League Rules

INMBL League Rules, Regulations and By-Laws 

2022

This league was created to provide for players 18 years old and over, 32 years old and over and 48 years old and older 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, or as approved by League Directors. Jerseys can have either tackle twill or screen-print lettering and numbering. NUMBERS ARE REQUIRED. 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 are recommended by League to wear helmets either catcher’s style or double-ear flap.

1.c – All leagues are encouraged to use official MSBL baseballs. League will provide each team game balls as required and determined for League Play. Each team should extra baseballs to each game to supply upon loss or damage to balls in play in order to keep games moving. For double headers each team is required to provide 2 new balls each to start first game and 1 new ball each to start second game; keeping best balls from game one.

1.d – Players in the 18+ division, 35+ division and 48+ division may only use wood baseball bats, composite wood, or metal-wood 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.

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 are as scheduled for either seven or nine innings unless overridden by special field rules. No new inning will begin after three hours for a nine-inning game or 2:40 hours for a seven-inning game, 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). Time limits rules will not apply to championship games in all leagues. Time limit rules will still apply to playoff games, unless tied games that need a winner.

2.b – All doubleheaders will be scheduled seven innings, unless tied. No new inning will begin after two 2:40 following the start of the game, unless special field rules are in effect. There shall be 20 minutes between games of a doubleheader unless both managers and the umpire agree on more time. (30 minutes max.) In result of tie during playoffs after time limit a runner will be placed on 2nd base.

2.c – Games that must be ended due to time limits, rain or darkness may end in a tie. 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 10-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings, wether the game was scheduled for seven or nine the game will be ruled final at this point. For 48+ League run rule discrepancy will be 15 runs at the end of 5 innings. This rule will also pertain in playoffs and championship games. Games scheduled for nine innings may use a 12-run rule at the end of 5 innings if communicated and agreed by both managers at start of game.

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. Game start delays can be considered if approved by League President and Umpire Coordinator. If weather conditions impact the playability of a field for a game in progress and there are differing opinions between managers regarding the playability of the field, the decision to cancel the game will be made by the umpire. Proper use, upkeep and protection of fields, as well as safety of players, umpires and fans must always be ensured. The umpire has the discretion to stop play of games when they feel conditions are unsuitable for play. Rain delays can be considered, but are limited to 40 minutes delay max. Teams are responsible to make fields playable and safe after rain delays, using standard field maintenance standards. Follow guidelines established per that fields standards or requirements. Do not apply products that are not approved for that fields use.

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. If the preceding criteria does not resolve ties in the standings, runs-against will be calculated and used to determine final standings. Forfeited games will count as one (1) run-against per inning scheduled.

2.i – Games cancelled by rain, field availability, or field conditions will not be directly rescheduled 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 and be approved. Both teams need to work with League to reschedule game at earliest convenience based on field availability and players. Managers need to be flexible and work together as many games may need to be played on alternate days or later game start times. Rain out games must be made up in order of cancellations whenever possible.  Games not made up will be considered as forfeits to both teams in the standings.

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. (MSBL) adults 32 and over and 48 and over as of the league’s and/or teams first sports activity of the current year. Waivers to allow players less than 18 years of age for 18+ division, less than 32 for 32+ division and less than 48 for 48+ division may be requested by player from League. League has the rights to accept or deny player waivers. All underage players must have granted waivers, approved by League, prior to playing in games or practices.

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. Players contacting teams directly are considered that teams’ recruit and are subject to control of the team. All new players not acquired by an individual teams’ recruiting efforts must participate in the League tryouts and subsequent draft. If a draft is not held, it will be the League responsibility to assign new players to teams. New players coming into the League after the tryouts will be given opportunity to contact and tryout for individual teams requesting additional player needs.

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. Rosters may be changed up to the middle of each season or date to be determined. Roster adjustment fees must be completed by middle of season. Rosters may not be changed after middle of each season 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. Forms and waivers must be submitted to League at least two (2) days prior to participating in a game. Player fees for added players need to be paid at time of player additions.

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. For 35+ and 48+ Leagues teams may borrow a player from another team, non-pitcher, 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 maximum 30-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. Teams only having 8 players in their batting lineup, with no reserve player present, will be accessed and out only the first time the 9th batter position comes up in the order.

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 (2) calendar years seniority in the league will become automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team.  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. At no time may a manager steal, bribe or take another player from a team if he does not have 2 years Seniority. Managers may trade players for draft picks, players or what every they agree upon for mutual compensation for their players. If a player does not want to play for the team he is on, the Player may Request a release in writing giving his detailed reason to the League President and his manager, at no time may he quit a team to join another team, the player must go into the Draft if less than 2 years seniority or sit out 1 calendar year.

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, 13 full time players for 18+, 12 full time players for 32+, 48+ and 18+ fall league.

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 – 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 not announced  it is a illegal player and will be a ejection from the game and out and all players move back to original positions

3.p – 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.q – Line-up cards specifying the starting offensive line-up, all other available 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 may 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 may 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, waivers and non-rostered 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 or roster status. If a manager wants to lodge a protest, proof of age or roster status must be mailed to the manager who lodged his protest by Friday of the following week. If an underage player, player without a waiver 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. If a non-rostered player is detected, all games in which that player participated will be forfeited. Additionally, the manager of the offending team may be suspended for two (2) games. Should a non-rostered player be detected again or a secondary player offense within in the same season for the same team, the manager may be expelled from the League. The League has full discretion to modify the above penalties relating to the use of non-rostered players. As a 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 of the player, 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 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. For the 48+ league teams will be allowed 3 courtesy runners per game. The player to make the last 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, without regards to the outs, he may be substituted from the bases with the last out so that he can expedite putting on the catcher’s gear for warm ups after the third out. For the 35+ and 48+ leagues this will extend to the pitcher and catcher positions. These positions do not count as the number of courtesy runners allowed. 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 free walk per game will be allowed. The pitcher is not required to throw any pitches. Second intentional walk 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 inning or 4 in a game, he must be removed. A pitcher so disqualified may remain in the game at another position. The Pitcher is also eligible to pitch second game of a double-header.

6.d – There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or a week. In the 48+ division a pitcher may only pitch a maximum of 5 innings in a game, regardless if the game goes into extra innings. For the 32+ League, a pitcher can pitch a maximum 7 innings in one game or 9 innings totals in a scheduled double-header.  UPDATE: If a starting pitcher pitches in one game he may continue to pitch the entire game no matter how many innings the game goes. If it is the first game he is not eligible for the 2nd game if he has already pitched 7 innings (or more). If the starting pitcher or relief pitcher pitches 1 and 1/3 innings in the first game he can pitch 5 and 2/3 of the 2nd game or any combination of 7 innings, he must be removed from pitching at maximum 7 innings pitched. He may however play in another position on the field as long as it is not as a pitcher. Innings are divided by 3 outs, so one out = 1/3 of an inning, 2 outs is 2/3rd of an inning and 3 outs is a full inning.

A Relief Pitcher is only allowed to pitch a maximum of 7 innings for the day.
This will apply to both scheduled 7 inning games or 9 inning games.

6.e – A pitcher shall be permitted eight warm-up pitches, upon entering the game. At the start of each half-inning the pitcher shall be permitted five warm-up pitches. The umpire has the discretion to expand or reduce this number if he determines that the pitcher has intentionally delayed the game by not taking the mound promptly or weather conditions exist.

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.

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. Pro-ball refers to major and minor leagues. Independent leagues are to be considered separately. The League may provide a grant or waiver to a player to participate in League play.

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. The League will 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 – 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 40 percent of his team’s regular season games. This applies to full time and part time players. Pool payers are allowed but must meet this requirement to be eligible for post season play.

9.e – 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. During each year’s draft, the lowest two teams based upon the standings from the prior summer season, will have the first and second picks. Expansion teams will then pick based upon the order in which they joined the league. The remainder of draft will be ordered upon the prior year’s summer standings for the remaining teams.

9.f – In regard to the Men’s Adult Baseball League, players upon reaching the age of 32 or 48 do not automatically have to enter the senior division. When desired, MABL players, unless entering as a full team, when reaching age 32 or 48 will enter the senior division draft unless the MABL player has 1-year seniority in the league. MABL players with 1-year seniority in the league will become automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any MSBL desired team.

9.g – Both teams must report into the league within 48 hours their game results. This would include the score(s), 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 may mean forfeiting that game.

NATIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT RULES 

Prohibitions

Managers and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No manager or player shall commit the following:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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