Rules
RHODE ISLAND MENS SENIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Revised 1/30/11 - Download printable copy
Current rules of major league baseball apply except as modified by Rhode Island Men's Senior Baseball League. These rules apply to every division (22, 32, 42 & 50) unless otherwise noted. All RIMSBL players and managers are expected to know and abide by these rules. Managers are expected to assist in the enforcement of these rules.
1.0 UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
1.1 All teams must have full baseball uniforms by the third game of the season. Full uniform is described as a baseball cap, shirt, pants and socks that match the rest of the uniforms of the team they are playing for. A player who is not in full uniform may be disallowed from play without the consent of the league President or Division Commissioner. No refund will be made.
1.2 Managers are encouraged to provide a team jersey to taxi players for the duration of the game being played.
1.3 Metal cleats are permitted.
1.4 All batters and runners must wear a helmet with at least one earflap at all times.
1.5 All base coaches must wear a helmet. Ear flaps are optional.
1.6 Catchers must wear a helmet under their mask.
1.7 Only RIMSBL-approved baseballs will be permitted.
1.8 Each team must provide three new baseballs at the beginning of each game.
1.9 If additional baseballs are needed during the game, both teams must provide balls equally.
1.10 Teams requiring additional balls for regular and/or post-season must purchase from the league.
1.11 RIMSBL is a wood bat league. No metal bats are allowed.
1.12 Wood composites are permitted as long as handle is not metal.
2.0 GENERAL CONDUCT
2.1 “Zero tolerance" policy - RIMSBL provides competitive, recreational baseball with an emphasis on fun, enjoyment, camaraderie and sportsmanship. Mature adult attitudes, sportsmanship and behavior must prevail regardless of competitive nature or circumstance. Negative, slanderous behavior will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behavior may result in expulsion without refund.
2.2 Players are to strictly adhere to the rules of the various fields. Teams and/or players not following field rules and guidelines are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, without refund.
2.3 Alcoholic beverages and non-prescribed or illegal substances are not permitted before or during the game. If a player is thought to be under the influence of alcohol, non-prescribed or illegal substance he/she must be immediately removed from the game and could face further disciplinary actions and/or league expulsion. If a player is under the influence of a prescribed drug that could cause motor impairment he/she will not be allowed to play and no refund will be provided.
3.0 FORFEITS
3.1 Any team forfeiting two games during the regular season faces potential disciplinary action including expulsion from any post season play and/or expulsion from the league without any refund to the expelled team. Note: If a team is excluded from post-season play under section 3.1, the team with the next best record will receive the lowest playoff seed.
3.2 Forfeits are the first standings tiebreaker.
4.0 TEAM ROSTERS
4.1 No player may participate in any RIMSBL-sanctioned game until his financial obligation is fully paid to RIMSBL. Any player who plays without having first fully paid his dues will be deemed ineligible and the team he played for will forfeit the game.
4.2 Final team rosters of up to: 20 players in the 22 & 32 Divisions and 18 in the 42 & 50 Divisions, must be available to all teams and a copy to the Division commissioners and league president before the start of the season.
4.3 Roster changes may take place up to the halfway point in the team's schedule by notification to the league President or Commissioner prior to the start of the next scheduled game.
4.4 Players cannot be added to a team's roster after a team has started the first game of the second half of their schedule.
4.5 If a team does not submit a midseason roster, its original roster will be considered final. If players were added during the season and a midseason roster is not submitted, the team's pre-season roster is official and final. If any non-roster players were used and are not on the taxi-eligible list, that player will be deemed ineligible and all games he participated in will be a forfeit. Refunds will not be made to disallowed players.
5.0 QUALIFICATIONS
5.1 All players shall sign a waiver of liability, agreeing not to hold the league, its officers, directors, employees, or agents responsible for any injury of damage arising from participation in the league or its activities.
5.2 Players are participants, not members or owners in the league.
5.3 If a waiver is not submitted, a player will be disallowed from participation. He is not eligible to play until the waiver is signed and submitted to RIMSBL. No refund will be made.
5.4 In all divisions, a player is age-eligible if they become of age during the calendar year of the current season.
5.5 Special waivers may be granted to teams that face hardships regarding age.
5.6 Each manager is responsible for the proper ages of players on his team and overall adherence to this rule.
An opposing manager or the President and Commissioner may at any time question a player's age. In such occurrences, the player must submit proof of age to requesting person. If no such proof is produced, the player must submit proof to the league President or Commissioner within one week. If a player does not meet the correct age requirement of the division they are playing in, they will be removed from any further league play effective immediately and any games an illegal player participated in will be forfeited. No refund will be made. Additionally, teams are subject to further disciplinary action.
6.0 PLAYER MOVEMENT
6.1 A player may change teams:
6.1.a Between the final game of the season and December 31by notifying the manager of the team that he intends to leave in writing with a copy to the league President and Commissioner before January 1st.
6.1.b A player wishing to change teams on and after January 1st or during the season must notify, in writing, the manager of the team he is currently on, the league President and Commissioner, of his intentions to change teams. Changing requires the consent of both managers, the league President and Commissioner. If the required consents cannot be obtained, the player may request to be released on waivers. Teams then have the option of acquiring a player on waivers in reverse order of finish of the preceding regular season. Once a player goes into the waiver pool and they are selected by a team they must play one season for the selecting team. If the player refuses to play for the selecting team they must sit out one season. Once a refusal is submitted by the player they cannot change that refusal at any time. After sitting out one season they are free to join any team they are eligible to play on.
6.1.c If certain dynamics affecting a player's decision to change teams are not be in place before January 1st (e.g., player initially finds out in January that certain unfavorable changes have occurred with his/her team), a player may submit in writing only to the President or Commissioner a waiver request. This waiver request is a temporary placeholder. If a player actually decides to change teams, he must notify his manager ASAP.
6.1.c.1The intent of this exception is to balance protecting a player's right to not have his playing fate entirely in the hands of the manager, with a manager's right to know. This option is not to be used negatively. Specifically, it is crucial that managers be given timely notice of a player's intent to leave so that they may make any necessary arrangements.
7.0 THE GAME
7.1 Except for in the 42 and 50 division, a team must have at least nine players to start and finish an official game. (See Rule #7.11)
7.2 If a team only has nine players and a player sustains injury, which precludes his/her continued play, or a player is ejected, the game becomes a forfeit.
7.3 Players must be from the team's official roster or be an eligible taxi player.
7.4 A taxi player must meet the age requirements of the applicable division and may not be on the roster of any team in that division.
7.5 An eligible taxi player in the 22, 32 & 42 divisions is any player in the other three divisions who meets the age requirement, is on a roster in one division but not on a roster in a division in which he will play as a taxi.
7.6 An eligible taxi player in the 50 division must come from within the 50 division or from the pool of eligible players in the lower age divisions.
7.7 There are no restrictions on the use of taxi players in the 22, 32 and 42 divisions.
7.8 Taxi players are eligible for playoffs in all divisions, if they meet the post-season requirements for a particular team.
7.9 No more than three taxi players may be used in a 50 division game. Taxi players must hit at the bottom of the lineup in the 50 division
7.10 The use of taxi players is further restricted based upon the number of players at the game from the team using taxi players. The following limitations apply; Teams may use taxi players as long as they don't exceed ten players by adding that taxi player.
7.11 In the 42 & 50 Division, a team may borrow a player from the opposing team for defensive purposes. They will take an automatic out every time the 9th batting slot comes up. Teams may only borrow one player for defensive purposes.
7.12 If a taxi player qualifies for the playoffs for more than one team in the same division, the player much choose which playoff team he will play for throughout the playoffs. Once this determination is made, he may not change this decision at any time through the conclusion of the playoffs.
7.13 There will be a 15-minute grace period to allow a team to field nine players. The fifteen minutes will begin at the scheduled game time. The umpire-in-chief of that game will determine the time. (Exception, see rule #7.16)
7.14 Teams failing to field nine players by the end of the grace period will forfeit the game. If a player arrives after the grace period and the teams decide to play, the game remains a forfeit. Umpires may not officiate a forfeited game.
7.15 The official game time for purposes of the time limit, is the scheduled game time.
7.16 If conditions other than a team being short players (e.g., field not available due to game before etc), then the official start time for time limit, is when the umpire orders the first pitch to be delivered.
7.17 Exception to Rule #7.13. In the event a team has absolute positive cell phone confirmation that its ninth player is in actual transit to the game and will likely arrive very soon after the fifteen minute grace period, then the team with the nine or more players may take the field and allow the team with eight players to hit. If the player in transit does not arrive by the time his slot is reached in the batting order or if the third out is made and the team with eight players has to take the field the game is forfeited by the team with eight players.
7.18 If a game began under the positive confirmation of transit provision of and subsequently, that representation is false, the offending team faces disciplinary action
7.19 Line-ups must be exchanged to ensure that only players who are actually present receive credit for plate appearances. Managers must exchange lineups prior to the start of the game and announce any additions/substitutes to the batting line-up during the game.
7.20 Teams must keep an accurate account of all playing appearances, plate appearances and innings pitched for the purpose of tracking player playoff eligibility.
7.21 All divisions are allowed two courtesy runners.
7.22 The courtesy runner is the last batted out with the exception of the catcher. the catcher may not be a courtesy runner.
7.23 If a courtesy runner is needed in the first inning, before a batted out is recorded, the courtesy runner will be the player occupying the last spot in the batting order (unless the last spot is occupied by the catcher, in which case the second to the last spot).
7.24 If an additional courtesy runner is needed beyond the two allowed, the player needing a runner is removed from the game and his slot in the batting order is skipped. If it is an A/B slot, then the player sharing that spot hits every time through the line up.
7.25 Teams who have player(s) that require a courtesy runner must notify the opposing team of the intent to use such runners before the start of a game.
7.26 If declaration of courtesy runners is not made prior to the start of the game, their allowance becomes the sole discretion of the opposing manager.
7.27 Courtesy runners may steal in the 22 division.
7.28 Courtesy runners cannot steal in the 32, 42 & 50 Division
7.29 If a courtesy runner attempts to steal, he is declared out.
7.30 Courtesy runners may run when there is a full count with two outs, may attempt to advance on any pitched ball that hits the dirt, errors, pitcher's pick-off attempt and/or error.
7.31 A courtesy runner may not participate in a hit and run.
7.32 If the batter puts the ball in play on a hit and run with a courtesy runner, the play will continue but when the play has ended, the courtesy runner will be declared out. The batter will not be penalized.
7.33 A courtesy runner may not anticipate a pitched ball in the dirt. He may not break for the next base until the ball has touched the dirt or a backstop. If the runner starts before this time, it will be ruled a straight steal, subject to rule #7.29
7.34 In the 50 division, a courtesy runner may not initiate an offensive action, i.e., an exaggerated lead to draw a pick-off throw thereby allowing another runner to advance a base, or breaking for second base to initiate a hit and run play.
7.35 Minimum number of hitting slots is nine.
7.36 Teams may choose to bat any number of players up to the number in attendance.
7.37 Teams may start with the minimum number of slots and add slots at the bottom of the line-up at any point in the game. A slot once added, may not be removed.
7.38 When adding slots, teams may add an A/B slot.
7.39 All players are eligible to play the field (even if not hitting).
7.40 Free substitutions on defense.
7.41 If a player is forced to leave the game for any reason, that batting position is skipped in the batting order for the rest of the game. If a player leaves an A/B slot, then the player sharing that slot will bat each time through the order for the remainder of the game.
7.42 In the event of a forfeited game all players present on both teams will be credited with 3 plate appearances in all divisions.
7.43 In the event of a forfeited game, the managers may divide the innings pitched among his pitchers to total 9 innings.
7.44 All games are nine innings.
7.45 Games are considered regulation and hence final after the trailing team has batted at least five innings
7.46 In the case of games being played on fields with curfews no inning will start after the curfew.
7.47 Curfew shortened and time limited games may end in tie.
7.48 Teams will receive two points in the standings for a win and one point for a tie.
7.49 If there is a twelve run discrepancy at the end of five or more complete innings or a ten run discrepancy at the end of seven or more complete innings, the game will be ruled complete. If the home team is trailing, they will be allowed to bat.
7.50 If the home team scores the mercy rule (#7.49) game-ending run, the game is over.
7.51 The mercy rule is in effect during the playoffs.
7.52 With the exception of the mercy rule, all playoff games must be completed to the regulation number of innings.
7.53 If a playoff game is suspended, the game will be resumed at the exact point of suspension.
7.54 If, in the umpire's judgment, an infielder decoys a runner with a fake tag, all runners will advance one additional base.
7.55 If the same fielder decoys twice in the same game he will be immediately ejected from the game. A decoy is defined as a move by a fielder designed to force an unnecessary slide by a runner.
7.56 All runners must avoid intentional collisions with a fielder.
7.57 If the umpire concludes that a collision was intentional by the runner, the runner causing the collision is automatically declared out and will be ejected from the game.
7.58 If a fielder blocks a base or baseline without possession of the ball, the runner who avoids a collision shall be declared safe.
7.59 To issue an intentional walk, the pitcher must deliver the ball to the plate.
7.60 In the 32, 42 or 50 divisions, any pitcher who hits four batters in one game shall be automatically removed from pitching in that game.
7.61 If an umpire detects a pitcher intentionally throwing at a batter, the pitcher will be ejected from the game.
7.62 Children are not permitted inside or around the dugouts. Any batboy or girl, scorekeeper or other non-player must be at least 12 years of age and wear a helmet if 18 or under.
7.63 The league will make every effort to supply two league-sanctioned umpires to each game.
7.64 No game may be played and counted without at least one league-sanctioned umpire.
7.65 If no umpires are present at a RIMSBL-scheduled game, both managers may agree to play a league scheduled game without league sanctioned umpires. That game will be considered official.
7.66 The League president must sanction the managers, players and coaches for any World Series team that represents RIMSBL.
7.67 Protests - All protests involving rule interpretation and or infraction of league rules must be lodged with the umpires in accordance with major league rules.
7.68 If a team finds that an opposing team has used an illegal player a protest must be submitted to the league President or Division Commissioner in a timely manner. Protesting an illegal player does not have to be filed with the game umpires.
7.69 The Dispute Resolution and Protest process is as follows:
7.69.a The division Commissioner will decide all protests/disputes.
7.69.b Upon notification to the division commissioner of a desire to appeal his ruling, the protest/dispute may be appealed to the league President.
7.69.c If notification to the Commissioner of intent to appeal is not made, the Commissioner at his sole discretion may disallow the appeal.
7.69.d If the president upholds the Commissioner's decision, the decision becomes final.
7.69.e If the Commissioner and President have different rulings, and/or at the sole discretion of the President and Commissioner, a special 3-person committee will be convened to rule on the protest/dispute. Such committee will be appointed by the league Commissioner and shall consist of properly rostered players from the other divisions of the RIMSBL. A majority vote of the 3-man committee will then resolve the protest/dispute.
7.70 Managers or players cannot override existing rules. No special agreements between teams that in any way modify, alter, change or break existing rules may take place. If there is such an occurrence between teams then both teams are subject to a forfeit of said game at the discretion of the President/Commissioner.
7.71 In limited cases, league administration reserves the right to override rules to act in the best interest of the league.
7.72 Official communication on game cancellations and reschedules includes any or all of the following; the league telephone recording, website/message board and email. Game cancellations, rainouts, reschedules etc. will typically be made electronically. Phone calls may be made, but are no longer to be expected.
7.73 Once the game begins the decision to cancel play is the sole discretion of the umpires.
7.74 Curfews are set and maintained by cities and field supervisors. The league has no control over curfews. If the field supervisor voluntarily chooses to override a curfew, the game may continue. If the field supervisor allows a game to continue beyond what is normally the curfew, the umpires may not enforce the curfew.
7.74 Time limits are set and controlled by RIMSBL. There is a 2-hour, 45 minute time limit for all games.
8.0 Schedule
8.1 The schedule will be set by the league.
8.2 Teams planning any in-season travel must notify the league by March 1st.
8.3 Cancelled games due to rain, poor field conditions, field unavailability, or act of God will be rescheduled at the sole discretion of the President and Commissioner.
8.4 A minimum one-week (7 days) notice will be given to the respective team managers for games being rescheduled from April through July.
8.5 Games being rescheduled from August through October do not require the minimum one week notice.
8.6 Rescheduled games will become part of the official schedule.
8.7 Teams are permitted to reschedule their own games. The team that wants to reschedule a game takes ownership for that game, meaning they are responsible for finding an available field at a time that their opponent agrees to play. When the two teams agree on a day and time to play, the RIMSBL president and division commissioner must be notified.
8.8 If a team takes ownership of a game and does not get it rescheduled before the end of the season, that team will be given a forfeit loss for that game.
9.0 Post Season
9.1 Players must have 25 plate appearances, have appeared in 50% of their teams games, or pitch a minimum of 12 complete innings over a span of a minimum of six games. Pitchers must be credited with a minimum of 36 outs and get those in a minimum of six games.
9.2 The only exception to this playoff eligibility rule is if a player is injured. Medical documentation may be required to substantiate injury.
9.3 Players will be credited with a minimum of three plate appearances for forfeited or games not played due to league reasons.
9.4 Teams must qualify at least twelve players for playoffs or they will forfeit their slot in the playoffs.
9.5 Taxi players are eligible for post season in all divisions as long as they satisfy the requirements of section for a particular team.
9.6 If a taxi player qualifies for the playoffs for more than one team in the same division, the player much choose which playoff team he will play for throughout the playoffs. Once this determination is made, he may not change this decision at any time through the conclusion of the playoffs.
9.7 The following criteria will be used to determine playoff seeding and to break ties: 1. Overall record, 2. Forfeits, 3. Head to head, 4, Total score against the opponent tied with, 5. Fewest runs allowed to all teams, 6. Coin flip
9.8 The following playoff format applies: 22 & 32 Divisions, the top six teams qualify. The top two teams earn a first round bye. In the semi-final round, highest remaining seed will play the lowest remaining seed. The higher seed will be home team in games #1 and #3. All postseason series are best of three
9.9 The mercy rule is in effect during the playoffs.
9.10 With the exception of the mercy rule, all playoff games must be completed to the regulation number of innings.
9.11 If a playoff game is suspended, the game will be resumed at the exact point of suspension.
9.12 If a taxi player qualifies for the playoffs for more than one team in the same division, the player much choose which playoff team he will play for throughout the playoffs. Once this determination is made, he may not change this decision at any time through the conclusion of the playoffs.
