EBL • Rules

Rules

General

Maximum of 5 runs per half inning, except the last inning (open inning).
The last inning is declared by the Home Plate Umpire when 30 minutes remain.
If a home run brings in more than 5 runs for the half inning, all runs will be counted and the half inning will come to a close.
Three outs per inning.
Games are up to 7 innings maximum (sunlight/weather permitting) during the regular season.
Playoff games are up to 9 innings.
Umpires will keep an official score.
Each team is responsible for keeping their own stats and uploading them.
The only base-runner substitution is for the catcher when there are two outs.
If the last inning is called and the game is tied:
- Each team will start with a runner on second base and one out.
- If the game ends in a tie, each team will receive one point.
All players on the field must be registered:
- All players in the batting order must be registered.
- There are no exceptions to this rule as it is a condition of the EBL's insurance policy.
If at game time a team does not have at least 8 players:
- The team with fewer than 8 players will forfeit the game (no points gained in the standings).
- At the discretion of the team captains, the game may proceed; however, the final score will not count and statistics in Game Changer will not be kept.

Wood bats only.
All players on the roster who are present are included in the batting order.
Batting order is selected at the beginning of the game and kept consistent each game.
Each plate appearance will result in one of the following (first to occur):
- Three strikes complete an out.
- A foul ball will count as a strike for the first two strikes.
- A foul ball will count as a third strike if the batter attempts a bunt and fouls the ball with a bunt.
- Four called balls outside of the zone.
- A ball hit fair that lands between the left and right field foul lines and the player reaches base safely.
- A ball caught before it touches the ground by any member of the opposing team results in an out.
- A ball fielded by an opposing team member resulting in an out when thrown to the person covering first base, or when the batter is tagged by the ball (gloved or otherwise) en route to any base.
- A ball hit beyond the boundaries of the playable field results in a home run by the batter and runs by any baserunners already on base.
- A ball hit that bounces over the boundaries of the playable field results in an automatic double. Baserunners on base will advance two bases from their occupied base before the next pitch is thrown.

Stealing bases is allowed when one of the following occurs:

While the pitcher is throwing to home plate.
During a pickoff attempt when the pitcher throws to a fielder to tag out another baserunner.
On a wild pitch or passed ball.
On an error by the opposing defense.
During a delayed steal after the catcher returns the ball to the pitcher.

Advance automatically one base if the ball is thrown out of play by an opposing fielder.

Safety and interference:

No intentional contact or interference is tolerated from either the runner or defender.
Any spiking or intentional contact results in immediate expulsion and possible suspension.

Fielder Right of Way

Players, coaches, or any member of the team at bat shall vacate any space (including both dugouts or bullpens) needed by a fielder attempting to field a batted or thrown ball.
If a member of the team at bat (other than a runner) hinders a fielder's attempt to catch or field a batted ball, the ball is dead, the batter is declared out, and all runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch.
If a member of the team at bat (other than a runner) hinders a fielder's attempt to field a thrown ball, the ball is dead, the runner on whom the play is being made is declared out, and all runners return to the last legally occupied base at the time of the interference.
The fielder must provide a clear path to the base at all times.
Any impediment to the runner on the base path results in interference and the base +1 will be awarded; any runners displaced by the awarded runner may advance one base.

Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 4 innings or 12 outs (in a row or combined) per game.
Pitchers must begin their wind up touching the rubber pitching block.
Pitchers must be removed if they have hit 3 batters in a game.
Any clearly intentional hit by pitch results in immediate expulsion and possible suspension if deemed necessary.
When a walk occurs, the ball is still live. Any runner not forced to advance may attempt to advance at their own risk, which might occur on a passed ball or wild pitch.

Two umpires will be present at all games.
Any appeals will be made by the team captain to the Home Plate Umpire, and the Home Plate Umpire has the final say in any play.