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2024 corrections, clarifications, and modifications

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By-Laws and Rules updates for 2024 season.

Modification: Added affordances for using "last out" as a DR if there is no one on the bench (proposed via email, committeed 5/31/2024, voted in GroupMe chat 6/5/2024)
Correction: Correct "Uniform" section, addresses #11
Clarification: Reworded "no game" and "slaughter rule," addresses #9
Clarification: A llow president to postpone games for extraordinary circumstances, addresses #10

commit 6143d0fdd9
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Thu Jun 6 06:42:14 2024 -0500

    build

commit e34297f200
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Thu Jun 6 06:35:10 2024 -0500

    update publish date

commit ae31a90185
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Thu Jun 6 06:32:34 2024 -0500

    DR using last out

    Addresses #13

commit 89e0973c27
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Fri Jan 19 15:20:34 2024 -0600

    postponing games in extraordinary circumstances.

    address #10

commit 6d7d0531ce
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Fri Jan 19 15:19:29 2024 -0600

    removed "extraordinary circumstances", add "not resumed"

    this doesn't really apply, as the league does not resume suspended games in the regular season.

commit 2b29a561da
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Fri Jan 19 14:47:38 2024 -0600

    update readme with github pages instructions

commit 9a3939f42e
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Fri Jan 19 14:20:46 2024 -0600

    update metadata date

commit 063f66fc6b
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Fri Jan 19 13:41:57 2024 -0600

    clarify 'no game' and slaughter rule

    address issue #9

commit 8c91733d65
Author: Anthony Correa <a@correa.co>
Date:   Fri Jan 19 13:04:29 2024 -0600

    move uniform to correct section

    address issue #11
    remove "Uniform" from section "Team Rosters; Players and Eligibility; Uniforms"
    "Uniform" subsection stays in "Teams and Managers" section
    Add "Player Uniforms" reference to "Uniform" subsection in "General Play"
This commit is contained in:
Anthony Correa
2024-06-06 06:57:56 -05:00
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commit 688025aa44
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build/cmba-bylaws.html
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@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<meta name="generator" content="pandoc" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, user-scalable=yes" />
<meta name="dcterms.date" content="2023-04-28" />
<meta name="dcterms.date" content="2024-06-06" />
<title>Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association</title>
<style>
html {
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@
<header id="title-block-header">
<h1 class="title">Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association</h1>
<p class="subtitle">Constitution and By-Laws</p>
<p class="date">2023-04-28</p>
<p class="date">2024-06-06</p>
</header>
<nav id="TOC" role="doc-toc">
<ul>
@@ -225,11 +225,11 @@
<ul>
<li><a href="#recognition"><span class="toc-section-number">10.1</span> Recognition</a></li>
<li><a href="#team-name"><span class="toc-section-number">10.2</span> Team Name</a></li>
<li><a href="#manager"><span class="toc-section-number">10.3</span> Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#manager-changes"><span class="toc-section-number">10.4</span> Manager Changes</a></li>
<li><a href="#uniform"><span class="toc-section-number">10.5</span> Uniform</a></li>
<li><a href="#uniform"><span class="toc-section-number">10.3</span> Uniform</a></li>
<li><a href="#manager"><span class="toc-section-number">10.4</span> Manager</a></li>
<li><a href="#manager-changes"><span class="toc-section-number">10.5</span> Manager Changes</a></li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility-uniforms"><span class="toc-section-number">11</span> Team Rosters; Players and Eligibility; Uniforms</a>
<li><a href="#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility"><span class="toc-section-number">11</span> Team Rosters; Players and Eligibility</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="#roster-deadline-roster-size"><span class="toc-section-number">11.1</span> Roster Deadline; Roster Size</a></li>
<li><a href="#roster-information-requirements"><span class="toc-section-number">11.2</span> Roster Information Requirements</a></li>
@@ -246,25 +246,26 @@
<li><a href="#regulation-games"><span class="toc-section-number">12.2</span> Regulation Games</a></li>
<li><a href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called"><span class="toc-section-number">12.3</span> Reasons for a Game to be Called</a></li>
<li><a href="#game-time"><span class="toc-section-number">12.4</span> Game Time</a></li>
<li><a href="#minimum-number-of-players"><span class="toc-section-number">12.5</span> Minimum Number of Players</a></li>
<li><a href="#player-injuries"><span class="toc-section-number">12.6</span> Player Injuries</a></li>
<li><a href="#equipment"><span class="toc-section-number">12.7</span> Equipment</a></li>
<li><a href="#field-maintenance"><span class="toc-section-number">12.8</span> Field Maintenance</a></li>
<li><a href="#payment-of-umpires"><span class="toc-section-number">12.9</span> Payment of Umpires</a></li>
<li><a href="#designated-hitter"><span class="toc-section-number">12.10</span> Designated Hitter</a></li>
<li><a href="#designated-runner"><span class="toc-section-number">12.11</span> Designated Runner</a></li>
<li><a href="#extra-hitter"><span class="toc-section-number">12.12</span> Extra Hitter</a></li>
<li><a href="#courtesy-runner"><span class="toc-section-number">12.13</span> Courtesy Runner</a></li>
<li><a href="#batting-lineup"><span class="toc-section-number">12.14</span> Batting Lineup</a></li>
<li><a href="#ab-batting-lineup-slots"><span class="toc-section-number">12.15</span> A/B Batting Lineup Slots</a></li>
<li><a href="#defensive-lineup"><span class="toc-section-number">12.16</span> Defensive Lineup</a></li>
<li><a href="#field-status"><span class="toc-section-number">12.17</span> Field Status</a></li>
<li><a href="#rescheduling"><span class="toc-section-number">12.18</span> Rescheduling</a></li>
<li><a href="#notification-of-results"><span class="toc-section-number">12.19</span> Notification of Results</a></li>
<li><a href="#uncompleted-games"><span class="toc-section-number">12.20</span> Uncompleted Games</a></li>
<li><a href="#substitution-of-an-umpire"><span class="toc-section-number">12.21</span> Substitution of an Umpire</a></li>
<li><a href="#collisions"><span class="toc-section-number">12.22</span> Collisions</a></li>
<li><a href="#umpire-disputes"><span class="toc-section-number">12.23</span> Umpire Disputes</a></li>
<li><a href="#player-uniforms"><span class="toc-section-number">12.5</span> Player Uniforms</a></li>
<li><a href="#minimum-number-of-players"><span class="toc-section-number">12.6</span> Minimum Number of Players</a></li>
<li><a href="#player-injuries"><span class="toc-section-number">12.7</span> Player Injuries</a></li>
<li><a href="#equipment"><span class="toc-section-number">12.8</span> Equipment</a></li>
<li><a href="#field-maintenance"><span class="toc-section-number">12.9</span> Field Maintenance</a></li>
<li><a href="#payment-of-umpires"><span class="toc-section-number">12.10</span> Payment of Umpires</a></li>
<li><a href="#designated-hitter"><span class="toc-section-number">12.11</span> Designated Hitter</a></li>
<li><a href="#designated-runner"><span class="toc-section-number">12.12</span> Designated Runner</a></li>
<li><a href="#extra-hitter"><span class="toc-section-number">12.13</span> Extra Hitter</a></li>
<li><a href="#courtesy-runner"><span class="toc-section-number">12.14</span> Courtesy Runner</a></li>
<li><a href="#batting-lineup"><span class="toc-section-number">12.15</span> Batting Lineup</a></li>
<li><a href="#ab-batting-lineup-slots"><span class="toc-section-number">12.16</span> A/B Batting Lineup Slots</a></li>
<li><a href="#defensive-lineup"><span class="toc-section-number">12.17</span> Defensive Lineup</a></li>
<li><a href="#field-status"><span class="toc-section-number">12.18</span> Field Status</a></li>
<li><a href="#rescheduling"><span class="toc-section-number">12.19</span> Rescheduling</a></li>
<li><a href="#notification-of-results"><span class="toc-section-number">12.20</span> Notification of Results</a></li>
<li><a href="#uncompleted-games"><span class="toc-section-number">12.21</span> Uncompleted Games</a></li>
<li><a href="#substitution-of-an-umpire"><span class="toc-section-number">12.22</span> Substitution of an Umpire</a></li>
<li><a href="#collisions"><span class="toc-section-number">12.23</span> Collisions</a></li>
<li><a href="#umpire-disputes"><span class="toc-section-number">12.24</span> Umpire Disputes</a></li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="#protest-and-forfeits"><span class="toc-section-number">13</span> Protest and Forfeits</a>
<ul>
@@ -337,7 +338,7 @@
<li>All Officers other than President are subject to yearly review and reelection by League vote.</li>
</ol>
<h2 data-number="3.2" id="umpires"><span class="header-section-number">3.2</span> Umpires</h2>
<p>Umpires shall have the sole responsibility for the enforcement of all sections in <a href="#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility-uniforms">Team Rosters Players And Eligibility Uniforms</a> of the By-Laws, except where specified.</p>
<p>Umpires shall have the sole responsibility for the enforcement of all sections in <a href="#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility">Team Rosters Players And Eligibility</a> of the By-Laws, except where specified.</p>
<h1 data-number="4" id="meetings"><span class="header-section-number">4</span> Meetings</h1>
<h2 data-number="4.1" id="annual-meeting"><span class="header-section-number">4.1</span> Annual Meeting</h2>
<p>The Association shall hold its annual preseason meeting after January 1 at a time and place set by the President. This meeting must be held in person, except in extenuating circumstances.</p>
@@ -471,20 +472,7 @@
<p>Teams shall be formally recognized as existing as an entity from April 1 through August 31 of the current season. These dates shall serve as time periods as they pertain to all rules regarding rosters and team management.</p>
<h2 data-number="10.2" id="team-name"><span class="header-section-number">10.2</span> Team Name</h2>
<p>Teams new to the Association, regardless of the makeup of the roster, shall not be allowed to use the name of any existing Association team. Teams from other recognized Associations or Leagues entering the CMBA shall be allowed to use any team name provided it was the recognized existing name of the team prior to its membership in the Association. Changes in team names shall not affect a team’s status in the Association in any way provided the original recognized Manager is the entrant of the team.</p>
<h2 data-number="10.3" id="manager"><span class="header-section-number">10.3</span> Manager</h2>
<p>The Manager is that person who has been officially recognized as the entrant of a team into the Association. The Manager has the ultimate responsibility for the team’s compliance with all by-laws as set forth in this Constitution. The manager of a franchise is responsible for all actions of his players and coaches and may be fined up to fifty dollars ($50.00) for any violations of codes of conduct and league rules as set forth in this document, or any other actions deemed detrimental to the objectives and standards of the Association.</p>
<ol type="1">
<li>Severe violations of league rules and codes of conduct may result in the suspension of the offending player or manager for the balance of the season or possible permanent banishment from the league, if so ruled by the President.</li>
</ol>
<h2 data-number="10.4" id="manager-changes"><span class="header-section-number">10.4</span> Manager Changes</h2>
<p>Management of the team may officially change from one person to another during the dates that team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in <a href="#recognition">Recognition</a> only with the written consent of the outgoing manager, or rostered members of the team can show that the Manager has not been faithfully and/or competently fulfilling his requirements as outlined in this Constitution.</p>
<ol type="1">
<li>Management changes under this Section may only take place pending the outcome of a hearing, which shall take place at the earliest possible date between the Association President, the Manager in question, and the parties seeking a change in management.</li>
<li>The President may ask other managers to attend this hearing to serve in an advisory role.</li>
<li>Failure to appear at this hearing by either party involved shall automatically result in an outcome favorable to the party in attendance.</li>
<li>Teams with management conflicts of this nature may not play league games until the completion of this hearing and resolution of the conflict. Management changes outside of the dates that a team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in <a href="#recognition">Recognition</a> are beyond the control of the Association and President and are not subject to any formal mechanisms of change as outlined in this Constitution. Resolution of any outstanding conflicts associated with such management changes are the sole responsibility of the parties involved.</li>
</ol>
<h2 data-number="10.5" id="uniform"><span class="header-section-number">10.5</span> Uniform</h2>
<h2 data-number="10.3" id="uniform"><span class="header-section-number">10.3</span> Uniform</h2>
<p>All players must be in uniform (bearing the team’s name as represented to the league) by the team’s first regular season game in order to be eligible to participate in games. Players may not obtain the jersey of another team member in order to obtain eligibility.</p>
<ol type="1">
<li>This deadline may be extended by the President at his discretion following a written petition by the team that shows a just and reasonable cause for extension, and evidence of a good faith effort to meet the deadline.</li>
@@ -492,7 +480,20 @@
<li>Uniforms shall consist of, but are not limited to, matching team caps and jerseys with assigned team uniform numbers.</li>
<li>Players must be dressed in proper baseball pants. These pants need not match the team’s uniform, however, the Association encourages all players to wear matching pants. Sweatpants, shorts, jeans, or any other type of pants other than baseball pants are prohibited.</li>
</ol>
<h1 data-number="11" id="team-rosters-players-and-eligibility-uniforms"><span class="header-section-number">11</span> Team Rosters; Players and Eligibility; Uniforms</h1>
<h2 data-number="10.4" id="manager"><span class="header-section-number">10.4</span> Manager</h2>
<p>The Manager is that person who has been officially recognized as the entrant of a team into the Association. The Manager has the ultimate responsibility for the team’s compliance with all by-laws as set forth in this Constitution. The manager of a franchise is responsible for all actions of his players and coaches and may be fined up to fifty dollars ($50.00) for any violations of codes of conduct and league rules as set forth in this document, or any other actions deemed detrimental to the objectives and standards of the Association.</p>
<ol type="1">
<li>Severe violations of league rules and codes of conduct may result in the suspension of the offending player or manager for the balance of the season or possible permanent banishment from the league, if so ruled by the President.</li>
</ol>
<h2 data-number="10.5" id="manager-changes"><span class="header-section-number">10.5</span> Manager Changes</h2>
<p>Management of the team may officially change from one person to another during the dates that team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in <a href="#recognition">Recognition</a> only with the written consent of the outgoing manager, or rostered members of the team can show that the Manager has not been faithfully and/or competently fulfilling his requirements as outlined in this Constitution.</p>
<ol type="1">
<li>Management changes under this Section may only take place pending the outcome of a hearing, which shall take place at the earliest possible date between the Association President, the Manager in question, and the parties seeking a change in management.</li>
<li>The President may ask other managers to attend this hearing to serve in an advisory role.</li>
<li>Failure to appear at this hearing by either party involved shall automatically result in an outcome favorable to the party in attendance.</li>
<li>Teams with management conflicts of this nature may not play league games until the completion of this hearing and resolution of the conflict. Management changes outside of the dates that a team is formally recognized as an entity as specified in <a href="#recognition">Recognition</a> are beyond the control of the Association and President and are not subject to any formal mechanisms of change as outlined in this Constitution. Resolution of any outstanding conflicts associated with such management changes are the sole responsibility of the parties involved.</li>
</ol>
<h1 data-number="11" id="team-rosters-players-and-eligibility"><span class="header-section-number">11</span> Team Rosters; Players and Eligibility</h1>
<h2 data-number="11.1" id="roster-deadline-roster-size"><span class="header-section-number">11.1</span> Roster Deadline; Roster Size</h2>
<p>Prior to June 1, each team has an “open roster.” Association teams must submit a roster of their players to the President no later than June 1 of each year. Any team that does not submit its roster to the President by June 1 as required by this <a href="#roster-deadline-roster-size">Roster Deadline; Roster Size</a> and in accordance with the information requirements in <a href="#roster-information-requirements">Roster Information Requirements</a> shall be deemed not in good standing. Consequences of not being in good standing are defined in <a href="#classification-standing">Classification; Standing</a> of the Constitution. This submitted roster plus any and all legal roster transactions per <a href="#roster-transactions">Roster Transactions</a>, shall be considered official. Players not on a team’s official roster are ineligible for play, except where specifically noted in this <a href="#teams-and-managers">Teams And Managers</a>.<br />
Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of sixteen (16) players and shall not exceed twenty-six (26) players, in each case, excluding non-playing managers and coaches.</p>
@@ -503,7 +504,7 @@ Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of sixteen (16) players and shall no
<h2 data-number="11.4" id="alumni"><span class="header-section-number">11.4</span> Alumni</h2>
<p>If a team would otherwise be required to forfeit or technically forfeit a game after June 1 due to a lack of eligible players in attendance, the team can use one (but not more than one) of its former players (“alumni”) in that game. The team’s manager shall inform the opposing team’s manager and the President as soon as possible (and in no event later than the first pitch) of his team’s use of an alumni player and will provide to the opposing team’s manager and the President with the alumni player’s name, age, bats/throws, position and uniform number. Alumni players are not eligible to play in the playoffs.</p>
<h2 data-number="11.5" id="eligible-players"><span class="header-section-number">11.5</span> Eligible Players</h2>
<p>Eligible players must be of at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date of the teams first +game. No player may play for more than one team in a season (either before or after June 1). A team that uses an ineligible player, per the rules in this <a href="#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility-uniforms">Team Rosters Players And Eligibility Uniforms</a>, will be deemed to have forfeited any and all games in which the illegal player(s) participated.</p>
<p>Eligible players must be of at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date of the teams first +game. No player may play for more than one team in a season (either before or after June 1). A team that uses an ineligible player, per the rules in this <a href="#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility">Team Rosters Players And Eligibility</a>, will be deemed to have forfeited any and all games in which the illegal player(s) participated.</p>
<h2 data-number="11.6" id="postseason-player-eligibility"><span class="header-section-number">11.6</span> Postseason Player Eligibility</h2>
<p>Players must appear in at least five (5) games during the regular season in order to be eligible for postseason play. Upon request to the Rules and Competition Committee, exceptions may be made for players with long term injuries.</p>
<h2 data-number="11.7" id="player-responsibility-for-team-fees"><span class="header-section-number">11.7</span> Player Responsibility for Team Fees</h2>
@@ -517,25 +518,33 @@ Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of sixteen (16) players and shall no
<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 regu lation inning with a runner on second base.</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 disengagments (i.e. pick-offs) shall also not be incorporated.</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>
</ul>
<h2 data-number="12.2" id="regulation-games"><span class="header-section-number">12.2</span> Regulation Games</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 type="1">
<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">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">Reasons for a Game to be Called</a>, it is a regulation (official) game:
<li><p>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">Reasons for a Game to be Called</a>.</p></li>
<li><p>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.</p></li>
<li><p>If a game is called by the umpire, per <a href="#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called">Reasons for a Game to be Called</a>, it is a regulation (official) game:</p>
<ol type="1">
<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. Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.</li>
</ol></li>
<li>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. (commonly referred to as the “slaughter rule”)</li>
<li>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. (commonly referred to as the “slaughter rule”)</li>
<li>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. Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.</li>
<li>If the home team scores one or more runs in its half of the fourth inning to tie the score.</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></li>
<li><p>Slaughter Rule: The game shall be ended and the leading team declared the winner:</p>
<ol type="1">
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ol>
<p>The Slaughter Rule is applicable for the playoffs as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.</p></li>
<li><p>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></li>
<li><p>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.</p>
<p>Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in <a href="#completion-of-playoff-games">Completion of Playoff Games</a>.</p></li>
</ol>
<h2 data-number="12.3" id="reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called"><span class="header-section-number">12.3</span> Reasons for a Game to be Called</h2>
<p>An umpire, in their discretion, may declare a game called if</p>
@@ -548,7 +557,9 @@ Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of sixteen (16) players and shall no
</ol>
<h2 data-number="12.4" id="game-time"><span class="header-section-number">12.4</span> Game Time</h2>
<p>The starting time for all weeknight games shall be 5:50 p.m. for fields without lights. Starting times for games played at lighted fields and on the weekends shall be determined by the League and may legally begin after 6:30PM. Forfeit time shall be 20 minutes after the scheduled starting time.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.5" id="minimum-number-of-players"><span class="header-section-number">12.5</span> Minimum Number of Players</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.5" id="player-uniforms"><span class="header-section-number">12.5</span> Player Uniforms</h2>
<p>All players must be in proper uniform in order to be eligible to participate in games, as specified in <a href="#uniform">Uniform</a>.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.6" id="minimum-number-of-players"><span class="header-section-number">12.6</span> Minimum Number of Players</h2>
<p>Teams must start the game at the scheduled starting time if they have at least eight (8) players present. A team may not wait until forfeit time for players to arrive, the game must begin as soon as a team has 8 players present. If a ninth player does not arrive or arrives after forfeit time, the team shall be in technical forfeit, as defined in <a href="#forfeits">Forfeits</a>.</p>
<ol type="1">
<li><p>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.</p></li>
@@ -557,48 +568,49 @@ Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of sixteen (16) players and shall no
<li><p>The vacated spot in the batting order shall be considered an automatic out.</p></li>
<li><p>Should a team fall below the minimum, the game is terminated and the team loses by forfeit.</p></li>
</ol>
<h2 data-number="12.6" id="player-injuries"><span class="header-section-number">12.6</span> Player Injuries</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.7" id="player-injuries"><span class="header-section-number">12.7</span> Player Injuries</h2>
<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 type="1">
<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 data-number="12.7" id="equipment"><span class="header-section-number">12.7</span> Equipment</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.8" id="equipment"><span class="header-section-number">12.8</span> Equipment</h2>
<ol type="1">
<li>Baseballs: Only Major League regulation balls will be allowed for game play. Accepted brands and ball types include, but are not limited to, the Rawlings RO series, Wilson A1000 series, and Diamond D-1 series. The home team must supply two (2) and the visitors one (1) ball at the start of each game. Additional balls shall be supplied alternately by each team beginning with the visiting team. Teams that supply non-approved balls shall forfeit the game.</li>
<li>Bats: All bats must be wood or BBCOR certified. Use of an illegal bat shall be subject to the Major League rules that govern this area.</li>
<li>Bases, home plate, and pitching rubber: All teams are expected to have a set of bases, a home plate, and a pitching rubber. These items shall conform to Major League Baseball specifications. Items conforming to 2022 specifications shall also be considered legal.</li>
</ol>
<p>The home team shall be responsible for accurately setting up the bases, and if necessary, home plate and the pitching rubber. Should the home team fail to have these necessities by the start of the game, they will lose by forfeit. The visiting team can lend the equipment, although they are not required to do so.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.8" id="field-maintenance"><span class="header-section-number">12.8</span> Field Maintenance</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.9" id="field-maintenance"><span class="header-section-number">12.9</span> Field Maintenance</h2>
<p>All teams are responsible for the maintenance and cleanup of the field and dugout areas after a game. Both teams must fill in all infield, batter’s box, and pitching mound holes. Additionally, both teams must have adequate equipment on hand for field maintenance. Teams who repeatedly fail to do proper post-game maintenance shall be fined.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.9" id="payment-of-umpires"><span class="header-section-number">12.9</span> Payment of Umpires</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.10" id="payment-of-umpires"><span class="header-section-number">12.10</span> Payment of Umpires</h2>
<p>Umpires are to be paid on the field promptly upon request.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.10" id="designated-hitter"><span class="header-section-number">12.10</span> Designated Hitter</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.11" id="designated-hitter"><span class="header-section-number">12.11</span> Designated Hitter</h2>
<p>The Association shall follow the Major League designated hitter rule at all times, with the exception that a team may designate a D.H. for any position on the field.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.11" id="designated-runner"><span class="header-section-number">12.11</span> Designated Runner</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.12" id="designated-runner"><span class="header-section-number">12.12</span> Designated Runner</h2>
<p>The Association shall elect to use a designated runner rule, similar to the designated hitter rule.</p>
<ol type="1">
<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">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 data-number="12.12" id="extra-hitter"><span class="header-section-number">12.12</span> Extra Hitter</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.13" id="extra-hitter"><span class="header-section-number">12.13</span> Extra Hitter</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 type="1">
<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. He 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 data-number="12.13" id="courtesy-runner"><span class="header-section-number">12.13</span> Courtesy Runner</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.14" id="courtesy-runner"><span class="header-section-number">12.14</span> Courtesy Runner</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 type="1">
<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 data-number="12.14" id="batting-lineup"><span class="header-section-number">12.14</span> Batting Lineup</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.15" id="batting-lineup"><span class="header-section-number">12.15</span> Batting Lineup</h2>
<p>The batting lineup shall consist of at minimum 9 slots (or 8 adhering to section <a href="#minimum-number-of-players">Minimum Number of Players</a>). Additional slots may be used without limit (see <a href="#extra-hitter">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 data-number="12.15" id="ab-batting-lineup-slots"><span class="header-section-number">12.15</span> A/B Batting Lineup Slots</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.16" id="ab-batting-lineup-slots"><span class="header-section-number">12.16</span> A/B Batting Lineup Slots</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 type="1">
<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>
@@ -606,28 +618,28 @@ Each team’s roster must contain a minimum of sixteen (16) players and shall no
<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 data-number="12.16" id="defensive-lineup"><span class="header-section-number">12.16</span> Defensive Lineup</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.17" id="defensive-lineup"><span class="header-section-number">12.17</span> Defensive Lineup</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 type="1">
<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 CMBA and MLB rules.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.17" id="field-status"><span class="header-section-number">12.17</span> Field Status</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.18" id="field-status"><span class="header-section-number">12.18</span> Field Status</h2>
<p>The home team shall be responsible for checking the status of the field in the event of rain. The home team must report the status of the field to the President and the assigned umpire no later than 2:00 pm for a weeknight game, and at least 2 hrs. before a weekend game. As a courtesy, the home team should also notify the visiting manager, but the visiting manager may also contact the President for information regarding the status of the field.</p>
<ol type="1">
<li>Any manager who knowingly falsifies information regarding the status of the field to avoid playing the game will be fined and the team will forfeit the game.</li>
</ol>
<h2 data-number="12.18" id="rescheduling"><span class="header-section-number">12.18</span> Rescheduling</h2>
<p>Managers from both teams must contact the President to confirm any changes that they wish to make to the official schedule. Teams may not change times, places, or dates of games without the consent of the President. Any such games played shall be considered unofficial. Any postponed or suspended games must be rescheduled in a timely fashion by the managers of that game for the next possible date. If managers cannot come to an agreement in a timely fashion, the President may reschedule the game.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.19" id="notification-of-results"><span class="header-section-number">12.19</span> Notification of Results</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.19" id="rescheduling"><span class="header-section-number">12.19</span> Rescheduling</h2>
<p>In the discretion of the president, a game may be postponed due to extraordinary circumstances. In the event a game is to be postponed, the president shall alert the managers in an expedient manner. Managers from both teams must contact the President to confirm any changes that they wish to make to the official schedule. Teams may not change times, places, or dates of games without the consent of the President. Any such games played shall be considered unofficial. Any postponed or suspended games must be rescheduled in a timely fashion by the managers of that game for the next possible date. If managers cannot come to an agreement in a timely fashion, the President may reschedule the game.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.20" id="notification-of-results"><span class="header-section-number">12.20</span> Notification of Results</h2>
<p>The winning team shall be responsible for notifying the President of the score of the game no later than 10:00 AM the day after the game was played via text message, email, or telephone call.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.20" id="uncompleted-games"><span class="header-section-number">12.20</span> Uncompleted Games</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.21" id="uncompleted-games"><span class="header-section-number">12.21</span> Uncompleted Games</h2>
<p>All games not completed by the end of the regular season shall count as losses for both teams unless a team deliberately attempts to avoid playing a sanctioned game. The team that was willing to play the game will be judged the forfeit winner if so ruled by the President.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.21" id="substitution-of-an-umpire"><span class="header-section-number">12.21</span> Substitution of an Umpire</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.22" id="substitution-of-an-umpire"><span class="header-section-number">12.22</span> Substitution of an Umpire</h2>
<p>Should a league sanctioned umpire fail to appear at game time, the teams can choose to play the game with an umpire(s) of mutual choosing. The President needs to be informed by both teams prior to the start of the game to make it official.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.22" id="collisions"><span class="header-section-number">12.22</span> Collisions</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.23" id="collisions"><span class="header-section-number">12.23</span> Collisions</h2>
<p>NO COLLISIONS ARE ALLOWED, UNLESS THE CONTACT RESULTS FROM A SLIDE. It is the base runners responsibility to slide or avoid contact. Fielders and runners must abide by Official Baseball Rules regarding Interference, Obstruction, and Catcher Collisions.. Unless the umpire rules that the contact was incidental or the result of Obstruction by the fielder, the runner shall be called out, the ball declared dead and the runner automatically ejected from the game. Per <a href="#flagrant-collisions">Flagrant Collisions</a>. if the collision is determined by the umpire to be flagrant the player may be subject to the further penalty as defined in that section.</p>
<h2 data-number="12.23" id="umpire-disputes"><span class="header-section-number">12.23</span> Umpire Disputes</h2>
<h2 data-number="12.24" id="umpire-disputes"><span class="header-section-number">12.24</span> Umpire Disputes</h2>
<p>Discussion of a disputed umpires call shall be limited to the managers, base coaches and the “aggrieved player. No player or other coach (third party) shall be allowed to leave the dugout or his defensive position to join in. The penalty for violating this rule shall be the immediate ejection from the game.</p>
<h1 data-number="13" id="protest-and-forfeits"><span class="header-section-number">13</span> Protest and Forfeits</h1>
<h2 data-number="13.1" id="timeframe-and-reporting"><span class="header-section-number">13.1</span> Timeframe and Reporting</h2>