Welcome to the governing documents for the Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association.
This site brings together the league's core rules in a single place so managers, players, and league officials can quickly find the current governing text.
"},{"location":"index.html#documents","title":"Documents","text":"If documents overlap or appear to conflict, the controlling order is generally:
For on-field administration, the Playing Rules also incorporate the Official Baseball Rules of Major League Baseball except where CMBA rules provide otherwise.
"},{"location":"index.html#about-the-cmba","title":"About the CMBA","text":"The Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association exists to provide strong amateur baseball competition in Illinois and the Midwest, with an emphasis on competitive play, sportsmanship, and league continuity.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html","title":"League Bylaws","text":""},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#name","title":"Name","text":"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.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#purpose","title":"Purpose","text":"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.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#powers","title":"Powers","text":"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 Bylaws.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#limitations","title":"Limitations","text":"Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bylaws, the following rules shall conclusively bind the League and all persons acting for or on behalf of it:
No part of the net earnings of the League shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, any director of the League, officer of the League, or any other private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the League affecting one or more of its purposes). No director, officer, member, or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon dissolution of the League.
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.
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.
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.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#registered-office-and-agent","title":"Registered Office and Agent","text":"The League shall have and maintain a registered office and agent in the State of Illinois in accordance with the requirements of the act.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#directors","title":"Directors","text":""},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#general-powers","title":"General Powers","text":"Except as otherwise expressly herein provided or as otherwise provided by law, the property and affairs of the League shall be managed by or under the direction of its Board of Directors (the \"Board of Directors\"), which shall be the governing body of the League. The Board of Directors may exercise all the powers, rights, and privileges of the League, whether expressed or implied in the Articles of Incorporation or conferred by the Act or otherwise, and may do all acts and things which may be done by the League. Each Director shall be entitled to one full vote on each matter.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#number-and-qualifications","title":"Number and Qualifications","text":"The League's Board of Directors shall be composed of at least three (3) Directors (\"Director\") or such other greater number of Directors established by the Board of Directors from time to time. An individual need not be a manager of a Member Franchise in order to be a Director.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#election-and-term-of-office","title":"Election and Term of Office","text":"Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Members of the League by the affirmative vote of a majority of Member Franchises in Good Standing. Each Member Franchise in Good Standing shall have one (1) vote, cast by its Manager or designated representative. The term of office of each Director shall be until the next annual meeting. Directors shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which such Director is elected and until such Director's successor has been elected or until the Director's death, resignation, or removal. Directors may serve successive terms.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#resignation-and-removal","title":"Resignation and Removal","text":"Any Director may resign by written notice delivered to the Board of Directors or to the Commissioner or Secretary of the League. Any Director may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office. Any vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting, at which time the seat shall be submitted for election by Member Franchises in Good Standing.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#compensation","title":"Compensation","text":"The Directors shall serve without compensation.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#officers","title":"Officers","text":""},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#designation","title":"Designation","text":"The officers of the League shall be a Commissioner, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. All offices shall be filled by an affirmative vote of the Board on an annual basis. Other Officers may be created by the Directors at their discretion. Officers may be, but are not required to be, a Director of the Board. Officers may serve successive terms.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#resignation-and-removal_1","title":"Resignation and Removal","text":"Any Officer may resign by written notice delivered to the Board of Directors or to the Commissioner or Secretary of the League. Any Officer may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office. Any vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#officer-duties","title":"Officer Duties","text":""},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#commissioner","title":"Commissioner","text":"The Commissioner shall
The Treasurer shall keep or, at the discretion of the Board cause to be kept, correct and complete records showing accurately at all times the financial condition of League; shall be legal custodian of all monies and other valuables which may from time to time come into the possession of the League; shall maintain a bank account in the name of League; shall prepare and file or, at the discretion of the board, cause to be prepared and filed, all required corporation tax forms and reports; shall furnish at meetings of the Board of Directors and Membership or whenever requested by the Board of Directors, a statement of the financial condition of the League; shall maintain or, at the discretion of the Board, cause to be maintained a roster of active Members in Good Standing; and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#secretary","title":"Secretary","text":"The Secretary shall have the custody and care of the corporate records of the League, shall attend all meetings of the Members and of the Board of Directors, shall keep a true and complete record of the proceedings of all such meetings, shall file and take charge of all documents belonging to the League, and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#compensation_1","title":"Compensation","text":"The Officers shall serve without compensation.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#member-franchises","title":"Member Franchises","text":"The League\u2019s members shall consist of those Member Franchises (teams) admitted in accordance with these Bylaws and League Rules and Policy.
The Board of Directors shall have authority to admit, suspend, remove, or otherwise determine the membership status of Member Franchises, subject to these Bylaws. The Board may establish, or delegate through League Policy, reasonable procedures, eligibility standards, conditions of admission, requirements for good standing, and grounds and procedures for suspension or removal.
A Member Franchise admitted by the Board shall become a member of the League upon satisfaction of any initial conditions of admission established under League Rules and Policy.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#meetings-of-the-board","title":"Meetings of the Board","text":""},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#annual-meeting","title":"Annual Meeting","text":"The Board of Directors shall hold its annual meeting after January 1 at a time and place set by the Commissioner.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#additional-meetings","title":"Additional Meetings","text":"Additional meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Commissioner or any Director.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#quorum-and-voting","title":"Quorum and Voting","text":"A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors. The affirmative votes of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the affirmative vote of a greater number is required by law or these Bylaws.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#informal-action-by-directors","title":"Informal Action by Directors","text":"Unless specifically prohibited by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required to be taken or which may be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing or by electronic mail setting forth the action so taken shall be signed or submitted by all of the directors entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#meetings-of-the-member-franchise","title":"Meetings of the Member Franchise","text":""},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#annual-meeting_1","title":"Annual Meeting","text":"The League shall hold an annual meeting of the Member Franchises after January 1 on a date, time, and place set by the Commissioner. This meeting shall include the Board of Directors and must be held in person, except in extenuating circumstances. It may take place immediately before or after the annual meeting of the board, but it is not required to do so.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#special-meetings","title":"Special Meetings","text":"Special meetings of the Member Franchises may be called by the Commissioner, by a majority of the Board of Directors, or upon written request of Member Franchises entitled to cast at least one-third of the votes.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#notice","title":"Notice","text":"Reasonable notice of any meeting of the Member Franchises shall be provided to each Member Franchise entitled to vote and shall include the date, time, place, and principal business to be considered.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#quorum","title":"Quorum","text":"Four-fifths of Member Franchises in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of member business.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#voting-and-member-actions","title":"Voting and Member Actions","text":"Each Member Franchise in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on matters submitted to the membership.
Member actions shall include: 1. Election of Directors; 2. Advisory votes on League operational matters submitted for membership input; 3. Confidence votes on League Officers. 4. Approval of amendents to the Playing Rules.
Unless otherwise required by these Bylaws, member actions shall be decided by a simple majority of votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#miscellaneous","title":"Miscellaneous","text":""},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#drafts-checks-deposits","title":"Drafts, Checks, Deposits","text":"All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money by the League shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the League and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, or by an officer or officers of the League designated by the Board of Directors to make such determination.
All funds of the League not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the League in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors, or such officer or officers designated by the Board of Directors, may select.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#books-records-and-minutes","title":"Books Records and Minutes","text":"The League shall keep correct and complete books and records of accounts and also shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its Board of Directors and committees having any of the authority of the Board of Directors. All such books, records, and minutes shall be kept at the principal office of the League in the State of Illinois, and may be inspected by any director entitled to vote, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#amendments","title":"Amendments","text":"These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors at any time or from time to time by the vote of two-thirds of the Directors.
"},{"location":"01-bylaws.html#dissolution","title":"Dissolution","text":"Upon dissolution of the League or the winding up of its affairs, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the League, distribute the remaining assets of the League in a manner consistent with the purposes of the League and applicable law. The Board may distribute such assets to one or more nonprofit, amateur athletic, community, or other lawful organizations whose purposes are consistent with those of the League, or as otherwise permitted or required by law. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government for a public purpose.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html","title":"League Policy","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#authority-and-applicability","title":"Authority and Applicability","text":"This Policy document (\"League Policy\") is adopted pursuant to the League\u2019s Bylaws and governs the operational rules, procedures, and competitive structure of the League. In the event of a conflict between this document and the Bylaws, the Bylaws shall control.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#league-governance","title":"League Governance","text":"The Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day administration of League operations in accordance with the Bylaws and League Policy. The Board provides oversight of League operations and may review or direct actions of the Commissioner.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#operational-rights-of-member-franchises","title":"Operational Rights of Member Franchises","text":"The Commissioner shall prepare a proposed budget for each fiscal year.
The proposed budget shall include, at a minimum:
The proposed budget shall be presented to the Board for review and approval. Upon approval by the Board, the budget shall constitute the official League Budget for the applicable fiscal year. The approved League Budget shall be shared with all Member Franchises on an annual basis for informational purposes.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#appointed-league-roles","title":"Appointed League Roles","text":"The Commissioner may appoint individuals to operational roles as necessary to support League administration, subject to Board oversight.
Appointed roles may include, but are not limited to, the following:
The Commissioner shall define the duties, scope, and term of each appointed role. Any compensation for a role shall require Board approval and shall be included as part of the Board-approved budget.
No appointed role shall possess independent authority to interpret rules, impose discipline, levy fees or fines, or bind the League, unless such authority is expressly granted by this document or the Board.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#committees","title":"Committees","text":"The League may establish committees as necessary to assist in the administration, governance, or operation of League activities. Committees are advisory bodies and shall have only the authority expressly granted to them by this document, the Commissioner, or the Board. Committee members shall be appointed by the Commissioner, subject to Board oversight, unless otherwise specified. The Commissioner may appoint alternate committee members when a committee member is unavailable or has a conflict of interest. Committees may be convened at the discretion of the Commissioner.
Committees may be formed for specific purposes, including but not limited to:
The Committee shall issue findings and recommendations to the Commissioner or Board, as applicable. The Committee shall have no independent authority to impose discipline, overturn decisions, or bind the League unless expressly authorized elsewhere in this document.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#amendments-and-rule-changes","title":"Amendments and Rule Changes","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#bylaw-amendments","title":"Bylaw Amendments","text":"Amendments to the Bylaws are governed exclusively by the procedures set forth therein. Nothing in League Policy shall modify or supersede those requirements.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#league-policy-amendments","title":"League Policy Amendments","text":"A Member Franchise consists of:
All references to \u201cTeams\u201d within this document shall be deemed synonymous with \u201cMember Franchises.\u201d
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#recognition","title":"Recognition","text":"The Commissioner shall review applications for new Member Franchises for compliance with Franchise Standards.
A Player is an individual listed on the official roster of a Member Franchise.
Player status is contingent upon:
A Player participates in League activities solely through association with a Member Franchise and possesses no independent membership rights.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#membership-standing-obligations-and-discipline","title":"Membership Standing, Obligations, and Discipline","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#standing-and-membership-status","title":"Standing and Membership Status","text":"In Good Standing
Temporary Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
Leave of Absence
A Member Franchise subject to suspension may be granted a change of status by the Commissioner upon resolution of the conditions giving rise to the suspension. A change of status may include restoration to Good Standing or modification of the existing suspension, subject to any conditions imposed by the Commissioner or otherwise required by this document.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#discipline-and-enforcement","title":"Discipline and Enforcement","text":"To be successful, the League depends on self-regulation and shared accountability. All League participants are expected to encourage one another to comply with League Policy and expectations. Participants may report potential infractions to the Commissioner, any League Officer, or any member of the Board by text message, email, phone call, or other means. A report, by itself, does not constitute a request for forfeit or any other specific sanction. League officials may retain such reports to identify patterns or repeated issues and to support further action when appropriate.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#authority","title":"Authority","text":"The Commissioner shall have authority to impose discipline consistent with this document, including warnings, fines, suspensions, and referrals for further review. Disciplinary actions may apply to Players, Managers, or Member Franchises, as appropriate.
In exercising enforcement authority, the Commissioner may utilize one or more of the following disciplinary measures, as appropriate to the circumstances:
All franchise members are expected to have representation at all league meetings.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#financial-obligations","title":"Financial Obligations","text":"Tampering, or poaching, is defined as the deliberate solicitation, without consent, of a Player who has made at least an oral commitment to another Member Franchise. Tampering is discouraged and may result in disciplinary action against the offending Player, Member Franchise, or both.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#outside-league-participation","title":"Outside League Participation","text":"Member Franchises are expected to prioritize their commitments to the League. Participation in outside leagues is permitted by agreement with the League. Participation in outside leagues does not relieve a Member Franchise or its Players of League obligations, including playing games on their League-scheduled dates and times. Violations of this provision may result in disciplinary action.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#penalties-and-fees","title":"Penalties and Fees","text":"The Commissioner may levy fines to any League Member franchise or player subject to Board oversight. Fines may be levied for violation of Bylaws or Policies or conduct unbecoming of a representative of the League. The penalties and amounts set forth in this section are operational in nature and may be adjusted by the Commissioner with Board oversight, unless otherwise specified.
The League shall hold an annual meeting in according with the Bylaws. Quorum and voting thresholds are governed by the Bylaws. The annual meeting process shall consist of the following stages:
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#pre-meeting-of-the-current-board","title":"Pre-Meeting of the Current Board","text":"Prior to the annual meeting, the current Board shall convene to prepare and approve the proposed agenda, voting items, and supporting materials for member review.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#annual-meeting-of-the-member-franchises","title":"Annual Meeting of the Member Franchises","text":"The annual meeting shall include the Board and Member Franchises in Good Standing and shall include, at minimum, the following business:
Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws, advisory and confidence votes are non-binding and are intended to guide Board action.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#post-meeting-of-the-newly-constituted-board","title":"Post-Meeting of the Newly Constituted Board","text":"Following the annual meeting, the newly constituted Board shall convene to:
This shall constitute the Board's annual meeting requirements as required by the Bylaws
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#conduct-and-discipline","title":"Conduct and Discipline","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#league-standard","title":"League Standard","text":"The League is committed to serious, clean, and competitive amateur baseball. The CMBA is not intended to operate as a casual \u201cbeer league\u201d; it is a structured competition where players, Managers, and Member Franchises are expected to prepare, compete, and conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the game.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#general-conduct-expectations","title":"General Conduct Expectations","text":"All League members, including officers, Managers, umpires, players, coaches, and team personnel, shall:
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
Unless stronger discipline is warranted by the circumstances:
For the safety of all participants and the preservation of serious and competitive baseball, alcohol shall be prohibited during League play.
The Commissioner shall maintain official League communication channels to publish the League Bylaws, League Policy, Playing Rules, schedules, scores, standings, rosters, notices, and other pertinent League information.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#team-rosters-players-and-eligibility","title":"Team Rosters; Players and Eligibility","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#roster-deadline-roster-size","title":"Roster Deadline; Roster Size","text":"Prior to June 1, each team has an \u201copen roster.\u201d League teams must submit a roster of their players to the Commissioner no later than June 1 of each year. Any team that does not submit its roster to the Commissioner by June 1 as required by this Roster Deadline; Roster Size and in accordance with the information requirements in Roster Information Requirements shall be deemed not in Good Standing. This submitted roster plus any and all legal roster transactions per Roster Transactions, shall be considered official. Players not on a team\u2019s official roster are ineligible for play, except where specifically noted. Each team\u2019s 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.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#roster-information-requirements","title":"Roster Information Requirements","text":"A team\u2019s rosters as submitted to the Commissioner on or before June 1 shall contain the following information for each rostered player: name, age, bats/throws, position(s),uniform number, and face photo. Rosters shall be submitted in Excel or via Google sheets (or similar editable spreadsheet.)
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#roster-transactions","title":"Roster Transactions","text":"Teams may add a total of five (5) players to the roster after the June 1 roster submission deadline. The total number of players on a team still may not exceed twenty-six (26). In order to add players between June 1 and July 1 but not exceed the 26 player limit, a team may drop players who were rostered on June 1. No players may be added after July 1, except as set forth below. After July 1, a team may, upon request to the Commissioner, add a player if (i) the team\u2019s roster has fallen (or, upon removal of players designated as \u201cmissing in action\u201d as described below, will fall) below the 16-player minimum and (ii) in the Commissioner\u2019s good-faith determination, the addition is necessary to prevent the team from forfeiting games. To designate a player as \u201cmissing in action\u201d after July 1, (i) the player must have either (a) failed to appear in all of the team\u2019s games played before the request or (b) suffered a season-ending injury after June 1, and (ii) the team must remove that player from its roster.
A team may drop players at any time as long as the team\u2019s roster does not fall below the 16 player minimum.
Any and all roster changes shall be submitted to the Commissioner and satisfy the information requirements in Roster Information Requirements. Roster changes shall be effective as of the first pitch of the team\u2019s first regularly scheduled game after the updated roster is submitted.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#alumni-players","title":"Alumni Players","text":"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 (\u201cAlumni Player\u201d) in that game. The team\u2019s Manager shall inform the opposing team\u2019s 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\u2019s Manager and the Commissioner with the Alumni Player\u2019s name, age, bats/throws, position and uniform number.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#eligible-players","title":"Eligible Players","text":"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, will be deemed to have forfeited any and all games in which the illegal player(s) participated.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#free-agents","title":"Free Agents","text":"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\u2019s discretion. If the player fails to notify as specified, that player shall be disqualified from playing on another League team for that season.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#uncompleted-games","title":"Uncompleted Games","text":"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 Commissioner.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#league-standings","title":"League Standings","text":"The League shall use a point system to determine the standings. A team is awarded:
In the event two teams finish the regular season in a tie for a position, the following tie-breaking procedure will take effect:
Win-loss record shall be computed using the point system as defined in League Standings.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#awards","title":"Awards","text":"Awards, if any, shall be determined by annual vote before the start of the regular season.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#postseason","title":"Postseason","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#postseason-format","title":"Postseason Format","text":"The postseason format shall be determined by annual vote before the start of the regular season.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#prizes","title":"Prizes","text":"Prizes, if any, shall be determined by annual vote before the start of the regular season.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#postseason-umpire-selection","title":"Postseason Umpire Selection","text":"For the postseason, each team may request the exclusion 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.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#postseason-player-eligibility","title":"Postseason Player Eligibility","text":"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.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#postseason-games","title":"Postseason Games","text":"All postseason games shall use the Restricted 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 Playing Rules governing substitution.
The run-rule, or\u201cSlaughter Rule\u201d, is applicable in postseason play.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#game-administration","title":"Game Administration","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#subjectivity","title":"Subjectivity","text":"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 \u201cIf both managers agree\u201d concept.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#playing-rules","title":"Playing Rules","text":"Play shall be governed by the League's playing rules document (the \"Playing Rules\").
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#interleague-play","title":"Interleague Play","text":"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.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#pre-game","title":"Pre-Game","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#field-status","title":"Field Status","text":"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.
Any Manager who knowingly falsifies information regarding the status of the field to avoid playing the game for any reason will be fined and the team will forfeit the game.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#rescheduling","title":"Rescheduling","text":"Managers from both teams must contact the Commissioner 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 Commissioner. Any such games played shall be considered unofficial.
In the discretion of the Commissioner, a game may be postponed due to extraordinary circumstances. In the event a game is to be postponed, the Commissioner shall alert the Managers in an expedient manner.
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.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#in-game","title":"In-Game","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#lineup-format","title":"Lineup format","text":"In regular season play, teams shall use the Expanded Lineup Format, as defined in the Playing Rules.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#baseballs","title":"Baseballs","text":"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.
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 discipline up to and including forfeit of the game.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#bats","title":"Bats","text":"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.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#bases-home-plate-and-pitching-rubber","title":"Bases, home plate, and pitching rubber","text":"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.
The host team for the field shall be responsible for accurately setting up the bases, and if necessary, home plate and the pitching rubber. In the event neither team is host of the field, the home team shall have this responsibility. Should the responsible team fail to have these necessities by the start of the game, they will lose by forfeit. The visiting team may lend the equipment, although they are not required to do so.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#uniforms","title":"Uniforms","text":"Uniform compliance is required in order to protect League competitive integrity, roster transparency, and game administration.
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.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#minimum-number-of-players","title":"Minimum Number of Players","text":"Forfeit time shall be 20 minutes after the scheduled starting time.
If a ninth player does not arrive or arrives after forfeit time, play may continue, but the short team shall be in technical forfeit, as defined in Technical Forfeit.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#protests","title":"Protests","text":"Protests may only be made on the grounds of a violation of a rule stated in League policy or playing rules. Protests may not, under any circumstances, be based on the judgment of an umpire\u2019s call. The protesting team\u2019s Manager must notify the umpire of the protest at the time the violation occurred.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#post-game","title":"Post-Game","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#field-maintenance","title":"Field Maintenance","text":"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\u2019s 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 may be subject to discipline.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#notification-of-results","title":"Notification of Results","text":"The winning team shall be responsible for notifying the Commissioner 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. In the result of a forfeit, notification shall be immediately at the conclusion of the game.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#notification-of-protest","title":"Notification of Protest","text":"Managers shall notify the league Commissioner of any formal Protest at the earliest possible time after the game and provide umpire signature as proof of notification.
All requested information must be accurately reported. Any Manager who knowingly falsifies information will be subject to discipline up to and including game forfeiture charged to that Manager's team.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#protest-ruling","title":"Protest Ruling","text":"Upon the filing of a protest, the Commissioner may request advisory review or convene an advisory committee as otherwise provided in this document. The Commissioner shall gather relevant facts and deliberate on the merits before issuing a ruling. Rulings are subject to appeal and oversight as specified elsewhere in this document.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#game-outcomes","title":"Game Outcomes","text":""},{"location":"02-policy.html#technical-forfeit","title":"Technical Forfeit","text":"If a team is in technical forfeit status, the game may proceed as permitted by Playing Rules, but the following applies:
The opponent of a team in technical forfeit is entitled to a full (2) standings points for a win.
"},{"location":"02-policy.html#forfeit","title":"Forfeit","text":"If a game is forfeited, the following applies:
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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#incorporated-rules","title":"Incorporated Rules","text":"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:
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\u2019s behalf. At this meeting, the teams shall exchange lineups and review any applicable ground rules with the umpire.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#regulation-games","title":"Regulation Games","text":"Games played under the auspices of both recognized Managers of the participating teams shall count as official. A regulation game is defined as follows
An umpire, in their discretion, may declare a game called if
Games shall be played with legal baseball equipment and player uniforms as required by League Rules and Policy.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#lineups","title":"Lineups","text":""},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#lineup-format","title":"Lineup Format","text":"The Expanded Lineup Format shall apply unless League Policy expressly provides for the Restricted Lineup Format (e.g., playoffs or championship games).
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#expanded-lineup-format","title":"Expanded Lineup Format","text":"In the Expanded Lineup Format, a team\u2019s 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 the Expanded Lineup Format:
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 a mistake and assumed to be an EH.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#shared-batting-positions","title":"Shared Batting Positions","text":"In the Expanded Lineup Format, any batting position may be designated at lineup exchange as shared by two players (\u201cA\u201d and \u201cB\u201d). The two players shall bat in alternating sequence each time that position appears in the order, beginning with the player designated \u201cA.\u201d
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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#restricted-lineup-format","title":"Restricted Lineup Format","text":"In the Restricted Lineup Format, a team\u2019s 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:
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 batting 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.
Example
For a game subject to the Expanded Lineup, the required number of batting positions is nine (9), so as soon as each team has eight (8) players, the game must start.
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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#lineup-designations","title":"Lineup Designations","text":""},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#designated-hitter-dh","title":"Designated Hitter (DH)","text":"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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#extra-hitter-eh","title":"Extra Hitter (EH)","text":"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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#designated-runner-dr","title":"Designated Runner (DR)","text":"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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#courtesy-runner-cr","title":"Courtesy Runner (CR)","text":"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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#injury-substitutions","title":"Injury Substitutions","text":"Substitutions are governed by the applicable Lineup Format with the following exception:
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.
If a substantial case can be made that a team skipped a spot with the intent to gain a competitive advantage, the pending team may be subject to penalty, up to and including forfeit following a successful protest in accordance with League Policy.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#collisions","title":"Collisions","text":"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.
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.
"},{"location":"03-playing-rules.html#umpire-disputes","title":"Umpire Disputes","text":"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.
Generally