(B) Foreign Player Policy (FPP):

(C) Regular Season In-Game Compliance Rules:

(C1.1) All athletes must sign waivers before Game 5.

Each team is responsible for ensuring its athletes comply. Any athlete participating without a signed waiver will be removed from the game immediately, and their team will be disqualified, resulting in a forfeit.

$250 penalty to be deducted. No exceptions will be made.

(C1.2) Waivers will not be accepted after Game 5 for the 2025 Season.

The League will no longer accept new players, and waivers will not be accepted. 

(C1.3) The trade period concluded after Game 5. There will be no transfers from other teams within the MLBL.

(C1.4) After GAME 5:

Compliance Policy:

All teams are required to follow the established compliance regulations. Any team found in violation will first receive a final warning. Continued non-compliance after this warning will subject the team to a $250 penalty

Players without team uniforms are prohibited on the field or in the dugout. If unregistered or unauthorized individuals are in the game or dugout, the game will be forfeited, and a penalty of $250 will be deducted.

(C1.5) Game Roster Update: Substitution Rules

Players removed from the game may NOT re-enter for any reason. If a player from the starting lineup is benched and later returns to the game, they will be immediately removed from play, and their team will receive a formal warning.

(C1.6) All athletes must upload a head-to-chest photograph by the due date set.

Failure to comply will result in the athlete's removal from the games and an official warning issued to their team.

(D) Playoff Rules (2025)

These rules govern the conduct of playoff games within the league, ensuring fair play, competitive integrity, and a clear path to championship.

(D1.1) Eligibility and Roster Requirements

1. Player Eligibility:

   • All players must be officially registered with the league and their respective teams by a specified deadline.

   • Players must have participated in a minimum of four (4) regular season games to be eligible for playoff participation. This ensures active participation throughout the season.

   • Any age restrictions for "senior" players, 19-year-olds must be strictly adhered to. Proof of age may be required.

   • Players are typically restricted to playing for only one team within the league during playoffs, even if they may have played for multiple teams during the regular season.

   • Current professional/semi-professional baseball players are not eligible to play.

2. Team Eligibility:

   • Teams must have completed all scheduled regular season games, or have had any outstanding games resolved as per league policy (e.g., forfeits recorded).

   • Teams must be in good standing with the league, including all financial obligations and adherence to league conduct policies.

3. Rosters and Player Photos:

   • Teams are required to submit a clear, head-to-shoulder photograph of every player in their team uniform before the first playoff game.

   • Penalty for Missing Player Photos: Players without a submitted photo will be excluded from statistical tracking, and their team will receive a final warning. A second violation will result in a $250 penalty and forfeiture of the team's subsequent game.

    

(D.1.2) Playoff Structure and Seeding

1. Playoff Format:

   • The playoff format will be determined by the league commissioner or playoff convenor, based on the number of participating teams and available field time. Quarterfinals will be a single-elimination bracket, while the Semifinals and Championship Games will be best-of-three series.

2. Seeding:

   • Teams will be seeded for playoffs based on their regular season standings (e.g., winning percentage).

   • Tie-breaking procedures (e.g., head-to-head record, runs for/against, coin toss) will be clearly defined and applied as necessary.

   • League year-end standings typically determine the home team for the first game of each series/tournament.

(D.1.3) Game Play Regulations

1. Official Rules:

   • All playoff games will be played according to the Official Rules of Baseball, as adopted by the OBA or Baseball Canada, with any specific league modifications outlined in the league's supplementary rules.

2. Mercy Rule:

   • A mercy rule will NOT be in effect to conclude games early if a significant run differential is reached.

3. Time Limits:

   • Time limits for games (no new inning after 2 hours 15 minutes) may be enforced.

   • A game will be called if there is a 15-run difference after completing the 5th inning.

4. Pitching Regulations:

   • No Pitching Limits. 

   • Hit-by-pitch limits for individual pitchers (e.g., automatic warning after 3, removal after 4) may be in effect in each inning.

   • Balk will be implemented by the both plate and base umpires.

5. Substitutions:

   • For pinch runners, the player must be one of the last two batters who were out.

   • A courtesy runner is typically allowed for the catcher, especially with two outs, and this runner is usually the player who made the last out.

6. Minimum Players:

   • Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start an official game. If a team cannot field the minimum, it will result in a forfeit.

   • Multi-team players will not be permitted to participate in the Playoff Series.

7. Uniforms:

   • All players must be in full, proper team uniform, including team hats, shirts (numbered), belt and pants, to be eligible to play.

   • Cleats are mandatory. Running shoes and turf shoes are not permitted.

(D.1.4) Game Management and Conduct

1. Postponed Games:

   • Any game cancelled due to unplayable field conditions, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances will be rescheduled if possible.

   • If a game is started but cancelled before reaching minimum length, it will be rescheduled and resumed from the last completed inning, if feasible.

   • Notification of cancellations will typically be provided 2 to 6 hours before the scheduled start time.

   • Only coaches should contact the league commissioner regarding field conditions and playability.

2. Dugout Conduct:

   • Only uniformed players, coaches, and a designated scorekeeper are permitted in the dugout. Any unauthorized individuals will result in a warning, followed by a forfeit for subsequent violations with penalty fee.

   • Players must remain in the dugout or designated playing area when not actively involved in the game.

3. Umpire Authority:

   • Umpires have full authority over game play and decisions on the field. Their decisions on matters of judgment are final.

   • Disputes over rule interpretation or eligibility must be formally protested as per league protest procedures, typically involving a protest fee and submission within a defined timeframe.

4. Sportsmanship and Discipline:

   • All participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.

   • Ejections for unsportsmanlike conduct, dangerous play, or other rule violations will result in consequences as outlined in the league's disciplinary policy (e.g., suspensions, fines). Fake tags are strictly prohibited and will result in ejection.

   • Throwing any equipment or gear on the field or exhibiting unsportsmanlike dugout behavior will be recorded as a violation and may result in ejection from the game.

(D.1.5) Playoff Convenor

1. Appointment: A Playoff Convenor will be appointed by the league president or executive to oversee the playoffs.

2. Responsibilities: The Playoff Convenor is responsible for:

   • Establishing the playoff schedule and format.

   • Arbitrating any disputes that arise during the playoffs, with their decision being final.

   • Ensuring adherence to all league rules and procedures.

(E) Strengthened Regulations on Substances:

Compliance Policy:

All teams are required to follow the established compliance regulations. Any team found in violation will first receive a final warning. Continued non-compliance after this warning will subject the team to a $250 penalty.

(E1.1) Stricter regulations are now in effect regarding the use of smoking, vaping, alcohol, and marijuana.

Strictly Prohibited: "Smoking within 25 meters of the designated area results in an immediate one-game suspension and a $250 team fine. A repeat offence by the same player leads to season termination. No warnings will be issued."

(E1.5) No BBQ, propane, or charcoal cooking is permitted near the Diamond. There are two warnings before removal from the game. 

(F) Field Maintenance and Dugout Assignments:

Compliance Policy:

All teams are required to follow the established compliance regulations. Any team found in violation will first receive a final warning. Continued non-compliance after this warning will subject the team to a $250 penalty

(G) Zero Tolerance Policy:

All teams are required to follow the established compliance regulations. Any team found in violation will incur a $250 penalty

FIELD AND DUGOUT ACCESS

(G1.1) Uniforms: Any player not in a full team uniform is strictly prohibited from entering the field or dugout.

Violators will be immediately ejected without warning. No exceptions.

(G1.2) Unauthorized Persons: Any unregistered or unauthorized individual in the game or dugout is grounds for immediate forfeiture of the game. The game will end on the spot.

(G1.3) Any use of profanity, slander, violence, or dishonesty will result in immediate expulsion from the team.

(G1.4) Unsportsmanlike conduct, including discrimination against other athletes or using offensive language towards officials, will lead to immediate removal from the game and will be reviewed by the MLBL Compliance Committee.

We encourage all participants to become acquainted with these updated regulations to ensure a fair and respectful playing environment throughout the 2025 season.