|
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
EXTRAINNINGS
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
PENALTY: USING AN
ILLEGAL BAT DURING THE GAME.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
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...
37-C.
c. new 2022 rule:
FORFEITING TEAMS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR 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.
45. REGULAR & POST
SEASON POSTPONEMENT RULES, RESCHEDULING & COVID
GUIDELINES
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Section
8
CODE OF
CONDUCT
---------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION
9
NON-DISCRIMINATION RULE
Autumn
Baseball League 2022
Section1
Deadline for registration
– Sat., Aug., 27th, 2022.
Entrance fee is $300 per team and required
to be paid to the League on or before the deadline date.
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
Autumn Baseball League or make an
online payment.
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, 18U,
& 18+ 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.
9
INNING AGREEMENT: IF BOTH TEAMS AGREE,
THEN THE TEAMS MAY PLAY A ONE GAME/9 INNING GAME FOR 4 POINTS.
IF GAME IS
TIED THEN 2 POINTS
SHALL BE AWARDED.
NO
TIME LIMITS DURING POST SEASON
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ABL
Section2
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
but not authority to mandate games on weekdays.
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 announce 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 2022:
***APRIL 1ST IS THE AGE CUTOFF DATE.
(MODIFIED on
May 2, 2022)
8u (46/60) ~ players becoming 9 on or
after April 1 are eligible; USA Certified bats or wood bats
9u (46/60) ~ players becoming 10 on or
after April 1 are eligible; USA Certified bats or wood bats
10u (46/60) ~players becoming 11 on or
after April 1 are eligible; USA Certified bats or wood bats
11u (50/70) ~ players becoming 12 on or
after April 1 are eligible; USA Certified bats or wood bats
12u (50/70) ~ players becoming 13 on or
after April 1 are eligible; USA Certified bats or wood bats
12u (60/90) ~ players becoming 13 on or
after April 1 are eligible;; USA Certified bats or wood bats
13u (60/90) ~ players becoming 14 on or
after April 1 are eligible; Wood Bats
14u (60/90) ~ players becoming 15 on or
after April 1 are eligible; Wood Bats
16u (60/90) ~ players becoming 17 on or
after April 1 are eligible; Wood Bats
18u (60/90) ~ players becoming
19 on or after April 1 are eligible; Wood Bats
18+ (60/90) - no age cutoff
date. ; Wood Bats
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:
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
Section4
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 less 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, BBCOR or Wood Bats
11U
(50/70), 12U (60/90): USA Stamped Bats, BBCOR or Wood Bats
13U,
14U, 16U, 18U, 20U & ADULT Divisions: Wood Bats ONLY
· NO COMPOSITE
BATS ARE
TO BE USED.
· ·
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.
--------------------------------------------------------
PENALTY: USING AN ILLEGAL BAT DURING THE GAME.
THE PROTEST
MUST BE MADE DURING
THE GAME AND NOT AFTER THE GAME IS COMPLETED. IF
NOT PROTESTED DURING THE GAME, THEN THE GAME RESULTS STAND.
THE PROTEST
MUST FOLLOW THE PROTOCOL
PRCEDURE WHICH IS:
THE COMPLAINTIFF
MUST FILE THE PROTEST
DURING THE GAME.
THE UMPIRE
AND THE DEFENDENT COACH
MUST BE NOTIFIED DURING THE GAME AND AT THAT POINT THE GAME IS
UNDER PROTEST.
BOTH TEAMS
AND THE HOME PLATE UMPIRE
MUST RECORD IN WRITING, THE SITUATION AT THAT POINT.
THE
GAME ITSELF SHALL CONTINUE WITHOUT THE COMPOSITE BATS.
AFTER THE
COMPLAINT IS REVIEWED BY THE
RULES COMMITTEE, AND IF THE PROTEST IS DETERMINED VALID THEN THE GAME
SHALL CONTINUE AT THAT POINT DURING ANOTHER TIME AND DATE.
IF IT IS FOUND
THE COMPOSITE IS USED
AFTER THE GAME THEN NO PROTEST CAN BE FILED.
AGAIN, "IF
THE PROTEST IS
DETERMINED VALID THEN THE GAME SHALL CONTINUE AT THAT POINT OF PROTEST AT
ANOTHER TIME AND DATE.
THE RULES
BELOW CLEARLY STATE THAT THE
BAT MUST BE CARVED OUT OF A SINGLE PIECE SOLID WOOD.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
· 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, 18U, 20U & older Divisions 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: COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
CONTACTING AND PAYING UMPIRES
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...
c. new 2022 rule:
FORFEITING TEAMS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR PAYING
UMPIRES.
<<< 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.b
· 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.
Teams
are requested to have 2 or more adult coaches on the field.
Team
managers should take note (in the beginning of the game at home
plate when reviewing the ballpark rules) of the names their opponent's
coaches.
If a
coach(s) is/are ejected from the game, then he/she must sit out the
next game on their schedule.
In
the event of all named coaches are ejected, leaving no adult coach to
manage the team, then that team shall forfeit.
Teams
cannot appoint a bystander/parent/friend/ or etc. to manage a team after
the game is started.
Coaches
who are declared at the beginning of the game shall be the only persons
to be managing the team during these games.
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.
45. :REGULAR & POST
SEASON POSTPONEMENT RULES, RESCHEDULING & COVID GUIDELINES
Here
are some guidelines
concerning school sports which have been modified to be
adopted by the ABL.
*ABL
teams should make every
effort to reschedule a postponed contest within a 7-day period. If no
agreement is made after 7 days, then you may contact the ABL Commissioner
to assist in the negotiations.
*The
ABL team(s) involved in a
Covid-related postponement should attempt to reschedule and play the game
once it is safe for both teams to do so.
*In regular
season, if a game cannot be rescheduled, said game(s) will be declared a no-contest and will not count towards
either team’s W-L record.
*In post
season, cold/wet weather conditions in late October and November are
major factors in completing the post season schedule. Moreover, if
players/coaches have been detected to have the
Covid virus, and the game(s) cannot be scheduled, then the team
affected with Covid may be dropped out of the scheduled post season games and
their opponent either takes the forfeit or may opt to play the highest
seed of the teams who didn't qualify for the playoffs.
*Again, the reason
why the Covid affected team will or may be 'dropped out' is because
there may not be enough time remaining (because of
winter conditions) to finish the post season schedule. However, if
playoffs are scheduled early enough in the post season to push back the
games, then so be it. (we're already pushed
back a week because of rain)
The ABL must
follow the RI/MA Covid protocol.
The ABL is
not going to take the risk of spreading the virus and breaking any state
Covid guidelines. During the ABL registration period, all teams are
required to read and sign the ABL disclosures as well as to read their
state's rules and regulations. (Teams' management bears the
risk of liability)
To prevent
the spread of the virus, teams must not play the
games until all affected by the virus have been cleared by their
physicians and have completed their states quarantine/isolation
procedures.
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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