INDEX:   Rules

1. Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs and Other Equipment
2. Game Length, Run Rule and Rain-Outs
3. Teams, Players and Line-Ups
4. Player Behavior and Team Responsibility
5. Pitchers/Fielders
6. General League Rules
7. Code of Conduct

R U L E S

1. UNIFORMS, HELMETS, BASEBALLS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT:

1A.  All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered jerseys, baseball pants, sanitary or stirrup socks, and belts.  Each player’s uniform must be similar design to his teammate uniforms.  Teams having sponsorship will be allowed the sponsor’s name on their uniforms via patch or uniform shirt.

1B.  No player(s) out of uniform(s) will be allowed to play or compete without the opposing manager’s consent prior to substitution or the first pitch to begin a game.

1C.  All teams should have their uniforms by the first game.  A grace period should be extended for newly activated player(s) if an order ran late or was delayed in shipment.  All teams and members must wear similar pants and tops until their regular uniforms arrive.

1D.  All batters and runners must have helmets- there is no exception or other option to this rule.  Full double earflap helmets are encouraged for at bats and are encouraged for the bases.  Catchers are also required to wear a helmet underneath their facemask.

1E.  Teams are required to use the baseballs provided to them.  Each team should bring a minimum of three(3) game balls for each game.

1F.  Wood bats are to be used.

1G.  Metal and plastic cleats are both permitted.

2.  GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE, AND RAIN-OUTS:

2A.  All games are seven (7) innings re: rain four (4) innings complete.  All league playoff and tournament games must be played to completion.  The umpire may suspend, cancel, or call a game if, in both umpires’ opinions, the safety of the players is compromised due to rain, lightning, inclement weather, darkness or time limits.

2B.  If the game is tied after 9 complete innings, the game will be recorded as a tie. For extra innings, the league will utilize the “California Tiebreaker”. Where the previous out will be used as a runner at 2nd base, nobody out.

2C. In the event of a tie for seven(7) innings games, the game will be allowed to be completed to a maximum of nine(9) innings or the drop dead time of two hours forty five (2:45) minutes, whichever comes first.  If the game is still tied at the completion of the 9th inning or drop dead time, the game will be recorded final as a tie. All time limits are from the actual game time start, not the scheduled game time (i.e. Game before runs late).

2D.  At the acceptance of the final Corn Belt League schedule by the managers, it will be agreed that all games are to be played as scheduled.  The only exceptions will be as follows:

**Forfeits

**Rainouts or other inclement weather cancellations

**Administrative cancellation. An example of this might be a power outage at a facility, or a conflict in booking, or any situation that is beyond the control of managers or players.

RUN RULE(s):  Game is over when a team is 10 or more runs ahead after 5 innings for a 7 inning game

2E.  In determining ties for league seeding and placement, only scheduled league games on the master schedule will count in league standings.  All tournament games and exhibition contests will not count as league record.  If both teams agree that a rain-out or make-up will be served by a tournament match up, then both coaches must give consent to the Strike Zone Office.  Example:  Bombers vs. Black Sox are rained out in early June.  They are unable to find an accommodating make-up time, but they play each other by coincidence in the first round, or round robin portion of a tournament.  Both coaches may agree to use this contest to serve for both the league contest and the tournament standing.  The specific tournament they are in at that time will have governing body for rules of play at that time.

2F.  In the event of rain or inclement weather,  the teams must contact the Strike Zone at 402-398-1238 to get an update of those days’ events  scheduled competition and cancellations.  It is possible that sites may be moved due to rain from one section of the city to another. (Example:  Games moved from Seymour Smith to Council Bluffs)

3. TEAMS, PLAYERS, LINE-UPS AND ROSTERS:

3A.  Preliminary rosters are due May 17th-.   As of June 1st, rosters are finalized for the entire season at twenty- thirty  (20-30) players.  

3B.  On or before May 17th- complete rosters will be available in hard copy or on the Web Page. Each team manager is responsible for keeping a copy of the league’s roster with him during league competition.

3C.   All players, prior to participating in a game, must have a signed waiver form on file with the League.

3D.  If a player is forced to leave a game, due to injury, or is ejected from a game, then a reserve player, not previously entered into the game, must hit in the batter’s place.  If no reserve player is present, that spot is an automatic out.

3E.  A team must have eight (8) players for an official game, and may borrow a player from the opposing team, with the opposing manager’s consent.

If the team’s ninth(9th) player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player returns back to his original team, and may reenter the game for his original team.  The late arriving player must bat in the borrowed player’s spot.

A team short of nine(9) players, may opt not to borrow a player, and field eight(8) players.  The missing player’s spot in the batting order would be considered an automatic out until he arrives.

3F.  In the event a team has fewer than eight (8) players, a forfeit shall be automatically declared and a win awarded to the opposing team.  Being that both teams have already been slated for that time slot, they may scrimmage during that time, at the discretion of the umpiring crew.  The outcome of the scrimmage game, and personal stats, will not matter.

          I1.  The score of any forfeited game should be called into the World Herald Sports Department (444-1000) as an 1-0 score.

3G.  No player(s) may switch teams without the consent of both managers and official notification to the Strike Zone.

3H.  In the event a player quits, is injured, or suspended from play during the season, any refund and/or player’s fees will be forfeited.

4. PLAYER  BEHAVIOR  AND  TEAM  RESPONSIBILITY:

4A.  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 and other players.

4B.  An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game.

4C. 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.

4D.  Players shall not intentionally collide with any other player.  In the case of a runner intentionally colliding with a fielder, the runner will be called out, and may, at the umpire’s discretion, be expelled from the game.

All base runners must either slide or concede (give up) their right to a base(avoid a collision by stopping or leaving a base path), if the defensive player (i.e. catcher) has possession of the ball, and is in the act of receiving the ball, or is in the act of same and will be able to make an apparent play on the base runner.

            If a defensive player is not in possession of the ball, or is not in the act of receiving the ball, or is not immediately about to receive the ball so that he is able to record an out (apparent play occurring at any base), he cannot block the base,  or be in the base path so as to impede or obstruct the base runner’s right to that base.  Under such circumstances, the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid any collision.  If a collision does occur under these circumstances, the runner will always be considered safe and the obstruction rule shall be enforced.

The defensive player may be ejected from the game, and will be suspended from league play, if the obstruction is judged to be flagrant.  If the action is intentional, the player must be ejected.

4E.  All managers 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.

An opposing manager may, at any time, have the right to question a player’s roster spot or status on a team.   If a manager wants to lodge a protest, proof must be mailed to the Strike Zone (the address is at the end of this document).

If an illegal player is detected, the Appeal Board and the Strike Zone will decide penalties.

The penalties can include forfeiture of any or all games, in which the illegal player participated. 

If it is a multiple or flagrant violation, the team and player in question, may be subject to possible suspension.

ALSO SEE PROTEST / INCIDENT FORM PROCEDURES.

5. P I T C H E R S:

5A.  No pitcher, while on the mound, may wear white or gray sleeves; nor may a pitcher wear a batting glove or wristband  while pitching.

5B.  If an intentional walk is given,  it is not necessary to throw all four pitches. A batter is allowed to simply be given an intentional  walk simply by a pitcher asking for it.

5C.  If a pitcher hits four(4) batters in any one game, the pitcher must be removed  on the fourth hit batsman.  If, in the event,  it is determined by an umpire (with or without a coach’s appeal), that a pitcher intentionally hit a batter,  the pitcher shall be automatically removed from the game, and a minimum three(3) game suspension shall follow the game in which the event occurred.

If the batter was hit intentionally in the neck, head or shoulder area, the suspension can possibly be for the remainder of the entire season and post-season tournament play; subject to review by the league Appeal Board, which can or may impose a shorter suspension; not to be less than three(3) games.

If the pitcher is determined to have violated this rule for a second time, he shall be suspended for a period of no less than five (5) years.

5D.  There are no regulations as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game, or a week.

5E.  A team may, from time to time, loan pitchers (or position players) to opposing teams that travel or play outside the Corn Belt League.  Examples: Clarinda IA, St Joseph MO., Westphalia Harvest Tournament.

The current team manager must consent to “loaning” these players , and approve a pitchers starts in a given tournament or exhibition game not of his own teams.

     6.  GENERAL  LEAGUE  RULES:

6A.  A forfeit fee shall be assessed to each team, based upon, and subject to, change due to subsequent increases in umpire fees.   If unused, this fee shall be fully refundable at the end of the season. 

Otherwise, forfeits shall be handled in the following manner:

            1st Forfeit:   First Forfeit fee shall be lost and paid to that season’s umpire association.  An additional new money order, or cash amount, must be submitted to a League Official within 96 hours of the forfeit,  or that team will be suspended from active league status.

          2nd Forfeit:  Second Forfeit fee is lost and paid to that season’s umpire association. An additional new money order, or cash amount, must be submitted to a League Official within 96 hours of the forfeit,  or that team will be suspended from active league status.

          3rd Forfeit:   Third Forfeit fee is lost, and the team may be suspended for the remainder of the season; subject to review by the Appeal Board and The Strike Zone.

          A1.   If a team is disbanded or suspended for the season, due to forfeitures or financial difficulties, that team must submit its active roster, and the remaining teams will have a meeting to draft players from that team.  Active league teams will not be required to draft anyone, but will have that opportunity to do so.

  Draft status and order will occur in front of the managers and draft order will be taken from the current League Standings at the time of that meeting;  with the last place team drafting first and in that order, from last place to first.

No one team is required to pick up any player, nor will any drafted player count against a team’s twenty-two(22) man roster.

6B.  All protests should be lodged to the Strike Zone office by phone, mail, or personal conversation, within 24 hours after the game for which the protest is made.  The Appeal Board shall render decisions all protests.

6C.  Each year, the Strike Zone, will compile a waiting list of prospective players. This list will be made available to all team managers.

7.   C O D E    O F    C O N D U C T:

            PROHIBITIONS:

7A.   Managers and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.  No manager or player shall commit the following:

1. 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 the alleged conduct is reviewed by the Appeal Board.  Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season, or expulsion from the league, up to a lifetime ban.

2. 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 the Executive Board reviews his conduct.  Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to probation, or suspension, for the remainder of the season.

3. 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.

4. Discuss with an official, or officials, the decision reached by such 

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.

5. Use unnecessary 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.

6. Be guilty of a 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 Appeal Board.  Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season, or expulsion from the league.

7. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack on any player, manager, official, or spectator—before, during, or after a game.

Players guilty of such conduct will be immediately suspended from further participation in the game, and shall remain suspended until the Appeal Board reviews their conduct.   Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.

P E N A L T I E S:

1. EJECTION:  FIRST OFFENSE:  **Any player  ejected from a game, under any circumstances previously cited, shall be automatically suspended for one additional game.  This suspension will be enforced in the next game played by the player or manager’s team.  It is the responsibility of both the game umpire(s) and team managers to report the name and number of player(s) ejected to the Strike Zone within 24 hours.

EJECTION:  SECOND OFFENSE:  **The procedure outlined in “EJECTION:  FIRST OFFENSE” will be followed for the second offense.

EJECTION:  THIRD OFFENSE:  Player/manager will be suspended for a minimum of 2 games;  to be enforced in the next scheduled games to be played by player or manager’s team.  Procedure remains the same. There will an automatic review  by the Appeal Board after a third offense. The Appeal Board may consider additional penalties, including probation, or permanent suspension.

1. Any player found in violation of any provisions, delineated in the codes of conduct, after being placed on probation, should be considered inactive and ineligible for the remainder of the season.

2. The Appeal Board may, by vote of the majority of the members, suspend any player or manager for such period, and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct, which in its opinion, is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the League.

3. Except as otherwise provided, the Appeal Board 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.

4. A player found in violation of any code of conduct, is ineligible until the  Appeal Board reaches a majority decision.

GRIEVANCES, PROTESTS, AND APPEALS

(See Protest/Incident Report Form)

1. Grievances may be filed by an individual player or by the manager of a team, provided that a grievance is formally submitted to The Strike Zone.  The league’s Appeal Board shall adjudicate all such grievances, and shall report any action taken, to the board of managers.

2. Any appeal of any action or ruling may be filed with the Board, by an individual player or by the manager of a team, provided that the appeal is formally submitted.  However, all decisions by the Board are final and not subject to appeal

SCHEDULING:

1A.  An appointed League official(s) will create and mandate each season schedule in accordance and cooperation with the assigned or designated City, legislative body, or organization.  No games can be changed or rescheduled without first contacting the Strike Zone.

1B.  Rainouts, make-up games, exhibitions, and tournaments, will be assigned and allocated through the Strike Zone, and made public to each league team manager.

G E N E R A L    R U L E S

1. There will be no changes in the league schedule.  All games must be played as scheduled, unless due to rain or a forfeit.
2. Designated hitter (DH) rule will be in effect for only the pitcher.  DH must be made known before game time.  If a DH enters the game defensively, the DH is eliminated.
3. An EH will be allowed and will be able to substitute freely with the starting position players.  The starting position players will be able substitute back into the game at their original fielding position.  Teams can bat a maximum of 10 batters with a DH and an EH.
4. No re-entry will be allowed for players making an appearance in the game and then being substituted. 
5. Ninety (90) seconds allowed between innings.  One (1) offensive conference per inning.
6. Pinch running is allowed, but no courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers are allowed.
7. Only players, in uniform, plus one scorekeeper and managers from each team, are allowed on the team or in the dugout.  Bat boys are allowed with helmet.
8. Base coaches must be in uniform.
9. The Home Team must throw in the first extra ball, then the visiting team.  Both teams are responsible for furnishing ball shaggers to return game balls.
10. The Home Team is marked on the schedule, and must furnish the bases, where needed.
11. The Home Team will have the third base dugout.
12. After the second game of the double header, players of both teams are required to help with tarping fields.  Field Managers and Assistant Coaches are required to oversee this and ensure the fields are taken care of.

PROTEST / INCIDENT  REPORT  FORM  AND  PR

Please refer to the “Protest/Incident Report Form”.

This form is to be used for ALL incidents and/or protests.

The Report is to be postmarked NO LATER THAN 48 hours (2 days) after the incident occurs, with the exception of incidents, when the 2nd day is a Sunday, in which case, a Monday postmark will be accepted.

(Example:  Incident occurs on Friday night; report may be mailed and postmarked on the following Monday.) 

There may be incidents, which require immediate attention- incidents where there were injuries, or police were called, etc.

In these cases, CALL  402-398-1238 IMMEDIATELY, AND REPORT DETAILS.

Leave a voice mail message if necessary.  Follow-up the phone call with a completed Report form.

CLICK HERE FOR: CORN_BELT_LEAGUE_INCIDENT-PROTEST_FORM

MAIL  FORMS  TO:

            The Strike Zone

            2900 S 110th Street

            Omaha, NE  68144

OR

FAX FORMS TO:  402-399-2019

POINT OF CLARIFICATION:

            All written reports must be sent to the Strike Zone or e-mailed to: jsiwa@strikezoneomaha.com