SHBL RULES:
Last updated: September 16th, 2021
The South Hastings Baseball League is an independent league and as such, SHBL rules apply first and foremost, which are then followed by the Official Rules of Baseball as outlined and interpreted by Baseball Canada.
The Official Rules of Baseball (2021) can be found online here: (www.abagbaseball.com/index.php?page=displaydoc&id=173)
When there has been a change to the Official Rules of Baseball, the change will not take effect until it is approved by the SHBL Executive.
The SHBL Executive will set the Regular season and Playoff schedule.
The 2021 season will consist of a 14 game schedule, each team will play each other twice for a total of 56 games.
FEES & ROSTER RULES:
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 (**not available during COVID-19 pandemic... 2020 and 2021**). Team representatives please notify your players of this.
All teams playing out of Melrose will split field and light costs for the regular season games only. Practice and Playoff field fees to be paid by each team respectively. Each team shall pay their field fees promptly and prior to the due date set out by Tyendinaga Township on their yearly invoice.
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 their team roster, along with player's fees to a member of the league executive by Wednesday September 1st, 2021. Any team that fails to meet this deadline will have 7 days’ grace to produce the roster and fees. Failing to do so will result in forfeiture of any games won up to and including the date that this is completed.
Each player must pay $25 to the league to be signed on a league roster and be covered under the group insurance plan (insurance not included in 2020, 2021 due to COVID-19).
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 estimated field costs up front (for the first year only).
New teams entering the league may 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 current team coach and the president of the league. The coach and the president have the right to refuse the release of additional players.
A team may begin with 8 players, but no less. When the 9th spot in the batting order comes up empty that game will be deemed 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.
UNIFORM RULES:
Players shall wear the same shirt, except a newly signed player to make a full 9 players in the order. 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.
DOUBLE-HEADER RULE:
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.
HELMET RULE:
Helmets must be worn on the bases for safety and insurance purposes.
CURRENT BAT RULE:
All bats must be at minimum a "-3" ounce bat-drop (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. If the "-3" bat-drop 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.
*It was voted in by the team representatives in the spring of 2021 that the SHBL will move to a wood bat only league starting in 2022*
BALL RULES:
The Rawlings "ROML" Major League Baseball is the only ball approved for league use. Any other ball or a ball deemed unsafe shall be thrown out at the umpires discretion.
Home team to supply 3 NEW BALLS to start game. Decent used balls may be submitted to game after 3 new ones are given to an umpire.
To speed the game up, 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).
CATCHER AND CONTACT RULE:
Remains in effect as always with the umpire to exercise discretion as to whether contact was deemed intent to injure.
MERCY RULE:
A mercy rule will be used if one team is winning by at least 10 runs after 5 innings (Regular Season & "B" playoff only).
No mercy in "A" playoff. *2021 covid shortened season exception to this rule was voted on and the mercy rule will be in effect only during the first round of the "A" playoff*
DH & SUBSTITUTION RULES:
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.
RE-ENTRY RULE:
Maximum two re-entries per game involving four players. To clarify this rule, you may re-enter a player back into the lineup once. Upon removing said player from the lineup for the second time he is out of the game and not eligible to return.
For example (this is one 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!
INTENTIONAL WALKS:
Unlike the rule instituted by Major League Baseball in 2017, there is no intentional walk (IBB) rule. Pitchers must throw 4 balls as per usual, rather than simply getting a signal from the manager for a "no-pitch" intentional walk, as MLB now allows.
FENCES IN NEED OF REPAIR RULE:
If the ball passes under the fence on a thrown ball then ONE base will be awarded, but runner cannot score. Normal ground rule double rules apply for a batted ball.
MOUND VISIT RULE:
Two 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 may remain in the game at another position.
RAIN-OUTS AND CANCELLATIONS:
It is the home team’s responsibility to cancel games due to poor field conditions or rain. They must call the visiting team coach and the umpire in chief.
Annie Manion (Tyendinaga Township- Social Director) can be reached in the office at 613-396-1944 until 4 pm on weekdays, on her cellphone at 613-847-5830 or via email at recreation@tyendinagatownship.com.
It is the home team’s responsibility to schedule rainouts within two weeks of cancellation. 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 two weeks scheduled.
REGULAR SEASON TIES:
For fairness and consistency, regular season games shall end in a tie after 7 innings are completed, or after 5 innings completed in a rain shortened game.
REGULAR SEASON PAY-OUTS:
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the regular season:
1st Place: $250
2nd Place: $175
3rd Place: $100
PLAYOFFS:
*NEW for 2021 COVID condensed season*
All players must play in 2 games to be eligible to play in playoffs. Must prove if challenged, by scorebook; no proof, no play.
One league-approved coach is exempt from this rule, as are the Mudhens.
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 FORMAT:
*NEW FOR 2021 COVID shortened season*
All 8 teams will make the playoffs and play to be named the 2021 SHBL Champions and the Thornton Portt Memorial Championship Trophy.
Playoff seeding will be determined throughout the playoffs by 2021 Season standings. (First round: 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5)
Series length to be determined prior to start of the Playoffs, as time and weather permits.
The four first round winners will continue to the "A" semi-final round following the same seeding format. The other four teams will playoff in the "B" semi-final. Any team forfeiting a playoff game shall be fined $200.
In the final playoff round the two remaining teams will playoff in the "A" and "B" SHBL Final Series.
*2021 update: the first round will be best 2 out of 3 game series'. "A" semi-final will be best 3 out of 5 game series. "A" final series will be best 4 out of 7 games. "B" semi-final and final will be best 2 out of 3 series.*
Mercy rule will be in effect for 2021 playoffs during the first round only.
As for double header rules during the playoffs: the second game of a 2021 playoff double header will start as early as possible upon completion of first game, but no later than 9:20.
Playoff games must be 7 innings. If tied at the end of seven innings, teams will play until tie is broken or lights go out.
Rules of baseball apply in case of a "Rain-out."
Any resulting ties will be broken prior to next scheduled game in the series.
Once the playoff schedule is made (dates and times), they are not to be altered without the permission of the league president.
It's been a long standing league rule that no team shall be forced to play on back-to-back nights during the playoffs.
SHBL playoffs shall be completed by the end of October. No games will be scheduled past October 31st.
Civic holiday Monday in August and Labour Day Monday are NOT considered a "long-weekend" for the purposes of scheduling; therefore, games may be scheduled and played if necessary.
PLAYOFF PAY-OUTS:
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the playoff schedule:
"A" Champ: $300
"A" Finalist: $200
"B" Champ: $100
UMPIRES:
*NEW for 2021*
Umpire fees: $60 plate and $50 bases ($110 per game to be paid by the home team).
Umpires require one full hour notice of cancellation (home team).
If only one umpire attends, during the regular season, a spectator may be asked to be a proxy base umpire with all monetary rights and suspension authority, 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.
Last two full weeks of the regular season, umpires must not be players unless cleared by SHBL Executive or only one umpire shows up.
There must be two umpires for all playoff games; three umpires may be used if agreed upon for any elimination playoff game, and once approved the third umpire's fees to be paid by the league.
MEDIA AND GAME SCORES:
*NEW for 2021*
Umpire-in-Chief Brad Casey has agreed that he or a designate (umpire) will call in each game score, along with brief game highlights into the local radio stations. Please notify him of any special requests with regard to sponsor/team names, or any other special requests.
Each team may also contact any local news media if they wish to do so in addition to the daily game scores.
EJECTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS:
Any player ejected from a game will miss the next game AND be fined – (1st ejection = $20, 2nd = $30, 3rd= $40, etc.)
This fine is payable to any league official. That player is ineligible to play until the player pays the fine, playoffs included.
Players MAY buy back into the next game for double the fine amount, subject to the type of suspension.
Umpires must report all ejections to the Umpire-in-Chief, who will in turn inform the SHBL Executive. SHBL Executive may impose an additional suspension, on a case-by-case basis, should that be deemed to be appropriate.
PROTESTS:
Any team protesting a game must pay $100 to the league and notify the league president in writing within 48 hours of the respective disputed ruling. All decisions made by the League Executive on this matter are final. If you lose the protest, you lose $100. Only rule misinterpretations may be protested.
Protests will be decided on by league vice president Adam Dutton, league secretary Tara Harrison, plus one team rep from each team not involved in protest. The league president only votes if tied.
The South Hastings Baseball League is an independent league and as such, SHBL rules apply first and foremost, which are then followed by the Official Rules of Baseball as outlined and interpreted by Baseball Canada.
The Official Rules of Baseball (2021) can be found online here: (www.abagbaseball.com/index.php?page=displaydoc&id=173)
When there has been a change to the Official Rules of Baseball, the change will not take effect until it is approved by the SHBL Executive.
The SHBL Executive will set the Regular season and Playoff schedule.
The 2021 season will consist of a 14 game schedule, each team will play each other twice for a total of 56 games.
FEES & ROSTER RULES:
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 (**not available during COVID-19 pandemic... 2020 and 2021**). Team representatives please notify your players of this.
All teams playing out of Melrose will split field and light costs for the regular season games only. Practice and Playoff field fees to be paid by each team respectively. Each team shall pay their field fees promptly and prior to the due date set out by Tyendinaga Township on their yearly invoice.
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 their team roster, along with player's fees to a member of the league executive by Wednesday September 1st, 2021. Any team that fails to meet this deadline will have 7 days’ grace to produce the roster and fees. Failing to do so will result in forfeiture of any games won up to and including the date that this is completed.
Each player must pay $25 to the league to be signed on a league roster and be covered under the group insurance plan (insurance not included in 2020, 2021 due to COVID-19).
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 estimated field costs up front (for the first year only).
New teams entering the league may 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 current team coach and the president of the league. The coach and the president have the right to refuse the release of additional players.
A team may begin with 8 players, but no less. When the 9th spot in the batting order comes up empty that game will be deemed 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.
UNIFORM RULES:
Players shall wear the same shirt, except a newly signed player to make a full 9 players in the order. 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.
DOUBLE-HEADER RULE:
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.
HELMET RULE:
Helmets must be worn on the bases for safety and insurance purposes.
CURRENT BAT RULE:
All bats must be at minimum a "-3" ounce bat-drop (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. If the "-3" bat-drop 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.
*It was voted in by the team representatives in the spring of 2021 that the SHBL will move to a wood bat only league starting in 2022*
BALL RULES:
The Rawlings "ROML" Major League Baseball is the only ball approved for league use. Any other ball or a ball deemed unsafe shall be thrown out at the umpires discretion.
Home team to supply 3 NEW BALLS to start game. Decent used balls may be submitted to game after 3 new ones are given to an umpire.
To speed the game up, 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).
CATCHER AND CONTACT RULE:
Remains in effect as always with the umpire to exercise discretion as to whether contact was deemed intent to injure.
MERCY RULE:
A mercy rule will be used if one team is winning by at least 10 runs after 5 innings (Regular Season & "B" playoff only).
No mercy in "A" playoff. *2021 covid shortened season exception to this rule was voted on and the mercy rule will be in effect only during the first round of the "A" playoff*
DH & SUBSTITUTION RULES:
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.
RE-ENTRY RULE:
Maximum two re-entries per game involving four players. To clarify this rule, you may re-enter a player back into the lineup once. Upon removing said player from the lineup for the second time he is out of the game and not eligible to return.
For example (this is one 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!
INTENTIONAL WALKS:
Unlike the rule instituted by Major League Baseball in 2017, there is no intentional walk (IBB) rule. Pitchers must throw 4 balls as per usual, rather than simply getting a signal from the manager for a "no-pitch" intentional walk, as MLB now allows.
FENCES IN NEED OF REPAIR RULE:
If the ball passes under the fence on a thrown ball then ONE base will be awarded, but runner cannot score. Normal ground rule double rules apply for a batted ball.
MOUND VISIT RULE:
Two 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 may remain in the game at another position.
RAIN-OUTS AND CANCELLATIONS:
It is the home team’s responsibility to cancel games due to poor field conditions or rain. They must call the visiting team coach and the umpire in chief.
Annie Manion (Tyendinaga Township- Social Director) can be reached in the office at 613-396-1944 until 4 pm on weekdays, on her cellphone at 613-847-5830 or via email at recreation@tyendinagatownship.com.
It is the home team’s responsibility to schedule rainouts within two weeks of cancellation. 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 two weeks scheduled.
REGULAR SEASON TIES:
For fairness and consistency, regular season games shall end in a tie after 7 innings are completed, or after 5 innings completed in a rain shortened game.
REGULAR SEASON PAY-OUTS:
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the regular season:
1st Place: $250
2nd Place: $175
3rd Place: $100
PLAYOFFS:
*NEW for 2021 COVID condensed season*
All players must play in 2 games to be eligible to play in playoffs. Must prove if challenged, by scorebook; no proof, no play.
One league-approved coach is exempt from this rule, as are the Mudhens.
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 FORMAT:
*NEW FOR 2021 COVID shortened season*
All 8 teams will make the playoffs and play to be named the 2021 SHBL Champions and the Thornton Portt Memorial Championship Trophy.
Playoff seeding will be determined throughout the playoffs by 2021 Season standings. (First round: 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5)
Series length to be determined prior to start of the Playoffs, as time and weather permits.
The four first round winners will continue to the "A" semi-final round following the same seeding format. The other four teams will playoff in the "B" semi-final. Any team forfeiting a playoff game shall be fined $200.
In the final playoff round the two remaining teams will playoff in the "A" and "B" SHBL Final Series.
*2021 update: the first round will be best 2 out of 3 game series'. "A" semi-final will be best 3 out of 5 game series. "A" final series will be best 4 out of 7 games. "B" semi-final and final will be best 2 out of 3 series.*
Mercy rule will be in effect for 2021 playoffs during the first round only.
As for double header rules during the playoffs: the second game of a 2021 playoff double header will start as early as possible upon completion of first game, but no later than 9:20.
Playoff games must be 7 innings. If tied at the end of seven innings, teams will play until tie is broken or lights go out.
Rules of baseball apply in case of a "Rain-out."
Any resulting ties will be broken prior to next scheduled game in the series.
Once the playoff schedule is made (dates and times), they are not to be altered without the permission of the league president.
It's been a long standing league rule that no team shall be forced to play on back-to-back nights during the playoffs.
SHBL playoffs shall be completed by the end of October. No games will be scheduled past October 31st.
Civic holiday Monday in August and Labour Day Monday are NOT considered a "long-weekend" for the purposes of scheduling; therefore, games may be scheduled and played if necessary.
PLAYOFF PAY-OUTS:
The following monies will be awarded at the end of the playoff schedule:
"A" Champ: $300
"A" Finalist: $200
"B" Champ: $100
UMPIRES:
*NEW for 2021*
Umpire fees: $60 plate and $50 bases ($110 per game to be paid by the home team).
Umpires require one full hour notice of cancellation (home team).
If only one umpire attends, during the regular season, a spectator may be asked to be a proxy base umpire with all monetary rights and suspension authority, 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.
Last two full weeks of the regular season, umpires must not be players unless cleared by SHBL Executive or only one umpire shows up.
There must be two umpires for all playoff games; three umpires may be used if agreed upon for any elimination playoff game, and once approved the third umpire's fees to be paid by the league.
MEDIA AND GAME SCORES:
*NEW for 2021*
Umpire-in-Chief Brad Casey has agreed that he or a designate (umpire) will call in each game score, along with brief game highlights into the local radio stations. Please notify him of any special requests with regard to sponsor/team names, or any other special requests.
Each team may also contact any local news media if they wish to do so in addition to the daily game scores.
EJECTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS:
Any player ejected from a game will miss the next game AND be fined – (1st ejection = $20, 2nd = $30, 3rd= $40, etc.)
This fine is payable to any league official. That player is ineligible to play until the player pays the fine, playoffs included.
Players MAY buy back into the next game for double the fine amount, subject to the type of suspension.
Umpires must report all ejections to the Umpire-in-Chief, who will in turn inform the SHBL Executive. SHBL Executive may impose an additional suspension, on a case-by-case basis, should that be deemed to be appropriate.
PROTESTS:
Any team protesting a game must pay $100 to the league and notify the league president in writing within 48 hours of the respective disputed ruling. All decisions made by the League Executive on this matter are final. If you lose the protest, you lose $100. Only rule misinterpretations may be protested.
Protests will be decided on by league vice president Adam Dutton, league secretary Tara Harrison, plus one team rep from each team not involved in protest. The league president only votes if tied.
