13U and older:  Wooden Bats Only.  NO METAL OR BAMBOO BATS ARE TO BE USED.

Post season playoff and finals protocol:

The team with the most points shall host the first 2 games and shall be home team for those games.  The third game shall be hosted by the opponent involved and shall be the home team.

The first 2 games of playoffs and World Series shall be hosted by the top seeds.  The top seeds will be home for both games. 

If scheduling permits, and if the Rule Committee agrees, all teams could qualify for tournament competition.  This shall be determined pre-season.

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Section 5

 General Rules:

1.  8U, 9U, 10U, 11U(46/60), teams shall use Little League Rules unless superceded by ABL Rules.

11(50/70), 12(60/90), 13U, 14U, 16U, 17U, 19U & 20+ use current Major League Baseball League Rules.  Unless ABL Rules supercede... 

See 2016 Rules in URL below :

See Section 1 under 2017 Bylaws.

2.  The ABL uses the point system:  2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 for a loss.  A team that forfeits gets 0 points and their opponent shall receive 2.  If both teams cannot field enough players or cannot play for any reason, then each team receives 0 points. 

3.  The winning team must report the result of the game to get credit (points).  If the game ends in a tie then both teams must report.  If both teams forfeit, then the home team must call the commissioner with an explanation.  YOU HAVE 72 HOURS TO REPORT THE SCORES…IF THE REPORT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN THE 72 HOURS THEN THE WINNING TEAM WILL NOT RECEIVE THE POINTS.   Send the results to AutumnBaseballLeague@live.com

4.  One win gets 2 points only.  No exceptions.  A complete game must be played to earn points. 

Addendum to #4 and effective as of Oct. 9th, 2014:

 5.  Home team is responsible to decide whether or not the game shall start in the event of inclement weather. 

NOTICE:  (2017) - PRIOR TO THE SEASON ALL TEAMS MUST HAVE AN AGREEMENT WITH THEIR UMPIRES REGARDING HOW MUCH MONEY IS TO BE PAID IN THE EVENT THE GAMES ARE CALLED OFF FOR WHATEVER REASON.

Once the game begins, then the home plate umpire is in charge and controls the game. (2017)- AS STATED ABOVE:  IF THE UMPIRE SHOWS UP TO THE GAME, THE HOME TEAM OWES THE UMPIRES MONEY.  HOME TEAMS MUST HAVE THE UMPIRE'S AND UMPIRE IN CHIEF'S CONTACT INFORMATION IN THE EVENT OF CANCELLATION, DELAY, POSTPONEMENT OR OTHER REASONS.

6.  Home and Away teams' scorebooks will be used if necessary to resolve any arguements or disputes and may be reviewed by the Rules Committee.  KEEP YOUR BOOK ACCURATE.

7.  Hidden ball trick is allowed. (except for 8U or any games on the 46/60 field)

Pitchers can be on the mound but cannot straddle or appear to be on or near the rubber creating an illusion or deception to the runner or batter.  It’s the umpire’s call concerning level of the deception.  The umpires call shall be indisputable.

8.  Playing on multi-teams:  No player is allowed to play for more than one team in each Division.  However, a player is allowed to play on more than one Division concurrently.  Example:  A 10 year old may play for a U10 team and a U11 team during the season.  The player cannot play on two teams within a Division.

9. Trades:   If a player desires to be traded, then the manager from which that person currently plays for must release that player in writing or both agree and confirmed with the Commissioner, otherwise if there is a dispute, and the teams cannot agree, then the rules committee shall review the case.

10. FIELD DIMENTIONS:   12U, 13U, 14U, 16U, 17U, 19U & 20+  DIVISIONAL TEAMS PLAY ON MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SIZE FIELDS.

11.  IF A TEAM BECOMES INSOLVENT OR DISCONTINUES DURING A SEASON, NO PLAYER FROM THAT TEAM CAN PLAY FOR ANOTHER TEAM, WITHIN THAT DIVISION, DURING THAT SEASON WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE RULES COMMITTEE AND A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MANAGERS WITHIN THEIR DIVISION.

12.  PLAYER IDENTIFICATION:  MANAGERS MUST KEEP BIRTH CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING EACH GAME.

ALL TEAMS MUST SEND THE COMMISSIONER A COPY OF THEIR ROSTER BY MID SEASON TO PROTECT YOUR TEAM  FROM ROSTER PIRACY.  DATE TO TURN IN ROSTER IS TO BE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER.

A PLAYER CANNOT PLAY FOR ANOTHER TEAM IF THE PLAYER HAS PARTICIPATED IN AT LEAST ONE INNING.  IF PLAY HAS NOT PARTICIPATED AT ALL THEN HE/SHE HAS THE FREEDOM TO JOIN ANOTHER TEAM.

13.   CORI AND MANAGEMENT CHECK:  ALL TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR INTERNAL ISSUES.  THE LEAGUE (ABL) IS NOT LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PERSONNEL OR TEAM PROBLEMS, ISSUES, LITIGATION OR UNMENTIONED SITUATIONS or for THOSE WHO HAVE NOT TAKEN OR CANNOT PASS A CORI TEST.  TEAM LEADERS AND MANAGERS MUST SCREEN, CORI AND APPROVE ALL MANAGERS, COACHES AND PERSONNEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE TEAM.  THIS IS NOT THE AUTUMN BASEBALL LEAGUE'S RESPONSIBILTY AND THE ABL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE.  By playing in this league an have read these bylaws as required, all team personel, parents, players, et al, agree on the above and relieves the Autum Baseball League and it's personel including Herman Bomback from all liability and further more agree that the team(s) you have entered in this league are independent and no associated with the ABL.

   Section 6

14. DELIQUENT LEAGUE FEES:  IF REGISTRATION FEE IS NOT PAID THEN THE TEAM(S) SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY.

   15.  All teams in each division must play by these ABL rules.

16. The 10 run mercy rule is used when required…(6 inning game – must complete 4 innings) (7 inn / 5) and (9 inn / 7)

17. HEAD TO HEAD:  In the year 2009 the league elected to use the “Head to Head” method of breaking a tie to determine playoff eligibility or playoff seeding.  If teams are still tied after Head to Head then the team that gave up the least runs IN AGGREGATE during the head to head game(s) shall be the upper seed.  In previous years teams that were tied at the end of the season would play a one game tie breaker.  Because time is a factor, the weather may be cold and the sun sets much earlier the “Head to Head” method shall be used.  A playoff game will be played only if using the head to head method results in a tie.  If both teams agree, a flip of a coin may be used.

18. Keep these rules with you during games.  Review them with the umpires.

19. Anytime during the season bylaws may be modified by the Rules Committee for the betterment of the league and players.       

    20.  8U - teams are allowed 4 outfielders (10 defensive players)

    21.  8U - teams CANNOT steal home. 9U and older are allowed to steal home.

    22.  8U can only score on a batted ball 

    22.1   8U 4 Run Rule: Four runs maximum per inning per team may be scored. Last inning is open.

      23.  The infield fly rule is used in all Divisions

     24.  Illegal Bat Penalty

          ABL penalty for use of illegal bat for all Divisions

          1^st violation: The batter is out for use of illegal bat when the batter is discovered using an illegal bat prior to first pitch of the next batter.

          2^nd violation: The batter is out for use of illegal bat when the batter is discovered using an illegal bat prior to first pitch of the next batter.

          3^rd violation: The batter is out (same as above) and the manager is ejected.

          4^th violation: The batter is out (same as above) and the assistant manager is ejected.  If no assistant manager then the game is forfeited.

          5^th violation: The game is forfeited.

          25         BATS see Section 4

        26.  Force-Play-Slide Rule: 

Force Play Slide Rule:  SECTION 4. The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of all players. This is a safety as well as an interference rule.

Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.

a. On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground before the

base and in a direct line between the two bases. It is permissible for

the slider’s momentum to carry him through the base in the baseline

extended (see diagram).

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. Interference shall not be

called.

(1) “On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one

leg and buttock on the ground before the base.

(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.

b. Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if

the runner makes a legal slide directly to the base and in the baseline

extended (see diagram).

A.R.—If contact occurs on top of the base as a result of a "pop-up" slide, this contact

is legal.

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 and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact);

(2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body 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 slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or

(5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the

fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.

PENALTY for 1-5—

(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.

A.R.—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.

Note: On a force play, with a two-man umpiring system, if the plate umpire

does not have a potential play at the plate, he should move toward the base

to observe the runner going into second or third base. In this situation, the

base umpire must follow the throw and may not see the true effect of the lead

runner’s action.

 27.    11U thru 19U:  UNCAUGHT/DROPPED THIRD STRIKE RULE 

33. Coaches must account for all games and game information in their scorebooks and save for the entire season... Save ALL information of each game played.

34.  ATTENTION ALL 50/70 & 60/90 TEAMS AND especially the RI Teams using "Federation Rules":  Pitchers while on rubber cannot fake a pickoff to 3rd then throw to first.  This is a Major Baseball League

35.   (2017) METAL CLEATS RULE:  11U AND UNDER - CANNOT WEAR METAL CLEATS.

36. 

     COACHES ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE "CONCUSSION IN SPORTS" ONLINE FREE COURSE.   GO TO http://nfhslearn.com/courses/61037 TO TAKE THE COURSE.

37. POST SEASON: 

HOME teams are required to contact Umpire in Chief by Tuesday for umpires and baseballs supplied by the ABL but read the details. 

Section 7

use baseball that are appropriate for the age group, i.e. Little League ages must have Little League approved., middle school ages must be Senior LL or Babe Ruth approved and the High School age group or older must us high school or better approved baseballs. 

Section 8

ABL Code of Conduct:
No board member, manager, coach, player or spectator
shall, at any time:
◆ Lay a hand upon, push, shove, strike, or threaten to
strike an official.
◆ Be guilty of heaping personal verbal or physical abuse
upon any official for any real or imaginary belief of a
wrong decision or judgment.
◆ Be guilty of an objectionable demonstration of dissent
at an official’s decision by throwing of gloves,
helmets, hats, bats, balls, or any other forceful
unsportsman-like action.
◆ Be guilty of using unnecessarily rough tactics in the
play of a game against the body of an opposing player.
◆ Be guilty of a physical attack upon any board member,
official manager, coach, player or spectator.
◆ Be guilty of the use of profane, obscene or vulgar
language in any manner at any time.
◆ Appear on the field of play, stands, or anywhere on
the Little League complex while in an intoxicated state.
Intoxicated will be defined as an odor or behavior
issue.
◆ Be guilty of gambling upon any play or outcome of
any game with anyone at any time.
◆ Smoke while in the stands or on the playing field or
in any dugout. Smoking will only be permitted in
designated areas which will be 20 feet from any
spectator stands or dugouts.
◆ Be guilty of publicly discussing with spectators in a
derogatory or abusive manner any play, decision or a
personal opinion on any players during the game.
◆ As a manager or coach, be guilty of mingling with
or fraternizing with spectators during the course of
the game.
◆ Speak disrespectfully to any manager, coach, official
or representative of the league.
◆ Be guilty of tampering or manipulating any league
rosters, schedules, draft positions or selections, official
score books, rankings, financial records or procedures.
◆ Challenge an umpire’s authority. The umpires shall
have the authority and discretion during a game to
penalize the offender according to the infraction up to
and including expulsion from the game.

The Board of Directors will review all infractions of the
Code of Conduct. Depending on the seriousness or
frequency, the board may assess additional disciplinary
action up to and including expulsion from the league.

 

Section 9

ABL NON-DISCRIMINATION RULE:

The Autumn Baseball League (aka ABL) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and to ensuring that participation in the ABL are based on individuals’ desires to play ball, abilities and qualifications. Consistent with these principles and applicable laws, it is therefore the Autumn Baseball League's policy not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.   No person, on the basis of protected status, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any of the Autumn Baseball League's programs schedules or activities, including with respect to coaching terms and conditions. Such a policy ensures that only relevant factors are considered and that equitable and consistent standards of conduct and performance are applied. 

Penalty:

     The ABL has zero-tolerance for discriminatory behavior.  The ABL Umpires in Chief have been notified of the ABL's policy on discrimination and have notified their umpires, to the best of their abilities, that this type of conduct shall not be tolerated.   The ABL policy to handle any such discriminatory activity, offensive discriminatory statements and/or physical aggression shall face immediate ejection from the ball park and surrounding area.  

     Team managers are ultimately responsible for the control and actions of the players and assistant coaches.  Once the first ejection has been rendered and if the discrimination continues then the team shall be informed that the unfinished game shall be recorded as a forfeit.  If there is a game 2 of a double header scheduled that day then that game shall also be forfeited.

     As stated in the ABL bylaws regarding appeals, if you wish to appeal this decision by the umpires, you must submit your appeal to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the event with a check payable to the ABL for $100.   Once the appeal is received then the Commissioner shall review the report and consult the umpires of the incident.  If you win the appeal, you shall received your money back, however, if you lose the appeal then the money is not refunded.