2024 LISM LEAGUE RULES
LONG ISLAND STAN MUSIAL BASEBALL LEAGUE
2024 SEASON

2024 LISM LEAGUE RULES

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The purpose or purposes, for the Stan Musial Baseball League:
To organize games, contests, physical exercises, sports and athletics for the sport of baseball; specifically for organized teams to compete in league competition, to provide fields and facilities to accommodate said teams, to elevate the standards of the game. To maintain a high plane of physical and moral excellence, to enlist the cooperation of all persons to that end.
To promote and encourage the sport, pleasure, exercise, and recreation of its members, and to promote sociability and friendship among its members.

Rule 1 - LI Stan Musial Baseball League, Inc shall be ruled in accordance with the official rules of baseball {MAJOR LEAGUE RULES} which shall be in force unless an exception is noted in our league rules.

Rule 2 - The only way rules can be added, dropped or modified is by a majority approval of the Board of Directors.

Rule 3 - If an interpretation of a rule or situation is in question, the President & Rules Director should be notified immediately for clarification. If there is a question during a game, the umpire's ruling shall be used.

Rule 4 - When final schedules are issued, all games are to be played in accordance with the schedule, no changes are to be made. This schedule takes precedence over other leagues.

Rule 5- All League fees must be submitted in full by June 15th. The deposit must be submitted by the March Manager's meeting, and is non-refundable.

PLAYERS:
Rule 6 - All rosters must be a minimum of 14 players with a team maximum of 30 players. Rosters must be entered on league website by June 15th. Players must sign the insurance waiver before playing in a league game. Once a player has signed a roster he becomes a member of that team unless he is released before June 15th. Once a player has participated with a team, he is considered locked into that team for the season. The only exception is if a written waiver is given from the affected team Manager, and is approved by the league. All players become free agents on September 1st..Teams must have eight (8) players for an official game.

Rule 7 - Players must meet league eligibility requirements to participate in playoff games. Mandatory matching uniforms, with hats. Numbers posted on site, with current statistics. Each player must have a differentiating number. Players failing to meet the minimum standards for at-bats, games played or innings pitched cannot play in playoffs. Any player must provide a photo id at the time of pre-meeting with the umpires and opposing manager or player will not be eligible to play. The only exception is if there is an injury or other extenuating circumstances (i.e. military service) and this must be approved by the league no later than July 15th. [2 per team max] for playoff eligibility.

Rule 8- The use of a player not officially on a team's roster will cause said team an automatic forfeit, player suspended for season/playoffs, manager suspended minimum one game and league e-mail sent league wide about illegal player and suspensions. Exceptions to avoid a forfeit, a team may request a player from a team in another division. Must be approved by Commissioner or league official. Player must not be a pitcher. Manager is asked to submit player stats after game to Commissioner for input.

Rule 9- All teams are responsible for field maintenance, including clean-up, repair and proper conduct. Judgment must be used in determining if a field in playable due to rain. Puddles can be swept, but in no event can holes be dug or mud be swept onto the outfield or infield grass. This kills the grass and can cause the league to forfeit use of the field. Teams will be held financially responsible for damage caused to fields.

EQUIPMENT:
Rule 10- All players must be fully uniformed (matching hats & jerseys and must wear baseball pants) by June 15th. All Managers and coaches on baselines need to be in uniform when on the field of play. Managers and coaches on the bench need not be in uniform. If they are not in uniform however, they cannot make trips to the mound, coach baselines or question umpires calls. It is recommended that Base coaches wear protective head gear, (helmet). The umpire may eject a manager, coach or player in accordance with this rule. Addendum #1 ? For All Summer Divisions, Rosters will be frozen midnight June 30th, for all Fall Divisions, rosters will be frozen midnight September 30th.

Rule 11- Any former professional player must be approved by President & commissioners to play in the League and just fill out and file the proper reinstatement forms with the league.

Rule 12- The League's official baseball is the Rawlings Pro Baseball (R-100) No other balls are allowed in League play. Baseballs can be obtained from the League President. Use of baseballs to be shared by each team, each game, regardless of who is home team.

Rule 13 - All wood bats including those BBCOR approved only will be permitted to be used in Stan Musial League play. Player caught using illegal bat, first offense, bat removed from game, if he gets a base hit, called out, all runners return to original bases... second offense, ejection from game.


Rule 14- Mercy Rule: play is stopped under this rule when 1) a team has a lead of 10 or more runs after the trailing team has batted at least 5 times 2) a team has a lead of 15 or more runs after the trailing team has batted at least 3 times. 3) for a 9 inning game, it is a 12 run lead after 5 innings.

Rule 15- Lightning / Fog Rule: As soon as lightning is visible 15 minutes before a game or during play of a game, the game must be stopped for a minimum of 20 minutes. If a lightning delay causes a game to be delayed MORE THAN 50 MINUTES, the game shall be called. If the first game of a doubleheader is canceled due to lightning, the second game of the doubleheader is also canceled. If fog takes over the field of play, the game will be stopped for a period of 15 minutes. If play can be resumed and cannot be re-resumed for a period of 50 minutes, the game will be called after 2 stoppages.

Rule 16- The home team is decided by field permit in single games. If neither team has the permit for the field, or both teams have permits for the same field, the team listed second on the schedule is the home team. For doubleheaders, the second team listed on the schedule is the home team for the first game and the visiting team for the 2nd game.

Rule 17- Slide / Avoid contact rule: All players must slide or avoid contact at all four bases. The only exception is when breaking up a double play; in that case the runner must slide within reach of the base without malicious intent. Barreling over the catcher, or any other player is strictly forbidden. Failure to comply with these rules will cause the player to be called out on the play and be ejected from the game. Fake tags are illegal and are cause for ejection.

Rule 18- All players must wear a double-flap helmet when batting/ on base unless a waiver is forwarded to the League office waiving all responsibility for the League in case of injury. The player who signs the waiver to use a single flap helmet becomes solely responsible. Catchers must wear skull caps and throat protectors or hockey-style masks. Umpires may eject players for refusal to wear such equipment. Managers are responsible for catchers to wear protective gear while warming up pitchers. LISM strongly advises that all helmets used are double-flapped. At a minimum, the batter's ear that faces the pitcher must be covered by an ear flap.

Rule 19- The local rule for the designated hitter (DH): Use of the DH is optional. The DH can be used for any position player, not just the pitcher. The DH can never change his spot in the batting order. A DH can be substituted for without affecting the fielder being DH'd for. If the DH enters the game defensively, the use of the DH is lost for the rest of the game. Now, every fielder must have a spot in the batting order. The fielder previously being DH'd for will occupy the player's spot who was replaced in the field by the DH.

Rule 20- The local rule for the extra hitter (EH): Use of an EH is optional. AN EH is a player who is in the batting order in addition to the players in the field and the DH. Use of an EH creates a 10 man batting order. You can use multiple EHs, therefore you can have a batting order longer than 10 if you desire. EHs can go into the game defensively with no effect on the batting order. The player being replaced defensively simply becomes the EH.

Rule 21- The local speed-up rule (courtesy pinch runners): Managers can designate up to 2 players in the lineup prior to the game when lineups are exchanged with the umpires to have courtesy runners for and are generally used for a pitcher and catcher. If a manager does not designate his runners prior to the start of the game, the opposing manager has the right to refuse later in the game. When a designated player for a runner reaches base the first time, he must be replaced by a runner immediately, prior to the next pitch or it cannot be done. The replacement runner must be the last man batted out in the batting order and if no outs have been recorded in the inning, the last batter out in the previous inning will act as the last recorded out. If under any circumstances, the last batted out requires a courtesy runner, then the second to last batted out will run. In the event that a player becomes injured during a game and the team has used it max number of courtesy runners, a pinch runner may be used according to the scenario above. Failure to follow the correct use of designated runners can result in a protest for using the wrong designated runners.

Addendum #1 courtesy runner rule must be utilized first time available for a batter-runner or cannot be used subsequent in game. It cannot be a player not in the game. There is no change to designated batters for a courtesy runner once the game starts. A player may not be kept on the bench just to be a runner.

Addendum #2 - if a catcher is not designated to have a runner at the start of the game, he must be pinch run for by the last man out in the batting order when there are 2 outs to speed up the game.

Rule 22- Insurance claims must be reported to the League office immediately. Incidents need to be recorded and reported to the insurance company within 48 hours.

Rule 23- The local rule for forfeits. Forfeit time is 20 minutes. If a team does not have enough players at game time there is a 20-minute grace period for the players to show up. After 20 minutes the game is declared a forfeit, in the case of a doubleheader, an additional 20 minutes will be waited for the second game and then both games are declared forfeits. The team that forfeits is responsible for all of the umpire fees. ADDENDUM - any manager that pulls off his team from the field for any reason will be subject to forfeit of the game except if the manager feels there is the possibility of violence.

Rule 24- All games can start on time with 8 or 9 players present. Less than 8 players for any reason will result in forfeit. If a team starts with 8, no out will be given for the 9th spot in the batting order at any time. If a team starts with 9, and a player is injured or leaves, the first time through the batting order, the spot vacated will be given an out, one time only. Each Manager has the prerogative to bat as many players in his initial lineup as desired, as long as there are at least 8 hitters. If the manager wishes to add players to the bottom of the lineup, he may do so at any time. Any player added to the bottom of the lineup or pinch hitter must notify the opposing team manager of the batting order change. If no notification is made, and proper protest is made, an automatic out will be assessed to that batter. If a player is pinch hit for, he may not re-enter the game as a hitter, but may stay in the game defensively. In the case that a team has mistakenly put the wrong numbers for their players on the lineup given to the home plate umpire and the opposing team, the team will correct the error with no penalty. The penalty for having a player bat out of turn is an out, if protested before the first pitch. After the incorrect batter completes his at bat, and an appeal is made, the Proper batter is out, (the one who would have batted). The improper batter (the one who did bat) is removed from base and any advance made by runners because of his batted ball is nullified. The next batter due up is the one who follows the proper batter.

Rule 25- A manager must be declared before each game. The manager is the person who is listed on the League manager's directory. If the listed manager is not present a manager for the game must be declared.

Rule 26 If a defensive conference on the mound includes the manager who is on the field, it is considered a pitcher's conference except when the manager is the catcher then it is the discretion of the umpire as to what constitutes a conference.
If a pitcher's conference occurs twice in an inning or 3 times in a game, that pitcher must be removed from the pitching position.

Rule 27 - Protest within 72 hours are required. The protest committee consisting of 3 Board of Director members [known as Rules Directors] AND Deputy Director will determine the outcome and has the authority to overturn the decision made on the field. A fee of $100 must accompany the written protest. The fee will be returned if the protest in upheld. The protest committee will decide the outcome of the protest and if a replay of the game is necessary from the point of protest, and if the protest has any bearing on League playoff standings or it is does not warrant continuation.

Rule 28- Rainouts or suspended games are generally not replayed. If teams desire a game to be made up, t is the responsibility of both managers to agree on a replacement date, time and acquire the field. The Board of Commissioners must approve the game and assign umpires. Teams are not permitted to schedule games on their own.

Rule 29- Teams must enter game 'results of all played games on the League Lineup website within 7 days. Winning teams will receive a loss if not entered within 7 days.. Teams must enter player stats for May games played by June 15th, June games by July 15th and full, complete stats by day after end of regular summer season. Failure to do so will result in game losses by June 15th & July 15th and elimination from post-season consideration if qualified by end of season. Exception - players selected for Summer Division All-Star games must have complete stats entered prior to date of game.

Rule 30- Standings for division championships and eligibility for post-season play will be determined by the following: A) won-lost-tie percentage B) head to head record C) total wins D) record vs. common opponents E) playoff? In the Championship Round of Double Elimination Playoffs, the home team in Game #1 will be the team from the winner's bracket and if there is a second game necessary, the home team in Game #2 will be the team from the loser's bracket.

Rule 31- When a regular season game reaches a time curfew or is interrupted by rain the game reverts to the last completed inning, if it is called. If an inning is not finished it does not count. Games where 5 innings are completed are official. Playoff games must be played to completion. Suspended games in playoffs will be completed from point of suspension.

Rule 32- Penalties / Warnings /Ejections ? PLAYERS / MANAGERS
Board determines penalty for non-aggressive and non-threatening behavior from game ejection:
1ST OFFENSE League Warning 2ND OFFENSE -1 Game Suspension 3RD OFFENSE - 2 Game Suspension 4TH OFFENSE- 3 TO 4 Game Suspension
Board determines penalty for aggressive and threatening behavior to another player/umpire from game ejection:
1ST OFFENSE - 2 Game Suspension 2ND OFFENSE - 5 Game Suspension 3RD OFFENSE - Season Suspension
Board determines physical contact with another player/mgr/umpire from game ejection:
1ST OFFENSE 10 Game Suspension ...2ND OFFENSE Suspension for balance of season
Anyone leaves bench to become involved in dispute or fight during game:
1ST OFFENSE - 3 Game Suspension 2ND OFFENSE - 5 Game Suspension 3RD OFFENSE Season Suspension
Players/Manager/Coach follow umpire to parking lot [CONFRONTATION]
1ST OFFENSE - 2 Game Suspension 2ND OFFENSE Suspension for balance of season
Rule 33- When a manager, coach or player is ejected from the game, that person must leave the bench area and be out of sight and sound from the game. A coach cannot run the team from a distant area. Failure to comply will result in a forfeit.

Rule 34- Physical abuse of an umpire will result in banishment from the league for one year. Physical abuse of an opposing player will result in suspension and if occurring while a game is in play, the game may be canceled as well. Banishments, suspensions and reinstatements will be determined by the League office.

Rule 35- Alcoholic beverages on the playing field, dugouts or stands are strictly prohibited and are grounds for immediate ejection and suspension. Any player found drinking during a game will be suspended indefinitely pending a hearing. If during a doubleheader, the ejection goes for both games. A hearing of the rules committee will be held for further action. No smoking on field of play or in the dugout players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in that game.

Rule 36- Photo Ids- for insurance requirements as well as integrity of the league, all managers are required to have photo id copies of all players on rosters available at all games.

Rule 37- Line-up cards must be exchanged with the opposing manager at the start of every game listing player name and jersey number.

Rule 38 - If a team is aware that they cannot field enough players for a game, they can contact a Deputy Commissioner or the League President to find a possible replacement team. League Administration will attempt to find an appropriate replacement to play the game and indicate same on league website. If unable to find a replacement, team will forfeit.

Rule 39 Ex Pro Player and LISM Mid-Week Guideline Play in Summer Divisions
Division Allowances of Ex Pro Players Level 1 Player - a player who has appeared on AAA/MLB Roster last 5 years Level 2 Player - a player who has appeared on AA/A Roster last 5 years Level 3 Player - a player who has only played Rookie/Independent League Baseball Amateur Player - a player who has never played any Pro Baseball or who has not played Pro Ball within last 10 years
DIVISION 1 - 1 LEVEL 1, 2 LEVEL 2, UNLIMITED LEVEL 3 [LEVEL 1 & 2 PITCH AFTER 5 YEARS, LEVEL 3 CAN PITCH] DIVISION 2 - 0 LEVEL 1, 1 LEVEL 2, 3 LEVEL 3 [LEVEL 3 ONLY CAN PITCH] DIVISION 3 - 0 LEVEL 1, 0 LEVEL 2, 1 LEVEL 3 [LEVEL 3 ONLY CAN PITCH] DIVISION 4/4A - NO EX PRO PLAYERS CAN PLAY AT ALL
DIVISION ALLOWANCES OF LISM /Mid-Week Players [not permitted to pitch] Division 1 3 Mid-Week Players Division 2 2 Mid-Week Players Division 3 1 Mid-Week Players Division 4 0 Mid-Week Players

Rule 40 - Roster Exemptions for Injury / Military Service must be submitted in writing to Board of Commissioners and League President prior to July 15th, maximum 2 per team. Proof of exemption may be requested to confirm.

Rule 41 - Team placements will be decided after league registrations by the Board along with the League President. League Champions {D2, D2A, D3} will move up to the next division the following season and the D1 Champion will move to Pro Wood/Mid-Week Pro after winning 2 consecutive championships. All returning teams will be reviewed for placement based on previous year's record and past team history. New teams will provide roster to Board for review, if requested. All teams wishing to be considered for a different division after placement by league on website in March can submit an e-mail w/reasons to Deputy Commissioner asking for team placement review. Deputy Commissioner will submit to Board and President for a final review and decision after review will be final.

Rule 42 - Any team forfeiting 2 dates during the season may be dropped from the league pending Board Decision based on payment of full league fees [team will be given 48 hours to pay all fees in full] and league standing. Any team forfeiting 3 dates will be dropped from the league immediately. In either case, if a team is dropped, no other team will be allowed to take forfeit wins from the dropped team except games from those 2 or 3 dates. {Addendum}No team will be awarded more than 4 forfeit wins during the season. This will agree with the maximum number of forfeit losses a team can receive before being dropped from the league and the maximum number of forfeit wins that teams can receive from a forfeiting team.

Rule 43 Mandatory Rule Sessions for all teams registered prior to receiving a schedule. The sessions will be held at night {ZOOM} and a team rep must attend at least one. The Board will host the sessions.

Rule 44 - Manager Requesting 2 teams -- A manager can have a in D1/D2 team, D2/D3, D3/D4.
*Each team at minimum must have 14 separate total players on the roster for each squad.
*Higher Division team can designate 3 players above the roister of 14 to play for Lower Division team, they can pitch for the Lower Division team, nor can they be changed during the season.
*If the Higher Division team is short players for a particular game, they must contact a Board member for a max of up to 3 players from the Lower Division team for approval and they cannot pitch for the Higher Division.
*If the Lower Division team is short players for a particular game, they must contact a Board member for a max up to 3 players from other teams or a replacement team.
*No crossover games between the 2 teams and players from both teams are permitted to play in Mid-Week.
Special Note: a manager with 2 teams across more than one Division [D1/D3, D1/D4, D2/D4] cannot have any players playing on opposite squads unless grandfathered from previous years.

Rule 45 - Manager Requesting 3 teams -- A manager can have a D1, D2 and D2 team, D1, D2 and a lower Division team or a D2, and 2 lower Division teams. Pitches can only pitch for one team and there will be restrictions on the number of players that will be allowed to play on cross rosters.

Rule 46 - Time Limit Sunday Doubleheaders -- Weekend doubleheaders will have a running time of 2 hours 15 minutes clock time limit with no inning starting after the end of the time. The clock will stop only for rain, lightning or long injury [player needs to be carried off the field or ambulance called]. Time limit between games will be a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes. Teams and umpires must be ready to start play immediately after the announced time between games. Pre-game meetings between managers and umpires will start 5 minutes prior to scheduled game time, the only exception will be if a team does not have enough players to start and then the team will be in forfeit time. ADDENDUM - the curfew for weeknight games is the end of permit time for each field.
Rule #47 Unlimited Defensive Substitution will be allowed for the Regular Season only.

Rule #49 - A pitcher hits batters 3 times in an inning, 4 times in a game ...automatic removal from game.

Rule #50 - A starting pitcher removed from the mound during the game, as long as he remains hitting in the lineup during the game, can return at some point to pitch later in the game. ADDENDUM #1 - A relief pitcher who enters the game from the bench as a pitcher, is removed from the mound during the game, as long as he remains hitting in the lineup during the game, can return at some point to pitch later in the game. ADDENDUM #2 - Any pitcher returning to pitch in the same inning will not receive any warm up pitches.

Rule #51 - A pitcher will not be permitted to wear any color sleeves other than uniform also including jewelry and off-color gloves. Manager can request umpire remove if batter is distracted.