Charleston Men’s Baseball League 45+ Rules
Updated 3/1/26
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Table of Contents
1. Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Other Equipment
1.1 Uniforms
1.2 Helmets
1.3 Baseballs
1.4 Equipment
2. Game Length, Run Rule, Rain Outs, Game Forfeits, and Playoff Rules
2.1 Game Length
2.2 Run Rule
2.3 Rainouts or games called for weather or darkness
2.4 Forfeits
2.5 Playoff Rules
3. Players, Draft & Waiver Wire
3.1 Player Eligibility
3.2 New Players
3.3 Draft Rules
3.4 Waiver Wire
4. Teams, Roster & Lineups
4.1 New Teams to the League
4.2 Roster Caps & Team Rosters
4.3 Trade Deadline
4.4 Game Lineups
5. Player's Behavior and Team Responsibility
5.1 Tobacco and Alcoholic beverages
5.2 Ejected Players
5.3 Decoy Rules
5.4 Force Play Slide Rules
5.5 Manager Conduct
6. Courtesy Runners and Pitcher Rules
6.1 Courtesy Runners
6.2 Pitcher Rules
7. General League Rules
7.1 General Rules
7.2 Code of Conduct
7.3 Violation Penalties
7.4 Grievances, protests, and appeals
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1. Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Other Equipment
1.1 Uniforms:
1.1.a. All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, belt, and socks. 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.
1.1.b. No player out of uniform will be allowed to play without the opposing manager’s consent.
1.1.c. All teams should have their uniforms by their third game. A grace period should be extended for newly activated players or for new teams to complete their uniforms.
1.2 Helmets:
1.2.a. All batters and runners must wear helmets with at least one earflap facing the pitcher for both at bats and on base. There is no option to this rule. Full double-ear flap helmets are encouraged for all batters and baserunners. Catchers must wear a helmet underneath their mask or wear a hockey style catchers mask
1.3 Baseballs:
1.3.a. The home team will be responsible to supply the home plate umpire with 6 game balls but each team should bring a minimum of 12 balls per game. Only baseballs supplied by the league will be allowed in league games.
1.4 Equipment:
1.4.a. Only wood or composite wood bats are allowed in league play. All bats must be drop 3, which means the bat's weight in ounces is exactly 3 less than its length in inches.
1.4.b. Metal cleats are permitted within field owner guidelines. Typically, only on grass fields. Metal cleats will not be allowed on portable mounds, bullpen covers/mats, batting cage mats, or all turf fields.
2. Game Length, Run Rule, Rain outs, Game Forfeits, and Playoff rules
2.1 Game Length:
2.1.a. All regular season games will be 7 innings in length with a 2 and ½ hour time limit.
2.1.b. In the event that a game is tied after the completion of 7 innings or the time limit has been reached, the game will continue (for a maximum of 1 additional inning past the time limit) with use of a modified Texas Shootout rule to accelerate the conclusion of the game and avoid ties. Per the rule, The last three batters to have an official at-bat from the previous inning are placed on base: the 3rd-last at 3rd base, 2nd-last at 2nd base, and the last out at 1st base.The inning begins with one out. If the game is still tied after one additional inning past the time limit then the game will officially end in a tie. During the playoffs, the Texas Shootout rule will not be used.
2.1.c. All playoff games will be 7 innings in length with no time limit. The run rule will still apply to playoff games.
2.1.d. The Championship Series will be a best of 3 series.
2.2 Run Rule:
2.2.a. If there is a 12-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings and/or the game has gone 2 hours and 30 minutes, the game can be ruled final at that point. This rule is in effect for all regular season and playoff games.
2.3 Rain outs or games called by umpires due to weather or darkness:
2.3.a. In the event that a game is rained out after 4 complete innings (or 3 and 1/2 with the home team ahead), that game will be considered complete. If a game has started and is rained out before 4 complete innings, that game will be suspended and may be continued on a later date. If a game is completed on a day where games are already scheduled, the umpires will be paid for 1/2 a game. If a game has to be completed on a day where no prior game is scheduled, umpires receive full pay, regardless of what inning the game starts off from. This will apply to regular season and playoff games.
2.3.b. All games rained out before the start of the game will be rescheduled by the league. The league president will work with the team managers on a date to reschedule the game, but ultimately has the final say as to when the game will be rescheduled. Consent from the team managers is not required for the league president to approve a rescheduled date.
2.3.c. In the event of rain, the league president or the designated field coordinator will reach out to the field owner to get an update on game cancellations due to weather. That decision will be disseminated to the team managers that are scheduled to play. The umpire coordinator must be notified of a game cancellation at least 1 and 1/2 hours prior to the scheduled game time. It is the responsibility of all team managers involved to inform their players of a cancelled game.
2.4 Forfeits:
2.4.a A forfeited game will count as 7 runs for the winning team in both the regular season and postseason. All players on the roster of the winning team will receive one game played credit. No player on the losing team will receive credit for the game. A team that forfeits 2 games or more can be ruled to be playoff ineligible. See 7.1.a.
2.5 Playoff Rules:
2.5.a. Final league standings will be determined by win/lost percentage. Ties will be decided by head-to-head competition first, followed by runs allowed.
2.5.b. Playoff seeding will be based upon final regular season league standings.
2.5.c. All league playoff games must be played to completion. A playoff game can not end in a tie. The umpire may suspend a game if, in their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised due to weather or darkness. The suspended playoff game will be rescheduled and completed from the point of suspension.
2.5.d. Playoffs will begin immediately upon completion of the regular season.
2.5.e. Playoffs will be a DOUBLE elimination tournament.
2.5.f. In the event of rain outs, rescheduled games must take place before the next round begins. All games suspended during play will be continued at a later date and completed.
2.5.g. The team with the higher seed will be the home team for all playoff games. Exception: the team that advances from the loser’s bracket would get a home game if they force a second championship game.
2.5.h. The league championship will be determined by a double elimination tournament. The team that advances from the winner’s bracket will face the team that advances from the losers’ bracket in the championship game. If the team from the losers' bracket wins the first game of the championship, a second, winner-take-all game will be played.
2.5.i. A player must be registered and have paid league fees to be eligible to play in a playoff game. See section 7.1.c. for full eligibility explanation.
3. Players, Draft, & Waiver Wire
3.1 Player Eligibility:
3.1.a. A player is eligible to participate in an official league game as long as the player meets the minimum age requirement of 45 within the calendar year.
3.2 New Players:
3.2.a. The league 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. League controlled new players will go through the league draft process (Rule 3.3).
3.2.b. Teams may acquire players through their own recruiting efforts with no limit to the number of players that can be added in this manner. All players recruited by league efforts and have registered as interested players on the league website will be under league control and subject to the new player assignment mentioned in rule 3.2a.
3.3 Draft rules:
3.3.a. The Draft Coordinator will provide the league officers and team managers a list of draft eligible players at least one day prior to the scheduled draft .
3.3.b. The draft order will be based on each team’s total record in the previous year. Total record = regular season record + playoff record. The draft order will go from worst to best total record. Any new team added to the league will draft last in the draft order. If more than one new team is added they will draw to determine the order in which they are added to the bottom of the draft order.
3.3.c. Each team will get one pick per round.
3.3.d. During each round of the draft a team can pick a player during their turn or pass. Once a team has passed that team will be removed from the remaining rounds of the draft. The draft will continue until all players have been drafted or no team remains in the draft.
3.3.e. After the draft tryout has completed, team managers will gather and perform a draft of only those players in attendance. Only those players in attendance at the draft will be allowed to be picked until teams are done picking or all players are gone. A team can trade draft picks with another team, but all trades are subject to be challenged by other team managers or league officers if the trade appears to be unbalanced or inequitable to teams still participating in the draft.
3.3.f. A second supplemental (virtual) draft of all players not in attendance will take place immediately following the in person draft. This draft will follow the same draft order as the in person draft.
3.3.g. If any team is found trying to ‘fix/rig’ the in person draft (ie: telling potential new players to not come to the draft so they can pick them up later, or other things similar), the team will be subject to a forfeit of draft picks for the subsequent season or possible ejection from the league.
3.3.h. After the season begins, all players interested in joining the league will fall under the waiver wire guidelines per rule 3.4. Teams will not be allowed to add players through their own recruiting efforts once the season has started.
3.4 Waiver Wire:
3.4.a. All league controlled new players interested in joining the league after the draft will fall under the weekly waiver wire.
3.4.b. A waiver wire draft will take place every Monday evening during the regular season. The draft will be a video conference meeting. A representative from all interested teams must attend the meeting to draft a player from the waiver pool. An updated list of eligible players will be kept on a Google document and be viewable by all managers. A team must have an open roster spot to draft a player. If none of the teams are eligible or interested in participating in the waiver draft then it will be cancelled for that week.
3.4.c. Waiver order will go by draft order until all teams have played 5 games of the season schedule and then will adjust by current standings as of midnight the Sunday prior to the Monday weekly waiver draft.
4. Teams, Rosters & Lineups
4.1 New Teams to the league:
4.1.a. Anyone wanting to add a team to the league must contact the league officials to discuss league availability no later than August of the year prior to the season they wish to begin playing
4.1.b. Existing team managers of the league must vote with a ⅔ majority for the new team and team manager to be accepted as part of the next season. If there is not a ⅔ majority, the new team will not be allowed.
4.1.c. Any new team manager, either for a new or established team, must be voted in by a ⅔ majority from the existing team managers.
4.2 Roster Caps & Team Rosters:
4.2.a. The league has a roster cap of 20 players per team.
4.2.b. The league will prioritize local players. A player must have a home address that is no further than 50 miles from the league’s home field (Stratford High School) to be considered a local player. Each team will be allowed 2 players that live outside the 50 mile radius to be on their roster. Team managers will be held accountable for any violation of this rule and must provide proof of residency if needed. Any team in violation of this rule will be subject to disciplinary action that can include suspension, loss of playoff eligibility and loss of draft picks. The league president has full authority to determine the appropriate disciplinary action.
4.2.c. Each team will be allowed to have 2 reserve roster spots. There must be an available roster spot for a team to activate a player from their reserve roster. Each team will be allowed 4 activations per season. A team moving a player from the reserve roster to the active roster counts as one activation.
4.2.d. Final team rosters must have no less than 15 players.
4.2.g. Team rosters:
4.2.h. Team rosters will be finalized on opening day. All players must be registered through the league website and have signed the league waiver. Proof of age will be required during registration.
4.2.i. All players must pay league fees by the deadline. The league president will determine the deadline date. No player will be allowed to participate in a league game if league fees have not been paid by that player.
4.2.j. Player fee payments will be paid to the league Venmo account.
4.2.k No partial payments are accepted.
4.2.l. All players, prior to participating in a game, must have signed a waiver form on file with the league for the current season. This is accomplished by registering on the league website.
4.2.m. A player must play 2 consecutive seasons on the same team to be considered a free agent. A player can join a team by being drafted, new player recruitment, or earning free agency.
4.2.n. If a player has not completed the free agent eligibility requirement then that player can not change teams without the consent of both managers. The player must either be released by his current team or a trade must be worked out between the two teams. If an agreement can not be reached by the two teams then the player must fulfill his remaining 2-year team commitment to gain free agency. The player can choose to sit out until the end of his 2- year team commitment would have been completed or the player can choose to enter the next league draft and be eligible to be selected by all drafting teams.
4.2.o. In the event a team disbands during the season or at season’s conclusion, players are eligible to other teams as per the following:
1. Players with 2 full seasons played in the league are free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team. A player is considered in the league for a year when they play the minimum number of games to make them eligible for the playoffs.
2. Players with less than 2 qualifying years must enter the league draft and will be eligible to be selected by all drafting teams..
4.2.p. If a player is not invited back by his manager then he must be given his release so that he may go to the team of his choosing or re-enter the draft.
4.2.r. In the event a player wishes to leave his existing team and form a new team, he may do so. No other player can be taken from the existing team without the consent of the existing team’s manager if that player has not met the free agent requirements. No other players may be taken from any other team without the respective team manager’s approval unless they also meet the free agent requirements. See Section 4.1 for new team eligibility into the league.
4.2.s. The Free Agency recruiting period will begin on September 1st. There will be no recruitment efforts with free agent eligible players prior to September 1st. All potential player movement will be communicated between team managers as soon as it is known that a player desires to switch teams. Note: Team managers should maintain civility and be respectful during this process. The league wants to maintain competitive balance while also allowing players the freedom to play on teams of their choice once eligible. Only players that are free agent eligible are allowed to be recruited to play for a different team. The recruiting period is over on opening day. After opening day, teams will only be able to add players through the waiver draft.
4.3 Trade Deadline:
4.3.a. No player shall be traded to another team after all teams have completed 8 regular season games.
4.4 Lineups:
4.4.a. Last names must be used in the scorebook to allow for player identification for follow up inquiries that relate to playoff eligibility. All lineups should show the player’s last name. First initial or first name should be included if players share the same last name.
4.4.b. A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, with a minimum of 10 (subject to the number of players available, if less than 10). If a team has only 9 (nine) players and therefore bats only 9, the opposing team will have the option of batting 9 as well.
4.4.c. Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game.
4.4.d. If a team has more than 9 players and still only bats nine, they will be assessed an out each time the 10th batting position is skipped.
4.4.e. Batting only 9 players is NOT an offense that can be protested.
4.4.f. 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 6.1), the player may not reenter the game as a hitter but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher. Added players to the bottom of the lineup may be added as individual hitters or as A/B. Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both.
4.4.g. A team MAY declare at the time that lineups are exchanged prior to the start of play that any batting order position (i.e. 9, 10, 11, etc.) can be occupied by two (2) players in each such batting position. That is, 9A/9B, 10, 11A/11B, 12, etc. The first time that position 9 gets an at bat, 9A would hit and the next time this slot hits, 9B would be up. Then 9A hits the third time this spot in the order comes up, and so on, alternating between these two players throughout the game. Once a team declares the use of this A/B system, it must continue using it for the remainder of the game. Hitters in the A/B position may be pinch hit for, just as any other player.
4.4.h. If a team has started the game with A/B batters in place, the following will be effective:
4.4.i. If either the A batter, or B batter is injured, or needs to leave the game, no out will be applied when the injured player is scheduled to bat.The uninjured/remaining player will become the only batter in the line-up position. All rules for a single player occupying a batting line-up position will then be in place for the remainder of the game.
4.4.j. If a player in any other position in the batting line up not occupied by A/B batter, needs to leave the game, the next player coming up in a A/B batting position will take the place of the vacated player in their line-up position. This player now becomes the batter in the lineup, and all rules in place for a lineup player are in place.
4.4.k. These rules DO NOT apply for any player being ejected from the game. All rules in place for obtaining outs when players are ejected are in effect.
4.4.l. 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.
4.4.m. 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.
4.4.n. If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or ejection, a reserve player, not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the replaced hitter’s place. If there are no reserves who can replace the individual, the spot is skipped and all hitters below that position move up. The first time this vacated spot comes up in the batting order, an out will be assessed, after that one time, no out will be recorded for skipping the spot vacated by the displaced player.
4.4.o. A team must have 8 players for an official game and may borrow a player from an opposing team with the opposing manager’s consent or may borrow a player from another team, also with the opposing manager’s consent. If the team’s 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team.
4.4.p. All players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the player’s offensive status in the line-up. 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. The re-entering of a pitcher can only be done once a game.
5. Player's Behavior and Team Responsibility
5.1 Tobacco and Alcoholic beverages:
5.1.a. There will be no beer or alcoholic beverages permitted at the field before, during or after the game. The field refers to the general playing area and ancillary areas.
5.1.b. Anyone in violation of this rule will be subject to disciplinary action which can include suspension for the remainder of the season. Teams that have fans that violate this rule can also be subject to disciplinary action.
5.1.c. Tobacco products of any kind (to include vape products) are also banned from all facilities. A player that violates this rule is subject to disciplinary action which can include a one game suspension. Any additional violations can result in a suspension for the remainder of the season.
5.1.d. Any fines that are assessed to the league by a field owner due to a violation of this rule will be passed down to the responsible player and/or team manager.
5.2 Ejected Players:
5.2.a. An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game. An expulsion results in an automatic 1 game suspension. The ejected player does not need to be present at the game in which they are serving their suspension. The minimum one game suspension can not be appealed.
5.2.b. Ejected players must leave the field/dugout/facility as soon as ejected. If for any reason the player being ejected cannot leave due to transportation restrictions, the ejected player must not participate in the game in any capacity. This includes helping teammates warm up, coach in any capacity, or help with team changes.
5.2.c. Any player ejected from a game will be subject to at least a minimum ONE Game suspension, and possible expulsion from the league depending on the severity of the infraction. Multiple game suspensions will be at the discretion of the rules committee.
5.2.d. 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.
5.2.e. 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 or expulsion from the league.
5.2.f. If any players are involved in aggressive physical contact the players involved will immediately be suspended for 5 games and will be subject to expulsion from the league.
5.2.g. The rules committee is concerned about possible unnecessary and violent collisions that may occur with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage base runners and defensive players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.
5.2.h. When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge: 1. Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner have reached the base without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner’s path to the base was blocked) or 2. Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate) or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder.
5.2.i. PENALTY—If the runner, a) could have avoided the collision and reached the base, or b) attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner shall be declared out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.
1. If the fielder blocks the path of the base runner to the base (plate), the runner may make contact or slide into a fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base or plate.
2. If the collision by the runner was flagrant, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball shall be declared dead.
3. If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and an immediate dead ball shall be called.
4. If the base runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on the obstruction, but will be ejected from the contest. The ball is dead.
5.3 Decoy Rule:
5.3.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 ground is a legal decoy as it may cause the runner to retreat to first base and prevent him from advancing.
5.3.b. 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.
5.3.c. This is entirely an umpire judgment decision and not a rule that may be protested.
5.4 Force Play Slide Rule:
5.4.a. 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.
5.4.b. On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.
5.4.c. 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.
5.4.d. "On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground.
5.4.e. "Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.
5.4.f. 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.
5.4.g. 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. Unless the fielder is attempting to field the ball off the bat.
3. Makes a legal slide and makes contact with a defensive player who is on or over, but not beyond, the base.
5.4.h. When the base runner slides beyond the base, but does not (a) make contact with, or (b) alter the play of the defensive player, interference shall not be called.
5.4.i. Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:
1. The runner slides or runs out of the baseline in the direction of the fielder.
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. "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.
5.4.j. PENALTY:
1. With fewer 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.
5.5 Manager Conduct:
5.5.a All team managers must recognize their responsibility to maintain the league’s prosperity, reputation and integrity. All managers should place what is best for the league over individual team success and avoid a winning at all costs mentality. Fair and competitive competition is an important component of our league, but not more important than good sportsmanship and comradery. Managers are also advocates for their players and represent their interest and opinions.
6. Courtesy Runners and Pitcher Rules
6.1 Courtesy Runners:
6.1.a. A team is allowed 1 courtesy runner per game that can be identified prior to or during the game. The league also allows courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers on base with any number of outs.
6.1.b. Players that will need courtesy runners, must have their manager notify the opposing manager at the time the courtesy runner is identified. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request.
6.1.c. The courtesy runner will be the last player that was recorded out. If that player is batting, on base or a non runner then the courtesy runner will be the next recorded out. If no outs have been recorded in the game the courtesy runner will be the player at the bottom of the lineup.
6.1.d. In the event a player becomes injured during the game and the maximum number of courtesy runners have already been designated, a pinch runner must be used and no courtesy runner will be allowed.
6.1.e. The offensive team that is replacing the courtesy runner has 30 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within this time period, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy runner for this particular batter will be forfeited for the balance of the game. The 30 second time limit will begin at the time the umpire calls for time to allow replacement for the runner.
6.2 Pitchers:
6.2.a. No player while pitching may wear white or gray sleeves, nor may a pitcher wear a batting glove or wristband while pitching.
6.2.b. There will be no limit on the amount of intentional walks a pitcher can issue during a game. The pitcher does not have to pitch to the batter but will need to make his intention known to the plate umpire at that point, plate umpire will award the batter 1st base.
6.2.c. If a pitcher hits 4 batters in any one game, the pitcher must be removed on the fourth hit batsman.
7. General League Rules
7.1 General Rules:
7.1.a. Forfeits are detrimental to the league. Forfeits are a waste of league resources and ruin the player experience. A team is allowed 1 forfeit per season without penalty. A team that forfeits 2 games or more can be ruled to be playoff ineligible for that season. A team can be expelled from the league if forfeits become habitual. The league president has sole discretion on this determination. If the league president chooses, the determination can be put to a manager’s vote.
7.1.b. All protests should be lodged to the league president within 24 hours after the game for which the protest is made. All protests shall be decided by the league rules committee.
7.1.c. A player must participate in at least 4 regular season games to become eligible for the playoffs. A game counts as participation if a player meets one of the 3 requirements:
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The player has 1 plate appearance.
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The player has 3 batters faced as a pitcher.
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The player completes one inning at a defensive position.
7.1.d. 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 the league. See section 3.3.
7.1.e. A rules committee will be determined by the league president and the team managers.
7.2 Code of Conduct:
7.2.a. Prohibitions. Managers and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No manager or player shall commit the following:
7.2.b. 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 rules committee. Players and managers guilty of such conduct can be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.
7.2.c. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision. Players guilty of such conduct can be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and can remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the rules committee. Players guilty of such conduct can be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.d. Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision. Players and managers guilty of such conduct can be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.
7.2.e. 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 can be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.
7.2.f. 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 can be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.g. 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 rules committee. Players guilty of such conduct can be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.
7.2.h. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct can be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and can remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the rules committee. Players guilty of such conduct can be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.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 can be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.j. Smoke on the field of play or in the dugout. Players guilty of such conduct can be immediately suspended from further participation in the game.
7.2.k. All queries, criticisms, accolades must be communicated through the league’s umpire coordinator. Inappropriate conduct with an umpire on or off the field can result in disciplinary action.
7.3 Violation Penalties:
7.3.a. The team managers may, by vote of the majority of the managers, suspend 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. The league president, a league officer, or a team manager can call for a motion to vote. A formal second is required before proceeding with a vote.
7.3.b. Except as otherwise provided, the league president or rules committee shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the codes of conduct, and shall report their decision to the player, manager and the rules committee.
7.3.c. Players 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.
7.3.d. 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.
7.4 Grievances, protests, and appeals:
7.4.a. Grievances may be filed by an individual player provided that a grievance is formally submitted in writing to the league president within 48 hours of incident. The rules committee shall adjudicate all such grievances and shall report any action taken to the league president.
7.4.b. An appeal of any action or ruling may be filed with the league president by an individual player provided that the appeal is formally submitted. However, all decisions by the league president are final and not subject to appeal.
MLB rules will apply for any rules not covered in this document in terms of gameplay.
