midwest suburban league rule book msl rulebook.pdf · january 9, 2015 page 1 midwest suburban...

January 9, 2015

Midwest Suburban League Rule Book Table of Contents

Uniforms and equipment Game Play: Special Rules:

1.1. Uniforms 6.1. Collision Rule

1.2. Baseball Bats 6.2. Courtesy Runners

1.3. Helmets 6.3. Catcher Courtesy Rule

1.4. Cleats 6.4 Central Division Pitching Rule

1.5. Baseballs 6.5. Pitcher Clothing

6.6. Pitchers Wildness and Safety Rule

Teams and Rosters 6.7. Fielders Decoy and Player Safety

2.1. Team Eligibility 6.8. Game Expulsion/Ejections

2.2. Rosters 6.9. Game Related Protests

2.3. Roster Deadlines

2.4. Player Responsibilities Playoff Rules

2.5. Player Drafts 7.1. Playoff Formats

7.2. Playoff Player Eligibility

Managers Responsibilities 7.3. Tie Breakers for Entry to Playoffs

3.1. General Responsibilities 7.4. Playoff Game Play Rules

3.2. Score Reporting

3.3. Adherence to Age Regulations General League Rules

and Insurance of Signed Waivers 8.1. Grievances and Non-Game Specific Protests

3.4. Opposing Manager’s Rights 8.2. Appeals

3.5. Ineligible Players 8.3. Governance

3.6. Field Maintenance

Game Play Rules Appendix I: Field Rules & Maintenance

4.1. Game Schedules Appendix II: MSL Schedule of Fines

4.2. Game Length and Time Limits Appendix III – MSL Umpire Payment Rules

4.3. Abbreviated Games

4.4. Makeup of Rainout and Suspended Games

4.5. Team Forfeits

Line Ups

5.1. Line-up Cards and/or Roster Sheets

5.2. Minimum Number of Players

5.3. Minimum Lineup

5.4. Notice of Lineup Substitution

5.5. Lineup Additions

5.6. Hitting and Defensive Lineups

5.7. Skipping Batters

5.8. Defensive Substitutions

5.9. Pitcher Re-Entry Rule

5.10. Offensive Re-Entry Rule

5.11. A/B Lineup

January 9, 2015

Rules for the Midwest Suburban League (MSL) shall coincide with the current Official Rules of Major League

Baseball, American League version, except as modified herein. The management of the MSL (i.e., President and

Board of Directors) has ratified these rules.

Code of Conduct Managers and players in the Midwest Suburban League shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all

times. No manager or player shall commit the following:

• Forcefully lay a hand upon, shove, strike or threaten an official. (Felony where police will be called)

• Refuse to abide by an official’s decision.

• Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations or objectionable dissent at an official’s decision.

• Discuss with an official, or officials, the decision reached by such official or officials, except for the manager

or his designee, who are authorized to participate in such discussions.

• Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body or person of an opposing player.

• Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, manager, official or spectator, before, during or

after a game. (Felony where police will be called)

• Be guilty of an abusive, verbal attack upon any player, manager, official or spectator before, during or after a

game.

• Be guilty of taunting any player, team, official or spectator with either a verbal or physical gesture.

• Any player, manager or spectator damaging a field or its’ property in any way or failure to properly maintain

and follow specific field rules as outlined in the MSL Field Rules Addendum.

• Consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during the game or be on the field of play or its extensions at

any time in an intoxicated condition.

• Smoke or Chew Tobacco on the field of play or in the dugout.

Players and managers found guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the

game and shall remain suspended until the league Board of Directors reviews said conduct.

The Board of Directors may, by vote of the majority of the directors, suspend any player for such a period and upon

such terms as it may propose, for the conduct, within its opinion, is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation or

charter of the league.

Except as otherwise provided, the Board of Directors, or their commission, shall determine the appropriate action

required for violations of the Codes of Conduct and shall report their decision to the player and manager.

A player or manager found in violation of any provisions delineated in the Codes of Conduct after being placed on

probation is subject to suspension and/or expulsion from the league.

In conclusion, the MSL mandates the respect of each individual to all players, officials, spectators and properties.

Violence and unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and will be punished as deemed appropriate by the

Board of Directors.

January 9, 2015

Uniforms & Equipment 1.1 Uniforms:

A team’s players must have matching jerseys with individual numbers and matching hats. Pants must be baseball

style, but need not match. Softball pants, jeans, cut-offs and shorts are not acceptable.

a) Out of Uniform: A player out of uniform will NOT be allowed to play without the consent of the opposing

manager, unless the players’ manager has filed the proper paperwork with the league and can show the

opposing manager said paperwork.

b) Team Uniform Deadline: All teams are required to have their uniforms by Memorial Day Weekend.

c) Uniform Deadline Extensions: If a team does/will not have their uniforms by Memorial Day Weekend, a

Uniform Deadline Extension Request must be filed with the MSL Board of Directors prior to the completion of

Memorial Day Weekend. It is the responsibility of a team’s manager to request and obtain written

authorization for an extension, and must provide said authorization to the opposing manager prior to the

start of any game(s) after Memorial Day Weekend. Failure to provide proper written authorization will allow

the opposing manager to impose Rule 1.1a.

d) Grace Period for In-Season Roster Additions: Players added to a teams’ roster after Memorial Day

Weekend will be allowed a Grace Period of 21 days to obtain a proper team uniform. If said player will/does

not have a proper uniform after said Grace Period, Rules 1.1a, b and c will be in force.

1.2 Baseball Bats:

Wood bats and BBCOR certified metal bats only will be allowed. BBCOR metal bats cannot have more than a 3 oz

drop (-3) in weight to length.

1.3 Helmets:

All batters and runners must wear protective batting helmets during all at-bats, while in the on-deck circle and while

on the bases or base-paths. Full double ear-flap helmets are encouraged. Catchers are also encouraged to wear a

helmet underneath their mask.

1.4 Cleats:

Metal cleats are permitted on all natural turf fields, unless otherwise noted. No metal cleats will be allowed on

artificial turf fields. Players may use “Turf Shoes”, molded cleats or gym shoes on artificial turf fields.

Any player found to be wearing deliberately sharpened cleats is subject to ejection, suspension and possible

expulsion from the league.

1.5 Baseballs:

Each team shall give two baseballs to the umpire at the beginning of each game. Subsequently, the umpires will

return baseballs evenly between opposing managers at the end of each game. It is suggested that you retain used

baseballs that are in good condition, so that they can be used in future games as necessary. The following baseballs

are approved for use in the MSL: • Wilson – 1010C, A1040 and A1010

• Rawlings – RO-MSBL, RCC-MSBL, R-100 MSBL, RCC-MABL, R-200, RO, RO-A, RO-N, RRHS AND 05R200B

• Baden – 3B-B Pro and 2BB HS

• Diamond – D1, DHS, DOLA

January 9, 2015

Teams & Rosters

2.1 Team Eligibility

For a team to be eligible for league play, all team rosters, league fees, MABL/MSBL affiliation fees, proof of date of

birth on all players, player waiver forms and team medical forms must be submitted to the league office before

Opening Day.

2.2 Rosters

a) Roster Size: All rosters in the MSL are required to have a minimum number of 15 active players. Teams

may, at their preference, fill their roster with additional players up to a maximum of 25 active players.

b) Age Requirements: A player is eligible to participate in an official league sanctioned game on the date of

their 18th birthday. Players between the ages of 17 and 18 are eligible to play in the league however a signed

insurance waiver must be presented to the league by the players’ parent/guardian prior to participation. No

person under the age of 17 will be permitted to participate in the MSL.

c) Amateur Status: Teams in the MSL must be comprised only of Amateur baseball players. Professional

players are not permitted to participate in the MSL.

d) Definition of Professional Players: Professional baseball refers to any form of baseball where the players

have been or are being paid or compensated, in any way, to play baseball. Forms of compensation include,

but are not limited to the player receiving gifts for playing, the player having his/her player fees waived in

compensation for playing, the player receiving any form of remuneration for playing baseball.

e) Eligibility of Ex-Professional Baseball Players: The eligibility of an ex-professional baseball player

participating in the MSL will be determined by their level of play and length of time away from professional

baseball:

1) There will be 2 types of Ex-Professional Baseball Players

• Type “A” �� MLB, AAA, AA, A or A

Type “A” players will not be eligible to participate in the MSL until 3 COMPLETE seasons have

passed, regardless of the time spent at any of the Type “A” levels.

• Type “B” �� Rookie, Independent Leagues recognized by Major League Baseball, Foreign

Professional Baseball Leagues recognized by www.baseball-reference.com as “Fgn”

Type “B” players will not be eligible to participate in the MSL until 1 COMPLETE season has passed,

regardless of the time spent at any of the Type “B” levels.

• No player may participate in the MSL during the same season in which they played Professional

Baseball of any kind (Type “A” or Type “B”), regardless of the number of games played or days on

an Active Roster.

• If a Type “A” player becomes a Type “B” player, the players’ time at the Type “B” level will count

toward the time necessary to have passed to become eligible in the MSL. Said player would then

become a Type “B” player and follow those guidelines, however he will not be eligible to play in

the MSL until 3 COMPLETE seasons have passed since his last participation at the Type “A” level.

January 9, 2015

• NOTE: www.baseball-reference.com will be considered our source in the determination of a

players’ Ex-Professional Status unless otherwise specified in writing.

2) A player is not considered an ex-professional baseball player if the player is over 40 years old and

has been out of Professional baseball for at least 3 complete seasons

f) League Designations:

1) Independent Leagues recognized by Major League Baseball (2015):

American Association Freedom Pro Baseball League

Atlantic League Frontier League

Canadian-American Association Pecos League

2) Liga Mexican de Beisbol (LMB): The “Mexican League” is considered by Major League Baseball to

be a non-affiliated AAA league. Therefore, players who have participated in the LMB are Type “A”

players.

g) Managers Responsibilities:

1) It is the team managers’ responsibility to report ALL players who have played as a Type “A” and/or

Type “B” level to the MSL Board of Directors prior to him being eligible to play. Said reporting MUST

be in writing via e-mail. The player will then and only then be eligible to play, once a reply from the

Player Personnel Director is received by the team manager and/or the information regarding said

player has been posted to the MSL website. Being added to a teams’ roster on the MSL website shall

in no way be considered acknowledgment of their status by the league.

2) If a team manager fails to comply with Rule 2.2(g)(1), any games in which a player under this rule

has participated shall be forfeited without appeal.

h) Roster Limits on Ex-Professional Players:

• National Division – No more than 3 Ex-Professional players on any team

• American Division – No more than 2 Ex-Professional players on any team

• Central Division – No more than 1 Ex-Professional player on any team

i) Player Crossover Rule: A player can play on two separate teams in the MSL as long as they are in separate

and succeeding divisions based on the following:

1) Crossover Designation: All crossover players must register with the MSL Player Personnel Director

before initiation onto a second team.

2) Managers Acknowledgment: All crossover players must be acknowledged by both their original

team and new teams’ managers to insure that all parties understand that said player is designated as

a crossover player.

January 9, 2015

3) Limitations on Crossover Players:

a) All players must designate their primary team for pitching purposes and will ONLY be

allowed to pitch for that primary team.

b) Once designated, crossover players may NOT change teams thereafter during the season.

c) At the National and American Division levels, teams may not designate more than two

players as “Primary” crossover players and two players as “Secondary” crossover players

during the course of the season. At the Central Division level, a team may not designate

more than ONE player as a “Primary” crossover player and ONE player as a “Secondary”

crossover player.

d) All “Primary” crossover players in the Central Division will adhere to the Central Division

College Pitching Rule (see Rule 6.4), regardless if they have played College baseball.

d) Crossover players must be added to the official, active roster of both teams.

4) Violations of Crossover Rules: The Board of Directors will rule on violations of the crossover rules.

Penalties may include suspensions, game forfeiture and loss of crossover status for a player, the

manager(s) and their team(s).

5) A player that is designated as a crossover player who’s team moves up or down a level, placing

both of his teams in the same Division has the option to choose which team he will stay with. The

player may not play for more than one team within the same Division.

6) A player who’s lower division team moves to higher level may choose to crossover to a lower

division, however they may do so ONLY as a SECONDARY player.

7) A player who’s lower division team moves to higher level may not “abandon” his current team and

join a team at the level at which he played (or below), without following Free Agency Rules (see Rule

2.3 (d)) and the consent of the players previous manager.

j) Manager Crossover Rule: Any person who manages a team in the MSL is entitled to play on that team.

Teams that have multiple or co-managers must designate a primary manager to be permitted as a non-

crossover manager. Managers in good standing in the MSL and who have been so for an extended period of

time as determined by the MSL Board of Directors, may crossover to another team in a succeeding division

as a player and may not count toward the crossover limitations. A player may NOT be named as a teams’

Manager specifically for the sake of becoming an extra Crossover Player.

k) Borrow A Player Rule: A team may borrow up to two players (or more with league approval) from an

opposing team in the league if they are unable to field a complete team (i.e. nine players) from their own

roster. The borrowed players must play either the outfield or 1st base and bat 8th and 9th in the hitting lineup

(9th if only one player borrowed).

If a teams’ 8th or 9th player arrives after the start of the game, they MUST be added to the bottom of the

hitting lineup and the borrowed player(s) MUST continue to be used, unless the borrowed player(s) opts to

leave.

The “Borrow A Player” will NOT be in affect during the playoffs under any circumstance, nor shall it be

allowed for a “Play-In” game, should one be necessary.

January 9, 2015

2.3 Roster Deadlines

a) Opening Day Rosters: Opening Day rosters must be submitted and approved by the league no later than

the Tuesday prior to the start of the first official weekend of play each season. A player being added to a

teams’ roster on the MSL website in no way means that his eligibility status has been verified. A player later

deemed ineligible shall result in said teams forfeiture of all games in which said player participated.

b) Player Additions – In Season: Players may be added to a teams’ roster during the season, so long as they

are eligible to play in the MSL as detailed above. In order to be eligible for a given weekend, players must

be properly submitted to the MSL Player Personnel Director no later than 11:59 pm on Thursday evenings.

Players submitted after the 11:59 pm deadline will not be allowed to play on that upcoming weekend. In

addition, a team may not go above the 25 player maximum threshold at any time during the season.

Central Division rosters will be locked on August 1, regardless of the number of games remaining for a team.

This means that no players may be added to a teams’ active roster nor may any player other than those

already rostered be used thereafter, with the exception of the “Borrow A Player” rule when necessary.

c) Player Deletions: A player or players removed from a teams’ roster during the season will have their rights

retained by said team, unless information is submitted to the league revoking said players “Rights”. A team

may retain a player’s rights if said player has any one of the following criteria:

• Owes team fees, uniforms or equipment and is ineligible to play for another team in the MSL

without paying and/or returning what is due to their team. This information MUST be submitted to

the MSL Player Personnel Director immediately upon deletion from active roster so that the player

can be placed on the league’s ineligible list.

• A player has a full 25 man roster and a player is unavailable to play due to injury

• A player who has other commitments that don’t allow his participation during the current season.

• A manager may NOT hold a player’s rights based on spite or personal disagreement.

d) Player Movement: A player in the Midwest Suburban League may change teams in any of the following

ways:

1) FREE AGENCY: If a player chooses to file for Free Agency, that player can only do so from

November 1–15. In order to be considered a Free Agent, the player must pay a fee to the league

which will be credited to his/her former team’s league fees based on their service time as a

member of the MSL as follows:

0 – 4 Years of Service $350.00

5 – 9 Years of Service $250.00

10 or more Years of Service No Fees

These fees must be paid to the league by February 28 or the player’s Free Agency rights will be

revoked and re-established to his/her former team.

2) TRADES: A player who wishes to change teams may request a trade by his/her current manager.

The current manager and prospective new manager have the ability to work out a fair and

amenable trade between the teams, in which the player requesting a trade is allowed to change.

Trades may only be conducted between teams in the same league division. Any and all trades

must be approved by the player, the players’ current manager, the players’ prospective manager

and the MSL Board of Directors.

January 9, 2015

If a player is traded during the season, that player must play in 40% of his/her new teams’

complete schedule to be eligible and qualify for the playoffs. Games played from his/her previous

team will not be counted toward playoff eligibility.

3) UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE: A player may be Unconditionally Released by his current team if the

player requests his Release and it is granted by his/her current manager with no recourse. If an

Unconditional Release is granted, the player becomes a Free Agent and may go to the team of

his/her choosing, unless the player is placed on the MSL Ineligible List, prohibiting him/her from

playing in the MSL. Placement on the MSL Ineligible List must be done in writing to both the

league President and Player Personnel Director and must contain a valid reason for being placed

on the list (i.e., failure to pay league fees, uniform fees, etc…)

If a player is Unconditionally Released during the season and chooses to play for a new team, that

player must participate in 40% of his/her new teams’ complete schedule to be eligible and qualify

for the playoffs. Games played from his/her previous team will not be counted toward playoff

eligibility.

e.) Disbanded Teams: In the event a team disbands during the season or at season’s conclusion, all players

will become automatic Free Agents. Players from the disbanded team may join any MSL team, however no

more than three players from a disbanded team may join a single team. It is up to the new manager to

determine which players are to join the new team. The MSL Board of Directors may alter this rule in the best

interests of the league if multiple players wish to stay together on their new team or if a team is in need of

multiple players to continue in the MSL.

f) Players Forming New Teams: In the event a player wishes to leave his existing team and form a new team,

he may do so, as long as no other players are taken from the existing team without the consent of the teams’

existing manager. No other players may be taken from any other team without the respective team

manager’s approval. In addition, the creation of a new team must meet the requirements and acceptance of

the MSL Board of Directors.

2.4 Player Responsibilities

a) League Waivers: All players participating in any practice or game must have a signed league waiver on file

with the MSL Office.

b) Picture Identification: All players must have a valid picture ID at each and every game. Players without

picture ID’s are ineligible to play. An opposing manager has the right to request picture ID from a player to

insure that he is properly on a teams’ roster.

c) Personal Information: All players are required to provide true and accurate personal information, including

their legal first and last names, accurate current mailing address, accurate current phone number(s) and e-

mail address and accurate date of birth.

d) Adherence to MSL Codes of Conduct: By being a member of the MSL, it is required that all players conduct

themselves in a mature and responsible way. In addition, all members/players in the MSL are required to

follow the Codes of Conduct described at the beginning of these rules. Failure to comply can result in

ejection, suspension and/or expulsion from the MSL.

January 9, 2015

2.5 Player Drafts (Temporarily Eliminated)

Prior to each season, all players in the league’s Player Pool and those on the league’s waiting list will be invited to

attend an open tryout Draft. The annual Draft will be conducted in a manner to allow parity in all divisions. Criteria

for determining Draft order is determined by prior years’ finish, moving up and/or down a division, prior years’

offensive and defensive efficiency as compared to the rest of the teams in the MSL. New teams will be placed at the

bottom of the Draft order, unless special considerations are deemed necessary by the President and/or Player

Personnel Director.

If a manager with team’s at different levels in the league drafts a player, that player must play in the division that

he/she is drafted at. In addition, no team may trade Draft Picks or Players outside of the division in which they are

slotted/selected.

Manager’s Responsibilities 3.1 General Responsibilities

Managers in the MSL are responsible for the following:

• Financial obligations of their team to the league and umpires

• Roster Maintenance and Score Reporting through the MSL website

• Communication with league management via e-mail and telephone

• Knowledge of the MSL rulebook and the general rules of baseball play

• Adhere to the MSL Code of Conduct and inform their players of this information

• Maintain a responsible and mature atmosphere for all those involved in the MSL

3.2 Score Reporting

It is the responsibility of the managers to report their final game scores on the MSL website no later than 5:00 pm

on the Monday immediately following their weekend games. If a game is played during the week (Monday through

Friday), the managers are responsible to report the scores on the MSL website no later than 5:00 pm on the day

immediately following their game.

Failure to report scores in a timely manner will result in monetary fines to both teams.

3.3 Adherence to Age Regulations and Insurance of Signed Waivers

The managers must all recognize their responsibility to the league, and the perpetuity of it, as t o not cross the line

where winning is more important than playing. Therefore, managers are responsible to obtain true and proper

name and age information from all of its players, have all information properly recorded with the league and obtain

signed league waivers from all players prior to their participation in any form.

Failure to obtain and enter proper information or obtain a signed league waiver may result in a manager or teams’

expulsion from the league.

3.4 Opposing Manager’s Rights

An opposing manager has the right to question if a player is above the age of 17 and/or properly rostered with the

league. If an opposing manager wants to lodge a protest, proof of the players’ identity and residence must be given

to the manager who lodged the protest immediately. If an illegal player is detected, the MSL Board of Directors,

whether to the individual or the team, will decide penalties. Penalties may include forfeiture of all games in which

an illegal player participated, suspension to the team’s manager and further discipline as deemed necessary.

January 9, 2015

An opposing manager should realize that they are not only looking at the best interests of their own team, but also

at the liability of the league and all its’ participants. Illegal players (either under age or without proper waivers)

provide substantial liability to any and all participants and management of the MSL.

3.5 Ineligible Players

Managers are required to verify a players’ eligibility with regards to the MSL Ineligible List and the players’ historical

Professional/Ex-Professional status. A players’ addition to a teams’ roster on the MSL website in no way verifies his

eligibility to play in the MSL.

Players on the MSL Ineligible List have been placed on said list for good reason (i.e. failure to pay league fees,

violations in the Code of Conduct, behavior detrimental to the best interests of the MSL). Therefore, any player on

the MSL Ineligible List is required to file a grievance for reinstatement to the MSL Board of Directors, who will

determine if a remedy is plausible and what that remedy is, be it monetary or other. Players on the MSL Ineligible

List may NOT participate in any games until resolution has occurred with the MSL. If a player participates prior to

resolution, his team will forfeit any and all games in which he participated without appeal.

3.6 Field Maintenance

Both home and visiting managers are responsible for field maintenance in some capacity at ALL MSL fields. A detail

of each fields’ requirements can be found in Appendix I to this document. At minimum, the following is required:

a) Home Team’s Responsibilities: The home team will rake and drag the entire infield surface cutout,

excluding the mound and plate area. In addition, the home team will police its own dugout and spectator

areas making assurances it is free of ALL trash. Additional responsibilities for each field are depicted in

Appendix I.

b) Visiting Team’s Responsibilities: The visiting team will rake and drag the home plate and mound areas and

the base paths between home and first base and home and third base. In addition, the visiting team will

police its own dugout and spectator areas making assurances it is free of trash. Additional responsibilities for

each field are depicted in Appendix I.

Game Play Rules 4.1 Game Schedules

Official game schedules can be found on the MSL website. Games are played on Saturday and/or Sunday, on each

weekend from April through September, and on occasion, between Monday and Friday evening. Teams in this

league are responsible for following the schedule as created and published by the MSL.

Special considerations may be allowed on a very limited basis; however these exceptions are highly frowned upon.

If a team is in need of special considerations, they must bring these to the attention of the MSL Board of Directors in

writing prior to March 15 of each calendar year.

4.2 Game Length and Time Limits:

a) Game Length: All games are 9 innings in length, except for the second game of a regular season double

header, which is 7 innings in length. 9 inning games may be adjusted to be 7 inning games at the discretion

of the MSL Board of Directors, as necessary to fulfill the league’s game schedule. The game clock shall start

at the time of the first pitch and the start time shall be called out by the Home Plate Umpire and noted in

both scorebooks.

January 9, 2015

b) Time Limits: All regular season games are subject to time limits. 9 inning games shall have a 3 hour time

limit and 7 inning games will have a 2.5 hour time limit. No new inning shall start after the time limit.

However, any inning in progress at the time limit shall be completed as necessary. If the home team is ahead

and time has expired, a game shall be considered complete after the half inning.

c) Ties: Regular season games may end in a tie, if both teams have scored equal runs at the end of the time

limit or when a game is official (5 complete innings played or 4.5 innings completed with the home team

ahead) due to weather, darkness or lights-out.

d) Time Between Games: The second game of a double header between the same two teams shall start no

later than 30 minutes after the end of the first game. The second game may start earlier than 30 minutes

after the end of the first game if both managers and the umpires agree to do so, or if the schedule dictates it

as necessary.

The start time shown on the MSL website for the second game of a double header is merely there as a

scheduling formality. Teams may not use this start time as a means to delay the start of the second game of

a double header for additional players to arrive. The 30 minute window described above shall be adhered to.

4.3 Abbreviated Games:

An umpire may suspend, cancel or call a game, if in their opinion, the safety of the players and the condition of the

field is compromised due to weather, darkness or time limits.

a) Games Considered Complete: If a game is judged by the umpire to be unplayable due to darkness, lights

out or weather, the game will be considered complete at the end of 5 complete innings or 4.5 innings

completed with the home team ahead. This applies to both 7 and 9 inning games.

b) Suspended Games: If a game is interrupted due to weather, darkness or lights out, but the 4th inning of

the game has started, the game is not considered complete as described above. The game shall instead be

considered Suspended and continued from where it stopped at a future date, as needed. Batting lineups and

pitching allowances will remain as they were at the stoppage of the game. If players in the lineup are not in

attendance at the time of completion, players who were not already used will fill those spots. This rule is

followed in accordance with Major League Baseball Rules and those as modified herein.

c) Cancelled Games: If a game is interrupted due to weather, darkness or lights out prior to the start of the

4th inning, the game will be considered cancelled and will be rescheduled per league rules, as necessary.

d) Run-Rule: A game will be ruled final if there is a 10-run discrepancy at the end of 7 innings. This rule will

not pertain to 7 inning games.

4.4 Makeup of Rainout and Suspended Games:

The makeup of rainout and the completion of suspended games will be done over one of three holiday weekends:

• Rainouts prior to Memorial Day Weekend will be held over Memorial Day Weekend

• Rainouts between Memorial Day and July 4th Weekend will be held over July 4th Weekend

• Rainouts between July 4th Weekend and Labor Day Weekend will be held over Labor Day Weekend

o ALL games played on the above mentioned weekends will be 7 inning games and hold a 2.5

hour time limit.

January 9, 2015

It is important to note that this is a Weekend League, and therefore these dates will be held firm! Teams should

inform their players early on, that they may have to play over a holiday weekend, depending on weather conditions.

Teams having difficulty fielding a full squad during a holiday weekend are encouraged to utilize the Borrow A Player

Rule (Rule 2.2k). Postponement of rainouts to future dates will not be allowed unless ALL other options are

exhausted.

Games not made up due to lack of effort by a given team shall be judged a forfeit and a $250 fine will be imposed. If

a team has attempted to reschedule their games and no facilities are available while the season runs out, no penalty

will be enforced.

4.5 Team Forfeits

A forfeited game occurs when one team is unable to field enough players at game time. A grace period of 15

minutes is allowed, however the grace period time will count against game time limits.

A team that forfeits a game is responsible for paying both umpires and field rental costs. A team that forfeits a

second game in the same season could mean immediate expulsion from the MSL with no money refunded to the

team. The MSL Board of Directors will make the decision on expulsion and monetary refund after hearing the

affected teams’ appeal.

If a game is forfeited and it is the last scheduled game of the day at a specific field, teams are still responsible for

field maintenance and subject to related fines if not completed.

Teams will not be permitted to forfeit games at the end of the season, as this may adversely affect other teams

within the division. Failure to field a team toward the end of the season will follow the forfeit fine schedule and

may result in the expulsion of the forfeiting team.

Line Ups 5.1 Lineup Cards and/or Roster Sheets

Each team is required to provide a completed lineup card to the opposing manager before the start of each and

every game. In addition, each team is required to provide a to-date, printed roster, listing all current players.

At minimum, the lineup card must list the players’ first initial, last name, jersey number and position. Opposing

managers are responsible to obtain accurate lineup cards and keep them in their possession throughout the

season in case a problem arises. If the opposing manager does NOT provide a printed roster sheet, they must

provide a written roster listing all players in attendance at the game with their first initial, last name and jersey

number.

5.2 Minimum Number of Players:

A team must have a minimum of 8 players for an official game. If a team does not have 8 players, they may arrange

to utilize the Borrow A Player Rule (Rule 2.2k) or forfeit the game.

5.3 Minimum Lineup:

A team’s manager must bat a minimum of 10 players whenever 10 or more players are present and available. If a

team only has nine players available and therefore bats nine players, the opposing team may also choose to use a 9

man lineup, regardless of how many players are available. Under these circumstances, the minimum lineup is 9

players instead of 10 throughout the game.

January 9, 2015

5.3 Maximum Lineup:

The manager may bat as many players as he desires, as long as it is in compliance with Rule 5.3.

5.4 Notice of Lineup Substitutions:

Managers must notify the home plate umpire AND opposing team of all offensive substitutions when they are

made.

5.5 Lineup Additions:

A manager may add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time. However, if an added batter is pinch hit for or

pinch run for (except as described by the Courtesy Runner Rule 6.2), the player may NOT re-enter the game as a

hitter or runner, but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher. If a team is using an A/B Lineup (Rule 5.11),

they may NOT add batters to the bottom of the lineup.

5.6 Hitting and Defensive Lineups:

Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either or

both of these lineups.

a) Effect of Injuries on Lineup: If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury, a reserve player not

previously entered into the game as a hitter must hit in the batter’s place. If no reserve is present or

available, the vacated spot in the lineup will be skipped and all batters move up accordingly with no penalty

to the affected team. Said player may NOT return to the game in any capacity. If an injury is deemed to

have been falsified, the Board of Directors will review the instance and determine if fraud was committed.

b) Effect of Ejections on Lineup: If a player is forced to leave the game due to ejection from the game, a

reserve player not previously entered into the game as a hitter must hit in the batter’s place. If no reserve is

present or available, the vacated spot in the lineup is NOT skipped and an out is recorded every time the

ejected batters’ spot comes up.

5.7 Skipping Batters:

Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the

game unless Rule 5.6a is in force.

5.8 Defensive Substitutions:

All players may be substituted for defensively at any time, without affecting the players’ offensive lineup status.

5.9 Pitcher Re-Entry Rule:

A team may have any ONE pitcher previously removed from the game re-enter as a pitcher during the course of a

game, however this may happen only once during a game and it may not be during the same inning in which said

pitcher was replaced. If a pitcher was removed due to hitting 4 batters with pitches, he may not re-enter the game

to pitch. All pitchers may stay in the game at any other defensive position as noted in Rule 5.8.

5.10 Offensive Re-Entry Rule:

A starter in the batting order may be removed and a substitute may bat in the player’s place at any point during a

game, so long as the starter has had one plate appearance. The starter may return to bat again, but only in the

original spot in the lineup that he vacated and only after his substitute has had at least one plate appearance. Once

removed, a substitute may not bat or run again.

January 9, 2015

Batters added to the lineup after the game has started may not re-enter the hitting lineup if they are pinch hit or

pinch run for in accordance with Rule 5.5.

5.11 A/B Lineup:

Prior to the start of play and at the time that lineups are exchanged, a team may declare that batting order positions

be occupied by two players. The players will be noted on the lineup card as A and B in a particular lineup position.

The “A” player will take the first plate appearance. The “B” player would then take the second plate appearance,

“A” would take the third plate appearance, with the continued alternating of the A and B spots throughout the

game.

a) Once a team declares the use of the A/B Lineup, it must continue it for the remainder of the game. A

team using the A/B system may NOT add players to the bottom of the lineup (Rule 5.6) at any time during

the course of the game.

b) In the event of an injury where there is no replacement available, the effected A/B hitting position will be

skipped over without penalty.

c) In the event of an ejection where there is no replacement available, the effected A/B hitting position will

NOT be skipped over and an out is recorded every time the ejected batters’ spot comes up.

d) Hitters in the A/B lineup may be pinch hit or pinch run for, just as any other player. However, if a batter is

pinch hit or pinch run for (except as described by the Courtesy Runner Rule 6.2), the player may not re-enter

the game as a hitter, but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher.

Game Play: Special Rules 6.1 Collision Rule:

Players shall not intentionally collide with any other players. In the case of a runner intentionally colliding with a

fielder, the runner will be called out and may, at the umpire’s discretion, be ejected from the game. All base

runners must either slide directly into the base or give up their right to a base (avoid a collision by stopping or

leaving the base path) when the defensive player is in the following situations:

• Defensive player is in possession of the ball

• Defensive player is in the act of receiving the ball or is about to immediately receive the ball and will

be able to make an apparent play on the base runner

• Note: High School rules apply where a base runner cannot slide to the side of the base with the

intention of taking out a defensive player.

If a defensive player is not in possession of the ball, is not in the act of receiving the ball or is not about to

immediately receive the ball so that he is able to record an out (apparent play at any base), he cannot do the

following:

• Block the base

• Be in the base path so as to impede (obstruct) the base runner’s right to that base

Under such circumstances, the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid collision. If a collision does occur

under these circumstances, the runner will always be considered safe and the obstruction rule shall be enforced.

January 9, 2015

The defensive player will be ejected from the game if the umpire judges the action intentional. The offending

defensive player will be suspended from league play if the obstruction is judged to be flagrant.

6.2 Courtesy Runners:

Each team is allowed a maximum of two courtesy runners in a game. Courtesy runners must be declared prior to

the start of a game and indicated as such on the lineup card turned into the opposing manager. Declaration of

courtesy runners must be done prior to the game regardless of whether or not the player needing a courtesy runner

is in the starting hitting lineup. If a player is not, he must be listed as a reserve and declared a non-runner. If the

non-runner is not declared on the lineup card before the game, the opposing manager has the right to deny a

courtesy runner.

A courtesy runner shall be the player who made the last out, unless he too is a non-runner or a team’s catcher (with

two outs only). In this case, the prior out will be the designated courtesy runner and this shall continue in sequential

order, as needed.

Once the game begins and the complement of two courtesy runners has not been used, a courtesy runner may be

added ONLY in the event of an obvious injury to a player in the hitting lineup. If the maximum of two courtesy

runners has been used, a pinch runner must be used and no courtesy runner will be allowed. In this case, the pinch

runner will be required to get at least one plate appearance before the original player can return to his place in the

lineup (see Offensive Re-Entry Rule 5.10).

If a batter previously designated as needing a courtesy runner opts to run or forgets to get a courtesy runner and

subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner status for that time on base only. Once a pitch is thrown, the

batter designated as needing a courtesy runner loses his courtesy runner for that time on base only.

6.3 Catcher Courtesy Rule:

A team may use a courtesy runner for the catcher after there are two outs in the inning. It is a courtesy runner,

meaning the catcher is not required to leave the game in the case where a courtesy runner is used. Runners used

under this rule do not count toward the maximum courtesy runner limits, however the last out rule remains in

effect.

The catcher is identified as the last player who physically played that position on defense. In the top of the first

inning only, the catcher is the player listed on the lineup card as the catcher.

6.4 Central Division College Pitching Rule

Any player who has participated at the College level (Junior College, NAIA or NCAA) or higher (Independent, Foreign

or Professional) may pitch in the Central Division in a limited capacity. A team in the Central League may use a

combination of “College level or Higher” players to pitch in a game, however the cumulative number of innings for

these players is as follows:

• 9 Inning Game – 5 Innings combined

• 7 Inning Game – 3 Innings combined

It is the team managers’ responsibility to report ALL players who have participated at the College level or higher to

the league. If a player is not reported as a College player and subsequently pitches in a game (regardless of the

number of innings), the team using said player will forfeit any game in which the player pitched.

Extra innings and resumption of an incomplete game does not change the limits stated above.

January 9, 2015

6.5 Pitchers Clothing:

While pitching, a pitcher may not wear any of the following:

• White or Gray sleeves

• Batting Gloves

• Wrist Bands

• White or Gray baseball glove

• Any jewelry determined to be “distracting” to opposing batters and/or umpires

Elbow supports worn for medicinal reasons must be black or flesh colored. The elbow support cannot be white,

gray or any other color that can be confused with the baseball.

6.6 Pitchers Wildness and Safety Rule

For the safety of the batters, a pitcher must be removed from a game if he is to hit four batters with pitched balls.

In this case, the pitcher may stay in the game at another position, however he may NOT re-enter the game as a

pitcher (see Pitcher Re-Entry Rule 5.9).

If an umpire judges that a pitcher throws at or hits a batter intentionally, he may eject the pitcher from the game,

without warning. The offending pitcher and his manager are subject to further disciplinary action by the league.

6.7 Fielders Decoy and Player Safety

Infielders are not allowed to decoy a throw, catch or tag. If a decoy throw, catch or tag is detected, all runners shall

be allowed to advance one base beyond the base held after all play stops. If the same fielder decoys twice in the

same game, the fielder shall be ejected from the game. Decoying is referred to a false catch, throw or tag, done

intentionally in attempt to get the player to slide unnecessarily.

6.8 Game Expulsions/Ejections

An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from a given game. Should a player be ejected from a

game, that player will receive a one game suspension from game play. If a manager is ejected from a game, the

manager may not play in the teams’ next game. However he may manage the team during the following game.

If a player or manager wishes to appeal his suspension, the player/manager must provide a written appeal to the

MSL Board of Directors within 24 hours of the ejection. See Section 8 for further information about Appeals.

6.9 Game Related Protests

Managers (or acting managers) must file their “game specific” protest at the time of incident, or at a time the

incident becomes known to the manager (or acting manager), but before the completion of the game. Game

specific protests may not be made after the game is completed unless it involves the last play of the game.

Game related protests must initially be reported to the umpire. The protest must be explained to the umpire(s) and

the teams’ scorebook must be noted as to the time of the game and signed by the umpires. The protest must then

be submitted IN WRITING to the MSL Board of Directors within 24 hours to be heard.

In order for a Protest to be heard by the “Board of Directors”, a $50 fee must be paid the league, along with any

and all documentation related to the Protest. If said Protest is Upheld, the team will be refunded the $50 fee. If

the Protest is Denied, the $50 fee will NOT be refunded to the team.

January 9, 2015

Phone calls to the league President and/or Board of Directors will NOT be considered under any circumstance!

The above initiation of the protest MUST be adhered to on the field of play. The question of a players identity

must be done on the field of play, as it is the opposing players right to request identification. If identification is

refused, said player may NOT participate. If identification is not requested and subsequently presented, the

opposing manager does not have a valid reason for protest.

Playoff Rules

7.1 Playoff Formats

Playoff formats are determined by the number of teams in a specific division.

• 10 – 12 team Division – 6 teams make playoffs (Division winners plus 4 wildcards)

• 16 – 20 team Division – 8 teams make playoffs (2-4 Division winners plus 4-6 wildcards)

• If a Division has a number of teams other than 10, 12, 16 or 20, a determination of the playoff format will be

determined prior to the start of the season.

All playoff series are the best two of three games. This may be altered due to severe inclement weather scenarios.

7.2 Playoff Player Eligibility

In order for a player to be eligible to compete in playoff competition, said player must fit one of the following

criteria:

• Participate in 40% of their teams scheduled games, or

• Record the equivalent of 1 and ½ Innings Pitched per scheduled game for their team

o Based on a 22 game schedule, this means that a player must participate in 9 games OR pitch 33

complete Innings.

o If a team earns a victory via forfeit, each player on that roster will have their minimum games

participated in reduced by 1 game and the number of innings pitched reduced by 1 and ½ Innings.

o A team forfeiting a game will have NO pro-ration of requirements and will still need to comply with

the 40% or 1 and ½ IP/G qualification.

Team managers are responsible to record all Pitching statistics on the MSL website to insure the credibility of the

Innings Pitched requirement. In addition, managers will be responsible to provide proof of either criterion for

Playoff Eligibility if requested by the MSL President or Player Personnel Director.

In association with the 40% rule, no player added to its’ MSL team roster after a team has played 13 regular season

games will be eligible for the playoffs under any circumstance.

a) Official Playoff Rosters: Upon entry into the playoffs, a teams’ manager is required to submit an official

playoff roster to the MSL Player Personnel Director. The official playoff roster for that team must include a

listing of all players considered eligible for playoff competition and a listing of those members on the regular

season active roster who are not eligible for playoff competition. This information will be verified by the MSL

Board of Directors and other teams within the Division in order to insure that all players are properly eligible

for the playoffs.

January 9, 2015

A team that fails to provide an Official Playoff Roster to the league will not be allowed to participate in

playoff competition until the Official Playoff Roster is received and verified. If a game is scheduled for such a

team prior to the leagues’ receipt and approval, said team will forfeit its games and likely be eliminated from

the playoffs.

b) Effect of Injuries on Playoff Eligibility: If a player is injured for a substantial amount of time (at least 3

consecutive weeks of league competition), a team may file a request to make such a player eligible for the

playoffs. In doing so, the manager must obtain true and proper documentation from the players’ doctor

explaining the injury and the amount of time the player is to be sidelined. In addition, the manager/player

must submit a letter/memo to the league regarding the injury and the reason he was unable to play. All

documentation regarding the injury must be submitted within 15 days of the injury or prior to playoff

competition, if said injury occurred at or near playoff time. If such a player returns to action without

providing proper documentation prior to doing so, his Injury time shall not be reduced from his playoff

eligibility requirements. All players filing such a request are subject to the approval of the MSL Board of

Directors.

If proper documentation is filed with the league and the player is approved by the MSL Board of Directors,

the player must have appeared in a pro-rated number of games in which he was not injured in order to

become eligible for the playoffs.

If a player(s) is injured and he is replaced on the roster with another player, the replacement player must

appear and participate in 40% of the teams scheduled games or pitch the equivalent or greater of 1 and 1/2

Innings Pitched per game scheduled to be eligible for playoff competition.

c) Penalty for Use of an Ineligible Player: If a player is included by a teams’ manager on their submitted

playoff roster is found to be ineligible for any reason, the team in question will be fined $100 per ineligible

player. This fine must be paid in full prior to the first game played by said team. If not paid, the team will

be eliminated from playoff competition, and the Board of Directors will determine if said team will be

invited to return to the MSL the following season. If a team uses an ineligible player during playoff

competition, the team will immediately forfeit any and all games played, be eliminated from subsequent

playoff competition and face expulsion from the MSL.

7.3 Tie Breakers for Entry to Playoffs

Playoff selection will include the division winners and wildcards as described above. In the case of a tie, the

following criteria will be used to determine those teams selected for the playoffs:

a) Intra Division Tie Breaker Rules: b) Inter Division Tie Breaker Rules:

1. Head to Head Record 1. Head to Head Record

2. Divisional Record 2. Record against Opposite Division

3. Runs Allowed (season) 3. Runs Allowed (Entire Season)

4. Runs Allowed (Head to Head) 4. Runs Allowed (Head to Head)

January 9, 2015

7.4 Playoff Game Play Rules

a) Playoff Game Length: All playoff games are 9 innings in length and must be played to conclusion with a

determined winner.

b) Playoff Games Time Limits: Playoffs games will abide by the normal 3 hour time limits, however games

must be played to conclusion if tied at the end of regulation time.

c) Abbreviated Playoff Games: If a game is suspended due to darkness, rain or lights going out, and where 9

innings have not been completed, the game shall be suspended and played to completion of 9 innings prior

to the start of the next game of the playoff series. The game shall pickup precisely where it was left off,

continuing with the same hitting lineup and pitching limits. Substitutions may be used in the lineup.

However they must first replace spots in the hitting lineup for players not present from the original hitting

lineup. Players previously removed from the lineup may only re-enter under the standard re-entry rules.

d) Playoff Game Run Rule: A game will be ruled final if there is a 10-run discrepancy at the end of 7 innings.

e) Ejections from Playoff Games: Players ejected from a playoff game will face suspension from the next

playoff game without appeal. Managers ejected from a playoff game will face suspension from playing in

the next playoff game, however they may continue to manage the team unless determined otherwise by the

MSL Board of Directors.

General League Rules 8.1 Grievances & Non-Game Specific Protests

Grievances and/or of non-game specific protests may be filed by an individual player or by a manager of a

team provided that a grievance is formally submitted in writing to the MSL Board of Directors. The MSL

Board of Directors shall adjudicate all such grievances.

In order for a Grievance/Protest to be heard by the “Board of Directors”, a $50 fee must be paid the

league, along with any and all documentation related to the Grievance/Protest. If said Protest is Upheld,

the team will be refunded the $50 fee. If the Protest is Denied, the $50 fee will NOT be refunded to the

team.

All game specific protests must adhere to the guidelines set forth in Rule 6.8.

8.2 Appeals

An appeal of any action or ruling may be filed with the MSL Board of Directors by any individual player or by

the manager of a team provided the appeal is formally submitted in writing. All decisions by the MSL Board

of Directors of an appeal shall be deemed final and not subject to re-appeal.

8.3 Governance

Remember that all of us are in this league to have fun. Please remember that these rules,

although they are very detailed, are a general guideline. If anything has been

unintentionally omitted from these rules, the President and Board of Directors have the

right to initiate them as they deem necessary and appropriate, in the best interest of the

Midwest Suburban League and its affilitates. Rulings and decisions made by the President

and/or Board of Directors are to be considered final. It is the responsibility of the

individual team manager to know these rules. Exceptions cannot and will not be made for

negligence on the part of a team or its manager in this league.

January 9, 2015

NOTE: It is a team manager’s responsibility for knowing the Rules of the MSL and of Major

League Baseball. If you request clarifications verbally and they are given incorrectly,

rulings will follow the written word set in these rules and/or the Rules of Major League

Baseball.

January 9, 2015

Appendix I: MSL Field Rules & Maintenance Requirements Failure to respect Field Rules and Maintenance Requirements will result in suspensions and monetary fines. All MSL

players are subject to these rules and they will be enforced to the highest extremes. If a team violates these rules to

the extent the MSL loses a field for any reason, that team will be expelled from the league, its’ players will be placed

on the MSL Ineligible List and any monies paid to the league previously will be forfeited.

General Field Rules – ALL Fields • All trash picked up from dugouts and spectator areas

• No smoking or chewing tobacco

• No alcohol or drugs in dugouts, stands or parking lots

• No warm ups between the bases. Warm ups should be conducted in the outfield only.

• No soft toss or hitting off a tee into the fences

• No climbing of fences for any reason

• No damage of any kind

• Do not “relieve yourself” anywhere on the property

• NEVER attempt to fix a wet field without SPECIFIC instruction from the MSL President.

Bensenville:

• At the end of the last game, the team in the first base dugout is responsible for putting the bases away in the

large beige metal storage box by the electric room under the grandstand on the first base side.

• Use the dirt paths to home plate from the on deck area. Enter and exit the infield (dugouts) through the

expanded coaching boxes at first and third base.

• Infield practice is not allowed. Batting practice on the field is prohibited. Use the hitting tunnels adjacent to

the softball field. When hitting balls in the outfield from foul territory, please stand on the warning track

area.

• No soft toss against the fences.

• Do not warm up in foul territory adjacent to the infield.

Grosche Field – Waukegan

• Replace key in lockbox immediately after opening facility

• Retrieve bases from back room before first game of the day and lock room

• Lights may be turned on NO EARLIER than 6:05 pm (substantial fines enforced)

• Last game of the day is responsible for: o Pulling bases, plugging holes and placing bases in back room o Place tarps over pitchers mound and home plate areas o Lock up washrooms, press box, back room and ALL gates surrounding the field o Replace key in lockbox immediately upon completion

January 9, 2015

Lake Park West:

• Before the game

o Please do not hit any balls into the fence, use the batting cage. Any screens brought into the cage

should be put back into the first base dugout at the end of the day

o No batting practice is allowed on the field

• After the Game

o Please rake and level home plate, the pitcher’s mound, bullpens, and the base lines. Please rake the

base lines parallel to the line and not across it. Rakes are in the third base dugout.

o Please put any dirt that is left on the edge of the grass back onto the field. There are brooms in the

third base dugout.

o Place all batting screens into the first base dugout

o Lock both gates by putting the chain through the fence

Niles West High School: • League President will direct field requirements

• Do not climb on any fences

Niles North High School: • Devils or Expos will direct field requirements

Northbrook:

• The bases are stored in the lock box in the 3rd base dugout. The home team in the first game will be

responsible for putting the bases in place. The home team in the final game must secure the bases in the

box before leaving the field

• The last game of the day must be started promptly at 6:00pm because the lights will turn off at 11:00pm

sharp. The game must be stopped by 10:55pm

• Lights will be turned on at a time to be determined on a daily basis by the Northbrook Park District

• In the event there is a problem with the lights please contact one of the following:

o George Baumgard- (847) 224-4822

o If George cannot be reached call Max Reising- (773) 793-8713

Rec Park- Arlington Heights: • Lights go out promptly at 11:00pm, night games end promptly at 10:50pm

• Park District maintains the field

January 9, 2015

Rolling Meadows:

• Lock box is mounted on the south wall of the press box

• The key will open the large metal box with the bases as well as the gate to the cage with a rake

• Replace the key after opening the gates and secure in the lock box

• Do not go into the yards for a foul ball

• Parking is available at the park district maintenance facility

• The last game of the day is responsible for:

o Filling all holes at home plate and the pitching mound

o Pulling all bases, replacing plugs and putting them back in the lock box

o Locking all field gates

o Replacing the key in the lock box

Wing Park- Elgin: • Park District will maintain field

January 9, 2015

Appendix II: MSL Schedule of Fines

The MSL Board of Directors may review any and all of the above, if the fines, suspensions,

expulsions, etc are deemed to be insufficient penalties.

Violation Fine

Alchol-Drugs Expulsion of individual, $500 Team Fine, Team Probation

Fighting Ejection, $100 Team Fine, Team Probation, Board Review

Umpire Contact Expulsion from MSL, Charges filed with Law Enforcement

Game Ejection Next Game Suspension

Uniform Violations $25 Team Fine (Applies after Memorial Day)

Forfeit $250 Team Fine per game; 2nd

forfeit team expulsion

Failure to do field maintenance $50 Team fine

Field rules, lock-up, lights, etc $100 Team Fine

Loss of league equipment Cost

Loss of Field Team Expulsion

Throwing of Equipment Ejections; next game suspension

Key/Lock Loss $50 Team Fine

Umpire Threat $100 individual fine, 3 game suspension, team probation

Property Damage Cost/$100 Team Fine, 3 game suspension, team probation

Missed score reporting $25 team fine

Taunting (verbal/Gesture) $100/ejection, 3 game suspension

Profanity (Continual/deliberate) $50 fine, game ejection

Umpire Confrontation off of the

field

Expulsion, $500 team fine

Ineligible Playoff Roster $100/player

Protest/Appeal/Grievance $50/occurrence

NSF Check $50 fine

January 9, 2015

Appendix III: MSL Umpire Rules and Payment Requirements

• Payment is after the game is declared a complete game (4.5 innings with home team ahead, 5 if home team

is behind).

• Show-up Payment is paid 30 minutes prior to the game until the 3rd inning. Payment amount will be as

follows:

Inning Completed Amount Paid to Each Umpire

0 innings to 3 innings (Show-up) $35

4th Inning $40

Complete game (9 innings) $70

Complete Game (7 innings) $60

Extra Innings $5/additional inning

• In the event of a forfeit, the umpires are paid by the forfeiting team unless they are notified at least one hour

prior to the scheduled start of the game

• In the first game of a double header is forfeited, umpires must wait until the second game start time unless

released by the forfeiting team or league official. If the umpires are released, there will be no payment due

for the second game of the double header, unless a portion of the first game has been played.

• If the first game has started and later forfeited, the umpires will be compensated full pay for the second

game by the forfeiting team.

• If team forfeits and the other team lends players to play an exhibition game and the umpire is being paid,

he is obligated to umpire a minimum of five innings.

• Umpires late to the game will receive $5 per complete inning less than the full pay. This deduction will be

split between both teams.

• Game time limits will begin at the time of the first pitch.

• There will be a mercy rule of ten runs after seven innings in a nine inning game. There is no mercy rule for

seven inning games.

• Start times must be recorded in the score book. The managers’ clock is the official clock.

• An inning starts at the time the last out is achieved in the previous inning. If the time limit has not passed

when the last out was made, then a new inning shall take place.

midwest suburban league rule book msl rulebook.pdf · january 9, 2015 page 1 midwest suburban...

Documents