define "playing rules"

docs/01-constitution-and-bylaws.md

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 The name of the corporation as incorporated and existing under and by virtue of the Illinois General Not for Profit Corporation Act of 1986, as amended ("the Act") shall be the Chicago Metropolitan Baseball League (the "League"). The League shall have powers as are now or as may hereafter be granted by the Act.
 
 ## Purpose
-This League is organized exclusively for such social and athletic purposes as will qualify under Illinois statue for a non-profit corporation. It has been formed for the purpose of serving its member franchises ("Member Franchises") by organizing the finest amateur baseball league in the State of Illinois and Midwest; a league where an up and coming young prospect for professional baseball may play and develop; where the talented veteran player can enjoy playing among the best competition; and bring friendship and sportsmanship to the League and its community.
+This League is organized exclusively for such social and athletic purposes as will qualify under Illinois statute for a non-profit corporation. It has been formed for the purpose of serving its member franchises ("Member Franchises") by organizing the finest amateur baseball league in the State of Illinois and Midwest; a league where an up and coming young prospect for professional baseball may play and develop; where the talented veteran player can enjoy playing among the best competition; and bring friendship and sportsmanship to the League and its community.
 
 ## Powers
 The League shall have and exercise all rights and powers conferred on corporations under the Act, provided, however, that the League is not empowered to engage in any activity which in itself is not in furtherance of its purposes and limitations as set forth in these Constitutions and Bylaws.
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Constitution and Bylaws (the "Bylaw
 
 1. No substantial part of the activities of the League shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the League shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publication or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
 
-1. The League shall not conduct or carry on any activities not permitted to be conducted or carried on by an organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended, or by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Code and regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.
+1. The League shall not conduct or carry on any activities not permitted to be conducted or carried on by an organization exempt from taxation under state or federal law.
 
 ## Principal Office. 
 The League shall have and continuously maintain a principal office at such location in the State of Illinois as may be determined by the League's Board of Directors.

docs/02-league-rules-and-policy.md

@@ -9,9 +9,9 @@ The Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day administration of League oper
 ### Operational Rights of Member Franchises
 1. Member Franchises in good standing shall have the right to participate in League governance on matters of League operation as provided herein.
 1. Member Franchises shall have the right to appeal disciplinary or eligibility decisions affecting them in accordance with procedures set forth in this document.
-1. Member Franchises may provide input and vote in an advisory capacity on matters of League policy, administration, and operation. 
-1. Member Franchises may vote with binding effect on playing rules, competition rules, and on-field regulations, except where authority is otherwise reserved by this document or the Constitution and Bylaws. Each Member Franchise is entitled to one vote.
 1. Each Member Franchise is entitled to one vote in voting matters.
+      1. Member Franchises may provide input and vote in an advisory capacity on matters of League policy, administration, and operation. 
+      1. Member Franchises may vote with binding effect on playing rules, competition rules, and on-field regulations, except where authority is otherwise reserved by this document or the Constitution and Bylaws.
 1. Exercise of these rights is contingent upon the Member Franchise being in good standing.
 
 ### Budget
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ The Commissioner may levy fines to any League Member franchise or player subject
 
 1. Late payment of annual dues shall incur a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00) per week, not to exceed five (5) weeks.
 1. Members in violation of the above shall be placed on temporary suspension for a period of two (2) weeks.
-1. Members who have not paid outstanding dues by the end of the two week suspension shall be placed on indefinite suspension until all dues are paid. Members who have not paid outstanding dues by the end of the two week suspension shall be placed on indefinite suspension until all dues are paid.
+1. Members who have not paid outstanding dues by the end of the two week suspension shall be placed on indefinite suspension until all dues are paid.
 1. A forfeit fee may be assessed per forfeited game.
 1. Fines for a single incident shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
 
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
 Unless stronger discipline is warranted by the circumstances:
 
 1. Any player who instigates a phyiscal fight shall be suspended for not less than one (1) full season and may be fined.
-1. Any player or coach who participates in a physical fight shall be suspended for three (3) games and fined fifty dollars ($50.00).
+1. Any player or coach who participates in a phyiscal fight shall be suspended for three (3) games and fined fifty dollars ($50.00).
 1. Any player or coach who physically assaults an umpire shall be permanently expelled from the League and may be reported to law enforcement as required.
 1. A player ejected for a flagrant collision shall be suspended for three (3) games and fined thirty dollars ($30.00).  
    1. A second offense shall result in suspension for the remainder of the season, including postseason.  
@@ -286,16 +286,13 @@ A team may drop players at any time as long as the team’s roster does not fall
 
 Any and all roster changes shall be submitted to the Commissioner and satisfy the information requirements in [Roster Information Requirements](#roster-information-requirements).  Roster changes shall be effective as of the first pitch of the team’s first regularly scheduled game after the updated roster is submitted.
 
-#### Alumni
-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 Commissioner as soon as possible (and in no event later than the first pitch) the intention to use an alumni player and will provide to the opposing team’s Manager and the Commissioner with the alumni player’s name, age, bats/throws, position and uniform number. Alumni players are not eligible to play in the playoffs.
+#### Alumni Players
+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 Player”) in that game. The team’s Manager shall inform the opposing team’s Manager and the Commissioner as soon as possible (and in no event later than the first pitch) the intention to use an Alumni Player and will provide to the opposing team’s Manager and the Commissioner with the Alumni Player’s name, age, bats/throws, position and uniform number. 
 
 #### Eligible Players
-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).
+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 [Team Rosters Players And Eligibility](#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility), will be deemed to have forfeited any and all games in which the illegal player(s) participated.
 
-#### Postseason Player Eligibility
-Players must appear in at least five (5) regular-season games to be eligible for postseason play. Upon request to the Commissioner, an exception may be granted for a player with a long-term injury..
-
 #### Free Agents
 A player must inform the League Commissioner and such player's Manager no later than February 15 of the upcoming season if of an intention to leave the team and become a free agent. After this the player is free to play for another team in the League. A Manager may waive this deadline for an individual player at the Manager’s discretion. If the player fails to notify as specified, that player shall be disqualified from playing on another League team for that season.
 
@@ -314,28 +311,49 @@ The League shall use a point system to determine the standings. A team is awarde
 ### Standings Tie-breakers
 In the event two teams finish the regular season in a tie for a position, the following tie-breaking procedure will take effect:
 
-1. Record in head-to-head competition.
-1. Record within the league.
-1. Record within the division (if applicable).
+1. Win-Loss Record in head-to-head competition.
+1. Win-Loss Record within the league.
+1. Win-Loss Record within the division (if applicable).
 1. Least runs allowed for the season.
 1. Coin toss, performed by the Commissioner with a witness.
 
-### Postseason Format
-The postseason format shall be determined by annual vote. 
+Win-loss record shall be computed using the point system as defined in [League Standings](#league-standings).
 
-### Prizes and Awards
-Playoff prizes and awards, if any, shall be determined by the membership of the league.
+### Awards
+Awards, if any, shall be determined by annual vote before the start of the regular season.
 
-### Playoff Umpire Selection
-For the playoffs, each team will be granted the ability to exclude one (1) particular umpire from participating in said teams series. The name of this umpire shall be submitted to the chief umpire as soon as possible prior to the series. This umpire “veto” will be binding UNLESS the chief umpire cannot find any other umpire who can work any game in this series.
+### Postseason
+#### Postseason Format
+The postseason format shall be determined by annual vote before the start of the regular season.
 
-### Completion of Playoff Games
-All playoff games must be played to completion. If a playoff game is suspended for any reason, the game must be finished at a later date declared by the Commissioner. This game is declared suspended, and regardless of what inning or circumstance, the game will be continued from the point in the game when it was suspended. The “Slaughter Rule” is applicable for the playoffs (see [Regulation Games](#regulation-games)).
+#### Prizes
+Prizes, if any, shall be determined by annual vote before the start of the regular season.
+
+#### Postseason Umpire Selection
+For the postseason, each team may request the exlusion of one (1) particular umpire from participating in said team's series. The individual responsible for assigning umpires will make a reasonable effort to respect the team's request.
+
+#### Postseason Player Eligibility
+Players must appear in at least five (5) regular-season games to be eligible for postseason play. Upon request to the Commissioner, an exception may be granted for a player with a long-term injury. Alumni Players are not eligible to play in the postseason.
+
+#### Postseason Games
+All postseason games shall use the Retricted Lineup Format, as defined in the Playing Rules.
+
+All playoff games must be played to completion. If a postseason game is duly called by the umpire for any reason, the game is considered suspended. The game will be continued from the point in the game when it was suspended at a later date provided by the Commissioner. Lineup changes shall be subject to the rules governing substitution, as specified in the Incoprorated Rules.
+
+The run-rule, or“Slaughter Rule”, is applicable in postseason play.
 
 ## Game Administration
 ### Subjectivity
 No official playing rule or League policy may be suspended, set aside, or added to under any circumstances, regardless of the will of the Managers. This provision nullifies the “If both managers agree” concept.
 
+### Playing Rules
+Play shall be governed by the League's playing rules document (the "Playing Rules").
+
+### Interleague Play
+Unless otherwise specified through official League communications, play shall be in accordance with the hosting team's league playing ruleset, thus becoming the Playing Rules. A playing ruleset includes such rules as equipment, lineups, substitutions, and length of games.
+
+All League policies, including but not limited to, League standings, forfeit, and discipline shall remain in effect.
+
 ### Pre-Game
 #### Field Status
 The host team of the field shall be responsible for checking the status of the field in the event of rain. In the event neither team is the host of the field, the home team shall be the responsible team. The responsible team must report the status of the field to the Commissioner 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 responsible team should also notify the visiting Manager, but the visiting Manager may also contact the Commissioner for information regarding the status of the field. 
@@ -350,11 +368,13 @@ In the discretion of the Commissioner, a game may be postponed due to extraordin
 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 Commissioner may reschedule the game.
 
 ### In-Game
+#### Lineup format
+In regular season play, teams shall use the Expanded Lineup Format, as defined in the Playing Rules.
 
 #### Baseballs 
 Professional-, college-, or high school-grade baseballs 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) baseball at the start of each game. Supplied baseballs should be new, however in rare extenuating circumstances, previously used baseballs may be used if they are in good playable condition and approved by the umpire. Additional balls shall be supplied alternately by each team beginning with the visiting team. Teams that supply non-approved balls may face displine up to and including forfeit of the game.
+Unless otherwise supplied, the home team must supply two (2) and the visitors one (1) baseball at the start of each game. Supplied baseballs should be new, however in rare extenuating circumstances, previously used baseballs may be used if they are in good playable condition and approved by the umpire. Additional balls shall be supplied alternately by each team beginning with the visiting team. Teams that supply non-approved balls may face displine up to and including forfeit of the game.
 
 #### 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.
@@ -374,18 +394,18 @@ Uniform compliance is required in order to protect League competitive integrity,
 1. A Player may not wear or borrow another rostered Player’s jersey or number to satisfy this rule.
 1. By each Member Franchise’s first regular-season game, all rostered Players are required to be in compliant uniforms.
 1. If a Member Franchise cannot meet full compliance due to extenuating circumstances, its Manager must notify the Commissioner or designated League officer before game time, state the reason, and provide a date certain for correction.
-1. Any Manager who observes a material uniform violation is encouraged to report it promptly to the Commissioner. Reporting does imply a request for forfeit. Umpires are also encouraged to note and report uniform issues.
+1. Any Manager who observes a material uniform violation is encouraged to report it promptly to the Commissioner. Reporting does not imply a request for forfeit. Umpires are also encouraged to note and report uniform issues.
 1. The Commissioner may impose discipline for uniform non-compliance, including warnings, corrective deadlines, fines, temporary player ineligibility, and other remedies authorized by League rules. In determining the appropriate discipline, the Commissioner may consider factors including bad faith, repeated non-compliance, and refusal to comply with a League directive. Penalties may be imposed up to and including game forfeits.
 
 #### Umpires
-Umpires shall have the sole responsibility for the enforcement of all sections in [Team Rosters Players And Eligibility](#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility) of the Bylaws, except where specified.
+Umpires shall have the sole responsibility for the enforcement of the Playing Rules.
 
 Umpires are to be paid on the field promptly upon request.
 
 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 Commissioner needs to be informed by both teams prior to the start of the game to make it official.
 
 #### Minimum Number of Players
-Forfeit time shall be 20 minutes after the scheduled starting time. If a ninth player does not arrive or arrives after forfeit time, the team shall be in technical forfeit, as defined in [Forfeits](#forfeits).
+Forfeit time shall be 20 minutes after the scheduled starting time. 
 
 1. A team may begin a game with eight (8) players up to two (2) times in one season. A team that fails to field nine (9) players at the start of the game after receiving 2 (two) prior technical forfeits shall forfeit all subsequent games.
 1. A team in technical forfeit shall remain in technical forfeit, regardless of the number of players with which it finished the game.

docs/03-playing-rules.md

@@ -1,111 +1,138 @@
 # Playing Rules
 
+## Authority and Rule Hierarchy
+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.
+
 ## Incorporated Rules
 Except where specified in this document, games shall incorporate the Official Baseball Rules of Major League Baseball (the "Incorporated Rules").
 
 These rules shall *not* incorporate the following rules of Major League Baseball:
 
-- Rule 4.03(c)(4) specifying limitations on when a position player can pitch.
-- Rule 5.02(c) specifying limitations on infielder placement.
-- 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.
-- Rule 5.10(m)(1) limiting the number of mound visits.
-- Rule 5.10(g) requiring that pitchers must face at least three batters.
-- Rules 5.07(c) specifying time limits on pitchers and batters. Limitations on pitcher disengagements (i.e. pick-offs) shall also not be incorporated.
+- Rule(s) specifying limitations on when a position player can pitch.
+- Rule(s) specifying limitations on infielder placement.
+- 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.
+- Rule(s) limiting the number of mound visits per game. Limitations on visits per inning still apply.
+- Rule(s) requiring that pitchers must face at least three batters.
+- Rules(s) specifying time limits on pitchers and batters. 
+- Rules(s) limitating pitcher disengagements (i.e. pick-offs).
 - Any rule requiring specialized equipment or trained personnel, such as replay review.
 
+## Pre-Game Meeting
+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 field or ground rules with the umpire.
+
 ## Regulation Games
 Games played under the auspices of both recognized Managers of the participating teams shall count as official. A regulation game is defined as follows
 
-1. 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 [Reasons for a Game to be Called](#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called).
-1. 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.
-1. If a game is called by the umpire, per [Reasons for a Game to be Called](#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called), it is a regulation (official) game:
-   1. If four innings have been completed;
-   1. 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;
-   1. If the home team scores one or more runs in its half of the fourth inning to tie the score.
+1. A regulation game is scheduled for seven (7) innings.
+2. A game becomes a regulation game after four (4) completed innings, or after 3 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead.
+3. 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.
+4. The run-rule, or "Slaughter Rule", thresholds are:
+      1. Fifteen (15) runs after four (4) complete innings, or after 3 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead;
+      2. Twelve (12) runs after five (5) complete innings, or after 4 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead.
+      3. Ten (10) runs after three (3) complete innings in a game that is called under applicable called-game provisions.
+5. 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.
+6. Exceptions, including completion requirements for suspended games, are governed by League Policy (e.g., in the case of playoff or championship games).
 
-   Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in [Completion of Playoff Games](#completion-of-playoff-games).
-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.
-
-   The Slaughter Rule is applicable for the playoffs as specified in [Completion of Playoff Games](#completion-of-playoff-games).
-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. 
-
-   Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in [Completion of Playoff Games](#completion-of-playoff-games).
-
-1. 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.
-
-   Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in [Completion of Playoff Games](#completion-of-playoff-games).
-
-## Reasons for a Game to be Called
+### Reasons for a Game to be Called
 An umpire, in their discretion, may declare a game called if
 
 1. Darkness prevents further safe play.
 1. Rain, lightning, or other inclement weather precludes safe conditions.
 1. A new inning would start after 8:15 p.m at a field without lights.
 1. Local laws or field rules (e.g. lightning detector) prevent continuation of the game.
-1. Other circumstances prevent further safe play. The Rules and Competition Committee may rule on any forfeit or loss of points as applicable.
+1. Other circumstances prevent further safe play. League policy may dictate any forfeit or penalty as applicable.
 
 ## Game Equipment and Uniforms
 Games shall be played with legal baseball equipment and player uniforms as required by League Rules and Policy.
 
-## Minimum Number of Players
-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.
+## Lineups 
 
-1. 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.
-1. The vacated spot in the batting order shall be considered an automatic out.
-1. Should a team fall below the minimum, the game is terminated and the team loses by forfeit.
+### Lineup Format
+The [Expanded Lineup Format](#expanded-lineup-format) shall apply unless League policy expressly provides for the Restricted Lineup Format (e.g., playoffs or championship games).
 
-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.
+### Expanded Lineup Format
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The following lineup designations are permitted, but not required, in Expanded Lineup Format:
+
+- Any number of Extra Hitters
+- (1) Designated Runner
+- Courtesy Runner for the pitcher and catcher
+
+!!! Note
+      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.
+      
+      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.
+
+#### Shared Batting Positions
+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.”
+
+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.
+
+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.
+    
+### Restricted Lineup Format
+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.
+
+Each batting position shall be occupied by a single player. Shared batting positions are not permitted.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The following lineup designations are permitted, but not required, in Restricted Lineup Format:
+
+- (1) Designated Hitter
+- Any number of Extra Hitters
+- (1) Designated Runner
+- Courtesy Runner for the pitcher and catcher
+
+### Minimum Number of Players
+The minimum number of players per team shall be established as the number of required batting positions as governed by the applicable Lineup Format.
+
+Teams may play with (1) fewer player and if each team has at least this many players present, they must start the game. 
+
+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.
+
+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. 
+
+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.
+
+!!! Note "Example" 
+      For a game subject to the Expanded Lineup, the required batting positions are nine (9), so as soon as each team has eight (8) players, the game must start. 
+
+      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.
+
+
+### Lineup Designations
+#### Designated Hitter (DH)
+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.
+
+#### Extra Hitter (EH)
+
+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.
+
+#### Designated Runner (DR)
+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.
+
+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.
+
+#### Courtesy Runner (CR)
+A Courtesy Runner may be used for pitchers or catchers at any time. It is not mandatory to do so.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+### Injury Substitutions
+Substitutions are governed by the applicable Lineup Format with the following exception:
 
-## Player Injuries
 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.
 
-1. 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.
-
-## Designated Hitter
-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.
-
-## Designated Runner
-The League shall elect to use a designated runner rule, similar to the designated hitter rule.
-
-1. 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.
-1. The designated runner must take the place of the specified player whenever that player reaches base or the designated runner. 
-1. If the specified player is substituted, this substitute player may inherit the designated runner.
-1. Designated runners are subject to the same substitution rules as the designated hitter as defined in [Designated Hitter](#designated-hitter)
-1. 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.
-
-## Extra Hitter
-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:
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-1. An EH shall only bat. They cannot take a position in the field as a tenth fielder.
-1. 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.
-1. 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.
-
-## Courtesy Runner
-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.
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-1. 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.
-1. 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.
-
-## Batting Lineup
-The batting lineup shall consist of at minimum 9 slots (or 8 adhering to section [Minimum Number of Players](#minimum-number-of-players)). Additional slots may be used without limit (see [Extra Hitter](#extra-hitter)). 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.
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-## A/B Batting Lineup Slots
-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:
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-1. 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. 
-2. Rules for the substitutions of either "A" or "B" batter are the same as any other batting lineup slot.
-3. 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.
-
-In postseason play, the A/B batting slot rule defined above shall not be applicable.
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-## Defensive Lineup
-In regular season play, the defensive line-up is independent of the batting lineup and substitutions shall be allowed as follows:
-
-1. 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.
-
-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.
+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 succesful protest in accordance with League policy.
 
 ## Collisions
 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.
@@ -113,4 +140,8 @@ Collisions are prohibited, except for contact that results from a legal slide. T
 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.
 
 ## Umpire Disputes
-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. 
+ 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.
+
+!!! Note "Generally"
+      - Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment are final. No player or manager shall object to any such judgment decisions. 
+      - 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.