INMBL League Rules, Regulations and By-Laws
Revised April 27, 2009
INMBL League Rules, Regulations and By-Laws
February 2009 Changes
This league was created to provide for men 18 years old and over, and 35 years old and over an alternative to softball and enable us to play the game we all grew up playing. Adult attitudes must always prevail, no matter how competitive any league is. The responsibility that this ethic sustains will remain at the responsibility of the individual league President and his officers and anyone who abuses the league's code can be suspended or expelled from the league. These rules were established to serve as guidelines for all local league affiliates.
INDEX
1. Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Other Equipment
2. Game Length, Run Rule, Rain-Outs and Standings
3. Teams, Players and Line-Ups
4. Player Behavior and Team Responsibility
5. Courtesy Runners
6. Pitchers
7. Fielders
8. Ex-Pro Status and Regulations
9. General League Rules
10. Code of Conduct
RULES
1. UNIFORMS, HELMETS AND BASEBALLS
1.a - All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, and belt - each player's uniform must be of similar design to his teammates uniforms. All teams must wear either a Major League, Minor League, or Negro League replica uniform of either a past or a present team, determined by each division's choice. Jerseys can have either tackle twill or screenprint lettering and numbering. Teams having sponsorship will be allowed the sponsors name on their uniforms via patch or uniform shirt.
a.1 - No player out of uniform will be allowed to play without the opposing manager's consent.
a.2 - All teams should have their uniforms by their first game. With the exception of authorized temporary replacement players, supply problems, or a special Divisional rule, all players must wear full baseball uniforms to be eligible to play. A grace period of 3 weeks will be extended for newly activated players or for new teams to complete their uniforms.
1.b - All batters and runners must wear helmets for both at bats and on base. There is no option to this rule. Full double-ear flap helmets or helmets with ear flaps facing the pitcher are required for batters and are encouraged for the bases. Catchers must wear a helmet underneath their mask. The same rule will apply for all national tournament play. All base coaches must wear helmets either catcher’s style or double-ear flap.
1.c - All leagues are encouraged to use official rawlings MSBL baseballs: RO-MSBL, RCC-MSBL, R-100 MSBL and RCC-MABL. Each team should bring a minimum of 2 balls to each game. Only balls provided by the local league will be permitted. The Rawlings baseballs provided by the league is the official baseball to be used in all games.
1.d - Players in the 18+ division may use either wood or metal baseball bats conforming to official standards. The maximum bat differential for any type of metal/aluminum bat is a -3. If a player uses a bat exceeding this differential, and a protest is made, the offending batter will be declared an out. Players in the 35+ division may only use wood, composite wood, or metal wood bats conforming to official standards.
1.e - Players may wear plastic or metal baseball cleats, or non-cleated athletic shoes, at their option.
2. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE, RAIN-OUTS AND STANDINGS
2.a - All single games (i.e., All-Star, 35+ games, playoffs) are scheduled for nine innings unless overridden by special field rules. No new inning will begin after three hours following the start of the game, unless special field rules are in effect. If a game exceeds the designated time, both teams shall help prep the field for the subsequent game, with the home team manager held responsible. (Field prep may be required at other times as well at particular fields with the home team responsible for prepping the field).
2.b - All doubleheaders will be seven innings unless tied. Total elapsed playing time shall be 2 1/2 hours per game. No new inning will begin after two and a half hours following the start of the game, unless special field rules are in effect. There shall be 15 minutes between games of a doubleheader unless both managers and the umpire agree on more time.
2.c - Games that must be ended due to time limits, rain or darkness may end in a tie. If it is possible to continue the game without jeopardizing the safety of players or the scheduling of the field for other games, the umpire and the team managers should continue the game to a conclusion on the field. A game ending in a tie is considered a completed game and will not generally be rescheduled or completed at a later date. However, the League may in its discretion, and subject to field availability and budget, schedule a tie game for completion if it affects final standings or playoffs.
2.d - A game in progress may be ended at the umpire's discretion due to rain or darkness or unsafe conditions. Any game ended prior to completion (i.e., prior to completing the designated number of innings or reaching the time limit) is considered an OFFICIAL GAME if five innings are completed, or if the home team leads after 4 innings, regardless of whether the game was scheduled for 7-innings or 9-innings. Official Games are considered completed, and will not be rescheduled or played to conclusion.
2.e - Any game in progress that is ended prior to completion (i.e., prior to reaching the time limit), and which does not constitute an OFFICIAL GAME, shall be considered to be a SUSPENDED GAME. A Suspended Game is not considered completed and no winner is declared. At the discretion of the League, and subject to field availability and budget, suspended games may be rescheduled to be played from the point where the game was suspended to completion.
2.f - If there is a 12-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings, the game will be ruled final at this point. This rule will not pertain in national and regional tournaments.
2.g - In the event of rain, it is the responsibility of the scheduled home team to notify the league president and umpire coordinator and opposing team manager of field conditions and possible cancellation of game, at least 2 hours before scheduled game time. In the event such notification does not take place, the home team solely will be responsible for any travel fees and game fees imposed by the umpiring organization and may forfeit game and or games.
2.h - Final league standings will be determined by won/lost percentage. Ties will be decided by head-to-head competition first, followed by inter-division won-lost record.
3. TEAMS, PLAYERS AND LINEUPS
3.a - A player is eligible to participate in an official league sanctioned game for the following divisions: (MABL) adults 18 years and over as of the league's and/or team's first sports activity of the current year and (MSBL) adults 35 and over as of the 31st of December of the current year.
3.b - New Players: The league shall control the assignment to teams of all players who have contacted the league in response to advertising or who have been referred to the league by any means. A player who has not been referred in any league game in either the current or previous year shall be regarded as a new player. A new player acquired by a team through that team's own recruiting efforts shall be subject to the control of the team and not the league.
3.c - Team rosters must be submitted to the local league by opening day, including league and player fees, proof of date of birth, player application and waiver forms and team medical waiver form. Rosters may not be changed after the middle of each season, dates to be determined unless:
- Players are lost to injuries.
- A player from their roster voluntarily quits for the remainder of the season.
3.d - All players, prior to participating in a game, must have signed waiver forms on file with the league.
3.e - A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, with a minimum of 10 (subject to the number of players available, if less than 10). Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game. If a team has only nine (9) players and therefore bats nine players, the opposing team will have the option of batting nine as well.
3.f - A manager may add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time but if a batter is pinch hit or run for (except under courtesy runners as outlined in section 5), the player may not re-enter the game as a hitter but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher. Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both.
3.g - A team MAY declare at the time that lineups are exchanged prior to the start of play that batting order positions from 10 up (i.e. 10,11,12,etc.) will be occupied by two players in each such batting position. That is, 10A/10B,11A/11B,etc. The first time that position 10 gets an at bat, 10A would hit and the next time this slot hits, 10B would be up. Then 10A hits the third time this spot in the order comes up, and so on, alternating between these two players throughout the game. Once a team declares the use of this A/B system, it must continue using it for the remainder of the game. A hitting position due to injury or ejection and for which there is no replacement player will be skipped over without penalty. Hitters in the A/B position from the batting order position 10 and down may be pinch hit for, just as any other player.
3.h - If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or work commitment, a reserve player, not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the batter's place. If no reserve is present, that spot is skipped over and all batters move up accordingly, without recording an out. However, the exception would be if the departing player has been ejected by the umpire. In the case of an ejection with no reserve player present, an out will be recorded the first time through the order at the ejected players turn in the order.
3.i - A team must have 8 of their rostered players for an official game and may borrow a player from an opposing team with the opposing manager's consent or may borrow a player from another team, also with the opposing manager's consent. If the team's 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team. A team having less than eight of their rostered players at game time will be given a 15 minute grace period, If at any time after the grace period or during the game a team falls below the required eight rostered players, the game shall be declared a forfeit.
3.j - All players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the players offensive status in the line-up. If the pitcher is removed, he may re-enter to pitch only one time during the course of the game, but not in the same inning. The removed pitcher may play any other position after being removed or no position at all.
3.k - No player may switch teams within a season, without the consent of both managers and the league president. If this does not meet with approval, the player must sit out one calendar year from competition, from the last date of his playing. In the event a team disbands during the season or at season's conclusion, all players with 3 years seniority in the league will become automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team. Players not having 3 years in the league will re-enter the draft. If a player is not invited back by his manager, he must be given his release so that he may go to the team of his choosing or re-enter the draft. If a player is invited back to play and he desires not to play for his former team and cannot be successfully traded, he must sit out one entire year or re-enter the draft, making himself available to all teams.
3.l - In the event a player wishes to leave his existing team and form a new team, he may do so. No other player can be taken from the existing team without the consent of the existing team's manager. No other players may be taken from any other team without the respective team manager's approval.
3.m - Final team rosters must have no less than an equivalent to, 14 full time players for 18+, 12 full time players for 35+ and 18+ fall league. Teams may have no more than 6 half time players.
3.n - Last names and uniform numbers must be used in the scorebook to allow for player identification for follow up inquiries that relate to playoff and national tournament participation requiring minimum playing requirements. This would include "half-time" players.
3.o - While both teams are encouraged to keep score, the home team is responsible for keeping the official scorebook. If the home team does not have enough personnel to keep the scorebook, the managers may agree to have the visiting team keep the official scorebook.
3.p - Line-up cards specifying the starting offensive line-up, all other available players, half-time players and courtesy runners (if any) will be exchanged between managers prior to the start of the game. Players arriving late may be added at the bottom of the line-up or substituted under normal rules. All batting substitutions must be reported to the opposing team.
4. PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITY
4.a - No beer or other alcoholic beverages shall be permitted on the premises where games are played, including the field area and parking lots. No player will be permitted on the premises under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
4.b - The league has the right to suspend or expel any team member who abuses league rules or who does not exhibit a sense of sportsmanship or who plays without regard to the safety of the umpires or other players.
4.c - An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game.
4.d - Fighting among players or aggressive physical contact with an umpire will not be tolerated and players expelled from the game for either violation will be subject to suspension or expulsion from the league on the first offense.
4.e - Players shall not intentionally collide with any other players. In the case of a runner intentionally colliding with a fielder, the runner will be called out and may, at the umpire's discretion, be expelled from the game. All base runners must either slide or give up their right to a base (avoid a collision by stopping or leaving a base path) if the defensive player (e.g. catcher) has possession of the ball, is in the act of receiving the ball, or is about to immediately receive the ball and will be able to make an apparent play on the base runner. If a defensive player is not in possession of the ball, is not in the act of receiving the ball, or is not about to immediately receive the ball so that he is able to record an out (apparent play. at any base), he cannot block the base (e.g. home plate) or be in the base path so as to impede (obstruct) the base runner's right to that base. Under such circumstances, the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid collision. If a collision does occur under these circumstances, the runner will always be considered safe and the obstruction rule shall be enforced. The defensive player may be ejected from the game (if the action is intentional, he must be ejected), and will be suspended from league play if the obstruction is judged to be flagrant.
4.f - Each league must set its own standards or player/team sportsmanship, but must encourage suspensions for infractions unbefitting to the image and policies of the league.
4.g - Failure to abide by age regulations - the managers must all recognize their responsibility to the league and the perpetuity of it as to not cross the line where winning is more important than playing. An opposing manager may at anytime have the right to question a player's age. If a manager wants to lodge a protest, proof of age and residence must be mailed to the manager who lodged his protest by Friday of the following week. If an under age player or non-rostered player is detected, penalties whether to the individual and/or team will be decided by the league president and board of directors. As a national precedent, the penalties will be forfeiture of all games in which the under-age player or non-rostered player participated in and an automatic 2 game suspension, effective immediately. A similar second offense in the same season shall result in the player subject to an automatic 4 game suspension, effective immediately. A third offense will result in the team not being allowed to participate in the playoffs and the player's expulsion from the the INMBL. If the manager had prior knowledge, he is subject to similar suspension or expulsion.
5. COURTESY RUNNERS
5.a - Players that will need courtesy runners, must have their manager notify the opposing manager before game time. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request. Each team will be allowed the maximum of 2 courtesy runners per game. The player to make the last batted out must be the courtesy runner. Once the game begins and the full complement of 2 courtesy runners has not been used, only by obvious injury can an additional courtesy runner be used. In the event a player becomes injured during the game and the maximum number of courtesy runners (2) have already been designated, a pinch runner must be used and no courtesy runner will be allowed. If a batter (designated as needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, or forgets to get a courtesy runner and subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner for the remaining portion of the game.
5.b - The game may be conducted using the "catcher courtesy rule" in order to speed up play. This means that if the catcher is on a base with two outs, he may be substituted from the bases with the last batted out so that he can expedite putting on the catchers gear for warm ups after the third out. This rule is entirely optional and is not encouraged or discouraged by the League.
6. PITCHERS
6.a - No player, while pitching, may wear white or gray sleeves, nor may a pitcher wear batting gloves or wristbands, or any other article which in the umpire's judgement unfairly distracts the batter or impairs sight of the ball while pitching.
6.b - One intentional walk per game will be allowed. The pitcher must throw 4 pitches and all pitches are live.
6.c - Umpires have discretion to eject any pitcher who intentionally throws at a hitter. If a pitcher is believed to have intentionally thrown at a hitter, the League may take further disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Regardless of intent, if a pitcher hits three batters in any one game, he/she must be removed on the third hit batsman. A pitcher so disqualified may remain in the game at another position.
6.d - There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or a week. In the 35+ division a pitcher may only pitch a maximum of 5 innings in a game, regardless if the game goes into extra innings.
6.e - A pitcher shall be permitted eight warm-up pitches, both upon entering the game and at the start of each half-inning. The umpire has the discretion to reduce this number to no fewer than five pitches only if he determines that the pitcher has intentionally delayed the game by not taking the mound promptly.
7. FIELDERS
Infielders are not allowed to decoy a throw or catch. If a decoy throw or catch is detected, all runners shall be allowed to advance one base beyond the base held after all play stops. If the same fielder decoys twice in the same game, the fielder shall be expelled from the game. Decoying is referred to as a false catch or throw done in an attempt to get the player to slide unnecessarily, where no strategic value is gained.
8. EX-PRO STATUS AND REGULATIONS
8.a - A player must be out of pro-ball for 3 complete MSBL seasons before becoming eligible to participate in a MSBL league. This is a general rule meant to stand as an example for other local MSBL leagues to examine. Local MSBL leagues may establish their own criteria for ex-pros as its individual board and managers see fit. Pro-ball refers to major and minor leagues. Independent leagues are to be considered separately. For the World Series and Fall Classic, the following rules will pertain without exception.
9. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES
9.a - Four forfeits by any team could mean immediate expulsion from the league with no money refunded to the team. Individual leagues should evaluate circumstances before rendering a decision.
9.b - All protests should be lodged to the league president and board within 24 hours after the game for which the protest is made. All protests shall be decided by the league board of directors and/or protest committee.
9.c - Only MSBL and MABL leagues are eligible for all MSBL and MABL sanctioned regional and national tournaments, unless waived by national tournament committee.
9.d - Determination of eligibility to participate in MSBL regional and national tournament competition will be based solely on the decision of MSBL National Tournament Rules Committee. In general, no player will be allowed to participate in a regional or national tournament unless the player has participated in at least 50 percent of his regular season MSBL/MABL games.
9.e - In order for a player to qualify and participate in his team's local league playoffs, tournaments and post-season events, he must participate in at least 50 percent of his team's regular season games. In order for a player to qualify as a pitcher he must make two plate appearances in one half of his team's regular season games played or pitch in 25 percent of this team's regular season total innings or pitch in 75 percent of his team's games. If such a player fails to meet the requirements due to injury, a letter should be submitted to the league president explaining non-compliance. Local leagues retain the right to their own qualifications for local tournament only.
9.f - Each year, all players on the league's waiting list will be invited to a draft. The annual draft will be conducted in a manner to allow parity in leagues by having the prior year's teams with the lowest finishing records along with any expansion teams drafting first. Teams with no legitimate catcher or inadequate pitching may be allowed a special catcher or pitcher pick at the beginning of the draft.
9.g - In regard to the Men's Adult Baseball League, players upon reaching the age of 35 do not automatically have to enter the senior division. When desired, MABL players, unless entering as a full team, when reaching age 35 will enter the senior division draft unless the MABL player has 3 years seniority in the league. MABL players with 3 years seniority in the league will become automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any MSBL desired team. MABL players already entered into the league cannot be solicited to join senior division teams and when entering into the senior division must go through the draft, unless entering as a full team or the player has 3 years seniority in the league.
9.h - Both teams must report into the league within 48 hours their game results. This would include the score(s), half-time player(s) used, winning pitcher(s), player highlights, field conditions, ejections, umpire evaluation and any other additional comments. This can be done by phone, email or website entry. Failure to do so will mean forfeiting that game.
NATIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT RULES (To be added to Inland Northwest MABL/MSBL rules)
Prohibitions
Managers and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No manager or player shall commit the following:
• Lay a hand upon, shove or strike, or threaten an official. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.
• Refuse to abide by an official’s decision. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
• Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.
• Discuss with an official or officials the decision reached by such official or officials, except for the manager or his designee who are authorized to participate in such discussions. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.
• Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body or person of an opposing player. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
• Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.
• Be guilty of verbal abusive attack upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.
• Consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during the game or be upon the field of play at any time in an intoxicated condition. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
• Smoke on the field of play or in the dugout. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game.
Penalties
• The board of directors may, by vote of the majority of the directors, suspend any player or manager for such a period and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct with in its opinion is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.
• Except as otherwise provided, the league president and board shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the codes of conduct, and shall report their decision to the player, manager and the board of directors.
• A player found in violation of any provision delineated in the codes of conduct, after being placed on probation for the remainder of the season shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
• Any player found in violation of any provisions delineated in the codes of conduct, after being suspended from further participation in a game shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
Grievances, protests, and appeals
• Grievances may be filed by an individual player or by the manager of a team provided that a grievance is formally submitted to the president and board. The president and board shall adjudicate all such grievances and shall report any action taken to the teams involved.
• An appeal of any action or ruling may be filed with the board of directors by an individual player or by the manager of a team provided that the appeal is formally submitted. However, all decisions by the board of directors are final and not subject to appeal.