Pacific Coast Baseball was created to provide for men 16 years old and over an opportunity to continue playing the game we all grew up playing. It should be remembered that in every game there is a winning and a losing team. We must control ourselves and our player's actions on and off the field. Good sportsmanship and proper conduct must always prevail, no matter how competitive a game may become. Every coach and player has the responsibility to keep the game enjoyable yet competitive. Let's make it fun for players who participate as well as for our friends and family who come to watch. Review these league rules yourself and make sure your players know them as well. Improper behavior on the part of any participant can adversely affect the future participation of the entire team.


Uniforms, Helmets, Baseballs & Bats

1.a A professional appearance is mandatory for all participants of Pacific Coast Baseball.

1.b All teams are required to wear full baseball uniforms. (caps, numbered jerseys, baseball pants, socks, stirrups and cleats) All player's uniform shirts and hats must be the same as his teammates.

1.c All teams should have their uniforms by their first game.

1.d All teams must have their uniforms by the fourth game of the season. Any player not in a matching uniform shirt & hat will not be allowed to participate without the opposing managers consent.

1.e If non-matching uniform player(s) is required to play to avoid a forfeit, it will be reported to the umpires. A $20 penalty must be paid at the pre-game meeting to the apposing team.

1.f All batters and base runners must wear a protective helmet with ear flaps (single or double) at all times. Umpires are required to remove and destroy any cracked or broken helmets.

1.g All catchers are required to wear a "hard hat" under their mask.

1.h Each team is required to provide three (3) new baseballs to the home plate umpire before the start of the game. League approved baseballs are: Diamond D1-PCBL

1.i Wood and metal bats are allowed in both league games and for all tournaments. The maximum bat differential established by the rules committee is a minus five (-5) for any metal or aluminum type bat. If a player uses a bat exceeding this differential and a challenge is made, the offending batter will be declared an out.

1.j In the spirit of traditional baseball, Pacific Coast Baseball has implemented "Wood Bat Only" for all games played on Father's Day. All hitters will be required to use wooden bats only, metal bats will not be permitted on that day.



Game Time & Length, Run Rule and Rain-Outs

2.a If a team does not have enough players at game time a 15 minute grace period will be granted and timed by the umpires.

2.b If after the initial grace period a team is still unable to field 8 players, the opposing manager has the option of accepting the forfeit win or waiving it and granting one additional 15 minute grace period. All used grace period time will count as time played toward the 3 hour time limit.

2.c An official game may be played with one team having only 8 players or the team may borrow a defensive player from the opposing team provided the opposing manager consents.

2.d The game is then played as normal with the exception that the team having only 8 players will receive an automatic out EVERY TIME the 9th position comes up in the batting order while waiting for their 9th player to arrive.

2.e If the team's 9th player arrives during the game, the borrowed player must leave or revert back to his own team.

2.f All games are nine (9) inning or three (3) hours. Any inning started before the three hour time limit must be completed.

2.g In the event of a tie game after 9 innings of play, extra innings will be played until a winner has been decided or the 3 hour time limit has expired. If the game is still tied after the 3 hour limit has expired, the game ends in a tie.

2.h If a team is ahead by twelve (12) runs and five and a half or more complete innings have been played, the game may be ruled final at this time. It is the decision of the winning team if they wish to continue playing or invoke the Mercy Rule.

2.i A game shortened by rain will be ruled an official game if five or more complete innings were played. The official game score will be the score after the last complete inning played.

2.j Any games cancelled due to rain will try to be rescheduled by the league but are not guaranteed.

2.k Any games ended short due to rain, that did not meet the requirements to be considered an official game; the umpires are to refund 1/2 of game fees to each team.



Players and Lineup Cards

3.a All players should be eighteen (18) years of age or older. Team managers are responsible for verifying the ages of their players.

3.b Each player must be able to show proof of identity at each game if requested by the opposing manager or an umpire. If the player in question is unable to provide proof of identity, he shall be removed from the game and is ineligible to play in that game until he can provide the required proof.

3.c Lineup cards must be submitted to the home plate umpire and to the opposing manager before the beginning of each game. Lineup cards must list all starters with uniform numbers and should any substitutes expected to play in that game.

3.d If a roster player is late in arriving to the game and is not listed on the lineup card, that player may be added to line-up card and permitted to play in that game.

3.e Teams are permitted to have a maximum number of two (2) players that require a courtesy runner. Players that require a courtesy runner must be noted on the lineup card with a (NR) next to their name.

3.f A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, but must bat a minimum of 9 (nine). Teams must continue using the same number of batters the entire game.

3.g A manager may add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time.

3.h Batters can not be deleted or skipped over regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game.

3.i Each team has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other. Players may play in either lineup or both.

3.j Defensive substitutions do not affect the batting order. Defensive positions are substituted freely for any position except for the pitcher.

3.k In the event of a player injury, a reserve player, who has not batted in the game, may be substituted for the injured player. If no eligible reserve is available, the injured players spot is skipped, with no penalty to the affected team.

3.l In the event of a player ejection, a reserve player, who has not batted in the game, may be substituted for the ejected player. If no eligible reserve is available, the team will be assessed an out EACH time the ejected player's spot comes up.

3.m Photo ID's will be shown by all players to validate team rosters before the start of all play-off and championship games.

3.n Any player unable to provide proof of identity is ineligible to play in that game until he can provide proof.

Courtesy Runner Rule

4.a Teams are permitted to have a maximum number of two(2) players that require a courtesy runner. Players that require a courtesy runner must be noted on the lineup card with a (NR) next to their name.

4.b If the lineup card is not marked, the opposing manager may deny any courtesy runner request.

4.c In the event of an obvious player injury, the umpire may allow an additional courtesy runner be used for the injured player.

4.d The courtesy runner will always be the last recorded out or a reserve/substitute player. If the person who made the last recorded out also is in need of a courtesy runner, go to the preceding out.



Pitchers

5.a If a pitcher is removed from the mound, he may play any other position or none at all.

5.b Only the starting pitcher may re-enter as pitcher during the course of the game. He may re-enter as pitcher only once and never in the same inning.

5.c Pitchers may not wear white or gray sleeves while pitching.

5.d Pitchers may not wear a batting glove or wrist bands while pitching.

5.e If a pitcher hits four (4) batters in one game, the pitcher must be removed from the mound after the fourth hit batsman.



Collision and Decoy Rules

6.a In the best interest of safety, Pacific Coast Baseball has a NO COLLISION RULE.

6.b If a runner, in the judgment of the umpire, intentionally collides into a defensive player in an attempt to knock the ball loose; play will stop, the runner will automatically be called out and ejected from the game.

6.c This is not a "must slide rule" but a rule designed to stop a player from intentionally lowering his shoulder and colliding with another player in an attempt to jar loose a held ball.

6.d Infielders are not allowed to decoy a catch "fake tag" in an attempt to get a runner to slide unnecessarily.

6.e If a "fake tag" is detected, all runners shall be allowed to advance one base beyond the base occupied after all play is stopped.

6.f If the same infielder decoys twice in the same game, the fielder will be ejected from the game.

Adding / Dropping / Transferring Players

7.a A player may be added to a team's roster up through May 31st. On June 1st each team's roster is finalized and no more players may be added or traded.

7.b Player additions will not be accepted over the phone. A player profile must be created on the team roster prior to June 1st.

7.c In order for a player to be eligible and participate in his team's league playoffs and championship games, he must have participated in at least seven (7) of his team's regular season games.

7.d If a player is dropped by his team prior to June 1st, he is then released and is eligible to play for the team of his choice.

7.e In the event a team disbands prior to June 1st, all players are considered free agents and will be permitted to play for any team.

7.f In the event a team disbands after June 1st, all players must sit out the remainder of the season.

7.g A player may not be taken from or switch teams without the consent of both team managers and the permission of the league.

7.h A player may be transferred or traded only upon their consent. Any such trade or transfer must take place before June 1st.

7.i Players remain the property of their initial team in future seasons and may not play for another team unless released, traded or the team breaks up. If a player is invited back by his initial team and he chooses not to play for this team, he must sit out one complete summer season before he will be eligible to play for another team.

7.j In the event a player wishes to leave his existing team and form a new team, he may do so. No players can be taken from existing teams without the consent of their current team manager.

7.k If a league member owes another league member uniform or fees as a result of league or tournament participation in any events, that member is not allowed to participate in any league activities including scheduled games, All-Star events, or tournaments until he has paid all monies or property owed. For this to apply, the league must be notified in writing of the outstanding debt.



Umpires

8.a Umpire Fees are $80 per team per game.

8.b If only one umpire is available for a game the fee is $50 per team.

8.c Should an umpire arrive late or after the start of a game $10 will be deducted for each inning missed.

8.d If umpires fail to show up for a game or if only one umpire is available, both teams may vote on using substitute umpire(s). Substitute umpire(s) are not eligible to participate in that game.

8.e Verbal or physical abuse of umpires is not permitted.

8.f Umpire evaluation forms are available online and can be used to rate all umpires. These forms should be submitted regularly allowing the league to evaluate all umpires performances. Umpire selections to work All-Star games, Playoff and Championship games will be based on these evaluation forms.

Posting Game Scores

9. Both teams scorekeeper should confirm runs scored and game score with the home plate umpire after every inning. This will eliminate conflicting scores near the end of the game. Teams are required to post the game score on the league website.



Filing a Protest

10.a The correct procedure for filing a protest will be as follows:

(1) Notify the Plate Umpire during the game that you are playing the game under protest.

(2) Notify the League verbally that you intend to file a protest on your game. The protest will not be discussed over the phone.

(3) Submit protest form along with $25.00 protest bond within 48 hours of the end of the game. Protest bond will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

(4) The League Rules Committee will conduct a hearing on the matter and then inform you of their decision.



Forfeits and Bonds

11.a A Forfeit Bond of $160 must be filed with Pacific Coast Baseball before the first game of the season.

11.b The purpose of the Forfeit Bond is as follows:

(1) In the event of a forfeit by a team, a bond is used to pay the umpire fees for both teams.

(2) Cover any fines imposed by the League Discipline Committee

11.c Repayment of a used Forfeit Bond must be received by the Thursday 6PM preceding the next game. If payment is not received an additional forfeit will be issued and possible league suspension of the team will be reviewed by the League Discipline Committee.

11.d Two forfeits by any team could mean immediate expulsion from the league with no money refunded to the forfeiting team.

11.e The Forfeit Bond may be refunded after the conclusion of the season upon request in writing by team manager.

11.f The Forfeit Bond remains valid to the following summer season. If a team does not return the following summer season the Forfeit Bond becomes invalid and is no longer kept on file.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct applies to all players, coaches, managers, umpires and spectators. The Code of Conduct applies to players as an individual or as a team; and the penalties can be applied to an individual or an entire team. This Code becomes effective as soon as the participants arrive at the facility and remains in effect until they leave the facility.

12.a Any player ejected from a game will serve a mandatory two (2) game suspension the very next scheduled games. An appeal may be submitted to have the suspension reviewed and reduced to one (1) game for a minor infraction.

12.b Any player or manager guilty of physical contact with an umpire will receive a minimum three (3) game suspension; possible season expulsion or expulsion from the league for life.

12.c Any player or manager refuses to abide by an umpire's decision shall be immediately suspended from the league and subject to probation while his conduct is reviewed.

12.d Any player or manager guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during or after a game shall be immediately suspended from the league, will receive a minimum three(3) game suspension; possible season expulsion or expulsion from the league for life.

12.e Any player guilty of consuming alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on or near the baseball facility will receive a minimum three (3) game suspension; possible season expulsion or expulsion from the league for life. This includes both players and spectators, in the dugouts, bleachers and the parking lot.

12.f Smoking is not permitted at any of the facilities we play on. This includes the playing field, around the dugouts and the spectator area. Players found in violation shall be immediately ejected from the game and suspended an additional three (3) weeks.

12.g Field/Trash Neglect (when school authorities complain) - $25 minimum fine. Damage to school equipment (fences, trashcans, rakes, or drags) - $25 fine plus replacement cost of equipment.

12.h All imposed fines are to be paid Thursday before the next scheduled game. If a fine is not paid, the manager or involved player is immediately suspended and ineligible to play in the next scheduled game.



Field Responsibilities

13.a These basic rules apply to ALL FIELDS - see "Field Directions" for specifics of each field.

13.b Both teams will be responsible for taking care of the field after their game. Teams playing the morning games are not excused from cleaning up their dugouts for the afternoon games.

13.c Both teams will clean out their dugout and put trash in trash cans. Trash includes sunflower seeds, gum wrappers, drink bottles, and even chewing tobacco that has been chewed and spit out on the ground.

13.d The field, dugouts and spectator area will be inspected by our field maintenance crews. Any teams that are reported not cleaning up will be fined a minimum $25.

* Remember we need these fields to play! Without these fields there is no league!

13.e Smoking is not permitted on the playing field or in the dugouts or the spectator areas.

13.f Hitting Drills "Soft Toss" against fences or back stops is NOT PERMITTED at any field.

13.g Cutting locks, removing gates or climbing fences to gain access to playing fields is not allowed under any circumstances.

13.h Any player or manager found causing damage to field or school property will be fined, suspended or expelled from the league and is financially responsible for the repairs.

All-Star Games

14.a Each league division will have their own separate All Star game in late June.

14.b Managers and players are chosen for the game based on the division standings as of the All Star cut off date, June 1st.

14.c The standings of each division will be separated by odd and even numbers. The odd and even number teams will then play each other in the All Star Game or the PCBL Orange County League All-Stars.

14.d Managers of the first and second place teams will be the All Star managers in their respective divisions.

14.e All managers and players will wear their regular season uniforms during the game.

14.f The number of players representing each team in the division will be decided by team standings. Teams higher up in the standings will be awarded more players than teams further down in the standings.

14.g Equipment for the All Star Game is to be provided by the first and second place team's managers.

14.h Umpires and baseballs for the games will be provided by the league.



Playoff and Championship Games

15.a Each league division will have their own post-season playoff and Championship game.

15.b In order for a player to be eligible and participate in league playoff's and championship games, he must have participated in a minimum number of his team's regular season games. Summer Season is seven (7) league games. Mid-Week Wood and Fall League is four (4) league games.

15.c Player attendance/participation must be documented online in the team game stats.

15.d Teams must post and maintain timely and accurate online stats to be eligible to participate in Playoff Games.

15.e If a team is found to have posted fraudulent online stats, they will be disqualified and not eligible to participate in Playoffs.

15.f All post season games will be nine (9) innings with no time limit whenever possible.

15.g Mercy rule of 12 runs after six(6) innings remains in effect.

15.h Photo ID's will be shown by all players to validate team rosters before the start of all play-off and championship games. Any player unable to provide proof of identity is ineligible to play in the game until he can provide proof.

15.i Cost for umpires and baseballs are paid by the teams for all Play-off Games leading up to the Championship Game.

15.j Championship Game umpires and baseballs will be provided by the league.