RLB/18+, 25+, 35+, 45+, 55+, 62+ Division League Rules
ROCK LEAGUE BASEBALL RULES AND REGULATIONS
(April 2024)
NOTE: The rules for Rock League Baseball (RLB) will be played in accordance with Major League baseball rules; RLB rules shall override the above when applicable; RLB Divisional rules shall override the above when applicable, but shall apply to game rules only within each specific division.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Governance and League Structure (page 2)
2. Code of Conduct (page 3)
3. Grievances, Protests and Appeals (page 6)
4. Uniforms, Helmets, Cleats, Baseballs, and Bats (page 6)
5. Player Participation (page 7)
6. Game Procedures (page 10)
7. Pitchers, Fielders and Runners - Decoys and Collisions, and Batter (page 12)
8. Division Specific Rules & Scheduling (page 16)
9. Playoffs (page 18)
10. The Rock Sports Facility Rules (page 20)
1. GOVERNANCE & LEAGUE STRUCTURE
a) Rock League Baseball will be managed by:
a. President, assigned by The Rock
b. Commissioner, assigned by the President.
c. Committee Officers, assigned by the President.
d. Division Presidents, assigned by the President.
e. Committee Members
b) The following committees may be created by the President who will select those officers to spearhead. The president may also create such other committees he deems necessary for the proper administration of the league:
a. Player Conduct Committee - adjudicates game suspensions and protests.
b. Player Transaction Committee - adjudicates player paperwork, trades, draft, etc.
c. Expansion and Franchise Committee - will have the authority to approve under recommendation of the President any new franchises (teams) and their respective rosters. Will also work as PR liaison with managers as needed.
d. Tournament Teams Committee - Helps facilitates the RLB tournament strategy (MSBL World Series teams, tournaments, etc.)
e. Competition Committee - Facilitates and maintains a fair and balanced league.
c) The League shall consist of multiple age brackets (18+, 25+, 35+, 45+, 55+, 62+, and 70+), herein referred to as “Divisions.” RLB on a yearly basis as needed may change the number of divisions and the age minimums. Each Division shall operate as a separate competitive entity but shall be subject the Leagues Rules and Procedures as set forth herein unless specifically stated otherwise.
d) Division President: Each Division shall have a Divisional President appointed by league president to serve on a minimum 2-year basis. The Presidents responsibilities will include but not be limited to
a. run divisional meetings.
b. communicate with divisional managers.
c. adjudicate issues arising within the division.
d. determine draft order.
e. conduct preseason draft.
e) It is assumed that the teams that constitute a division are best suited as a group to make decisions concerning the administration of all divisional issues. Therefore, each division may enact on the field rules and procedures that will apply to that division only.
f) All rules and procedures enacted, and decisions made by the Divisional managers and Division presidents are subject to review by the RLB President and/or Commissioner.
g) It is acknowledged that the rules and procedures set forth herein may not directly address every issue that may arise. Therefore, the absence of any specific rule prohibiting a particular act is not to be construed as allowing said act. The President, Commissioner, Division President and/or Player Conduct Committee members may consider intent as well as other factors when considering an issue and reaching a decision.
2. CODE OF CONDUCT
a) The league’s “Player Conduct Committee”, RLB President and/or Commissioner has the right to suspend or expel any league member who abuses league rules, doesn’t play within the “spirit of the league” (e.g., who does not exhibit a sense of sportsmanship), or who plays without regard to the safety and respect of himself, fans, umpires, RLB staff, or other players. RLB takes the “Spirit of The League” seriously and will enforce strict penalties and suspensions. The Spirit of The League includes but is not limited to:
I. Physical attacks: May not lay a hand upon, shove, strike, or threaten any player, fan, manager, official, or Rock employee before, during, or after a game. This includes but is not limited to social media conduct and conduct at all ROC Ventures properties and properties used by RLB for gameplay. Players or managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
II. Umpire dissent: Be guilty of excessive objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official's decision. After being told by an official to end a discussion, a player shall not continue to discuss with an official or officials the decision by them, except for the manager or his designee who are authorized to participate in such discussions. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
III. Verbal abuse: Be guilty of verbal abusive attacks upon any player, manager, official, or spectator before, during, or after a game. This includes trash talking, bad mouthing, or swearing. This also includes verbal abuse on social media. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended for that game and for the next game their team plays and be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.
IV. Equipment throwing: Be guilty of throwing bat, helmet, glove, or any other piece of
equipment in a manner that puts others at risks or causes a negative scene. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately warned by the umpire. A second act or sever first act will lead to an immediate in game suspension and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
V. Excessive rough play: Use of unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body of an opposing player is forbidden. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
VI. Continued misconduct: If a player or manager has been suspended and then exercises further misconduct within that current season that causes an official to remove them from the park itself, that player shall be automatically suspended for the remainder of the season. The manager will be subject to suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
VII. Cheating: Be guilty of cheating or “bending the rules” of any kind. The manager and team will be subject to suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
VIII. Facility disrespect: Be guilty of mistreatment of Ballpark Commons, The Rock Sports Complex, and facilities used by RLB for gameplay, which includes littering, vandalizing, and general disrespect for equipment and grounds.
IX. Smoking: Smoking on the field of play or in the dugout is forbidden. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
X. Alcohol: There will be no beer, or alcoholic beverages, permitted on the field or dugout before, during, or after any game. Players should not drink alcohol before participating in RLB Games as it is a liability. Players drinking before a game will not be allowed to participate.
XI. Substance abuse or use of illegal drugs: Use of illegal drugs at any point or being in an intoxicated condition at any point. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game plus the next and will be subject to further suspension by the Player Conduct Committee.
XII. Administrative delinquency: A team is considered in good standing if all required fees and forms are current and complete. A team that is delinquent in payments or “paperwork” is not eligible to participate in any league meetings, cannot vote on any league matter, nor participate in any league games or tournaments. Any team scheduled to play a team in violation of above will receive a win, but not be eligible for a refund for a game not played at the end of the year. Any team in violation of the above will not be charged a forfeiture fee.
XIII. Forfeits: Forfeits should rarely occur. Three forfeits by any team shall mean immediate expulsion from the league with no money refunded to the team. If a team forfeits a game, it must submit an additional fee of $200.00, 48 hours prior to their next game or that game will be deemed a forfeit. Each additional forfeit fee will require $100.00 more than the previous forfeit fee.
b) Players ejected from a game will be given an automatic 2 game suspension. The League Commissioner will review the ejection and then decide to either reduce or increase the number of games the player will serve on suspension. The League Commissioner will make every effort to make a ruling before the suspended player's next game.
I. It is the manager’s responsibility to submit any supporting documentation that they would like taken into consideration prior to a ruling being issued. This should be done within 24 hours of an ejection or incident.
c) An umpire has the sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game at any time.
d) An opposing manager may at any time have the right to question a player's age. If a manager wants to lodge a protest, proof of age must be postmarked to the manager, who lodged the protest, with a copy to the office of RLB and the Player Conduct Committee within 48 hours immediately following the completion of the game. If an underage player is detected, the penalties will be forfeiture of all games in which the underage player participated in and a minimum two-year suspension for the player. The manager’s suspension will be determined by the Player Conduct Committee.
e) Any acts of conduct such as specified above shall be submitted to the Player Conduct Committee, in writing, via Email, within (7) calendar days by either a player, manager, or an official for any action to be taken. The Player Conduct Committee shall make a ruling within seven (7) calendar days of receiving said report.
f) The Commissioner, Player Conduct Committee, or RLB President may suspend any player or manager for such a period of time and upon such terms it feels necessary, for the conduct which in its opinion is contrary to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.
g) Any player or manager that has been ejected or serves any suspension for any reason may be placed on probation for the next 12 consecutive months which will include the playoffs and the next season at the full discretion of Player Conduct Committee.
h) A player found in violation of any provisions delineated in the Code of Conduct, after being placed on probation for the next 12 consecutive months shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
i) Any manager who has been suspended for any number of games shall understand as that suspension includes not continuing to manage the team. If the manager of the opposing team believes the suspended manager is managing the team, he can appeal to the umpire(s). If the umpire(s) agrees, then the umpire(s) shall immediately call the game and award the opposing team a forfeit victory. Manager cannot be in the dugout while on suspension.
j) A manager or player while on suspension may not manage or be a base coach for their team.
3. GRIEVANCES, PROTEST & APPEALS
a) Grievances may be filed by an individual player or by the manager of a team, provided that a grievance is formally submitted, in writing (via E-Mail), and within 7 days of the event leading to the grievance to the office of RLB.
b) All protests of an appealable umpire decision must be made to the umpire at the time of the decision or if it is a game ending decision, must be submitted to the office of RLB via email, no later than noon of the next day.
c) All decisions made by the President, commissioner, and/or Player Conduct Committee regarding any section of these Rules and Regulations (except for a two (2) game suspension) may be appealed in writing within (7) calendar days of the decision. The written appeal will need to have a $50.00 check submitted with it made out to The Rock. If the appeal is reduced in any manner, the appellant will receive his check back. If an appeal is submitted, penalties issued shall be suspended until the Appeals Board hears the appeal and makes their decision.
d) The League’s Appeal Board shall be made up of Division Presidents and RLB Officers from the league. A designated team alternate will be seated anytime their Appeals Board Member will be absent or must excuse themselves from attending.
e) The League’s Appeals Board shall meet within (7) calendar days of the filing of an appeal.
f) The League’s Appeals Board may alter, amend, reduce, increase, or render appropriate the suspension handed out by the League President. However, they may not change any language in Rule and Regulations.
g) The decision of the League’s Appeals Board shall be final and binding.
4. UNIFORMS, HELMETS, CLEATS, BASEBALLS, BATS
a) All players on a team must wear identical uniforms during a single game. This includes hat, jersey, belt, pants, and socks (if socks are visible). We encourage managers to always keep a couple extra sets of uniforms. All logos, hats, and jerseys must be approved by the RLB.
I. Hats: Players must have matching hats as it relates to color and logos but can wear varying "style fits" (e.g., snap back, fitted, and stretch). Hats that are ragged, frayed or overly worn will not be allowed.
II. Jersey: High quality jerseys are required. Full button down with embroidery, twill and other standards used by major leagues are encouraged. Pullovers and dye-sublimated jerseys will be accepted if they are approved by the RLB.
III. Belts: Players must wear matching belts.
IV. Pants: Players must wear matching colored and/or braided, non-braided pants.
V. Socks: Players must wear matching color socks if sock is showing.
VI. Numbers: All players must wear their uniform numbers on the back of the uniform as a minimum. No two players may have the same number. Exception: Franchise Teams may have two players with the same number.
VII. No crude images/logos: No pattern that imitates or suggests crude behavior may be used on uniforms.
VIII. Discrete commercial advertisements on uniforms will be allowed (e.g., patches). Team names must be MLB or approved by RLB. No commercial team names will be allowed (e.g., Joe’s Pub).
IX. Names: Teams may include the last names of its players on their backs, but not nick names.
b. Any player out of uniform will NOT be allowed to play.
c. All batters, runners, catchers, and coaches in the coaches’ box must wear helmets. There is no exception to this rule. Full, double ear-flapped helmets are encouraged for batters and runners: but as a minimum, the batter’s helmet must have an earflap facing the pitcher. Coaches’ helmets do not require earflaps.
d. Players must wear plastic moldable cleats, plastic interchangeable cleats, or turf shoes. Metal spikes or altering or capping of metal spikes will not be allowed.
e. Home teams will provide a minimum of 4 new baseballs for each game. Only balls approved by RLB will be permitted. Balls are property of the home team and will be returned to the home team after the game. RLB will provide playoff baseballs.
f. Only wood bats or wood composite bats are allowed.
5. PLAYER PARTICIPATION AND TRANSACTIONS
a) Pro Player Rule
I. A player must be out of professional baseball (A, AA, AAA, or Major League) for three complete seasons before becoming eligible to participate in the RLB. Therefore, for the RLB 2024 season, any player who received compensation AND participated with a professional baseball team (A, AA, AAA, or Major League) during 2021 or more recently is ineligible.
II. A player who played in a Rookie League, Independent League or who was invited to a Major League Spring Training and then released without playing for a minor league affiliate will not be held to the requirements listed above.
III. If a particular player played in a “Foreign Professional League” in Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and was compensated, that player must be out a minimum of 3 complete seasons (2021 and prior) to participate. All other foreign professional leagues are NOT recognized when determining ex-pro status.
b) Team rosters shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined in the team manager’s packet. The number of players signed to a team is 20 with your league fees; each player signed after 20 is subject to a $50 luxury tax per player signed regardless of the number of players on your roster, i.e.: releasing a player during the season.
I. Exception: Teams may have a roster greater than 20 players without the luxury tax if the players over the 20-player limit participate in another RLB division.
c) A waiver and participation contract, (hereafter known as “Player Documents”), developed, and distributed by RLB, and available on their Website shall be signed and dated via website. A player participating without properly executed ‘Player Documents” shall be declared an illegal player and each game he has played in will be forfeited.
d) Age Eligibility
I. 18+ only: Players are eligible to participate in an officially sanctioned game on or after their 18th birthday. All players must show their valid driver’s license to the manager to verify their age.
II. 25+, 35+, 45+, 55+, and 62+ only: Players are eligible to participate in an officially sanctioned game in the calendar year that they reach their 25th, 35th, 45th, 55th or 62nd birthday for the respective divisions. All players must show their valid driver’s license to the manager to verify their age.
III. 35+, 45+, 55+, and 62+ only: 2 Players will be allowed per roster that are within 2 years of eligibility. These players are NOT allowed to pitch. (e.g., You may have two 33/34-year-olds on your 35+ roster if they turn 33 the current calendar year).
IV. 70+ Division: Players that turn 69 in 2024 will be allowed to play in 2024
e) While in season and prior to participation of a new player, team managers shall submit an "Updated Team Roster" to the RLB League President and appropriate Division President within 48 hours of the next game. Managers must also have the player fill out the "RLB Player Waiver Form" and add the player's "Name and Number" to Game Changer before player is allowed to play.
f) All new players must be in full and proper uniform to be eligible to play. Any exceptions must be approved by the RLB whose decision is final and not subject to appeal.
g) No player may switch teams during the season without the consent of both managers and the Player Transactions Committee via trade or release.
h) The league will organize and conduct a yearly preseason tryout and draft for the purpose of allocating new players and those existing players wishing to change teams within a division.
i) The Player Transaction Committee in consultation with the Division President shall determine the procedures to be used in conducting the tryout and draft with the primary goals being to promote league parity, stability, and fairness.
j) Only players who file online applications will be eligible for draft or waiver.
k) Drafting order shall be determined by each Division President in accordance with divisional rules.
l) Teams may execute trades involving players, and draft choices in accordance with their division rules. Any player being traded must consent in writing and/or email to the trade. Should draft choices be included in a trade, the draft choice must be for the current season or for the season 1 year in the future.
m) The Player Transaction Committee must approve all trades. A decision restricting or forbidding a trade is not subject to appeal though it is subject to review of the RLB Division President who retains the authority to veto the decision if he feels it is in the "best interests' of the Division and thus the league.
I. 18+ only: Trade deadline: July 1st.
n) After the playing season is over any player in the RLB may do one of the following:
I. Remain with his existing team.
II. Ask to be traded to another existing team.
III. Get a release from his existing team by filling out the Player’s Portion of the RLB Release Form and having it signed by his existing team’s manager.
IV. Enter the League’s Draft.
V. Propose to start a new team.
o) Any team may do the following:
I. Release a player by filling out the Manager’s Portion of the RLB Release Form and forwarding it to the released player in a timely manner.
II. If a player is released from a team there is No Compensation for that player.
p) A player’s debts to his existing team must be met before he can sign with a new team. i.e.: fees, equipment, or uniform. The player’s former manager must confirm that said player is debt free by signing the RLB Release Form. The player cannot sign with a new team until this action is completed.
q) If a player is deemed debt free, then his manager will sign the RLB Release Form and will be compensated for losing that player by choosing one of the following items:
I. The team’s first round draft pick for the current season.
II. The team’s first round draft pick for the next season.
III. The team’s spot in the current season’s draft order.
IV. Monetary compensation equal to 50% of the player’s still owed fee (in 2024, the formula is $19 per game times the number of games remaining times one-half).
V. The manager requests no compensation.
r) The ROCK requires that all signed releases need to be submitted to the respective division President to make deal final.
s) Teams have from the day after their respective division championship until December 31 to declare whether they are returning, if a team disbands before December 31st the players from the respective division can do one of the following:
I. They can be considered free agents and sign with any team they choose.
II. They can enter the waiver process and be draft eligible.
t) If a team disbands after December 31, then all players from the previous year’s roster must enter the waiver process if they wish to play in the division the following year.
u) Teams may merge if both teams are having trouble maintaining enough players on their roster. The league must be notified if this is to occur.
v) If a team folds after December 31 of the current calendar year, then all players from the most current roster will be put into the waiver process and must be drafted through to play in the RLB the following season. The RLB encourages team structure and organizations to be passed on to other current players on a roster. RLB will do all it can to assist teams in need of players to keep their franchise moving forward.
6. GAME PROCEDURES
a) All regularly scheduled games shall be the lesser of nine innings or two hour and thirty minutes (hereafter known as the “Time Limit”). There shall be no time limits on playoff games. In addition, time spent addressing an umpire injury shall not be included in the “time limit”.
b) The game clock begins at the first pitch.
c) If the final out is recorded in an inning and the game clock has not reached the 2-hour 30-minute limit, the next inning will be allowed to begin.
d) No new inning shall start after the “Time Limit” has expired. Subject to rules regarding inclement weather and/or darkness, the remainder of that inning that is in progress shall be completed.
e) In the event of a tie at the expiration of the “Time Limit”, the "California Rule" will be in effect.
I. California Rule: At the end of time regulation, teams will play with the following rule: the last batted out shall be placed on second base with 1 out and hitter will start with a fresh count. Play shall continue until a team wins.
f) All games may be deemed completed prior to the “Time Limit”, when agreed upon by both Managers.
g) 35+, 45+, 55+, 62+, and 70+ only: A team must have eight (8) players for an official game and may borrow a player from the opposing team with the opposing manager's request or from any other team 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. An injury or ejection that causes a team to drop the lineup to seven (7) players will result in a forfeit on the game. A 10-minute grace period from the scheduled game time will be allowed for the 8th player to arrive. Any grace period time used will be deducted from the actual game time.
h) 18+ and 25+ only: At the start of play a team must have nine (9) players to count as an official game but may play with eight (8) players in the event of a player injury during the course of the game. However, each time the vacated spot comes up in the order it will be an out. The injured player may reenter the game after being removed from the lineup, but only if he is the ninth player. A second injury that causes a team to drop the lineup to seven (7) players will result in a forfeit on the game. An ejection that causes a team to drop to eight (8) players will result in a forfeit of the game. A 10-minute grace period from the scheduled game time will be allowed for the 9th player to arrive. Any grace period time used will be deducted from the actual game time.
i) 18+ and 25+ only: If a team fails to announce an offensive change, the player will be called out as soon as he occupies the batter’s box, and the lineup will revert 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.
j) The home team is responsible for scoring the game on the Game Changer app (GC). Each age division shall decide how soon after a game, game statistics need to be entered into GC.
k) Visiting teams shall occupy the first base dugout and home teams shall occupy the third base dugout.
l) No players may be on the playing field other than the manager and one team representative while the umpires are giving “ground rules” and review line ups with the scorekeeper. Umpires shall go over ground rules 5 minutes before scheduled start of game.
m) Upon completion of the game, it is expected that each player line-up and shake hands with the opposing team.
n) With respect to rain and/or darkness, a game shall be deemed complete after 5 full innings (4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). A game that is stopped due to darkness and/or rain before being deemed a complete game shall be considered suspended and shall be resumed at the point of suspension. The length of time played at the point of suspension shall be noted and the remainder of the game shall be played within the “Time Limits”.
o) If a game is called before the ninth inning due to rain, lightning, time limit, etc., but has completed at least 4 ½ innings the score will revert to the last completed inning and finalized with a winner or as a tie.
p) RLB, at its discretion, can suspend, cancel, or call a game if, in their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised due to weather or darkness. While during a game and in the event of inclement weather, unless the field is deemed unplayable by RLB or the umpire and both managers agree to end the game sooner, the umpire shall wait a minimum of 30 minutes before canceling all further play.
q) In the event of a suspended game, a manager may alter the lineup based upon the players available to him at the new date and time at which the game is resumed. The status of each player will be reset as if the resumed game is a new game.
r) There is a two (2) minute time limit between innings.
s) 70+ Division Specific Rules
I. Maximum of 5 runs per inning for innings 1 thru 7. No limit for any innings after.
i. The trailing team may score more than 5 runs per inning but only up to tying the score.
II. No stealing of 2nd base. Can steal 3rd. If there is a runner at 1st he can advance if a play is made on a steal of 3rd.
III. Runners on base can advance on a wild pitch/passed ball if the ball leaves the dirt circle around homeplate. May only advance 1 base.
IV. Batters cannot be thrown out at 1st base on any ball reaching the outfield grass.
V. Outfielders are to play a minimum of 10 paces (30ft) from the infield.
VI. Teams may use the A/B (courtesy runners) or the shared position. Must declare at pre-game meeting with umpires.
VII. Pitchers are limited to 5 innings per game.
7. PITCHERS, FIELDERS, RUNNERS – DECOYS & COLLISIONS, BATTERS
a) No player, while pitching, may wear white or gray sleeves, batting gloves, or a wristband.
b) If a pitcher hits four (4) batters in any game, the pitcher must be removed from pitching, after the fourth hit batsman.
c) 18+, 25+, 35+, 45+, 55+ only: There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or a week.
d) 62+ & 70+ only: Pitcher may not exceed 5 total innings pitched per game.
e) A pitcher must be removed from the game (as a pitcher) after a limited number of meetings with his manager per inning as follows: “If the manager is not playing a defensive position, the pitcher must be removed on the manager's second trip to the mound in any one inning or if the manager is playing a defensive position, the pitcher must be removed on the manager's third trip to the mound in any one inning.”
f) Pitchers shall have the customary 8 warm-up pitches.
g) Players shall not intentionally collide with nor attempt to hurdle any other player. In the case of a runner intentionally colliding with or attempting to hurdle a fielder, the runner will be called out and may, at the umpire's discretion, be ejected from the game. All base runners must either slide, or stop and give themselves up, or run around a defensive player (however runners may not avoid a tag by running more than 3 feet out of the baseline) if the defensive player: has possession of the ball or is in the act of receiving the ball and will be able to make an apparent play on the base runner. Note: A person may have incidental contact without being called out and ejected from the game by the umpire. The determination of flagrant and incidental contact is at the sole discretion of the umpire and is not subject to appeal.
h) If a defensive player is not in possession of the ball or is not in the act of receiving the ball, he cannot block the base or be in the base path so as to impede or obstruct the base runners right to that base. Under such circumstances the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid any collision. If a collision does occur under these circumstances, the runner shall be declared safe, and the obstruction rule shall be enforced. The defensive player may be expelled from the game if the umpire deems the action intentional and that decision is not subject to appeal.
i) If a defensive player forces a runner to slide because of a decoy when there is no play on the runner, all players on base will advance one base. If the same player makes an illegal decoy twice in the game, he will be expelled from the game and suspended from league play. (This is not to be confused with smart baseball. For example, a fair decoy is when a shortstop who sees a man attempting to steal second base during a hit and run, looks upward, and says that he has the pop up when in fact the ball has been hit on the ground to the second baseman. This play might cause the base runner to stop and retreat to first base but did not cause the base runner to slide unnecessarily.)
j) If a runner attempting to break a double play does not make a legitimate attempt to slide straight to the base or stands up in the way of a pivot man or raises his hands in an attempt to deflect the ball or distract the fielder, an automatic double play will be called, regardless of how close the play at first might have been.
k) A batter shall not delay the game by failing to take his position promptly in the batter's box within 20 seconds from the time the pitcher has the ball.
l) The batter must keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout the time at bat except that the batter may leave the batter's box under any of the following conditions:
I. The batter swings at a pitch.
II. The batter is forced out of the box by the pitch.
III. The batter attempts a drag bunt.
IV. The defensive team feints or attempts a play at any base.
V. The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound or takes a position more than 5 feet from the pitcher's plate after receiving the ball.
VI. A member of either team requests and is granted, "Time".
VII. The catcher leaves the catcher's box.
VIII. The catcher does not catch the pitched ball.
m) Failure of the batter to be ready within 20 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike. If the batter leaves the batter's box and none of the exceptions in above apply, the plate umpire shall charge a strike to the batter. The pitcher need not pitch, and the ball remains "alive".
n) Failure of the pitcher to be ready within 20 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a ball. If the pitcher disengages from the rubber and none of the exceptions in above apply, the plate umpire shall charge a ball to the batter. The pitcher need not pitch, and the ball remains "alive".
o) 35+, 45+, 55+, 62+, and 70+ only: All players may be substituted defensively at any time without affecting the player’s offensive status in line-up. If the pitcher is removed, subject to any other rules involving pitching eligibility, he may re-enter to pitch one time during the course of the game, but not in the same inning. The removed pitcher may play any other position.
p) 35+, 45+, 55+, 62+ and 70+ only: There may be only two intentional walks per game, per team.
q) 18+ and 25+ only: Follows the Major League Baseball Rules. Specifically, the rules pertaining for allowing the designated hitter for the pitcher if they so choose.
r) 18+and 25+ only: There is no free substitution or re-entry in the 18+ & 25+ Division. Once a player is pinch hit for, he is out of the game. Position players may switch throughout the game (maintaining set batting order) but once a player substitutes into the game from reserve status, the player he replaced may not renter the game. There is no reentry for injuries or ejections.
s) 18+ and 25+ only: A manager may not add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time.
t) 18+ and 25+ only: A team manager may bat a maximum of 12 players, with a minimum of 9. Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position.
u) 35+, 45+, 55+, 62+, and 70+ only: 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. If a team has more than 9 players and still only bats nine, they will be assessed an out each time the 10th batting position is skipped. Batting only 9 players is NOT a protestable offense.
v) 35+, 45+, 55+, 62+ and 70+ only: 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 or shared position. Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both.
w) A/B Batting Rule, 35+, 55+, 62+ and 70+ only: A team MAY declare at the time that lineups are exchanged prior to the start of play that any batting order position (i.e., 9, 10, 11, etc.) can be occupied by two (2) players in each such batting position. That is, 9A/9B, 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.
x) Shared Position Rule - 45+, 55+, 62+ and 70+ only:
I. No Courtesy Runners.
II. Requires a minimum of 10 batting positions in the batting order.
III. When a manager submits the lineup card, he may declare what batting positions will be shared and by whom. However, that decision can also be made during the game.
IV. Each shared position contains two players.
V. No Limit to how many shared positions a team may declare.
VI. Once a shared position batter reaches base the other player in the batter's shared position may be the runner.
VII. Each player in the shared position must bat once before the manager can designate who bats in that shared position.
VIII. As a courtesy, a manager should indicate to the Umpire and Scorekeeper which shared position player is about to bat to eliminate any confusion.
IX. At anytime, a player may be added to a non-shared position to create a new shared position.
X. If creating a new shared position:
i. A player can share a position with an existing non-shared position player thus creating a shared position. The player being added must bat the next time that batting position comes up.
ii. Two players that are not in the batting order may be added together at the bottom of the batting order to create a shared position. Each player must bat once before the manager can designate who bats in that shared position.
XI. If a player in a shared position is unable to bat due to injury or must leave the game, the shared position can become a non-shared position or can be replaced by another player not in the batting order to keep it a shared position. If a player is being added they must bat the next time that batting position comes up.
XII. If all the players in a shared position can no longer bat and no one is available to put in that batting position, then an out will be declared when that batting position comes up for the first time, after that the batting order position would be skipped.
XIII.
Modified Changes to the Shared Position Rule - (45+ only):
i. Each team may have up to 2 Courtesy Runners for non-shared position batters.
ii. If a shared position player made the last out that player is allowed to be the Courtesy runner for the non-shared position player assigned a Courtesy Runner.
y) Substitutions (35+, 45+, 55+, 62+ and 70+ only): 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. 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 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.
I. 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.
z) Injury/Ejection (35+, 45+, 55+, 62+ and 70+ only): If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or ejection, a reserve player, not previously entered 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 on time, no out will be recorded for skipping the spot vacated by the displaced player.
aa) Defensive Substitution (35+, 45+, 55+, 62+, and 70+ only): All players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the player offensive status in the line-up. If the pitcher is removed, he may re-enter to pitch only one time during the game, but not in the same inning. The removed pitcher may play any other position after being removed or no position at all. The re-entering of a pitcher can only be done once a game.
bb) 2023 MLB Rules: RLB will not follow the newly created MLB rules regarding defensive shift.
8. DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES & SCHEDULING
a) RLB will set specific in game rules as it relates to such items as line-ups, courtesy runners, designated hitters, as well as division playoff structure and playoff eligibility.
b) Scheduling will be done by the office of RLB each winter. All canceled games will be rescheduled by the office of RLB.
c) Courtesy Runners 25+, 35+, 45+, 55+, & 62+ only:
I. Players who will need courtesy runners, must have the opposing team notified during ground rules. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request.
II. Each team will be allowed a maximum of two (2) courtesy runners at the beginning of the game.
III. A courtesy runner will be the player who made the last out defined as either a batted out, force out, or tag out in the current inning. If no out has been recorded in the current inning, the last eligible player making the last out in the previous inning must be the courtesy runner.
IV. If no batted outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the last eligible player in the offensive line-up. Eligible players include all players except those with courtesy runners’ status or the next innings catcher if there are two outs.
V. The courtesy runner has 60 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within this time, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy runner for this batter shall be forfeited for the balance of the game. The 60 second time limit shall begin at the time the umpire calls for time to allow replacement for the runner.
VI. Once the game begins, only by an obvious injury and with approval of the opposing manager, can an additional courtesy runner be used.
VII. If a player for whom a courtesy runner has been designated opts to run, regardless of reason, he will lose his courtesy runner status for the remainder of the game.
VIII. 45+, 55+, 62+ only: Courtesy runners are not allowed to steal unless:
i. Pitcher delivers pitch from wind-up (vs stretch) delivery.
ii. A pitched ball hits ground or not a clean catch by catcher, courtesy runner may advance at own risk.
iii. Courtesy runners may advance at own risk on any play made on another base runner.
iv. Courtesy runner may advance at own risk if pick-off attempt gets by fielder after runner first attempts to get back to original base. (Cannot steal on pick-off throw)
v. If the umpires determine the courtesy runner(s) did violate the above, time will be called, and all runners will return to the base they occupied at the time of pitch.
vi. If it is the team's first offense to the rule, the umpires will issue one team warning per play (if two courtesy runners steal on same play, first warning issued).
vii. After the team's first offense to the rule, the courtesy runner(s) will be called out for all following violations.
viii. “Hit & Run” is considered an attempted steal and is not allowed.
d) Courtesy Runner for Catcher (25+, 35+, 45+, 55+, and 62+ only):
I. When two (2) outs are recorded, the base runner that was the catcher in the previous inning will have the option to be removed for a courtesy runner before the next pitch can be made. THIS RULE IS NOT TO BE ENFORECED DURING ANY PLAYOFF GAME.
II. If a batter is intending to be the catcher in the next inning, he must announce this to the plate umpire and the opposing catcher prior to taking his place in the batters’ box to start his turn at bat. Failure to do so will prevent him from having a courtesy runner should he get on base. The new catcher must catch the next entire inning barring an injury to him. THIS RULE IS NOT TO BE ENFORECED DURING ANY PLAYOFF GAME
e) NO Free Substitution (18+, 25+): There is no free substitution or re-entry in the 18+ or 25+ Divisions. Once a player is pinch hit for, he is out of the game. Position players and EH’s (there may be a maximum of 3 EH in the lineup in the 25+ Division) may switch throughout the game (maintaining set batting order) but once a player substitutes into the game from reserve status, the player he replaced may not renter the game. There is no reentry for injuries or ejections.
f) 10 Run Rule (35+, 45+, 55+, 62+): If, after 3 full innings of a regular game or during the first round of the playoffs and a team lead by 10 or more runs, then at that point the team shall bat only 9 batters for that inning and the proceed to take the field and let the losing team have their regular turn at bat. When a team reaches a 10-run margin, they then can only bat a total of 9 players for that immediate inning. This shall continue until the difference in the score becomes less than 10 runs.
9. PLAYOFFS
a) All playoff games shall be played to their completion with a minimum of 9 innings, even if it means suspending the game to another day and/or field.
b) There are no ties or time limits in the playoffs. If any team cannot field a team at the rescheduled time and place, it will be deemed a forfeit.
c) "California Rule" not used during the playoffs.
d) Using a non-playoff eligible player during a playoff game will result in a forfeit of that game.
e) All scheduled playoff games shall remain as scheduled. There will be no reseeding of teams.
f) The two out catcher courtesy runner rule does not apply in the playoffs.
g) Playoff Qualifications (25+, 35+, 45+, 55+, and 62+ only): For a player to qualify and participate in his team’s playoff games, he must do one of the following:
I. Have at least one plate appearance in 50% of his team’s regular season games played.
II. Have pitched at least 1 full inning (recorded 3 outs) in 50% of his team’s regular season games played.
III. Any combination of number 1 and 2 to equal 50% of his team’s regular season games played (If bat and pitch in one game, will count as one game played).
h) Playoff Qualification (18+ only): For a player to qualify and participate in the RLB 18+ division local league playoffs, tournaments, and post season events, he must do the following:
I. Appeared in 6 total games during the season (an appearance is one PA of IP)
II. 16 total PA's, IP's or a combination during the season.
III. 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 the local tournament only.
i) Multiple Division/League Players (18 + & 25+ only): If a player plays in another division or league, the following qualifications must be met in addition to the Division specific rules:
I. Pitchers: Pitchers that pitch in another league or division must have a total of 11IP in the 25+ regular season to qualify for the playoffs. Pitchers that pitch in another league or division must have a total of 12IP in the 18+ regular season to qualify for the playoffs OR must have more IP in the division/league than in the other divisions/leagues.
II. Hitters: Hitters: Batters must have more PA in the division/league than in another divisions/leagues. OR Batters must have at least 1 PA per regular season game scheduled. I.e.: if the team has 22 game schedule, then the batter needs 22 PA in the RLB.
j) Multiple Division/League Players (35+ & 45+ Only): If a player plays in another division or league, the following qualifications must be met in addition to the Division specific rules:
I. Pitchers: Must have more IP in the Division/League than in the other divisions/leagues. OR must have at least 1 IP per regular season game scheduled. I.e.: if the team has a 18-game schedule, then the pitcher needs 18 IP in the division the player competes in.
i. 35+ & 45+ amended to 10 IP if player pitches in another league or division.
II. Hitters: Batters must have more PA in the division/league than in another divisions/leagues. OR Batters must have at least 1 PA per regular season game scheduled. I.e.: if the team has 22 game schedule, then the batter needs 22 PA in the division the player competes in.
k) Best of 3 Playoff Series (18+ 25+ 35+ 45+ 55+): A pitcher can only pitch 2/3 of the total innings of a 3-game series, and only total 9 innings of games 1 & 2. If he pitches 9 total innings in game 1, he cannot pitch in game 2. However, if he pitches 6 innings in game 1, he can pitch a max of 3 innings in game 2 (and vice versa), whatever total equals 9 total innings in the first 2 games. He then can pitch all 9 innings in game 3. Extra innings do not count for total innings in any of the games.
l) Managers will provide League President a list of their team's playoff eligible players with their games played prior to the start of the playoffs. League President will then validate each team's list.
m) DL Eligibility (25+, 35+, 45+, 55+, and 62 only): Games missed while on the DL are subtracted from a team's total regular-season games when figuring the 50% requirement for playoff eligibility. An injured player may be granted a waiver for each game missed due to injury. It will be the team’s manager responsibility to notify the League President electronically at the time of injury.
n) DL Eligibility (18+ only): Games missed while on the DL are subtracted from a team's total regular-season games when figuring the 33% requirement for playoff eligibility. An injured player may be granted a waiver for each game missed due to injury. It will be the team’s manager responsibility to notify the League President electronically at the time of injury
o) The League President shall maintain a list of all injured players, the date of such injury, the return date, and games missed.
p) Player suspensions shall count for the purpose of determining a players’ playoff eligibility.
q) Regular season player suspensions shall carry through the playoffs.
r) Final league standings will be determined by won-loss percentages. Ties will be decided by (in order)
I. head-to-head competition
II. Intra-divisional won-loss percentage
III. Runs allowed during the season.
IV. Coin toss between teams.
s) 10 Run Rule (35+, 45+, 55+, and 62+): 10 Run Rule will be in effect for first playoff round only, see rule 8(o).
t) Team Managers are playoff eligible regardless of IP or PA in the regular season. One defined manager per team
a) All teams will be playing on the following major league replica fields: Fenway, Phillies, Pirates, and Giants. (Unless otherwise specified)
b) Carry-ins (except for water) are not allowed. The Rock Sports Complex offers a full-service concession stand with beer, food, and snacks.
c) No tailgating will be allowed in parking lots or other areas on the complex. The Rock Sports Complex offers a full-service concession stand.
d) Infield and/or batting cages warm-ups will only be allowed if time permits between games. Outfields may be used for throwing in between games.
e) No soft toss against the fences whatsoever.
f) No dugout music before, during, or after the game. This includes player walk-up music and personal music from the stands.
g) The lights will be turned off no later than 11:00PM sharp. All play must stop by 10:55 due to Franklin city ordnance.
h) Grounds keeping and field maintenance will be the sole responsibility of The Rock Sports Complex. Players and fans should not attempt to help maintain fields.
i) For games scheduled to be played Monday through Friday, the “field hotline number" (414) 998-0303 will be updated to reflect a change in the playing status by 5:30 PM. For games scheduled to be played on Saturday and Sunday, the “hotline number will be updated two (2) hours prior to the start time of the first game if appropriate. Also, manager emails and texts will be sent out to inform of the cancellations.
