D.B.A. Competition Rules

Competition Rules
The Competition Rules are to be read in conjunction with the fixtures and the Official Baseball Rules published by the National Baseball Congress of America as adopted by the Australian Baseball Federation subject to such alterations and omissions as shall be agreed upon from time to time by the Association to suite local conditions.
1. START
Games shall commence at2.00PM, or at such other time as shall be determined by the Association.
First named Club is the Home Club and shall occupy third base bench and field first.
(I) All women's games two hours duration, or seven innings,no five-minute rule.
(ii) A-Grade games commence 2.15PM and continue for 9 innings, light permitting.
(iii) A-Reserve grade games commence 12.00PM for two hours duration, no five-minute rule.
Sunday Games -At above times or at times designated in fixtures. * 9.45AM games two hours duration, no five-minute rule.
* II. OOAM games two/half hours duration no new innings shall commence after 1.20PM with the game to cease at 1.45PM.
* 2.00PM games nine innings duration light permitting.
The umpire shall be the sole judge of the fitness of the playing field for the playing of the game and for the resumption of play and after any suspension. Where a team has less than the required number of players to commence a match up to ten minutes grace will be allowed, other than for the second match of a "double header". Play shall commence immediately seven players are in attendance for any game.

Umpires shall give notice at least ten minutes before the scheduled starting time of any ground items requiring attention.

For any game up to 15 minutes grace can be allowed to correct ground markings to a reasonable standard before the game need be forfeited. If and when a diamond is declared unfit for play fifteen minutes can be allowed for the home team to complete a new diamond or a "no game" results.

To call a game due to fitness of the playing conditions the umpire must be in attendance at the ground at the scheduled time of commencement. This ruling does not prevent the Association abandoning a round due to weather, etc.

LATE START: Shall be reported by the umpire and a fine imposed on the Club(s) responsible.

2. FINISH
All games shall be played over 9 innings, weather and light permitting, or the 10 run rule where applicable, unless and as otherwise determined by the Association.
Exception: Where a game is not officiated at by an official umpire, the game shall cease at 5.00pm sharp. (No five minute rule.)

10 Run Rule: The game shall be 'called' immediately when one team is leading by 10 runs or more after 7 completed innings provided that the last half of the seventh or eight inning shall not be played or completed if the home team is or becomes 10 or more runs ahead. The game ending provisions of Rules 4.09, 4.10 and 4.11 shall be applied. The 10 Run Rule shall apply to all games including finals.
Five Minute Rule: If at the completion of even innings, from call of "side out"
there remains more than five minutes of time before the scheduled completion time of the game, a further complete innings shall be played, except where the home team needs none of its half inning or only a fraction of it.
It at five minutes before the scheduled time of completion the Home Team is: AHEAD the game ceases immediately.
TIED or BEHIND -the game continues until the winning run is scored or the side is retired.
In any game, if five minutes or less remains at the completion of even innings the game shall end.
3. WALKOVER
In the event of a walk -over, the names of the players in attendance from the defaulting team must be recorded on the Match Report Card. The non defaulting team must be recorded on the Match Report Card naming a minimum of 7 players and a maximum of 9 players if in attendance. No player then so recorded may play in another game in that round. Penalty for a walkover is a fine plus full payment of all umpire fees. Repeated walk-overs could lead to disqualification.
4. LEGAL GAME
Shall be a minimum 65 minutes or regulation game per Rule 4.10 (c).

5. PREMIERSHIP POINTS
(a) Two (2) points shall be allocated for each win in a Competition Match. A tied game shall result in one point to each team. A tied game shall result in one point to each team. In the event of a game being declared "No Game" one (1) point shall be awarded to each team.
(b) Should more than one team be equal on match points at the conclusion of the 'home and away' matches, percentage will determine the position of teams on the premiership table. To determine the percentage the following procedure shall apply.
"Total runs for, plus runs against, divided into total runs for.
total runs for
total runs for + total runs
The team having the higher quotient shall be considered to have the better performance. "

(c) Club Championship Points. Points for the Club Championship will be awarded on the basis of premiership points multiplied by a certain factor . Factors will be A Grade (5), A Res. and B Grade (4), C Grade (3), D Grade Women and E Grade (2), Juniors (1). The Club with the highest total of points will be declared the Club Champion.
6. GROUND EQUIPMENT -TO BE PROVIDED BY HOME TEAMS
(a) Playing Area -The playing field shall be enclosed if possible, but on all grounds not enclosed, a net or distinguishing mark and line shall be placed sixty feet from the home plate. Where the distance beyond the first and third base line exceeds ninety feet, a white line shall be marked parallel with the respective base line. Any foul fly ball can be legally caught within the fenced or unfenced ground but not behind the back net. Limits and conditions to be established by the managers with the umpire.
(b) Back Nets -A securely erected continuous back net at least thirty feet by ten feet.
(c) Pitching Mat -A securely pegged mat, minimum 6 feet by 4 feet. Grounds, which have a raised mound, are exempt.
(d) Bases -To be white and secured with adequate pegs.
(e) Home Plate -To be white and fixed only if flush to the surface. On constructed baseball fields the plate shall be permanently fixed.
(f) Foul Flags -Flags of cloth at least eighteen inches square on single poles at least 3 feet 6 inches high/. No discs or metal plates permitted.
(g) Players' Benches -Must be provided for all games.
(h) Match Balls -In "A" Grade, two new approved leather waterproof baseballs of the same brand to be available. F or other games two approved baseballs in good condition may be used and sufficient balls are to be available. Vinyl baseballs are not permitted in senior games. Match baseballs shall not be available for pre-innings warm-ups except for use by the pitcher.
(i) Home Run Fences -Where a temporary home run fence is used such home
run fence shall be defined by locating witches' hats or flags of cloth at least eighteen inches square on single wooden poles. No discs or metal plates permitted. A white line is to be marked on the ground joining each marker. The home team club shall be required to locate two responsible members on the home run fence to assist the umpire to judge on close decisions concerning whether the ball landed over the line. The use of a temporary fence is optional.
(j) Warming Up -Catchers warming up pitchers at any point during the game will be required to wear a mask at all times.

7. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
(a) Uniforms shall be registered. No player whose uniform does not conform to that of his teammates shall be permitted to participate in a game. (Rule 1.11 (a) (3)).
Exception: Other than " A" Grade, "A" Reserve and "B" Grade.

(i) Seven players at least shall comply and the other two shall be as near as possible to the team uniform. All deficiencies shall be reported by the umpire.
(ii) Coaches uniform not compulsory provided club jacket or shirt is worn.
(b) (i) Jackets- A pitcher may bat wearing a jacket. A batting pitcher who reaches base may at the completion of that play put on (or remove) his jacket provided it is readily available with the base coach. No other player may wear a jacket while playing.
(ii) Outfielders may wear jackets subject to approval by Chief Umpire relating to weather conditions.
(c) Helmets -The wearing of helmets, in Club colours, whilst batting, catching and base running is compulsory. Batters must wear 2 eared helmets at all times.
(d) Gloves- No circle marking shall be different in colour to the glove. (e) Bats -Wooden or aluminium bats may be used.
(f) Caps -Club caps to be worn by fielding team, coaches and managers at all times.
(g) Jewellery -Exposed jewellery such as wrist watches, bracelets and types of earrings neck chains or any other items judged dangerous by the umpire may not be worn during the game. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewellery, but if worn must be taped to the body.
8. SMOKING etc.
No smoking or alcoholic beverage shall be permitted upon the playing field. Without warning, offenders shall be ejected from the game with no subsequent action apart from a fine.
9. UMPIRES
Should an umpire not be in attendance the home team shall arrange for the umpiring of the game and complete a Match Report Card and forward to the Secretary within 72 hours. When only one umpire is present and intends to 'call' the game from behind the catcher, the home Club shall supply a line umpire. No change during the game is permitted. For all games, managers shall tender batting order lists per Rule 4.01 to the umpire. Umpires so appointed must have attained the age of sixteen. Umpires fees $35.00 for both plate and line.
10. MATCH REPORT CARDS
Umpires shall complete a match report card in full and forward to the secretary to reach him no later than 72 hours after completion of the match.
All players' names shall be clearly written or printed (use biro, not pencils) with initials.
Any player report shall be advised to the Secretary of the Association no later than the evening following the game, and the umpire shall retain the report section of the card for presentation to the Tribunal.
The team managers must come to the scorer's area and sign the Match Report Card after its completion by the umpire. Signing of the card is compulsory and provides the opportunity for managers to note the details on the card. No other official notice of the report details shall be forwarded to the club player reported.
11. (A) BEST PLAYER VOTES
For all grades three, two and one votes (no shared votes) are to be recorded by the chief umpire on card supplied and upon completion the card must be forwarded to the Secretary accompanied by the Match Report Card. Where there is no Official Umpire or the Umpire in charge is deemed to be a Club Umpire for one of the participating teams, then both captains must sign the vote card.
(B) Statistics
For A grade, statistics sheets shall be completed and forwarded to the Secretary within 72 hours of the completion of the match.
12. SCORERS
Scorers shall be responsible for recording of match details and where possible sit
together. Clubs shall provide some suitable facility for scorers. The home team shall advise the Association of the match details as directed.

13. TRIBUNAL
The Association Tribunal shall meet on Thursday evenings following a player or official being ejected from a game and such meeting, when necessary, shall convene at a venue determined by the Executive commencing at 7.00PM. Team Captains should take note of the report for no other notice shall be given. It is the responsibility of ejected members to provide witnesses in support of their defense.
14. DESIGNATED HITTER RULE --
This rule is available for A Grade and A Res Grade and B Grade only.
15. B. C. D AND E GRADE INTERCHANGE RULE
That in addition to normal substitution of players, a player replaced at the end of the third innings may return to the game at the end of the sixth innings.
The purpose of this rule is to allow mangers with squads of extra players to give each player six innings in a nine innings game, rather than force one or two players to sit out most of the game as happens under the official rules.
Example -Player A is replaced by player B at the end of the third innings. At the end of the sixth inning, he may be returned to the game in place of player C - taking C's place in the batting order -or in place of player B, returning to his original place in the batting order.
No variation in the timing of the substitution shall be permitted.

16. PROTESTS (Bv Law 14)
"14. PROTESTS -if during a match played under the control of the Association, any protest shall arise concerning the Playing Rules (other than judgment decisions) the protest shall be dealt with by the Executive Committee, and in such manner as the Executive shall from time to time determine.
Notice of the protest stating clearly the rule or rules believed to have been infringed against must be lodged in writing, and received by the Association Secretary within 48 hours, together with a $50.00 fee, which shall be forfeited should the protest be considered frivolous.
(a) A protest must be lodged at the time of the objection with the umpire. The umpire must be given the opportunity to consider the point raised by the captain.
(b) The objecting captain, should he decide to continue the protest advises the umpire, and scorer's record details as to:
i. Innings
ii. Position of runners
iii. The call on player at bat
It is the responsibility of the objection captain to request the umpire to endorse upon the Match Report Card that a protest has been lodged should he proceed with the protest."
17. DESIGNATED PITCHER RULE
I. The principal of the rule is to allow first nine players under the age of 25 and less than top rating pitchers to pitch in the reserve game.
2. Clubs who wish to use this rule should first submit the names of their two top ranked pitchers for approval by the league.
3. A club may use eligible player than their approved top rated pitchers to be a starting pitcher in the reserves game (with the use of a DH) then play other than a pitcher in the first nine game.
4. If the DP plays in the reserves game other than as a pitcher or bats he becomes a normal reserves player and may not participate in the later game until after the completion of the third innings.
5. Unwires have the right to direct that a DP may not, if in contravention of this rule, participate in either game.
6. Penalty for contravention of this rule will be at the discretion of the Association.
7. Participation in each game shall count as a game played in each grade, for finals eligibility.
8. This rule can be used if a team has less than 9 players but not less than 7.
9. Juniors pitching in senior games. a). If a club has no U16 or U18 teams a junior may only throw 100 pitches on any weekend. (last batter may be finished) b).If a club has U16 or U18 teams, a pitcher may pitch NO MORE than five (5) innings or part thereof.

18. TWO GAMES IN ONE DAY RULE"
I. This rule is available for A Reserve Grade only. A player after participation in the A Reserve grde may also enter the late game after the completion of the third innings.
2. A pitcher in the early game may not then pitch in the late game.
3. Three players only from the early game only will be allowed to participate in the late game.
4. Both matches will count in determining eligibility for finals. 5. This rule not available for finals.
6. Penalties for contravention of this rule will be at the discretion of the Association.

19. AGE QUALIFICATIONS
1. Juniors must be fourteen years of age before they can take the field in senior baseball, and fifteen years of age in A-Grade baseball.
2. To play in the womens competition, a player must be thirteen years of age.

TRIBUNAL PROCEDURE -REPORT
THE REPORT
I. The following procedures shall be adopted in respect of the lodgement of reports against players, coaches and officials by umpires for a breach of the Baseball Rules, etc.
2. YELLOW CARD I RED CARD SYSTEM
A Yellow Card -shown to a player as a warning without ejection from the game (no appearance at the tribunal).
A Red Card -shown to a player for immediate ejection from the game resulting in an automatic appearance at the tribunal.
3. YELLOW CARDS
(a) An umpire may issue a yellow card to a player for less serious offences such as:
* equipment abuse (throwing bats, helmets, etc)
* dangerous play (fake tags, feet up slides, etc)
* minor swearing
* dissent, sledging
* misconduct by players and Club spectators etc.
(b) Yellow Card warnings will be noted on player report cards (yellow card), stating players name, club, date and nature of the offence. Cards will be sent to the Association Secretary with Match Report Cards and records kept. Clubs will be notified when a player has received three (3) yellow cards during the course of the season, which will result in that player receiving a one-week automatic suspension for the next game. Subsequent yellow cards issued to that player will also result in a further automatic one-week suspension.
(c) Any player dissatisfied with being shown a yellow card shall be able to appeal to the Association in writing accompanied by a $15.00 fee, stating his/her case. The fee is refundable if the appeal is found not to be frivolous. Upon Association approval the Tribunal shall hear the case for the player to have the report dismissed. Both the player and umpire and any witnesses for the player or umpire shall be required to appear at the Tribunal.

4. RED CARDS
(a) An umpire may issue a RED CARD to a player for serious offences such as:
* abusive and/or insulting language
* continuous dissent
* fighting, striking etc.

(b) Red card offences will be dealt with directly by the tribunal in accordance with these procedures and that will be tbe end of that report. Records will continue to be kept for future reference of players who continue to appear at the Tribunal for offences, which may be taken into account when determining any penalties
(c) All persons removed from a game shall be reported by the umpire or umpires, except for a smoking offence.
(d) Sufficient detail, of the report to indicate the nature of the ejection or report shall be endorsed by the umpire or umpires upon the match card, which must be signed by the captain or manager of each team at the conclusion of the game.
(e) Except for a smoking or alcoholic or beverage offence (unless the umpire makes a specific report in relation to these offences), the reported person must appear before the Tribunal before he can participate in a further Competition Match. Should the Tribunal be unable to meet to hear, the report prior to the next match, and either the Umpire or reported person having an explanation for not being able to attend a Tribunal Meeting, and this is acceptable to the Secretary of the Association. the Secretary may upon such request grant the person permission to participate in a match pending the hearing. The umpires shall notify the Association Secretary no later than 24 hours following the match to advise of the report. The umpire will retain the relevant half of the match report card and present it to the Tribunal at the night of the hearing.
(f) Wording of the report may be as follows",
Striking of ……
Attempted striking of ……
Unduly rough play in…..
Unsportsmanlike conduct in…
Abusive/indecent/threatening language to….
Misconduct in…..
Etc……..
(g) All yellow card offences would become null and void at seasons end and all persons start from scratch for the next season. Any player receiving a third or subsequent yellow card in his/her 1ast match of the season will be automatically suspended for the first match of the following season.
(h) Umpires are to be encouraged to continue to use common sense and to continue to give verbal warning to players for minor dissent etc, before a yellow card is shown