+50 Colford Division Rules

Boston Amateur Baseball League

Rules for the 2025 Season

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

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]

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.

   • If a ninth player arrives, they must be inserted into the game immediately and added to the batting order in the ninth spot.

   • A 15-minute grace period is allowed if a team has fewer than eight players. If the eighth player does not arrive within 15 minutes, the game is a forfeit.

3. Batting Order Flexibility

   • Managers can bat as many players as they want, with a minimum of nine.

   • Batters can be added at any time but cannot be skipped or removed from the lineup.

   • If a player is removed from the lineup, they may re-enter only after one rotation through the lineup and one defensive half inning.

   • Managers have the option to use an A/B alternating lineup.

4. A/B Alternating Line-up Option

   • Batters must alternate at-bats during the game, but either batter may run for the AB slot.

   • Players 70+ cannot be thrown out at first on a batted ball reaching the outfield grass but can be thrown out as part of a double/triple play.

4A. A/B Runners Rules - Runners can steal, advance on passed balls/wild pitches, and play like any other base occupant.

4B. 

Courtesy Runner Rule Clarification for 2026

The meeting focused on clarifying rules regarding courtesy runners. Gary explained that courtesy runners cannot be called out until they reach second base, and if they do, they are automatically out. The group agreed to amend the rules to reflect this, and Michael offered to scan and distribute the updated rules to ensure umpires and coaches are informed. John suggested making the rules easily accessible on the league's website to address ongoing issues with rule knowledge among umpires.

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.

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. Game Duration

   • Games are 7 innings with a 2-hour 45-minute limit.

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

   • Umpire fees: $95.00 per team per game per umpire.

7. Post-Season Eligibility

   • Players must be registered by August 1, 2025, and have played in 8 games.

   • Appearance is defined as one full half inning played at a defensive position, one at-bat, or one batter pitched to until the completion of the at-bat.

   • Players with extended illness or injury may seek a waiver for post-season eligibility.

8. Playoff Format:

9. New Playoff Format Agreement for 2026

   The group discussed and agreed on a new playoff format that would keep the current system of first place earning an automatic first-round bye, while teams finishing2nd through 4th would compete in a separate tournament. Dave and John initially debated the fairness of the current format, with Dave advocating for a tournament-style approach among lower-seeded teams, which Gary's suggestion addressed by proposing a compromise where teams 5-8 would compete in a separate tournament while the top four teams maintain their current playoff structure. Michael agreed to lead the implementation of this new format as the advisor·         Decision to have a one-game elimination for the first round.

   Playoff Waiver and Uniform Rules for 2026

    

   The group discussed playoff eligibility rules, particularly regarding medical waivers and uniform appearances. They agreed to vote via email on allowing waivers for players with extended injuries or illnesses, while strongly opposing a rule that would give credit for games to players who show up in uniform but do not play. The conversation ended with an agreement to use email voting for the waiver rule, as several members were absent from the meeting.

    -----------------OLD @025 is below.

    

   o    1st place plays 8th place

   o    2nd place plays 7th place

   o    3rd place plays 6th place

   o    4th place plays 5th place

   ·         Followed by best-of-three series for the semifinals and finals.

    Playoff Eligibility:

   ·         Players must participate in at least 50% of the regular season games (7 out of 14) to be eligible for playoffs.

   ·         No exceptions for injuries or other reasons.

10. Roster Deadlines

    • Initial rosters due by May 1.

    • Final rosters due by July 15.

11. Post-Game Lineup Posting

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

    • Managers must provide opponents with a lineup including players' last names.

    • Managers are responsible for maintaining accurate records of player appearances.

12. Age Eligibility

    • Players must be 52 or older by December 31, 2025.

    • Proof of age is required through a government-issued photo ID.

    • Each team is allowed three underage players who must turn 50 by December 31, 2025, and they are not allowed to pitch.

Additional Rules for COVID Season 2020

11. Waiver Requirement

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

12. Face Masks

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

13. Social Distancing

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

14. Mound Meetings

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

15. No Spitting

    • No spitting on the field or on the ball.

16. No Post-Game Handshakes

    • No handshakes after the game.