Richfield Baseball National League (RBNL) Rules

Overview

The Richfield Baseball National League (RBNL) is a communitybased amateur league that follows a simplified yet competitive set of rules derived from professional baseball. The league is designed for players aged 12 and up, with divisions for youth, high school, and adult men and women. All games are played on standardsize fields, and the season runs from early April through late September.

Team Structure

Roster Limits

• Maximum 20 registered players per team.
• At least 9 players must be present at the start of each game.
• Only 5 players may be designated as reserve players who can substitute at any time.

Player Eligibility

1. All players must be registered with the league and have a valid RBNL ID.
2. Players must provide proof of age (birth certificate or driver's licence).
3. Players may not have played in any professional league within the last 12 months.

Gameplay

Game Length

Each game consists of 7 innings. If the score is tied after the seventh inning, extra innings are played until a team leads at the end of a completed inning.

Pitching Rules

• Pitchers may throw a maximum of 70 pitches per game.
• A pitcher who reaches 70 pitches must be replaced before the next batter.
• In youth divisions (U14) the pitch count limit is reduced to 55 pitches.

Baserunning

All standard baserunning rules apply, with the following league modifications:

• Leading off is allowed only after the 5th inning.
• Stealing bases is permitted in all innings, but a runner must maintain a clear view of the pitchers motion to avoid a balk call.

Scoring Summary

Runs are scored in the usual manner. A run batted in (RBI) is credited when a batters hit causes a teammate to cross home plate, except when the run scores on a groundrule double or a fielding error.

TieBreaker Procedure (Playoffs Only)

Equipment

Ball

Official RBNL balls are 9inch circumference, leatherstitched, with a raised RBNL logo. Pinkcolored balls are used for womens divisions.

Bats

• Wood bats may be 29 to 34 inches in length.
• Aluminum or composite bats are allowed, with a maximum drop weight of 3.0.

Protective Gear

Catchers must wear a mask, chest protector, and shin guards. All fielders must wear a helmet when batting and a protective cup for male players.

Discipline & Conduct

Umpire Authority

Umpires have full authority over each game. Their decisions on balls, strikes, plays, and conduct are final.

Code of Conduct

1. Players, coaches, and spectators must treat officials with respect.
2. Verbal or physical abuse results in a warning, followed by ejection after a second offense.
3. Repeated violations can lead to suspension of the player or coach for up to three games.

Technical Fouls

Deliberate interference with a ball in play, illegal pitching motions, or using an oversized bat incurs a technical foul. The offending team loses the batters count and the ball is declared dead.

Appendix

Glossary of Common Terms

• Balk: An illegal motion by the pitcher that deceives base runners.
• Double Play: Two outs recorded on the same continuous play.
• GroundRule Double: A ball that bounces over the outfield fence, automatically awarding the batter second base.
• Touchdown: When a runner safely reaches a base.

Contact Information

For questions or to submit a rule clarification request, email rules@richfieldbaseball.org or call the league office at (555) 1234567.