision. If a collision does occur under these circumstances, the runner will always be considered safe and the obstruction rule shall be enforced. The defensive player may be ejected from the game (if the action is intentional, he must be ejected), and will be suspended from league play if the obstruction is judged to be flagrant.
14. SOCIAL MEDIA
14.1. Remarks on any social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, team’s webpages, emails, texts, etc.) that are found to be disrespectful or detrimental to the league and/or its players, as determined by a majority vote of league Board of Directors, will be subject to a minimum 1 game suspension, or possible expulsion from the league, as determined by a majority vote from all Directors.
15. CODE OF CONDUCT
15.1. Prohibitions
Good sportsmanship and adult attitudes must prevail no matter what the level of competition. Umpires will eject players before, during or after games for any of the following infractions, which the league considers to be unsportsmanlike behavior:
COACHING/PLAYERS’ ETHICS (1-7 from NCAA rulebook)
1. It is the coaches’ duty to be in control of their players at all times in order to prevent any unsportsmanlike act toward opponents, officials or spectators.
2. Coaches are expected to comply wholeheartedly with the intent and spirit of the rules. The deliberate teaching of players to violate the rules is indefensible.
3. Coaches must teach their players to respect the dignity of the game, officials, opponents and the institutions that they represent.
4. Coaches must confine their discussion with the game officials to the interpretations of the rules and not challenge umpire decisions involving judgment.
5. “Bench jockeying” will not be allowed. Coaches are to prohibit bench jockeying, which would include personal and malicious remarks, cursing and obscene language toward opponents, umpires or spectators.
6. Coaches must refrain from any personal action that might arouse players or spectators to unsportsmanlike behavior.
7. Coaches must expect from the umpires a courteous and dignified attitude toward players and themselves.
8. No manager or player shall commit the following:
a. No manager or player shall lay a hand upon, shove or strike, or threaten an official or member of a team. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until the league reviews his conduct. Players and managers guilty of such conduct will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games REGARDLESS of whether they were ejected or not from the game. The severity of the offense could result in expulsion from the league for life as determined by a majority vote from the coaches.
b. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision. Balls, strikes and checked swings are not to be argued. If a warning is issued, any player or coach who continues to argue balls, strikes or checked swings shall be ejected from the game. Umpires shall record the warning, if given. If a coach leaves the dugout or his position to argue a ball or strike call (including a checked swing), the coach may be ejected without warning. Players and coaches guilty of such conduct and are ejected will be suspended for 1 game and fined $50 and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
c. Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision to include throwing of equipment (bats, helmets, gloves, etc.). Players and coaches guilty of such conduct and are ejected will be suspended for 1 game and fined $50 and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
d. 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 and coaches guilty of such conduct and are ejected will be suspended for 1 game and fined $50 and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
e. Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body or person of an opposing player. Players and coaches guilty of such conduct and are ejected will be suspended for 1 game and fined $50 and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
f. Be guilty of physical attack (regardless of who may have been the instigator) upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Any threat of physical intimidation or harm to include pushing, shoving, bumping, kicking, intentionally spitting, spewing, throwing at or attempting to make physical contact. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be, at a minimum, suspended for the remainder of the season, or expelled from the league for life.
g. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack (such as profanity, name-calling, belittlement or excessive harassment) 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 the league reviews their conduct. Players and coaches guilty of such conduct (ejected or not) will be suspended for 1 game and fined $50 and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
h. Player(s) responsible for damage or vandalism to facilities and/or property used by the league will be suspended from play, pending an automatic review of his actions by the league officers. Player(s) will also be financially responsible for repairs.
i. 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.
j. 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. Repeat offenders may be subject to suspension for multiple games.
k. Smoke, chew gum, use sunflower seeds while on the turf at the Athletes in Action Sports Complex and Wright State University’s field. Players guilty of such conduct can be subject to suspension from future league play. Players may also be subject to monetary fines put forth by AIA staff. Dogs are not allowed on premises at AIA/WSU. Teams at fault will be banned from further use of the facility for 1 calendar year.
9. Any fan that attends a game and is ejected from a game (before, during, or after) will not be allowed to attend an SOBF event for 1 calendar year, else risk forfeiture of corresponding team's games subsequently attended by offender.
15.2. Penalties
15.2.1. The league may, by vote of the majority of league officers, fine, suspend or expel any player or manager for such a period and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct within its opinion is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.
15.2.2. Except as otherwise provided, the league shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the codes of conduct, and shall report their decision to the player, manager and the league.
15.2.3. A player found in violation of any provision delineated in the codes of conduct, after being placed on probation for the remainder of the season shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
15.2.4. Any player found in violation of any provisions delineated in the codes of conduct, after being suspended from further participation in a game shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
15.2.5. Any fines incurred throughout the season (regular or postseason) must be paid in full prior to the team’s next game being played.
15.2.6. Any team member, from year to year, with a history of ejections or probation is subject to further disciplinary actions (above what is listed in this charter) if incidents continue to occur.
15.2.7. Any fines or penalties imposed by dismissing a field owner’s rules and regulations will be the sole responsibility of the offending team(s).
15.3. Ejections
15.3.1. A player ejected from a game by an umpire will be fined $50 and will automatically be suspended 1 game. A second ejection for a player will result in a $100 fine and will automatically be suspended 2 games. A third ejection will be an automatic expulsion from the league for 1 calendar year.
15.3.2. If a player is ejected in the first game of a doubleheader, the player will automatically not be eligible to play in the second game. The player/team will still be fined $50 as well and must be paid prior to the next scheduled game day regardless if the player is in attendance.
15.3.3. If a player or manager is ejected from a game, the manager is REQUIRED to contact at least one of the league officers immediately after the conclusion of the game to file a report. If a manager fails to comply with this rule by neither calling nor emailing the league officers within 24 hours, the team will be subject to a $25 fine in addition to the $50 fine for the player/manager’s ejection.
15.3.4. In case of no ejection or where umpires are unaware of an incident, managers need to report incident to the Director of Operations for further action.
15.3.5. Players, whose actions are disrespectful to the league sportsmanship policy and yet are not ejected from a game, are to be reported by the team’s coach to the league board immediately following the game, and player(s) may be subject to suspension as determined by majority vote of league Board.
15.3.6. If players/coaches, whose actions are disrespectful to the league sportsmanship policy and yet are not ejected from a game, are reported by an umpire/umpire assigner to the league board and not by the team’s coach, the player(s)/coach(es) WILL be subject to suspension for a minimum of 1 game, as determined by a majority vote of league Board.
15.4 Procedures for enforcing penalties are as follows:
15.4.1. After an ejection and suspension, the offending individual must leave the field and dugout area immediately and is not allowed to communicate with team members or the umpires.
15.4.2. If an ejected player remains in the vicinity of the field, within eyeshot of the umpires, and is asked to leave, but refuses, the player will be suspended an additional game (2 game total).
15.4.3. Suspended personnel shall not be in uniform, allowed in any team area (to include both the dugout and bleachers) or perform any team duty while serving their suspensions.
15.4.4. It is the responsibility of the head coach to administer and enforce the suspension penalty. If a suspended player or coach is found to have participated in a game during the prescribed suspension, the game will be forfeited by the offending team.
15.4.5. If the penalty occurs during the team’s last game of the season, penalty will be assessed at the beginning of the next official SOBF season.
15.5. Grievances, Protests, and Appeals
15.5.1. Offenders may appeal the decision of an umpire ejection and subsequent fine/suspension/expulsion. League arbiter will contact player, both coaches and umpire and make a decision on the matter. League fine/Suspension may be decreased, but League arbiter decision is final.
16. All-Star Game
Date: TBD (Always)
Time: TBD (Always)
Location: TBD (Always)
Coaches:
1.0 All-Star coaches will come from the 2 teams with the highest winning percentage by the Team Standings lock (See Section 2.0) based on overall record, then head-to-head, then scoring differential.
1.1 If either coach is unable to commit to coaching the MVABL All-Star game, the Director of Operations will select a replacement. (From the Teams Leading at lock)
Team Standings:
2.0 The current season standings (as determined by overall winning percentage), from which to decide All-Star seeding, will be locked 2 Sundays prior to the All-Star Game date.
2.1 The Team Standings lock can be lifted if the All-Star game is set up in July. In this case, the league officers will designate a deadline for team standings prior to the beginning of the season (if All-Star game date is known by then).
2.2 If All-Star game date is not known prior to the current season, but is held in July, a decision by the league board will decide the lock in team standings.
Umpires:
3.0 Umpires will be designated based on majority decision from the board of directors, unless umpiring scheduling conflicts with this decision. Otherwise, best available umpires will be selected from the Head of Umpires. (Coaches input should be taken into account)
Roster (based on a 10 team league):
4.0 Size: Each All-Star team will be made up of 20 players. Each team should attempt to have at least 6 pitchers on the team.
4.1 Format: 6 players from Tier 1 (1st/2nd place team), 5 from Tier 2 (3rd/4th place team), 4 from Tier 3 (5th/6th place team), 3 from Tier 4 (7th/8th place team), 2 from Tier 5 (9th/10th place team).
4.1.1. The All-Star roster for both teams will be filled in for each All-Star team in such a manner as to coincide with the number of players each team is allotted to give (for a total of 20).
4.1.2. At the time of the Team Standings lock, each team will take a vote to select one person from his team to go to the All-Star game. This selection is a guaranteed selection for the All-Star game. This selection should not be the coach.
4.1.3. At the time of the Team Standings lock, each team should have their stats updated on the league website.
4.1.3.1. Each All-Star coach will select his roster (among the designated teams) from the remaining players available (i.e. besides the team nomination) to coincide with the number of players each team is allotted to give.
4.1.3.2. In case a team does not or cannot provide players to be represented at the All-Star game, the corresponding All-Star coach will select replacements from among the rest of his designated teams. (Note: No more than 2 replacements can come from one team.)
4.2 Availability: If a person is chosen to be an All-Star, but cannot attend the All-Star game, a replacement will be named from the same regular season team that the person plays for. (Exception: See Rule 4.1.3.2)
Game Play:
5.0 The game will last 9 innings, unless there is a tie, or time limit is enforced. In case of rain conditions, a game is considered complete after 5 innings.
5.1 There is no run-rule in the SOBF All-Star game.
5.2 Both All-Star teams will bat 9 players. Hitting lineups and fielding lineups can be different. It is strongly encouraged, but is not mandatory, that all players get a chance to bat and field in the MVABL All-Star game.
5.3 All SOBF League Rules are in effect for the SOBF All-Star game.
17. Homerun Derby
HR DERBY RULES: (Subject to change depending upon how the All-Star Game festivities are set up)
1. A list of HR Derby participants (rough estimate) should be submitted along with your All-Star team roster to the Director of Operations.
2. All participants must sign in no later than a half hour before the start of the HR Derby competition.
a. If a player fails to sign in by the deadline, he will not be eligible to participate.
b. If a player does not pay at the time of signups, he will not be eligible to participate.
3. Participants need to bring their own pitchers to pitch to them.
4. First round – Everyone will get 15 outs (Outs being defined as any pitch swung at and does not result in a ball going over the outfield fence.)
(Rules 4a - 4c can be modified if a strict timeframe is enforced to meet the start of the ASG itself)
a. Hitters with the top 4 HR counts from the first round will advance to the second round.
b. If less than 4 hitters hit HRs during the first round, then the second round will consist of those hitters who did hit HRs.
c. If there is a tie for the 4th spot to advance to the second round, all hitters who are tied for the 4th spot will advance.
d. If only 1 hitter hits a HR during the first round, he will be crowned the HR Derby champion.
5. Second round – All remaining participants will get 5 outs.
a. All home run totals from round 1 carry over into round 2.
b. The hitter with the most HRs at the end of the second round will be crowned the HR Derby champion.
c. If there is a tie for the most HRs in the second round, a Sudden Death tiebreaker will be enforced.
6. Sudden Death tiebreaker – All hitters participating in the Sudden Death tiebreaker will be judged based on the quickest to hit his first HR of the Sudden Death round (Quickest being defined as number of pitches until first HR).
a. If during the Sudden Death tiebreaker, a hitter hits no HR within his first 10 pitches, he will be given a “0” for the round and will not advance unless all other participants record a “0” for the round. The next hitter will get his turn to swing.
b. If multiple hitters hit their HR in the same number of pitches, the Sudden Death round will go another round. This pattern will repeat until a winner is crowned.
7. A prize/trophy will be awarded to the HR Derby Champion.
18. League Awards
League awards will be handed out to players following the end of the league’s postseason tournament. If there is a league postseason awards banquet, league awards will be distributed at that time. Here is a list of the possible awards and any criteria associated with the award:
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Awarded to the league’s top offensive player
Cy Young Award: Awarded to the league’s best pitcher
Rookie of the Year: Awarded to the league’s top newcomer (must not have played in any games during any previous MVABL season)
Coach of the Year: Awarded to the league’s best manager
Most Improved Player Award: Awarded a player who has shown significant improvement over the previous season(s).
Postseason MVP Award: Awarded to a player from the postseason’s winning team as selected by the winning team’s head coach.
Batting Avg. Leader: Awarded to the player with the highest league batting average
Extra Base Hits Leader: Awarded to the player with the most extra-base hits
Strikeout Leader: Awarded to the pitcher with the most strikeouts
Draft Pick of the Year: Awarded to the top player who came out of that's season's draft.
18.1. Voting
Ballots for League Awards will be distributed to all managers immediately following the final regular season game. Ballot nominations must be returned to the Director of Operations within one week of the posted date.
18.1.1. The MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards will be voted on by the managers. Each manager will be required to nominate 3 individuals for each of these awards. For each award, each manager may select at most 1 player from his team as a nominee (cannot be first place vote). The other nominees must come from another team. Each manager is not required to select a person from his team and therefore may choose to select 3 players from other teams.
18.1.2. The All-SOBF Team will be selected by the Commissioner and/or Director of Operations.
18.1.3. The Director of Operations will record the votes for each nominee for all league awards. The winners will be announced at the league’s postseason award banquet, unless distributed otherwise.
18.1.4. All managers will be required to submit team statistics (from SOBF regular season league games only) to the Director of Operations within one week of the conclusion of the regular season for the purpose of distinguishing winners of the individual hitting and pitching
