Rule Book

Tri-County League

2026 Rule Book

Table of Contents
RULE CHANGES/UPDATES FOR 2024 ..............................................................1
RULE CHANGES/UPDATES FOR 2023 ..............................................................1
RULE CHANGES/UPDATES FOR 2022 ..............................................................1
RULE CHANGES/UPDATES FOR 2021 ..............................................................1
RULE CHANGES/UPDATES FOR 2020 ..............................................................1
RULE CHANGES/UPDATES FOR 2019 ..............................................................2
1 Uniforms...............................................................................................................................3
2 Helmets................................................................................................................................3
3 Bats......................................................................................................................................3
4 Baseballs .............................................................................................................................3
5 Shoes...................................................................................................................................4
6 Alcohol Rule.........................................................................................................................4
7 Code of Conduct ..................................................................................................................4
8 Field Maintenance................................................................................................................7
9 Season Start and Ending .....................................................................................................7
10 Legal Team Rosters.............................................................................................................8
11 Team Registration................................................................................................................8
12 League Eligibility ..................................................................................................................8
13 Double Rostered Player.......................................................................................................8
14 Changing Teams..................................................................................................................9
15 Pre-Game Workouts ............................................................................................................9
16 Length of Games..................................................................................................................9
17 Umpires..............................................................................................................................10
18 Cancellations, Rescheduling and Partial Game Rainouts..................................................11
19 Forfeits ...............................................................................................................................12
20 Lineups ..............................................................................................................................13
21 Courtesy Runners ..............................................................................................................14
22 Decoys ...............................................................................................................................14
23 Collisions............................................................................................................................14
24 Intentional Walks................................................................................................................15
25 Mercy Rule.........................................................................................................................15
26 Protests..............................................................................................................................16
27 Stats...................................................................................................................................16
28 Standings ...........................................................................................................................17
29 Playoff Eligibility .................................................................................................................17
30 Playoff Rules......................................................................................................................18
31 All-Star Games...................................................................................................................19
32 Team Awards.....................................................................................................................20
33 Miscellaneous Rules ..........................................................................................................20
35 Pace-of-Play Rules.............................................................................................................20
36 Competition Committee......................................................................................................21

Rule Changes/Updates for 2024
• Rule 21.2- All Divisions - With two outs in an inning teams have the option to use
a Courtesy Runner for the pitcher and catcher only who played that position in the
prior inning. The runner must be the last batted out.
• Rule 33.3- Any Pitcher who hits 4 batters during a game may be considered
ineligible to pitch during the rest of that game. The opposing manager, at his
discretion, has the authority to request the umpire remove the starting pitcher
after the 4th hit batter of the game. The umpire can and at his/her discretion
determine the pitcher ineligible. If the pitcher is considered ineligible, he may not
re-enter to pitch in that game. The UMPIRE has the sole discretion to allow the
pitcher to continue or to force a pitching change.

Rule Changes/Updates for 2023
• Rule 10.6- 25 Division Age Requirements for all teams
• Rule 16.8- No ghost runner in extra innings
• Rule 17.5: Show up Fee $30 per contract with BUA.
• Rule 27- Stat entry requirements including penalty for non-stat entry.
• Rule 29.5- Updated for Playoff Eligibility Challenge.
Rule Changes/Updates for 2022
• Rule 7.17 updated. Felony Rule.
• Rule 14.2 modified to disallow players who leave their team to receive credit
toward playoffs on new team.
• Rule 16.7 only applies to a regular season game that is not suspended.
• Rule 16.8 removed. Reverting to MLB extra inning rules
• Rule 17.3 simplified.
• Rule 17.6 removed. No longer needed with updated rule 17.3
• Removed Rule 20.3 (Borrow a player from opposing team)
• Added Rule 20.12 suspended game lineup for restart
• Added Rule 33.5 suspended playoff game continue from point of stoppage
• Registration will close July 8, 2022. No players can be added after that date.
Rule Changes/Updates for 2021
• Rule 16.8- Extra Inning Rule
• Rule 10.2- Players can be added to roster at any time. No cutoff date.
• Section 36- Competition Committee Created and Defined
Rule Changes/Updates for 2020
• Rule 4.5 added- 1 dozen baseballs provided for each Championship series.
• Rule 7.19 added- Managers will be notified of Player discipline.
• Rule 10 cleaned up (Adding a player for an injury, Reg open longer)
• Rule 11 updated: Team Registration
• Rule 20.7 updated- No skipping batters.

• Rule 20.8 updated- Automatic out for injured player with no reserve.
• Rule 20.12 – AB Batter for any lineup spot clarified.
• Rule 24 changed: Following MLB Rules for Intentional Walks
• Rule 28 updated to match Pointstreak capabilities.
• Rule 29 updated: Playoff Eligibility
• Playoff participation rule (Teams who qualify for the playoffs but can’t field a
team to play due to injuries or other extenuating circumstances)

• Division Qualification-
o AA Division Champion has option to move to AAA Premier

o New teams start in AA Division starting in 2021.

Rule Changes/Updates for 2019
• Rule 12: Clarification on Age Limits
• Rule 17.5: Show up Fee $25 per contract with BUA.
• Rule 21.2: All Divisions can use optional Courtesy Runner for catcher only with
2 outs.
• Rule 21.6 through 21.10 have been eliminated.
• Rule 27: National Rulebook no longer applies.

Articles
1 Uniforms
1.1 All players and coaches must have complete baseball uniforms no
later than week 3 of the season. After the 3rd week, anyone not
uniformed will not be permitted to participate.
1.2 Uniforms must consist of: metal/molded baseball cleats, baseball socks,
baseball pants, and baseball shirt and baseball hat consistent with the rest
of the team. Players must wear a numbered Jersey that properly identifies
the player listed on the roster.
1.3 Jersey: The team jersey must be an athletic jersey like any Major or
Minor League jersey. T-shirts are not considered a Jersey.
1.4 Pitchers: No white or gray pitching sleeves, batting gloves or wrist bands
will be permitted for pitchers on the field.
1.5 Players who are invited to participate in league events (All Star Games
Tournaments, etc.) are required to wear full team uniforms.
1.6 Uniforms must be returned to their rightful owner. Uniforms not returned
to a team will result in suspension of play until the Jersey is returned or
paid.
2 Helmets
2.1 All batters and runners must wear batting helmets.
2.2 Earflaps: Helmets with two earflaps are recommended. All batters must
wear a helmet with an earflap facing the pitcher.
2.3 Catchers: Catchers are required to wear a protective helmet under their
catcher’s mask.
2.4 Base Coaches: It is recommended that a batting helmet be worn while
coaching 1B or 3B.

3 Bats
3.1 Ash, Metal-Wood, Bamboo, Maple, Composite wood bats and wood bats
are allowed in Lehigh Valley Baseball League games, league tournaments
and playoffs.
4 Baseballs
4.1 Teams are required to use the official sanctioned baseball of the Lehigh
Valley Baseball League.
4.2 The current sanctioned baseball is the low seam Mpowered 4040 with the
LVBL logo.
4.3 The HOME TEAM will supply 3 new baseballs at the start of the game.
Like new baseballs are permitted during the game as approved by the
umpires. The Home Team is responsible to supply baseballs for the game.
4.4 New league teams that are joining our league from another league
(previous team in another league) are permitted to use existing baseballs
for the first half of the season.
4.5 1 dozen baseballs are provided by the league for each Division
Championship Series.

5 Shoes
5.1 Sneakers and turf shoes are unsafe for use in a baseball game and are not
permitted.
5.2 All players must wear metal or molded baseball cleats to participate.

6 Alcohol Rule
6.1 No League Participant is permitted to play in league events while under
the influence of alcohol. That includes practices, scrimmages, and games.
Players are not permitted to drink alcoholic beverages before or during
any league games or events.
The Lehigh Valley Baseball League does not condone drinking alcoholic
beverages after league games at any baseball facility even when permitted
by the field owner. Assume all Field Owners have a non-alcohol policy
and always abide by the rules of the complex.
All League contracted fields by default are no-alcohol facilities.

7 Code of Conduct
7.1 Managers, players, and teams’ fans shall conduct themselves in a
sportsmanlike manner. Only Team Managers are permitted to argue or
discuss an umpire call or decision.
7.2 A league official has the authority to discipline a player or manager who
acts inappropriately toward the league, an official, opponent, etc. at any
time, up to and including, ejection from a game or league event.
7.3 Ejection/Disqualification Rule: If an Umpire, Manager, or League
Official deems necessary, a player will either be disqualified or ejected
from a game or league event.
Ejection Types (Umpires will determine at the time of the infraction
the type of ejection and report the single game disqualification or
ejection plus one additional game to the league):
• Disqualification- Player is ejected and disqualified for the current
game only. This type of ejection is at the sole discretion of the
Umpires or League Officials at the game. Single Game Ejections
require a completed Player Incident Report from both game
managers and umpires. Game disqualifications can be reported to
the league at any time.
If the disqualified player is registered for multiple teams, he
will be permitted to play the next scheduled game for either
team.
• Ejections: Player is ejected and disqualified for the current game
plus automatically ineligible to play in the next scheduled game.
The number of ineligible games may be increased based on the
details submitted with the Player Incident Report from both game

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managers and umpires. Game Ejections can be reported to the
league at any time.
If the ejected player is registered for multiple teams, he will not
be permitted to play the next scheduled game for either team.
Example: Misconduct during or after an ejection, history of
previous incidents or a request from the Umpires, Manager or
League Officials may increase the number of ineligible games.
7.4 Post Ejection Protocol: A player is to exit the field silently, quickly, and
without further incident. The umpires and manager should notify the
League Officers immediately after the game. Umpires and Managers at the
game must submit a completed “Player Incident Report” available to
logged in Managers and Team Administrators to the President of the
League, Umpire Assignor, and appropriate League Officers within 24
hours of the event. After review of the incident report, the President,
League Officers, or team manager of player, has the right to additionally
suspend, expel, fine or place a player or manager/coach on probation for
the infraction. If it is shown that a manager failed to control a player, the
League will educate the manager on how to appropriately deal with the
situation. If it is a repetitive issue or an offense the League deems highly
objectionable, the manager may also be disciplined.
7.5 Team Infractions: If a player(s) or anyone associated with the team
disrespects an umpire, League Officer, opponent, teammate or fan, and it
cannot be determined who committed the infraction, the entire team, and
more severely, the manager, will be held responsible and disciplined. The
manager and players in the vicinity may face discipline including
suspensions if the player that committed the infraction does not take
responsibility. It is the Manager's responsibility to police his team and
seek the proactive assistance of the League Officers if the behavior is
uncontrollable or feels unsolvable.
7.6 Disrespectful comments when an umpire is present will not be tolerated.
Umpires are to be always treated with respect, on and off the field. At no
point during a league game, while walking to or from their vehicle or
commute home are teams permitted to act disrespectfully. No warning
needs be issued for an ejection/discipline. The rulebook serves as said
warning. Umpires have full authority to eject a player before, during or
after a game. When the game ends the umpires are still in charge until they
decide to leave the playing field.
7.7 Ejections are not required for individual, or team disciplined to be
administered.
7.8 Ineligible Player: A player that is not approved by the league to play in a
game. A player who has not been placed on a team’s roster or has been
suspended due to misconduct. Said player cannot bat, pitch, run, or play
defensively.
7.9 Infractions: Player/Manager infraction/ejections will be tracked and
carried over from previous seasons. Players who commit multiple
infractions or are ejected more than once during their playing career could
be subject to additional discipline.

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7.10 The best way to prevent any disciplinary action is to adhere to the rules
and be respectful. Every player and manager should know the contents of
this rulebook.
7.11 League Officers, along with the President and Vice President, has the
authority and responsibility to determine the discipline for each case.
7.12 Grievances: An individual player or team manager may file a grievance
in writing, to the League Vice President. The Vice President shall
adjudicate all such grievances.
7.13 Appeal: If the decision of a grievance is not satisfactory, a further appeal
can be made to the League President, with a non-refundable $50 grievance
filing fee. The President’s decision is final and not subject to any further
appeals.
7.14 Infraction Matrix: The Matrix is an example ONLY and is generally
used as a guideline to determine discipline. Extraneous considerations
such as previous history of infractions or discipline, will be taken into
consideration when determining discipline. Each case is unique and will
be adjudicated accordingly.
Infraction Violation Examples

Violation Examples Discipline
Level 1 Throwing equipment, taunting opponent or fans
or umpires. Vulgar language, vulgar gestures.

Most likely 1 Game
Suspension

Level 2 Flagrant disrespect toward an Umpire, Manager,
Fan. Unsportsmanlike conduct that is considered
very offensive such as spitting on a player,
attempting to intentionally hurt a player.

Most likely 2 game
suspension

Level 3 Threatening an opponent, umpire, fans or
teammates, either verbal or physical. Refusing to
leave after ejection. Failure to abide by an
umpires or manager’s decision. Flagrant
disregard for League Rules. Repeated Level 1 or
2 Infractions.

Most likely 3 game
suspension and
probation for
remainder ofseason
and/or following
season.

Level 4 Violent and/or threatening behavior that is
considered harassing to any league player,
umpire, fan or official. Threatening of a league
official in any way. Any combination of Level 1,
2 or 3 infractions.

Most likely multiple
game suspension
and/or Expulsion
from the league. Fine
imposed and/or
charity work as a
tradeoff.
7.15 The Lehigh Valley Baseball League does not permit player, coach or
volunteer participation while facing pending felony charges.
7.16 Any Participant found guilty of a Felony charge must immediately notify
the league.
7.17 A Participant found guilty of a recent felony (current) maybe be subject to
league discipline and/or expulsion.
7.18 Any Participant found guilty of a Felony must be reinstated by committee
and league officials prior to any league participation. Request to be

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reinstated must be in writing. In addition, said participant must meet with
League Officials in person to review the circumstances.
7.19 Managers will be notified when the league takes disciplinary action for all
teams.

8 Field Maintenance
8.1 Teams must comply with the field owner’s and League’s rules.
8.2 Teams must have a valid field permit and proper league insurance to play
any game during the Lehigh Valley Baseball League season.
8.3 Teams who play on fields without permission will fined and/or suspended
by the League.
8.4 Teams who play on county fields with permits are not to trade permits or
keys without county and League approval.
8.5 Teams utilizing League-controlled fields may be charged per use or per
season as per League discretion.
8.6 Field Responsibility: Teams must clean, repair, rake, lockup, and leave the
field in proper playing condition when finished with a game. Teams who
do not properly care for a league assigned field will be fined $50 for a first
offense, $100 for a second offense, fined and disallowed to use the facility
for a third offense.
8.7 Dugouts: The dugouts and any areas surrounding the fields, including
parking lots, must be cleared of all debris before leaving.
8.8 Visiting Teams are encouraged to assist with cleaning and repairing the
field in an act of good sportsmanship. Visiting Teams ARE responsible for
cleaning their dugouts and will be disciplined for failure to do so.

9 Season Start and Ending
9.1 Season start date and end date will be announced each season for all
divisions.
In General:
• All scheduled games are expected to be played. Games not played by
the season end date will be considered no plays.
• Teams who do not make every effort to complete season games can be
excluded from the playoffs.
• In the event of rain on the final weekend of the season, the remaining
games must be played on Monday or Tuesday evening. A game with a
minimum of 5 innings must be played to be official.
• Teams cannot elect to forfeit season games even if the game doesn’t
matter for the standings or playoffs.

10 Legal Team Rosters
10.1 A sanctioned team will be considered legal if all the following conditions
are met:
• Team has a minimum of 13 players (Max 30) registered.
• Team must have legally registered players with each player
completing a player registration on the league website.
• Team registration fees paid in full.
• Each player must have a jersey number registered with the league.
10.2 Teams may add players to their roster at any time.
10.3 Any players added to a roster must meet the same eligibility requirements
as any player for playoff eligibility, as listed in Playoff Eligibility Rules.
10.4 Unregistered or ineligible players are not covered by the league insurance
policy. Using unregistered players is strictly forbidden.
10.5 If a player is ineligible to participate and is discovered playing the
following rules apply:
• The Team Manager will be suspended for 1 game and could be
fined up to $250 for the offense.
• The game(s) that the ineligible player participated will be forfeit.
• The ineligible player must register on the league website with the
league within 3 days of discovery.

10.6 25 Division Rosters can have 3 players under the age of 25. Players must
be at least 22 in 2023, 23 in 2024. Players under 25 are prohibited from
pitching or catching.
11 Team Registration
11.1 Coaches and Players register online for their teams each season. For more
information regarding fees, please contact the league.

12 League Eligibility
12.1 AA Division and AAA Premier Division
A player can become eligible to play in the AA and AAA Divisions on the
calendar day of his 16th birthday with Parental consent.
12.2 A player will become eligible to play in the 25+ division in the calendar
year in which his 25th birthday falls.
12.3 A player exceeding the age requirement in any division can play in that
division.
12.4 Age waivers are decided on a case-by-case basis by League Officials.
13 Double Rostered Player
13.1 A player, may play for two different teams, if he does not compete against
a team within his own age division.
13.2 Multiple Rostered players must register for each team with Manager
approval.

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13.3 Multiple Rostered players should explain to each Manager who they will
play for and when. It should be clear the priority to avoid conflicts with
Managers.
13.4 A multiple rostered player will pay the initial player registration fee, and
then subsequent fees to each team.

14 Changing Teams
14.1 After a waiver has been signed, a player is bound to his team unless he is
released by his manager during the season. After the end of the season,
every player is a free agent and does not require his manager’s permission
to move to a different team.
14.2 A player leaving a team during the regular season with Manager approval
will NOT be credited for his playing time. Player must meet playoff
eligibility with new team. The player leaving a team may not return to his
original team during the remainder of the season.
14.3 Any player leaving a team during the regular season with a manager’s
release is not guaranteed participation with another team. Player fees are
not refundable after playing 1 inning of 1 league game.
14.4 Should any player choose to play for a different team, that player must
complete his monetary obligations, if any, and return all uniforms and/or
equipment to his former team.
15 Pre-Game Workouts
15.1 The home team must relinquish the field 40 minutes before the start time
of the game to allow the visiting team to perform pre-game workout.
15.2 The lining of the field, setting of bases, and other field preparations are to
be completed before the visiting team begins its pre-game activities.
15.3 The away team will have 30 minutes for pre-game workout.
15.3 10 minutes before the official game time start is to be used for line-up
exchange, ground rules with the umpires, and other pre-game activities.
15.5 If there is a preceding game, the two teams will split the available time
remaining before their scheduled game.
15.6 If the previous game lasts up to your game’s start time, both teams may
have the field for ten minutes and the game may start thirty minutes late.

16 Length of Games
Regular Season:
16.1 All games shall be 9 innings when both teams play only 1 game on game
day.
16.2 All regular season and playoff game doubleheaders shall be 7 innings,
even if a team plays two different opponents.
16.3 Weeknight scheduled games shall be 7 innings.
16.4 A game called due to darkness, rain, or other unforeseen circumstances,
shall be considered complete if the losing team has had the opportunity to
bat 5 times and both teams must bat 5 times in case of a tie.

16.5 Time Limit:
7-inning games are limited to 2 1/2 hours from the original scheduled
game time start. The inning during which the 2 1/2-hour time limit is met,
will be completed.
9-inning games are limited to 3 hours from the original scheduled game
time start. The inning during which the 3-hour time limit is met, will be
completed. The time limit is enforced by the Umpires and can result in a
win, loss or tie depending on the score at the expiration of time. In the
event of a delayed start, the time limit is enforced from the scheduled start
time.
Playoff Games:
There is no time limit for playoff games.
16.6 Playoff game 1 is 9 innings. Games 2 and 3 are 7 innings each. Game 2
and 3 (if necessary) are 7 innings each even if split over two weekends.
16.7 A game called due to darkness, rain, or other unforeseen circumstances,
shall be considered a suspended game, and therefore, incomplete. It will
be played from the point where it was stopped. Teams must pay the
original full fee if the game extends past 5 complete innings. If the game is
suspended before the completion of 5 inning the fee due is 50% of the full
game fee. When resuming a suspended game, the umpires get a percentage
for each inning played based on the number of innings the game was
supposed to be played.
If the same umpires can be used to finish the suspended game, they get
paid the full game fee due. No additional fees are paid to the same umpires
for a suspended game.
16.8 Extra Innings shall not have a ghost runner.
17 Umpires
Umpire Fees
17.1 The umpire fee for a 7-inning game is $75.00, 9-inning games are $85.00
for 2023.
17.2 Umpires will be paid at the start of each game. Should a game be
cancelled due to rain before it is a complete game, umpires shall keep 50%
of game fees for that game.
17.3 If only one (1) umpire is present to officiate a game that umpire shall take
the position behind the plate and receive a game and a half fee based on
the 7 inning or 9 inning fees listed in section 3 Fees. Fees are split between
both teams. If the “late” umpire arrives at a game within thirty (30)
minutes of the start of the game, that umpire shall take his place on the
field and receive a full regular game fee and the plate umpire shall then
only receive a regular game fee from the home team. Since the fee is
collected prior to the start of the game, the home plate umpire shall return
the game and a half fee and keep only the full game fee. If the “late”
umpire arrives more than forty-five minutes after the start of the game, the

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team managers shall decide whether to continue the game with one umpire
or two umpires.
17.4 If umpires do not show up for a game by the scheduled start time, the
league by contract gives a 15-minute courtesy. After 15 minutes the teams
may agree to play the game and umpire the game themselves from behind
the pitcher’s mound. The self-umpired game cannot be protested.
17.5 If umpires are not notified and show up for the game, they will be paid a
travel fee of $30 by the home team.

18 Cancellations, Rescheduling and Partial Game Rainouts
18.1 If a manager cancels a game, OTHER THAN a RAIN-OUT, he must
notify the umpire assignor, opposing manager and League Officers no less
than 72 hours before the scheduled game.
18.2 If the game is canceled within 72 hours of the scheduled time, the team
will be responsible to pay both umpires. That fee must be paid to the
League by Tuesday after the canceled game. No scheduled games can be
played until these fees are paid.
18.3 If a game is cancelled for any reason the makeup game must be reported to
the League Officers via email with a carbon copy to the League President
that day.
Rainouts- Show up Fee.
18.4 If the HOME team determines that the game cannot be played, due to
unplayable field conditions they MUST:
• Call the umpires assigned to your game.
• Contact the opposing Manager.
• Contact the League to update the game status.
• Contact the Assignor to update the game status.
If weather causes a cancellation less than 2 hours before game start time
and the umpires arrive (30 minutes before game start time) they receive a
$30 show up fee.
18.5 Cancellations, and/or rainouts need to be rescheduled immediately and
reported to the league. Makeup games will be scheduled according to the
following process:
1. Communication from either Manager to the League Officers with
an agreed date, time, and field for makeup game within 72 hours
of cancelled game.
2. After 72 hours the league can automatically schedule a double
header the next time the teams are scheduled to play the same
opponent.
3. If the teams are not scheduled to play another game during the
remainder of the season, the League Officers will pick three dates
for the teams to consider.

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4. Once the three dates are selected the teams will have 48 hours to
agree on the best date or propose another agreeable date. The
agreeable date will be the date and cannot be rescheduled by either
team.
5. After 48 hours if a date cannot be agreed upon between the teams,
the League Officers will schedule the game date, time and location
considered the most reasonable. The league will schedule
according to available fields and not necessarily either teams home
field. That game date is considered final. In the event of a rainout
for the makeup date the same process will be followed for the new
game date.

18.6 Games that are rained out before being completed (5 complete innings)
shall be continued from the stop point.
18.7 Although the league tries to allow much flexibility for make-ups, all teams
are advised that the League Officers have the authority to schedule games
which may or may not be convenient for some teams. Because teams may
be required to play weekday evening games, it is important that teams
make every effort possible to reschedule games on their own and as soon
as possible.
19 Forfeits
19.1 Forfeits are unacceptable, and every attempt should be made to avoid any
forfeit. Teams who forfeit a game(s) will be subject to fines and
disciplinary action by the league. A forfeit compromise the integrity of the
league. Only in extreme extenuating circumstances will a team by
permitted to forfeit.
19.2 If a team forfeits and it’s determined that the team needs to be disqualified
for the season, there will be no league fees refunded to any player,
manager, or sponsor of that team.
19.3 If a team forfeits a game, the forfeiting team is responsible to pay the
umpires the game fee for both teams. The umpires must be paid the day of
the forfeit. The team who forfeits and doesn’t pay the umpires will not be
permitted to play until the umpire payment is complete.
19.4 There will be no double header forfeits. If a doubleheader is scheduled
against the same opponent and one team forfeits, the second game will be
rescheduled. The team that forfeits is responsible to pay the umpires for
the forfeited game.
19.5 If a team does not have enough players to start a game (8 players), there
will be a fifteen-minute grace period, after which time a forfeit will be
declared. A forfeited game will not be allowed to be rescheduled.
19.6 If a team forfeits for any reason and does not pay the umpires the day of
the game, the league will pay the fees on behalf of the forfeiting team. The
team must repay the league in full plus a $50 fine before the next played
game following the forfeit. If the team does not pay the forfeit money
within three days following a forfeit, a league official can cancel all
remaining games until the payment is received. The forfeiting team will

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not be permitted to play another game until all fees owed to the league are
paid.
20 Lineups
20.1 Teams must have 8 eligible players in the lineup for an official game to
start. When an offensive lineup consists of only 8 players, the 9th position
is NOT an automatic out when due up. There is no longer an option to use
the opponent’s players in the lineup. Teams can only bat 8 players until
the 9th player is available. If an eligible 9th player is on the bench they
must be in the lineup.
20.2 Batters may only hit in one lineup spot during a game. An offensive
player who is replaced by a pinch hitter, runner or becomes injured and
removed from the lineup cannot hit during the rest of that game. Player
may play defense even if taken out of the lineup.
20.3 Starting pitchers can return to the mound if they move to another
position on the field and stay in the game defensively. Relief pitchers
cannot return to the mound. If the starting pitcher is taken out and does
NOT remain in the game as a defensive player, he cannot re-enter. If you
take your pitcher out and he goes to the dugout, he cannot return to the
mound, because he is out of the game.
20.4 If the manager wants to add players at the bottom of the lineup, he may do
so at any time and must report the addition to the opposing coach. The
player added to the lineup cannot be a player who was previously in the
lineup in that game.
20.5 Once a player is removed from the batting lineup they are out of the lineup
for the remainder of the game.
20.6 If a player is replaced with a pinch-hitter or a pinch-runner (not a courtesy
runner), the replaced player cannot re-enter the game as a hitter or runner
but may stay in the game defensively.
20.7 Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting
position or when they were added during the game.
20.8 If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or an emergency, a

reserve player, not previously entered in the game as a hitter or pinch-
runner, must hit in the batter’s place. If no reserve is present, that spot is

automatic out.
20.9 Anyone who has a prior commitment must have it announced before the
game starts. When that player must leave the game, if no reserve is
present, that spot is an automatic out.
20.10 All players may be substituted defensively at any time (except for the
pitcher) without affecting the players’ offensive status in the line-up.
20.11 If a player is ejected from the game, and there are no substitutes available,
that player’s batting order spot is left vacant and an out is registered every
time he is due up.
20.12 Managers may optionally choose before each game to utilize the A/B
Rule.
A/B Rule Definition:

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A team MAY declare at the time that lineups are exchanged prior to the
start of play that any batting order position can be occupied by two (2)
players in each such batting position. The first time that batter gets an at
bat, the A batter would hit and the next time this slot hits, B will bat.
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. The A/B rule can be used in any batting spot in
your lineup.
20.13 A manager or his designer (i.e., the batter) must alert the umpire and
opposing manager to any change in the batting order. If a pitch is thrown
to an unannounced additional or substitute player, that player is an
automatic out and the game status will revert to its status prior to that
pitch. This includes pinch hitters as well as hitter’s added mid-game to the
end of the batting order.
20.14 In the event of suspended game, teams must bat at least 8 players at the
start of the rescheduled game. Players who were present for the suspended
game must bat in the same order as the rescheduled game. If a player does
not show up for the rescheduled game, and there are not enough players to
fill the original batting lineup, it is not an out. The absent player will be
skipped in the lineup unless a bench player is available at the game.

21 Courtesy Runners
21.1 No team is required to use a Courtesy Runner. A courtesy runner is the
last batted out when used.
21.2 With two outs in an inning teams have the option to use a Courtesy
Runner for the pitcher and catcher only who played that position in the
prior inning. The runner must be the last batted out.
21.3 A courtesy runner must be on the base within 30 seconds from time being
called.
22 Decoys
22.1 If an infielder decoys a throw, all runners will be entitled to advance one
base. If the same fielder decoys a throw twice in a game, he will
automatically be ejected from the game by the umpire.
22.2 The decoying referred to is where a player on base slides unnecessarily
due to a fielder faking as if a throw is coming to the base.
22.3 No hidden ball tricks will be allowed.
23 Collisions
23.1 Players shall not intentionally collide with any player.
23.2 In the case of a runner intentionally colliding with a fielder, the runner
may be called out at the umpire’s discretion and could be expelled from
the game.
23.3 All base runners must either slide or give up their right to a base, (avoid a
collision by stopping or leaving a base path) if the defensive player has
possession of the ball.

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23.4 If a defensive player is not in possession of the ball, is not in the act of
receiving the ball, or is not about to immediately receive the ball so
that he is able to record an out (apparent play 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, at the discretion of the umpire, if the action is
deemed intentional. A player must slide or give himself up at all bases.
23.5* A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to
the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player
covering home plate). If, in the judgment of the Umpire, a runner
attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher (or other player
covering home plate) in such a manner, the Umpire shall declare the
runner out (even if the player covering home plate loses possession of the
ball). Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot
block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the
judgment of the Umpire, the catcher, without possession of the ball, blocks
the pathway of the runner, the Umpire shall call or signal the runner safe.
Catchers must allow a player clear access to home plate anytime the
catcher is not in the act of directly receiving the ball.
*Rule 23.5 comment- The failure by the runner to try to touch the plate,
the runner's lowering of the shoulder, or the runner's pushing through with
his hands, elbows, or arms, would support a determination that the runner
deviated from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the catcher in
violation of Rule 23.5. If the runner slides into the plate in an appropriate
manner, he shall not be adjudged to have violated Rule 23.5
A slide shall be deemed appropriate, in the case of a feet first slide, if the
runner's buttocks and legs should hit the ground before contact with the
catcher. In the case of a headfirst slide, a runner shall be deemed to have
slid appropriately if his body should hit the ground before contact with the
catcher.
24 Intentional Walks
24.1 An intentional walk occurs when the defending team elects to walk a
batter on purpose, putting him on first base instead of letting him try to hit.
The manager can signal an intentional walk from the dugout at any point
during a plate appearance, putting the batter on first base automatically.

25 Mercy Rule
25.1 Nine (9) Inning Games two run rules may apply:
1. A twelve (12) run rule shall apply after five (5) innings for nine (9)
inning games. If either team is winning by twelve runs or more
after the 5th inning, the game is over, it is an official game, and
the umpires are entitled to the full game fee. If at any time after

the 5
th inning either team goes ahead by 12 runs the game is
over.
2. In addition, a ten (10) run rule shall apply after seven (7) innings.
If the home team is winning by ten runs or more after the visiting
team bats in the 7th inning, the game is over, it is an official game,
and the umpires are entitled to the full game fee. If at any time
after the 7th inning either team goes ahead by ten (10) runs the
game is over.

25.2 Seven (7) Inning Games one run rule applies:
1. A ten (10) run rule shall apply after five (5) innings. If either team
is winning by ten runs or more after the 5th inning, the game is
over, it is an official game, and the umpires are entitled to the full
game fee.

25.2 Mercy rules apply for Playoff and Championship games.
26 Protests
26.1 All protests must be logged in writing by email within 24 hours of game
completion. The protest form should be emailed to the League President
within 48 hours of the game completion.
26.2 A non-refundable $50 fee must accompany the protest form.
26.3 All protests will be considered and resolved by the League Officers. If
necessary, a Manager Vote in the Division.

27 Stats
27.1 Stat entry is an important part of running a quality team, therefore it’s
required that all teams enter stats within 48 hours of played games.
27.2 Team stat entry must be submitted within 48 hours of a played game
before the next scheduled game is permitted.
27.3 Teams that do not enter stats in a timely manner will be banned from the
playoffs.
27.4 Scores can be entered separately from stats, the scores should be entered
on the same day as the game.
27.5 Each team must keep an accurate line-up of the opposition. It is not
necessary to keep detailed records of the opposition’s play, but the list of
players and participants in the game must be recorded.
27.6 The home team scorebook is the official score of the game. Away teams
should check the score a few times during the game.
27.7 Stats are to be calculated and entered accurately based on the player’s actual
performance. At no time is it permissible to enter stats that are not accurate.
27.8 Major League rules will apply in all instances not covered by the Lehigh
Valley Baseball League Rulebook.
The rulebook priority is as follows:
1. Lehigh Valley Baseball League Rulebook has priority.

2. Major League Rulebook has second priority.

28 Standings
28.1 Points Based System- Point Based is when a team is awarded a fixed
number of points for a win, a tie or a loss.
Win: 2 points
Loss: 0 points
Tie: 1 point per team.
*Forfeit counts as a loss and may disqualify a team from
the playoffs.
Tiebreaker Rules:
Win, Loss, Head-to-head, WP, Run Diff

28.2 Your regular season League Standings will be automatically generated and
updated as scores are entered for completed games. The online scoring
calculation is considered the master.

29 Playoff Eligibility
29.1 Managers are excluded from this rule. Only the team manager that is
reported to the league as the manager can qualify for this rule. This rule
does not apply to assistant managers.
29.2 In order for a player to qualify for his team’s playoff games, he must play
in 1/2 (one half) of the scheduled games minus 1. The number will be
rounded down as follows:
Scheduled Games Formula Games Required
16 Games 8 games played minus 1 7 required
17 Games 8.5 games played minus 1 = 7.5 7 required
18 Games 9 games played minus 1 = 8 8 required
19 Games 9.5 games played minus 1 = 8.5 8 required
20 Games 10 games played minus 1 = 9 9 required
21 Games 10.5 games played minus 1 = 9.5 9 required
22 Games 11 games played minus 1 = 10 10 required
23 Games 11.5 games played minus 1 = 10.5 10 required
24 Games 12 games played minus 1 = 11 11 required

The player also must meet any one of the following criteria to qualify for
the playoffs:
• Number of plate appearances equal to his team's games played.
• Number of innings pitched equal to his team's games played.
• Number of defensive innings equal to his team's games played.
Note: Forfeits against a team count as a game played for ALL players on
the roster. If your team forfeits, your players do NOT get credited for a
game played.

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Any player who qualifies based on these criteria can participate in any
facet of the game; that is a member who has become eligible because of
having enough plate appearances, innings pitched or defensive innings and
played in one-half of the scheduled games (minus one) can participate in
the playoffs.
A player who sustains an injury during the season can become playoff
eligible by playing in 33% of all officially scheduled games. The League
must be notified of an injured player before the end of year qualification
report is delivered.
Playoff eligibility reports are sent to all teams who qualified for the
playoffs. Teams whose stats are not completed on a weekly basis and left
to enter at the end of the year will be considered ineligible at the discretion
of the League Officers or League President.
29.3 Only verifiable and immediately documented injuries and/or Military duty
of legally rostered LVBL players will be given credit for missed games.
An official doctor’s note from a licensed medical practitioner that does not
participate with the LVBL is required within 21 days of the reported
incident.
29.4 Scores and statistics must be submitted to the League website within 48
hours of game completion on a weekly basis for a team to be eligible for
playoffs and post-season. Statistics must be submitted game-by-game (not
cumulative).
29.5 Player eligibility player challenge must happen by Wednesday 9 PM in
writing to the league officers each playoff week. A player challenge must
be researched and evaluated in time to determine eligibility. Any player
deemed eligible during a challenge will be eligible for the remainder of the
playoffs and championship. Any player deemed ineligible will be
disqualified and notified of the decision before the day of the playoffs
when possible.
29.6 If a team has less than 8 players (official minimum number for a
game) eligible for the playoffs, that team will be ineligible to play post
season. All seeding will be adjusted accordingly.

30 Playoff Rules
30.1 Playoffs are intended to provide very competitive, tournament style
baseball. The league will enforce one Saturday game starting at 4 pm
and two Sunday games starting at 1pm by default as the standard
schedule. Teams can agree to play anytime Friday through Sunday
provided both teams agree with the schedule. If there is a disagreement
regarding the schedule the league will enforce the standard schedule.
30.2 The highest seed will determine the Home/Away teams and locations for
Game 1 of the series. Game 2 will be scheduled based on the decision for
the Game 1 of the highest seed.
The highest seed will be the home team for either the Game 1 and 3 or
Games 2 and 3.

The choices are as follows:
• Game 1: highest seed home field, home team
o Game 2 away field, away team
o Game 3 away field, home team
• Game 1: highest seed away field, home team
o Game 2 home field, away team
o Game 3 home field, home team
• Game 1: highest seed away field, away team
o Game 2 home field, home team
o Game 3 home field, home team
• Game 1: highest seed home field, away team
o Game 2 away field, home team
o Game 3 away field, home team

30.3 Teams qualifying for the playoffs will get home field priority. If league
teams share a field, the league will schedule home games ahead of regular
season games during the playoffs. Teams playing a regular season game
on a shared field will be moved to another field to accommodate playoff
or championship games. However, if the Township or governing body of
the field will not allow the higher seed to play at their home field on a
playoff weekend, then those games will be moved to a neutral field.
33.4 Playoff seeding rules are determined each season based on the size of the
division and manager votes. The website is updated prior to the start of
each season.
33.5 Suspended Playoff games will resume from the point of stoppage
regardless of the number of innings played.

31 All-Star Games

31.1 The Lehigh Valley Baseball League conducts All-Star Games at Coca-
Cola Park each season as permitted by the IronPigs organization. The

event is a marquee event for our league and should be attended by every
player in the league who can reasonably attend. Players and Managers
should understand the need to both promote and support the event.
In general, the following rules apply specifically for the All-Star Games.
• Mangers who are selected to the All-Star Games must have the team
batting lineup prepared 30 minutes before the start of the game.
• Players are not permitted to wear cleats into or out of the stadium. Cleats
must be worn on the field only.
• Every player who makes the All-Star Team Roster must play in the game
by either pitching, playing offense or defense.
• Children are not permitted in the dugouts during the game without league

approval. Bats boys/girls wearing a protective helmet who are pre-
authorized by a league official only are excluded.

• Players must keep the dugouts, bullpen and hitting areas always clean.
• Players are not permitted to bring outside food or beverages to the game.
• Player warmups on the field are not permitted, except throwing. You must
be at least 20 Feet in from the left and right field lines to warm up.
• Players must be ready to be announced before the start of the game.

32 Team Awards
32.1 Teams awards are issued to teams winning the Division Championship. A
League Official will be onsite for the final game of the series whenever
possible.
The awards for winning the Division Championship is as follows:
• Championship Crystal Trophy
• Championship Hats
• Website Team photo/Article
• Internet Radio Season Preview Show

33 Miscellaneous Rules
33.1 All rules and regulations are subject to review and interpretation by the
League Officer or rules committee.
33.2 All rule changes are discussed and determined by Managers and
executives of the League.
33.3 Any Pitcher who hits 4 batters during a game may be considered ineligible
to pitch during the rest of that game. The opposing manager, at his
discretion, has the authority to request the umpire remove the starting
pitcher after the 4th hit batter of the game. The umpire can and at his/her
discretion determine the pitcher ineligible. If the pitcher is considered
ineligible, he may not re-enter to pitch in that game. The UMPIRE has the
discretion to rule however they want.

35 Pace-of-Play Rules

Pace-of-Play rules are designed to eliminate unnecessary time delays and
improve the overall rhythm of the baseball game. The rules are not
intended to “rush” the game, but to provide a more modern version of the
game that players and fans can really enjoy.
35.1 With certain exceptions, hitters must keep one foot in the batter's box
between pitches throughout their at-bat.
35.2 Umpires will have between-inning timers to ensure the next half-inning
starts promptly. The timers will be set at 2 minutes, 25 seconds. Pitchers
and hitters will both be encouraged to be ready to go when the clock
reaches :20.
35.3 Pitchers must deliver a pitch within 12 seconds with no one on base.
35.4 Time Out Rules
Teams are limited to 3-time outs per game (including extra innings) for the
following:
1. Players conferences with the pitcher, including catchers.
2. Manager and/or Coach conferences with the batter.
Conferences during pitching changes and time outs due to injuries or other
emergencies do not count towards the limit.