Charleston Men’s Baseball League 35+ Rules
Updated 1/8/2023
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Table of Contents
1. Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Other Equipment
1.1 Uniforms
1.2 Helmets
1.3 Baseballs
1.4 Equipment
2. Game Length, Run Rule, Rain Outs, Game Forfeits, and Playoff Rules
2.1 Game Length
2.2 Run Rule
2.3 Rainouts or games called for darkness
2.4 Forfeits
2.5 Playoff Rules
3. Players, Draft & Waiver Wire
3.1 Player Eligibility
3.2 New Players
3.3 Draft Rules
3.4 Waiver Wire
4. Teams, Roster & Lineups
4.1 New Teams to the League
4.2 Roster Caps & Team Rosters
4.3 Trade Deadline
4.4 Game Lineups
5. Player's Behavior and Team Responsibility
5.1 Tobacco and Alcoholic beverages
5.2 Ejected Players
5.3 Decoy Rules
5.4 Force Play Slide Rules
6. Courtesy Runners and Pitcher Rules
6.1 Courtesy Runners
6.2 Pitcher Rules
7. General League Rules
7.1 General Rules
7.2 Code of Conduct
7.3 Violation Penalties
7.4 Grievances, protests, and appeals
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1. Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Other Equipment
1.1 Uniforms:
1.1.a. All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, belt, sanitary
socks and stirrups by - each player’s uniform must be of similar design to his teammates' uniforms. Teams having sponsorship will be allowed the sponsor's name on their uniforms via patch or uniform shirt.
1.1.b. No player out of uniform will be allowed to play without the opposing manager’s consent.
1.1.c. All teams should have their uniforms by their third game. A grace period should be extended for newly activated players or for new teams to complete their uniforms.
1.2 Helmets:
1.2.a. All batters and runners must wear helmets with at least one earflap facing the pitcher for both at bats and on base. There is no option to this rule. Full double-ear flap helmets are encouraged for at bats and are encouraged for the bases. Catchers must wear a helmet underneath
their mask. The same rules will apply for all national tournament play.
1.3 Baseballs:
1.3.a. Home team will be responsible to supply home plate umpire with 4 game balls but each team should bring a minimum of 12 balls per game. Only baseballs supplied by the league will be allowed into league and playoff games.
1.4 Equipment:
1.4.a. Wood or Wood composite bats ONLY are allowed in the Charleston 35+ MBL League.
1.4.b. Metal cleats are permitted within field owner guidelines but will not be allowed on any portable mounds that field or bullpen may be equipped with.
2. Game Length, Run Rule, Rain outs, Game Forfeits, and Playoff rules
2.1 Game Length:
2.1.a. All regular season games will be 7 innings and/or a 2.5 hour time limit, whichever comes 1st .
2.1.b. In the event of a tie the game after completion of 7 innings or the time limit has expired, game will continue for a max of 2 additional innings with use of the International Tie Breaker rule meaning the player who made the last out in the previous inning will begin the extra inning at 2nd base. If a team is ahead after the 1st extra inning, that team will be declared the winner without playing the 2nd inning. If after the max 2nd extra inning both teams are still tied, then that game will end officially in a tie. During playoff play, all extra innings will not be played international, normal inning play till winner is decided.
2.1.c. All playoff games including Championship Series will play 7 full innings with no restrictions (except run rules) or time limit.
2.1.d. Championship Series will be best of 3 series.
2.2 Run Rule:
2.2.a. If there is a 12-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings and/or the game has gone 2 hours and 30 minutes, the game can be ruled final at this point. This rule is in effect for all regular season and playoff games.
2.3 Rain outs or games called by umpires due to darkness:
2.3.a. Games will need to have 4 complete innings or the home team ahead after 3.5 innings for a complete game if rained out. The league scheduler will work with the coaches to find a time where the game can be completed.
2.3.b. All games rained out before start of the game, will be rescheduled by the league and will work with the coaches to find a time where the can be played.
2.3.c. In the event of rain, it is the responsibility of the scheduled home team to notify the league and opposing team of field condition and the possibility of game cancellation at least 1.5 hours before scheduled game time. In the event such notification does not take place, the home team will be solely responsible for any travel fees imposed by the umpiring organization.
2.4 Forfeits:
2.4.a Forfeited game will count as 7 runs for winning team in both the regular season and postseason. All players on roster of winning team will recieve one game played credit, no player on losing team will recieve credit for game. If a team forfeits more than 2 games, they will not be playoff eligable.
2.5 Playoff Rules:
2.5.a. Final league standings will be determined by won/lost percentage. Ties will be decided by head-to-head competition first, followed by runs allowed.
2.5.b. Playoff decisions (seeding) made based upon final regular season league standings. Tiebreakers: Head to Head competition then runs allowed.
2.5.c. All league playoff games must be played to completion by league standards, being a 7 inning game unless the run-rule comes in effect. The umpire may suspend, cancel or call a game if, in their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised due to rain or darkness.
2.5.d. Playoffs will begin immediately upon completion of the regular season.
2.5.e. Playoffs will be a DOUBLE elimination tournament until the championship series with a best of three in the finals to determine champ.
2.5.f. In the event of rain outs, rescheaduled game must take place before next round begins.
2.5.g. Team with higher seed will be home team.
2.5.h. Final two teams will play a Championship best of 3 series (7 inning games) with the highest seed getting home team in games 1 & 3 (if needed).
3. Players, Draft, & Waiver Wire
3.1 Player Eligibility:
3.1.a. A player is eligible to participate in an official league sanctioned game with the CMBL 35+ league the calendar year they turn the age of 35.
3.2 New Players:
3.2.a. The league shall control the assignment to teams of all new players who have contacted the league in response to advertising or who have been referred to the league by any means. A player who has not played in any league game in either the current or previous year shall be regarded as a new player.
3.2.b. Teams may acquire players through their own recruiting efforts with no limit of additional players. Any other players recruited will be under the control assignment mentioned in rule 3.2a. where they will go through the draft process. (Rule 3.3)
3.3 Draft rules:
3.3.a. The Draft Coordinator will provide the officers and coaches a list of registered draft pool Players at least one day ahead of the scheduled draft.
3.3.b. Team draft order will be established based upon how the teams finished in the previous year’s final playoff standings. We will draft seed 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 then any new team. ANY New team added to the league will draft AFTER all teams have drafted.
3.3.c. Each team will get ONE Pick per round
3.3.d. As we draft, the team can pick a player, pass, or say, “we are done” and will continue to draft UNTIL NO TEAM takes remaining players or no players left to draft.
3.3.e. After new draftees workout, coaches will gather and perform a draft of ONLY those players in attendance. Only those players in attendance at the draft will be allowed to be picked until teams are done picking or all players are gone. A team can trade draft picks with another team, or pass on their picks.
3.3.f. A second supplemental (PAPER) draft of all players not in attendance will take place immediately following the draft of players at workout. This draft will start at the beginning of the draft pick sequence (7,6,5,4,3,2,1, then NEW TEAMS), based upon regular season standings with new teams picking after that sequence.
3.3.g. If any team is found trying to ‘fix/rig’ the in person draft (ie: telling potential new players to not come to the draft so they can pick them up later, or other things similar), the team will be subject to a forfeit of draft picks for the subsequent season or ejection from the league
3.3.h. After the league year begins, any players interested in joining the league will fall under the waiver wire guidelines. (Rule 3.4)
3.4 Waiver Wire:
3.4.a. All new players interested in joining the league will fall under the weekly waiver wire.
3.4.b. Waiver wire will be active from Monday until Wednesday every week.
3.4.c. Waiver order will go by draft order until all teams have played 5 games of the season schedule and then will adjust by current standings as of midnight Sunday prior to the Monday weekly waiver wire. Game results played on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of that week will not reflect on that week’s waiver order but will be reflecting on the following week’s waiver wire order.
4. Teams, Rosters & Lineups
4.1 New Teams to the league:
4.1.a. Anyone wanting to add a team to the CMBL 35+ League must contact the league officials to discuss league availability no later than August of the year prior to the season they wish to begin playing
4.1.b. Existing coaches of the CMBL 35+ League must vote with a ⅔ majority for the new team and coach to be a part of the next season if there is not a ⅔ majority, the new team will not be allowed.
4.1.c. All new coaches to any team new or estabilished must be voted on for approval by coaches and league officers. 2/3 majority
4.2 Roster Caps & Team Rosters:
4.2.a. The 35+ league has a roster cap of 20 players per team.
4.2.b. Charleston Mens 35 Baseball League will consist of local players with address no further than fifty (50) miles from current home field. Each team will be alloted two (2) players from outside the 50 mile radius and count towards the roster limit of 20. Coaches will be held accountable for and be able to prove residency if need be. Any team in fault of this will not be playoff eligable and lose draft picks decided by the league officers.
4.2.c. Each team will have 2 injured reserve for the season.
4.2.d. Each team will be allowed 1 additional roster spot designated for a player over the age of 60. Final team rosters must have no less than 15 players.
4.2.g. Team rosters:
4.2.h. Team rosters must be submitted to the local league by opening day, including league and player fees, proof of date of birth, player waiver forms and team medical waiver form.
4.2.i. All players, prior to the season draft date, must have 100% of the season fees paid to the league through the registration process on our website.
4.2.j. Player fee payments with be paid through Venmo.
4.2.k No partial payments are accepted.
4.2.l. All players, prior to participating in a game, must have signed a waiver form on file with the league for the current season.
4.2.m. All players are considered free agents after 2 seasons on a team roster either that be by draft or volunteering joining team.
4.2.n. If a player has not completed 2 full seasons on that team roster, no player may switch teams without the consent of both managers. If this does not meet with approval, the player must fulfill his remaining 2-year team commitment or choose to sit out until the end of his 2- year team commitment where then and only then will he become a free agent.
4.2.o. In the event a team disbands during the season or at season’s conclusion, players are eligible to other teams as per the following:
1. Players with 2 full seasons played in the 35+ league are free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team. A player is considered in the league for a year when they play the minimum number of games to make them eligible for the playoffs.
2. Players with less than 2 consistent qualifying years will re-enter the draft and chosen for teams per the draft rules found in section 2.4 of these rules.
4.2.p. If a player is not invited back by his manager, he must be given his release so that he may go to the team of his choosing or re-enter the draft.
4.2.q. If a player is invited back to play and he desires not to play for his former team and cannot be successfully traded, he must fulfill his 2-year team commitment or choose to sit out the remaining time until he becomes a free agent.
4.2.r. In the event a player wishes to leave his existing team and form a new team, he may do so. No other player can be taken from the existing team without the consent of the existing team’s manager if that player has not met the free agent requirements. No other players may be taken from any other team without the respective team manager’s approval unless they also meet the free agent requirements. See Section 4.1 for new team eligibility into the league.
4.2.s. "Free Agency" will start following the season starting on Sept 1. No player movement or contact initiated with free agent eligable players will begin till Sept 1 and all player movement will be communicated between managers. Note: Coaches should work with one another in order to keep balance of play standards and to keep our players happy with where they are playing. All players that have reached the two year free agent eligiblily should be considered to have full filled thier commitment to the respective team. All player movement will cease on the start of the league year which is the date of the draft. On and after draft day, teams will only be able to add players through the draft, trade, or waiver wire.
4.3 Trade Deadline:
4.3.a. No player shall be traded to another team after the 8th regular season game.
4.4 Lineups:
4.4.a. A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, with a minimum of 10 (subject to the number of players available, if less than 10).
4.4.b. Last names must be used in the scorebook to allow for player identification for follow up inquiries that relate to playoff and national tournament participation requiring minimum playing requirements.
4.4.c. Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game.
4.4.d. If a team has only 9 (nine) players and therefore bats only 9, the opposing team will have the option of batting 9 as well.
4.4.e. If a team has more than 9 players and still only bats nine, they will be assessed an out each time the 10th batting position is skipped.
4.4.f. Batting only 9 players is NOT an offense that can be protested.
4.4.g. A manager may add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time but if a batter is pinch hit or run for (except under courtesy runners as outlined in section 5), the player may not reenter the game as a hitter but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher. Added players to the bottom of the lineup may be added as individual hitters or as A/B. Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both.
4.4.h. A team MAY declare at the time that lineups are exchanged prior to the start of play that any batting order position (i.e. 9, 10, 11, etc.) can be occupied by two (2) players in each such batting position. That is, 9A/9B, 10, 11A/11B, 12, etc. The first time that position 9 gets an at bat, 9A would hit and the next time this slot hits, 9B would be up. Then 9A hits the third time this spot in the order comes up, and so on, alternating between these two players throughout the game. Once a team declares the use of this A/B system, it must continue using it for the remainder of the game. Hitters in the A/B position may be pinch hit for, just as any other player.
4.4.i. If a team has started the game with A/B batters in place, the following will be effective:
4.4.j. If either the A batter, or B batter is injured, or needs to leave the game, no out will be applied when the injured player is scheduled to bat.The uninjured/remaining player will become the only batter in the line-up position. All rules for a single player occupying a batting line-up position will then be in place for the remainder of the game.
4.4.k. If a player in any other position in the batting line up not occupied by A/B batter, needs to leave the game, the next player coming up in a A/B batting position will take the place of the vacated player in their line-up position. This player now becomes the batter in the lineup, and all rules in place for a lineup player are in place.
4.4.l. These rules DO NOT apply for any player being ejected from the game. All rules in place for obtaining outs when players are ejected are in effect.
4.4.m. All teams must announce all offensive additions, substitutions, and/or changes to the home plate umpire AND opposing team manager and/or scorekeeper. Only after this has been done will the added player be deemed a legal substitution.
4.4.n. If a team fails to announce an offensive addition/change, the player will be called out as soon as he occupies the batter’s box and the lineup will revert back to the lineup in effect prior to the player entering the game. The unannounced player will not have officially entered the offensive lineup and is therefore still available offensively even though an out has been assessed. Example: Team A is batting 12 players and wishes to add a player to the bottom of the lineup (Player 13). Player 13 walks to the plate and is not announced to either the opposing team or home plate umpire. Once this player occupies his position in the batter’s box, the umpire will immediately call him out for an illegal substitution and it will then go back to the number 1 position in the lineup. Player 13 is still available to be added to the lineup legally.
4.4.o. If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or ejection, a reserve player, not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the replaced hitter’s place. If there are no reserves who can replace the individual, the spot is skipped and all hitters below that position move up. The first time this vacated spot comes up in the batting order, an out will be assessed, after that one time, no out will be recorded for skipping the spot vacated by the displaced player.
4.4.p. A team must have 8 players for an official game and may borrow a player from an opposing team with the opposing manager’s consent or may borrow a player from another team, also with the opposing manager’s consent. If the team’s 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team.
4.4.q. All players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the player’s offensive status in the line-up. If the pitcher is removed, he may re-enter to pitch only one time during the course of the game, but not in the same inning. The removed pitcher may play any other position after being removed or no position at all. The re-entering of a pitcher can only be done once a game.
5. Player's Behavior and Team Responsibility
5.1 Tobacco and Alcoholic beverages:
5.1.a. There will be no beer or alcoholic beverages permitted at the field before, during or after the game. The field refers to the general playing area and ancillary areas.
5.1.b. Charleston 35+ league will suspend any violators for the remainder of the season if they are caught with beer or alcoholic beverages.
5.1.c. Tobacco products of any kind (to include vape products) are also banned from all facilities. The first violation will result in the player being suspended for 1 game. Any further violation will result in a suspension for the remainder of the season. Any violators at Shipyard Park will be assessed a $100 fine, payable to Shipyard, in addition to their suspension
5.2 Ejected Players:
5.2.a. An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game. An expulsion results in an automatic 1 game suspension. The ejected player does not need to be present at the game they are suspended for. Managers only may appeal suspensions to the league rules committee. Whereby a ruling will be determined after consulting involved parties.
5.2.b. Ejected players must leave the field/dugout/facility as soon as ejected. If for any reason the player being ejected cannot leave due to transportation restrictions, the ejected player must not participate in the game in any capacity. This includes helping teammates warm up, coach in any capacity, or help with team changes.
5.2.c. Any player ejected from a game will be subject to at least a minimum ONE Game suspension, and possible expulsion from the league depending on the severity of the infraction. Multiple game suspensions will be at the discretion of the rules committee. The suspended game(s) do not count towards a game of eligibility. The rules committee must make its final ruling within 3 days from the date of ejection if more than a 1 day suspension is needed.
5.2.d. The league has the right to suspend or expel any team member who abuses league rules or who does not exhibit a sense of sportsmanship or who plays without regard to the safety of the umpires or other players.
5.2.e. Fighting among players or aggressive physical contact with an umpire will not be tolerated and players expelled from the game for either violation will be subject to suspension or expulsion from the league.
5.2.f. In Charleston 35+ if any players are involved in aggressive physical contact the players involved will immediately be suspended for 5 games and will be subject to expulsion from the league.
5.2.g. The rules committee is concerned about possible unnecessary and violent collisions that may occur with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage base runners and defensive players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.
5.2.h. When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge: 1. Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner have reached the base without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner’s path to the base was blocked) or 2. Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate) or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder.
5.2.i. PENALTY—If the runner, a) could have avoided the collision and reached the base, or b) attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner shall be declared out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.
1. If the fielder blocks the path of the base runner to the base (plate), the runner may make contact or slide into a fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base or plate.
2. If the collision by the runner was flagrant, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball shall be declared dead.
3. If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and an immediate dead ball shall be called.
4. If the base runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on the obstruction, but will be ejected from the contest. The ball is dead.
5.3 Decoy Rule:
5.3.a. Any fielder may use a decoy only if it serves a strategic purpose. For example, if a fielder, who sees a man attempting to steal second base during a hit and run, looks upward into the sky and says that he’s got the pop-up when in fact the ball has been hit on ground is a legal decoy as it may cause the runner to retreat to first base and prevent him from advancing.
5.3.b. However, 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.
5.3.c. This is entirely an umpire judgment decision and not a rule that may be protested.
5.4 Force Play Slide Rule:
5.4.a. The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of the defensive player. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.
5.4.b. On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.
5.4.c. Exception—A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder.
5.4.d. "On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground.
5.4.e. "Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.
5.4.f. If a runner goes into a base standing up and does not make contact or alter the play of the defensive player, interference shall not be called.
5.4.g. Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner:
1. Makes a legal slide directly to the base, or,
2. Is on the ground at the time of contact and the fielder moves directly down the line between the two bases to attempt a play. Unless fielder is attempting to field the ball off the bat.
3. Makes a legal slide and makes contact with a defensive player who is on or over, but not beyond, the base.
5.4.h. When the base runner slides beyond the base, but does not (a) make contact with, or (b) alter the play of the defensive player, interference shall not be called.
5.4.i. Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:
1. The runner slides or runs out of the baseline in the direction of the fielder.
2. The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder.
3. The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position.
4. The runner goes beyond the base and either makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder. "Beyond the base” means any part of the offensive player’s body makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder beyond the base.
5. The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg;
6. The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.
5.4.j. PENALTY:
1. With fewer than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.
2. With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.
3. If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the contest.
4. If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.
5.4.k. Each league must set its own standards of player/team sportsmanship, but must encourage suspensions for infractions unbefitting to the image and policies of the league.
5.4.l. Failure to abide by age regulations - the managers must all recognize their responsibility to the league and the perpetuity of it as to not cross the line where winning is more important than playing. An opposing manager may at any time have the right to question a player’s age. If a manager wants to lodge a protest, proof of age and residence must be mailed to the manager who lodged his protest by Friday of the following week. If an underage player is detected, penalties to the individual or team will be decided by the league president and board of directors. As a national precedent, the penalties will be forfeiture of all games in which the under-age player participated in and a minimum two-year suspension. If the manager had prior knowledge, he is subject to similar suspension 6.
Courtesy Runners and Pitcher Rules
6.1 Courtesy Runners:
6.1.a. A team is allowed 2 courtesy runners per game that can be identified prior or during the game.
6.1.b. Players that will need courtesy runners, must have their manager notify the opposing manager at the time the courtesy runner is identified. If not so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request.
6.1.c. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 2 players per game who can be run for each time that they reach base. The individual who runs for these player(s) needing a courtesy runner is not determined ahead of time. It is always the last out who must run for the person needing the courtesy runner.
6.1.d. In the event a player becomes injured during the game and the maximum number of courtesy runners (2) have already been designated, a pinch runner must be used and no courtesy runner will be allowed.
6.1.e. The offensive team that is replacing the courtesy runner has 30 seconds to make the runner change. If the runner is not replaced within this time period, the original runner must run and the right to use the courtesy runner for this particular batter will be forfeited for the balance of the game. The 30 second time limit will begin at the time the umpire calls for time to allow replacement for the runner.
6.1.f. The Charleston MBL 35+ allows for a hurry-up rule regarding pitchers and catchers on base with any out. This is voluntary, and does not contribute to the total number of courtesy runners.
6.2 Pitchers:
6.2.a. No player while pitching may wear white or gray sleeves, nor may a pitcher wear a batting glove or wristband while pitching.
6.2.b. There will be no limit on the amount of intentional walks a pitcher can issue during a game. The pitcher does not have to pitch to the batter but will need to make his intention know to the plate umpire at that point, plate umpire will award the batter 1st base.
6.2.c. If a pitcher hits 4 batters in any one game, the pitcher must be removed on the fourth hit batsman.
7. General League Rules
7.1 General Rules:
7.1.a. Two forfeits by any team could mean immediate expulsion from the league with no money refunded to the team. Individual leagues should evaluate circumstances before rendering a decision.
7.1.b. All protests should be lodged to the league protest committee/board within 24 hours after the game for which the protest is made. All protests shall be decided by the league board of directors and/or protest committee.
7.1.c. Participation in at least 4 of the games in the regular season qualifies players for the post season playoffs. Participation is tracked by a registered plate appearance or completing 1 full inning of pitching. Players serving a suspension DO NOT have that game counted towards their 6 game requirement. (Amended: Players that were to make a forfeited game and by no fault to them. The other team had to forfeit their stats to count as a game played towards the 6 game minimum rule.
7.1.d. Each year, all players on the league’s waiting list will be invited to a draft. The annual draft will be conducted in a manner to allow parity in leagues by having the prior year’s teams with the lowest playoffs finishing position drafting first.
7.1.e. In regard to the Men’s Baseball League, players upon reaching the age of 35 do not automatically have to enter the older division. When desired, CMBL 38+ players, unless entering as a full team, when reaching age 38 will enter the senior division draft.
7.1.f. No new teams will be allowed in the league without a ⅔ consent of current teams in the league.
7.2 Code of Conduct:
7.2.a. Prohibitions. Managers and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No manager or player shall commit the following:
7.2.b. Lay a hand upon, shove or strike, or threaten an official. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.
7.2.c. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.d. Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.
7.2.e. Discuss with an official or officials the decision reached by such official or officials, except for the manager or his designee who are authorized to participate in such discussions. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in the game.
7.2.f. Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body or person of an opposing player. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.g. Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for life.
7.2.h. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the board of directors. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.i. Consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs during the game or be upon the field of play at any time in an intoxicated condition. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
7.2.j. Smoke on the field of play or in the dugout. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game.
7.2.k. Direct communication with an umpire or umpire coordinator outside of a game setting by a player or manager is inappropriate and will result in a 1 game minimum suspension. All queries, criticisms, accolades must be communicated through the league’s umpire coordinator.
7.3 Violation Penalties:
7.3.a. The board of directors may, by vote of the majority of the directors, suspend any player or manager for such a period and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct within its opinion is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.
7.3.b. Except as otherwise provided, the commissioners shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the codes of conduct, and shall report their decision to the player, manager and the board of directors.
7.3.c. Player found in violation of any provision delineated in the codes of conduct, after being placed on probation for the remainder of the season shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
7.3.d. Any player found in violation of any provisions delineated in the codes of conduct, after being suspended from further participation in a game shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
7.4 Grievances, protests, and appeals:
7.4.a. Grievances may be filed by an individual player provided that a grievance is formally submitted in writing to the league president with 48 hours of incident. The appeals committee (elected by coaches) shall adjudicate all such grievances and shall report any action taken to the league president.
7.4.b. An appeal of any action or ruling may be filed with the board of directors by an individual player provided that the appeal is formally submitted. However, all decisions by the board of appeals are final and not subject to appeal.
Bylaws Rules of the Charleston Men's Baseball League
