All playing rules governing major league baseball shall apply unless they conflict with the following league rules. These rules are applicable to those divisions, age groups, and tournaments under govern of CABL.

Article I. Teams

Section 1.01 NAMES

All league teams shall be named after major or minor league franchises. Any deviation from this will need CABL board approval. Any existing names, currently in the league, not meeting these requirements shall be grand fathered in.

Section 1.02 AGE REQUIREMENTS

(a) 18 and over division

Eligible players must turn eighteen (18) years old in the calendar year they are participating. An opposing manager, at any time, has the right to question a player’s age; whereupon, the questioned player must present evidence of his age within one week. Players who do not meet age requirements shall be considered illegal players.

(b) 30 and over division

Eligible players must turn thirty (30) years old in the calendar year they are participating. An opposing manager, at any time, has the right to question a player’s age; whereupon, the questioned player must present evidence of his age within one week. Players who do not meet age requirements shall be considered illegal players

Article II. ILLEGAL PLAYERS – PENALTIES

All games played with an illegal player will result in forfeit of all games during which said player participated.

Section 2.01 ADDITIONAL PENALTIES

In addition, the manager may be suspended for up to four (4) games.

Section 2.02 ROSTER FORMS

All team managers must submit a completed roster form to the league office (ie; Roy Hobbs). Players who do not have a roster form on file shall be considered illegal players. This applies to the league that CABL is affiliated with (i.e. Roy Hobbs). A player will have 30 days to pay the appropriate league fees and insurance costs to their team’s manager and the manager, to the official roster of that team, must add that player. The team manager shall have the right to “try out” a player at one weekends set of games and shall make the determination to add the player to their teams roster or not. The manager shall have one additional week to officially add the player to the CABL league affiliation (i.e. Roy Hobbs). If the above information is not filed in the appropriate timeframes, the player is considered an illegal player.

Section 2.03 DEADLINE – INDIVIDUAL ROSTERS

The deadline for submission of individual rosters shall be the last manager’s meeting, prior to the start of the season (April). No player is eligible for play unless a roster is in the league office by Friday of the second week’s game(s). Up to twenty-five (25) players are allowed per roster. In addition, provide one copy of the roster to the opposing manager and another copy to the league office.

Section 2.04 TEAM ROSTERS

Team rosters must be completed and approved by the manager, and submitted to the league office by the date of the last manager’s meeting, prior to the start of the season (April).

Section 2.05 ROSTER CHANGES

Once rosters are set, any additions must be submitted in writing to the league office as stated in Rule 4A. For regular season, no players may be added after August 31 unless given board approval and the new player(s) must have participated on a regular season game roster. This is the playoff eligibility date. (This date is subject to change with each new baseball season)

Section 2.06 PLAYER TRADES

Players may switch teams during the off-season without the consent of managers OR during the season with both managers’ consent. The League Commissioner has the last right of refusal on player switches in order to maintain the best interests of the league.

Section 2.07 FEES

(a) Regular Season (April-September)

Twenty-eight eight (28) Regular Season games - Teams must pay their required league fees. New teams are required to pay a non-refundable deposit that is due on or before February 15th to guarantee a team’s membership in the league. One half of the remaining amount is due on or before March 15th and the final payment is due on or before May 15. Penalty fees will be added if paid after May 15th. The team can continue to play as long as the fees they have paid cover the costs of playing. If a team cannot play due to non-payment of adequate fees to cover the costs of playing; the games will be forfeited and not made up. Two separate play dates will be allowed to collect the remaining fees owed. Once the fees have been collected the team can resume play with the remaining game schedule. If any team drops from the league their deposit will remain with the league. Any requests to deviate from the above payment schedule will be reviewed by the Commissioner and the Board for a decision.

(b) Fall Ball Season (September-October)

Twelve (12) Fall Ball games - Teams must pay their required league fees. New teams are required to pay a non-refundable deposit is due on or before August 1st to guarantee a team’s membership in the league. One half of the remaining amount is due on or before August 15th and the final payment is due on or before September 15th. Penalty fees will be added if paid after September 15th. If a team cannot play due to non-payment of adequate fees to cover the costs of playing; the games will be forfeited and not made up. Two separate play dates will be allowed to collect the remaining fees owed. Once the fees have been collected the team can resume play with the remaining game schedule. If any team drops from the league their deposit will remain with the league. Any requests to deviate from the above payment schedule will be reviewed by the Commissioner and the Board for a decision.

(c) Wooden Bat Season (July-August)

Fifteen (8) Wooden Bat games - Teams must pay their required league fees. New teams are required to pay a non-refundable deposit is due on or before June 1st to guarantee a team’s membership in the league. One half of the remaining amount is due on or before July 15th and the final payment is due on or before August 30th. Penalty fees will be added if not fully paid by August 30th. If a team cannot play due to non-payment of adequate fees to cover the costs of playing; the games will be forfeited and not made up. Two separate play dates will be allowed to collect the remaining fees owed. Once the fees have been collected the team can resume play with the remaining game schedule. If any team drops from the league their deposit will remain with the league. Any requests to deviate from the above payment schedule will be reviewed by the Commissioner and the Board for a decision.

Article III. EQUIPMENT

Section 3.01 BASEBALLS

Only those baseballs provided by the league are permitted during regulation play. The Home Team shall provide all game balls.

Section 3.02 BATS

Wood and metal bats are allowed. -5 bats have been grand fathered in for the 2002 Regular Season (April-September). -3 bats only will be allowed beginning with the 2003 Regular Season. All-wood bats only are required for the Wooden Bat division.

Section 3.03 UNIFORMS

All teams must have full baseball uniforms. Players and coaches without uniforms will not be allowed to play without the opposing manager’s consent. Full uniforms (see uniform defined – 11A) are required after the rosters freeze date on 30 June 2002.

(a) UNIFORM – DEFINED

A uniform shall consist of a major league style (facsimile) hat, shirt, pants, and athletic shoes. Each uniform shall be numbered on the back, and the name or logo of the team shall be displayed on front of the jersey. The jersey shall be tucked in and there shall be no bare legs.

Article IV. GAMES

Section 4.01 FIELDS

All players, coaches and fans must respect the sanctity of the playing fields and refrain from litter, alcohol, drugs, profanity or other undignified behavior. The home team is responsible for enforcement, while players from each team are expected to help. At the conclusion of each set of games both teams are also responsible to assist in clean up of the dugouts and the field after ach game. If required, line/rake the fields.

Section 4.02 DUGOUTS

Dugouts are selected on a first-to-the-field basis. For insurance reasons, visitors are discouraged from the dugout. Visitors under the age of 15 shall wear a batting helmet.

Section 4.03 ALCOHOL/INTOXICANTS

There will be no alcoholic beverages or intoxicants permitted during any CABL event. CABL shall abide by the rules and regulations of the organization providing the playing fields and the League Commissioner and Board members shall enforce those rules.

Section 4.04 ALCOHOL/INTOXICANTS VIOLATION

Players will be ejected from the game and made to leave the grounds. Fans shall be asked to discard the alcohol or intoxicants and may stay if they comply promptly. Failure to discard the alcohol or intoxicants will result in the fan being asked to leave the grounds. These are team manager’s responsibilities.

Section 4.05 ADDITIONAL PENALTIES

Players and fans may be forever barred from any future CABL games or events, or may be barred or suspended for such lesser periods as may be appropriate.

Section 4.06 RAIN OUTS

See Official League Schedule for rain out dates. If a game is rained out before becoming an official game (see Rule 19), an attempt to reschedule the game will be made to replay the game in its entirety. Providing there is enough time left in the season and a field is available.

Section 4.07 NUMBER OF PLAYERS FOR GAMES

Teams must have at least eight (8) defensive players at all times for an official game. If a team has only eight (8) players, that team may borrow a player from the opposing team for defensive purposes only. Offensively, the team with eight (8) players will record an automatic out in the ninth (9^th) position of the batting order. If during the course of a game players are injured or had to go home and this results in that team having eight (8) players, then that team may borrow a defensive player as per above. If a player is ejected from the game thereby causing that team to have eight (8) players, then that team may not borrow a defensive player. No team can borrow players in play off games.

Section 4.08 STARTING TIMES OF GAMES

Weekday games begin at 7:00 PM. Saturday morning double-header games begin at 10:00AM, with the second game beginning at 1:00PM. Saturday evening double-header games begin at 4:00PM, with the second game beginning at 7:00PM. Sunday games begin at 1:00 PM and 4:00PM and are single games. At least one fifteen (15) minute grace period will be allowed between double-header games.

Section 4.09 FORFEITS

If less that eight (8) players are present, a forfeit will be recorded. The team managers and plate umpire shall record the forfeit in the home teams scorebook. One fifteen (15) minute grace period will be allowed after the official start time of the game to allow additional time prior to the forfeit being recorded. Forfeits on three (3) scheduled dates by any team will result in expulsion from the league playoffs.

Section 4.10 OFFICIAL GAME

A single game is nine (9) innings and a doubleheader shall consist of two 7-inning games. For nine (9) inning games, a game is considered complete after 7 innings (or 6 ½ if home team leads) if, in the umpire(s) discretion, the game should be stopped because of darkness, rain, or playing conditions. For seven (7) inning games, a game is considered complete after 5 innings (or 4 ½ if home team leads) if, in the umpire(s) discretion, the game should be stopped because of darkness, rain, or playing conditions. Games may start early with the consent of both managers. Once the game begins, the umpire may elect to suspend play for rain, poor field conditions, or darkness. A new inning shall not be started unless there is at least 15 minutes remaining within the games time limit. In the event of a tie the teams continue if time permits. The plate umpire should attempt to allow additional and reasonable time to complete the game. If the umpire declares additional and reasonable time does not exist, then each team is awarded a tie.

Exception: see Rule 20.

Section 4.11 RUN DIFFERENTIAL RULE

If there is a 12-run discrepancy and either (1) 5 full innings have been played (4 1/2 if home team leads) in a 7-inning game, or 7 full innings have been played (6 1/2 if home team leads) in a 9-inning game or (2) the game has lasted at least 2 1/2 hours in a 7-inning game or 3 hours for a 9-inning game, then the game will be ruled complete. There is no time limit on final playoff or championship games. At any time, regardless of innings played or time elapsed, if a losing team’s manager requests to terminate the game, he shall notify the plate umpire and the umpire shall terminate the game.

Section 4.12 PITCHERS

If a starting pitcher is removed, he may not pitch again in that game unless he stays in the game defensively. Only a starting pitcher may return to the mound from a defensive position once during any one game.

(a) PITCHERS - Trips to the mound

A team manager or pitching coach can make two trips to the pitching mound in one inning or three total trips in one game for one pitcher. On the second trip the pitcher shall be removed from pitching. Each time the pitcher is removed the mound trips are reset to zero with each new pitcher added to the game. The above rules again apply to each new subsequent pitcher.

Section 4.13 BATTERS

Each manager will have the option of batting as many players as he desires in the lineup, subject to a minimum of nine (9) batters. If a manager has less than nine (9) players available, he must bat all available players. If a manager wishes to add batters to the bottom of his lineup, he may do so at any time. If a batter is a pinch hitter, he may not reenter the lineup as a hitter, but may stay in the game defensively.

Section 4.14 OFFENSIVE SUBSTITUTIONS

(a) PINCH HITTERS

If a player becomes a pinch hitter the batter he is hitting for is removed from the batting line up. If the pinch hitter remains in the hitting line up it is considered an offensive substitution. Neither the pinch hitter nor the batter he replaced may reenter the offensive lineup unless he becomes the ninth (9^th) player to avoid forfeiture. Then and only then, may the original player reenter the game. Batters, however, can be added during the game to the end of the batting order.

(b) PINCH RUNNERS

Pinch runners are considered offensive substitutions and thus the original player is removed from the batting lineup, permanently, unless he becomes the ninth (9^th) player to avoid forfeiture. Only then may the original runner reenter the game.

(i) COURTESY RUNNERS

A courtesy runner will be allowed in the event of an injury sustained to a player during the game and the manager of the injured player obtains agreement from the other manager. If the manager declares an injured player before the game begins and requests a courtesy runner. The manager of the injured player must obtain agreement from the other manager. The courtesy runner shall be a player not currently in the game. If no reserve players are available, then the courtesy runner shall be the last batted out.

(c) DH RULE

A player may DH for anyone in the field including the pitcher. Otherwise, the major league DH rule applies.

(d) SHARED POSITION

Up to three (3) players can share a position, meaning any one of the shared names may hit and/or run independent of the other. All three players are locked into that position only and may not contribute in any different batting position, serve as a pinch hitter or pinch runner, unless the need arises to add a ninth (9th) player to avoid a forfeiture. The shared position (s) shall be announced prior to the start of the game and indicated as such in the scorebook lineup.

Section 4.15 DEFENSIVE SUBSTITUTIONS

(a) SUBSTITUTIONS

All players may be substituted for defensively at any time during the game except for the pitcher (refer to Rule 21 on pitchers). The original player must remain in the batting order or it is considered an offensive substitution. The defensive substitute need not be added to the offensive lineup.

Section 4.16 PLAYERS LEAVING THE GAME

If a player is forced to leave the game due to a commitment, or ejection from a game, then 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 receives an out each time the batting position comes up. In the event of an injured player and no reserve is present, rule 16 applies. See Rule 16 if team has less than nine (9) players.

(a) SPEED UP RULE – RUNNING

The pitcher or catcher may elect to run for him or herself and will elect to have a runner after two outs to speed up the game. The runner will be the last batted out.

(b) SPEED UP RULE – BATTING

The batter has 20 seconds between pitches to be in the batting box and prepared for the next pitch. The umpire may elect to charge the batter with a strike if the batter is not prepared for the next pitch. One foot should stay in the batters box unless a pitch, fielding throw, or runner advancing to home plate, causes the batter to move from the box to minimize injury.

Section 4.17 INTENTIONAL WALKS

Each team is allowed any number of intentional walks per game and can waive the batter to first.

Section 4.18 DECOYS

If a fielder decoys a throw, all runners will be entitled to advance one base, in addition to the base they are advancing towards. If the same fielder decoys twice in a game, he will be ejected from that game only.

(a) DECOYS DEFINED

A throw is decoyed when any fielder pretends to be receiving a throw and (a) an actual throw may have resulted in the runner being out and (b) the runner slides unnecessarily as a result of the decoy.

(b) NCAA SLIDE RULE

Refer to Rule 8, NCAA Handbook – Force Play Slide Rule. If any contact is evident a slide must be attempted. If at home plate, a slide shall always occur if there is any possibility of a collision with the opposing team’s catcher, providing that a play is possible.

Section 4.19 INTENTIONAL COLLISION

All players must avoid an intentional collision; Runners and fielders must strive to avoid any intentional contact. In the event of an intentional collision caused by the runner, that runner will be automatically out. That runner may be ejected if, in the umpire’s discretion, the action was flagrant. In the event of an intentional collision caused by the fielder, the runner will automatically be awarded an additional base. That fielder may be ejected if, in the discretion of the umpire, the action was flagrant.

Section 4.20 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

The umpires shall have broad authority to eject from the game and the premises any player, manager or fan who engages in unsportsmanlike conduct, disrupting the game or acting in a manner that is threatening to the health or safety of others.

(a) UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT DEFINED

Conduct which may result in ejection from the game and the premises shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

· Harmful or offensive physical contact with an umpire, another player, or fan

· Threats made to an umpire, player or fan

· Throwing at a batter or runner

· Throwing objects or equipment

· Foul, profane or abusive language

· Flagrant violations of the rules

(b) FIGHTS

All participants of any fights occurring at any CABL event will be ejected from the game and the premises. Further sanctions could take place dependent upon decision by the League Commissioner and Board members.

(c) ADDITIONAL PENALTIES

Any ejected player, manager or fan may be forever barred from any future CABL events or may be barred or suspended for such lesser periods as may be appropriate.

(d) EJECTION

When a player is ejected, that player becomes ineligible for the current game only. Subsequent review by the League Commissioner and Board members may decide on additional penalties.

Section 4.21 REPEATED EJECTIONS

Three ejections during a season shall result in the suspension of that player indefinitely with a right to appeal to the League Commissioner and Board Members.

Section 4.22 GAME PROTESTS

All game protests must be submitted by the manager to the League Office, in writing, within 48 hours of the game and accompanied by a filing fee. The League President and Board members, at the next scheduled meeting, shall decide all protests. If an inter-league game is involved, both League Commissioners will deliberate the decision. If it is decided that the team providing the filing fee wins the protest, their money is returned. If it is decided that the team providing the filing fee loses the protest, 50% is donated to the league and 50% is given to the team that had the protest lodged against them. The umpire shall be required to note the protest and sign the home team’s scorebook, acknowledging the protest issue.

Section 4.23 APPEALS PROCEDURE

The appellant must file a written appeal accompanied by a filing fee to the League Office within 48 hours of any game protest. The League Commissioner and Board members will rule over all appeals.

(a) SCOPE OF REVIEW

Appellant’s written appeal shall list the Rule(s) in question, all facts related to the situation and the requested disposition. An appeal cannot be lodged towards a discretionary call.

Article V. LEAGUE STRUCTURE AND FORMAT

Section 5.01 STATISTICS

NOTE: SECTION #33 IS FOR FUTURE USE AND IS UNDER CONSIDERATION

The league shall compile the official win/loss records and league standings each week. Each team is responsible for maintaining the accuracy of hitting/pitching statistics and to record them on a diskette (provided by the league) in an Excel or other board-approved spreadsheet. These statistics should include the following:

AT BATS RUNS SCORED INNINGS PITCHED
WALKS DOUBLES HITS ALLOWED
TRIPLES HOMERUNS WALKS ALLOWED
RUNS BATTED IN STOLEN BASES STRIKEOUTS
SACRIFICE HITS BATTING AVERAGE EARNED RUNS
SLUGGING AVERAGE TOTAL BASES EARNED RUN AVE.
WIN/LOSS RECORD SHUTOUTS COMPLETE GAMES
SAVES (SEE SAVE DEFINED) WALK RATIO (BBS PER 7 INNINGS)
STRIKEOUT RATIO (KS PER 7 INNINGS)

Saves defined: Major League rule in effect. Exception: pitcher qualifies for a save when entering a game for the last 2 innings and the entering pitchers team is leading by less than four (4) runs.

Section 5.02 SCORES

NOTE: SECTION #34 IS FOR FUTURE USE AND IS UNDER CONSIDERATION

Each manager shall be responsible for providing scores to the designated contact as soon as possible so they can be reported to the website and newspaper.

Section 5.03 TIEBREAKERS

If two or more teams are tied, the following tiebreakers will be used to determine the final positions for the Regular, Fall Ball, or Wooden Bat season games and the Final Standings:

Best winning percentage ‘head to head’ in games concerning teams tied.
Run differential in head to head games (runs scored minus runs allowed).
Fewest runs allowed of teams remaining tied (all games and all teams).
Coin flip.

Note: Tiebreaker rules are sequential and cumulative; i.e. once a team has been eliminated by a tiebreaker rule, it cannot be considered in the next tiebreaker sequence.

Section 5.04 DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

See League Schedule.

Section 5.05 DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

See League Schedule.

Section 5.06 CABL ALL STAR or WORLD SERIES

The CABL World Series will consist of a best of three (2 of 3) game series between the two Division Championship winners. Games will be sequenced with a doubleheader on Saturday and a third game, if necessary, on the following Sunday. Game three will be a nine (9) inning game. The team with the better regular season record will be home 1^st and 3^rd games. If similar schedules were not played, the commissioner or board members shall decide home/away distribution.

Section 5.07 POST SEASON AWARDS

Post-season awards will be given in each league to those players in the following categories:

Most Valuable Player
CY Young Award
Batting Champion
Homerun Champion
Innings Pitched Leader
RBI Champion
Earned Run Average
Leader Strikeout Leader
Rookie of the Year
Manager of the Year
Stolen Base Champion
Most strike outs Champion

Section 5.08 POST SEASON AWARDS

All Star or World Series Champions (1st and 2nd place) will receive the manager’s name and team’s name added to the first and second place trophy with individual awards to be determined.

Article VI. UMPIRE ASSOCIATION

Section 6.01 UMPIRE CONTRACTING

CABL will contract with an umpire association through written contract. Umpires will have equal responsibility with the League Commissioner and Board members to enforce the CABL by-laws.

The head umpire is invited to attend all board member meetings and is encouraged to provide any suggestions or recommendations for consideration on league and umpire improvement, subject to Board member approval. All team managers have the opportunity to fill out an umpire evaluation form for submission to the head umpire for umpire improvement.

Umpire invoicing, umpire payment, and specific game payment policies are found in the CABL Umpire Contract. Partial, complete, or incomplete game rules are found within the CABL RULES.