LEAGUE RULES:
SHBL rules apply first and foremost and then the Official Rules of Baseball.
The League executive will set the schedule.
Protests will be decided on by League executive (Gerry, Tara, plus one team rep from each team not involved in protest. President only votes if tied.)
There will be a $50 fine for missing a League meeting without calling a League official and a $25 fine for being late to a meeting without notifying a league official.
All teams must purchase League insurance.
All teams playing out of Melrose will split field and light costs for the regular season games only (exception Mudhens).
Winning team responsible for calling Intelligencer 613-962-9171 and CJBQ 613-968-4737 with score and brief highlights, and team record. Please make time to call.
REGULAR SEASON:
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the regular season:
1st - $250
2nd- $175
3rd- $100
4th - $50
Each team is allowed an unlimited number of players, of which one coach and two assistant coaches may be named. Any player may coach first or third.
All teams must deliver a team roster along with the players’ fees by Monday June 10, 2019. Any team that fails to meet that deadline will have 7 days’ grace to produce the roster and fees. Failing to do so will result in forfeiture of any games won.
Each player must pay $25 to the league to be signed on a league roster and be covered under the group insurance plan.
Any new team gaining entry into the league must post a $200 bond. This money will be returned to the team at the end of the year if they complete the schedule (and playoffs if applicable) with no forfeits. They must also pay field costs up front (for the first year only).
New teams entering the league can only take a maximum of 2 players per team with a release from their current team. More than 2 players can be released with the approval of the coach and the president of the league. The coach and the president have the right to refuse the release of additional players.
The 2019 season will consist of 20 games, except the Mudhens they will play 14 games.
A team may begin with 8 players, but no less. When the 9th spot in the batting order comes up with no one, the game will be forfeited. In the event of forfeiture due to lack of players, that team will cover field and umpire cost.
One game played commits player to that team for the season, extraordinary circumstances may create exceptions.
No release will be granted to a player who owes money to his previous team until such time as the money is paid and all uniforms returned. Any player playing without said release in writing to a league official will result in automatic forfeit.
Players shall wear the same shirt, except newly signed player to make 9. This may mean trading shirts with another player who is not in the game. Umpires and coaches are to enforce this rule – failure to do will will result in a team fine by League President: $20 first infraction, $30 second infraction, $40 third infraction.
Helmets must be worn on bases for safety and insurance purposes.
No infield to be taken on nights of double headers. Game 1 will start at 6:15 sharp, with no new inning to start after 8:30 (umpire’s watch or designate). The second game of a regular season double header will start as early as possible upon completion of first game, but no later than 9:20. As for Game 2 of a double header, no new inning shall start after 11:15.
Home team to supply 3 NEW BALLS to start game. Used balls may be submitted to game after 3 new ones are given to umpire.
To speed up game, if a ball leaves the playing field, it cannot be put back into play until the next batter comes to bat (umpire’s decision, e.g. 4 foul balls in a row).
A mercy rule will be used if one team is winning by at least 10 runs after 5 innings (regular season & first round playoffs only).
Designated hitter rule in effect. Lose DH if DH enters defensive position in field. You may pinch-hit for DH without losing DH.
All regular season games vs. Mudhens everyone present may be put on batting list and unlimited substitutions!
No regular season game shall end due to legitimate injury or ejection (umpire’s decision). Last player removed from the game may re-enter in that spot in the order. Players not signed may be played in game to make nine players and for the entire season and must pay $25 to do so. This fee is to be paid immediately upon completion of the game.
There is no intentional walk rule. Must throw 4 pitches as per usual.
Catcher and contact rule remains as always with the umpire to exercise discretion as to whether contact was intent to injure.
Fences in need of repair: if ball passes under the fence on a thrown ball then 1 base will be awarded, but runner cannot score. Ground rule double for a batted ball.
Mound visits: 2 mound visits in the same inning will result in the pitcher being removed from the game as the pitcher. He is not eligible to pitch again for the remainder of that game; however, he is eligible to remain in the game at another position.
*NEW FOR 2019*
Bat Rule: All bats must be at minimum a -3 ounce batdrop (length to weight ratio); meaning if the bat is 34 inches long it can be no lighter than 31 ounces. (ie. 32in/29oz, 33in/30oz, 34in/31oz, 35in/32oz.) Mudhens are exempt from this rule. If a bat is found to be illegal by the Umpire it shall be removed immediately from the game. The League executive has decided that if the -3 batdrop ratio is not visible on the bat, it may be officially weighed by Chris Murphy to meet standard, and a sticker shall be affixed to the bat by the League President to indicate league approval.
RE-ENTRY RULE:
Maximum 2 re-entries per game involving four players.
For example (this is 1 re-entry for purpose of this rule):
Tom enters game for Jack.
Jack was batting third, so Tom must bat third.
Jack re-enters for Tom and must bat third.
* Tom is then out of game and cannot re-enter.
The re-entry rule is in effect for the regular season ONLY!
It is the home team’s responsibility to cancel games due to field conditions or rain. They must call the visiting team coach and also the umpire in chief. Raeanne McGuinness (TWP Recreation Programmer) can be reached in the office at 613-396-1944 until 4 pm or on cell at 613-849-7000. Or Jim Uens’s cell phone is 613-968-0441 and he usually will know the field condition in Melrose.
It is the home team’s responsibility to schedule rainouts within two weeks. They must contact League Secretary Tara Harrison (leave message if necessary) within 24 hours to have a game rescheduled. Tara will notify umpire in chief of date and time to ensure availability of umpires. Failure to do so will result in game forfeit.
Any scheduled game that is cancelled must have new date of game within 2 weeks scheduled.
PLAYOFFS:
All players must play 3 games to be eligible to play in playoffs. Must prove if challenged, by scorebook; no proof, no play. League-approved coach is exempt from rule, as are the Mudhens.
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the playoff schedule:
A Champ: $300
A Runner-up: $250
If two or more teams are tied at the end of the regular schedule, the following will determine placement:
1) Most games won in regular schedule.
2) Best record against each other.
3) Least runs allowed against each other.
If two teams remain tied at the end of the regular season, after the three tie-breakers above, those teams will play a one-game playoff to break the tie to determine seeding. A coin-flip at home plate prior to the game will determine home team for this game.
PLAYOFF SETUP:
*NEW FOR 2019*
Top 4 teams will make the playoffs and play for the SHBL championship and the Thornton Portt Memorial Trophy.
The 4th and 5th place team will play a one game wildcard to determine the final spot in the 4 team playoff.
(1st vs. WC winne and 2nd vs. 3rd).
All rounds being 4 out of 7 series.
The loser of the wildcard playoff game will join the 6th, 7th and 8th place teams in the "B" Championship round. (WC loser vs. 8th and 6th vs. 7th).
Playoff games must be 7 innings. If tied at the end of seven, teams will play until tie is broken or lights go out. Rules of baseball apply in case of rainout. Tie will be broken prior to next scheduled game in the series.
Once playoff schedule is made (dates and times), they are not to be altered without the permission of the league president.
Monday of August long weekend and Labour Day are not considered a long weekend for the purposes of scheduling.
There must be two umpires for all playoff games; three may be required if agreed on any elimination playoff game.
Last two full weeks, umpires must not be players unless cleared by league executive or only 1 shows up.
UMPIRES:
Umpire fees: $50 and 40.
Umpires require one full hour notice of cancellation.
If only one umpire attends, during the regular season, a spectator may be asked to umpire the bases with all monetary rights and suspensions if deemed necessary by the League.
In case of a defaulted game (before or after it starts), the umpires will be paid in full. If a game is rained out before it starts and the umpires are at the field, they will receive half pay. Once a game starts and is called for any reason, the umpires shall be paid in full.
EJECTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS:
Player ejected from game will miss the next game and be fined – (1st ejection = $20, 2nd = $30, 3rd= $40, etc.) and payable to a League official. He is ineligible to play until he pays the fine, playoffs included. Players may buy back into the next game for double the fine amount, subject to the type of suspension. League executive will decide any additional number of games. Umpires must report all ejections to Umpire-in-Chief, who in turn will inform League officials.
Any team protesting a game must do so in writing with$100 within 48 hours to the League President. All decisions are final. If you lose the protest, you lose $100. Only rule misinterpretations may be protested.
The League executive will set the schedule.
Protests will be decided on by League executive (Gerry, Tara, plus one team rep from each team not involved in protest. President only votes if tied.)
There will be a $50 fine for missing a League meeting without calling a League official and a $25 fine for being late to a meeting without notifying a league official.
All teams must purchase League insurance.
All teams playing out of Melrose will split field and light costs for the regular season games only (exception Mudhens).
Winning team responsible for calling Intelligencer 613-962-9171 and CJBQ 613-968-4737 with score and brief highlights, and team record. Please make time to call.
REGULAR SEASON:
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the regular season:
1st - $250
2nd- $175
3rd- $100
4th - $50
Each team is allowed an unlimited number of players, of which one coach and two assistant coaches may be named. Any player may coach first or third.
All teams must deliver a team roster along with the players’ fees by Monday June 10, 2019. Any team that fails to meet that deadline will have 7 days’ grace to produce the roster and fees. Failing to do so will result in forfeiture of any games won.
Each player must pay $25 to the league to be signed on a league roster and be covered under the group insurance plan.
Any new team gaining entry into the league must post a $200 bond. This money will be returned to the team at the end of the year if they complete the schedule (and playoffs if applicable) with no forfeits. They must also pay field costs up front (for the first year only).
New teams entering the league can only take a maximum of 2 players per team with a release from their current team. More than 2 players can be released with the approval of the coach and the president of the league. The coach and the president have the right to refuse the release of additional players.
The 2019 season will consist of 20 games, except the Mudhens they will play 14 games.
A team may begin with 8 players, but no less. When the 9th spot in the batting order comes up with no one, the game will be forfeited. In the event of forfeiture due to lack of players, that team will cover field and umpire cost.
One game played commits player to that team for the season, extraordinary circumstances may create exceptions.
No release will be granted to a player who owes money to his previous team until such time as the money is paid and all uniforms returned. Any player playing without said release in writing to a league official will result in automatic forfeit.
Players shall wear the same shirt, except newly signed player to make 9. This may mean trading shirts with another player who is not in the game. Umpires and coaches are to enforce this rule – failure to do will will result in a team fine by League President: $20 first infraction, $30 second infraction, $40 third infraction.
Helmets must be worn on bases for safety and insurance purposes.
No infield to be taken on nights of double headers. Game 1 will start at 6:15 sharp, with no new inning to start after 8:30 (umpire’s watch or designate). The second game of a regular season double header will start as early as possible upon completion of first game, but no later than 9:20. As for Game 2 of a double header, no new inning shall start after 11:15.
Home team to supply 3 NEW BALLS to start game. Used balls may be submitted to game after 3 new ones are given to umpire.
To speed up game, if a ball leaves the playing field, it cannot be put back into play until the next batter comes to bat (umpire’s decision, e.g. 4 foul balls in a row).
A mercy rule will be used if one team is winning by at least 10 runs after 5 innings (regular season & first round playoffs only).
Designated hitter rule in effect. Lose DH if DH enters defensive position in field. You may pinch-hit for DH without losing DH.
All regular season games vs. Mudhens everyone present may be put on batting list and unlimited substitutions!
No regular season game shall end due to legitimate injury or ejection (umpire’s decision). Last player removed from the game may re-enter in that spot in the order. Players not signed may be played in game to make nine players and for the entire season and must pay $25 to do so. This fee is to be paid immediately upon completion of the game.
There is no intentional walk rule. Must throw 4 pitches as per usual.
Catcher and contact rule remains as always with the umpire to exercise discretion as to whether contact was intent to injure.
Fences in need of repair: if ball passes under the fence on a thrown ball then 1 base will be awarded, but runner cannot score. Ground rule double for a batted ball.
Mound visits: 2 mound visits in the same inning will result in the pitcher being removed from the game as the pitcher. He is not eligible to pitch again for the remainder of that game; however, he is eligible to remain in the game at another position.
*NEW FOR 2019*
Bat Rule: All bats must be at minimum a -3 ounce batdrop (length to weight ratio); meaning if the bat is 34 inches long it can be no lighter than 31 ounces. (ie. 32in/29oz, 33in/30oz, 34in/31oz, 35in/32oz.) Mudhens are exempt from this rule. If a bat is found to be illegal by the Umpire it shall be removed immediately from the game. The League executive has decided that if the -3 batdrop ratio is not visible on the bat, it may be officially weighed by Chris Murphy to meet standard, and a sticker shall be affixed to the bat by the League President to indicate league approval.
RE-ENTRY RULE:
Maximum 2 re-entries per game involving four players.
For example (this is 1 re-entry for purpose of this rule):
Tom enters game for Jack.
Jack was batting third, so Tom must bat third.
Jack re-enters for Tom and must bat third.
* Tom is then out of game and cannot re-enter.
The re-entry rule is in effect for the regular season ONLY!
It is the home team’s responsibility to cancel games due to field conditions or rain. They must call the visiting team coach and also the umpire in chief. Raeanne McGuinness (TWP Recreation Programmer) can be reached in the office at 613-396-1944 until 4 pm or on cell at 613-849-7000. Or Jim Uens’s cell phone is 613-968-0441 and he usually will know the field condition in Melrose.
It is the home team’s responsibility to schedule rainouts within two weeks. They must contact League Secretary Tara Harrison (leave message if necessary) within 24 hours to have a game rescheduled. Tara will notify umpire in chief of date and time to ensure availability of umpires. Failure to do so will result in game forfeit.
Any scheduled game that is cancelled must have new date of game within 2 weeks scheduled.
PLAYOFFS:
All players must play 3 games to be eligible to play in playoffs. Must prove if challenged, by scorebook; no proof, no play. League-approved coach is exempt from rule, as are the Mudhens.
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the playoff schedule:
A Champ: $300
A Runner-up: $250
If two or more teams are tied at the end of the regular schedule, the following will determine placement:
1) Most games won in regular schedule.
2) Best record against each other.
3) Least runs allowed against each other.
If two teams remain tied at the end of the regular season, after the three tie-breakers above, those teams will play a one-game playoff to break the tie to determine seeding. A coin-flip at home plate prior to the game will determine home team for this game.
PLAYOFF SETUP:
*NEW FOR 2019*
Top 4 teams will make the playoffs and play for the SHBL championship and the Thornton Portt Memorial Trophy.
The 4th and 5th place team will play a one game wildcard to determine the final spot in the 4 team playoff.
(1st vs. WC winne and 2nd vs. 3rd).
All rounds being 4 out of 7 series.
The loser of the wildcard playoff game will join the 6th, 7th and 8th place teams in the "B" Championship round. (WC loser vs. 8th and 6th vs. 7th).
Playoff games must be 7 innings. If tied at the end of seven, teams will play until tie is broken or lights go out. Rules of baseball apply in case of rainout. Tie will be broken prior to next scheduled game in the series.
Once playoff schedule is made (dates and times), they are not to be altered without the permission of the league president.
Monday of August long weekend and Labour Day are not considered a long weekend for the purposes of scheduling.
There must be two umpires for all playoff games; three may be required if agreed on any elimination playoff game.
Last two full weeks, umpires must not be players unless cleared by league executive or only 1 shows up.
UMPIRES:
Umpire fees: $50 and 40.
Umpires require one full hour notice of cancellation.
If only one umpire attends, during the regular season, a spectator may be asked to umpire the bases with all monetary rights and suspensions if deemed necessary by the League.
In case of a defaulted game (before or after it starts), the umpires will be paid in full. If a game is rained out before it starts and the umpires are at the field, they will receive half pay. Once a game starts and is called for any reason, the umpires shall be paid in full.
EJECTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS:
Player ejected from game will miss the next game and be fined – (1st ejection = $20, 2nd = $30, 3rd= $40, etc.) and payable to a League official. He is ineligible to play until he pays the fine, playoffs included. Players may buy back into the next game for double the fine amount, subject to the type of suspension. League executive will decide any additional number of games. Umpires must report all ejections to Umpire-in-Chief, who in turn will inform League officials.
Any team protesting a game must do so in writing with$100 within 48 hours to the League President. All decisions are final. If you lose the protest, you lose $100. Only rule misinterpretations may be protested.
