
BEFORE YOU BEGIN READING THIS RULEBOOK
This rulebook contains Section and Sub-Section numbers. All information related to a specific topic has now been placed under the topic to which it applies. Photos associated with the No Collision Rule have also been included to help clarify this rule in Appendix 1, including a discussion of this rule in Appendix 2.
UMPIRES --- Section 11 contains the actual Playing Rules (click here)
INELIGIBLE SUBSTITUTE (Lineup):
OFFICIALLY “PLACED” IN THE OFFENSIVE LINEUP:
ELIGIBLE OFFENSIVE PLAYER (Lineup):
FORMER PROFESSIONAL PLAYER STATUS:
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2004 RULE CHANGES
1.5.2 Behavior Towards Umpires:
SECTION 2 --- ORGANIZING YOUR TEAM and INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS
2.2 INDIVIDUAL PLAYER RELATED INFORMATION:
SECTION 3 --- ELIGIBILITY POLICIES
3.1 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY (Contracts/Identity):
3.3 LEAGUE ELIGIBILITY (Skill Level):
3.3.1 College Players (Current/Former):
3.3.2 Professional Players (Current/Former):
3.4 ROSTER ELIGIBILITY (Participating on Multiple Teams/Signed Contracts:
3.6 INELIGIBLE PLAYERS (Consequences, Challenging/Protesting):
3.6.1 Consequences (Also refer to Section 6.3):
3.6.2 Challenging/Protesting Ineligible Players:
SECTION 4 --- PROTESTS (Procedures, Grievances and Appeals)
4.1.2 Grievances and Appeals (of a protest decision):
SECTION 5 --- FINES and PENALTIES/SUSPENSIONS
6.1 NO SHOW FORFEITS (See Contact Policy below, Section 6.2, for related information)
6.1.3 League Sanctioned “Practice Games”:
6.2 CONTACT POLICY (Preventing a No-Show Forfeit violation):
6.3 Forfeits Involving Ineligible Players:
SECTION 7 --- FEES and PAYMENTS (on the field)
SECTION 8 --- ALL-STAR GAMES/LEAGUE PLAYOFFS, TOURNAMENTS
8.1 ALL-STAR GAMES (Spring Leagues Only):
8.2.2 Playoff Eligibility for Individual Players:
SECTION 11 --- PLAYING THE GAME (SDABL Local Playing Rules)
11.1 GAME TIME and TIME LIMITS:
11.2 EIGHT (8) PLAYER START RULE:
11.2.1 Scoring Runs when there is a “Hole” in the Batting Order:
11.6 OFFENSIVE SUBSTITUTES/SUBSTITUTIONS (Normal Circumstances):
11.7 INJURY SUBSTITUTIONS FOR PREVENTING FORFEITS:
11.8 EJECTIONS (Risk of Forfeits):
11.9 OFFENSIVE STARTER RE-ENTRY RULE/BATTING ORDER (All Leagues):
11.11 DEFENSIVE LINEUP and PITCHERS:
11.11.1 Defensive Substitutions:
11.11.2 Pitcher Re-Entry Rule:
11.12 RUN RULE (“MERCY” RULE):
11.13.1 SPLIT TEAM DOUBLEHEADERS:
11.16.3 Consequences for violating this rule:
APPENDIX 1 --- NO COLLISION RULE PHOTO PLAYS
APPENDIX 2: DISCUSSION OF NO COLLISION RULE
RUNNER GUIDELINES (To Avoid Violating the No Collision Rule):
DEFENSE PLAYER GUIDELINES (To Avoid Violating the No Collision Rule):
HOW TO DEAL WITH UMPIRE JUDGMENT:
Working with Your League Commissioner:
1. Any contracted player at least 18 years of age at the time of participation who is playing on any team in the 18+ Division.
2. Any contracted player at least 28 years of age any time during the calendar year who is playing on any team in the 28+ Division, or any younger age Division.
3. Any contracted player at least 38 years of age any time during the calendar year who is playing on any team in the 38+ Division, or any younger age Division.
4. Any contracted player at least 48 years of age any time during the calendar year who is playing on any team in the 48+ Division, or any younger age Division.
The above definitions are subject to change on a year-to-year bases, depending on the age requirement as defined by the SDABL.
· Any player who has not reached his/her 18th birthday when participating on any team.
· Any player who does not have a signed/dated contract with the SDABL and who does not fulfill the requirements established under Legal Player above.
*Any games played by the team in which an Ineligible Player had participated are subject to forfeit.
Any player listed on the lineup card who has not yet been officially “placed” into the Offensive lineup.
Any substitute player (i.e., an offensive non-starter) who has been officially “placed” into the Offensive lineup (for instance, as a pinch runner), then removed from the Offensive lineup (regardless of whether or not he actually has batted).
Any player who:
1) If a batter, he takes his place in the batter’s box (Official Baseball Rule 3.08(a)(2).
2) If a runner (“pinch), he takes the place of the runner he has replaced (Official Baseball Rule 3.08(a)(4).
Any player who is authorized to be placed into the Offensive Lineup in accordance with the above, including the details provided in Sections 11.5, 11.6, and 11.7.
Any game in which a team is made to take a loss for the following reasons:
· Use of an Illegal player.
· Use of an Ineligible player.
· Not having the minimum number of eight (8) players required to start a game at the scheduled game time. (See No-Show Forfeit immediately below).
· Not being able to continue a game because the number of Eligible Offensive players available falls below the eight (8) required to continue playing.
· Any game that cannot be rescheduled for any reason by the League due to any team’s inability to play the originally scheduled game for any reason. (The league reserves the right to make exceptions).
· Any team that allows a team member to participate in a game while the said player is under suspension.
· A forfeit whereby any team fails to have the minimum of eight (8) players present at the scheduled game time.
· A forfeit whereby any team fails to provide adequate notice of an inability to field a team in accordance with the “Contact Policy” definition below. (See Section 6.1 for details).
Exception: Those players over the age of 48. (See Section 3.3.2 for details).
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There are five (5) significant changes for 2004 as follows:
3. A player may play in two different skill levels provided they are played on two different days and within one skill level of each other. For example, Sat 18A and Sun 18AA is acceptable. Sat 18A and Sun 18AAA is not acceptable, etc. Also, Sun 18A and Sun 18AA is not acceptable. (Section 3.4).
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The San Diego Adult Baseball League has become one of the world’s largest single city adult baseball programs, with roots dating back to 1986. The SDABL will always strive to provide a quality “stage” for all to act out their “Field of Dreams”.
The SDABL is a team committed to working at maximum consciousness and integrity in order to provide our customers, both internal and external, the best available product and service. This will be accomplished by using the most current technologies available and performing our job with a positive, enthusiastic, and consistent effort. Fear and greed will not keep us from succeeding and we will look upon any failures as stepping stones to achieving our goal. Profitability will be fair and revenues will be shared within our community through contributions. We want for nothing more than the respect of our peers.
The SDABL plays under a common set of rules designed to organize amateur adult baseball into consistent, fairly run, and responsible adult baseball leagues. SDABL baseball is family oriented though competitive. The goal of the SDABL is to provide adults over the age of 18 with a fair, well organized and enjoyable amateur baseball program within the community. No arbitrary distinction or discrimination due to a potential player’s gender, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability shall be inferred or permitted.
Provide a well-organized and well-run League that is administered in a fair and impartial manner that keeps the player in mind and provides a forum for adults of all ages to play baseball, not softball; and Provide leagues that are designed to accommodate different ages and abilities to eliminate the fear of intimidation; and Create an organized and fun amateur baseball league for adults ages 18 and over.
The SDABL prides itself on its responsiveness to its players, managers and coaches and on its openness and availability to any adult who wishes to play baseball. If you feel it necessary to comment, ask a question, or bring a potential problem to either entities attention please feel free to do so at the following address, phone number, or email:
SAN DIEGO ADULT BASEBALL LEAGUE (SDABL)
4878 Ronson Court Suite L
San Diego, CA
Telephone: (858) 668-3225
Leagues are organized into different age groups with levels of competitive play and ability.
All games are played under the rules of baseball as stated in the most recent Official Rules of Baseball published by the National Baseball Congress, Inc. with the exceptions, additions, or notations contained in this booklet. The SDABL Rules Committee also has access to, and frequently consults, The Case Book of the Official Playing Rules Committee of Major League Baseball, and the Handbooks of both the American and National League Umpires. For those managers and players who wish to become familiar with the Official Rules of Baseball, the SDABL recommends obtaining a copy of Make the Right Call, published by Triumph Books, Inc. 644 South Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60605. If unavailable, any publication of the Official Rules of Baseball as sanctioned by MLB will be sufficient.
As a team manager you represent your team to other teams and the SDABL. Be a responsible manager. If you have questions about rules, field locations, or other problems call your League President or Commissioner. They are there to help you during the season. Bring your Rulebook and Guidelines to games for reference before or during the game.
Read your Participant Contract, the SDABL Rulebook and Guidelines and any other material given to you. Become informed about how the SDABL works and keep updated so that you stay informed. The best way to help your team and have fun is to review all of the SDABL and Baseball rules and policies and be informed.
Alcohol, Drugs & Tobacco: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND/OR DRUGS ARE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED ON HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUSES BY A VARIETY OF MUNICIPAL, COUNTY AND STATE LAWS. IN ADDITION, THE SDABL EXPRESSLY PROHIBITS ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND/OR DRUGS IN THE VICINITY (INCLUDING PARKING LOTS) OF ANY FIELD USED BY THE SDABL SO AS TO AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF VIOLATING THESE LAWS.
Each manager must recognize their responsibility to the league and the perpetuity of it as to not cross the line where winning is more important than playing.
Be Responsible. Please notify all participants and spectators of this rule. Teams/managers are to police their fans, friends, family members or spectators for violations of league rules. Both team managers should attempt to persuade any person or persons participating in or watching the game and who are in violation of this section to leave the premises. Please note: Umpires have the authority from the SDABL to stop or forfeit games if there is a problem with drinking or drug use at any game or facility.
Be Aware. All school districts, city or county ordinances prohibit all or some forms of tobacco use (cigarettes, dip, chew, etc.) at a facility. It is very important to observe these rules wherever and whenever they may be in force. In those instances where tobacco use is not prohibited, please use courtesy, common sense, fire-safety awareness and sanitation in both the use and disposal of all tobacco products. No coach or incoming team wants to see cigarette butts and chew-spit tarnishing the field and dugouts. League Presidents may enforce penalties or prohibit use for repeated offenses.
Umpires shall not to be physically or verbally abused. If you have a complaint about an umpire's call, explain it to him. If you are reasonable, he will be reasonable. If problems develop between you and an umpire, notify the League President and/or the SDABL Chief Umpire to provide with the umpire's name and number.
You should ask the plate umpire for his and his partner’s name before your game during the pre-game meeting. All umpires have been instructed to provide you with their names, per the SDABL Chief Umpire. If any umpire refuses to give his name, contact the Chief Umpire after your game, or any other league official.
PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE PERSON OF AN UMPIRE OR THEIR PERSONAL PROPERTY (i.e., automobile, equipment, etc.) IN ANY WAY IS FORBIDDEN BY BOTH SDABL AND OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES AND WILL BE DEALT WITH BY A MINIMUM 3-GAME SUSPENSION, SEASON OR PERMANENT EXPULSION FROM THE SDABL.
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Team managers are required to submit their team packets to the league by the 3rd game of the season. Failure to do so will result in the 3rd game (and any subsequent games until packets are submitted) being cancelled and considered as a forfeit loss.
On occasion a team may have to be dropped from league play, due to either league suspension or the inability to field a team. The following policy will apply:
A separate transaction is required for each player who is added, dropped or transferred. All transactions must be in writing and received by the League Commissioner or League Office to be valid. That is, no transactions will be considered official with a mere phone call. The following policy will apply for each case:
The following policy explains the allowable player transfers between teams during an active season. This policy will be adhered to without exception:
· Transfers within the same league: Player may move from one team to another but must sit out one game for each transfer. NOTE: He must sit out the game that follows immediately after the date he officially declares a transfer/drop. If this “after” game becomes forfeit or rained out, the transfer player’s obligations to sit will have been fulfilled.
· Transfers from one league to another:
a) Higher league to a lower league (in terms of level of play): Player must sit out one game before playing. The Transferred Player may not play at a higher level for the remainder of the season.
b) Lower league to a higher league (in terms of level of play): Player may play immediately after the transfer. Player may return to the lower league later that season, but must sit out one game and must remain in the lower league the rest of the season.
Note 1: Players transferring from a team that has folded to a potential playoff team are immediately eligible to play the next scheduled regular season game with that new team. Player eligibility for the playoffs shall remain applicable as set forth in Section 3.5 below.
Note 1: The first game of a doubleheader satisfies the one (1) game requirement for the cases noted above. A game won by forfeit also satisfies this one (1) game requirement.
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Players who are currently active in university, collegiate, or JC baseball programs must play in the highest skill level available for their age group in the San Diego Adult Baseball Association.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO MANAGERS: Managers should be aware that NCAA Division I baseball rules. "NCAA Division I baseball rules," prohibit more than 3 Division I players from playing on the same off-season team. These players may be subject to losing their collegiate eligibility. So, please be aware of who your players are and their backgrounds. The National NABA office has the complete NCAA Compliance Regulations on file. If you are unsure or have any doubt, contact the SDABL President.
Players who have been under verifiable professional baseball contracts in the last six months in either the Minor or Major leagues are only eligible to play in the Highest League being offered by the SDABL. Teams violating this rule will forfeit all games in which that player (or players) played even if the existence of a contract is discovered after the fact. Final resolution in such a situation is at the discretion of the SDABL Rules Committee.
Former Major League players (and assuming they have not been under a verifiable professional baseball contract in the last six months) are restricted to the highest level of play offered within their appropriate age group. A Major League player is one who may be found in the Baseball Encyclopedia. This restriction is removed if the player is 48+ years old.
· No player may play for two different teams in the same age group on the same day.
· A player may play in two different skill levels provided they are played on two different days and within one skill level of each other. For example, Sat 18A and Sun 18AA is acceptable. Sat 18A and Sun 18AAA is not acceptable, etc. Also, Sun 18A and Sun 18AA is not acceptable.
Requirements are as follows:
· A player must have a valid contract---signed and dated---on file with the SDABL for each league in which he plays and for each team in which he is a member.
· All players should be prepared with a valid picture ID, or two pieces of non-photo ID such as a personal checkbook and a credit card, in the event a player's identity is questioned.