Rules and Conduct

BAY AREA MEN’S SENIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE
Rules & Regulations (Last Updated January 2023)
Fairness Doctrine
Authority for the BAMSBL Board and/or BAMSBL
President
100. Membership
105. Age Minimum – 18+, 35+, and 50+ Divisions
110. Team Fees and Payments to the League
115. Applicant Eligibility
120. Free Agent Eligibility
125. Draft Eligibility
130. Player Eligibility
140. Pool Players
145. Trades
150. Trading Deadline
155. Veterans choose not to return to current team
160. Dissolution of Teams
165. Anti-merger Rule
170. Anti-raiding Rule
175. Anti-collusion Rule
180. Anti-tampering Rule
200. Tryouts and the Draft
205. Spring Tryouts
210. Failure to Extend Best Effort
215. The Draft
300. Equipment and Uniforms
305. Uniforms
310. Cleats/Spikes
315. Helmets
320. Bats
325. Baseballs
330. Pitcher’s Uniform
335. Failure to Adhere
400. Game Requirements
401. Field Dugout Designation
405. Length of Game
410. Start of Game
415. Forfeit Rule
420. Batting Line-Ups
425. Fielding Line-Ups
430. Courtesy Runners
435. Injured Base Runner
440. Catcher 2-Out Base Runner
445. Two (2) Minute Rule
455. Last Weekend, Regular Season (Elimination Game)
465. Failure to Adhere
470. Protesting Games
500. Conduct and Safety
505. Collision Rule
510. Decoy Rule
520. Intentional Walks & Hit Batsman
525. Abuse of Umpires
530. Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct
532. Fan/Spectator Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct
535. Player Suspension
540. Suspension Appeal
545. Alcohol & Cannabis
550. Smoking
555. Pets
600. Playoffs and Tiebreakers
601. Playoffs Eligibility Requirements
603. Playoff Rosters
605. Tie-Breaker Formula
610. Home Team Designation
615. Player Participation
620. Playoff Game Limits
Bay Area Men’s Senior Baseball League
Rules & Regulations
Fairness Doctrine
The Board and President of the BAMSBL shall have the
authority to oversee all player, team, and coach
transactions. The Board has a duty to ensure that fair
competition will prevail for the player(s), team(s) and
the League as a whole.
Appeal of any sanctions, suspensions or terminations as
set forth by the BAMSBL Board and/or President.
As set forth in the Bylaws, any party disciplined,
sanctioned, suspended or had its’ membership terminated
shall have the right to an appeal. Said party may
submit a written statement to the BAMSBL Board not less
than five days before its effective date, showing cause
as to why said disciplinary action should be
overturned, lessened, or modified. The President of the
BAMSBL will rule on the appeal. Said President, at his
choosing, may elect to defer his decision to a vote by
the BASMBL Board, or form a grievance committee to make
a recommendation as to the disposition of the appeal.
Authority for the BAMSBL Board and/or BAMSBL President
As set forth in the Bylaws of the Bay Area Men’s Senior
Baseball League, which are registered and on file as
the By Laws of Bay Area Men’s Senior Baseball League,
Inc. with the State of California, the President and/or
the Board shall have and exercise the authority to
discipline any League members for any conduct or
actions deemed “inimical to the best interests of the
corporation”. This shall include any actions,
intentional or otherwise, to violate, circumvent or
evade any League rules, reasonable intent of the League
rules, proven intent of the League rules, historical
League practices or League precedents. This shall also
include direct or indirect violations of Board or
President Directives. Said disciplinary measures may
include but are not limited to suspension of League
membership, termination of League membership or any
League sanctions set forth as determined by the BAMSBL
Board to apply to the specific case. The Board shall
notify any affected member(s) of any disciplinary
actions at least 15 days prior to the effective date
said disciplinary actions are to take place.

100. Membership
105. Age Minimum 18+, 35+, and 50+ Divisions
A. Players who turn 18, 35, or 50 prior to 11:59
p.m. on December 31 are eligible to play in the BAMSBL.
Any player that turns 18, 35, or 50 during the calendar
year is eligible to play the entire season.
B. Any game(s) played with player(s) underage shall
be deemed immediately forfeited by that team. The
player(s) involved will also be ineligible for the
duration of the current season, regardless of when the
player(s) officially turns 18, 35, or 50 years old.
C. A manager has the right to demand to inspect the
identification of any player on the field, before,
during or after an official BAMSBL game. Until the
player produces acceptable identification, said player
in question will not be allowed to participate in said
game or any future games. Acceptable identification is
defined as: a valid driver’s license, valid passport,
valid Federal or State Government ID card or any
identification which the umpire accepts as valid
identification.
D. Should the requesting manager still not be
satisfied or agree with the authenticity of the
identification presented, the said manager will
immediately (within 24 hours) file a protest to the
League Office for review. A protest may be called and
followed up in writing explaining why the manager feels
that the ID presented is still in question. President
will then investigate and report findings to the Board
for review, decision, and any sanctions, if warranted.
E. If any sanctions are applied, the normal appeal
process will apply.
F. The League President reserves the right to grant
age waivers on a case-by-case basis, when presented
with a compelling reason to do so.
110. Team Fees and Payment to the League (adopted January 2012)
One-third (1/3) due 2/15 $1,667 (example amount only)
Two-thirds (2/3) due 3/15 $3,333
Full Payment due 4/15 $5,000
A. Full Balance must be paid by June 30th with agreement
by Treasurer or Board by April 15th.
B. If payment is not made in full by June 30th, or a
specific agreement with the Treasurer or Board is not
made by the June 30th deadline, then effective
immediately the team will not be allowed to play.
C. Once the payment or an agreement is made, a team will
be allowed to play on the league’s field.
D. Any team which does not keep an agreement with the
League to pay will not be allowed to play.
115. Applicant Eligibility
An applicant is eligible to participate in leaguesanctioned tryouts if they have met the following
requirements:
A. Will turn 18 years of age during the calendar
year and has means to verify it.
B. Has completed the necessary league registration
form(s).
C. Is available to play on any team that exists in
the region and age bracket for which they qualify.
120. Free Agent Eligibility
A. Unlimited in number, however no BAMSBL members
from the previous year are eligible.
B. Has completed the required registration/waiver
form(s).
C. Has provided the team manager with a
registration form.
D. Has been put on the team roster for other team
managers to verify the player’s eligibility.
Any team that has not verified the player has
signed the required waiver form(s) and posted the
player on their public roster before said player takes
the field will forfeit their exclusive rights to that
Free Agent. If the Free Agent still desires to play,
they will be subjected to normal draft rules.
E. The presiding league Board of Directors must
approve any exceptions or deviations from the Free
Agent Eligibility requirements.
125. Draft Eligibility
A player is eligible for the BAMSBL draft pool if
they have met the following criteria:
A. Has attended and participated in one sanctioned
Spring Workout for each division the candidate desires
to play in (this can be waived by consent of all
managers respective to their division) and followed the
tryout program given by the Spring Workout Division
Representative.
B. Has presented a valid photo ID indicating at
least 18, 35, or 50 years of age by the end of the
year.
C. Has completed registration/waiver form.
130. Player Eligibility
A player is eligible to participate in league play
if they have met the following requirements:
A. Has paid in full the current Team membership
fee.
B. Has been properly drafted, traded, or selected
as a free agent according to league rules & guidelines.
C. Has returned as a veteran player or was an
eligible player on same team the previous year.
D. Is properly attired.
E. Is not currently serving a league suspension or
game ejection.
F. Is a BAMSBL member in good standing as defined
by the BAMSBL Articles of Incorporation.
140. Pool Players
From time to time we hear from players who have heard
about our league, but never played in the BAMSBL.
Sometimes they will contact league presidents or the
commissioner about playing in our league after the
season has started. Also, some of these players may
have been in the Tryouts and not Drafted. League
presidents will put all of them into a “Players Pool”
for future consideration by team representatives. A
Pool Player may be added to a team in order to adjust
the roster so as not to forfeit a lack of players.
A. League President will keep a list of Pool
Players as the season progresses.
B. League President will offer Pool Players to all
team representatives. Representatives may also
ask to see the Pool Players list.
C. The league president will control who is called
and when, to follow up and see if the player
actually gets on a team.

145. Trades
The BAMSBL sanctions the following types of trades:
A. Interdivisional – Between teams within own
division
1. Player for player
2. Player for current draft pick(s)
3. Current draft pick for current draft pick
4. Trading for future draft picks is not allowed
No outside compensation will be allowed for
consummating a trade. Example: A player cannot be
traded for baseball equipment or other fungible
goods.
B. Trades between age groups (Leagues)
If players are traded between different Division
teams, said players would be eligible only if the
requisite minimum number of games is met by the
players with their respective new teams, and they
meet 18+, 35+ or 50+ age requirements. The
established trading deadline will still apply.
C. All trades must be approved by:
1. All involved parties
2. Both managers
3. League President
150. Trading Deadline
The trade deadline is after the completion of the
eighth (8th) scheduled game. No trades can be made
after this time.

155. Veterans Choosing Not to Return to Same Team
Veterans who choose not to return to their current
team at the end of each season, a player may choose not
to return to their current team. The player has three
(3) options:
A. Re-enter the draft. Players must notify team
manager and attend 1 sanctioned spring tryout.
B. Request a trade (see rule #145). Request must be
made through the current team manager.
C. If a player sits out a full season, they have
the option to become a free agent. A current player is
not eligible to join another team via free agency. Once
a current player has stepped on the tryout field, they
are no longer eligible to return to their former team,
unless they choose to draft him. If another team drafts
him, no compensation is due to the former team.
160. Dissolution of Teams
Teams shall be declared dissolved only after the
following steps have been taken, Coach or voted
representative of affected BAMSBL team informs their
BAMSBL League President, BAMSBL League Representative
or BAMSBL President that said team has no one on roster
willing to take over the responsibilities of a coach
for the upcoming season. Said affected League
Representative shall try and explore all options
available to find a coach for the affected team. If no
coach can be found, then said Board may declare the
team as a dissolved team. Coach of dissolving team is
prohibited from coaching another team for that year
without the express approval of said Board. If such
actions can be proved or has the reasonable appearance
of a violation of the above procedures or rules as
determined by said Board, than teams, coaches and the
player(s) involved may be subject to disciplinary
measures including (but not limited to) censure and/or
suspension.
165. Anti-Merger Rule [Adopted March 2001]
No teams may be allowed to merge with other teams
without the express approval of the BAMSBL Board. Said
Board must approve of such a merger via simple majority
vote.
170. Anti-Raiding Rule [Adopted March 2001]
Teams and/or their coaches of the BAMSBL are prohibited
from conspiring, colluding, or attempting
(intentionally or unintentionally), to raid other team
rosters, or cause teams (including their own) to
dissolve for the purpose of forming new teams.
175. Anti-Collusion Rule [Adopted March 2001]
Teams and/or their coaches of the BAMSBL are prohibited
from conspiring, colluding, or attempting
(intentionally or unintentionally) to circumvent rules
(written or unwritten), practices (written or
unwritten) or precedents (written or unwritten). The
BAMSBL Board and the President shall have sole
discretion of determining if the teams or coaches of
said teams have violated any of the either in the
present or future.
If such actions can be proved or has the reasonable
appearance of a violation of the above as determined by
said Board, then teams, coaches and any player(s)
involved may be subject to disciplinary measures
including (but not limited to) censure and/or
suspension.
180. Anti-Tampering Rule [Adopted March 2001]
BAMSBL teams and/or their coaches are prohibited from
conspiring, colluding, or attempting (intentionally or
unintentionally), to raid other BAMSBL team rosters for
the purpose of filling their own roster or another
team’s roster.
This includes (but is not limited to) suggesting or
encouraging (intentionally or otherwise) players to
quit their teams for the purpose of going into the
draft so that they may be selected by a team or its
coach encouraged said player move. If such tampering
can be proved or has the reasonable appearance of
tampering as determined by said Board, then teams,
coaches and the player(s) involved may be subject to
disciplinary measures including (but not limited to)
censure and/or suspension.

200. Tryouts and The Draft
205. Spring Tryouts
One of the primary goals of BAMSBL, Inc. is to provide
an opportunity for interested individuals to play
amateur baseball. We make this opportunity available
through annual spring tryouts. Whether by league
expansion, replacement of retired/non-returning
players, or other means, the league attempts to leave
no applicants behind. Managers or coaches will
represent teams in need of new players, and they will
observe and evaluate the skill level, hustle, and
attitude of each applicant at the tryout. The spring
tryouts are usually held beginning in mid-February,
over the course of up to 2-3 weekends, weather
permitting, in the below listed areas:
* San Francisco
* East Bay
* Peninsula
* Marin
All eligible applicants must put forth their reasonable
best efforts during the official spring tryout. The
eligible applicant must also declare and perform all
components of the positions they plan on playing during
the season. They include:
* Batting
* Fielding (infield & outfield)
* Running
* Pitching
* Catching
If a pitcher or catcher fails to declare & perform for
the managers/coaches, they will NOT be permitted to
pitch or catch during the regular season or playoffs.
210. Failure to Extend Best Efforts
A. All eligible applicants are required to put forth
all reasonable best efforts during the sanctioned
spring tryout. If an applicant is judged by at least 3
managers/coaches to have not expended, in their view, a
best effort, then that applicant will not be eligible
for the draft.
B. If during the season (regular or post), it becomes
apparent to at least 3 managers in the player’s
division that they did not expend reasonable best
efforts during the spring tryout, said player may be
subjected to suspension or expulsion, and the player’s
team may suffer forfeiture of any games in which the
player participated.
215. The Draft
A. All managers within their respective divisions
meet to select eligible applicants.
B. At the draft meeting, each team, to fill its
roster requirements, selects a pre-determined number of
applicants in a pre-determined order. Usually, the
order is determined by the final standings from the
previous regular season. In reverse order of finish,
the teams select an applicant round-by-round, until all
rosters are full, or all applicants have been
exhausted.
C. The presiding league Board of Directors must
approve any exceptions or deviations from the draft
requirements.
D. Forfeits & Won – Loss records – For the purpose
of determining draft positions between teams with
identical won-loss records, a team cannot count as a
loss any forfeits they incur the previous season. Any
team in this situation will have the drafting position
immediately after the team it was tied with.
E. Tiebreaker Rule: If the total wins of two or
more teams are the same, the tiebreakers will be:
1. Head-to-Head Competition
2. Division Record
3. Inter-Division Record
4. Difficulty of Schedule

300. Equipment and Uniforms
305. Uniforms (revised 2023)
All teams participating in BAMSBL sanctioned games must
meet league uniform requirements. Every player must
have a number on the jersey, matching caps, pants &
jerseys in presentable condition for each regular
season and playoff game. Each team has until the 4th
league game to get all their players (drafted or
traded) properly attired.
310. Cleats/Spikes
Players may wear metal, plastic or rubber baseball or
softball cleats/spikes. Rubber sole shoes, or rubber
baseball cleats are required on synthetic turf fields.
Metal cleats cannot be worn on synthetic turf unless
otherwise specified.
315. Helmets (Revised Jan. 2015)
A. All batters must wear a helmet with at least one
(1) earflap (facing the pitcher) when batting.
If a player wishes to wear a non-flap shell
helmet, he must sign the required league waiver
prior to any league participation.
B. All base runners must wear a helmet. Earflaps
are optional.
C. Catchers must wear either a catcher’s helmet or
protective skullcap when catching. If a catcher
wishes not to wear a helmet, he must sign the
required league waiver prior to any league
participation.
D. All base coaches must wear a protective helmet
or skullcap.
320. Wood Bats (Adopted October 2014)
We are a wood bat League. Only wood bats may be used
during league play. Approved graphite, or composite
bats may also be used during league play.
325. Baseballs
A. Only league-approved baseballs may be used
during league play. These baseballs are designated
“game” balls and handed out to managers by the league
prior to the start of the season.
B. Each team is required to supply 4 balls per
game. The umpires will return unused balls.
C. If the supply of balls becomes exhausted during
play, either managers or presiding umpires may use a
previously used approved ball upon consent.
330. Pitcher’s Uniform
Pitchers cannot wear white or gray sleeves, batting
gloves, sweat bands, jewelry or other distracting items
while on the mound.
335. Failure to Adhere
Failure to adhere to the requirements listed in this
section could lead to player and/or manager ejection
and/or suspension, and/or team forfeiture of games in
which infractions occur.

400. Game Requirements
401. Field Dugout Designation (Adopted January 2018)
The Home team on the official schedule shall occupy the
3rd base dugout at all games.
A. The Visiting team shall occupy the 1st base dugout.
405. Length of Game
A. Nine (9) innings or 3 hours. No new inning is
allowed to start after 3 hours.
B. Mercy Rule: There is no mercy rule. All games
shall be played until completion or the end of 3 hours.
410. Start of Game
A. Game time begins with the scheduled time. If a
game is supposed to start at 10 a.m. but does not begin
on time due to reasons other than field conditions,
weather conditions (or other act of God), or late
umpires, then the 3-hour time limit starts at 10 a.m.
regardless of when the game starts.
B. Each team must have a minimum of 8 eligible
players present, in full uniform and ready to play, no
less than 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time,
or a forfeit will be declared. In the batting lineup,
when batting position #9 comes up, an automatic out
will be recorded. The #1 batter will bat. If a legal
player arrives to the game, they will be inserted into
the #9 slot, and it will no longer be recorded as an
automatic out.
C. A team may reduce its lineup to seven (7)
(offense & defense) only because of injury incurred
during the course of a game. The injured player &
manager must report such injury to the Home Plate
Umpire before leaving the playing field. The umpire
shall determine if the injury is legitimate and
warrants leaving the game. In the event of such an
occurrence, the batting order remains the same, but an
OUT is recorded each time the injured player is due to
bat.
415. Forfeit Rule (adopted January 2007)
The purpose of the Forfeit Rule is to limit the number
of forfeits a team can have in a season. The impact of
forfeits on the league has a negative fiscal impact on
the League accounts. The League loses money to umpires
and fields when a team forfeits on game day. Opposing
players play fewer games despite having paid the same
league fees. Finally, excessive forfeits reflect
poorly on the League as a whole.
The Forfeit Rule will apply as follows:
A. The Board will give serious consideration to
expelling a team from the league who forfeits more
than two games in a season. This will be done at
the end of a season in which said team committed
the forfeits, or prior to the start of the next
season.
B. Teams that forfeit on game day more than once
during the course of a season will need Board
approval to rejoin the league the following season
(i.e. the team’s manager will have to make a case
before the Board as to why his team should be
allowed to return).
C. Any team that forfeits more than once, and allowed
to return to the League will be required to post a
refundable deposit of $300. This deposit will be
used to pay for umpires and the field in the event
said team forfeits a game during the subsequent
season.
D. If a team does forfeit their deposit because of a
forfeit, they will be required to post another
$300 deposit before the next week or game they
play, if they intend to continue team play for the
rest of the season. The deposit will be held over
to the next season if the team returns.
E. If a team does not forfeit during the subsequent
season, the deposit will be returned to the team
manager at the end of the season.
F. A team that forfeits before 5:00 PM on the
Thursday prior to a Sunday game (Wednesday prior
to a Saturday game) will not have to give up their
deposit. A team that forfeits more than once on
Wednesday or Thursday will need to explain their
actions to the Board and make a case for not being
required to post a forfeit deposit or give up the
deposit already paid to the league.
G. The players on a team that forfeits during the
season will not receive credit towards Playoff
Participation (see rule #601) in the same season.
The entire roster of players on the opposing team
who have been declared the winner due to forfeit
will be considered game eligible toward Playoff
Participation in the same season.
420. Batting Line-up (Revised 2023)
A. Batting and fielding line-ups operate
independently of each other. Each team may bat as many
as it chooses provided there is a minimum of eight (8),
but if nine (9) or more players are present for a game
then a minimum of nine (9) players must always be in
the line-up. If only eight (8) players are in the
lineup, then each time the 9th spot comes around in the
lineup it shall be an automatic out. Professional
Baseball rules governing “Batting out of order &
Illegal Substitution” still apply.
B. Managers shall, prior to each game, supply the
opposing manager with a batting order that includes
batters that will be provided with courtesy runners.
Player’s jersey numbers should be included (See rule
#430)
C. Any batting change must be announced to the
opposing manager, coach/assistant or official
scorekeeper prior to the change being made. Umpires
need not be notified. The batting line-up may only be
changed in the following manners:
1. PINCH HITTER – A player, who has yet to have
been placed in the batting line-up, bats in the lineup
in place of a batter who is already in the hitting
line-up and has met the batting participation
requirements.
2. ADDITIONAL HITTERS – A team may bat more than
9 players in their lineup. At any time during the game,
lineups with over 9 batters may drop players from any
position in the lineup if there are a minimum of 9
batters. A player who has not yet been placed in the
batting line-up and is not pinch hitting for another
player, may be added to the line-up, but only at the
end of the batting order.
3. REMOVED HITTER – A player may be removed from
the batting line-up provided the line-up still contains
the minimum number of hitters required (see #420A).
Once a player has been removed from the hitting lineup, they may not bat again during the game. Any
removed batters must be declared prior to the first
pitch of your batted half of the inning.
4. A/B- ALTERNATING HITTERS – Managers may
select an A/B hitting order for players. Using this
system, 2 hitters are placed in a batting slot, and
when this spot appears, alternate batting turns. Same
rules apply concerning adding, changing, or removing
hitters from the batting order.
5. If a player is ejected from the game by the
umpire, each time his position in the lineup comes
around it will be considered an automatic out, unless a
pinch hitter is available and inserted into the game.
(Adopted January 2023)
425. Fielding Line-up
A. Fielding and batting line-ups operate
independently of each other. All substitutions made on
defense are unrestricted, except for the pitcher. Any
player who departs or is removed from the position of
pitcher may return to pitch only once, but not until,
at the very earliest, the next new inning, following
his initial departure from the mound.
430. Courtesy Runners
A. Teams with nine (9) batters are permitted two
(2) courtesy runners. Teams with eight (8) batters are
permitted one (1) courtesy runner. Prior to the start
of each game, managers have the option to designate the
batters who require “courtesy substitute base runners”,
after reaching base.
B. Each respective “courtesy base runner” will be
the player who has made the last batted out. If no last
batted out hitter is available to run (1st inning),
then the duty goes to the last batter listed in the
line-up.
C. A “courtesy base runner” must be inserted
immediately, and before play resumes. If the “courtesy
base runner” is not inserted immediately, (by the next
pitch), then the designated player loses his “courtesy
base runner” privilege until their next plate
appearance.
435. Injured Base Runner
If a player is deemed injured by the home plate umpire
and is unable to fulfill their duties as a base runner,
a “courtesy base runner” (last batted out) will be
permitted. The injured player is then permanently
removed for the duration of the game.
440. Catcher 2-out base runner
When 2 outs exist in any inning and the catcher is on
base, a “courtesy base runner” must be immediately
inserted (last batted out). This rule only applies to
the catcher. This will allow each team to adhere to
the 2-minute rule. (See rule #445)
445. Two (2) minute rule
Each team has two (2) minutes from the recording of the
last out in the previous half inning to get ready for
the next half inning. This time includes pitcher,
infielder & outfielder warm-ups.
455. Last Weekend of Regular Season (Elimination Game)
In the event an elimination game is required the
following will be adhered: Games played in the last
week (Week 16) of the “regular season schedule” are
guaranteed for all players who qualify by league rules.
It will be an elimination game, and not part of the
regular playoff series. All rules for the regular
season will apply. Playoff series do not begin until
all teams in both leagues have played a “regular season
schedule” (16 games), or a “regular season schedule” as
determined by the Board.
465. Failure to adhere
Failure to adhere to the requirements in this section
could lead to player and/or manager ejection,
suspension and/or team forfeiture of games in which the
infractions occur.
470. Protesting Games
The League shall adopt rules governing procedure for
protesting a game, when a manager claims that an
umpire’s decision is in violation of these rules. Rules
of the game when not posted in the BAMSBL Handbook will
be the standards followed by Major League Baseball. No
protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions
by the umpire. In all protested games, the decision of
the League President shall be final. However, a manager
may appeal the decision of the League President to the
League Board of Directors.
Whenever a manager protests a game because of alleged
misapplication of the rules the protest will not be
recognized unless the umpires are notified at the time
the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch
is made or a runner is retired. A protest arising on a
game-ending play may be filed until noon the following
day with the League President.
Even if it is held that the protested decision violated
the rules, no replay of the game will be ordered unless
in the opinion of the League President the violation
adversely affected the protesting team’s chance of
winning the game.

500. Conduct & Safety
505. Collision Rule (Revised January 2013)
This rule is not a “must slide” rule, but a “no
collision” rule. All runners must either legally
slide, legally avoid the tag, or give up their right to
a base (avoid a collision by stopping/leaving the base
path) if the defensive player has clear possession of
the ball. When advancing to a base or the plate, the
runner must avoid intentional forceful contact to jar
the ball loose from the fielder, injure the fielder, or
employ an “illegal slide” in the judgment of the
umpire. An “illegal slide” is defined as, but not
limited to, “roll blocks”, “high spikes” slides
(general at or above fielder’s knee), or making
deliberate contact beyond the baseline of the intended
base/plate. Runners attempting to “break up” a double
play can do so with a legal slide, but the runner must
perform a legal slide within reach of the intended
base/plate if coincidental contact with the fielder
occurs. Contact can range from very minor to directly
impacting and dangerous. It is up to the umpire’s
discretion of the degree of deliberate and intentional
contact warrants an automatic out, interference, an
ejection, or if it is deemed a “clean” baseball play.
510. Decoy Rule (Revised January 2007/2022)
A fielder may not use a decoy to force a player into a
dangerous situation. For example, if a fielder fakes a
tag, forcing a player to slide, when there is no
strategic purpose or apparent play, the runner will be
ruled safe, and all runners will advance one base.
This is entirely an umpire judgment decision and not a
rule that may be protested.
520. Intentional Walks and Hit Batsmen (Revised Jan.2007/2018)
A. Each team is allowed to intentionally walk an
opposing team player once in a game. Therefore, the
total number of intentional walks each team is allowed
each game is one (1). The umpire will send the batter
to first base when the opposing manager indicates he
wants to walk the batter.
1. If a team attempts an intentional walk twice in a
game, the home plate umpire must stop play and
have the catcher resume his defensive position
behind the plate. A balk will be called and any
runners on base will advance one base. The count
will also be restarted at 0-0.
B. If a pitcher hits four (4) batters in one game, the
pitcher must be removed.
1. No pitcher shall intentionally throw at a batter
in either the batter’s box or in the batter’s on deck circle. If, in the judgment of the presiding
umpires, the pitcher intentionally throws at the
batter, said pitcher will be immediately ejected
from the game and will be subject to further
league action.
525. Abuse of Umpires (Adopted January 2007)
Any of the following actions can result in a player
being ejected from a game, with possible suspension
from additional games:
A. Pushing an umpire or intentionally blocking an
umpire’s movement
B. Sustained arguing of an umpire’s decision.
C. Using abusive, profane, threatening, or obscene
language or gestures
D. Throwing a bat, glove, helmet, or other equipment
in anger
E. Creating a disruptive, threatening, or dangerous
situation
530. Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct
Anything not constituting Un-SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT will
not be tolerated. Examples include, but not limited to:
A. Fake tags & deaking a runner.
B. Throwing equipment in any careless, dangerous,
or malicious manner.
C. Swearing at anyone in attendance: Players,
Umpires or Fans/Spectators.
D. Taunting or any other displays of disrespect for
person, property, or the game of baseball itself.
E. No player shall charge another player on or off
the field.
F. In the case of A & C, a warning shall be issued
at the very least.
G. In the case of B, D, & E offending player(s)
shall be ejected with the possibility of suspension
upon umpire’s recommendation.
532. Fan/Spectator Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct (adopted
January 2012)
Anything constituting UN-SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT will not
be tolerated. Examples include, but not limited to:
A. Throwing projectiles (containers, food,
equipment, etc.) in any careless, dangerous, or
malicious manner onto the field or at the players.
C. Swearing at anyone in attendance: Players,
Umpires, or other Fans/Spectators.
D. Excessive Taunting of Players, Umpires, or any
other displays of disrespect for person, property or
the game of baseball itself.
E. No fan/spectator shall charge another
fan/spectator or player on the field, in the viewing
stands, or parking lot.
F. In the case of C & D, at the very least a
warning shall be issued by the umpire and/or team
manager if both agree to do so.
G. In the case of A, D, & E offending
fan/spectator(s) shall be ejected from the venue when
the umpire and/or team manager agree to do so. The
possibility of not being allowed to attend future games
upon recommendation of umpire, manager, and players.
H. If after being requested to do so, a
fan/spectator refuses to leave the stands, a team may
decide not to take the field. The game will be delayed
or postponed.
535. Player Suspension
A. A player who is ejected will receive an
automatic suspension from the next official game. All Star or tournament games will not be considered
official games for purposes of serving out the
suspension. Only games that affect league
records/standings or playoff games will be used to
serve out the suspension. Suspension may be carried
over to next season if necessary (a player is ejected
from final regular season game and his team is not in
the playoffs).
B. A suspended player will have his case reviewed
by the League President, who may decide upon further
review that additional disciplinary action, is
warranted.
1. If the umpire deems the action by a
player’s ejection was “very serious,” said player may
be suspended up to 3 games by the President or Board of
Directors. (Adopted January 2019).
C. Manager of the offending player is required to
submit a report with 24 hours regarding the incident.
The manager will face a suspension of at least 1 game
for not reporting an incident.
540. Suspension Appeal
The suspended individual may appeal any disciplinary
action taken by the league. This appeal must be made in
writing and submitted to the League President. Once
notified, the League President has 48 hours to review
the appeal and render a decision. If the individual,
upon receiving this decision, still disagree, they may
appeal the decision to the Board of Directors. A
decision will be made within 24 hours of receiving the
appeal. The President and/or Board’s decision is final.
545. Alcohol & Cannabis (revised February 2018)
Possession or consumption of Alcoholic Beverages and
Cannabis products is strictly forbidden at any high
school, college, university, or public park &
recreation location used by the BAMSBL. Furthermore, it
is AGAINST THE LAW! The only beverages other than water
permitted at any location are milk, juice, sport, or
soft drinks. Any offender of this policy will:
A. Be suspended for the baseball season. If
offender(s) are caught after the 14th league game, said
offender(s) will be suspended through the next season.
B. Offender(s) subject to revocation of local and
national MSBL membership and possible criminal action.
Teams that fail to comply and/or fail to properly
identify any conspicuous offenses will also be subject
to:
1. Forfeiture of game on date of the offense.
2. Suspension of presiding manager.
3. Team permanently banned from using field where
offense occurred. The BAMSBL is fortunate to be
permitted the use of these facilities. Our
agreements require us to follow their rules, as we
are guests on their property. Failure to do so may
cause them to cancel our agreements.
550. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, electronic devices or any
other substance is strictly forbidden on any playing
field or dugout.
555. Pets
Pets are forbidden on any playing area and dugout. Pets
are permitted in the spectator area, but must be
confined to a leash, with a responsible person
controlling the animal. Failure to comply with this
requirement may lead to suspension, revocation of
league membership, criminal citation and/or civil
damage claim.

600. Postseason and Tiebreakers
601. Playoff Eligibility Requirements (Adopted in
revised form Jan. 2015)
1. The player must participate in at least six (6)
games.
2. Participation is defined in the following ways:
A. The player has had at least two (2) plate
appearances in the game for participation.
B. The player has pitched and recorded a minimum
of three (3) outs in the game.
C. Proof of participation must be done by posting
statistics on the league official stats
website. If no statistics appear on the
website for all managers to view before the
playoff games begin, there shall be no player
participation credited.
3. Injury Exclusion and Waiver (adopted January 2019)
A. No participation credit for games missed due to
injuries on or off the field during the regular
season shall be granted to a player towards
eligibility in the postseason playoffs.
4. When a game is forfeited during the regular
season, all players on the winning team shall be
deemed as having played in a game for the purpose
of player playoff game eligibility.
603. Playoff Rosters (Adopted January 2015)
1. It is the responsibility of each manager to post a
“playoff roster” of eligible players within 24
hours of the final regular season game.
2. It is the responsibility of an opposing manager to
review the “playoff roster” of their opponent to
determine if the roster they are reviewing is
eligible.
A. If the manager determines there is an
ineligible player on the roster, the opposing
manager must report to the Board said player no
later than Wednesday prior to the playoff game.
B. The Board will determine eligibility based upon
Rule 601. Board determination of eligibility
will be final.
3. If no appeal to the Board is made as stated above,
the right to appeal shall be declined by the
Board. There will be no “game day” appeal for
eligibility.
4. A team will forfeit their game if it is determined
by the Board that a player has played in a playoff
game when ineligible to participate on the roster.
605. Tiebreaker Formula
The following formula shall be used by the BAMSBL
when determining tiebreakers for teams eligible for
annual league playoffs:
A. Head-to-head match-ups: record against team tied
with.
B. Final record against division teams.
C. Run differential against team tied with.
D. Runs allowed: Team giving up least amount of runs
against division opponents.
E. * Coin flip*
1. The President will conduct the coin flip
procedure. The President will attempt to have
all concerned parties present, either
physically or by electronic means. This
includes but is not limited to Managers, Team
Representatives or Board of Directors.
2. If one or both managers are not present, then
a Board member(s) will represent the teams.
The President will flip the coin. The results
cannot be appealed.
610. Home Team Designation (Revised January 2007)
Home team designation will be granted to the team with
the best overall won-lost record. In the event of a
three-game series, the home team designation will
alternate from game to game.
A. In the event both teams have the same wonlost record, see rule #605 for tiebreaker.
615. Playoff Player Participation (Adopted March 2007)
Participation Requirements in the actual Playoff Game
do not apply. Therefore, players will NOT be required
to have a plate appearance or an appearance in the
field.
620. Playoff Game Limits (Adopted January 2015)
There will be NO time limit on playoff games. However,
the 10-Run Mercy Rule will be in effect. After 7
innings are completed, if a team has a lead of 10 runs
or more, the game will be ended by the umpires and the
team score leader will be declared the game winner.