Rules for Colorado Over 50 Baseball
Spring 2008
The following addendums for Colorado Over 50 Baseball supersede all present rules as established by the National Adult Baseball Association (NABA) and the National Baseball Congress:
2-lnning Rule
Managers are required to utilize each player on their team (either regular team
or emergency substitute players) in a defensive playing position for at least 2
innings (6 outs played) in each game. This rule will apply to both regular
season and playoff games. Please note that players who want to bat, but do not
want to play defense, may be listed as designated hitters only. Managers are
then required to notify the opposing manager and the league director of any
player who fits into that category, even if it is the result of an injury.
All-Star Game
All-star games will be held at the direction of the Board. All-star games will
be played at a time and location to be determined by the President. Each
division (American and National) will play a separate all-star game. The game
will last 9 innings without a time limit, in order to allow all players
sufficient offensive and defensive playing time. All Colorado Over 50 Baseball
teams must elect their representative players and report them to the President
at least one week prior to the all-star game date. Player names and teams will
be posted on the league website.
Each league team will select five players to serve as all-star representatives. The home team in the all-star game will be comprised of players from the divisional #1, #3, and #5 seeds. The visiting all star team will be comprised of players from the #2, #4, and #6 seeds in the division. The seeds will be based upon the regular season standings which exist at the end of play the weekend prior to the date of the all-star game.
All Star team managers will be the managers of the teams that are in first place (home team) and second place (visiting team). If the manager is not elected as a player, he will have the option to manage only and not play in the game.
Awards
In Colorado Over 50 Baseball, the team with the best regular season record in each division will be deemed the Division Winner. The team that wins the Playoff Tournament will be crowned League Champion for each playoff bracket (AAA, AA, and A). All players on each League Championship team will receive individual awards determined and distributed by the Board of Directors. Individual awards for championship teams will be distributed at a time and place to be determined by the Board.
Balks
When a pitcher is called for a balk, that pitcher will be warned after the pitch
by the umpire upon the first offense. Umpires may (but are not required to) try
to assist pitchers by explaining the call. A second offense by the same pitcher
during the same game will result in a balk called and the appropriate penalty.
If a pitcher commits a balk during any pick-off attempt, a balk may be called
without the requirement of a warning. Also, umpires should take into account
the age and physical characteristics of Colorado Over 50 Baseball pitchers and
will assess balks only for flagrant violations. Pitchers may check with the
umpires before the game about the balk rule and how it will pertain to them.
Baseballs
Each team, both home and visiting team, must provide the home plate umpire
with three new baseballs at the beginning of each game, both in the regular
season and in the playoffs. At the end of the game, the umpires will
return any remaining or unused game baseballs to the managers, equally dividing
the remaining balls among the teams. In the event an odd number of
baseballs remain, the home team will receive the extra baseball (for example, if
5 baseballs remain at the end of the game, the home team will receive 3 balls,
while the visiting team will receive 2 balls).
Base Stealing
Base stealing will not be permitted while the pitcher has possession of the baseball on the mound, or when he pitches it to the plate. However, runners on base may try to advance if a pitched ball makes contact with the ground (wild pitch, passed ball, 55-footer, etc.). If a pitch is caught without the ball touching the ground, all base runners must return to their bases. Even if the ball is scooped cleanly on a short pitch (55-footer), base runners may try to advance if the ball touched the ground. If a pitcher or catcher attempts to pick-off a runner (taking too big of a lead), and the pick-off attempt hits the ground, the runner(s) may try to advance. Otherwise, all base runners are forced back to their bases. However, the force play back to their bases requires a tag for an out, but if the ball makes contact with the ground during any pick-off attempt, regular baseball rules apply. If a base runner attempts to steal illegally and the pitch does not touch the ground, the ball should be thrown or carried to the base where the runner departed. If the ball arrives at the base before the runner can return, the runner is declared out, although the ball must not touch the ground during the play. If, in the opinion of the umpires, the base runner is too far removed from the base to reasonably return before the ball arrives, the umpire may call the runner out without the need for a tag. .
Dugouts
The home team always occupies the first base dugout. Each team is responsible
for cleaning their dugout after each game and then vacating the field and dugout
areas in a reasonable period of time, allowing players from subsequent games
access to the dugout and warm up areas.
Ejections
After ejected by an umpire, there will be no penalty for skipping the ejected player's position in the batting order. If a second player on the same team is ejected during the same game, an out will be recorded for the second vacated position. If, as a result of a player ejection, a team is reduced to 8 players, that team will not forfeit the game since NABA rules provide that teams may play a game with a minimum of only 8 players.
Eligibility
Male participants will be eligible to participate if they are 48 years of age or
older within the calendar year during which the season is played. Female
participants will be eligible to participate when they reach their 18th
birthday.
Footwear
Metal spikes are permitted. Players wearing spikes are cautioned against high-leg sliding or any other action that could likely result in physical harm. Disciplinary action will be taken against any player found guilty of such actions, as determined by the coaches, Commissioner, managers, and/or umpires.
Forfeits
Any team that must forfeit a game (because it does not have at least 8 players on the field on time) may be fined up to the cost for the 2 umpires that have to be paid, including scheduling fees. "Fine money," will be used at the discretion of the Board. Substitute players from other league teams or extra players from the opponent's team may be utilized (with the permission of the manager and his team who have more than 9 players present) to avoid a forfeit. The number of players loaned and the caliber of player(s) will be at the sole discretion of the manager loaning the players to avoid a forfeit. No player, however, will be forced to play against his own team.
Home Runs
The player hitting the highest number of home runs during the regular season will be presented an award as Home Run Champion. The time, location, and quality of the award will be at the discretion of the Board. Home runs will be posted and managers are responsible for reporting home runs hit by their players each week to the Webmaster.
Injuries
If a player shows up in full uniform at a game field, it is assumed that he is ready to be placed into the lineup. Injured players or players not wishing to play may sit with their teams in the dugout, but should not to be in full uniform. Players who want to bat without playing defense may be listed as designated hitters only. However, managers are required to notify the opposing manager of any player who fits into that category, even if it is the result of an injury.
Lineups
All teams will utilize an extended batting order. All players in full uniform will be placed in the batting order. Injured players not in full uniform, but present in case of an emergency, should be listed on the lineup card by the manager. Such players are potential substitute players according to traditional NABA rules. If required to play, those players are required to be in full uniform before they would be eligible to enter the game. Late arriving players may be added to the bottom of the lineup.
Mercy Rule
A 10-run mercy rule will be instituted at the end of seven innings.
'No Collision' Rule
In order to prevent injuries at all bases, a 'no collision' rule will be enforced. Infielders should never intentionally block bases even if they have possession of the baseball. Also, infielders should never intentionally enter the base path of an approaching runner to intercept a poorly thrown ball and will be held responsible if contact occurs in such a situation. Infielders should always give a reasonable portion of a base for a runner who might be sliding in. Base runners must either slide or give themselves up. However, sliding is not required in Colorado Over 50 Baseball because of the age group. However, if a player does slide in order to try to break up a double play, the sliding runner will be held accountable for any dangerous contact at the base. Base runners must always run with control and concern for their opponent. Under no circumstances will a base runner try to intentionally dislodge the ball from a defensive player. Also, infielders should not induce base runners to slide by using a tag. Disciplinary action (ejection, suspension, fines, etc.) may be taken against any player guilty of such actions, as determined by the umpires, Commissioner, and/or Board.
Playoffs
At the conclusion of the regular season, each team will compete in a double-elimination playoff tournament. Teams will be placed into three (post season) divisions (AAA, AA, and A) based upon their divisional alignment and win-loss record. The top four teams in the American Division will compete in the AAA playoffs, the bottom two teams in the American Division and top two teams in the National Division will compete in the AA playoffs, while the bottom four teams in the National Division will compete in the A playoffs. During the playoffs, the higher seeded team in each division is the home team. Once a team has lost two games in the playoffs, that team will be eliminated.
In round one, the first seed will play the fourth seed, while the second seed will play against the third seed. In round two, the winners in round one will meet, while the losers in round one will play each other. In all playoff games, the higher seeded team will be the home team. In round three, the remaining undefeated team will receive a bye into the championship game, while the remaining teams with one loss will compete, with the winner advancing to the championship game. In the championship game, should the undefeated team beat the team with one loss, it will become the champion. If the team with one loss defeats the previously undefeated team, a second championship game will be played with the winner being declared the playoff champion for their division (AAA, AA, or A). Playoff schedules and locations will be determined by the President, subject to approval by the Board.
Postponements
If a game is postponed for any reason, the President will attempt to reschedule that game on the earliest possible date that is available for both teams. However, in the case of any game postponed near the end of the regular season, the President, in consultation with the managers of the teams involved in the postponement, (subject to Board approval) reserves the right to cancel the postponed game if the game does not alter playoff seeding, scheduling and/or fairness.
Protests
Protests must be voiced by the team manager and directed to the home plate umpire and the opposing manager before play continues. The NABA regulation to post a protest bond will not be required in Colorado Over 50 Baseball. Because of the uniqueness of our rules, the umpires may have neither authority nor the proper knowledge about certain rules and situations. When in doubt, a manager should immediately consult with the opposing manager to determine legality of a play before play continues. If the managers disagree, a protest should be stated immediately to the opposing manager and the home plate umpire, the protest should be logged in the home team's scorebook, and the protesting manager should notify the Commissioner within 6 hours after the conclusion of the game.
Relievers
There will be no restrictions on pitchers in Colorado Over 50 Baseball, except that a pitcher who is relieved from the mound may return to the mound to pitch again, but not within the same inning.
Rosters
Teams may have as many players on their roster as they prefer, although teams are limited to a maximum of 15 official players on their at no additional league fee. Teams must pay an additional $100 league fee per player for each additional player listed on a team roster (16 or more). The league does not distinguish between part-time and full time players and no discounts are provided for players that participate on a part-time basis. All players must have a signed player contract on file with the league President before participating in any league baseball games. Official team rosters will be posted on the league website. A player must play in not less than four (4) regular season games in order to be eligible to participate in post- season competition with his/her team.
Runners
If a batter, after reaching base successfully and the play is finished, does not wish to run, that batter may call time and have any player on his team run for him. The decision to replace a non-runner must be made immediately after the batter reaches base and before the first pitch to the next batter. No changes can be made after that next pitch. If a player who is acting as a substitute runner is scheduled to be at bat while still on the base path, an additional substitute runner is ineligible to take his place, and the original substitute runner must take his turn at bat immediately. An out will be recorded with the elimination of the runner on base. A substitute runner may only run once as a substitute during each inning. Therefore, a player may only run the bases for himself (when he gets on base) and only once as a substitute runner during any one inning.
Schedule
Colorado Over 50 Baseball is composed of 14 teams divided into two divisions (American and National). Each team will participate in a 14 game regular season and a double elimination playoff tournament. During the regular season, teams will compete twice against each team within their division, as well as one team in the other division.
Games are not traditionally scheduled on major holidays, including Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. However, the President, in consultation with the Commissioner and team managers reserves the right to schedule make-up games on holidays with approval of the Board. Special requests for team scheduling or undue hardship will be considered by the President on a case-by-case basis, but changes to the schedule are not guaranteed.
Scratches or players leaving prematurely
If a player must leave the game prior to completion and his manager has notified the opposing manager (before it starts) of the player leaving during play, the batting order will be shortened without penalty. Players who are removed from the batting order, but are still present at the field when it is their turn to bat (except players who are injured as determined by the home plate umpire), will be declared an automatic out for being illegally skipped in the batting order. If a player is injured while at bat and cannot continue to complete the "at-bat" the next player in the batting order will bat immediately and assume the injured player's ball and strike count.
Strike Outs
A batter, who has struck out, when the ball is not caught by the catcher, may attempt to advance to first base if first base is unoccupied or there are 2 outs. If there are runners currently occupying the bases in this situation, they may also attempt to advance.
Substitute Players
Anticipating insufficient players to avoid a forfeit on any weekend (excluding playoffs), managers may recruit players from any other team registered in Colorado Over 50 Baseball. There will be no additional charges to individual players for playing in extra games. These substitute players should be added to a team in order for that team to have no more than 10 players (maximum) for the game. All substitute players must be added to the bottom of the batting order and must play a minimum of 5 innings defensively. Substitute players are allowed to pitch, but only with the approval of the opposing manager. During the playoffs, opposing manager must approve the use of emergency or substitute players. If a regular team player shows up late (after the game has started), that player will be added to the bottom of the lineup without the need to drop substitute players from the game. Once a game has begun, a volunteer player has the right to continue playing until that game is complete.
Tie Breakers
If two or more teams are tied in the standings at any time during the season, traditional NABA tie breaking rules will apply to determine which team is officially higher in the standings. Managers should check the appropriate rulebook for clarification.
Time Limits
All games will be 9 innings or 2 and three-quarter hours, whichever comes first. A game is considered official after 5 innings are completed and 2 hours and 45 minutes have expired. During the regular season, if after time has run out the score is tied, the game will end in a tie. However, during the Colorado Over 50 Baseball playoffs, all games will be played to completion to determine a winner. The chief umpire must announce to both managers exactly when the game officially begins together with his reading of the exact time that the game will end to avoid arguments later. An inning officially "begins" when the 3rd out of the previous inning is called-not when the teams are positioned to "begin" play for the next inning. Any inning which begins with time remaining in the game should be played to its conclusion, even if that results in the game ending after the 2:45 time limitation.
Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol Use
Smoking, illegal drug use, and/or drinking alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the playing field and within the dugout areas at all league games.
Umpires
Games will utilize a two person umpiring crew, with a home plate and field umpire. In the event that only one umpire is available at game time, that umpire will serve both roles and may call the game from behind the plate or from behind the pitchers mound, in order to insure that accurate calls are made both at the plate and in the field. In the event that there is not a full umpiring crew available for league games, the vacant umpiring spot may not be filled by any current league official, manager, or player. This represents an obvious conflict of interest and will not be allowed.
Webmaster. Manager Duties
Managers of winning teams are asked to submit their game score by 9:00 PM on game day for rapid posting to the standings at www.coloradoover50baseball.org.
Wood Bats
All players, regardless of age or gender, must use a wood bat during league
play.