Autumn Baseball
League
established in 2000
Opening day Saturday,
Sept. 12, 2020
Registration
starts now and ends Friday, Sept. 4, 2020(subj. to change)
IMPORTANT UPDATE - SEE SECTION 5; #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 Rule.
Established in 2000 by Lucas Bomback & Herman Bomback
283 Linden St., Fall
River, MA 02720
telephone: (Headquarters)
508 496 7371
email: AutumnBaseballLeague@live.com
ATTENTION
SEE SECTION
5, #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 and have read these
bylaws as required, all team personel, parents, players, et al, agree on the above and have read and signed the Parents' Waiver,
the ABL Registration & Waiver and the Medical Release Form and relieves the Autum Baseball League and it's personnel including
Herman Bomback from all liability and further more agree that the team(s) you have entered in this league are independent
and not controlled or managed by the ABL.
ALL
ABL TEAMS ARE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE THESE LOCAL RULES EFFICIENTLY AND ACCORDINGLY.
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Table of Contents
Section 1
RULES AND PROTEST COMMITTEE
Registration information
Responsibilities
First Aid Kits
Reporting a Win or Tie email addresses:
AutumnBaseballLeague@live.com
Bylaws
Rules and Regulations: ABL Rules, MLB Rules, LL Rules
EXTRA INNINGS AND TIED GAMES rule.
Delayed, Postponed and Suspended Games.
INNINGS TO BE PLAYED FOR COMPLETE GAME.
ONE
GAME 2 POINTS ONLY.
GAME TIME LIMITS AND EXTRA INNINGS RULE
Section 2
Rescheduled, rained out games or game that could not be completed
Grace Period
Umpire Qualifications
Post season
hiring and paying of umpires
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY / CUTOFF DATES / 40%
18 (max.) MAN ROSTER/Post season eligibility 18 Man Roster must be submitted by mid season; the date is to be announced
by Commissioner.
Misconduct Rule
Protests
8 Player Rule, Extra Hitters and Batting Line-up Rule
Section 3
Extra Hitters and Batting Line-up Example
Substitution Rule (offense and defense)
Trips to the mound
Slash bunting
Sliding Section 6, Gen. Rule 26
Innings a pitcher is allowed to throw
INNINGS ALLOWED PER 3 CONSECUTIVE DAY PERIOD
ABL does not use the Little League Catcher to Pitcher Rule.
Section 4:
8U - no stealing home (see Section 6: #22) / 9U and older are allowed to steal home.
8U 10 defensive players allowed
Pre-Game
Playoff Eligibility SUBMIT 18 MAN ROSTER BY MID SEASON...This
date is to be announced by Commissioner.
Pinch Courtesy Runner Rule
Game Times, Rescheduling
games, Managers/Umpires responsibility, night game curfew times.
POSTPONING (CANCELLING) Game because of the weather
BAT RULE
Section 5
General Rules
1. ABL's game rules, Major League Baseball & Little League
Rules
2. Standings: The Point System.
3. Game reporting protocol/procedure
4. One Win Gets 2 Points Only Rule. / Penalty
5. Once game begins home plate umpire is in charge of
game.
6. Home team score book is final in contested decisions.
7. Hidden Ball Trick Rule.
8. Player Multi-Team Rule
9. Trades.
10. Ball Park Size Regulations for 13U, 14U, 16U & 19U
11. Disbanded teams: Rules for players to join other teams.
12. Player proof of age / Pre season submit rosters to
Commissioner
13. CORI and Management
Check (IMPORTANT: MUST READ)
Section 6
14. Deliquent League Registration Fee Rule
15. Play by the ABL RULES.
16. Mercy Rule
17. Head to Head Rule (if necessary) For playoff seeding.
18. Keep Copy of Rules during the games.
19. Bylaws May Be Modified by the Commissioner
and/or Rules Committee during the
season.
20. 8U Teams are Allowed 10 Defensive Players.
21. 8U Teams Cannot Steal Home. 9U and older can steal home.
22. 8U Teams Can only Score on a Batted Ball.
22.1 8U 4 run rule.
23. The Infield Fly Rule is used by ALL DIVISIONS.
24. Illegal Bat Use Penalty
25.
26. Force-Play-Slide Rule
27. 11U thru 19U: Uncaught/Dropped Ball 3rd Strike
Rule
28. Required Umpires for all age groups.
29. Trophy distribution
30. All Divisions are required to use 2 eared helmets.
31. Refunds
32. UMPIRE RULES: dress code, number to be hired,
relationship with coaches and players, PROTESTING UNQUALIFIED UMPIRES. IF THE 11U (50/70), ((11U(46/60) is not
included), AND OLDER DIVISIONS, DO NOT HAVE 2 UMPIRES THEN THE OPPOSING TEAM(S) WILL HAVE GROUNDS TO PROTEST TO REPLAY
THE GAME. THE PROTEST MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME. READ THE PROTEST PROTOCOL.
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 who uses "Federation Rules": Pitchers while on rubber cannot fake a pickoff to 3rd then throw to first.
This is a Major Baseball League Rule.
35. (2017) METAL CLEATS
RULE
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: COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CONTACTING AND PAYING UMPIRES
38.-
THE ABL RECCOMENDS TEAMS TO
HAVE AT LEAST ONE ASSISTANT COACH and listed CONSEQUENCES.
REMINDER: GAMES ARE MAINLY SCHEDULED ON SATURDAYS AND
MAY ALSO BE SCHEDULED OR RESCHEDULED ON SUNDAYS. TEAMS WISHING TO RESCHULE GAMES MAY ALSO DO SO ON WEEKDAYS...
ALL RESCHEDULED GAMES MADE BY THE TEAMS HAVE TO HAVE MUTUAL AGREEMENT.
39. GAME TIME LIMIT RULE - AUG. 1, 2019
40.ABL WORLD SERIES 9 INNING RULE
41. WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR UMPIRES AND BASEBALLS?
Section 7
42. QUALITY OF BASEBALLS
43. A PROPOSED NEW RULE TO BE REVIEWED FOR THE 2020 SEASON
DETERMINING RANKINGS OF WORLD SERIES TEAMS
44. Umpire behind the plate protocol guidelines
for post season. In the event of the teams not agreeing on whose
umpire will work behind the plate during 2 of 3 or 3 of 5 series. - higher seed's umpire will have the option/opportunity
to work behind the plate during the first doubleheader.
- during
the 'if necessary' games, the host's umpire will have the option/opportunity to work behind the plate.
- both teams may agree on their own comfortable arrangement(s).
- Both teams' must agree and if not refer to #1 & #2 above.
Section 8
CODE OF CONDUCT
SECTION 9
NON-DISCRIMINATION RULE
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Autumn Baseball League 2020
Section
1
Deadline for registration – Friday, Sept
4, 2020.
Entrance fee is $285 per team and required to be paid to the League on or before the deadline date.
Registration closes Friday, Sept. 4, 2020.
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: Autumn Baseball League
Insufficient funded checks will be charged $50.00
Checks must be accompanied with registration.
Teams may be omitted from schedule if fee is late. Late fee:
$100.00
BY SIGNING THE APPLICATION and WAIVER FORMS YOU
ARE ACCEPTING ALL LIABILITY RESPONSIBILITY.
Team managers, coaches, and parents
willingly and voluntarily accept and assume all medical and liability risks of participation.
Each independent team, manager(s), coaches and parents or combination, shall be responsible for any and all liability. The ABL shall share no responsibility resulting from injury or any other reason.
COACHES ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE "CONCUSSION IN SPORTS" ONLINE FREE COURSE. GO TO http://nfhslearn.com/courses/61037 TO TAKE THE COURSE.
Teams are
required to have First Aid Kits at games.
Reporting a WIN OR TIE:
GAME RESULTS
MUST BE REPORTED TO COMMISSIONER. The report must be sent to AutumnBaseBallLeague@Live.com by the winning team.
File your
Game Results Report at AutumnBaseballLeague@Live.com;
WITHIN A 72 HOURS OF THE END OF GAME. Failure to report within 72 hours could
result in no credits awarded for the win(s).
Bylaws
Rules and Regulations: The Autumn Baseball League
(the ABL) shall be played in accordance with the rules adopted by the Rules Committee of the ABL and has the right to modify
any rule for the betterment of the league and the safety of the participants on and off the field.
8U, 9U, 10U, 11U(46/60), teams shall use Little League Rules
except for ABL modifications.
11(50/70), 12U 13U, 14U, 16U, 17U, 19U & Adult Division use
current Major League Baseball League Rules. See 2017 Rules in URL below :
https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/mlb/ub08blsefk8wkkd2oemz.pdf
Delayed,
Postponed and Suspended Games:
THE GAME MUST CONTINUE UNLESS AN ACT OF NATURE PREVENTS IT FROM CONTINUING. i.e.
LIGHTNING, EARTHQUAKE, RAIN, SUNSET or ANY OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCE. IF THE GAME IS ENDED BECAUSE OF THESE CIRCUMSTANCES A
COMPLETE GAME IS DEFINED AS:
1.) 4 INNINGS IN A 6 INNING GAME
2.) 5 INNINGS IN A 7 INNING GAME:
3.) 7 INNINGS IN A 9 INNING GAME
IF A GAME IS CALLED AND THE GAME HAS
NOT MET THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF INNINGS TO MAKE IT A COMPLETE GAME THEN THE GAME MUST START OVER.
IF A GAME IS CALLED AND
THE GAME HAS MET THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF INNINGS BUT IS TIED THE GAME IS COMPLETE. Recorded as a tied game... (added
9/18/14)
Innings to be played:
8U - 12U Divisions: All
games shall be 6 innings. A complete game shall be a minimum
of 4 innings.
In the event of an "if necessary" game in post season then 10U, 11U & 12U divisions will play 7 innings. (complete game 5 innings)
13U, 14U, 16U & 19U Divisions: 9/18/14 (corrected to
clarify)
All games shall be 7 innings (complete game 5 innings)
One game shall earn 2
points ONLY.
GAME TIME LIMITS - 8U-12U, 6 Innings (2 Hours)/7 innings (2 Hrs. and
20 min) - 13U and Beyond, 7 Innings (2 Hours and 20 Mins) - 9 inning games (3 hours) - Start Time officially begins at 1st Pitch - Complete any Inning started before Time Limit - No New Inning can begin after the Time Limit unless
the Game is Tied. - One Extra Inning shall be played if the score is still
tied after the Time Limit is reached and/or tied after regulatory innings have been completed.
- The player making the last out in the previous inning
shall be placed on 2nd base during that 'extra inning'.
- Three outs allowed to each team during the 'extra inning'. -
If the Score remains Tied after 1 Extra Inning, the Game will be recorded as a Tie. -
Coaches and Umpires should agree to the official start time to avoid any confusion.
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ABL
Section 2
Rescheduled, rained out games (or game that
could not be completed):
Teams must agree on a make up date within a week. If
an agreement to reschedule cannot be made then the Commissioner may have to decide on the makeup date.
If in the last week of the season then the Commissioner has the authority to decide when the game(s) shall
be played.
Grace Period:
If a team does not have enough players by game time, the team shall have a 15 minute grace period. The second game shall start no earlier than 20 minutes and no later than 30 minutes after
the 1st game. If a team does not have enough players to start the second game then a 15 minute grace period
is allowed. In this case, the max time between games will be 45 minutes.
If the team doesn't have enough players at the time
of the second game, then the second game is forfeited.
If both teams do not have enough players to start a game then
both teams shall forfeit and no points will be issued unless the teams mutually agree to reschedule.
Call the Commissioner if this event occurs. 508
496 7371
Umpire qualifications:
Post season umpires are paid
by both teams (see the 'hiring' priority order below)
Option
1: both home and visiting teams hire the umpires.
Option
2: the home team may hire both umpires.
Option
3: the visiting team may hire both umpires
Coaching staff cannot umpire games within their
team’s Division.
8U & 9U only: All home teams are responsible for
qualified adult umpires, baseballs and field preparations. Min. of 2 umpires are recommended. PATCHED
UMPIRES MAY BE OF RESPONSIBLE AGE. A MINIMUM OF ONE PATCHED UMPIRE IS REQUIRED
AT EACH GAME. Proper
dress required.
THE UMPIRES NOT SHOWING UP?
IT IS ADVISED TO CONTACT YOUR
UMPIRES PRIOR TO THE GAMES TO ENSURE AND REAFFIRM THEY KNOW THE TIME, DATE AND LOCATION OF THE GAMES AND THAT THEY WILL OR
WILL NOT SHOW UP.
IF
THE UMPIRES INDICATE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ATTEND, IT'S THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBITY OF THE HIRING TEAM TO CONTACT THE VISITORS
IN AMPLE TIME PRIOR TO THE START TO PREVENT THE VISITORS FROM MAKING THE DRIVE TO THE GAME AND ULTIMATELY WASTING THEIR TIME. IF THE UMPIRES SAY THEY WILL BE AT THE GAME AND STILL DO NOT SHOW UP, IT CONTINUES TO BE THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE HOST TEAM AND THE HOST TEAM MAY BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY. HOST TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR HIRING THE UMPIRES AND IF THE UMPIRES DO NOT SHOW UP, THE HIRING TEAM MAY FACE FORFEITS OF THE GAME(S). IF THE VISITING TEAM IS WILLING TO PLAY THESE GAMES THEN SO BE IT... ALTHOUGH,
SOMETIMES THERE ARE SCHEDULES WHEN THERE IS NO TIME LEFT TO MAKE UP THE GAMES.
WE NO LONGER MANDATE GAMES TO BE PLAYED ON WEEKNIGHTS.
10, 11, 12U, 13U, 14U, 16U, High School &
Post H.S. Division: Adult and mature umpires must be used during the game. Two umpires are required.
Proper dress required. It's prohibited
to use a close friend, relative of a player or person connected to the teams playing. Umpires must be neutral. All umpires must have earned an umpire’s certificate as credentials.
PENALTY: GAMES
COULD BE FORFEITED IF PROTESTED AND
PROVEN A RELATIVE, FRIEND, PARENT OR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE
TEAM OR PLAYERS UMPIRES THE GAMES.
Player Eligibility / Cutoff
dates / Maximum ages for Divisions
Teams must submit rosters by mid season. The Commissioner shall annouce the date. )
These
players shall be locked in for the remainder of the season including post season. No other player is
allowed to play in games after this time. 18 players maximum are eligible for the latter part of season and post season. ALL TEAMS MUST SEND THE COMMISSIONER A COPY OF THEIR ROSTER BY MID SEASON TO PROTECT YOUR TEAM FROM ROSTER PIRACY AND FOR PLAYER ELIGIBILITY FOR SECOND HALF SEASON PLAY.
Players cannot play on multiple teams in the same Division.
Coaches are required to keep rosters updated with the Commissioner
during the entire ABL season.
AGE CUTOFF DATES FOR 2020:
***MAY 1ST IS THE NEW AGE CUTOFF DATE.
(MODIFIED 7/21/2020) 8u (46/60) ~ players born on or after May 1, 2011;
USA Certified bats or wood bats 9u (46/60) ~ players born on or after May 1, 2010; USA Certified
bats or wood bats 10u (46/60) ~ players born on or after May 1, 2009; USA Certified bats or wood bats 11u (50/70) ~ players
born on or after May 1, 2008; USA Certified bats or wood bats 12u (50/70) ~ players
born on or after May 1, 2007; USA Certified bats or wood bats 12u (60/90)
~ players born on or after May 1, 2007; USA Certified bats, BBCOR bats or wood bats 13u (60/90) ~ players born on or after
May 1, 2006; Wood Bats 14u (60/90) ~ players born on or after May 1, 2005; Wood Bats 16u (60/90) ~ players
born on or after May 1, 2003; Wood Bats HIGH SCHOOL DIV. ~ 2020 graduates or younger; Wood Bats
POST HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE DIVISION: Players not attending high school and beyond high
school age. No age limit.
Misconduct Rule:
Only the team manager is designated to confront the umpire
on disputes. This person shall be named prior to the game. If there is a violation then that person may be warned and may be ejected for the second violation. The umpire has the option of either or both.
Disagreeing with the umpire is allowed but acting disrespectfully is not allowed.
All team personnel shall be civil and respectful. The maximum penalty
shall be ejection from the league. The rules/protest committee shall make the
final decision.
IF A PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER IS EJECTED FROM A GAME, THEN HE/SHE SHALL LEAVE
THE BASEBALL PARK PREMISES FOR THE REST OF THE GAME. THE NEXT GAME, THE OFFENDER CANNOT STEP ON BALL FIELD BUT CAN WATCH
THE GAME FROM OUTSIDE THE BALL PARK NOT IN DUGOUT.
Protests:
There
is a $100 protest fee...
If the decision is upheld then you shall get a refund...
If you lose the decision, no money is returned...
All protests shall
be reported to the ABL COMMISSIONER with details of the game situation and must be presented in hard
copy or email with a $100 check made payable to the Autumn Baseball League within 24 hours of the game.
Fee shall be returned if the protest is upheld (won). Fee shall not be returned if
protest is not upheld (lost).
Any protests upheld by the committee
shall be replayed at exact point of protest of the game.
Only protest involving disputes of official rules of baseball shall be considered.
The protesting manager must notify the head umpire and opponent of protest. Umpires must give their contact information
by writing it in the book and indicating in the book where the alleged infraction occured during the game. Protests
must be made before the next ball is pitched. A written report with all information (including umpires contact information)
must be sent to ABL Commissioner within 24 hours, either personally handed over or emailed at autumnbaseballleague@live.com.
(NO TEXT)
8 Player Rule, Extra Hitters
and Batting Line-up Rule:
***The minimum number of players in the batting lineup shall be 9. The maximum, your entire team. Any
player(s) in the lineup over 9 shall be considered Extra Hitters (EH). Once you choose one of the above or a number in
between and the game commences, you cannot change.
***Exception…If a team can only field 8
players at game time, then the 9th position shall be recorded as an out. If later in the game the 9th player arrives, that player shall be inserted in the ninth position to rectify
the problem. Extra Hitters: If you elect to use all of your players in your
line up and one (or more) gets injured then there will be an open spot in the line-up which shall be recorded as an out.
Section 3
Extra Hitters and Batting Line-up Example:
If you place all of your players in the lineup you’re at risk. If
a player or players gets injured and cannot play because of an injury or a player ejected, then that vacant spot(s) shall
be recorded as an out(s). A minimum of 8 players is allowed in line-up. No game is to be played with less than 8.
The team with less than 8 players in lineup shall forfeit the game.
Substitution Rule (offense and defense):
ALL DIVISIONS: There
is no mandatory or minimum amount of playing time for the players. The manager
is not obligated to play everyone. Free substitution is allowed. When a batter is taken out of a game and later re-entered, the batter must re-enter in his or her original
position in the batting line up.
Defensively players may enter and re-enter multiple
times. There’s no set amount of times a player can re-enter a game. Example: two shortstops may be flip-flopped
every inning. Pitchers are excluded.
Trips to the mound:
One trip to the mound: If the pitcher is removed from his pitching position and goes to the bench
then he/she cannot return to the mound however he/she can return
to another position any time during the game.
If a pitcher is relieved after the 1st trip and immediately takes
another position in the field then later in the game he/she can
return to the pitcher's position. This procedure is
allowed only once per pitcher per game.
Two
trips to the mound in the same inning with the same pitcher, the pitcher must be removed from the pitcher's
position.
One visit to the mound per inning per pitcher is
allowed. On the 2nd visit in one inning the pitcher must be removed from the pitcher's position and
cannot return to that position for the remainder of the game.
* For 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 16U, H.S. & Post
H.S. Graduates only...Concerning the 2nd trip to the mound, in the same inning, same pitcher and
the same batter the pitcher has to be removed and the coach is ejected from game. (this is a Major League Baseball Rule)
***Note: Major League Baseball rule - if coach makes
2 trips to the mound in one inning with the same batter then the pitcher must be removed and the coach ejected. The
mound circle or grass fringe once crossed is considered a trip. The coach can participate in the next game.
If the pitcher is removed
from the mound (after the first visit) and is placed in another defensive position then he is entitled to return to the
mound. (This move will be allowed only once per game per pitcher)
However,
if at any time that player is benched immediately after getting relieved, then he cannot return to the pitchers position
during the game but allowed to play any other defensive position.
The player can
return to the mound if he/she immediately goes to a defensive position and NOT sent to the bench after being
relieved.
If he/she gets
relieved and goes directly to the bench then he cannot return to the mound in that game.
Bottom Line:
A player can make 2 (separated) appearances on the mound per game in the event he is immediately placed in a defensive postion
after he's relieved... BUT if he is removed from the mound then benched then he CANNOT take the mound for the rest
of the game. (Repeated 3 times just to emphasize the point)
A pitcher can be relieved/removed and returned to the pitchers position once per game.
If the player returns to his
pitchers position in the same inning he was removed, he may have warm-up pitches if needed. Moreover, if the coach visits the pitcher again in the same inning then the pitcher is removed permanently
from the pitcher’s status for that game.
Slash bunting:
Modified in 2017
No slash bunting in the 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U & 12U Divisions
(will be recorded as an out.
Slash bunting is allowed in 13U, 14U, 16U, High School & Post H.S. Divisions
but not recommended.
Sliding:
>>>ALL DIVISIONS:
Slide or avoid contact. If there is a collision without
sliding and the defensive player has the ball and or getting ready to make the play, the runner is out. NOTE for all divisions: If defensive player
is blocking the plate without the ball or not attempting to make a play then the runner has a right to advance to the base
even if a collision occurs the umpire shall call defensive interference.
8U - 13U:
RUNNER IS OUT WHEN RUNNER SLIDES HEAD FIRST WHILE ADVANCING. IF A RUNNER SLIDES
HEAD FIRST INTO THE BAG BECAUSE (1) OVER RUN THE BASE OR (2) DURING A PICK OFF THEN THE RUNNER SHALL
NOT BE CALLED OUT FOR THE HEAD FIRST SLIDE. If the Umpire calls a runner out for a head first slide, the ball is still live.
Go to page 7: Slide Rule
>>>14U,
16U, High School & Post H.S. Division: See 2007 NCAA rules Section 6 General Rules #26. Head
first sliding is permitted but not recommended.
Innings a pitcher is allowed to throw
(more importantly
Managers should keep a pitch count):
If pitcher throws at least one pitch in an inning and is taken
off the mound, he's charged for an entire inning pitched.
ABL does not use the Little League Catcher to Pitcher Rule.
as of 10/31/2013: Pitcher re-entry counts
as an appearance.
PITCHER
RE-ENTRY RULE CLARIFICATION (10/30/17):
WE HAVE BEEN USING A MODIFIED MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL RULE
REGARDING PITCHERS FOR ALMOST 18 YEARS IN THE ABL: if a pitcher is relieved and
is taken out of the game (to the bench) then that pitcher cannot re-enter
the game as a pitcher. However, if that pitcher is relieved and is placed directly to another defensive position then he may re-enter as a pitcher.
A pitcher can only re-enter once in the game.
INNINGS ALLOWED
PER 3 CONSECUTIVE DAY PERIOD:
8U & 9U pitchers cannot pitch more
than 6 innings in one given day. A pitcher cannot pitch more
than 8 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 3 appearances during
the 3 consecutive day period.
10U & 11U: pitchers cannot pitch more than 7
innings per day) A pitcher cannot pitch
more than 8 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 3 appearances during the 3 consecutive day period.
12U & 13U: A pitcher cannot
pitch more than 7 innings in one given day. A
pitcher cannot pitch more than 10 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 3 appearances
during the 3 consecutive day period.
14U: A pitcher cannot
pitch more than 9 innings in one
given day. A pitcher cannot pitch more than 12 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 3
appearances during the 3 consecutive days.
16U: A pitcher cannot
pitch more than 9 innings in one given day. A pitcher cannot pitch more than 14 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 4 appearances
during the 3 consecutive days.
17U, 18U, 19U: A pitcher cannot
pitch more than 10 innings in one given day. A
pitcher cannot pitch more than 16 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 3
appearances during the 3 consecutive days.
ABL does not use the Little League Catcher to Pitcher Rule
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABL
Section 4
8U - No stealing home (See Section 6: #22)
8U - 10 defensive players are allowed (10th player shall be
an outfielder only)
Pre Game:
If time permits, each team shall be allowed to have pre-game infield/outfield
warm-up. Visitors first.
Just prior to the game, both team managers shall meet at home plate to review
the park rules and should but not necessary give the umpire their line-ups. If lineups are given to the umpires then
all changes should be conveyed to them.
PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY:
Teams must submit rosters by mid season
to the Commissioner.
FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY DISQUALIFY THE TEAM
FROM POST SEASON...
These players shall
be locked in for the remainder of the season including post season. No other player is allowed to participate
in games after this time.
The mid season
specific date of sending in roster shall be determined by the Commissioner.
18 players are eligible per team for the latter part of season including post season.
Players cannot play on multiple teams in the same Division.
Coaches
are required to keep rosters updated with the ABL.
PINCH/COURTESY RUNNER RULE:
THE
RUNNER WHO IS REPLACED CANNOT RE-ENTER THE SAME GAME, ALTHOUGH, IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY AND WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE OPPOSING
MANAGER AND HEAD UMPIRE, THAT INJURED PLAYER MAY BE AVAILABLE TO RE-ENTER ONLY IF
THE TEAM NEEDS THAT PLAYER TO MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM OF EIGHT PLAYER LINEUP. THE
UMPIRE AND OPPOSING MANAGER SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE INJURED PLAYER IS HEALTHY ENOUGH TO PLAY, HOWEVER, THE UMPIRE
SHALL HAVE THE FINAL DECISION. THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD SHALL BE THE MAIN
CONCERN. COACHES: TO PREVENT THIS SITUATION,
MAINTAIN ENOUGH PLAYERS ON YOUR ROSTER. EXCEPTION
AND WITH 2 OUTS - Courtesy Runner may be used for the pitcher or catcher without removing
them from the lineup in order to speed up the game. The Courtesy Runner must be a legal substitute player who has not
entered the game. In the event no legal substitute is available, the Courtesy Runner shall be the player in the lineup
who made the last batted out in the previous inning.
Game Times & Rescheduling games, Managers/umps responsibility:
WITHIN 5 DAYS AFTER REGISTRATION
DEADLINE, each team must review the schedule. If teams see any conflicts then the teams must report it to the
Scheduling Committee for review as well as contact the opposing team's management for compromise.
Once the season commences, the schedule stands.
It can be modified only if both teams and the league agrees.
REPEAT:
TEAMS MUST REPORT ANY CONFLICTS IN THE
SCHEDULE WITHIN 5 DAYS AFTER DEADLINE.
1. 1.
If you wish to change the original scheduled time and place,
then you must notify your opponent, umpires and Commissioner at
least 24 hrs. ahead of scheduled game time. The opposing team must agree with the change. If no mutual agreement
of the change of time then the original scheduled time and place shall stand.
Host team shall be home team for both games of double headers (during regular season) supply the baseballs and responsible for the hiring and paying umpires.
The second game of the double header shall begin a minimum of 20 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes from the end
of the first game.
Game
Times & Rescheduling games, Managers/umps responsibility:
all games are
initially scheduled for Saturday mornings.
1.
If you wish to change the original scheduled time and place, then you must notify your opponent,
umpires and Commissioner at least 24 hrs. ahead of scheduled game time.
The opposing team must agree with the change. If no mutual agreement
of the change of time then the original scheduled time and place shall stand.
2. Curfew / Night games. No inning shall start after:
8U, 9U, 10U, - no
inning starts after 8 pm
11U, 12U - no inning starts after 9 pm.
13U, 14U, 16U, - no inning starts after 10 pm.
H.S. and Post H.S. - no inning starts after 11 pm.
3. Host team shall be home team for both
games of double headers, supply the baseballs and responsible for the hiring and paying
umpires.
4. All post season games: both teams supply baseballs and hire/pay for umpires.
The
second game of the double header shall begin a minimum of 20 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes from the end of the first
game.
Postponement
of Game because of the weather:
The
home team must notify their opponent at least 2 hours*** before game time concerning a postponed game because of rain or
any other reason.
Call 3 hours*** before game time, if the game is to be called off and if (VISITING) team traveling is more than 50 miles away. THE MILEAGE SHALL BE DETERMINED
BY USING MAPQUEST OR GOOGLE MAP.
Because teams are traveling, this rule would prevent a team from needlessly making a trip. A
WORD TO VISITING TEAM:
YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE HOME TEAM TO CONTACT YOU... BE PROACTIVE AND CALL THE HOME TEAM MANAGER TO BE SURE.
No game can be
called off more than 24 hours prior to game unless both teams agree. See Section 5, General Rules #5.
Home team is responsible to decide whether or not the game shall start in the event
of inclement weather. Once the game begins, then the home plate umpire is in
charge and controls the game and the home team is responsible for paying the umpires.
BAT RULE
THE USSSA BPF 1.15 BAT IS NOT ALLOWED IN ANY DIVISION
8U-11U (46/60) Divisions: USA Stamped Bats or Wood Bats
11U (50/70), 12U (60/90): USA Stamped Bats, BBCOR or Wood Bats
13U, 14U, 16U, H.S., POST H.S. Divisions: Wood
Bats ONLY
The wood
bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 5/8 inches
in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.
NO 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, High School & Post
H.S. Division use current Major League Baseball League Rules. Unless ABL Rules supercede...
See 2016 Rules in URL below :
See Bylaws - Section 1
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 MAY 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:
If a game report is received indicating 4 points and it is found that only one game was
played then the following rules shall be enforced:
A. Penalty:
BOTH TEAMS FORFEIT; NO POINTS AWARDED.
5. Home team is responsible
to decide whether or not the game shall start in the event of inclement weather.
UMPIRE PAY AGREEMENT-
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. SEE 'UMPIRE AGREEMENT' ABOVE: IF THE UMPIRE SHOWS UP TO THE GAME, THE HOME TEAM OWES THE UMPIRES MONEY. TEAMS
MUST HAVE THEIR UMPIRE'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 although the home team book has preference and
both books may be reviewed by the Rules Committee. KEEP YOUR BOOKS ACCURATE.
7. Hidden ball
trick is allowed. (except for 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, H.S. and Post H.S. Post Graduate 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 IS ALLOWED TO 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.
If a player actually participates at least
a part of an inning then that player cannot
join another without approval of his manager and Commissioner.
On the other hand, if a player is on the roster BUT HAS
NOT played at all during the season then that player can join another team
if he wishes. His
manager cannot block the transfer BUT proof is needed to support this action.
This is one of the reasons I ask all managers
to keep complete and accurate books to help prove your case.
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. IT IS NOT THE AUTUMN
BASEBALL LEAGUE'S RESPONSIBILTY AND THE ABL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE. As a manager, coach, parent, supporter, bat boy, helper, assistant, etc.in this league I/we have read these
bylaws, registration form and parential waiver 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, his family and property
from all liability and furthermore agree that the team(s) you have entered in this league are independent and no associated
with the ABL.
Section
6
- 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.
- The 10 run mercy rule is used when required…(6 inning game – must complete 4 innings) (7 inn
/ 5) and (9 inn / 7)
- HEAD TO HEAD used for playoffs: 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.
- Keep these rules with you during games. Review them with the umpires.
- 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.
10 run lead after four inning (3 ½ if home team is ahead) will be considered a complete
game. Home team must get its last at bat, if
the home team is losing by 10 or more.
23. The infield
fly rule is used in all Divisions except for the 8U Division
24. Illegal Bat Penalty
ABL penalty for use of illegal bat for all Divisions
1st 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.
2nd
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.
3rd
violation: The batter is out (same as above) and the manager is ejected.
4th
violation: The batter is out (same as above) and the assistant manager is ejected.
If no assistant manager then the game is forfeited.
5th
violation: The game is forfeited.
25
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
IN EFFECT FOR THE ABL 11U and OLDER
DIVISIONS.
In baseball, an uncaught third strike (often inaccurately referred to as a dropped third strike) occurs when the catcher fails to cleanly catch a pitch for the third strike. A pitch is considered uncaught if the ball touches the ground before being caught, or if the ball is dropped after being
grasped (see also catch). In Major League Baseball, the specific rules concerning the uncaught third strike are addressed in Rules 6.05 and 6.09 of the Official Baseball Rules.[1]
On an uncaught
third strike with no runner on first base or with two outs, the batter immediately becomes a runner. The strike is called, but the umpire does not call the batter out. The umpire may also actively signal that there is "no catch" of the pitch. The batter may then attempt to reach first
base and must be tagged or thrown out. With two outs and the bases loaded, the catcher who fails to catch the third strike may, upon picking up the ball, step
on home plate for a force-out or make a throw to any other fielder.
One intent
of this rule is to ensure that a defensive player fields the ball cleanly in order for that team to record an out. It was
thought that it was not enough that the offensive player be unsuccessful at the plate in order for an out to be made; a defensive
player must be successful as well.
Regardless
of the outcome of an uncaught third strike, the pitcher is statistically credited with a strikeout. Because of the uncaught third strike rule, it is possible for a pitcher to register more than three strikeouts in an inning, a feat which has been accomplished in Major League Baseball 56 times.[2][3]
If at the time of the strike three pitch, first base is occupied with fewer than two outs, the batter is automatically out and cannot become a runner. This is to
prevent the defense from deliberately dropping a third strike pitch and getting a double or triple play as a result, because
of the possible force play at second, third base, or home plate in this situation.
In Little League divisions Tee-Ball and Minor League the batter is out after the third strike regardless of whether the pitched ball is caught
cleanly by the catcher. In Little League (or the Major Division), Junior, Senior, and Big League divisions a batter may attempt
to advance to first base on an uncaught third strike. Little League Major Division Softball as well as many other youth baseball
leagues, such as the USSSA also follow the rule.
A batter who does not realize his situation on a third
strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle
surrounding home plate."
28. 8U, 9U,
10U & 11(46-60) 1 umpire minimum, 2 recommended.
11U (50/70), 12U(46/60),
12U(50/70),13U, 14U, 16U, 19U: 2 umpires required per game
29. Championship awards a to be presented
at the end of final game of World Series.
30. All Divisions are required to use 2 eared helmets.
31. Refund
Policy: Once the scheduling
process has started, no refunds shall be granted. Scheduling begins between
10 days / 2 weeks before opening day.
32. (AS OF 2020) UMPIRE REQUIREMENTS:
IF THE 11U (50/70),
((11U(46/60) is not included), AND OLDER DIVISIONS, DO NOT HAVE 2 UMPIRES THEN THE OPPOSING TEAM(S) WILL HAVE GROUNDS
TO PROTEST TO REPLAY THE GAME. THE PROTEST MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME. READ THE PROTEST PROTOCOL.
IF THE UMPIRE(S) ARE NOT PROPERLY DRESSED
AND USING IMPROPER EQUIPMENT THEN THE OPPOSING TEAM(S) WILL HAVE GROUNDS TO REPLAY THE GAME AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TEAM IN
VIOLATION. THIS PROTEST MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME. READ THE PROTEST PROTOCOL.
IF AN UMPIRE IS FAMILY RELATED, CLOSE FRIEND, AND/OR A COACH THEN THE OPPOSING TEAM(S) WILL HAVE
GROUNDS TO PROTEST FOR A FORFEIT. THE PROTEST MUST BE MADE DURING THE GAME. READ THE PROTEST PROTOCOL.
THE UMPIRES NOT SHOWING UP?
IT IS ADVISED TO CONTACT YOUR
UMPIRES PRIOR TO THE GAMES TO ENSURE AND REAFFIRM THEY KNOW THE TIME, DATE AND LOCATION OF THE GAMES AND THAT THEY WILL OR
WILL NOT SHOW UP.
IF
THE UMPIRES INDICATE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ATTEND, IT'S THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBITY OF THE HIRING TEAM TO CONTACT THE VISITORS
IN AMPLE TIME PRIOR TO THE START TO PREVENT THE VISITORS FROM MAKING THE DRIVE TO THE GAME AND ULTIMATELY WASTING THEIR TIME. IF THE UMPIRES SAY THEY WILL BE AT THE GAME AND STILL DO NOT SHOW UP, IT CONTINUES TO BE THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE HOST TEAM AND THE HOST TEAM MAY BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY. HOST TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR HIRING THE UMPIRES AND IF THE UMPIRES DO NOT SHOW UP, THE HIRING TEAM MAY FACE FORFEITS OF THE GAME(S). IF THE VISITING TEAM IS WILLING TO PLAY THESE GAMES THEN SO BE IT... ALTHOUGH,
SOMETIMES THERE ARE SCHEDULES WHEN THERE IS NO TIME LEFT TO MAKE UP THE GAMES.
WE NO LONGER MANDATE GAMES TO BE PLAYED ON WEEKNIGHTS.
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. 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 expenses:
HOME and or VISITING teams are required to contact and pay umpires and equally supply baseballs.
Post season umpires are paid
by both teams (see the 'hiring' priority order below)
Option
1: both home and visiting teams hire the umpires.
Option
2: the home team may hire both umpires.
Option
3: the visiting team may hire both umpires
SEE SECT. 6 - #41
a. BOTH TEAMS are responsible for the umpires' pay in
the event of any postponements, delays, or cancellations.
REPEAT, BOTH TEAM ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL UMPIRE FEE AND COSTS.
b. in the event of postponements, delays or cancellations, BOTH
TEAMS have he responsibility of calling the umpires to
notify them of the delay.
give umpires ample
time to prevent them from showing up to your ball
park.
KNOW YOUR UMPIRE'S PAY POLICIES:
If the umpires go to the field without being contacted then BOTH TEAMS shall owe umpire fees. The ABL is not responsible for
umpire costs and fees.
NOTE: TO PROVE THAT YOU CONTACTED THE UMPIRES TO REPORT A CANCELLATION, DELAY, POSTPONEMENT ETC., USE
TEXT MESSAGING WHICH WILL HAVE THE DATE AND TIME TO PROVE WHEN CALL WAS MADE. UMPIRES MUST BE INFORMED WITHIN THE GUIDELINES
OF YOUR UMPIRE'S PAY POLICIES...
<<< PLAYOFFS AND WORLD SERIES expenses: >>> AS OF the WINTER ABL MEETING 2018, BOTH
TEAMS EQUALLY SUPPLY Baseballs and equally pays umpires. Visitors may provide an umpire of their
own.
38.
THE ABL REQUIRES TEAMS
TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE ASSISTANT COACH.
If a team has only one coach on the
field and he is ejected by the umpire then his/her team shall forfeit the game.
PLAYER
COACH: 17U & High School & Post H.S. Divisions: An 18 year old player
can only take the position if he is declared a player coach prior to the game. If not reported to
the umpire in charge prior to the game and the manager is ejected then the team forfeits.
COACHES ARE REQUIRED TO PASS THE CORI
TEAMS
ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION DURING THE GAMES.
REMINDER: GAMES, BY DEFAULT, ARE SCHEDULED
ON SATURDAYS AND MAY ALSO BE SCHEDULED OR RESCHEDULED ON SUNDAYS.
TEAMS WISHING TO RESCHEDULE GAMES MAY ALSO DO SO ON WEEKDAYS... ALL RESCHEDULED GAMES MADE BY THE TEAMS MUST BE IN MUTUAL
AGREEMENT.
39. GAME TIME LIMITS - 8U-12U, 6 Innings (2 Hours) - 13U and Beyond, 7 Innings (2 Hours and 20 Mins) - Start Time officially begins at 1st Pitch - Complete any Inning started before Time Limit - No New Inning can begin after the Time Limit unless
the Game is Tied. - One Extra Inning shall be played if the score is still
tied after the Time Limit is reached and/or tied after regulatory innings have been completed.
- The player making the last out in the previous inning shall be
placed on 2nd base during that 'extra inning'.
- Three outs allowed to each team during the 'extra inning'. -
If the Score remains Tied after 1 Extra Inning, the Game will be recorded as a Tie. -
Coaches and Umpires should agree to the official start time to avoid any confusion.
40. ABL WORLD SERIES 9 INNING
RULE
3 OF 5 GAME SERIES: BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS
DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR, TEAMS IN THE WORLD SERIES HAVE THE OPTION TO PLAY ONE 9 INNING GAME IN LIEU OF THE DOUBLE HEADER
IN THE EVENT OF A 3 OF 5 SERIES OR A ONE 9 INNING GAME TO END THE SERIES; 'WINNER TAKES ALL'. BOTH TEAMS MUST AGREE.
2 OF 3 GAME
SERIES: IN LIEU OF A 2 OF 3 SERIES THE TEAMS HAVE THE OPTION TO PLAY ONE 9 INNING GAME,
'WINNER TAKES ALL'. BOTH TEAMS MUST AGREE.
41. WHO PAYS UMPIRE AND SUPPIES BASEBALLS?
Regular season
the
home team hires and pays umpires.
the home team supplies baseballs.
the home team provides a field and maintenance.
Post Season
both
teams hire & pay for umpires.
Visitors
may allow the home team to provide the umps but are still responsible to pay half. (Visitors may use their
own umpire)
both
teams provide baseballs
the
home team provides a field and maintenance.
Section 7
BATS (read rule in Section
4)
42.
QUALITY OF BASEBALLS:
use baseballs 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.
In the event of the teams not agreeing on whose umpire will work behind the plate during
2 of 3 or 3 of 5 series. - higher seed's umpire will have the option/opportunity to work behind the
plate during the first doubleheader.
- during the 'if necessary'
games, the host's umpire will have the option/opportunity to work behind the plate.
- both teams may agree on their own comfortable arrangement(s).
- Both teams' must agree and if not refer to #1 & #2 above.
44. Umpire behind the plate protocol guidelines
for post season. In the event of the teams not agreeing on whose
umpire will work behind the plate during 2 of 3 or 3 of 5 series. - higher seed's umpire will have the option/opportunity
to work behind the plate (if he/she agrees to working behind the plate) during the first doubleheader.
- during the 'if necessary' games, the host's umpire will have the option/opportunity to work behind the
plate.
- both teams may agree on their own comfortable
arrangement(s).
- Both teams' must agree and if not refer
to #1 & #2 above.
- if there's any further disagreement,
the Commissioner shall make the final decision.
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.
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