SACRAMENTO MENS SENIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The
following document is a copy of the National MSBL Rules and Regulations
(revised January 1, 2009) with our Local (Sacramento) League amendments,
deletions, and additions. It is a
compilation of the National Rules with our Standing Rules added or
paraphrased.
Local
League Notes: We follow Major League
Baseball except where those rules are superseded by National MSBL Rules and/or
Sacramento MSBL Rules below. In the
following document, where a local Sacramento MSBL Rules supersedes the
National rule, the Local rule is listed AFTER the lined-out National rule. National rules are in blue; Local changes and additions are in black.
Standing Rules (SR) are referred to in this document.
INDEX
1.
Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Other Equipment
2. Game
Length, Run Rule and Rain-Outs
3.
Teams, Players and Line-Ups
4.
Player Behavior and Team Responsibility
5.
Courtesy Runners
6.
Pitchers
7.
Ex-Pro Status and Regulations
8.
General League Rules
9. Code
of Conduct
10. Requirements of Membership,
Rosters, Fees, and Playoff Eligibility
11. Managers
Meetings and Refunds
12. Expansion of By-Laws
RULES
1. UNIFORMS, HELMETS AND BASEBALLS
1.a All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps,
numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, belt, sanitary socks and stirrups -
each player’s uniform must be of similar design to his teammates uniforms.
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. A grace period should
be extended for newly activated players or for new teams to complete their
uniforms.
1.b All batters and runners must wear helmets with at least one ear
flap facing the pitcher for both at bats and on base. There is no option to
this rule. Full double-ear flap helmets are encouraged for at bats and are
encouraged for the bases. Catchers must wear a helmet underneath their mask.
All base coaches must also wear helmets while on the field of play. The same
rule will apply for all national tournament play.
1.c All leagues are encouraged to use official Rawlings MSBL
baseballs: RMSBL. Each team should bring a minimum of 3 balls to each game.
Only balls provided by the local league will be permitted.
1.d Wood and metal bats are allowed and both will be permitted
for all tournaments. The maximum bat differential established by the National
organization is a minus 3 for any type of metal or aluminum bat. No metal
bats exceeding 36” in length and/or a 2 5/8” diameter are permitted. If a player uses a bat exceeding this
differential and a protest is made, the offending batter will be declared an
out.
SR 49: All minus (-) 5 rated bats
are disallowed in our leagues. Only minus (-) 3 bats are allowed. The penalty
for such infraction is immediate ejection from the game with a three (3) to
five (5) game suspension and probation for the remainder of the season. Further
infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years suspension or expulsion
from the league for life. See SR’s 16 & 17 under Chapter 9 Code of Conduct:
Penalties.
Beginning in 2010, only Non-metal
bats will be allowed in all League play.
1.e Metal cleats are permitted.
2. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE AND RAIN-OUTS
2.a All games are 9 innings -
Re: darkness - 7 innings complete – umpires discretion
Re:
rain - 5 innings complete.
All
league playoff games must be played to completion either by league standards,
being a (7) inning or (9) inning game. The umpire may suspend, cancel or call a
game if, in their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised due to
rain, darkness or time limits.
SR 9: All games in the Spring League
are nine (9) innings with a three (3) hour time limit. No inning shall be
started with only fifteen (15) minutes or less to play within the time limit.
There is a drop dead rule at the three (3) hour time limit, but may be
continued for one last batter if it would possibility make a difference in the
game and only then at the discretion of the umpire. Whatever the umpire decides
is his decision and not for
discussion!
SR 10: All games in the Summer
League are seven (7) innings with a two and one half (2 1/2) hour time limit.
No inning shall be started with only fifteen (15) minutes or less to play
within the time limit. There is a drop dead rule at the two and one half (2
1/2) hour time limit, but may be continued for one last batter if it would
possibility make a difference in the game and only then at the discretion of
the umpire. Whatever the umpire decides is his decision and not for discussion!
SR 6: For both Spring and Summer
League, five (5) innings or more shall constitute a complete game in both
leagues in which the game is discontinued on account of rain or other
restrictions including injury when time has expired.
Reason for above rules: SR 11: We
generally have games following games so the time limits will be strictly
enforced by the umpires in order that the following games will also play their
full time. Therefore, if you want to complete your game then play at a pace
that will allow your team to finish the necessary inning within the time frames
allowed under the Club's rulesl No exceptions!
2.b If there is a 15-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings and
the game has gone 2 hours and 30 minutes, the game will be ruled final at this
point. This rule will not pertain in national and regional tournaments.
2.c Any games rained out will not be re-scheduled by the league,
but may be made up at any time not conflicting with previously scheduled games.
All make-up games must be agreed to by both managers and league notification
must take place. Rain out games must be made up in order of cancellations. Tie
games can be played to completion at a later date, again with the agreement of
both teams and league notification. 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.
SR8: A game that is cancelled for
any reason may be completed at a later date as decided by the Board of
Directors.
SR 7: A game ending in a tie score after seven or nine completed innings with the time being expired shall be recorded as a tie. If the time limit does not permit the completion of a full inning as time expires, and the home team is trailing in the score, the final score will be the score recorded at the end of the previously completed inning. If the home team is batting as time expires and they are leading then the recorded score will be the score as time expires. The game will not be completed at a later date unless under special circumstances, that being very limited in scope, at the discretion of the Board of Directors may be completed at a later date. See SR 7 under Chapter 12 Expansion of By-Laws.
Final League standings will be
decided on a point system with a win being worth 2 (two) points, a tie worth 1
(one) point, a loss worth 0 (zero) points, and a forfeit worth -1 (negative
one) point (forfeit games shall be scored (RA/RF) as: forfeiting team = 0
runs vs. winning team = to a score no less than the number of innings scheduled
(i.e. 0-9 for a nine inning game or 0-7 for a seven inning game). A tie in points will be decided in order by
head-to-head record, runs against, runs scored, and coin flip.
2.d In the event of rain, it is the responsibility of the
scheduled home team to notify the umpires and opposing team of field conditions
and possible cancellation of game, at least 1 hour before scheduled game time.
In the event such notification does not take place, the home team solely will
be responsible for any travel fees imposed by the umpiring organization.
In the
event of rain, the League will post the field conditions on the website. The League will notify the managers of both
teams and the umpires.
3. TEAMS, PLAYERS AND LINEUPS
3.a A player is eligible to participate in an official league
sanctioned game on the dates of either their 25th/35th/45th birthday or 18th
birthday for MSBL and MABL respectively. Individual local leagues can use
the cut-off date as the calendar year.
3.b New Players: The league shall control the assignment
to teams of all new 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 played 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 waiver
forms and team medical waiver form. Rosters may not be changed after the first
league game unless:
- Players are lost to injuries.
- A player from their roster voluntarily quits for the remainder of the season.
- The local league decides to extend dates for final rosters.
Managers
may add players after the beginning of the season by submitting the appropriate
forms and paying the appropriate fee, subject to Chapter 10 (o).
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 9 (nine) players
and therefore bats only 9, the opposing team will have the option of batting 9
as well.
League
Note: We recognize a clear distinction
between a league-member “player” and a batting/fielding “position” in the
lineup. This means no forfeit
shall occur if 9 or more individual players bat in less than 10
positions in the batting lineup,
so long as the lineup/scorebook at the end of the game shows that the
required number of players have batted.
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. Added players to the bottom of
the lineup may be added as individual hitters or as A/B. 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 any batting order position can be occupied by
two (2) players in each such batting position. That is, 3A/3B, 10, 11A/11B, 12,
etc. The first time that position 9 gets an at bat, 9A would hit and the next
time this slot hits, 9B would be up. Then 9A 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. Hitters in the A/B position may be
pinch hit for, just as any other player.
3.h All teams must announce offensive additions, substitutions,
and/or changes to the home plate umpire AND opposing team manager and/or
scorekeeper. Only after this has been done will the added player be deemed a
legal substitution.
If a team fails to announce an offensive addition/change, the player will be
called out as soon as he occupies the batter’s box and the lineup will revert
back to the lineup in effect prior to the player entering the game. The
unannounced player will not have officially entered the offensive lineup and is
therefore still available offensively even though an out has been assessed.
Example: Team A is batting 12 players and wishes to add a player to the bottom
of the lineup (Player 13). Player 13 walks to the plate and is not announced to
either the opposing team or home plate umpire. Once this player occupies his
position in the batter’s box, the umpire will immediately call him out for an
illegal substitution and it will then go back to the number 1 position in the
lineup. Player 13 is still available to be added to the lineup legally.
3.i If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or
ejection, a reserve player, not previously entered into the game as a hitter,
must hit in the replaced hitter’s place. If there are no reserves who can
replace the individual, the spot is skipped and all hitters below that position
move up. The first time this vacated spot comes up in the batting order, an
out will be assessed, after that one time, no out will be recorded for skipping
the spot vacated by the displaced player.
3.j A team must have 8 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.
3.k 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.l No player may switch teams 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,
or re-enter the league’s next draft, making himself available to any team for
selection. 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.m 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.n Final team rosters must have no less than 12 players.
SR 22: All teams are required to
maintain and pay for a minimum of fourteen (14) players on their roster. It is
not recommend, but allowed that a team can pay the minimum fee for fourteen
(14) players and maintain only twelve (12) players very early in the season,
but must obtain the minimum of fourteen (14) players by the end of the third
week of play. Under this scenario there will be no swapping, trading or
changing of any players until that team has reached the minimum player
requirement of fourteen (14) playersI (See 10.h (SR 41) in Chapter 10). The
penalty for such infraction is immediate ejection from the game of both the
manager and player with a three (3)
to five (5) game suspension and probation for the remainder of the season.
Farther infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years suspension or
expulsion from the league for life. See SR’s 16 & 17 under Chapter 9 Code
of Conduct: Penalties. For more on
rosters, see Chapter 10. Requirements of Membership, Rosters, Fees, and Playoff
Eligibility.
3.o Last names, first initial, and jersey number must be used in the
scorebook/lineup to allow for player
identification for follow up inquiries that relate to playoff and national
tournament participation requiring minimum playing requirements.
4. PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITY
4.a There will be no beer or alcoholic beverages permitted at the
field before, during or after the game. The field refers to the general playing
area and ancillary areas.
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.
4.e The rules committee is concerned about possible unnecessary, and violent collisions
that may occur with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all
bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage base runners and defensive
players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.
a.
When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in
possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge:
(1)
Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner have
reached the base without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner’s path to the
base was blocked) or
(2)
Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate) or
attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder.
PENALTY—If
the runner, a) could have avoided the collision and reached the base, or b)
attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner shall be declared out even if the
fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base
runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.
(3)
If the fielder blocks the path of the base runner to the base (plate), the
runner may make contact or slide into, a fielder as long as the runner is
making a legitimate attempt to reach the base or plate.
(4)
If the collision by the runner was flagrant, the runner shall be declared out
and also ejected from the contest. The ball shall be declared dead.
b.
If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly without
possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is
safe and an immediate dead ball shall be called.
(1)
If the base runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on
the obstruction, but will be ejected from the contest. The ball is dead.
SR 71
Running rules to home plate: All of the rules for the bases will also apply at
home plate. As a runner you are to slide or give up and at no time are you
allowed to bowl over or take out the catcher.
You may slide into home plate, but any rough tactics by the runner will
result in immediate ejection. As a catcher you cannot block the plate if you do
not have the ball. If you have the ball or are about to instantly receive the
ball then you can block no more than the inside half of the plate if the ball
is coming from inside the foul lines. If the ball is coming from outside the
foul lines then you can block half the plate if you have the ball or are about
to instantly receive the ball. Upon receiving the ball as a catcher you can
touch or swipe tag. But, at no time can you bull tag the runner. You have the
gear, the runner doesn't, and therefore any rough tactics by the catcher will
result in immediate ejection.
c.
Decoy Rule
Any
fielder may use a decoy only if it serves a strategic purpose. For
example, if a fielder, who sees a man attempting to steal second base
during a hit and run, looks upward into the sky and says that he’s got the
pop-up when in fact the ball has been hit on ground is a legal decoy as it may
cause the runner to retreat to first base and prevent him from advancing.
However,
if a fielder fakes a tag, forcing a player to slide, when there is no strategic
purpose or apparent play, the runner will be ruled safe and all runners
will advance one base.
SR 67: If a fake tag or illegal decoy causes unnecessary harm/injury, the result shall be immediate ejection from the game and at least 1 game suspension.
This
is entirely an umpire judgment decision and not a rule that may be protested.
d.
Force Play Slide Rule
The
intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of the defensive
player. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the
defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the
applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any
base, regardless of the number of outs.
a. On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line
between the two bases.
Exception—A
runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs
in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering
the play of the fielder.
(1)
“On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and
buttock on the ground.
(2)
“Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs, trunk and
arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.
For
SMSBL purposes, this means the runner’s body must be within reach of the base
by either a hand or a foot.
(3)
If a runner goes into a base standing up and does not make contact or alter the
play of the defensive player, interference shall not be called.
b. Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner:
(1)
Makes a legal slide directly to the base, or
(2)
Is on the ground at the time of contact and the fielder moves directly down the
line between the two bases to attempt a play.
(3)
Makes a legal slide and makes contact with a defensive player who is on or
over, but not beyond, the base.
(4)
When the base runner slides beyond the base, but does not (a) make contact
with, or (b) alter the play of the defensive player, interference shall not be
called.
c. Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:
(1)
The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder;
(2)
The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide and either makes contact
with or alters the play of a fielder;
(3)
The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a
standing position;
(4)
The runner goes beyond the base and either makes contact with or alters the
play of the fielder;
(a) Beyond the base” means any part of the offensive player’s body makes
contact with or alters the play of the fielder beyond the base.
(5)
The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg;
(6)
The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder
makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.
PENALTY:
(1)
With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner,
shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.
(2)
With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other
runner(s) shall advance.
(3)
If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected
from the contest.
(4) If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.
Side Note: SR 66: The Sacramento
MSBL/MABL Club is a non-violent, non-contact league! That means you must avoid
harmful, unnecessary contact at all times. Our Club is made up of working
people and non-professional ballplayers, and working people need to be able to
work for a living.
4.f Each league must set its own standards of 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 is detected, penalties whether to the individual 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
participated in and a minimum two-year suspension. If the manager had prior
knowledge, he is subject to similar suspension.
SR 48:
Any violation by the manager or player that has a direct effect upon the game
shall subject the team to a forfeit or more at the discretion of the Board of
Directors.
5. COURTESY RUNNERS
5.a
Players that will need courtesy runners, must have their manager notify the opposing
manager prior to the start of the game. If not so notified, the opposing
manager may deny the request. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 2
players per game who can be run for each time that they reach base. The
individual who runs for these player(s) needing a courtesy runner is not
determined ahead of time. It is always the last batted out who
must run for the person needing the courtesy runner. Once the game begins and
the full complement of 2 courtesy runners has not been used, if a player
sustains an injury, an additional courtesy runner may 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. The offensive team that is replacing the courtesy runner has
30 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within this
time period, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy
runner for this particular batter will be forfeited for the balance of the
game. The 30 second time limit will begin at the time the umpire calls for time
to allow replacement for the runner.
If the
catcher is the last batted out and there are two (2) outs, the previous batted
out may be used instead.
5.b
With two (2) outs, a courtesy runner will be allowed for the catcher at the
option of the batting team.
6. PITCHERS
6.a No player while pitching may wear white or gray sleeves, nor
may a pitcher wear a batting glove or wristband while pitching.
6.b One intentional walk per game will be allowed.
6.c If a pitcher hits 4 batters in any one game, the pitcher must
be removed on the fourth hit batsman.
6.d There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may
pitch in a game or a week.
7. EX-PRO
STATUS AND REGULATIONS
7.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. (Sacramento MSBL allows any player
regardless of time away from professional or independent ball). For the World Series and Fall Classic, the
following rules will pertain without exception:
In order to guarantee fairness to all, the
ex-pro rules will be as follows:
National division
A
player is not an ex-pro if:
A)
the player is over 38 years old and he has been out of pro-ball for at
least 3 complete seasons.
B)
the player has been out of pro-ball for more than 8 years.
American division
No
more than 3 ex-pros, as defined above, will be allowed on the roster without
written permission from the National Tournament Rules Committee.
Continental division - Limit 1 ex-pro as defined above.
Federal/Mountain divisions – Limit 1 ex-pro as defined
above. For 35+ & 45+, no ex-pros allowed as defined above.
Central division - No ex-pros allowed under any circumstances.
For National Tournament Play
25
and over - player becomes eligible on the date of his 25th birthday
35
and over - player becomes eligible if turns 35 during the calendar year
18
and over - player becomes eligible on the date of his 18th birthday
45
and over - player becomes eligible if turns 45 during the calendar year
50/55
and over - player becomes eligible if turns 50/55 during the calendar year
60/65
and over - player becomes eligible if turns 60/65 during the calendar year
Father/Son
- minimum age for son is 16 years old
8. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES
8.a Two 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.
8.b All protests should be lodged to the league protest
committee/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.
8.c Only MSBL and MABL leagues are eligible for all MSBL and MABL
sanctioned regional and national tournaments, unless waived by national
tournament committee.
8.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% of his regular season MSBL/MABL games.
8.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% 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% of this team’s regular
season total innings or pitch in 75% 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.
8.f In the case of a player whose team plays a regular season local
league schedule that had 15 or fewer games, the player must play in a
significant way in the greater of eight (8) games or 75% of the number of
regular season games on the schedule. A player shall be deemed to have played
in a game in a significant way if; (a) he has at least three (3) at bats in the
game; or (b) plays at least four (4) innings in the field; or (c) plays at
least three (3) innings in the field and has at least one at bat; or (d) plays
at least three (3) innings in the field, has no at bats, but pitches the game.
The National Rules Committee, and its conclusions, shall be binding.
8.g 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 drafting first.
8.h In regard to the Men’s Adult Baseball League, players upon
reaching the age of 28 do not automatically have to enter the senior division.
When desired, MABL players, unless entering as a full team, when reaching age
25 will enter the senior division draft. 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.
9. CODE OF CONDUCT
Prohibitions
Managers
and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No
manager or player shall commit the following:
SR 63: If a member, player, official
or any other individual associated via membership or contract with this Club
lays a hand upon, shoves or strikes, or threatens another member, player,
official or any other individual associated via membership, contract or not
associated with this Club shall be immediately suspended and shall remain
suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the Board of Directors. The Board
may impose a penalty congruous with the violation committed from one to two
year(s) suspension or expulsion for the league for life.
10. SR 64: Any member ejected before,
during or after a game depending on the violation shall be suspension for at
least one game. An immediate appeal in writing to the League Commissioner with
an acute justification that would dissuade the implementation of this penalty
is at his discretion. Any serious violation in nature is beyond the scope of
the Commissioner's authority and shall be referred to the Board of Directors.
11. SR 65: Any member that violates any
other prohibitions as stated in Article XIII- Code of Conduct, Section 1 - Prohibitions:
Shall be penalized as stated: Immediate ejection from the game, probation,
suspension, immediate suspension until reviewed by the Board of Directors or
expulsion from the league for life. These are minimum enforced penalties which
may also be increased by the Board of Directors if the circumstances of the
violation warrant additional punishment.
Penalties
·
SR
16: Disciplinary action may be taken against a Club member who violates the
Club's Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct,
Standing Rules, Playing Rules or any and all other Rules so added or deemed to
be in effect by the Club's Board of Directors.
·
SR
17: The Board of Directors may impose any or all of the following penalties:
a.
A STATEMENT of violation(s) and a warning that future violations can result in
stricter penalties.
b.
A REPRIMAND with PROBATION stating the violation(s) and a warning that a future
violation(s) can result in stricter penalties.
c.
A SUSPENSION from all Club activities for a period to be determined by the
Board of Directors, with a statement of reason for the suspension and a warning
that future violations can result in expulsion from the Club.
d. An EXPULSION from
the Club.
·
SR
18: All actions taken by the Board of Directors shall be in writing and a
record thereof maintained in the Club files by the Club Secretary.
Grievances, protests, and appeals
3. SR 19: A Club member who has a
grievance against another Club member may submit it in writing to the Board of
Directors for adjudication. The Board shall reply in writing to the member who
files a grievance within fourteen (14) days of its receipt. A grievance deemed
frivolous or vindictive by the Board shall not be acted upon and the member
filing such grievance notified accordingly.
4. SR 20: A member of the Board of
Directors who files a grievance, or against whom a grievance is filed, shall be
automatically disqualified from the adjudication process.
5. SR 21: A Club member may appeal any
action taken by the Board of Directors pursuant to any paragraph in the
Standing Rules and particularly paragraphs 5,6,7,8 and 9 under Section 12
Expansion of By-Laws. The appeal must be in writing and must be received by the
Board of Directors within seven (7) days of the action by the Board. The Board
of Directors must reply in writing to an appeal within fourteen (14) days of
its receipt. A member who has been expelled under paragraph 6 may request that
his appeal be handled under the same terms as stated in Article XIV, Section
1,2, and or 3 of the By-Laws.
10. Requirements of Membership,
Rosters, Fees, and Playoff Eligibility
10.a SR12: To be a member (player-
manager- coach- officer- board member) of this Club you must be a member in
good standing. Any references to members, players, managers, coaches, officers
and board members throughout these Standing Rules will incorporate the entire
group even though only one may be stated.
10.b SR 13: A member in good standing
requires the following:
a. All fees and any other financial obligations are to be
paid in full.
b. Be on a current roster and filed with the proper League
officials.
c. Have all required information and forms filed with the
League.
d.
Not in violation of any of the Club's Code of Conduct in addition to the
National Rules Code of Conduct listed in Section 9.
e. Not in violation of any of the Club's By-Laws.
f. Not in violation of any of the Club's Standing Rules.
g. Not in violation of any other matter concerning the Club.
10.c SR 14: All players must pay to
play. If you play and have not paid the full amount that is required you will
be immediately ejected from the game, suspended from three (3) to five (5)
games, placed on probation for the remainder of the season or expelled from the
Club. If you are part of a team fee payment it is your responsibility to insure
that you are listed as paid for that particular league. No one will be excused
from this responsibility! Let everyone be forewarned in this matter concerning
playing without paying!!
10.d SR 15: All players must also fill
out and sign a participation form (from the team manager) in order to be cover
under our insurance coverage. Failure to do so mayor will invalidate any and
all coverage that is available to you as a player. If you play and have not
completed all the necessary paper requirements you will be immediately ejected
from the game, suspended from three (3) to five (5) games, placed on probation
for the remainder of the season or expelled from the Club. Again, if you are
part of a team fee payment it is your responsibility to insure that you are
listed as paid and that your participation form has been submitted for that
particular league. No one will be excused from this responsibility! Let
everyone be fore-warned in this matter concerning the participation form!
10.e SR 23: Any team that does not pay
the required amount or has not submitted the required information on or before
the final date set by the Board of Directors for that league I season will be
dropped from the Club and must reapply for league play the following league or
year.
11.f SR 39: All team fees (total payment
for all official players but not less than the minimum of fourteen (14)
players) will be accompanied with a complete roster with all the information
that is required by the Club no later than the final deadline set for that
league by the Board for that Directors. There shall be absolutely no exception
for the minimum team payment and its deadline! See paragraph number 11.f. for a
slight exception for minimum roster players.
11.g SR 40: If the roster information
for those players listed is incomplete and/or the required amount of money is
not received, the money received will be deposited and the team will be put on
hold until all information and/or money needed for those players has been
received. If said information and I or money is not received by the final
deadline all money will be returned and that team will not be included in that
League for the year.
10.h SR 41: If the roster has less than
the required minimum fourteen (14) players, but full payment and all the
required forms have been received for at least twelve (12) players, the money
will be deposited. Those vacant roster spots are required to be filled ASAP.
Those players listed on the roster will become a permanently filled roster
spots until the final two spots are filled. There will be absolutely no
exchanging of names and/or other players for those filled roster spots until
the minimum roster requirement has been met of fourteen (14) players. The
penalty for such infraction is immediate ejection from the game with a three
(3) to five (5) game suspension and probation for the remainder of the season. Further
infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years suspension or expulsion
from the league for life. See SR’s 16 & 17 under Chapter 9 Code of Conduct:
Penalties.
10.i
SR 42: A manager will only be allowed to fill roster spots up to the
minimum if the minimum team fee has been paid. All other additions will be
paid at the full league rate or the half rate if in the second half of the
season plus the National fee if not already paid. All other additions are
covered under section 10.o. The penalty
for such infraction is immediate ejection from the game with a three (3) to
five (5) game suspension and probation for the remainder of the season. Further
infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years suspension or expulsion
from the league for life. See SR’s 16 & 17 under Chapter 9 Code of Conduct:
Penalties.
10.j SR 43: If a team is in full
compliance (current roster with the proper matching dollars for that team) the
manager may added to his roster by submitting a completed, "Player
Participation," form with the required amount of money before that player
is allowed to play. If the player is allowed to play before this these terms
are met, the penalty for such infraction is immediate ejection from the game
with a three (3) to five (5) game suspension and probation for the remainder of
the season. Further infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years
suspension or expulsion from the league for life. See SR’s 16 & 17 under
Chapter 9 Code of Conduct: Penalties.
10.k
SR 44: If a manager or a player knowingly or unknowingly allows an
illegal player (any player not in compliances with Club Rules) to participate
in a game will be subject to Club disciplinary action. The penalty for such
infraction is immediate ejection from the game with a three (3) to five (5)
game suspension and probation for the remainder of the season. Further
infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years suspension or expulsion
from the league for life. See SR’s 16 & 17 under Chapter 9 Code of Conduct:
Penalties.
10.l SR 45: If a manager or a player
knowingly or unknowingly changes, manipulate, swaps, trades players legal or
illegal adds or removes players or any other illegal action not allowed by Club
Rule he will be subject to Club disciplinary action. The penalty for such
infraction is immediate ejection from the game with a three (3) to five (5)
game suspension and probation for the remainder of the season. Farther
infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years suspension or expulsion
from the league for life. See SR’s 16 & 17 under Chapter 9 Code of Conduct:
Penalties.
10.m SR 46: If a manager and I or
players knowing or unknowing violate any rules of the Club they will be subject
to Club disciplinary action. See SR’s 16 & 17 under Chapter 9 Code of Conduct:
Penalties.
10.n SR 47: If a manager adds a new
player that is not within a reasonable age range for that league he will be
subject to disciplinary action as deemed by the Board of Directors and lor the
disciplinary rules here by set by the Club's, "Standing Rules." The
penalty for such infraction is immediate ejection from the game with a three
(3) to five (5) game suspension and probation for the remainder of the season.
Farther Infractions will result in two (2) to three (3) years suspension or
expulsion from the league for life.
10.o SR 24, All managers will pay a
total league team fee (based on a 14-player roster) plus the National fee,
preferably in one or two checks from the manager or from the team's checking
account. League fees are as follows:
·
SR
29: Spring League fees are $200.00 per player, plus $26.00 National fee. SR 30: The minimum team fee for the Spring
League is $3164.00 [(14 players X ($200.00 per player + $26.00)]. For each
roster spot over 14, the team fee increases by $226.00 ($200.00 + $26.00).
·
SR
35: The Summer League fees are $300.00 per player, plus $26.00 National
fee. SR 38: The minimum team fee for
the Summer League is $4564.00 [(14 players X ($300.00 per player + $26.00)].
For each roster spot over 14, the team fee increases by $326.00 ($300.00 + $26.00).
·
SR
25: Each player is obligated to pay an extra $26.00 fee to the Club which is
then sent to the National MABL/MSBL. SR 26: The National fee ($26.00) is paid
by each member only one time per year. Therefore, if the player has paid the
National fee ($26.00) in our Spring League or any other MABL/MSBL League then
they are only required to pay the SMSBL Spring League fee of $200.00 and/or the
Summer League fee of $300.00. It is the responsibility of the players to
produce evidence that they have already paid their National Dues so that the
manager can properly submit the team roster so annotated with the correct
adjusted team fee.
·
If
a team has paid the minimum team fee, a player may be added during the first
half of the season (Spring or Summer) by paying a prorated fee based on the
number of games remaining on the team’s schedule plus the $26.00 National fee,
if applicable. This prorated fee is $20
per game, not to exceed the total per player fee.
·
If
a team has paid the minimum team fee, a player may be added during the second
half by paying half the League fees
plus the $26.00 National Fee, if applicable.
·
SR
32: There are no half fees allowed until the second half of the season unless
this will cause a NCAA eligibility violation for that player. The manager shall
provide evidence of such NCAA eligibility problems for each player to receive
this special exception.
10.p SR 28: It is the manager’s
responsibility to submit the correct adjusted team fee verified and supported
by a roster so annotated with evidence from each player that has already paid
their National Dues.
10.q In order for a player to be
eligible for the playoffs, he must play in a minimum of 1/3 of the season’s
games (5 for the Spring and 7 for the Summer).
11. Managers Meetings and Refunds
11.a SR 51: The first Spring League
manager's meeting will be held in November the previous year no less than 90
days prior to the start of the Spring League. SR 52: A minimum team deposit of
$1050.00 ($75.00 X 14 players) will be required and received by the Club at a
manager's meeting held 60 days prior to the start of the Spring League.
11.b SR 53: The final Spring League
manager's meeting with the balance of all the money due, a complete minimum
roster of 14 players, and all other necessary paper requirements for the Club
shall be received no later than 30 days prior to the start of the Spring
League. There will be no exception or extension of time to complete the above
requirements! Failure to meet these requirements will forfeit your right to
participate in the Sprinq League.
11.c SR 54 (modified): The Spring League
is a weekend (Saturday & Sunday) league with games also on Wednesday
other nights depending on the number of teams in the leagues and field availability.
The Spring League will consist of four divisions. They will be bracketed
according age to be determined prior to the start of the league.
11.d SR 56: The first Summer League
manager's meeting will be held In March of that year no less than 120 days
prior to the start of the Summer League. SR 57: A minimum team deposit of
$1050.00 ($75.00 X 14 players) will be required and received by the Club at a
manager's meeting held 90 days prior to the start of the Summer League.
11.e SR 58: A manager's meeting, if
needed, may be held for the Summer League 60 days prior to the start of the
Summer League.
11.f SR 59: The final Summer League
manager's meeting with the balance of all the money due, a complete minimum
roster of 14 players, and all other necessary paper requirements for the Club
shall be received no later than 30 days prior to the start of the Summer
League. There will be no exception or extension of time to complete the above
requirements! Failure to meet these requirements will forfeit your right to
participate in the Summer League.
11.g SR 60: The Summer League will
consist of five to six divisions. They will be bracketed according the National
MSBL I MABL age brackets.
11.h SR 61: All refunds will be handled
under the same terms as stated in Article XIV, Section 3 of the By-Laws. It
states that no refunds are allowed after the commencement of the season.
Therefore, only special circumstances will be permitted and they will be very
limited in scope and must be approved by seven (7) of the nine (9) Board
Members. Generally, any consideration of any refund after commencement of the
season can only be consider if at all after completion of the current
season.
11.i SR 62: No refunds shall be made to
a player who has been suspended or expelled from the Club.
12. Expansion of By-Laws
SR 1. The preceding rules will
supersede the rules promulgated by the National Baseball League as well as
expand, correct, explain, and support the enforcement of such rules of the
corporation as herein stated within the corporate Bylaws pursuant to Article II
- Purpose, Sections 1 - General Purpose, Section 2 Powers, Section 3 Applicable
Law; Article VI - Board of Directors, Section a-Powers of the Board of
Directors, subsection A.
SR 2. Expand Article II - Purpose.
Section 1 - General Purpose: To allow and include player's age eighteen (18)
years of age and older to play within and under the definition of the general
purpose of the corporation.
SR 3. Expand Article VII, Section 1
- Authorized Officers: To create, expand or include the following additional
officers: President Pro-Tern, Second Vice-President, Commissioners, and Player
Agents.
SR 4. Expand Article IX. Section 2 -
Qualifications: Change to: All Members shall be of good moral character and
shall attain the age of 18 years during the calendar year in which they apply
for membership. A member shall have the right to vote at any corporation
meeting, either in person, or by proxy, and shall be eligible to hold any
corporation office. There shall be but one vote for each member.
SR 5. Expand Article XII. Section 2
- Special Rules: Change to: A. The league shall be divided into as many
divisions as is necessary to properly categorize each group of players within
such certain age range as the Board of Directors may from time to time
designate. One division shall be established for players 18 years of age and
older and shall be known as the 18 - Plus Division. One division shall be
established for players 25 years of age and older and shall be known as the 25
-Plus Division. One division shall be established for players 35 years of age
and older and shall be known as the 35 - Plus Division. One division shall be
established for players 45 years of age and older and shall be known as the 45
-Plus Division. One division shall be established for players 55 years of age
and older and shall be known as the 55 - Plus Division. One division shall be
established in a like manner for players 60 years of age and older and shall be
known as the 60 - Plus Division. Players 25 - 35 - 45 - 55 - 60 years of age
and older, may be selected by and placed on the rosters of the established
teams in their respective division or in any division that is of a lower age
category. Players aged 18 to 24 years, inclusively, may be selected by and
placed on the rosters of the teams established only in the 18 - Plus Division.
The player's age shall be the age he will attain during the calendar year of
the season in progress. Exceptions to this restriction may be allowed on an
individual basis, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The above
ages and divisions are the intended goals of the Club, may not obtain the
brackets until later. The objective for 2008 is that the age and division will
be set at 18+, 28+,38+,48+, and 58+. It is suggested that as teams that you
should recruit as close to those ages as soon as possible or your team will
play in the bracket of your youngest player. A word to the wise!
SR 6. Expand Article XII, Section 2
- Special Rules: Change to: G. Nine innings shall constitute a complete game in
the Spring league and seven innings shall constitute a complete game in the
Summer league; however, five (5) innings or more shall constitute a complete
game in both leagues in which the game is discontinued on account of rain or
other restrictions including injury when time has expired.
SR 7. Expand Article XII. Section 2
- Special Rules: Change to: H. A game ending in a tie score after seven or nine
completed innings with the time being expired shall be recorded as a tie. If
the time limit does not permit the completion of a full inning as time expires,
and the home team is trailing in the score, the final score will be the score
recorded at the end of the previously completed inning. If the home team is
batting as time expires and they are leading then the recorded score will be
the score as time expires. The game will not be completed at a later date
unless under special circumstances, that being very limited in scope, at the
discretion of the Board of Directors may be completed at a later date.
SR 8. Expand Article XII, Section 2
- Special Rules: Change to: I. A game that is cancelled for any reason may be
completed at a later date as decided by the Board of Directors.
All of the preceding Standing Rules
are authorized, supported and enforced by and
within the authority of the
Sacramento Men's Senior Baseball League Bylaws pursuant
to Article II, Section 3 -
Applicable Law, Article XV, Section 6 - Validity of Action, Article
XX - Construction of Bylaws and the
State of California.