+45 Rivera Division Rules, lasted updated on 02/19/25

Boston Amateur Baseball League

Rules for the 2025 Season

The Rivera Division plays according to the same rules governing the Montgomery Division, with the following exceptions:

1. Rule Intent Enforcement

   • When written rules conflict with their intent, the intent will be enforced.

2. Game Player Requirements

   • Teams need a minimum of eight players to start a game.

3. Batting Order Flexibility

   • Minimum of nine batters per team.

   • New batters may be added to the end of the batting order but cannot be removed.

   • One designated hitter allowed, subject to official baseball rules.

4. NOTE: BABL Wood bat league rule [Wood or Wood Composite Bats only are alowed]
    
       *Allowed wood bat types: Only wooden bats are permitted in BABL games.
           1. Maple
           2. Ash
           3. Birch
           4. Bamboo
           5. Hickory 

       * NOT allowed bat types:

   1. Metal Bats  

   2. Laminated or Experimental Bats:

   3. Bats made from laminated wood or experimental designs are prohibited unless they have received approval from the BABL Advisors

   4. Bats with Excessive Pine Tar: [ Pine tar can only be applied up to 18 inches from the bottom of the handle. If it extends beyond this limit, the bat is not allowed in the game]

   5. Bats Exceeding Size Limits: [Bats must be no more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches in length]

5. Pitcher Rules

   • Pitchers do not have to bat regardless of when they enter the game.

   • Relief pitchers can be removed before pitching to three batters.

   • A pitcher who changes defensive positions can pitch again but not in the same inning.

6. Player Substitution for Injury/Commitment

   • Reserve players not previously hitting must substitute injured or committed players.

   • If no reserve is available, an eligible player may re-enter the game in their place.

   • If a player is ejected, and no eligible replacement is available, an out is recorded each time their spot is up in the batting order.

7. A/B Alternating Line-up Option

   • Managers may use an alternating A/B lineup.

     • Players 70+ cannot be thrown out at first on a batted ball reaching the outfield grass.

6A. A/B Runners Rules - Runners can steal, advance on passed balls/wild pitches, and play like any other base occupant.

6B. Courtesy Runners - Teams are allowed two courtesy runners identified before the game. - Courtesy runners must be the last batted out and cannot steal or advance on passed balls/wild pitches.

7. Collision Avoidance

   • Base runners must avoid collisions with fielders.

   • Umpires can rule runners out and may eject players for deliberate collisions.

8. Fake Bunting

   • No fake bunting allowed. Batters must either bunt or take the pitch.

9. Decoy Throws/Catches

   • Decoying throws/catches is prohibited.

   • Runners advance one base for each decoy. Repeat offenders will be ejected.

10. Game Duration

    • Games are 7 innings with a three-hour limit.

    • An official game is called after 4 innings (or 3 1/2 if the home team is leading).

    • Doubleheaders are seven innings each.

    • Umpire fees: 95.00 per umpire per game, paid before the game starts.

    • Mercy rule: If a team is ahead by 12 runs after five innings, the winning team foregoes remaining at-bats until the 7 innings are completed.

    • Post-Season Eligibility. Determine Playoff Eligibility: 

      • Confirm that players must participate in 50% of games (6 games in a 12-game season) to be eligible for playoffs. No injury waivers or exceptions will be granted.

      Track Player Participation:

      • Both teams should keep accurate records of player participation and cross-check for any discrepancies. Consider using technology, like taking pictures of the scorebook, to ensure accuracy.

        • Players must be registered by August 1, 2025, and have played in 7 games.

        • Players with extended illness or injury CAN NOT get a waiver for post-season eligibility.

      Finalize Playoff Format:  Single elimination except finals which is a 2 out of 3 series 

      • All 7 teams make the playoffs    

      • Seeding and Tiebreakers:

        o   All seven teams will make the playoffs.

        o   First place team gets a bye.

        o   Seeding matchups: 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5.

        o   Tiebreakers to determine seeding: head-to-head results followed by a coin flip by the president if needed.

      •  

11. Post-Game Lineup Posting

    • Managers must post the final score and lineup immediately after games to the website.

    • Managers must maintain an accurate recording of player appearances.

12. Age Eligibility

    • Players must be 45 or older by December 31, 2025.

    • Two underage players (44+) allowed per team, but they cannot pitch.

COVID Seasan: Additional Rules for 2021 Season

14. Waiver Requirement

    1. All players, managers, coaches, and umpires must sign a waiver.

15. Face Masks

    1. Face masks must be worn by all players, managers, coaches, and umpires before, during, and after the game.

16. Social Distancing

    1. All participants must practice social distancing to the best of their ability.

17. Mound Meetings

    1. Meetings at the pitcher's mound limited to manager, pitcher, and catcher, maintaining safe distance.

18. No Spitting

    • No spitting on the field or on the ball.

19. No Post-Game Handshakes

    • No handshakes after the game.