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
are required to provide a copy of these rules to each player, each season, before
that player may play in a PSSBL game. These rules are subject to change per annual
board meetings.
THE BASIC RULE | back
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- 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.
EQUIPMENT | back to
top
- 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
must wear full baseball uniforms to be eligible to play. The same uniform requirements
apply to base coaches. A proper uniform is considered to be a matching jersey, baseball
pants (which do not necessarily have to match perfectly), baseball socks or stirrups,
and a matching 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.
- Helmets. All batters and runners 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.
- 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, 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.
- Official PSSBL Bat Standard. All non-wood 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 the BESR (Bat Exit Speed Ratio) certification stamp.
- Infractions. If the 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.
Player Penalties:The following penalties apply if the use of an illegal bat
by a player is discovered.
- 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.
- Second offense by the same player (during the same game): The batter is declared
out and is subject to a 5-game suspension.
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.
- First offense by a team: Warning issued to GM, no penalty.
- Second offense by a team: The GM is automatically ejected.
- Third offense by a team: The GM is subject to a 3-game suspension (carried
over into playoffs if applicable).
- Footwear. Players may wear plastic or metal baseball spikes, or cleat-less
athletic shoes, at their option, subject to field-specific rules.
FIELDS | back to top
- Care of Fields. The League distinguishes itself by playing on the very best
available fields. This distinction is threatened by improper treatment of the fields.
Common sense and a few specific rules should apply:
- Sunflower seeds are prohibited on artificial turf fields or in the dugout at synthetic
surface fields.
- Warm-ups, running, stretching, and pepper games (where permissible) should always
be in the outfield, and not on the infield or in front of the dugouts.
- Batting cages should only be used if a field official is present and permits such
use, or by prior arrangement.
- Players should not hit or throw balls into fences as part of their warm-up.
- Rake dirt out of and away from the grass.
- Clean the dugouts and dispose of all trash at the end of the game.
- Be polite to field personnel. We are guests on their field (and can be uninvited).
- A field too wet on which to play a game is too wet on which to practice. Do not
practice on a field after a rained-out game.
- Observe special rules that are posted or in effect for particular fields on which
the PSSBL may play.
- On deck batters must warm up on the dirt or designated surface, depending on field-specific
rules. Never warm-up on the grass!
- 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.
- 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 should 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.
LENGTH & COMPLETION of GAMES |
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- 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 2,) and
Rain, Darkness or Other Conditions (see rule 3.).
- Time Limits. No new inning will begin after three hours 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.
- 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.
- Minimum Game Length Games. To become an “official game,” a game must be played
for a minimum of 5 “complete innings” (see rule 6). If a game has been called “completed”
by the umpires for conditions described in rules 2 and/or 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 to a winner
is decided. If a game is called by the umpires for conditions described in rules
2 and/or 3 and it has not been played for the minimum length as described herein,
it becomes a non-game and will be rescheduled.
- 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 4 or re-scheduled. During the playoffs,
tied games that are called by an umpire will be considered suspended game and shall
be finished when re-scheduled with the original players and lineup, if available.
If all the original players are not available, then both teams shall be permitted
to substitute players, subject to approval of the Commissioner.
- 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.
- 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 8.) All “official games” are
“in the books.”
- Tie Games. An official regular season game ending in a tie is considered
“in the books,” and will not be rescheduled or completed at a later date.
- Length of Doubleheaders. Both games of a doubleheader will be Full Games,
time permitting, unless tied. Total elapsed time shall be 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.
- 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, and, between pitches.
PRE-GAME | back to top
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.).
PLAY OF THE GAME | back
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- Line-ups and Substitutions.The following rules govern line-ups and all substitutions:
- 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 lent a ninth player per Rule
V-1). If a team does not have enough players at the start of a game (and any grace
period given), a forfeit is called.
- 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.
- 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 missed turn at bat. 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.
- 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) cannot 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; e.g. the pitcher will not be allowed to assume a position other than
a pitcher more than once in the same inning.
- Runner Substitutions. Some Divisions allow courtesy runners. The definition,
use, and application of this rule vary by Division, and the Divisional applications
apply. Generally, 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. 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 place on base.
- Catcher Courtesy Rule. If agreed in advance 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.
- 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.
- Decoy Rule. A defensive player shall not decoy a runner into sliding or altering
his path to the base by pretending to catch or field the ball, except in a situation
where there is strategic advantage to the defense. For example, it is never permissible
to decoy a runner at home plate, on a foul ball or on a dead ball. It is permissible
to decoy a runner at bases other than home plate when the ball is in play and there
is a strategic advantage to slowing down the runner, as long as 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. The defensive player shall receive a warning and may be subject to
ejection for a second offense.
- 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.
- Intentional Walks. Intentional walks are permitted. To issue an intentional
walk, the pitcher must pitch four balls as in professional baseball. All pitches
are live.
- 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.
POST-GAME | back to top
- 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 within 48 hours of the game or the protest
is waived.
- Reporting Scores. The winning team must report each game score to the Commissioner
as per the division’s arrangements.
OTHER | back to top
- 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, and must have been of such status with said team on or before
July 15th of the same year.
- Team Playoff Eligibility. Any team forfeiting twice, or more, in a single
season may be determined to be ineligible for post-season play.
- 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 photocopy 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 January 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.
- Changes to Rules. The above disciplinary 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 not conflict or be deemed detrimental to the overall interests
of the PSSBL.
- 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.
DISCIPLINE / EJECTION RULES | back to top
The following information represents the minimum standards or penalties imposed
for ejections and/or any other disciplinary problems. Each division may increase
the severity of punishment with additional penalties or fines.
- Ejections. Any player ejected by an umpire shall be subject to an automatic
one game suspension, effective immediately. If the ejection of a player causes a
team to be under the required number of players (see rule V-1), that team will thus
forfeit the game, (regardless of the score or length of the game.)
An exception will be permitted only if the ejection occurs during the first game
of a doubleheader, and the ejected player’s team will have only eight players for
the game, including the ejected player.
- 1st ejection: Generally, if the ejection is not due to an extraordinary verbal
assault, or to physical intimidation or threats, it shall result in a one game suspension.
- 2nd ejection: A second ejection under ordinary circumstances (arguing balls
and strikes, uncomplimentary references to an umpires lineage, unsportsmanlike conduct
not to include fighting or threats of injury) in the same season shall result in
a three game suspension. This penalty applies to the player irrespective of how
many teams he plays for. The suspension will be served by the player for the team
for which he most recently was ejected.
- 3rd ejection: This may result in the player’s banishment from the PSSBL.
This includes ejections for violations of the “slide or avoid” rule.
- Appropriate Penalty. For violations deemed in excess of a “routine” one game
suspension for an ejection, the Divisional Commissioner or the President shall make
the initial determination regarding the appropriate penalty for this type of violation.
- Extraordinary Verbal Assault. If an ejection is for extraordinary verbal
assault directed toward an umpire(s), player(s), field personnel or fan(s), or excessive
abuse of equipment, the dugout or the field in general, a first offense shall result
in a five game suspension. Any damages must be paid by the player before any consideration
will be given to his return to playing status. A similar second offense in the same
season shall result in the player’s banishment from the PSSBL.
- Physical Threats and Fighting. Fighting or attempting to incite a brawl,
or physical and/or verbal intimidation—that which would put an ordinary person in
fear for his safety—directed at an umpire, other players, field personnel or fans,
shall subject a player to banishment from the league on the first offense.
- The Appeal Process. For any suspension, the ejected player has forty eight
hours to notify the Division’s Commissioner, Player Representative and/or the President
by telephone, fax or email. No appeal can be made after this deadline. If an appeal
is made within the required deadline, single game suspension appeals will be handled
by that Division’s Commissioner. Suspensions longer than one game will be reviewed
by a panel of all the Divisional Commissioners, excluding the Commissioner in whose
division the ejected player plays (and was playing when ejected). The ejected player
must contact all involved Commissioners and make the necessary arrangements (telephone
calls, meetings, etc.) to review the appeal. In other words, the player, and no
one else, will do all the work involved to pursue the appeal.
The appeal cannot be a “delaying tactic” so that the player can continue to play
in games. However, if an appeal in good faith has been filed, the player may continue
to play, pending resolution of the appeal.
- Umpire's Report. Unless it is found by the Commissioners considering the
appeal that the umpire is obviously biased, great weight will be given to the umpire’s
version of the incident.
- Past Record and history of the Player. In considering a player’s appeal for
facts of the incident as well as “punishment,” the League may consider the player’s
past history in the League.
- General Disciplinary Policy. Given the fact that the above disciplinary rules
will not cover every possible situation that may arise, the PSSBL reserves the right
to review and penalize any misbehavior which it deems detrimental to the welfare
and reputation of the League. The Board of Directors has the power to invoke banishment
on a first offense.
- Refund of Registration Dues. Any ejection, suspension or banishment from
the PSSBL shall not qualify for a prorated or any other refund of the player’s registration
dues.
DIVISIONAL RULES (subject to change) |
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These rules are intended to supplement the rules of the Puget Sound Senior Baseball
League and the Men's Senior Baseball League (published in the official MSBL scorebooks).
Where there are inconsistencies, these divisional rules shall apply. The rules of
Major League Baseball apply to all rules not covered in this document, the PSSBL
playing rules, or the rules of the Men's Senior Baseball League.
- Cascade Division
- Buddy Pick" rules
- Five buddy picks per team (6 for the bottom 3 teams based on prior regular season
finish).
- Buddy picks will be declared to the commissioner no later than 6pm the day before
the first League tryout is scheduled.
- No ex-pros may be buddy picks regardless of time out of pro ball. This has generated
a huge amount of confusion and debate and no good solution has been reached. (current
players will be grandfathered in).
- Taxi Pool Rules
- Fill in (taxi) players will be obtained by contacting the Player Agent or the Commissioner.
- A team must get a new list every time a player is needed. The list, in whatever
form, must be brought to the game and surrendered to the opposing GM or coach upon
request. Teams may not contact the same players repeatedly. If you feel a taxi-pool
player was used illegally, contact the Commissioner and an investigation will take
place.
- Taxi-pool players will not be allowed to pitch, unless agreed to by the opposing
teams GM or coach prior to the start of the game.
- Teams may not call anyone else to play. An exception will be made, if you called
the Player Agent at least 48 hours in advance of the game and you were not able
to get any taxi pool players to turn out. You must call the commissioner before
the game and get a verbal OK to call a player known to you.
- If a game is about to begin and your team is short handed (8 players or less) and
a league eligible player is in the stands, they will be allowed to play if the opposing
teams GM or coach agrees. If it is later determined that this was set up in order
to get around replacement player rules, you will forfeit the game, at minimum.
- Using an ineligible player will result in your team forfeiting that game, at minimum.
- If you lose a player for the season due to injury or necessary relocation, you may
be able to activate a player from the taxi-pool to play with you regularly, provided
they pay a prorated fee and the player activation is approved by the league President.
- Other Rules
- 1. Courtesy runners may be used in conformity with the National MSBL rule (i.e.
up to 2 runners).
- Olympic Division
- Forfeits. A team’s first forfeit shall result in a one game suspension for
the general manager and a $100 fine. A team’s second forfeit will result in a $100
fine, a two game suspension for the general manager and the team will be disbanded.
- Ejections. A player’s first ejection will result in a one game suspension
and a $25 fine. A second ejection will result in a three game suspension and a $50
fine. A third ejection will result in the player being removed from the league.
Any player involved in a physical confrontation with another player, coach or umpire
will be removed from the league. In addition to these penalties, the PSSBL may add
to these suspensions. All suspensions carry over to the next season. All suspensions
and fines described above are automatic, but the player may appeal the PSSBL suspensions.
Ejection for failure to follow the slide and avoid rule will be treated like any
other ejection.
- Missed Meetings. Any general manager who misses a general league meeting
without having made prior arrangements with the Commissioner or PSSBL representative
will be fined $25.
- Courtesy Runners. The Olympic Division does not have courtesy runner rules;
no exceptions. If a pinch-runner is used, the pinch-runner must assume the previous
player’s position in the lineup the next time through the batting order.
- Player Rosters. In light of the heavy turnout of tryout players in the 21-27
age range, each team will be required to have a minimum of 15 players on their roster.
Any player who turns 21 years of age by December 31 of the season’s calendar year,
is eligible to be included on the roster. Every player must be in full uniform to
be eligible to play in a game.
- Former Professional Players. Former professional baseball players, including
both minor and major leaguers, are eligible to play in the Olympic Division, without
regard to length of time out of professional baseball.
- Rocky Division
- Minimum Playing Time
- Defense
- Each player in the Rocky Division will be offered a minimum of four innings of defense
per nine-inning game, with at least three of those innings scheduled for the first
seven innings. No minimum is guaranteed if the player arrives after the first pitch
of the game, or if a game is shortened (to less than seven innings) by unforeseen
circumstances such as inclement weather or darkness.
- Defensive position assignments are entirely at the discretion of the General Manager
(or a designated Field Manager if applicable).
- Offense
- All players in attendance will be included in the batting order. Players arriving
after the batting order has been exchanged with the opposing team must be added
to the end of the batting order.
- A player may leave the offensive lineup without penalty (to the team) if the player
is injured or is forced to leave the game for another commitment. The departing
player's turn at bat will be skipped without recording an out, with the provision
that this does not apply where the departing player has been ejected by the umpire.
In the case of an ejection, an out will be recorded the first time through the order
at the ejected players turn in the order.
- If a player leaves the offensive lineup for any reason, that player is no longer
eligible to return to the game, offensively or defensively.
- General
- Participation is voluntary; players will not be 'forced' to play. Each player in
attendance will be offered four defensive innings and a place in the batting order,
but it is not the intention of the Rocky Division to make a guarantee about all
players receiving equal playing time.
- Any player who feels their manager has defaulted on their responsibility to provide
minimum playing-time has the right to discuss the issue with their General Manager,
the League Player Agent, and/or the Rocky Division Commissioner.
- Inning Limitation for Pitchers
- Five-Inning Maximum
- All pitchers in Rocky Division games are limited to a maximum of five innings per
game. All innings pitched by an individual pitcher must be consecutive, regardless
of the total number of innings pitched.
- Partial innings pitched for the purposes of this rule are counted toward the five-inning
maximum as full innings. For example, a pitcher entering the game with two outs
in the first inning (and remaining in the game as the pitcher) has exhausted his/her
eligibility after the fifth inning of that game.
- Additional Pitching Limitations
Teams are encouraged to limit pitchers to one game per week, though no limitations
beyond the 5-inning per game maximum are currently in place.
- Courtesy Runners
- Declared
A maximum of two players requesting courtesy runners can be declared prior to the
exchange of line-up cards before a game. The courtesy runner must be the last batted
out (unless that player is injured or also a declared player requesting a courtesy
runner). In the event that no outs have been recorded in the game for the batting
team, the courtesy runner must be the last player in the batting order. Courtesy
runners are allowed to steal and have no other limitations.
- Injuries
Injury replacements are allowed in addition to any declared courtesy runners. However,
injury replacements are not allowed to steal or advance on passed balls. Injury
replacements are only allowed to advance when the ball is put into play by the batter.
Injured players must be replaced by the last batted out (unless that player is injured
or a declared player requesting a courtesy runner), or by the last player in the
batting order if no outs have been recorded in the game for the batting team.
- Roster Information
- Roster Additions
- All players must be added to Rocky Division rosters via the draft, with three possible
exceptions: Assistant GM's, family members, and former players.
- Each Rocky Division GM has the opportunity to select an Assistant GM to assist with
team activities and administration. The Assistant GM is intended to be a one-time
addition to the roster and must be declared by the General Manager prior to the
first league tryout of the season. When an Assistant GM position is vacated, returning
teams are encouraged (though not required) to designate new Assistant GM's from
the group of players on the roster from the previous season. All new Assistant GM's
require approval from the Rocky Division Commissioner.
- Prior to the first league tryout of the season, a maximum of two immediate family
members of players on a roster can be added to that team's roster if approved by
the team General Manager and the Commissioner. If a pair of family members attends
the league tryouts and would like to play on a team together, the first of the two
players will require a draft choice, and the second will be added to the roster
(without consuming a draft choice). Immediate family members are strictly defined
and limited to the legal definition of one of the following: Mothers, fathers, sisters,
brothers, daughters, and/or sons.
- Former players can be added to the roster of their former team after an absence
of one or more seasons if approved by the team General Manager and the Commissioner,
without regard to payment status of the $35 league fee otherwise required to 'freeze'
a roster spot.
- Roster Subtractions
- The Rocky Division is currently the only division in the PSSBL that does not allow
off-season player 'cuts' except in extreme circumstances. Players are eligible to
return to their teams if they are members in good standing.
- For those rare occasions where team chemistry is negatively affected by the presence
of a specific player or players, trades will be strongly encouraged. All trades,
however, require the approval of the Commissioner and all players and General Managers
involved. In extreme circumstances, if the Rocky Division Commissioner agrees that
all other options have been exhausted, a player can be released from a roster following
approval from a majority of the General Managers in the Division, and the Rocky
Division Commissioner.
- Roster Limitations
Due to the four-inning minimum playing time guarantee for players in the Rocky Division,
all Rocky Division rosters will be limited to a maximum of 15 active players (also
the league minimum). An exception (subject to approval by the Rocky Division Commissioner)
for an additional player (or players) can be requested by a General Manager if a
team has one or more players on the roster that are also on the active roster of
another team in the PSSBL.
- Taxi-Pool Players
All rules listed for Taxi-Pool players in the Rainier Division also apply to the
Rocky Division except the following minor modifications to Rules #1 and #8.
Rule #1: Substitute (Taxi-Pool) players will be obtained by contacting the
PSSBL Player Agent.
Rule #8: All players eligible for Taxi-Pool service must have registered
for the PSSBL Taxi Pool and paid the fee (if applicable) and must be over 21 years
of age as of the end of the current calendar year.
- Playoff Information
- Playoff Seeding
Playoff seeds are determined by order of regular season finish and are not affected
by playoff game results.
- Tie-breakers
For teams with identical regular-season records, the following tiebreakers apply
(in order):
- Results of head-to-head competition
- A point system that provides more points for victories over higher-seeded teams.
Example: In an 8-team division, victories over the top seed are worth 8 points while
victories over the 8th seed are worth one point. The higher point total earns the
higher seed.
- The same point system applied in reverse for losses within the division.
- Coin toss.
- Determination of Draft Order
Draft order is determined by regular season finish and is not affected by playoff
results. Teams draft in the reverse order of the playoff seeds from the previous
season. Teams that are new to the division will be added to the end of each round.
- Miscellaneous
- General Meeting Attendance
- A team that is not represented at two PSSBL General Meetings in any calendar year
will be required to replace the General Manager following the second missed meeting,
and prior to the next General Meeting of that calendar year.
- Additional League penalties apply for any team not represented at a League General
Meeting.
- Forfeits
- A forfeit by any Rocky Division team during the season will result in the mandatory
assignment of Taxi-Pool players to the roster for all remaining games on the schedule,
arranged by and at the discretion of the Rocky Division Commissioner.
- A second forfeit during the season by any Rocky Division team will result in exclusion
from the playoffs and mandatory replacement of the General Manager prior to the
next General Meeting of that calendar year.
- Additional League penalties apply for any team forced to forfeit a regular season
or playoff game.
- Division Naming Convention
Minor League team names (current or former) are required for all new Rocky Division
teams unless an exception is approved by a majority vote of the General Managers
in the division and by the PSSBL Board of Directors. In addition, new team names
are limited to those that have not been used by any current or former Major League
teams, and are not currently in use by another member of the PSSBL.
- Wood Bat Requirement
The use of wood bats (only) will be required for 4 of the 16 games on the Rocky
Division schedule. The games are tentatively scheduled for the last weekend of May,
June, July, and August. The Rocky Division Commissioner will announce official dates
prior to the season. This rule will be revisited annually.
- 15-run rule League rule #9 applies for the length of single games, however, if there
is a 15-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings and the game has gone 2 hours and
30 minutes, the game will be ruled final at that point. This rule will pertain to
regular season games ONLY with the exception of regular season games where the outcome
directly impacts playoff seeding.
Sierra Division
- GAMES
- Playing Time
- Each player in the Sierra Division will be offered a minimum of three innings of
defense with one at bat per nine-inning game. Some games are highly likely to be
completed prior to the play of nine innings. In the event of such a game, the manager
should try to offer at least two innings of defense with one at bat. No minimum
is guaranteed if the player arrives after the first pitch of the game, or if a game
is shortened to less than seven innings (e.g. rain-out, darkness, etc.)
- The manager will not force any player to play. It is not the intention of the Sierra
Division to guarantee that all players receive equal playing time.
- In the event a player is injured or is forced to leave the game for another commitment,
the player may leave the offensive lineup without penalty, provided there are no
eligible, available players to take his place. The departing players’ turn at bat
will be skipped without recording an out, with the provision that this does not
apply where the departing player has been ejected by the umpire. In the case of
an ejection with no eligible offensive replacement players, an out will be recorded
the first time through the order at the ejected players turn in the order.
- Base Runners
- A base-runner may have three different types of replacement runners: a substitute
runner, the catcher’s substitute, or a pinch-runner.
- A maximum of two players requesting substitute runners, should they safely reach
base during the course of the game, must be declared prior to, or at the time of,
the exchange of line-up cards, prior to the start of a game. Once the first pitch
has been thrown, this right is considered waived. After that, substitute runners
are permitted only for injuries acquired during the game and must be approved by
the opposing manager.
- The purpose of the substitute runner is prevention of injury and/or aggravation
to existing injury. This substitute runner is only allowed to advance when the ball
is put into play by the batter, or to advance on wild pitches or passed balls. The
substitute runner is not allowed to steal, or he will be declared out.
- In addition to declared substitute runners, the catcher, should he be on the bases
with two outs in the inning, may utilize a substitute runner. This substitution
is optional for the offensive team. It does not need to be agreed to by both managers.
There are no running restrictions for the catcher’s substitute runner.
- All substitute runners used, as well as the catcher’s substitute runner, must be
the “last batted out,” as defined herein.
- For the purpose of these rules, “last batted out” is defined as follows. The last
batted out will be the last player, currently in the lineup, to have been declared
out through striking a batted ball (the exceptions being strikeouts and outs made
while running past first base). If no eligible “last batted out” can be determined
from the last four batters to appear at the plate prior to the batter now needing
a replacement runner, then the fifth batter prior will become the substitute runner.
A player currently on base, or having already declared himself in need of a substitute
runner, or a catcher with two outs, obviously is not eligible to become the replacement
runner.
- A batter must touch 1st base (or 2nd or 3rd base if there is an extra base hit)
and “time” must be granted before he is replaced on the base.
- A substitute runner does not have to be used in every single incident. A player,
even though designated to have a substitute runner, may run for himself, if he sees
fit to do so. If so, he is eligible to steal and has no other limitations.
- If a pinch-runner is used, the pinch-runner must be out of the lineup at that time,
and must assume the position in the lineup of the player for whom he is running
for the next time through the batting order.
- Forfeits
- A team that forfeits a game will automatically lose it’s 1st round draft position
in the next draft, and the GM will be suspended for one game. For an additional
forfeit, the team will lose a buddy pick from the next season, and the GM will be
suspended for two games.
- In the event of two forfeits in a single season, the status of the team and the
general manager will be reviewed by the Commissioner, and reported to all other
GMs. Possible ramifications include asking the team’s GM to resign, the team to
be prohibited from registering for the following season, or the team to be barred
from the playoffs. This will be determined by a vote of all Divisional GMs.
- There are no limitations to the number of players a team may carry on a roster,
and plenty of taxi-pool players. Thus, there is no reason to ever forfeit. However,
if circumstances are deemed extraordinary, a team’s GM may appeal the penalties
in rule C-1 to the Commissioner. This appeal is only possible for a first forfeit.
- ROSTERS
- Buddy picks
- The number of buddy picks per team shall be determined by the Commissioner at the
end of the current season for the following season, according to order of finish.
The number is to be based on the team’s overall W-L record, combining the regular
season and the playoffs. The top three finishing teams will have one pick, 4th through
6th finishing teams will have two, and all other teams will have three. The Commissioner
may, at his discretion, award a 4th buddy pick to the last place team, if he deems
it appropriate. The Commissioner may also, at any time prior to the draft, award
an additional buddy pick to a team having less than ten players on the roster.
- Buddy picks may not be traded, transferred, nor carried forward to another season.
Nor can a player chosen as a buddy pick be traded in his first season of play.
- Unused buddy picks may be added by a GM prior to the team’s 12th game of the season.
If game play has already begun, the GM should obtain the consent of his team prior
to adding a player to the roster in this way.
- The Draft
- Draft order is determined by final standings, defined as the overall W-L record
combining the regular season and playoff games. Teams draft in the reverse order
of their final standing, from bottom to top. Teams that are new to the division
will be added to the end of each round (see New Teams section.) There will be as
many rounds as needed until no team is willing to draft a player.
- It is not necessary to draft a player if a team’s roster is sufficiently ample to
meet the demands of the forthcoming season. However, each team should participate
in the try-out process by offering representatives to assist the League’s Player
Agent and President on try-out days.
- Immediate Family
- A family member, for the purpose of these rules, is strictly defined as a parent,
sibling, child or spouse.
- A team may draft an immediate family member of a player drafted by declaring its
intent at the time it drafts the first of the family members, in exchange for its
regular third round pick.
- A team may add a player to its roster that is an immediate family member of a returning
player without expending a Buddy Pick or subjecting the player to the PSSBL draft.
These picks must be added to the team before the season’s draft. A team may only
use this rule once per season.
- Taxi-Pool Use
- A GM or manager of a team should never allow his team to forfeit a game through
being unable to field a team on-time. The penalties are discussed in the League
and Sierra rules, and are severe. The GM or manager has access to the Taxi-Pool
of players in order to prevent this from ever being an occurrence
- Fill in (taxi-pool) players will be obtained by contacting the Player Agent. The
Player Agent (or the Commissioner, if the Player Agent cannot be contacted) should
be given at least 48 hours notice. The Player Agent and Commissioner will have the
list of eligible Taxi Pool players.
- A team must get a new list every time it needs a player. The list, in whatever form,
must be brought to the game and surrendered to the opposing GM or manager upon request.
Teams may not contact the same players repeatedly. If you believe a taxi-pool player
was used illegally, contact the Commissioner and an investigation will be made.
- 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.
- Teams may not call anyone, other than those on his Taxi-Pool list, to play. An exception
will be made if you called the Player Agent at least 48 hours in advance of the
game and you were not able to get any taxi pool players to turn out. You must call
the Commissioner before the game and get a verbal OK to call a player known to you.
The contacted player may only play if they are the 8th or 9th player. As soon as
you have 9 eligible players, the contacted player must then leave the game.
- Using an ineligible player will result in your team forfeiting that game, at minimum.
- All taxi-pool players utilized must be at least 35 years of age within the calendar
year, and have registered for the PSSBL Taxi Pool, and paid the fee.
- All taxi pool players asked to participate in a game will receive at least three
innings of defensive play and will be in the lineup for the entire course of the
game, with the exception of injury.
- GMs must report the names of taxi pool players on the lineup card at the beginning
of the game. Winning teams must report any taxi pool players utilized by either
team when officially reporting the scores of games.
- A team using a taxi-pool player must bat every available roster player in the batting
lineup, including, of course, the taxi-pool player.
- Taxi-pool players are not eligible for the playoffs.
- Rejoining a Former Team
- A player who has been out of the League, for whatever reason, and was on the roster
of a Sierra team within the last five seasons, may return to his former team, provided
that he has maintained status as an Ineligible Player (as defined by the League,)
and that said team was the last Sierra team he has played for. There is no penalty
to the team the player returns to.
- A player who has played for a Sierra team within the past three seasons, but was
playing in another Division of the PSSBL the past season, may return to play for
his former Sierra team, provided that said team was the last Sierra team he played
for. The team will forfeit a 2nd round draft choice as equalization.
- Trades
- A player may be traded with the consent of the player. The division will attempt
to accommodate player requests to change teams, so long as the change is not initiated
by one of the other existing teams, and so long as the team losing the player is
adequately compensated.
- Trades must be approved by all players involved, and both GMs. As well, the Commissioner
may defer approval of a trade to determine if it is beneficial to all parties involved,
including the Division.
- All trades must be filed with the PSSBL Player Agent on the proper form in order
to be official.
- Draft choices are allowed as compensation in trades.
- Cuts
- Cuts can be made at the discretion of the GM, keeping in my mind the best interests
of the team and the player.
- Cuts should only be made between the end of the season (after the championship game)
and the League cut deadline.
- New Teams
- A new team to the Division must first gain the approval of the Commissioner, and
of the League Board.
- A new team can have a multitude of meanings: a hybrid of several disbanded teams,
the nucleus of a team from another PSSBL Division, or a team with a nucleus of players
who are from outside the PSSBL.
- Post-Season
- Play-offs
- Playoff seeds are determined by order of regular season finish. All teams will be
eligible for the playoffs.
- The play-offs are a double-elimination tournament until a champion has been determined.
- If two, or more, teams finish the season with identical regular-season records,
the following tiebreakers apply (in order):
- Results of head-to-head competition, (not total runs scored, just wins.)
- A point system that provides more points for victories over higher-seeded teams.
Example: In a 10-team division, victories over the top seeds are worth 10 points
while victories over the 10th seed are worth one point. The higher point total earns
the higher seed.
- The same point system applied in reverse for losses within the division.
- Rock-paper-scissors.
- All-Star Game
- There will be an All-Star game organized by the League. Each team will elect three
players to participate in the game, as well as three alternates. The game is normally
held prior to, or during the playoffs. At the discretion of the Commissioner, in
order to field two full teams, the number of participants per team may be increased.
- There may also be one, or more, inter-Divisional All-Star games scheduled. The Commissioner
will be entitled to invite players from any team, as he sees fit, in order to field
a competitive team.
- Other Tournaments
All players are encouraged, as they see fit and are able, to form teams to participate
in Regional and/or National tournaments. The GMs and Commissioner are willing to
offer assistance in supporting the organization of such Tournament teams.
Smoky Division
- Forfeits
- After the first forfeit, the Commissioner shall warn the team.
- If that team forfeits a second time, the team shall be disbanded.
Note: There is no excuse for forfeiting a game because players are always available
from the PSSBL Taxi Pool. If a team is disbanded, every effort will be made to readjust
the playing schedule so the remaining teams do not lose any game dates because of
the removal of the forfeiting team.
- Ejections
The Division will not levy any additional penalties. The PSSBL has in place specific
penalties for ejected players.
- Missed Meetings
The Smoky Division has no penalty for missed meetings other than that adopted by
the PSSBL
- Courtesy Runners
- Each team is allowed to designate two (2) players for whom courtesy runners will
be used.
- These players must be designated prior to the start of the game or their courtesy
runner option is waived.
- If a player for whom a courtesy runner was not designated needs a runner during
the game, a pinch runner may be used.
- The courtesy runner shall be the last batted out. A batted out is defined as a batter
who, at the immediate conclusion of his at bat, has not reached base or has been
put out and is no longer on base. That is, if the batter is put out before safely
reaching base or is put out trying to stretch a single into a double or over running
a base, he is a batted out. Once the ball is returned to the mound or time is called,
and a batter remains on base, he can no longer be considered a batted out. That
is, once the ball is returned to the mound or if time was called after the conclusion
of his at bat, the batter does not become a batted out, even if the batter is picked
off before the next pitch is thrown. If no player has been a batted out, then the
courtesy runner would be the player at the bottom of the batting order. By way of
illustration: If the leadoff batter reaches first base and has been designated to
have a courtesy runner, the last batter in the order who is not designated to have
a courtesy runner would run. A player shall act as a courtesy runner only once in
an inning, unless all available runners have acted in that capacity in the inning,
in which case the order of rotation of available courtesy runners repeats itself.
- A batter must touch 1st base (or 2nd or 3rd base if there is an extra base hit)
and “time” must be called before the courtesy runner replaces that player.
- A courtesy runner does not have to be used in every single incident. A player, even
though designated to have a courtesy runner, may run for himself, if he sees fit
to do so. If the courtesy runner is waived, the runner who waived the courtesy runner
must run or use a pinch runner for the duration of that time on the bases. However,
the courtesy runner is not waived for the duration of the game.
- If a player for whom no courtesy runner has been designated at the start of the
game becomes injured to the extent that he cannot run (players may still be able
to field or pitch, but not be able to run the bases), a pinch runner must be used.
- There is no automatic courtesy runner for catchers when there are two (2) outs.
If both GMs agree at the start of the game, teams may agree to use a courtesy runner
for catchers when there are two (2) outs.
- Wood Bats
- Laminated and wood composite are allowed. Bats with wood barrels but with aluminum
or other non-wood handles are not allowed.
- The penalty for using an illegal bat is the same as batting out of order.
- The batter is out and all runners must return to the bases occupied prior to the
batter putting the ball in play.
- The fact that an illegal bat was used must be brought to the umpire’s attention
prior to the next pitch being thrown. As in the case of batting out of order, the
penalty can be waived by the defense, if the defense elects to let the play stand.
- Dugouts
The home team shall use the 3rd base dugout and the visiting team shall use the
1st base dugout.
- Player Rosters
All Smoky Division rosters must have at least 15 fully-paid players throughout the
entire season, regardless of any refunds and/or less than 15 active players on the
roster.
- Ex-Professional Players An ex-professional player must be out of professional baseball
for at least ten (10) years to be eligible to play in the Smoky Division.
- Buddy Picks The number of buddy picks shall be determined by the Commissioner and
Smoky GMs at the end of the current season for the following year. Some of the possibilities
include an unlimited number per team; the same fixed number for all teams, or a
number based on the team’s overall W-L record, including the regular season and
the playoffs. In determining the number of buddy picks, consideration may also be
given to a team’s number of forfeits, ejections and missed meetings.
- Draft Picks The order of draft picks for the next season will also be finalized
for each team immediately after the end of the preceding season. Draft picks shall
be determined as a result of a team’s W-L record (including the regular season and
the playoffs) and trades. IMPORTANT: If a Smoky team makes a trade in good faith
with another Smoky team which is subsequently penalized, it shall be assumed for
trade purposes that the team not in violation will retain its original position
in the Draft. If it is a trade for a Buddy Pick, that trade shall also be honored
on behalf of the non-violating team, as if no penalty had occurred.
- Trades
- All trades must be approved by both of the GMs involved and the Smoky Division Commissioner.
- When players are involved, they must also agree to the terms of the trade.
- All trades must be filed with the PSSBL Player Agent in order to be official.
- Taxi-Pool Players
- A Taxi Pool player may be used if a team expects to have less than twelve (12) players
at a game.
- The Player Agent (or the Commissioner, if the Player Agent cannot be contacted)
must have at least 48 hours notice. The Player Agent and Commissioner will have
the list of eligible Taxi Pool players.
- Taxi Pool players may be from within the Smoky Division and must be ages 48 and
over. Taxi Pool players cannot pitch, unless approved by both managers prior to
game time.
- The opposing team must be notified about the Taxi Pool player before game time at
home plate when the line-ups are exchanged.
- A Taxi Pool player must play at least three (3) innings in the field and get two
(2) at-bats.
- If a team uses a non-Taxi Pool player as a replacement player, the team shall forfeit
that game.
- Playoff Eligibility
To be eligible for the playoffs a Smoky Division player must
have paid for at least half the season. The number of games actually participated
in has no bearing upon playoff eligibility.
- Minimum Playing Time
There is no minimum playing time rule. Smoky players should be encouraged to speak
first with his or her team GM or field manager before going to the PSSBL Player
Agent about lack of playing time.
- Uniforms / Conduct
All Smoky players shall be in full uniform when stepping onto the playing field.
All Smoky players should at least look like baseball players. The only exception
might be those new players (and occasionally returning players) who must purchase
new uniforms. They shall have a grace period until June 1st. Procrastination or
inefficiency are not excuses.
- Disputes, etc.
If there is a dispute regarding the levy of certain penalties, the GMs shall vote.
The Smoky Player Agent or the Commissioner shall be the tie breaker, depending on
whether or not their own team is involved in the controversy. Otherwise, all of
the above policies, rules and penalties shall apply.
Tetons Division (in revision)