MEN'S ADULT BASEBALL LEAGUE NEW YORK CITY INC.
(MABLNYC)
RULES AND REGULATIONS
This league was created to provide for men 18 years old and over an alternative to softball and enable us to play the game we all grew up playing. Adult attitudes must always prevail, no matter how competitive any league is. The responsibility that this ethic sustains will remain at the responsibility of the individual league President and his officers and anyone who abuses the league's code can be suspended or expelled from the league. These rules were established to serve as guidelines for all local league affiliates.
INDEX
1.Uniform, Equipment (Helmets, Baseballs, Bats)
2.Game Length, Run Rule and Rain-Outs
3.Players,Teams and Line-Ups
4.Player Behavior and Team Responsibility
5.Playoff Eligibility
6.Pitchers
7.Forfeit and Umpires
8.Ex-Pro Status and Regulations
9.General League Rules
10.Code of Conduct
New Rules for 2018 Season
EH Rule
If your team decides to use a DH for your pitcher the EH will only be able to hit.He can not take the field
If your team decides not to use a DH and let there pitcher hit then the EH is a position player and you can
switch him with any position including PITCHER.
Pitcher Visits (loose during month of april)
Each team will get a total of 6 visits. A Manager or Coach trip to the mound to meet with the pitcher shall constitute a
visit. A player leaving his position to confer with the pitcher, including a pitcher leaving the mound to confer with another player, shall also constitute a mound visit, regardless of where the visit occurs or the length of the visit. If the manager visits the mound twice in an inning he will have to still remove the pitcher. If a team has passed the 6 visit limit and the coach goes to the mound the pitcher must be removed. If the team has reached the 6 visit limit and the catcher would like to discuss signs with the pitcher the umpire can grant him extra visit this is for the safety of the catcher and umpire. In extra innings each team will be granted 1 mound visit each inning.
Exemption list
Pitcher and catcher conference between batters is not a visit
Any visit involving an injury
Any visit from a fielder after a Pinch hitter is announced
*If COACH visits mound twice in an inning the pitcher will have to be removed
*After a team reaches 6 mound visits the only time the team will be forced to remove the pitcher is if the coach visit. (There is no penalty if a player visits it will be up to the umpire to remind them they reached there limit and the player needs to speed up his visit)
Pass ball rule
If a ball gets passed the catcher and the baseball gets lodged or goes thru the fence with runners on ANY base its book rule all runners advance 1 base including if theres a runner on third base.
RULES
1. UNIFORMS.EQUIPTMENT (HELMETS, BASEBALLS, BATS)
1a. All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, belt, sanitary socks - each player's uniform must be of similar design to his teammate’s uniforms. Teams having sponsorship will be allowed the sponsor’s name on their uniforms via patch or uniform shirt.
a1. No player out of uniform will be allowed to play without the opposing
manager's consent.
a2. 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. (April 22, 2018 deadline). Added players have 2 weeks to get uniforms by there 3rd week they must be in uniform.
1b. Metal, cleats, plastic&turf are permitted. NO METAL CLEATS on turf fields at ALL!
1c. All batters and runners must wear helmets with at least one earflap 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 on the bases. The player who chooses to wear a one flap helmet is liable for own injury. Catchers must wear a helmet underneath their mask. NO CATCHER will be allowed to assume that position without protective headgear & mask. THE UMPIRES WILL ENFORCE THIS RULE. All base coaches must also wear helmets while on the field of play.
1d. All teams must use official MSBL-BB baseballs: (MP-0707) The Home team is responsible for providing the baseballs. Any team that runs out of balls before the end of the season is fully responsible to purchase more from the league to finish the season. Only balls provided by the local league will be permitted.
1e. ALL WOOD BATS are allowed in league play providing it conforms to the OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES (OBR) rule 1.10(a). (Ash, Maple, & Birch. BAMBOO IS NOT ALLOWED). Composite that contains graphite or other man made substances are banned (DiMarini, Baum, & BBCOR).However there are a couple DiMarini MLB APPROVED bats with the grain seal on the handle. Make sure the bat is an all wood bat. NOTE: If the umpire discovers an illegal bat anytime during or after which it has been used in, it shall declare the batter out.
2. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE AND RAIN-OUTS
2a. All regulation games are 7 innings or 2hours and 30minutes(game 1). No new inning may begin after 2hours and 15 minutes and 3hours(game 2) No new inning may begin after 2hours and 45 minutes. Re: rain - 4 innings complete Re: darkness - 5 innings complete - umpires discretion.
aa.(GAME 1) If the inning begins the inning must be completed but time will rollover for GAME 2. If the time limit has elapsed at any point in the game then the game shall be considered a regulation game (OBR 4.10c). Once the 2hours and 30minute mark is met the game is over. Unless game 1 is tied after 2hours and 30minutes in which the game will countinue and become the 3hour game and game 2 will be 2 hours and 30 minutes. Game 1 no extra innings or time after the 3 hours limit.(Must complete inning umpires judgemnet)
ab. (Game 2) of any double header will have a 3 hour time limit unless any of the following occur: 1) There is another game to be played. 2) The permit has expired at any high school/college field, and the custodian or school official is closing the field. 3) Insufficient daylight doesn’t allow for safe game play. 4) Less time due to game 1.
2b. All league playoff games must be played to completion by league standards, being a (7) inning game.There will be a 15 run rule after 4 complete innings (equal at bats) and a 12 run mercy rule after 5inning (equal at bats). ONLY IN THE PLAYOFFS. 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
2c. There is a sudden death mercy rule 15-run after 3innings for 7 innings. Once the 15 run differential is scored the game is over and the losing team will not be allowed a final at bat.
There is a mercy rule 10 run rule at the end of 5 innings played (equal at bats) or if the game has gone 2 hours and 30 minutes, the game will be ruled final at this point.
2d. Any games rained out will have to be re-scheduled by the teams within 2 weeks, 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. If teams cant agree within 2 weeks the the league will schedule the game. Rain out games must be made up in order of cancellations. Tie games will be counted as a half a win and a half a loss and reflect on your winning percentage. Final league standings will be determined by won/lost percentage. Tie breakers will be decided byhead-to-head Matchups first, followed by inter-division won-lost record.
2e. In the event of rain, it is the responsibility of both managers to notify eachother and the league of field conditions and possible cancellation of game, at least 2 hours and 30 mins before scheduled game time.
In the event such notification does not take place, both teams will be responsible for any travel
fees imposed by the umpiring organization.
3. PLAYERS, TEAMS, ROSTERS AND LINEUPS
3a. A player is eligible to participate in an official league sanctioned game on the date of their 18th birthday.
3b. 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.
3c All players, prior to participating in a game, must have signed a MABLNYC Waiver and Release form also must be in good financial standings on file with the league.
3d. All players must have a valid picture state ID card along with signed MABLNYC waiver as proof of eligibility. Managers are responsible to show proof of player’s eligibility during games. (Copy MABLNYC waiver) and Players must be able to produce a valid ID. An opposing manager may request proof of a player(s); the documentation is subject to search by opposing team, umpires, and the league officials. Player(s) ineligible will be ejected from the game.
3e. A team must have one (1) manager and at least fourteen (14) eligible players on the roster at all times to compete in league games. Team rosters may have max. 25 players. Additional players signed after the final roster submission date will be subject to an additional fee of $125 per player.
3f. Rosters must be on POINTSTREAK.COM and submitted to the league one (1) week prior to opening day, including player fees, proof of date of birth, player waiver and release form in completion. Rosters are due March 25th, 2019. Rosters will be closed on JUNE 12th, 2019 11:59pm.
3g. Players who have been under verifiable professional baseball contracts in the last 365 days are ineligible to play in the MABLNYC. Teams violating this rule will forfeit all games in which that player(s) have played in even if the existence of a contract is discovered after the fact. Final resolution in such situation is at the discretion of the league officials, who may consult with MSBL/MABL National Director.
3h. Last name and uniform number must be used in the SCOREBOOK and POINTSTREAK to allow for player identification for follow up inquiries that relate to playoff participation requiring minimum playing requirements.
3i. Each team is required to provide a lineup card to the homeplate umpire and opposing manager five (10) minutes before the start of the game. The lineup card must list the player’s last name, and first initial, number and position (include the names of any substitutes expected to be available but as long as the player is on the teams roster he DOES NOT have to be on the lineup card to sub in).
3j. A team may bat a maximum of 10 batters in a lineup, one extra hitter (1EH) and/or one designated hitter (1DH) (subject to the number of players available, if less than) however, must finish the game with the same number of batters. The DH enters the game to pitch, that player bats in their original lineup position and the DH position is no longer active. If the DH enters the game for another position you will lose the DH and the pitcher will have to hit for the player that was removed from the game.
3k. A team may have 8 players to start and complete any game for an official game. The team with 8 players shall record an out in the 9th position in the batting order.For the entire game unless a 9th player arrives to the game.
3l. All teams must announce all 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.
3m. If a team fails to announce an offensive addition/change, the player will be called out as soon as if appealed & a play has been made on him. Then 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 recorded.
3o. If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or ejection, a substitute player must enter the game in the same lineup position. If there is no substitute to replace the individual, that position will be an out for the entire game. If there is a player the was taken out of the game we will allow him to be entered for the injured player but the other team will chose the player that is entering the game.
3p 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 within 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. 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.
3q. 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.
4. PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITY
4a. There will be no beer or alcoholic beverages or smoking permitted at the field before, during or after the game. The field refers to the general playing area and ancillary areas.
4b. 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.
4c. An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game
* Any player or coach ejected from a game will be automatically suspended 1 game. League can add to suspension after review
4d. 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.
4e. 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;
COLLISION
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.
DECOY RULE
c. Any fielder may use a decoy only if it serves a strategic purpose. For example, if a fielder, who sees a
runner 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.
FORCE SLIDE RULE
d. 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.
On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.
a. 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.
(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.
4f. MABL NYC set its own standards of player/team sportsmanship, WILL encourage suspensions for infractions unbefitting to the image and policies of the league.
4g. 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 underage player is detected, penalties whether to the individual or team will be
decided by the MABL NYC 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.
5. Playoff Eligibility
5a. In order for a player to qualify for playoffs, he must participate in at least 15(50%) of the team's regular season games. In order for a player to qualify as a pitcher he must pitch in 8 of the team's regular season games and 18innings pitched. If such a player fails to meet the requirements due to injury, a letter should be submitted to the league president explaining non-compliance.
5b. In order for a player to be added to the roster 1st contact the league in writing via email and payments must be satisfied before the player is allowed to participate in the regular season games and/or playoffs. If the team is not in compliance then all games that player participated in will be a forfeit.
5c. A player added to the team after 15 games have been played must play in 75% of the games when added and a pitcher must pitch 50% of the number of regular season games on the schedule from the point the player was added. A player shall be deemed to have played in a game the moment he enters the game weather as a hitter, a fielder, a pinch runner etc. For pitchers 1 batter is considered a game but be advised your pitcher needs 18 innings pitched or 14 innings pitched if added after 15 games.
6. PITCHERS
6a. Pitchers can NO longer fake to 3rd base and then throw to 1st base. As per OBR
6b. Pitchers cannot wear white or gray sleeve, a batting glove or a wristband while pitching.
6c. Pitchers are allotted no more than 8 warm-up pitches on their 1st appearance in the game and 5 warm-up pitches in-between innings. A substitute pitcher is allowed a reasonable time to warm-up on the mound when change is due to an injury.
6d. Pitchers must be removed from that position after (2) two visits to the mound by a manager/coach in (1) one inning.
*** In the event of a forfeit Position Players will get credited for 2 Games Played. The Pitchers will get credited with 1 game played and 2.5 Innings pitched.
7. UMPIRES
7a. Umpire’s fees are $80 for a 7-inning game ($170 for a 7-inning doubleheader). $100 for 9-inning game
7b. Each team MUST pay one umpire before the start of each game separately. Games will NOT start unless the umpires are paid first. In the result of a forfeit, the forfeiting team must pay both umpires.
7c. In the event of a forfeited doubleheader, the team will be given a 15 minutes grace period to have minimum number of players to start the game 1. After 15 minutes game 1 is a forfeit and the forfeiting team is required to pay the umpires full fees ($170). If the team feels they will have minimum number of players within the next 30 minutes game 2 will begin. Failure to have minimum number of players within 30 minutes will result in a forfeit for game 2 and forfeiting team will be required to pay the umpires full fees ($170).
7d. All umpires fees, baseballs, and lineup cards shall be exchange 15 minutes before game time. Unless an umpire informs different. If a team is not ready to start a game 15 minutes after start time they will be subject to a forfeit for game 1.
7e. The umpires may also be eligible for a traveling fee ($30). (Please refer to rainout rules for further explanation)
8. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES
8a. 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.
8b. All protests should be lodged to the league protest committee/board within 48 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.
8c. Only MSBL and MABL leagues are eligible for all MSBL and MABL sanctioned regional and national
tournaments, unless waived by national tournament committee.
8d. 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
8e. In regard to the Men's Adult Baseball League, players upon reaching the age of 25 do not automatically
have to enter the older 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:
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. Smoking on the field of play or in the dugout. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately
suspended from further participation in the game.
10. 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 its opinion is prejudicial to
the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.
11. Except as otherwise provided, the commissioners 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
10. Grievances, protests, and appeals
1. Protests ($75.00 fee) may be filed by an individual player or by the manager of a team provided that a grievance is formally submitted to the commissioner or appropriate board. The commissioner shall adjudicate all such grievances and shall report any action taken to the board of directors.
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.
