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<head>
<meta charset="utf-8"/>
<meta content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1" name="viewport"/>
<link href="02-league-rules-and-policy.html" rel="prev"/>
<link href="02-policy.html" rel="prev"/>
<link href="assets/cmba-favicon.png" rel="icon"/>
<meta content="mkdocs-1.6.1, mkdocs-material-9.7.0" name="generator"/>
<title>Playing Rules - CMBA Constitution and By-Laws</title>
<title>Playing Rules - CMBA Bylaws, Policy, and Playing Rules</title>
<link href="assets/stylesheets/main.618322db.min.css" rel="stylesheet"/>
<link href="assets/stylesheets/palette.ab4e12ef.min.css" rel="stylesheet"/>
<script src="https://unpkg.com/iframe-worker/shim"></script>
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
</div>
<header class="md-header md-header--shadow" data-md-component="header">
<nav aria-label="Header" class="md-header__inner md-grid">
<a aria-label="CMBA Constitution and By-Laws" class="md-header__button md-logo" data-md-component="logo" href="index.html" title="CMBA Constitution and By-Laws">
<a aria-label="CMBA Bylaws, Policy, and Playing Rules" class="md-header__button md-logo" data-md-component="logo" href="index.html" title="CMBA Bylaws, Policy, and Playing Rules">
<img alt="logo" src="assets/cmba-logo.svg"/>
</a>
<label class="md-header__button md-icon" for="__drawer">
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
<div class="md-header__ellipsis">
<div class="md-header__topic">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
CMBA Constitution and By-Laws
CMBA Bylaws, Policy, and Playing Rules
</span>
</div>
<div class="md-header__topic" data-md-component="header-topic">
@@ -94,10 +94,10 @@
<div class="md-sidebar__inner">
<nav aria-label="Navigation" class="md-nav md-nav--primary md-nav--integrated" data-md-level="0">
<label class="md-nav__title" for="__drawer">
<a aria-label="CMBA Constitution and By-Laws" class="md-nav__button md-logo" data-md-component="logo" href="index.html" title="CMBA Constitution and By-Laws">
<a aria-label="CMBA Bylaws, Policy, and Playing Rules" class="md-nav__button md-logo" data-md-component="logo" href="index.html" title="CMBA Bylaws, Policy, and Playing Rules">
<img alt="logo" src="assets/cmba-logo.svg"/>
</a>
CMBA Constitution and By-Laws
CMBA Bylaws, Policy, and Playing Rules
</label>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-scrollfix="">
<li class="md-nav__item">
@@ -113,11 +113,11 @@
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="01-constitution-and-bylaws.html">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="01-bylaws.html">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Constitution and Bylaws
League Bylaws
@@ -125,11 +125,11 @@
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="02-league-rules-and-policy.html">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="02-policy.html">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
League Rules and Policy
League Policy
@@ -166,7 +166,16 @@
</label>
<ul class="md-nav__list" data-md-component="toc" data-md-scrollfix="">
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#incorporated-rules">3.1
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#authority-and-rule-hierarchy">3.1
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Authority and Rule Hierarchy
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#incorporated-rules">3.2
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Incorporated Rules
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</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#regulation-games">3.2
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#pre-game-meeting">3.3
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Pre-Game Meeting
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#regulation-games">3.4
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Regulation Games
</span>
</a>
</li>
<nav aria-label="Regulation Games" class="md-nav">
<ul class="md-nav__list">
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called">3.3
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Reasons for a Game to be Called
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</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#game-equipment-and-uniforms">3.4
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#game-equipment-and-uniforms">3.5
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Game Equipment and Uniforms
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</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#minimum-number-of-players">3.5
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#lineups">3.6
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Lineups
</span>
</a>
<nav aria-label="Lineups" class="md-nav">
<ul class="md-nav__list">
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#lineup-format">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Lineup Format
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#expanded-lineup-format">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Expanded Lineup Format
</span>
</a>
<nav aria-label="Expanded Lineup Format" class="md-nav">
<ul class="md-nav__list">
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#shared-batting-positions">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Shared Batting Positions
</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#restricted-lineup-format">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Restricted Lineup Format
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#minimum-number-of-players">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Minimum Number of Players
@@ -211,79 +283,68 @@
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#player-injuries">3.6
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#lineup-designations">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Player Injuries
Lineup Designations
</span>
</a>
<nav aria-label="Lineup Designations" class="md-nav">
<ul class="md-nav__list">
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#designated-hitter-dh">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Designated Hitter (DH)
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#designated-hitter">3.7
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#extra-hitter-eh">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Designated Hitter
Extra Hitter (EH)
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#designated-runner">3.8
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#designated-runner-dr">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Designated Runner
Designated Runner (DR)
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#extra-hitter">3.9
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#courtesy-runner-cr">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Extra Hitter
Courtesy Runner (CR)
</span>
</a>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#courtesy-runner">3.10
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#injury-substitutions">
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Courtesy Runner
Injury Substitutions
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#batting-lineup">3.11
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Batting Lineup
</span>
</a>
</ul>
</nav>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#ab-batting-lineup-slots">3.12
<span class="md-ellipsis">
A/B Batting Lineup Slots
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#defensive-lineup">3.13
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Defensive Lineup
</span>
</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#collisions">3.14
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#collisions">3.7
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Collisions
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</a>
</li>
<li class="md-nav__item">
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#umpire-disputes">3.15
<a class="md-nav__link" href="#umpire-disputes">3.8
<span class="md-ellipsis">
Umpire Disputes
@@ -311,108 +372,121 @@
<div class="md-content" data-md-component="content">
<article class="md-content__inner md-typeset">
<h1 id="playing-rules"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.</span> Playing Rules<a class="headerlink" href="#playing-rules" title="Permanent link"></a></h1>
<h2 id="incorporated-rules"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.1</span> Incorporated Rules<a class="headerlink" href="#incorporated-rules" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<h2 id="authority-and-rule-hierarchy"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.1</span> Authority and Rule Hierarchy<a class="headerlink" href="#authority-and-rule-hierarchy" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Umpires have full authority to administer and enforce game rules on the field. In applying written rules, the controlling order is: (1) League Policy, (2) these Playing Rules, and (3) Incorporated Rules. If provisions conflict, the higher-priority source controls to the extent of the conflict.</p>
<h2 id="incorporated-rules"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.2</span> Incorporated Rules<a class="headerlink" href="#incorporated-rules" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Except where specified in this document, games shall incorporate the Official Baseball Rules of Major League Baseball (the "Incorporated Rules").</p>
<p>These rules shall <em>not</em> incorporate the following rules of Major League Baseball:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rule 4.03(c)(4) specifying limitations on when a position player can pitch.</li>
<li>Rule 5.02(c) specifying limitations on infielder placement.</li>
<li>Rule 7.01(b) incorporating the parameters of the Extra Innings Rule, which includes starting each half-inning following the last regulation inning with a runner on second base.</li>
<li>Rule 5.10(m)(1) limiting the number of mound visits.</li>
<li>Rule 5.10(g) requiring that pitchers must face at least three batters.</li>
<li>Rules 5.07(c) specifying time limits on pitchers and batters. Limitations on pitcher disengagements (i.e. pick-offs) shall also not be incorporated.</li>
<li>Rule(s) specifying limitations on when a position player can pitch.</li>
<li>Rule(s) specifying limitations on infielder placement.</li>
<li>Rule(s) incorporating the parameters of the Extra Innings Rule, which includes starting each half-inning following the last regulation inning with a runner on second base.</li>
<li>Rule(s) limiting the number of mound visits per game. Limitations on visits per inning still apply.</li>
<li>Rule(s) requiring that pitchers must face at least three batters.</li>
<li>Rule(s) specifying time limits on pitchers and batters. </li>
<li>Rule(s) limiting pitcher disengagements (i.e. pick-offs).</li>
<li>Any rule requiring specialized equipment or trained personnel, such as replay review.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="regulation-games"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.2</span> Regulation Games<a class="headerlink" href="#regulation-games" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<h2 id="pre-game-meeting"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.3</span> Pre-Game Meeting<a class="headerlink" href="#pre-game-meeting" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Before first pitch, the Managers and the umpire-in-chief shall conduct a pre-game meeting. A Manager may designate a team delegate to attend on the Manager’s behalf. At this meeting, the teams shall exchange lineups and review any applicable ground rules with the umpire.</p>
<h2 id="regulation-games"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.4</span> Regulation Games<a class="headerlink" href="#regulation-games" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Games played under the auspices of both recognized Managers of the participating teams shall count as official. A regulation game is defined as follows</p>
<ol>
<li>A regulation game consists of seven (7) innings, unless extended because of a tie score, or shortened because the home team needs none of its half of the seventh inning or only a fraction of it, or because the umpire calls the game in accordance with <a href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called">3.3 Reasons for a Game to be Called</a>.</li>
<li>If the score is tied after seven completed innings play shall continue until (1) the visiting team has scored more total runs than the home team at the end of a completed inning, or (2) the home team scores the winning run in an uncompleted inning. If a regulation game is called with the score tied, it shall remain a tie game.</li>
<li>If a game is called by the umpire, per <a href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called">3.3 Reasons for a Game to be Called</a>, it is a regulation (official) game:</li>
<li>If four innings have been completed;</li>
<li>If the home team has scored more runs in four or three and a fraction half-innings than the visiting team has scored in four completed half-innings;</li>
<li>If the home team scores one or more runs in its half of the fourth inning to tie the score.</li>
<li>A regulation game is scheduled for seven (7) innings.</li>
<li>A game becomes a regulation game after four (4) completed innings, or after 3 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead.</li>
<li>If the score is tied after seven (7) completed innings, play shall continue until a winner is determined, unless the game is called and recorded as a tie under applicable called-game provisions.</li>
<li>The run-rule, or "Slaughter Rule", thresholds are:<ol>
<li>Fifteen (15) runs after four (4) complete innings, or after 3 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead;</li>
<li>Twelve (12) runs after five (5) complete innings, or after 4 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead.</li>
<li>Ten (10) runs after three (3) complete innings in a game that is called under applicable called-game provisions.</li>
</ol>
<p>Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.
1. Slaughter Rule: The game shall be ended and the leading team declared the winner:
1. If after 4 complete innings the visiting team is ahead in the score by 15 or more runs, or if after 3½ innings the home team is ahead by the same, the game will be ended and the leading team declared the winner.
1. If after 5 or more complete innings the visiting team is ahead in the score by 12 or more runs, or if after 4½ innings or more the home team is ahead by the same, the game will be ended and the leading team declared the winner.</p>
<p>The Slaughter Rule is applicable for the playoffs as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.
1. If a game is called after 3 complete innings and one team is ahead by 10 or more runs, the game will be ended and the leading team declared the winner. </p>
<p>Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.</p>
<ol>
<li>If a game is postponed or otherwise called before it has become a regulation game, the umpire-in-chief shall declare it “No Game,” meaning the game must be restarted (not resumed) at a later date.</li>
</li>
<li>If a game is called before it becomes a regulation game, it is a “No Game” and shall be replayed from the start, unless otherwise required by provisions in League Policy.</li>
<li>Exceptions, including completion requirements for suspended games, are governed by League Policy (e.g., in the case of playoff or championship games).</li>
</ol>
<p>Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.</p>
<h2 id="reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.3</span> Reasons for a Game to be Called<a class="headerlink" href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<h3 id="reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.4.1</span> Reasons for a Game to be Called<a class="headerlink" href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called" title="Permanent link"></a></h3>
<p>An umpire, in their discretion, may declare a game called if</p>
<ol>
<li>Darkness prevents further safe play.</li>
<li>Rain, lightning, or other inclement weather precludes safe conditions.</li>
<li>A new inning would start after 8:15 p.m at a field without lights.</li>
<li>Local laws or field rules (e.g. lightning detector) prevent continuation of the game.</li>
<li>Other circumstances prevent further safe play. The Rules and Competition Committee may rule on any forfeit or loss of points as applicable.</li>
<li>Other circumstances prevent further safe play. League Policy may dictate any forfeit or penalty as applicable.</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="game-equipment-and-uniforms"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.4</span> Game Equipment and Uniforms<a class="headerlink" href="#game-equipment-and-uniforms" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<h2 id="game-equipment-and-uniforms"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.5</span> Game Equipment and Uniforms<a class="headerlink" href="#game-equipment-and-uniforms" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Games shall be played with legal baseball equipment and player uniforms as required by League Rules and Policy.</p>
<h2 id="minimum-number-of-players"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.5</span> Minimum Number of Players<a class="headerlink" href="#minimum-number-of-players" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Teams must start the game at the scheduled starting time if they have a minimum of (8) players present. League policy may designate a forfeit time after which a team with less than the minimum is subject to forfeit. A team may not wait until this forfeit time for players to arrive. The game must begin as soon as a team reaches this minimum.</p>
<ol>
<li>In the event a team starts a game with eight (8) players, the ninth spot in the batting order shall be considered an out recorded to the pitcher. A team may insert a ninth player in the vacant ninth spot after the start of play.</li>
<li>The vacated spot in the batting order shall be considered an automatic out.</li>
<li>Should a team fall below the minimum, the game is terminated and the team loses by forfeit.</li>
</ol>
<p>A team may finish the game a player short, that is one (1) player less than they started the game with (eight (8) players for a nine (9) man line-up, nine (9) players for a ten (10) man), provided the team does not fall below this minimum.</p>
<h2 id="player-injuries"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6</span> Player Injuries<a class="headerlink" href="#player-injuries" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<h2 id="lineups"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6</span> Lineups<a class="headerlink" href="#lineups" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<h3 id="lineup-format"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.1</span> Lineup Format<a class="headerlink" href="#lineup-format" title="Permanent link"></a></h3>
<p>The <a href="#expanded-lineup-format">Expanded Lineup Format</a> shall apply unless League Policy expressly provides for the Restricted Lineup Format (e.g., playoffs or championship games).</p>
<h3 id="expanded-lineup-format"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.2</span> Expanded Lineup Format<a class="headerlink" href="#expanded-lineup-format" title="Permanent link"></a></h3>
<p>In the Expanded Lineup Format, a team’s batting lineup shall constitute not fewer than nine (9) batting positions. Additional batting positions may be declared at lineup exchange without limit. The number of batting positions declared shall remain fixed for the duration of the game. If, for any other reason, a batting position is or becomes unoccupied, that lineup position shall be recorded as an out each time it appears in the batting order.</p>
<p>A player substituted from the batting order may not re-enter the batting order unless otherwise permitted herein. Defensive substitutions may be made freely at any time and do not affect the batting order. Players may enter, exit, and re-enter defensively without limitation.</p>
<p>The following lineup designations are permitted, but not required, in Expanded Lineup Format:</p>
<ul>
<li>Any number of Extra Hitters</li>
<li>(1) Designated Runner</li>
<li>Courtesy Runner for the pitcher and catcher</li>
</ul>
<div class="admonition note">
<p class="admonition-title">Note</p>
<p>A player occupying the Extra Hitter position may assume any defensive position at any time without affecting the batting order. Likewise, a player currently in the defensive alignment may be reassigned to the Extra Hitter position without affecting the batting order. In the Expanded Lineup Format, changes in defensive alignment do not alter the order or occupancy of batting positions.</p>
<p>Because defensive alignment does not govern the batting order in the Expanded Lineup Format, the Designated Hitter designation does apply in Expanded Lineup Format. Any player marked as a DH will be considered an error and assumed to be an EH.</p>
</div>
<h4 id="shared-batting-positions"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.2.1</span> Shared Batting Positions<a class="headerlink" href="#shared-batting-positions" title="Permanent link"></a></h4>
<p>In the Expanded Lineup Format, any batting position may be designated at lineup exchange as shared by two players (“A” and “B”). The two players shall bat in alternating sequence each time that position appears in the order, beginning with the player designated “A.”</p>
<p>A player occupying a shared batting position may be substituted. A substitute assumes the same alternating designation (A or B), and the position remains shared provided two occupants are maintained.</p>
<p>If a shared batting position is reduced to a single occupant and no substitute is entered to maintain two occupants, the position shall thereafter be treated as a single-player position and may not again be shared during that game.</p>
<h3 id="restricted-lineup-format"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.3</span> Restricted Lineup Format<a class="headerlink" href="#restricted-lineup-format" title="Permanent link"></a></h3>
<p>In the Restricted Lineup Format, a team’s batting lineup shall constitute not fewer than nine (9) batting positions. Additional batting positions may be declared at lineup exchange without limit by using additional Extra Hitters. The number of batting positions declared shall remain fixed for the duration of the game.</p>
<p>Each batting position shall be occupied by a single player. Shared batting positions are not permitted.</p>
<p>If, for any other reason, a batting position is or becomes unoccupied, that lineup position shall be recorded as an out each time it appears in the batting order, unless otherwise provided in the Incorporated Rules, these Rules, or League Policy.</p>
<p>A player substituted from the batting order may not re-enter the game unless permitted by the Incorporated Rules. Defensive substitutions shall be governed by the Incorporated Rules. Defensive re-entry is not permitted unless otherwise allowed by those rules.</p>
<p>The following lineup designations are permitted, but not required, in Restricted Lineup Format:</p>
<ul>
<li>(1) Designated Hitter</li>
<li>Any number of Extra Hitters</li>
<li>(1) Designated Runner</li>
<li>Courtesy Runner for the pitcher and catcher</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="minimum-number-of-players"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.4</span> Minimum Number of Players<a class="headerlink" href="#minimum-number-of-players" title="Permanent link"></a></h3>
<p>The minimum number of players per team shall be established as the number of required batting positions as governed by the applicable Lineup Format.</p>
<p>Teams may play with (1) fewer player and if each team has at least this many players present, they must start the game. </p>
<p>League Policy may apply standings penalty for teams that start with fewer than the minimum. League Policy may also designate a "forfeit time," the period after which a team with less than the minimum is subject to penalty. A team may not wait until this forfeit time for players to arrive. A team may insert a player into the vacant spot after the start of play.</p>
<p>Any unoccupied patting positions are shall be recorded as an out each time it appears in the batting order unless otherwise provided in these Rules, or League Policy. </p>
<p>A team may finish the game (1) player short, that is one (1) player less than they started the game with (eight (8) players for a nine (9) person line-up, nine (9) players for a ten (10) person lineup). Should a team fall below (8) players, the game is terminated and this team loses by forfeit.</p>
<div class="admonition note">
<p class="admonition-title">Example</p>
<p>For a game subject to the Expanded Lineup, the required number of batting positions is nine (9), so as soon as each team has eight (8) players, the game must start. </p>
<p>If a team starts with (8) the vacant ninth spot is an automatic out each time it comes up. If the ninth player arrives after first pitch, that player may be inserted into the vacant spot.</p>
</div>
<h3 id="lineup-designations"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.5</span> Lineup Designations<a class="headerlink" href="#lineup-designations" title="Permanent link"></a></h3>
<h4 id="designated-hitter-dh"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.5.1</span> Designated Hitter (DH)<a class="headerlink" href="#designated-hitter-dh" title="Permanent link"></a></h4>
<p>A Designated Hitter may bat for any defensive player. If the defensive player for whom the DH bats enters the batting order, the DH is terminated. Substitution rules apply consistent with the applicable Lineup Format.</p>
<h4 id="extra-hitter-eh"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.5.2</span> Extra Hitter (EH)<a class="headerlink" href="#extra-hitter-eh" title="Permanent link"></a></h4>
<p>An Extra Hitter is a batting-only lineup position and may not be used in the field as an extra defensive fielder. For substitution and lineup-administration purposes, an EH position shall be treated the same as a defensive position and may be substituted, re-entered, or reassigned in as governed by the applicable Lineup Format.</p>
<h4 id="designated-runner-dr"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.5.3</span> Designated Runner (DR)<a class="headerlink" href="#designated-runner-dr" title="Permanent link"></a></h4>
<p>A Designated Runner may run for a specified batting position whenever the player occupying that batting position safely reaches base. If the defensive player for whom the DR bats enters the batting order, the DR is terminated. Substitution of either player is governed by the applicable Lineup Format.</p>
<p>Teams with no eligible players remaining on the bench (i.e. all players are in the batting lineup) may elect to use the player that made the last out as the designated runner.</p>
<h4 id="courtesy-runner-cr"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.5.4</span> Courtesy Runner (CR)<a class="headerlink" href="#courtesy-runner-cr" title="Permanent link"></a></h4>
<p>A Courtesy Runner may be used for pitchers or catchers at any time. It is not mandatory to do so.</p>
<p>A Courtesy Runner must not otherwise have participated in the game unless no eligible substitute remains. In this case, teams must use the first player taken out of the game or the player that made the last out.</p>
<p>Pitchers or catchers must record at least one (1) defensive out to be eligible, unless reaching base in the first inning as the visiting team.</p>
<h3 id="injury-substitutions"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.6.6</span> Injury Substitutions<a class="headerlink" href="#injury-substitutions" title="Permanent link"></a></h3>
<p>Substitutions are governed by the applicable Lineup Format with the following exception:</p>
<p>Should a player suffer a debilitating injury during the game and cannot continue, and a team has no more eligible players on its bench, a team can use a player that was removed from the game to replace him. This replacement player must be the first player removed from the game, and if this player is unavailable the next player is used (and so on). If no reserve is present, the vacated spot in the lineup is skipped and all batters move up accordingly, with no penalty to the affected team.</p>
<ol>
<li>If a substantial case can be made that a team skipped a spot with the intent to gain a competitive advantage, a protest by the opposing team may retroactively be ruled as a forfeit.</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="designated-hitter"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.7</span> Designated Hitter<a class="headerlink" href="#designated-hitter" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>The League shall follow the designated hitter rule as set forth in the Incorporated Rules, with the exception that a team may designate a D.H. for any position on the field.</p>
<h2 id="designated-runner"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.8</span> Designated Runner<a class="headerlink" href="#designated-runner" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>The League shall elect to use a designated runner rule, similar to the designated hitter rule.</p>
<ol>
<li>A runner may be designated to run for a specified player in any game without otherwise affecting the status of the player(s) in the game.</li>
<li>The designated runner must take the place of the specified player whenever that player reaches base or the designated runner. </li>
<li>If the specified player is substituted, this substitute player may inherit the designated runner.</li>
<li>Designated runners are subject to the same substitution rules as the designated hitter as defined in <a href="#designated-hitter">3.7 Designated Hitter</a></li>
<li>Teams with no eligible players remaining on the bench (i.e. all players are in the batting lineup) may elect to use the player that made the last out as the designated runner.</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="extra-hitter"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.9</span> Extra Hitter<a class="headerlink" href="#extra-hitter" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Prior to the start of the game a team may choose to play an extra hitter (EH). If the team uses this option, the following conditions apply:</p>
<ol>
<li>An EH shall only bat. They cannot take a position in the field as a tenth fielder.</li>
<li>The EH shall be treated like any other position in the field, and can be substituted for, switch positions, or anything else that a position player can do.</li>
<li>There is no limit to the number of extra hitters a team may elect to use, provided the names and numbers of these players are included in the lineup exchanged before the game.</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="courtesy-runner"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.10</span> Courtesy Runner<a class="headerlink" href="#courtesy-runner" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Teams may use courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers at any time. It is not mandatory to do so (speed-up rule), but the umpire(s) are required to keep the game moving expeditiously.</p>
<ol>
<li>Courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers cannot be, or have been, in the game at any time other than as a courtesy runner. Teams with no eligible players remaining on the bench must use the first player taken out of the game or the player that made the last out.</li>
<li>The pitcher or catcher must play at least one (1) defensive out to be eligible for a courtesy runner unless they reach base in the first inning as a member of the visiting team.</li>
</ol>
<h2 id="batting-lineup"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.11</span> Batting Lineup<a class="headerlink" href="#batting-lineup" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>The batting lineup shall consist of at minimum 9 slots (or 8 adhering to section <a href="#minimum-number-of-players">3.5 Minimum Number of Players</a>). Additional slots may be used without limit (see <a href="#extra-hitter">3.9 Extra Hitter</a>). Any player may be substituted in their batting lineup slot by using a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner for that player. The original player may not re-enter the game as a hitter.</p>
<h2 id="ab-batting-lineup-slots"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.12</span> A/B Batting Lineup Slots<a class="headerlink" href="#ab-batting-lineup-slots" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>In regular season play, any batting lineup slot may be optionally designated as an "A/B" batting slot, meaning it is shared between two players adhering to the following rules:</p>
<ol>
<li>The batter designated "A" shall bat the first time through the lineup and the batter designated "B" batting the second time through the lineup, continuing in alternating fashion for the remainder of the game. </li>
<li>Rules for the substitutions of either "A" or "B" batter are the same as any other batting lineup slot.</li>
<li>In the event of injury of either player when there are no reserve players available, the uninjured player shall bat in place of the injured player without penalty.</li>
</ol>
<p>In postseason play, the A/B batting slot rule defined above shall not be applicable.</p>
<h2 id="defensive-lineup"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.13</span> Defensive Lineup<a class="headerlink" href="#defensive-lineup" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>In regular season play, the defensive line-up is independent of the batting lineup and substitutions shall be allowed as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li>Any player may be freely substituted in the defensive line-up at any time, without affecting the players’ in the batting line-up. Players may enter, exit, and re-enter the game in the defensive line-up without limitation.</li>
</ol>
<p>In postseason play, the free defensive substitution rule defined above shall not be applicable and substitutions shall be made in accordance to applicable League and Incorporated Rules.</p>
<h2 id="collisions"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.14</span> Collisions<a class="headerlink" href="#collisions" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>If a substantial case can be made that a team skipped a spot with the intent to gain a competitive advantage, the pending team may be subject to penalty, up to and including forfeit following a successful protest in accordance with League Policy.</p>
<h2 id="collisions"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.7</span> Collisions<a class="headerlink" href="#collisions" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Collisions are prohibited, except for contact that results from a legal slide. The runner is responsible for sliding or otherwise avoiding contact. Fielders and runners must comply with Incorporated Rules governing interference, obstruction, and collisions at home plate.</p>
<p>Unless the umpire rules that the contact was incidental or caused by fielder obstruction, the runner shall be called out, the ball declared dead, and the runner automatically ejected. If the umpire determines the collision was flagrant, additional penalties may be imposed as applicable in League policy.</p>
<h2 id="umpire-disputes"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.15</span> Umpire Disputes<a class="headerlink" href="#umpire-disputes" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment, as specified in the Incorporated Rules, are final. No player or manager shall object to any such judgment decisions. The appeal of umpire decisions shall be governed as set forth in the Incorporated Rules. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to judgment decisions. If there is reasonable doubt that any umpire’s decision may be in conflict with the rules, the manager may appeal the decision and ask that a correct ruling be made. </p>
<p>Unless the umpire rules that the contact was incidental or caused by fielder obstruction, the runner shall be called out, the ball declared dead, and the runner automatically ejected. If the umpire determines the collision was flagrant, additional penalties may be imposed as applicable in League Policy.</p>
<h2 id="umpire-disputes"><span class="enumerate-headings-plugin enumerate-heading-plugin">3.8</span> Umpire Disputes<a class="headerlink" href="#umpire-disputes" title="Permanent link"></a></h2>
<p>The appeal of umpire decisions shall be governed as set forth in the Incorporated Rules. Any protests must be made in accordance with League Policy.</p>
<div class="admonition note">
<p class="admonition-title">Generally</p>
<ul>
<li>Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment are final. No player or manager shall object to any such judgment decisions. </li>
<li>If there is reasonable doubt that any umpire’s decision may be in conflict with the rules, the Manager, and the Manger alone, may appeal the decision and ask that a correct ruling be made. </li>
</ul>
</div>
</article>
</div>
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