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.
@@ -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.
@@ -290,11 +290,11 @@ Any and all roster changes shall be submitted to the Commissioner and satisfy th
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.
#### 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..
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.
@@ -314,12 +314,14 @@ 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.
Win-loss record shall be computed using the point system as defined in [League Standings](#league-standings).
### Postseason Format
The postseason format shall be determined by annual vote.
@@ -374,7 +376,7 @@ 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
@@ -385,7 +387,7 @@ 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.
@@ -14,91 +14,86 @@ These rules shall *not* incorporate the following rules of Major League Baseball
- Any rule requiring specialized equipment or trained personnel, such as replay review.
## 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
Games played under the auspices of both recognized Managers of the participating teams shall count as official.
1. A regulationgame 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.
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.
Regulation-game status and called-game outcomes are governed by the Incorporated Rules, except as follows:
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.
1. The regulation game length is seven (7) innings (not nine).
1. If the game is tied after seven completed innings, play continues until a winner is determined, unless the umpire calls the game under [Reasons for a Game to be Called](#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called). If a regulation game is called with the score tied, it remains a tie game
1. If a game is called, it is a regulation game if the home team has scored more runs in four (4) completed innings or three and a fraction half-innings than the visiting team has scored in four completed half-innings.
Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in [Completion of Playoff Games](#completion-of-playoff-games).
!!! Note
In other words, play must reach at least the end of the top of the fourth inning. If the home team is after that point, the game can be official; otherwise, the fourth inning must be completed.
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.
### Slaugher 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.
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.
1 If a game is called by the umpire, per [Reasons for a Game to be Called](#reasons-for-a-game-to-be-called) and one team is ahead by 10 or more runs.
Postseason games are exempt from this definition as specified in [Completion of Playoff Games](#completion-of-playoff-games).
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.
## Reasons for a Game to be Called
Postseason games may be subject to different rules per League policy.
### 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
### Minimum Number of Players
The minimum number of players per team shall be (9), however teams may play with (8) players subject to standings penalty per League policy.
If each team has at least (8) players present, teams must start the game. League policy may 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.
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.
1.Should a team fall below (8) players, the game is terminated and this team loses by forfeit.
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.
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) person line-up, nine (9) players for a ten (10) person lineup), provided the team does not fall below this minimum. Any vacated spot in the batting order is recorded as an out.
## Player Injuries
### 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.
### Offense
#### Batting Lineup
Unless otherwise stated in League policy, in the regular season, the offensive lineup follows the less restrictive format.
## Designated Runner
The League shall elect to use a designated runner rule, similar to the designated hitter rule.
1. The batting lineup shall consist of at minimum 9 slots. The number of slots shall be fixed at the beggining of the game by each team's manager. Any eligible player may batting in any (1) slot independent of their defensive status.
1. The number of slots may not increase or decrease for the duration of the game.
1. Any batting lineup slot may be subdivided into A and B slots. Rules for the substitutions of either "A" or "B" batter are the same as any other batting lineup slot.
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.
1. 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.
1. Any player may be substituted in their batting lineup slot by using a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner for that player. The replacing playing assumes the replaced player in the batting lineup and the replaced player may not re-enter the game as a hitter.
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.
The offense lineup may consist of the following
## 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:
1.**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 the Incorporated Rules, with the exception that it is for a batting slot rather that a defensive position.
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.
1.**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.
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.
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.
When required by League policy (i.e. during playoffs), the batting lineup may return to the more restrictive format:
## 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.
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.
## 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:
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.
1.**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.
2.**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:
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.
## Defensive Lineup
In regular season play, the defensive line-up is independent of the batting lineup and substitutions shall be allowed as follows:
@@ -113,4 +108,9 @@ 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.
!!! Note "Generally"
1. Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment are final.
1. No player or manager shall object to any such judgment decisions.
1. 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.
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