Rules (33+, 43+, 50+)
Subscribe to our NewsletterApril 16, 2026
VBFO Playing Rules 33+, 43+, 50+, 57+, 60+
Note: these rules are to be used for all Provincial or sanctioned tournaments. They are also recommended for exhibition games but can be altered if Managers agree to other modified rules. Modified tournament rules for 57+ and 60+ are included in a separate section in the latter part of this document.
1. Age Qualifications to play.
a) 33+ Players must be 33 years of age during the current year
b) 43+ Players must be 43 years of age during the current year
c) 50+ Players must be 50 years of age during the current year
d) 57+ Players must be 57 years of age during the current year
e) 60+ Players must be 60 years of age during the current year
Note: see the section "modified rules for 57+, 60+" for age allowances for these 2 age groups
2. Vintage baseball uses the OFFICIAL RULES OF BASEBALL as its base, with the following adaptations:
3. a) Games will be seven innings in length. Tournament games (except the play-off) games may end in a tie. No new inning can start after 2 hours and 15 minutes.
b) If after 7 innings "of a play-off game", the score is tied, extra innings shall be played to determine a winner. There shall be a maximum of 5 runs in extra innings.
Option 1) If the managers and umpires agree, normal baseball rules to a maximum of 2 innings.
Option 2) The last out from the previous inning shall be placed at 2nd base. The batter starts with a count of 2 balls and 2 strikes. All other playing rules apply.
4 A mercy rule is in effect: ten (10) or more runs after the fifth inning (4 ½ if the home team is ahead).
5. A six run limit is set for each of the first 6 innings whereas subsequent innings are unlimited, however the 2 hour and 15 minute time limit will still be in effect. Play is dead once the sixth run scores. Any pitcher, starting and finishing such an inning, will be considered to have pitched three outs or
one inning. Any relief pitcher will be credited with any outs he registers.
6. Pitchers may pitch 3 consecutive innings or 9 consecutive outs. More than one pitcher may pitch 3 consecutive
innings or 9 consecutive nine outs. A pitcher cannot re-enter the game as a pitcher once he has been removed.
7. A limit of five warm-up pitches is allowed per pitcher per inning. at the umpire's discretion.
8. Metal spikes are allowed, however, plastic or rubber spikes are encouraged. Some parks where artificial turf is used, only allow non-metal footwear. It's up to the host team to make potential particpant teams aware of this requirement.
9. The batting line-up will consist of a minimum of 9 batters to a maximum of all members of the declared roster.
Any player, not present for his plate appearance, will be declared out.
A substitution to the batting order may be made. However, once a player is removed from the batting order, he
may not be reinstated into the batting order! He may still be able to play defensively. All possible participants for a game should be
listed as extras on the line-up card.
10. There will be free and unlimited defensive substitutions.
11. Defensive players are not required to bat.
12. Batters are not required to play defense.
13. In the event of an injury or illness which causes a player to leave the game, and no substitute is available, the
umpire is to be notified and the player's position in the batting order shall be voided with no out charged provided
that at least nine batters are still in the line-up.
14. A courtesy runner may be used. Batters requiring a courtesy runner must be designated prior to the game. The
last out is to be the courtesy runner, unless he is also so designated, or is the catcher; go to the previous out. A
limited number of designated batters (3) will be permitted.
14. The catcher may be replaced with a courtesy runner as soon as he reaches base, BUT must be replaced as
soon as there are two (2) out. The courtesy runner is to be the last out.
15. Breaking ties in the standings after the round robin:
a) Most Points
b) Least runs against divided by the number of innings played in a defensive posture
c) Runs scored (to a maximum of ten per game) against common opponents
16. All teams, players and coaches, must be in full and identical uniforms.
17. Teams must be ready to play 15 minutes before the scheduled game time.
18. Body contact is strongly discouraged. DELIBERATELY running a catcher or defensive player at a base, will result in
the runner being called out, ejection from the game, and disqualification from the tournament. No other runners
may advance as a result of the interference.
19. All umpires officiating in the tournament must be qualified or carded to Senior League equivalent (e.g.
Baseball Ontario Level 3), and be properly attired.
20. All teams are to use wood or wood composite bats.
Unique Rules For 57+, 60+
1. a) For 57+, to augment rosters, THREE players who are 55 BEFORE the tournament date can be added, ONLY ONE is eligible to pitch
b) For 60+, to augment rosters, THREE players who are 58 BEFORE the tournament date can be added, ONLY ONE is eligible to pitch
2. a) Games will be 6 innings.
b) If after 6 innings "of a play-off game", the score is tied, extra innings shall be played to determine a winner. In extra innings, the last out from the previous inning shall be placed at 2nd base. All other playing rules apply. There shall be a maximum of 5 runs scored in extra innings.
3. Only 1 pitcher can pitch 3 innings or 9 consecutive outs.
4. There is a 5 run maximum for runs scored in any inning. The 5 run maximum is waived when it is declared as the last (6th) inning.
5. There shall be No Bunting.
6. a)Base stealing is not allowed when the base runner's team is ahead by 3 runs or more. Runners may advance on a passed ball or wild pitch.
b) if a base runner is successful at stealing a base when he is not supposed to (as per rule 6a), the umpire shall rule the play dead (no pitch) & send the runner back
c) if the base runner runs illegally (as per rule 6a), and the batter subsequently puts the ball in play, the defence can decide to let the play stand or ask the umpire to direct the runner back and declare a no pitch.
