The Bethel Businessmen’s Softball League is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting athletic competition in a fun, friendly environment. We focus on providing men the opportunity to play competitively while stressing the importance of the role of athletics within the community. Our goal is to maintain safety and a fun, positive environment, while providing a competitive athletic environment.

The BBSL adheres to all Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines as well as all Equal Opportunity laws and guidelines. The BBSL will not discriminate against any player, prospective player, or league affiliate.

Grievances against the league, a league member, or league affiliate, outside of the rules outlined within these bylaws, should be handled in the following manner:

IF THE GRIEVANCE IS FROM AN INTERNAL SOURCE:

1. The grievance should be brought up to the next higher authority (team captain, division chair - if applicable, scorekeeper, umpire, etc.).
   
   
2. This authority should then pass it up the line to their next higher authority (in most cases this should be to any board member).
   
   
3. Grievances will be documented in writing by either the person filing the complaint, the person who received the initial complaint, or the board member who receives and deals with the complaint. This written documentation will include (but is not limited to) the initial grievance, the date the grievance was first reported, who handled the grievance at every point of the process, the proposed resolution to the grievance, and the actual resolution to the grievance. All parties, within the league, involved will be required to sign this written document upon the resolution of the issue at hand.
   
   
4. BBSL Board Members reserve the right to make the final decision on any grievance or issue within the league. Any matter that would need the Town of Bethel’s involvement will be handled between town representatives and BBSL board members alone.

IF THE GRIEVANCE IS FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE:

1. Board Members should be contacted directly (items 3 and 4 from above would still apply).

1. The BBSL and the town of Bethel will not be responsible for any injury occurring during league play. All members of the BBSL will only be allowed to participate after signing an Insurance Waiver which states players participate at their own risk.
   
   
2. League members will adhere to all town rules and regulations regarding field usage.
   
   
3. League meetings will be held at the behest of the BBSL Board. At least two weeks notice will be given prior to any league meeting. One representative per team will be required to attend each meeting.
   
   
4. Work parties will be scheduled prior to each season. The BBSL board reserves the right to schedule additional work parties if needed. Each team is required to send two representatives to a work party. Teams will be fined $25.00 per representative not in attendance. Fines need to be paid prior to the NEXT league function. Games will be forfeited for unpaid fines. It is the responsibility of the member to sign in with a board member in charge of attendance.
   
   
5. New teams will be put into divisions at the discretion of the BBSL board. This assignment to a division will be decided based on competitive balance.
   
   
6. No glass containers allowed in the park.
   
   
7. All teams (and their fans) are responsible for, and will remove any trash, coolers, or leftover food in their areas before leaving the park. The league and the town are NOT responsible for any personal items left at the field for any reason.
   
   
8. Anyone blatantly trashing the grounds will be asked to leave. Treat the field with respect, it is EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY to help maintain the appearance of the field.

1. Town officials, Board members, and the umpire on duty have the right to ask anyone to leave the facilities to lock up at any time.
   
   
2. No smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or foul language will be allowed on the playing field, including the bench area. Violators will be ejected at the umpire’s discretion.
   
   
3. Any player in uniform caught before or during a game with an alcoholic beverage will be subject to suspension for two (2) games.
   
   
4. No player or manager will show up to participate physically, mentally, or otherwise impaired as to cause injury to himself or to others that are present.
   
   
5. Teams are responsible for keeping their bench area clean. If a team takes over a bench area before the team that is already on the field leaves, they are responsible for the area. There will be a $25.00 fine for a team leaving trash behind and the fine will be collected before their next game.
   
   
6. Throwing of bats in an unsafe manner will not be tolerated. This is includes but is not limited to; throwing the bat at another player, whipping the bat into the fence, carrying the bat with you while running the bases. A first offense will result in a team warning, a second offense will result in that players ejection from the game, a third offense will result in ejection from that game, a two game suspension, and review of board for further disciplinary action. Any ejection carries with it all applicable policies outlined in the bylaws.

1. Any player or manager violating the league conduct rules will be subject to ejection from the game.
   
   
2. Any player or manager ejected from a game will sit out the next two (2) games. A second ejection will sit out two (2) games, plus a $25.00 fine payable before he may participate again. A third ejection will be cause for suspension for the season (subject to board oversight).
   
   
3. Any display by a player or manager of GROSS misconduct will be subject to an indefinite suspension pending a review by the league officers.
   
   
4. When an ejection reduces a team below the number of players participating in the game and no subs are available, the game is forfeited.

1. When the first game of the night is scheduled for 6pm there will be a ten (10) minute grace period for the first game only. Any time the first game of the night is scheduled to start later then 6pm THERE IS NO GRACE PERIOD! Failure to have 9 players at the appropriate time results in a forfeit.
   
   
2. If an injury or departure reduces a team below their starting lineup and no subs are available the team may continue with an automatic out in the vacant spot. Once a team is down to eight (8) players for ANY reason, the game is forfeited.
   
   
3. A $25.00 fine will be collected for any nonparticipating forfeits and must be paid before the next scheduled function. This fine is waived if a forfeit is reported to a league official more than 48 hours before the scheduled game time.
   
   
4. Teams will forfeit all games in which they use illegal players.
   
   
5. All fines must be paid before the team’s next scheduled function or forfeit all games until the fine is paid.
   
   
6. Any team that forfeits three (3) games during a season MAY be subject to removal from the league. League fees in this scenario WILL NOT be returned. This will be strictly a board decision.
   
   
7. The team who “wins” by forfeit is awarded a game played for everyone on their entire roster.

1. The umpire will have complete control and authority of the game.
   
   
2. If a rule interpretation protest is made, it must be made before the next pitch. Any and all protests must be made immediately at the time of the violation or rule interpretation in question. The umpire, along with the protesting manager, shall submit a written report within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident to the league’s board. A $10.00 deposit will be handed in with the protesting team’s report. If the protest is upheld the money will be refunded. If it is denied, the money will be put into the league treasury. All protests will be considered by the league board, and/or protest committee if applicable. The final decision will be explained to all parties involved.
   
   
3. Protests can be made on rule violations only, not judgment calls. Umpires will not accept protests for fair or foul balls, strikes, or moveable bases – original spot, etc.

1. All players participating in a game must have matching shirts with numbers and same body color by the opening day of the season, and throughout the entire season.
   
   
2. Arabic numbers must appear on the backs of the shirts and be at least six (6) inches tall and a contrasting color to the body. No duplicate numbers will be allowed on the field of play.
   
   
3. Only ball caps, which are to be worn properly, will be allowed on the playing field – no other headgear will be allowed.
   
   
4. Uniform violations will result in the individual player committing the offense to be ineligible to play until the violation is rectified.

1. ASA approved bats only!! Handles must be ASA legal grip. Aluminum bats must be one piece handle (welded knob). Bats must be SINGLE WALL AND NON-COMPOSITE if they are made of metal. Wood bats are permitted.
   
   The following bats are not permitted:
   1. Multiple Wall
   2. Dual Wall
   3. Double Wall
   4. Triple Wall
   5. Titanium
   6. Spring Steel
   7. Composite
   
   If you are unsure of the bats legality you are required to contact the board members, or head umpire before usage.
   
   
2. Any team may request using a bat from the other team once it has been used by that team. If that team refuses to allow the other team to use that bat it must be removed from play for the remainder of that game.
   
   
3. If a player and/or players from a team are found to using an illegal bat a penalty will be enforced:
   
   1st offense: The bat will be taken out of play with no penalty to player/team.
   2nd offense: The bat will be taken out of play, player taken out of game, and the player will be suspended 6 games from that date.
   3rd offense: The bat will be taken out of play, player taken out of game, and the player suspended one year from that date.
   
   If a player or players are found to be using an altered or doctored bat, then that player will be suspended one year from that date.
   
   
4. No metal spikes, removable bit cleats, work shoes, or street shoes allowed. Sneakers, all-purpose shoes, or non-metal – non removable bit cleats only!!
   
   
5. Softballs will be provided to each team from the league. Each team will be responsible for supplying one (1) new game ball per game. They will be required to retrieve any foul ball or homerun ball hit by their team. If your team hits a ball out, you are required to replace it with either a new ball, or a ball deemed playable by the umpire. Any replacement ball MUST BE OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND CORE as the ball being used by the league. Mixing and matching will not be accepted. Failure to supply a new game ball will result in a $10.00 fine prior to the start of the game.

1. Opening day rosters will be due in accordance with dates established at annual pre-season meetings.
   
   
2. Additions to rosters can be made up until the 4th scheduled game per team, after that rosters are locked. Players cannot be removed from rosters, only added.
   
   
3. Minimum age is sixteen (16); under eighteen (18) years of age players must have parental approval and a parent/guardian signature on the insurance waiver form (there is a separate form for minors).
   
   
4. All rosters, up to twenty (20) players with five (5) “write-in” subs which can be utilized at any point during the season, must include PRINTED FULL NAME, HOME ADDRESS, and PRIMARY CONTACT PHONE NUMBER. Players are ineligible for competition until these items are on record.
   
   
5. Players must live in Bethel or work 30 hours a week on the payroll of a Bethel based firm. Outside players who were legally on rosters the previous year may participate in the current season (Grandfather Clause).
   
   
6. The league Board MUST approve any final roster changes.
   
   
7. Once a player takes the field for a team he may not switch rosters for the remainder of the season. A player may be on more than one roster, but can only play on the team the he plays for first.

1. NINE (9) MAN RULE: A team may start (and play) a game with nine (9) men with an out in the tenth (10th) spot in the lineup. Once the game has begun, the tenth (10th) player may be added in the last spot of the lineup. A team may not add an eleventh (11th) or twelfth (12th) at any time. Once the tenth (10th) player is added, the out is eliminated. The tenth (10th) player may be added at any time provided it does not delay the game.
   
   
2. TWELVE (12) MAN RULE: A team may have eleven (11) or twelve (12) players in the lineup, two as “extra-players” (EP’s). As long as the lineup is followed properly the EP’s may enter the game on defense as the manager wishes provided there are never more than ten (10) fielders on the field at a given time.
   
   
3. LINE-UP CARDS: All teams must have their lineup cards filled out and handed in to the scorekeeper at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled game time. Any team that does not comply will have the first batter in their lineup recorded as an out. Furthermore, once lineups are submitted to the booth, changes can only be made in accordance with standard substitution or addition practices.
   
   
4. DARKNESS: In the event of darkness due to lack of lighting, all games will be resumed from the point of stoppage.
   
   
5. TWELVE RUN RULE: If either team is leading by twelve (12) or more at the end of five (5) innings (4 ½ if home team is leading) the game is over. If a twelve (12) run lead is obtained at any point after the fifth (5th) inning the game is over.
   
   
6. COURTESY RUNNERS: Two players in the lineup can have a courtesy runner. These two players can take a courtesy runner for the entirety of the game. The courtesy runner can be anyone in the lineup provided that player is not due up. If a player comes in as a courtesy runner and is on base AND due up to bat, their scheduled at bat is recorded as an out. If a player comes in to run, and is not in the lineup, this is counted as a substitution, not a courtesy runner.
   
   
7. THIRD STRIKE RULE: When a ball is hit foul with two strikes on the batter, it will be counted as a third strike and the batter is out.
   
   
8. BASE RUNNERS: Runners cannot leave the base until the ball is hit or the batter has been told to take first base on balls, interference, etc.
   
   
9. ORANGE BAG: A double first base will be used in league play to help alleviate collisions between fielder and runner. On an infield play at first base, the runner shall touch the orange bag only. The defensive player shall touch the white bag only. A runner touching the white bag will be called out. On a play where the ball is hit to the outfield, a player is not required to touch the orange bag. The exception to this rule is if the runner is attempting to avoid a collision at first base, then umpire discretion is used.
   
   
10. BLACK MAT: A black mat will be used for a strike zone. If the ball touches any part of the black mat, the pitch is a strike. The only exception to this rule is if the ball hits the black mat as well as the plate. Any pitch that touches any part of the plate is a ball.
    
    
11. HOMERUN RULE: Any homerun hit over the fence that exceeds the established limits below will result in a dead ball out for the player. If a fielder assists the ball over the fence it is considered a “four (4) base error.”
    
    
    1. "Upper" Division - will be limited to three (3) homeruns with a progressive increase
    2. "C" Division - will be limited to two (2) homeruns with a progressive increase
    
    
    
12. PITCHING MOUND RULE: Any pitcher may pitch from the mound, which sits at 50' from the plate or as far back as 53' from the plate. Wherever the pitcher throws their first pitch of the game from is where the pitcher must remain for the remainder of the game. Any violation of this rule will result in an "illegal pitch" which is counted as a ball automatically provided the batter does not attempt to swing. If an "illegal pitch" is swung at or put in play, this supersedes the automatic ball and the result of the play or live action is the final call.
    
    
13. ALL VIOLATION OBJECTIONS/PROTESTS: Any and all protests or objections to any general conduct rules or league rules must be brought up to league officials or umpires IMMEDIATELY. Once a game has started protests can only be made to the umpire working the game. Such protests and objections will not be honored if they are not brought up as soon as the incident in question is noticed or becomes under scrutiny. This is including but not limited to: Use of illegal equipment, participation by an illegal player, uniform violation, misinterpretation of a rule, improper ruling on the field, and a violation of other general game play violations. For proper procedural followings of all protests, follow the established guidelines laid out in BBSL bylaws under the section titled "Umpires" subsections 2 and 3. ** Note that judgment calls are not subject to protest. **

1. ELIGIBILITY: Players are only eligible to play in playoff games if they have appeared in 4 regular season games. “Write-In” players must appear in 10 regular season games to be playoff eligible.
   
   
2. TIE BREAKERS: Any tie breaker will be scheduled at the first available time following the end of the regular season. A tie for first will result in a one (1) game playoff. Ties for any other position is head to head, then by coin flip.
   
   
3. SCHEDULE: Playoffs will be followed as scheduled except for changes due to weather. There will be no non-playing dates.
   
   
4. PROTESTS: Protests will be worked out between the umpire, managers, and league officials at the time of the protest. Whatever decision the umpire and league officials decide upon WILL BE FINAL!

Board members and/or the umpire on duty reserve the right to enforce the following fines:

1. $25.00 per team representative not in attendance for work party
   
   
2. $25.00 per forfeit
   
   
3. $25.00 per trash being left behind (this includes on the bench area after a team's game, in the area surrounding the field, or leaving trash in a garbage can and not emptying it into a dumpster prior to leaving for the night)
   
   
4. $25.00 per man for a second ejection
   
   
5. $10.00 per failure to present new game ball
   
   
6. OTHER FINES MAY APPLY AS OUTLINED IN THE BYLAWS