A team may have a manager and two (2) coaches on the roster.
Exception: T-Ball and Coach Pitch teams may have three
                 (3) coaches / (3) return player freeze.

The managers, coaches, players, and scorekeeper must be registered by the manager,
or a designee, on the official P.A.L. roster sheet. Changes to a team’s roster after game
start will only occur with approval of the umpire and both team managers.

Each team must have a certified member of the coaching staff present at each
scheduled game

Managers, coaches, and team parents shall be held accountable for the players in regard
to age qualifications. 
(In the event of a protest of age eligibility, the team manager of the player in question
 will be responsible to obtain proof of age via the city registration documents.
 The protest must be documented in writing on the official game roster at the completion
 of the game, at which time it must be signed by the umpire and both coaches.)

Managers, coaches, players, and parents are prohibited from officiating in any scheduled
league game in the class division in which his/her team or league participates, without
the consent of the opposing team or league, or as set forth by the local city and or PAL
boards.

There will be two (2) umpires for each game; one (1) for home plate, and one
(1) for the bases. T-Ball and Coach Pitch can have one (1) umpire for games.

The home plate umpire will be the head umpire (Umpire in Chief).

All umpires shall be in uniform as deemed acceptable by the local league board.

The Umpire in Chief shall determine if and when play shall be suspended during a game
because of unsuitable weather or field conditions. He shall also determine if and when
play shall resume after such suspension; and if and when a game shall be terminated
after such suspension. The umpire shall not call the game until at least 15 minutes after
play has been suspended. The umpire may continue a suspension as long as there is a
chance to resume play within a reasonable time period. Game time shall not be affected
by umpire suspension.

The umpire is required to review and sign the official score sheet.
Any protest shall be documented providing the circumstances, the specific rule in
question, and the time of the protest. This shall be done at the completion of the game.

If an umpire ejects a player, manager, coach, or spectator from the game; the umpire
must, in writing on the back of the game sheet, document the reason and circumstances
for the ejection.

If the Umpire in Chief declares a forfeit after play has started, the umpire must
document the reason for the forfeit.

PAL baseball is governed by the rules as compiled by the Official Rules of Major League
Baseball, from which publication is authorized by the Commissioner of Baseball, provided
said rules are not at variance with any of the rules of PAL baseball. These rules must be
followed and can not be amended or changed by any coach, manager, umpire, or local
league official agreement.

Each manager shall be supplied with a copy of these rules. He/She shall acquaint
his/her players, coaches, sponsors, and team followers with the contents of these rules.

Any individual violating any of these rules is subject to the penalties, as outlined in the
rules of this book.

Ignorance of said rule or rules shall not be accepted as an excuse for any violation.

Only one (1) manager or designated coach may approach the umpire to question or
dispute a call. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The 1st named or numbered team on the league schedule during the regular season
shall be the home team. 
Note: Home team supplies game balls (1 new and 1 good used ball)

All cancelled and valid protested games will be rescheduled by the local city board.

Regarding all teams tied at the close of the regularly scheduled season for
1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, position standings will be determined by the following tie-breakers
         1. Head to Head competition.
         2. Head to Head against common opponent 2nd in ranking.
         3. Head to Head against common opponent 3rd in ranking.
         4. Head to Head against common opponent 4th in ranking. 
This will determine team placements for post season playoffs. Furthermore, all division
classes such as “A” and “B” will be eligible for post season playoffs.

In all divisions, substitutes will enter when team takes the field prior to the first pitch.
Teams will bat the entire roster. No player may sit on the bench for two (2) consecutive
innings. (A violation will constitute a penalty or possible forfeit.)

Regulation games in all divisions shall be 4 and ½ innings if the home team is leading,
or 5 innings if the visiting team is leading.

If during a regular season game, the losing team is down by 10 or more runs, and has
batted five (5) times; the head Umpire shall terminate the game in favor of the leading
team

ALL DIVISIONS: All players and subs must be listed on the game sheet before the game
begins. If player has not arrived by the 4th inning, the player can not enter the game

Teams may start and finish with eight (8) players. If a team can not field eight (8)
players to start or finish, the game will be forfeited in favor of the team with the full
roster. Note: No out is recorded for the missing player

If a batter intentionally throws the bat, he/she will be ejected from the game.
This will be determined by the Umpire. Ball will be dead, no out applies.
Substitute will assume ejected batter’s existing count at the plate.
Unintentional throwing of the bat will result in a Team Bench Warning.
Next incident will result in the batter being called out. Ball will be dead. 

If a player is ejected for any reason or injured, and there are no subs, the opposing
manager can pick a player to re-enter the game

The pitching distances, distances between bases, and official baseball sizes shall be as
follows:
         Pitching Bases Baseball
         T-Ball 40ft / 50ft / safety ball
         Coach Pitch 36ft / 55ft / 8.5oz
         Double A 40ft / 60ft / 9.5oz
         Triple A 47ft / 70ft / 9.5oz
         Major 55ft / 80ft / 9.5oz
         **FIELD LAYOUT 

Whenever a game is played on a diamond with the distance between bases less than
ninety (90) feet, the coach box at 1st and 3rd shall be moved, so as to be in the same
relative position with 1st and 3rd bases on a regulation ninety feet diamond.

         T-Ball = 1 hr or 5 Innings
         
         Coach Pitch = 1hr and 15 min or 5 Innings
         
         Double A = 1 hr and 30 min or 6 Innings
         
         Triple A =2 hrs or 7 Innings
         
         Major = 2 hrs or 7 Innings
         
         *Each division will consist of 6 runs per inning.

Teams not ready to start within fifteen (15) minutes of the official start time, shall forfeit
the game. Should both teams violate this section, both teams shall forfeit and be charged
with a loss. In all divisions, the game will immediately start during the fifteen (15) minute
grace period, once both teams have eight (8) players. Scheduled time is starting time.
Delay time is time lost. Umpire delay for rain, field conditions, etc. is extended time.

The time of the umpire shall be the official time for governing games

 A full team is ten (10) players, consisting of four (4) outfielders.
Game may begin with eight (8) players. If less than (8) players are present after fifteen
(15) minute grace period, game will be forfeited.
A team may finish game with (8) players. However, if total number of players falls below
(8) players during the game, at any time, the game will be forfeited.
No out is recorded in line-up spot for missing, ejected, or injured player.

Team will bat entire roster.

Substitutions will be made every inning. No player may remain on the bench for two (2)
consecutive innings. Exceptions: discipline, illness, or injury.
 The head umpire and opposing manager must be notified in advance.

A foul line is drawn fifteen (15) feet from home plate between the 1st and 3rd base foul
line (refer to field layout). Any ball not hit beyond this line is considered foul.
Any ball touching the line is considered fair.

The pitcher’s box is drawn forty (40) feet from home plate; three (3) feet to the right
and left on the center of the pitcher’s rubber; four (4) feet to the back of the rubber.
• One player (pitcher) must be within the pitcher’s box until the batter swings at the ball.
Penalty will be accessed if player makes play on the ball. The batter is awarded 1st base.

Infield and outfield restraining lines are drawn at forty five (45) and sixty five (65) feet,
respectively from home plate.
• Infielders (excluding pitcher) may not be in front of the 45ft. line or beyond the 65ft.
  line until the batter swings at the ball. Outfielders may not be in front of the 65ft. line,
 until the batter swings at the ball. Penalty will be accessed if player makes play on the
 ball. The batter will be awarded 1st base.

Any ball overthrown into foul territory behind 1st, 3rd, or 100ft. line; player advances
one (1) base. If ball goes under fence, it is declared a dead ball and out of play

Home run and ground rule double line is 100 ft. from home plate on all fields.

Any ball hit in the air over the 100ft. line is a home run. If the ball hits a defensive player
and goes over the line, before hitting the ground, the batter is awarded a home run.

If a defensive player touches or catches a ball in the air while standing on or beyond the
100ft. line, the batter is awarded a home run.

Any ball hit that touches the ground and then touches or passes the 100ft. line is a
ground rule double. All base runners shall advance (2) bases and the ball is dead.

If a defensive player stops a ground ball while he/she is touching or beyond the 100ft.
line, the batter is awarded a ground rule double. Ball is dead.

Defensive players will play normal base positions.

The ball is hit from the batting tee.
The tee will be placed on home plate and can not be moved.

The batter must be in the batter’s box and must take a full swing
      (NO ON DECK BATTERS EXCEPT FOR AAA DIVISION). 
No bunts allowed, and the ball must leave the tee to be a strike.

Any batter intentionally throwing a bat will be automatically out.
This is a judgment call by the Umpire.

A manager or coach is allowed to assist any player in the proper way to play a position
or stand in the batter’s box, except while the ball is in play. The ball is in play once it is
placed on the tee by the Umpire. If a manager or coach touches a player while the ball is
in play, the player is out.
Strikeouts: A player may strikeout when he/she has any combination of the two. 
              (2) foul balls or (2) misses and he/she misses the ball on the third swing.

The defensive coach must stand within the coach’s box beyond the 100ft. line.

No lead off from the bases until the batter swings. Penalty: Runner is out

No stealing of bases.

Play is stopped when the last defensive player tags any base while in possession of the
ball. The player must then roll the ball underhanded to the catcher. 
Runners may advance, only if previously committed to do so, prior to the play being
stopped. Umpire Judgment.

Play is resumed if the fielder makes an attempt or throws the ball in any direction except
to home plate underhanded. (The umpire will determine when the ball is dead.)

Rolling of a ball to a base to obtain an out is prohibited; ball must be thrown

The coach must remove the batting tee when a runner is advancing to home plate.

(½) inning is completed when the offensive team has scored six (6) runs or 
three (3) outs have been made. Exception: Last inning = Unlimited. 
(No New Inning Started)
This applies to all divisions.

Ten (10) run rule; game over after (4) innings.

Teams will consist of ten (10) players (4 outfielders), game may begin with (8) players.
If less than (8) players are present after (15) minute grace period, the game will be
forfeited. A team may finish the game with (8) players. If team finishes with less than
(8) players, the game will be forfeited. (When a team has only (8) players, a coach may
elect to play (3) outfielders and no catcher. This will stand for entire game.)

Teams will bat the entire roster.
(Late players will be placed at the bottom of the batting order.)

Substitutions will be made in every inning.
No player may remain on the bench for (2) consecutive innings except for
disciplinary, illness, or injury reasons. The head Umpire, and opposing manager, must be
notified in advance

The manager, coach, or designated pitcher will pitch to his/her own team.
Pitching coach’s foot must stay inside circle during delivery of pitch.

The batter will receive five (5) pitches. If 5th pitch is not hit fair the batter is out.
No strikes considered. No walks or hit-by-pitch allowed.
Umpire will announce the last pitch.

No stealing.

If the coach pitcher is struck with a batted ball, play is declared dead.
Batter is awarded 1st base, and all base runners are entitled to (1) base only.
The Coach Pitcher must make an effort to avoid interference or obstruction with play or
player. It is the judgment of the Umpire if runner or batter out. 

Catcher must make an attempt to stop pitched ball. 

Any pitched ball that passes the catcher is a dead ball. No advance.

Coach Pitcher may coach batter, only until ball is pitched.
Coach Pitcher must not coach while ball is in play.
Penalty: Judgment of the umpire; 1st will be warning, 
                                              2nd will result in removal of coach pitcher. 

Ball must be returned to Coach Pitcher at mound. Play stops only when Pitcher has
control of the ball inside of circle. If runner appears more than halfway they will advance.
Umpire will decide advancement.

No bunting in Coach Pitch. Penalty: batter is out.

(½) inning is completed when a maximum of six (6) runs per team, or three (3) outs
per team. Exception: Last inning = Unlimited.

No runner may score from 3rd base to home unless:
         1. Forced
         2. Advanced by hit ball
         3. There is a pick-off by a player at any base. 
Note: A wild throw to the pitcher from the catcher, or an error by the pitcher receiving a
         throw by the catcher, does not allow a runner to advance from 3rd base. 
It is solely the judgment of the umpire to determine if the catcher’s intent was to throw
to the pitcher or another player.

No inning may start after 1 hour and 15 minutes; there will be a cold cut off at
1 hour 30 minutes. (No New Inning Started)

Ten (10) run rule; game over after (4) innings.

Pitching and Base Coach may not interfere with Defensive Player or Base Runner.
An out will be called for the interference

Pitching Coach must pitch over hand and standing upright. No lob pitching.

Overthrows to 1st and 3rd base; ball remains live as long as it remains on orange dirt or
stays in fair territory. Overthrows going onto the grass in foul territory; the base runner
will be awarded one base only (Dead Ball).

Infielders must know to stay out of baseline unless they possess the ball or are receiving
a throw from another player. 
Umpire will award a base runner another base for interference.

Outfielders are to play at least five (5) feet onto grass.
Only when a team is unable to field (4) outfielders, may a coach play an outfielder in
straight center field. This fielder must be placed at least five (5) feet onto grass.

No infield fly rule.

Double A, Triple A,: Play by the Official Baseball Rules registered by the
Commission of Baseball, in addition to the General Playing Rules 
(pgs 10 thru 12), Pitching (20), and Safety Rules (21,22) established by the PAL
baseball league.

Double A: Rule Amendments

4/7/03: No player may advance a base until the ball is pitched from the pitcher and the
ball crosses home plate. Only then can the base runner advance at his/her own risk.
As for the dropped 3rd strike; the player is out. 

4/6/04: No runner may score from 3rd base to home unless:
         1. Forced
         2. Advanced by hit ball
         3. There is a pick-off by a player at any base. 
Note: A wild throw to the pitcher from the catcher, or an error by the pitcher receiving
         a throw by the catcher, does not allow a runner to advance from 3rd base.
It is solely the judgment of the Umpire, to determine if the catcher’s intent was to throw
to the pitcher or another player.

4/6/06: (2) hit batters in (1) inning, or (3) hit batters in one game, by the same pitcher,
will result in the pitcher being removed. AA & AAA

4/10/03: Ten (10) run rule; game over after (5) innings. AA & AAA

PITCHING RULES

Breaking balls are prohibited in all divisions.
Note: (A knuckle ball or spit finger fastball are not considered breaking balls.)
If this infraction occurs, the Umpire will call it a ball, and give the pitcher and manager
a warning. However, if the batter hits the pitch, and reaches base safely, the play shall
proceed without interference. If the pitcher continues throwing breaking balls, after being
warned, he/she shall be removed from the mound for the remainder of the game.
This rule is to be in effect for all NL & PAL games, including playoff games, and may not
be waived by any league, committee, or person.

Balks shall be called in the Triple A division, from the first game of the season.

No player shall pitch more than ten (10) innings in a seven (7) consecutive day period
during the regular season. For record purposes, an inning pitched shall be charged when
a player takes his/her position on the pitching mound, and the Umpire indicates that play
is resumed.

No player in ANY DIVISION shall pitch more than four (4) innings in any one game
or day. Penalty: Forfeit of game in which infraction occurred.

No pitcher may re-enter game, regardless of innings pitched that day. Penalty: Forfeit.

Pitching substitutions must be made from the playing field.
Pitching substitutions cannot be made from the bench.
(This applies to regular, playoff, and tournament seasons.)

Pitchers are allowed five (5) pitches or one (1) minute to warm up between innings.
New pitchers are allowed eight (8) pitches. 
If a sudden emergency causes a pitcher to be summoned into the game, without any
opportunity to warm up, the Umpire in chief shall allow him as many pitches as deemed
necessary.

Double A & Triple A: 
(2) hit batters in one inning, or (3) hit batters in one game, by the same pitcher,
will result in the pitcher being removed for remainder of game.

All players must have six inch numbers on the back of their shirts.
(T-Ball may have four inch numbers.)

Pitchers shall not wear any type of sweat band on their wrist.

A pitcher’s sweat shirt must be uniform in color and may not be white or gray.

A pitcher’s glove shall be uniform in color, including all stitching and webbing.
The pitcher glove may not be white or gray.

No pitcher shall attach to the glove, any foreign material of a color different
from the glove.

Catchers must wear a catcher’s glove. EXCEPTION: T-Ball.

Catchers must wear protective head gear; a facemask and helmet with ear
protection. Penalty: Game suspension during regular season.

Catchers (male/female) must wear a protective cup.

Catchers must wear a minimum 2 inch throat guard or extended mask.

Players must not wear watches, rings, hair beads, pins, jewelry, or metallic items.

Shoes with metal pikes, metal cleats or screws on cleats are strictly prohibited
in ALL DIVISIONS.

No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that imitates or suggests the shape of
a baseball.

Players in all divisions must wear the “coverall” type head gear while batting,
running bases, or coaching the bases. 
No “On-Deck” batters except for Triple A. 
Penalty: If a batter or runner intentionally removes or dislodges his/her head gear,
while running the bases or batting, he/she shall be declared out,
if a play is being made on the runner.

In between innings, any player warming up the pitcher on the field, must wear
protective head gear.

No non-baseball attire or equipment will be permitted on any field.
If there is a medical need for the use of such items as crutches, canes, casts, etc.
by any player, coach, assistant, or manager; that member will be restricted to the
dugout area. Furthermore, any equipment deemed unsafe by the Umpire, will be
considered unacceptable and will be removed from the playing field.

Game:

Amended 4/6/06: Runners do not have to slide, unless necessary to avoid contact.
No runner may hurdle the defensive player to avoid the tag.
Penalty: This is a judgment call by the Umpire, as to whether obstruction or
interference applies. Runners may be declared out, and may also be ejected from the
game, if action deemed intentional.

If the runner from 3rd base, attempts steal home, and the batter takes a full swing at
the pitch, the runner is declared out. Ball is dead. 
Batter may bunt, fake bunt, or check swing. AAA  only!
(This is a judgment call by the umpire.)

All players and Coaches must remain clear of the dugout doorway.

No on deck batters. Exception: AAA

VIOLATIONS

Any player, manager, coach, or team found in violation of any of these rules, may be
subject to disciplinary action.

All violations will be documented and recorded with the local city board

The local city board will rule on such violations, and notify, in writing, the
Executive Board of Baseball. Such rulings may include, but are not limited to,
forfeit of game, probation, or suspension.

CONDUCT

Section 1:

All that is dishonorable, unsportsmanlike, and ungentlemanly is particularly and
expressly condemned.

The manager is responsible for the conduct of his/her
players, coaches, and team followers.

Any person to include manager, coach, Umpire, player, league official, or
spectator, who commits an act of violence, prior to, during, or after a game, will be
immediately suspended  from participation in any league/PAL event. The local city board
will notify in writing, within (48) hours, the League/PAL Executive Board.
The individual will be barred from league participation.
Acts of violence are not subject to appeal.

Any person affiliated with League/PAL, that directly or indirectly approaches a player
for the purposes of enticing him/her to leave that team during the current season,
or to play in a manner as to affect the outcome of any game, shall be liable to
punishment, as determined by local city and PAL executive board.

Section 2:

No player, manager, coach, or spectator, shall indulge in profanity, alcoholic
beverage, illegal substance, or display poor sportsmanship at any time during
an event; or time prior to event, that would have adverse affects on individual
judgment, or the event. 

No player, manager, or coach, shall at any time entice or try to incite, by word or
sign, a demonstration by the spectators. Head coaches and managers will be held
accountable for spectator’s behavior.

No player, manager, or coach, shall at any time use language which will in any
manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, managers, coaches, Umpires,
or spectators. Penalty: Violator may be ejected from game.

When the occupants of a player’s bench displays inappropriate behavior, such as
negative outburst, negative physical gestures, or any belligerent actions/comments
in response to an Umpire’s decision, the Umpire shall first give a warning that such
actions/comments shall cease. If such actions/comments continue, the Umpire shall
order the offender(s) away from the field. If the Umpire is unable to detect the
offender(s), the bench may be cleared of all players. The manager of the offending
player can be granted the privilege of recalling to the playing field, only those players
needed for a substitution. 

When a player, manager, or coach, is ejected from a game, they shall immediately leave
the field and the immediate area, and take no further actions in influencing the game

Any player, manager, or coach, ejected from a game (1st offense), shall be suspended
for the next game. If said player, manager, or coach, is ejected from a 2nd game,
he/she shall be suspended, pending review by the local city board. 
*The umpire must document on the back of the official game sheet, the reason and
circumstances for the ejection. 
Penalty: 2nd Ejection of same player, manager, or coach, will result in a game forfeit.

Section 3:

Game Forfeit will occur when a team:

A. Fails to obey, within a reasonable time, the Umpire’s order to remove a player,
   manager, or coach, from the playing field and immediate area.
         
         B. After warning by the Umpire, a player, manager, or coach,
            willfully and persistently continues to violate any rules of the
            game.
         
         C. After warning by the umpire, a player, manager, or coach, intentionally
            employs tactics designed to delay or shorten the game.
         
         D. An ineligible player, manager, or coach participating in a game.
           

PROTESTS

Section 1: Eligibility 

A. Protests of a violation(s) of any NL/PAL rule governing a member’s eligibility, may be
   filed by any member of the NL/PAL baseball program; against any other member of
   the program.
         
B. All protests of a violation of eligibility rules, that occurred in the course of the regular
   season, must be filed no later than forty-eight (48) hours after the close of the last
   regular season game, of the current season.
         
Note: An individual member does not have to be an opponent, in order to protest
         against a team, for fielding ineligible players. This section is designed to keep the
         respective leagues “PURE”, by granting the right to any individual member,
         to protest against a team at any time, under the above conditions.

Section 2: Playing Rules
         
A. All protests of violations of the playing rules, in official games of NL/PAL, must be
   submitted in writing, and filed with a member of the local city league, within forty-eight
   (48) hours of the completion of the game.
         
B. Local city boards shall consist of a baseball commissioner, and two (2) designated
   division commissioners. Umpires may be utilized as consultants only.
         
C. Any protest received after the specified (48) hours shall not be recognized.
         
D. The local city board must notify the team against whom the protest was filed,
    within seventy-two (72) hours after receipt of the protest.
         
E. Managers and coaches can ONLY file protests of a playing rule violation, within the
   respective game for which they are officially registered to manage or coach.
   The rule and section must be clearly denoted on the official protest.
        
F. Managers and coaches contemplating a protest on violations of playing rules, during a
   game, must notify the head Umpire immediately of the intent to protest, prior to the
   next pitch. The circumstances will be noted on the official score sheet, at the
   completion of the game. The score sheet must be signed by both team managers and
   the Umpire.
         
G. If the local city board finds that a positive confirmation of the rule violation, would not
    have affected the outcome of the game, the disposition of the game will remain as
    recorded.
         
H. The opposing manager and/or coach may be required to attend the hearing, to offer
    information requested by the local city board. The committee will rule in private,
    after the facts have been presented.
         
I. No parents or players are allowed at the protest hearing.
         
J. All decisions of the local city board,
   in conjunction with the NL/PAL League
   Rules are final.

SUSPENSIONS

Any player, manager, coach, or team, may be placed on probation, suspended, or
disbarred by the local city board and NL/PAL Baseball League for just cause.
The manager of the affected team shall be notified in writing of such action.

Suspensions and disbarments are to be submitted to the NL/PAL executive board,
in writing, at which time all other local city boards will be notified.
Suspensions and disbarments are to be honored by all local city leagues within the
NL/PAL program, and may not be lifted without written notification to NL/PAL executive
board.

Rainouts/Cancellations