Maple Leaf Baseball League (MLBL) Official Rules: 2026-2027 

All games follow Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) regulations unless superseded by the following exceptions. 

 

1. Scoring & Game Completion 

• Mercy Rule: An inning ends once a team scores 4 runs, except for an over-the-fence home run, where all runners count. 

• Called Game: Games ends if a team leads by 15 runs after 5 innings. Play may continue by mutual agreement, but stats only count up to the official "called" point. 

• Official Game: Deemed complete after 3 innings (or 2.5 if the Home Team leads). 

• Game 1: 5:45PM – 8:15PM (Last inning call 7:55PM) 

• Game 2: 8:30PM – 11:00PM (Last inning call 10:40PM) 

*A game is considered official if five (5) full innings have been completed, or 4.5 innings if the home team is leading. If a game is called due to weather or darkness before it is official, it will be suspended and resumed from the point of interruption at a later date.   

 

• Time Limit: No new inning may start after 2 hours and 20 minutes. Regular season ties stand unless time permits an extra inning. 

• Mound Visits & Challenge Rule: A manager is permitted for one mound visit per pitcher, per inning. On the second visit in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from the pitching position. 

• In-Field Fly Rule: The infield fly rule is in effect. 

• Dropped Third Strike: The dropped third strike rule is in effect. 

• Ejections: Any player, coach or manager ejected from a game must immediately leave the field and the spectator area. 

An ejection carries an automatic one-game suspension for the team’s next scheduled playoff game. 

Any ejection for fighting or flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct will result in immediate expulsion from the remainder of the playoffs. 

 

2. Roster & Lineups 

• Active Roster: Minimum 8 players required. The 9th batting spot is an automatic out until the player arrives. 

• All players must sign waivers before Game 5. 

• Waivers will not be accepted after Game 5 for the 2026 Season. 

(The league will no longer accept new players, and waivers will not be accepted) 

*Each team is responsible for ensuring its players comply. Any player participating without a signed waiver will be removed from the game immediately, and their team will be disqualified. Resulting in a forfeit. $300 Penalty to be paid. No exceptions will be made. 

• Forfeits: If a roster drops to 7 or fewer players (excluding injury/emergency), the game is a forfeit with a $300 penalty. 

• Lineup Cards: Teams must use MLBL-provided 4-part carbonless cards (Scorekeeper, Opponent, Umpire, Team). 

• Cards must include Full Name, Number, and Position. 

• No modifications allowed after the 1st inning. 

• Late Players: Players not on the initial lineup card cannot play ($300 penalty). 

• Substitution: Players removed from the game may NOT be re-entered for any reason. Any player's name on the substitution list (lineup card) only participates in the game.  

• Foreign Player Rule: 

1.1 Each team may include a maximum of TWO(2) external players per game. 

The MLBL committee will contact the opposing team's manager to determine the  most suitable solution if your team is unable to field a minimum of eight players for  a game. 

Team managers must notify the MLBL of any game-day issues or changes.   

Additionally, please inform the Plate Umpire and Scorekeeper on the day of the  game. 

 

1.2  FPP players can be assigned to any position except Pitcher (P). 

 

1.3  FPP Players are ineligible for playoff games. 

 

1.4 Statistics for FPP players will not be recorded on their statistics. 

 

3. Pitching Regulations 

• Limits: Maximum of 12 outs per pitcher. Once removed from the mound, a player cannot pitch again in that game. 

• Warm-ups: 4 pitches upon entry; 3 pitches between innings. No warm-ups allowed after "last inning" are called. New substitutes get a maximum of 5. 

• Restrictions: Pitchers cannot wear white long sleeves, batting gloves, wristbands, single arm sleeves, or jewelry (rings/bracelets). 

• Pitcher Balk Rule: 

1. If a balk move is included in the pitching routine, it is considered a balk (the routine is not recognized). 

2. Including a balk in the pitching routine results in a balk and invalidates the routine. 

3. A balk in the pitching routine invalidates it. 

 

*All balk calls are determined by the combined judgement of the plate and base umpires. Teams are prohibited from confronting the umpires regarding these calls. Only the team’s manager may formally challenge a balk situation. 

 

A manager is permitted to total three (3) challenges per game allowed. 

 

4. Baserunning & Safety 

• Home Plate: Catchers must maintain a clear pathway. If the plate is blocked (intentionally or not), the runner is safe. 

• Sliding: Runners must slide at home if a tag play is imminent. 

• Pinch Runners: Allowed for injured players or catchers (with 2 outs). The runner must be the last recorded out or the previous batter in the lineup. 

• Helmets: Players are called out if they remove their helmet while on the field. 

5. Equipment & Uniforms 

• Bats: Wood or wood-composite barrel only. All other materials are prohibited. 

• Uniform: Full uniform (jersey tucked, hat forward, pants, belt, cleats) is mandatory for play. 

• Footwear: Metal or plastic cleats; running shoes permitted only if strictly necessary. 

• Safety: Catchers must use certified, in-warranty gear. Teams must carry a medical first aid kit. 

6. Eligibility & Standings 

• Age: Minimum 19 years old. Officials may demand two pieces of government photo ID; failure to provide results in immediate ineligibility. 

• Playoffs: Players must participate in at least 4 regular-season games to qualify. 

• Tie-Breakers: 1) Head-to-Head record; 2) Run differential (Runs For vs. Runs Allowed). 

• Promotion/Demotion: The 6th-place Pro team is demoted; the 1st-place Semi-Pro team is promoted. 

• Player Photos: Teams are required to submit a clear, head-to-shoulder photograph of every player in their team uniform after GAME 5. 

 

*Any players without a submitted photo will be excluded from statistical tracking, and their team will receive a verbal warning. A second violation will result in a $300 penalty and forfeiture of the team's subsequent game. 

 

7. Field Logistics & Conduct 

• Dugouts: Home Team (3rd Base) is responsible for lines, bases, lights, and mound covers. Away Team takes 1st Base. 

 

• Weather: If rain stops a game before it is official, it is suspended and resumed later; all stats count. 

 

• Prohibited Items: Alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden at the field, dugout, and park. Violators face municipal penalties and MLBL-imposed sanctions. 

 

• Code of Conduct: 

All participants (players, coaches, umpires, and fans) are expected to adhere to the  highest standards of sportsmanship. 

There is a zero-tolerance policy for the abuse of officials, verbal harassment, or  fighting and throwing equipment on the field or dugout. 

The consumption of alcohol or the use of tobacco products in the dugout or on the  playing field is strictly forbidden. 

Failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in ejection, suspension, or  team disqualification from the playoffs.