Overview

These PSSBL Rules have been ratified by the PSSBL Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has instituted these rules in the best interest of the League and the membership, in keeping with the duties and powers as defined in the League’s By-Laws. They are intended to supplement the Rules and Regulations of the Men's Senior Baseball League, which are normally published in the scorebooks supplied to the teams. Where there are inconsistencies, these PSSBL Game Rules shall apply. General Managers must direct each of their players to the PSSBL web site to review these rules before that player may play in a PSSBL game.

The Basic Rule “Sportsmanship”

The League subscribes to the highest level of sportsmanship. This means showing respect for umpires, opposing players, teammates, fans and the fields on which we play. Fighting, throwing equipment, deliberate efforts to injure another player, and excessive profanity are examples of poor sportsmanship, and that will not be tolerated. Players who fail to meet this standard of sportsmanship are subject to ejection from games and suspensions, as well as banishment from the League.

General League Rules

1.       Equipment

1.1.    Uniforms: With the exception of authorized taxi pool players, supply problems during the first 2-3 weeks of a season, or a special divisional rule, all players and coaches must wear full baseball uniforms to be eligible to participate in a game. A proper uniform is considered to be a matching jersey, baseball pants, baseball socks or stirrups, and cap. All teams must wear a Major League, Minor League, or Negro League replica uniform of either a past or a present team, determined by each division's choice. Players out of uniform will not be allowed to play. Pitchers shall not wear white or gray sleeves, batting gloves or wrist bands, or any other article which in the umpire’s judgment unfairly distracts the batter or impairs sight of the ball.

1.2.    Helmets: All batters, runners, and base coaches must wear helmets. Helmets with ear flaps facing the pitcher are required for batters.  Catchers are required to wear a protective helmet in the field. All base coaches are required to wear protective baseball helmets while on the field of play.

1.3.    Bats: Players may use either wood or metal baseball bats conforming to official standards and approved for use in the PSSBL, except that on all "wood bat weekend(s)" as declared by the League or Division, teams may only use wood or composite-wood bats. Individual divisions may, at their discretion, require the use of wood or composite-wood bats for the entire season and playoffs.

1.3.1. Official PSSBL Bat Standard. All bats used in PSSBL games must have a length-to-weight ratio not greater than minus three (-3). Acceptable examples: 34-inch/31-ounce, 33-inch/30-ounce, 32-inch/29-ounce, etc. All non-wood bats used in PSSBL games must also carry either the BESR (Bat Exit Speed Ratio) or BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) certification stamp. “Composite-wood” means (a) bats composed of more than one wood species, (b) wood bats with a special composite coating (such as the Louisville TPX composite wood bats) or composite wrapping on a wood handle, (c) wood bats with a composite core (such as the Baum bat), and (d) bats with a wood barrel and composite (graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass) handle.  Such bats must also have been certified through testing using the NCAA Baseball Bat Certification Protocol.

1.3.1.1 Altering of bats.  Bat shaving of a metal bat, corking of a wood or composite-wood bat, or rolling of a composite bat qualifies the bat as non-PSSBL standard and hence illegal for use in PSSBL play ("Illegal Bat").  Infractions and penalties apply for the use of an Illegal Bat.

1.3.2. Infractions. If the Illegal Bat infraction is noticed after a pitch has been thrown to the following batter, no penalty is enforceable against the previous batter. Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the opposing team, not the umpires. If there is probable cause for suspicion, a GM may request an interruption of play and examine an opponent’s bat at any time. 

1.3.3. Player Penalties: The following penalties apply if the use of an Illegal Bat by a player is discovered.

1.3.3.1. First offense: A batter who enters the batter's box with an Illegal Bat is declared out regardless of whether or not the ball is put into play.

1.3.3.2. Second offense by the same player: The batter is declared out and is subject to a 5-game suspension.

1.3.4. Team Penalties Following any infraction, the GM of the offending team is required to broadcast the penalty to the PSSBL Board of Directors in an e-mail message that will be forwarded to all other teams within that division. The following team penalties also apply for any Illegal Bat infraction.

1.3.4.1. First offense by a team: Warning issued to GM, no penalty.

1.3.4.2. Second offense by a team: The GM is automatically ejected.

1.3.4.3. Third offense by a team: The GM is subject to a 3-game suspension (carried over into playoffs if applicable).

1.4.    Footwear: Players may wear athletic shoes, subject to field-specific rules.

2.       Fields

2.1.    Care of Fields: The following rules apply to the care of fields used by the PSSBL:

2.1.1. Sunflower seeds are prohibited on the field surface or in the dugout at artificial surface fields.

2.1.2. Warm-ups, running, stretching, and pepper games (where permissible) shall always be in the outfield, and not on the infield or in front of the dugouts.

2.1.3. Batting cages shall only be used if a field permits such use, or by prior arrangement.

2.1.4. Players shall not hit or throw balls into fences as part of their warm-up.

2.1.5. Rake dirt out of and away from the grass.

2.1.6. Dugouts shall be cleaned and all trash shall be properly disposed of at the end of each game.

2.1.7. All PSSBL players shall be polite to field personnel. We are guests on their field (and can be uninvited).

2.1.8. No practice is allowed on a field after a rained-out game is declared.

2.1.9. All special rules that are posted or in effect for particular fields on which the PSSBL may play shall be observed. 

2.1.10.    On deck batters shall warm up on the dirt or designated surface, depending on field-specific rules. On deck batters may not warm-up on the grass!

2.2.    Alcohol and Tobacco: No beer or other alcoholic beverages shall be permitted on the premises where games are played, including the field area and parking lots. No player will be permitted on the premises under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. All tobacco products (including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff) are prohibited on school property, including all school fields and parking lots.

2.3.    Personnel on Field and in Dugouts: For the safety of all concerned, as well as compliance with insurance requirements, only roster-listed players and authorized taxi-pool players shall be permitted on the field or in the dugouts during a game. Friends, kids, family, and batboys, etc. are expressly prohibited. If offenses are committed, the offending team’s GM may be subject to a 1-game suspension.

3.       Length & Completion of Games

3.1.    A Full Game: It is the objective of the League to ensure that every game is played to the fullest (nine innings or more, as needed,) and that there is a clear outcome. Due to field use, schedules, and budget constraints, this will not always be possible. This objective will not be met whenever a game is called “completed” by the umpires for either of the following conditions: Time Limits (rule 3.2,) and Rain, Darkness or Other Conditions (see rule 3.3).

3.2.    Time Limits: Subject to field- and playoff-specific rules, no new inning will begin after two hours (2) and fifty-five (55) minutes following the “play ball” call by the umpire. A new inning is defined as beginning when the pitcher throws his first warm-up pitch of the new inning. Some fields have shorter time limits which will apply as necessary.   Games will “drop dead” after three hours (3) and fifteen (15) minutes.

3.2.1.Games Called by Time Limits:  If a game is called by time limits (as defined in rule 3.2) and the inning has not completed (as defined in rule 3.6), then the score of this game shall revert back to the score at the end of the last completed inning.

3.3.    Rain, Darkness or Other Conditions: At the discretion of the umpires, a game in progress may be called, “completed” when they have determined that rain, lack of visibility, or other conditions result in unsafe conditions for those involved in the play of the game.

3.4.    Minimum Game Length: To become an “Official Game,” a game must be played for a minimum of 5 “complete innings” (see rule 3.6). If a game has been called “completed” by the umpires for conditions described in rules 3.2 and/or 3.3, and it has been played for the minimum length as described herein, it becomes an “Official Game" even if it is a tie. However, during the playoffs, all games will be played until a winner is decided. If a game is called by the umpires for conditions described in rules 3.2 and/or 3.3 and it has not been played for the minimum length as described herein, it becomes a "Non-Game" and will be rescheduled.

3.5.    Suspended Games: A "Suspended Game" is not considered completed and no winner is declared. During the regular season, there will be no suspended games. Games will either be “complete” as described in rule 3.4 or re-scheduled. During the playoffs, tied games that are called by the umpires for conditions described in rules 3.2 and/or 3.3 will be considered a "Suspended Game" and shall be finished when re-scheduled with the original players and lineup in place when the game was suspended. If all the original players are not available, then both teams shall be permitted to substitute players, subject to approval of the Commissioner.

3.6.    Complete Inning: A “complete inning” is one in which both teams have been put out three times, or one in which the visitors have been put out three times and the home team is ahead.

3.7.    Official Games: All games, once play has begun, will be considered either “Official Games”, "Non-Games" or “Suspended Games” (playoffs only), as per the above rules. An official game may end in a tie (see rule 3.8.) All “Official Games” are “in the books.”

3.8.    Tie Games: An Official Game in the regular season ending in a tie is considered “in the books,” and will not be rescheduled or completed at a later date.

3.9.    Length of Doubleheaders: Both games of a doubleheader will be Full Games, time permitting, unless tied. Total elapsed time from the "play ball" call by the umpire in the first game shall be no longer than 6 1/2 hours, and should follow the time schedule provided to each General Manager, and the umpires, at the beginning of the season. There shall be at least 20 minutes between games of a doubleheader unless both managers and the umpires agree on less time or special field rules are in effect, unless field-specific length of game rules need to be applied.

3.10. Hurry Up: Since we pay to play, and live with inevitable time limits, every reasonable effort should be made by both teams to speed up the pace of play between innings (see rule 5.4), and, between pitches.

4.       Pre-Game

4.1.    Number of Players; Forfeits: Teams must have a minimum of eight players for an official game to begin or proceed, and may borrow a ninth player from an opposing team with the opposing manager’s consent. If the team’s ninth player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player returns to his original team. A team having less than eight players at game time will be given a 15 minute grace period, except that this grace period will be 30 minutes for a scheduled 5:30pm or 6:00 pm weeknight start. If, at any time after the grace period, or during the game, a team falls below the required eight players, the game shall be declared a forfeit, and the team without the required number of players loses the game.

4.2.    Line-up Cards: Line-up cards specifying the starting offensive line-up, all other available players, and courtesy runners (if any) will be exchanged between managers and given to the umpire prior to the start of the game. Players arriving late may be added at the bottom of the lineup or substituted under normal rules. All substitutions must be reported to the opposing team.

4.3.    Scorekeeping: While both teams are encouraged to keep score, the home team is responsible for keeping the official scorebook. If the home team does not have enough personnel to keep the scorebook, the managers may agree to have the visiting team keep the official scorebook. It is the responsibility of both teams to see that their scorebooks match (at least in total runs scored per team per inning.).

5.       Play of the Game

5.1.    Line-ups and Substitutions: The following rules govern line-ups and all substitutions:

5.1.1. Minimum Line-up. The starting offensive line-up can have nine or more hitters (eight if the team has only eight players and is not loaned a ninth player per Pre-Game Rule A).

5.1.2. Adding Players to the Line-up. The offensive line-up can be expanded by adding players at the bottom of the order. Once expanded, the line-up cannot be reduced during that game. If a player cannot continue and the team has no available substitute, the team shall take an automatic out the first time that player’s spot in the line-up comes up. Thereafter, that player’s spot in the line-up shall be passed without penalty.

5.1.3. Re-entry in the Line-up. A player removed from the offensive line-up may re-enter in any spot in the offensive line-up after remaining out for one full cycle of the batting order following his/her missed turn at bat.

5.1.3.1. Example: If Sue bats for Jim, Jim cannot re-enter the order again until Sue's spot in the order comes up again. If Sue runs for Jim, after Jim has batted and reached base, Jim cannot re-enter the order again until Sue (or some other substitute batter) has batted in Jim's former spot (Jim’s first missed at bat), and then that spot comes up again, thus completing the cycle. This applies irrespective of when or whether the player may have been removed on defense.

5.1.4. Defensive Changes. Free and unlimited defensive substitutions may be made without regard to the offensive line-up, except that a pitcher removed as the team's pitcher (i.e. removed from the game) shall not return to that position in the same inning and may return to pitch only one time in the same game. However, as per major league rule 3.03, a pitcher may change to another position once per inning and then return to pitch in the same or subsequent inning, as long as he has not left the defensive line-up. A pitcher may change to another position only once during the same inning; i.e. the pitcher shall not be allowed to assume a position other than a pitcher more than once in the same inning.

5.1.5. Runner Substitutions. Before the game, each team may designate up to two players to have courtesy runners and must inform the other team and the umpire. That designation cannot be transferred to another player. The courtesy runner for any player so designated is the player who was the last batted out who is not already acting as a courtesy runner or the on deck batter. If the batter due up is at one of the bases as a courtesy runner, that courtesy runner shall bat, and the next courtesy runner will assume the previous courtesy runner's place on base.

5.1.6. Catcher Courtesy Rule. If agreed prior to the start of play by both teams, the game may be conducted using the “catcher courtesy rule” in order to speed up play. This means that if the catcher is on a base with two outs, he may be substituted from the bases with the last batted out so that he can expedite putting on the catchers gear for warm ups after the third out. This rule is entirely optional and is not encouraged or discouraged by the League. The failure to avail itself of the use of the “catcher courtesy rule” in a given inning does not waive a team’s use of said rule later in the game.

5.1.7. A team MAY declare at the time that lineups are exchanged prior to the start of play that any batting order position can be occupied by two (2) players in each such batting position. That is, 9A/9B, 10, 11A/11B, 12, etc. The first time that position 9 gets an at bat, 9A would hit and the next time this slot hits, 9B would be up. Then 9A hits the third time this spot in the order comes up, and so on, alternating between these two players throughout the game. Once a team declares the use of this A/B system, it must continue using it for the remainder of the game. Hitters in the A/B position may be pinch hit for, just as any other player.

5.2.    Slide or Avoid: Base runners must either slide or attempt to avoid a collision with a fielder attempting to make a play in the vicinity of a base. If no slide or attempt to avoid a collision is made in these circumstances, the umpire shall declare the base runner out. If no slide is made and a collision results which the umpire considers intentional, he may, at his discretion, eject the base runner. If a fielder is not in the vicinity of a base, or is obstructing the base path without attempting to make a play, he/she is not protected by this rule and bears equal responsibility for avoiding collisions. Neither the catcher, nor any other fielder, may block the plate or a base without the ball. The umpire should call a runner “safe” when, except for a fielder blocking the plate or base without the ball, the runner would have reached the plate or base safely.

5.3.    Decoy Rule: A defensive player may decoy a runner into sliding or altering his path to the base only if it serves a "strategic purpose" and the defensive player does not obstruct the base path without the ball. In the event of a decoy violating this rule, all runners shall be allowed to advance an extra base without risk of being put out. Examples of "strategic purpose" include when a defensive player, who sees a runner attempting to steal second base during a hit and run play, look supward into the sky and says he's got the pop-up when in fact the ball has been hit on the ground.  This is a legal decoy as it may cause the runner to retreat to first base and prevent him from advancing.  The defensive player who violated the decoy rule shall receive a warning and may be subject to ejection for a second offense.

5.4.    Pitching: Warm Up Pitches. A pitcher shall be permitted eight warm-up pitches, both upon entering the game, and at the start of each half-inning. If the umpire feels that a pitcher is trying to slow down the game intentionally, then and only then, he can lessen the amount of warm-up pitches to no less than five. The umpire also has the discretion to allow for as many warm-up pitches as necessary when a pitcher is substituting for another injured pitcher.

5.4.1. Intentional Walks. Intentional walks are permitted. To issue an intentional walk, the pitcher must pitch four balls. All pitches are live.

5.4.2. Hit Batters. Umpires have discretion to eject any pitcher who intentionally throws at a hitter. If a pitcher is believed to have intentionally thrown at a hitter, the League may take further disciplinary action up to and including banishment. Regardless of intent, if a pitcher hits four batters in a single game, he/she shall not continue pitching in that game. A pitcher so disqualified may remain in the game at another position.

6.       Post-Game

6.1.    Protests: Protests must be lodged with the umpire in charge prior to the next play. Protests may challenge the interpretation or application of a rule, but may not challenge a judgment call. A notation of the protest and circumstances shall be made in the official scorebook. The team lodging the protest must send a written protest to the Division Commissioner and the League President, with a copy to the opposing team’s general manager, postmarked or emailed within 48 hours of the game or the protest is waived.

6.2.    Reporting Scores: The winning team must report each game score by posting the results to the PSSBL website within 48 hours.

7.       Other

7.1.    Playoff Eligibility: In order for a player to be eligible for the playoffs with a PSSBL team, that player must be listed on the team’s roster with a “complete” registration status (i.e. active status, dues paid, and waiver signed), and must have been of such status with said team on or before July 15th of the same year.

7.2.    Team Playoff Eligibility: At the discretion of the Division Commissioner, with appeal rights to the PSSBL Board of Directors, any team forfeiting twice in a single season may be deemed ineligible for post-season play.

7.3.    Roster Termination (“Cut”) Letters: Every General Manager shall be required to send a “cut letter” to each player from his preceding year’s roster whose position on the roster is being terminated before start of play for the next season. Roster termination letters must be completed and mailed prior to the 10th day of January of the year in which the roster position in being terminated. A copy of each “cut” letter must be submitted to the PSSBL President or PSSBL Player Agent by the 14th day of January of the same year, or may be hand delivered at the next General Meeting. NO PLAYER MAY BE REMOVED FROM A ROSTER AFTER THE 10th OF JANUARY EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF BOTH THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DIVISION IN QUESTION AND THE LEAGUE PRESIDENT. ONLY THE PSSBL-RECOGNIZED GM HAS THE AUTHORITY OR ABILITY TO CUT A PLAYER.

7.4.    Changes to Rules: All League rules are subject to change, if in the best interests of the League. Any change requires a majority vote of the PSSBL Board of Directors. Each Division may also change its own specific rules, provided these rules are not in conflict with or be deemed detrimental to the overall interests of the PSSBL, as determined by the PSSBL Board of Directors.

7.5.    Taxi Pool Usage: Taxi-pool players will not be allowed to pitch, unless agreed to by the opposing team’s GM or manager prior to the start of the game. Taxi-pool players are not eligible for the playoffs. See divisional rules for additional Taxi Pool Usage procedures, policies, and restrictions.

7.6.    Illegal Players: If an ineligible player is used in a game that team will forfeit the game (even if not protested by the opposing team) AND a 2-game suspension will be imposed for both the GM and the ineligible player. A $25 fine will also be assessed the GM. Note that the ineligible player’s suspension cannot commence until he/she has remedied the cause of the ineligible status.

7.6.1. It is the responsibility of the GM and/or player to confirm the receipt of payment or required forms or signatures by the League office. Mailing the payment/form the day of a game does not make the player eligible. Check the League web site rosters well in advance of your first game to ensure that all of your players are eligible to begin the season.

7.6.2. A player is defined as eligible to play if his/her roster status on the current League’s web site shows “Active” with a signed waiver and dues paid in full. Any other status than “Active” will mean the player is ineligible. As well, any player who is required to serve a suspension, regardless of the roster status shown on the League web site, is ineligible to play.

7.6.3. Any player who plays in violation of the PSSBL Taxi Pool Policy shall be considered an ineligible player.

7.7.    Missed General Meetings: Each GM (or a designated replacement) shall attend each scheduled General Meeting.  The GM is responsible for his replacement’s attendance. Teams who play on the evening of a General Meeting are excused from attending. Your commissioner will forward any important information discussed at meetings on these dates. For unexcused missed meetings, the burden of responsibility is placed on the GM to contact other GM’s or your commissioner to receive any information you missed.

7.7.1. If a team is not represented at a General Meeting, the fine shall be $25 for the GM. For a second offense, the fine shall be $50 for the GM with a 1 game suspension. For a third offense, the GM is immediately removed from his position. These penalties are the minimum as imposed by the league. Each Commissioner has the authority to increase these penalties if he so chooses.

7.8.    General Manager Conduct: Any general manager that is removed from position by the PSSBL board of directors or a division commissioner may not be reinstated as a general manager in the PSSBL until he/she is both a member in good standing with the PSSBL and his/her reinstatement is approved by the PSSBL board of directors.

8.       Discipline and Ejection

The following information represents the minimum standards or penalties imposed for ejections and/or any other disciplinary matters regarding PSSBL members. Each division may increase the severity of punishment with additional penalties or fines.