OVERVIEW

This league was created to provide adults aged 18 and older with an alternative to softball and the opportunity to continue playing the game we all grew up loving. Players are expected to maintain maturity and sportsmanship at all times, regardless of the league’s level of competition. Upholding these standards is the responsibility of the League Board of Directors. 

League Governance – The league is governed by a Board of Directors elected by all coaches and league administrators. Members of the Board may serve no more than three consecutive years in the same position and will be re-evaluated and voted on annually by the coaches. 2026 league board: 

• Nick Gilmore

• Todd Barhorst

• Jake Robinson

The Chief Financial Officer/Controller – Responsible for paying league bills and reporting the status of the league’s financial balance to all coaches and Board members at the end of each month. The Chief Financial Officer is a one-year appointment and will be re-evaluated and voted on by the coaches annually.

League Decisions - Brought to a vote shall be made only by the DCBL Board of Directors, at league meetings. Voting results are determined by majority vote. Voting will be done in person or by private email or ballot. 

Coaches Meetings – Each team must have at least one representative present at every league meeting. Attendance is imperative, as key league matters are discussed and every team’s opinions and votes must be represented. Teams not present for a meeting will forfeit their voting rights for that session.

 

Designated Managers 2026 Season   Name	Role	Team
Jacob Robinson	Manager	Redlegs
Nick Gilmore	Manager	Rangers
Rickey Risden	Manager	Scouts
Brady Klein	Manager	Wilmington
Mike Barhorst	Manager	Wolves
Cameron Gordon	Manager	Dodgers
Dennis Fry/Brad Webb	Co-Managers	Angels

RULES

LEAGUE FEES

1.1 League Deposit
A league deposit of $1,000 is due two months prior to the start of the season. Exact payment deadlines will be communicated to coaches during the pre-season coaches meeting.

1.1.1 Deposit Enforcement
Any team that fails to pay the league deposit—along with any other outstanding fees—will be eligible for disqualification for the upcoming season.

 

Fees for Players

1.2 League Fee Structure
Each DCBL team is required to pay $4,500 in $500 increments, due on the first of each month until the total balance is paid.

1.2.1 Additional Team Expenses
Any additional costs—including uniforms, hats, equipment, or other team-specific items—will be paid by the team.

 

Fees for Teams

1.3 League Fees
Each team is responsible for paying $4,500, but the league does not regulate how teams collect these funds internally. Teams may divide or allocate the cost among their players in any manner they choose, as long as the required monthly installment is paid on time.

1.3.1 Missed Payment Penalty
If a team’s league fee is not paid by the designated deadline, its next scheduled game—or both games in the case of a doubleheader—could be forfeited by decision of the league Board. If fees are not paid in full within 24 hours of the team’s second scheduled game date, the team will forfeit the remainder of the season. All league payments collected up to that point are non-refundable. (See Section 3.9 for details regarding team forfeitures.)

1.3.2 Involuntary Removal
If a team is deemed unfit to continue in the league, all payments made up to that point in the season will be non-refundable.

Miscellaneous Fees

1.4 League Fees and Additional Charges

League fees cover the following standard expenses: league draft, field rentals, baseballs, insurance, website maintenance, marketing materials, and league awards.

Additional charges may include the following:

• Assessment Fees – Applied to teams that utilize premium fields with rental costs exceeding the league’s standard rate. These fees will be issued at the end of the season, once the majority of league expenses have been settled. While the league typically covers a portion of the premium field cost, the team using the field is responsible for any remaining balance.

• Fines – May be assessed for violations of league rules or conduct policies.

• Forfeit Fees – May be charged to teams that fail to meet game commitments as outlined in Section 3.9.

2. UNIFORMS, HELMETS, BASEBALLS, AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

2.1 Uniform Requirements
All teams must wear full baseball uniforms, which include caps, numbered jerseys, baseball pants, belts, and either sanitary socks or stirrups. Each player’s uniform must be of similar design and color scheme as the rest of the team to maintain a consistent team appearance.

Teams with sponsorships may display the sponsor’s name on their uniforms either as a patch or printed directly on the jersey. All sponsor branding must be approved by the League Board in advance.

2.1.1 Uniform Compliance Enforcement
No player on a team’s roster will be permitted to play if out of uniform, unless granted approval by the opposing manager. A player is considered out of uniform if their hat and/or jersey do not match the team’s uniform, or if they are not wearing proper baseball pants (e.g., sweatpants, shorts, or other non-baseball attire are not permitted).
Pants should be of the same base color as the rest of the team, though variations in piping are allowed. While exact uniform matching is preferred, consistency in color and style is required.

2.1.2 Uniform Grace Period
All teams are expected to have full uniforms by their first scheduled game. A grace period of two scheduled games is allowed for newly activated players joining after the season has begun. After this grace period, any player not in full uniform may only participate with the opposing manager’s consent.

2.1.3 Footwear Policy
Metal cleats are permitted.

2.1.3.a Turf Field Footwear Requirements
On fields with artificial surfaces, facility rules regarding footwear take priority. If the field owner requires turf shoes, athletic shoes, or plastic cleats, all players must comply with those requirements.

Helmets

2.2 Helmet Requirements

All batters and base runners must wear helmets at all times while at bat and on base. There are no exceptions to this rule. Double-ear flap helmets are strongly encouraged for both batting and base running. Catchers are also encouraged to wear a helmet beneath their mask for added safety.

2.2.1 Base Coach Safety

First and third base coaches are encouraged to wear batting helmets to reduce the risk of injury. By signing the DCBL waiver form, participants release the league from all liability for injuries sustained during DCBL events.

Baseballs

2.3 Game Baseballs
All teams are required to use baseballs provided by the DCBL. The home team must supply up to three new league-provided baseballs for each game.

Once those balls have been used, additional baseballs—such as previously used league balls or other brands—may be used with the mutual agreement of both coaches.

Bats

2.4 Bat Regulations 

Both wood and metal bats are permitted for use during the regular season and postseason.
Exception: All bats must have a weight differential no greater than -3 to be used in any DCBL league or affiliated tournament game.

2.4.1 Illegal Bat Standards 

As of 2016, bats bearing the BESR certification stamp are no longer permitted in league-affiliated games. All aluminum bats must display the BBCOR stamp to be considered legal.

2.4.2 Penalties for Use of an Illegal Bat
If a player is found using an illegal bat, the following penalties will apply based on the timing of discovery:

• Before the first pitch of the at-bat: The illegal bat must be removed from the game. The batter will be required to use a legal bat.

• After at least one pitch has been thrown during the at-bat: The batter is ruled out, no base runners may advance, and the pitcher is awarded a strikeout. The bat will be removed from play.

• After the ball has been put in play, but before the next batter receives a pitch: The batter is ruled out, all base runners must return to the bases they occupied before the at-bat, and the pitcher is awarded a strikeout. The bat will be removed from play.

• At any other time during the game: The illegal bat will be removed from the field of play with no additional penalties applied retroactively

3. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE, FORFEITS, and RAIN-OUTS

Game Length

3.1 Game Length
All single games are 9 innings, unless they are weeknight games, which are 7 innings. No time limit may be invoked for weekend games unless noted or described in Rule 3.1.4.

When more than two games are played at the same location on a given day, a time limit may be invoked. In such cases, no new inning may begin after 2 hours and 45 minutes, as determined by the umpires.

3.1.1 Doubleheaders
All doubleheaders are 7 innings each, with one exception: if a team plays two different opponents in the same doubleheader, games will be either 9 or 7 innings, depending on the schedule.

3.1.2 Playoff Game Length
All playoff games will be 7 innings, with the following exceptions:
a) Game 3 of a best-of-three series will be 9 innings;
All league playoff games must be played to completion.

3.1.3 Games Called Due to Weather or Darkness
Games may be ruled complete due to darkness or rain, at the umpire’s discretion:

• Darkness: Game is official after 5 innings.

• Rain: Game is official after 5 innings.
  The umpire may suspend or call a game if, in their opinion, player safety is compromised due to weather or time limitations.

3.1.4 Extra-Inning Rule for Multi-Team Game Days
When more than one game is played by two separate sets of teams at the same location on the same day, and the first game enters extra innings:

• If the game reaches 11 complete innings and is still tied, the 12th inning (and all subsequent innings) will begin with the last batter from the previous inning placed on second base.

  • This rule does not apply in the postseason.  

Run-rules

3.2 Run Rule – 12 Runs After Five Innings

A game will be ruled final if there is a 12-run discrepancy at the end of 5 innings or later in either a 7-inning or 9-inning game, provided the losing team has had an opportunity to bat if they are the home team.

3.2.1 Run Rule – 15 Runs After Four Innings

A game will be ruled final if there is a 15-run discrepancy at the end of 3 innings or later in either a 7-inning or 9-inning game, provided the losing team has had an opportunity to bat if they are the home team.

3.3 Run Rule – 10 Runs After Seven Innings (9-Inning Games Only)

In a 9-inning game, if there is a 10-run discrepancy at the end of 7 innings or later, and the losing team has had a chance to bat if they are the home team, the game will be ruled final.

3.4 Application of Run Rules in Playoffs

All run rules outlined above will apply during playoff games.

Rainouts

3.5 Field Status Determination (Two Hours Prior to Game Time)

Two hours prior to the start of a game, the field owner or home team manager (in that order) determines the status of the field.

3.5.a Team Decision Authority When Field Is Prepped

 If the field has a ground crew and is prepped, the decision to play in the event of weather shifts to the teams. In this situation:

• Before the first pitch, the decision to start or delay rests with both coaches at the field.

• If a delay is agreed upon, reassess after approximately 30 minutes.

• Use the step test: If you sink, cancel; if it's tacky but playable, reassess or delay again.

If coaches do not agree, the decision to begin the game and thereafter is under the control of the umpires.. 

Important: Any umpire calling the game after a single pitch is discouraged, but must still be considered a possibility. A 30-minute delay and reassessment period should occur.

Each field in the DCBL is considered a separate event, even if fields are adjacent.

Once a decision to cancel a game is made, it should be treated as a last resort. If a delay is chosen instead, clearly communicate the expected delay duration (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 minutes), and then reassess the field conditions accordingly.

3.5.1 Umpire Authority After Game Start

Once a game has started, the authority to call a rainout resides solely with the umpires.

3.5.2 Weather-Related Cancellations and Make-Up Games

Any games canceled due to weather will be rescheduled if possible by the league. Make-up games will typically be played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays, though other days may be used if agreed upon by both teams.

3.5.3 Late-Season Rainout Scoring (Unreschedulable Games)

For late-season games that cannot be rescheduled: if a game is rained out after the fifth inning while the visiting team is batting and the home team does not get to bat in that inning, the score will revert to the last completed inning. Any runs scored by the visiting team during the incomplete inning will not count toward the final score.
Note: This only applies if coaches have been informed in advance that the game cannot be made up.

Ties

3.6. Tie Game Completion Procedure

Tie games may be played to completion at a later date (but is not required), with the agreement of both teams and league notification.

Standings

3.7 Standings and Tiebreaker Criteria

 Final league standings within each division will be determined by overall win-loss percentage. In the event of a tie, standings will be decided using the following criteria, in order:

1. Overall Record (Win percentage)

2. Head-to-head results

3. Runs allowed

3.8 Playoff Seeding and Tiebreakers

Playoff seeding will also be based on overall win-loss percentage. Ties in seeding will be resolved using the following tiebreakers, in order:

1. Overall win-loss percentage

2. Head-to-head results

3. Runs allowed

Forfeiture of Game(s)

3.9 Forfeits
The expectation is that all scheduled games will be played.  Every effort should be made to prevent a forfeit.  A game could be ruled a forfeit if any of the following conditions are met:

• A team fails to play a scheduled game (regular season or postseason), including being unable to field the minimum number of players before or during the game.

• A team fails to pay any outstanding fines before the scheduled game date.

• A team uses an ineligible player, which includes:

  • Not having a signed player waiver on file with the league.

  • The player has not participated in at least 25% of the team’s regular season games (postseason eligibility only).

  • The player does not appear on the Final Roster (postseason eligibility only).

3.9.1 Forfeit Reinstatement Fee and Consequences

If a team forfeits one or more games on a scheduled game date, that team is subject to a $200 reinstatement fee before the next scheduled game. The reinstatement fee is intentionally set above the cost of a single game to discourage forfeits and to ensure the fee is not used as a substitute for paying game-related expenses, including umpire fees. Failure to pay the reinstatement fee may result in forfeiture of the team’s next scheduled game, which will result in the end of the team’s season with no refund issued.

3.9.2 Two-Forfeit Expulsion Policy

Any team that forfeits two games during the season could be immediately expelled from the league, with no refund of league fees.

3.9.3. Eligibility for League Re-Entry After Forfeits

To return the following season, a team that forfeited two or more games must pay all outstanding reinstatement fees. Re-entry is subject to league approval

3.9.4 League Action Following Full-Season Forfeit

If a team forfeits an entire season, the League Board will make every effort to reschedule games to provide a full season.

 

4. SCOREKEEPING AND STATISTICS

Submitting Scores 

All game scores must be submitted to the Board of Directors within 24 hours of game completion. If the two managers report different scores, the home team’s scorebook will be used as the official record.

4.1.1 Official Scorekeeping and Use of GameChanger

Coaches and/or scorekeepers are strongly encouraged to use GameChanger making comparing scorebooks and statistics after each game more accurate. The home team’s book will serve as the official score, unless that responsibility is formally relinquished before the game begins.

4.1.2 Official Score Determination When No Home Scorekeeper Is Present

If the home team does not have a scorekeeper, the visiting team’s book will serve as the official score. If neither team has a scorekeeper, both coaches must meet after the game to jointly complete both sides of the score.

4.1.3 Online Box Score Submission Requirement

Each team is required to complete an online box score, including the lineup used in the most recent game, to track player eligibility for the season.

4.1.4 Late Box Score Penalties and Playoff Ineligibility

Any team that fails to complete its online box score within 7 days of game completion will be fined $10 for every 7-day period that passes without submission. These fines will be tracked by the Board of Directors and must be paid in full by the end of the season. Failure to pay will result in the team being ineligible for playoff participation.

Game Recaps

4.2 Game Recaps and League Promotion

Game recaps are not required, but they are strongly encouraged, as they help promote visibility for your team, as well as other teams and players across the league. Recaps should be submitted to the league website developer within 48 hours of game completion.

Note: Monday is the most frequently visited day for the league website, so submitting recaps as early as possible maximizes exposure.

Statistics

4.3 Timely Submission of Online Box Scores

Managers are required to complete their team’s online box scores within seven (7) days of the conclusion of each game. Prompt submission helps ensure accurate statistical tracking and accurate player eligibility determinations throughout the season and will prevent fines as outlined in Rule 4.14.

5. TEAMS, PLAYERS AND LINEUPS

New Teams

5.1 New Team Application Review Process

Requests for a new team to join the DCBL will undergo a formal review process conducted by the League Board.

5.1.1 Head Coach Competency Requirements

The head coach must provide the League Board with proof of competency, which includes a baseball background and sports-related personal reference contacts.

5.1.1.1 Board Vote for Team Inclusion

The League Board will make the final determination on a team's inclusion by majority vote.

5.1.1.2 Options Following Head Coach Denial

If the head coach is denied, the team may either enter the draft as individual players or resubmit the application with a new head coach for reconsideration.

Team Rosters

5.2 Roster Eligibility Requirements

Team rosters will consist of all players who have completed the online waiver contract.

5.2.2 Required Player Roster Information

Rosters must include the following information for each player:

• First Name

• Last Name

• Phone Number(s)

• Address

• Email Address 

• Birth Date

• Uniform Number

 

5.2.3 Authorized Personnel and Dugout Safety

Only individuals listed on a team’s official roster will be allowed on the field during games.

• It is strongly encouraged to keep children out of the dugouts during games.

• If children must be present in the dugout, they must wear helmets at all times.

Player/Coach Waivers

5.3. Mandatory Waivers for Game Participation

All players and coaches, prior to participating in a game, must have signed waiver forms on file with the league. (see Section 5.8.3 for additional stipulations on using non-roster players)

5.3.1. Penalty for Participation Without a Signed Waiver

If a player is on a team’s roster and is found to have participated in a game without a signed/dated waiver form that team will forfeit that game in which the ineligible player was used. (see Section 3.9 for more details on forfeitures)

Player Eligibility

5.4. Minimum Age Requirement for Player Eligibility

A player is eligible to participate in an official league sanctioned game on the date of his 18th birthday, and not before due to liability reasons.

5.4.1. Failure to Comply with Age Eligibility Requirements

All managers are responsible for ensuring that only age-eligible players participate in league games. An opposing manager may question a player’s age at any time. If a manager wishes to file a protest, proof of age and residency must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors by the Friday following the game in question.

If an underage player is found to have participated in a game, all games in which the underage player appeared will be forfeited. Any additional disciplinary action, if warranted, will be determined by the League Board.

5.4.2. New Player Entry, Draft, and Waiver Procedures

New players who contact the league prior to the draft will be added to the draft list. Players who contact the league after the draft will be placed on the waiver wire, and an email with player details will be distributed to all coaches for the opportunity to submit a claim. Players who have not contacted the league may join a team directly, subject to roster and eligibility requirements.

Batting Lineup

5.5. Batting Lineup Requirements

A team manager may bat as many players as he desires, with a minimum of 9 (subject to the number of players available, if less than 9).

5.5.1. No Skipping or Deleting Batters

Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their batting position or when they were added during the game. (Exception: See Section 5.6).

5.5.2. Split Batting Positions (9a/9b, 10a/10b)

The coach, at his discretion, may bat a 9a, and a 9b, and a 10a, and 10b if so desired. For example, when the 9th position in the hitting order comes up for the first time, 9a bats. The second time around in the order 9b bats, so on and so forth. You may add as many a and b batters starting with the 9th hitting position. You cannot delete these batters (Exception: See Section 5.7)

Defensive Substitutions

5.6. Independent Hitting and Defensive Lineups

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

5.6.1. Adding Batters and Pinch-Hit Restrictions

A manager may add batters to the bottom of the lineup at any time, but if a batter is pinch-hit or run for (except under courtesy runners as outlined in section 7), the player may not re-enter the game as a hitter but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher.

5.6.2. Announcement of Offensive Substitutions

All teams must announce offensive additions, substitutions and/or changes to the opposing team manager/representative. Only after this has been done will the added player be deemed a legal substitution.

5.6.2.1. Consequences for Unannounced Offensive Substitutions

If a team fails to announce an offensive addition/change, the player will be called out as soon as the first pitch is thrown to that player and the lineup will revert back to the lineup in effect prior to the player entering the game. The unannounced player will not have officially entered the offensive lineup and is therefore still available offensively even though an out has been assessed.

5.6.2.2. Recording Outs for Illegal Substitutions

The out made due to the illegal substitution will be registered for the player for which the substitution would have been made.

5.6.3. Defensive Substitutions and Participation Credit

All players may be substituted defensively at any time without affecting the player’s offensive status in the lineup. Although defensive substitutions are not normally announced, if a player is seeking credit toward minimum game requirements (for playoffs), it is prudent to announce the substitution and request that the opposing coach note it in their scorebook. If a player is not recognizable to the opposing coach and the substitution is not noted, the player may not be credited for participation and may be deemed illegal at a later time.

5.6.4. Starting Pitcher Removal and One-Time Re-Entry Limitation

If a pitcher is removed after being recorded as the starting pitcher, he may re-enter the game to pitch only once and not in the same inning in which he was removed. After being removed as a pitcher, the player may play any other position, or may remain out of the game defensively.

5.7. Replacement of Injured, Departing, or Ejected Batters and Lineup Adjustment

If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury or commitment or if a player is ejected from a game, a reserve player (even if this player is solely a pitcher), not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the batter’s place. If no reserve is present, that spot is skipped and all batters move up accordingly, with no penalty to the affected team.

5.7.1. Disciplinary Action for Falsification of Player Statistics

Any coach who falsifies statistics for the purpose of making a player eligible for the playoffs, or for any other reason, will be subject to disciplinary action. The affected player will be deemed ineligible for postseason play.

Borrowing Players/Subs

5.8. Minimum Player Requirement and Borrowed Player Allowances

A team must have 8 players for an official game and may borrow up to two players from the opposing team with the opposing manager’s consent or may borrow players from another team, without the opposing manager’s consent.

5.8.1. Batting Order Placement and Removal of Borrowed Players

The borrowed players must bat at the bottom of the batting order. If the team’s 8th or 9th player arrives after the start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team.

5.8.2. Borrowing Players During the Playoffs

A team will not be allowed to borrow a player from another team during the playoffs.

5.8.3. Use of Substitute Players and Waiver Compliance Requirements

Only with the opposing coach’s consent may a player not listed on a team’s roster participate in a league game. Any such player (herein referred to as a “Sub”) must have a signed and dated player waiver on file. The Sub’s waiver must be submitted to the league prior to the start of the game. If a Sub is found to have participated without a properly submitted waiver, the team that used the ineligible Sub will forfeit the game in which he appeared.

5.8.4. Permanent Roster Addition and Continued Use of Substitute Players

A Sub player, as mentioned in Section 5.8.3., may be added to the team roster permanently following the player’s first game played. If the player is not added to the team roster after his first game played and subsequently is needed to fill in a lineup for a later game, the player will be subject to the same opposing coach’s consent laid out in Section 5.8.3.

5.8.6. Borrowed Players Pitching

Borrowed players cannot pitch.

5.8.7. Borrowing Defensive Players in Regular Season Games

It is allowed (and encouraged, but not required) for the opposing team to borrow a defensive player if the team is short on players. This will not be allowed in the playoffs.

Playoff Eligibility

5.9. Minimum Games Played Requirement for Postseason Eligibility

For a player to qualify for postseason play, he must participate in at least 25% of his team’s regular season games played.

5.9.1. Required Notification for Playoff Eligibility Non-Compliance

If such a player fails to meet the requirements for playoff eligibility for any reason, an email should be submitted to the Board of Directors explaining non-compliance.

5.9.1.1. Injury-Related Appeal Documentation and Submission Deadline

If the appeal is injury related, it must include date of injury and documentation of treatment. The appeal must be submitted at least 2 weeks before playoffs are scheduled to begin.

5.9.1.2. Board Authority to Grant Playoff Exemptions

Playoff Exemptions can be granted by the Board of Directors

5.9.3 Playoff Eligibility Limited to Players on the Final Playoff Roster

Players not appearing on the Playoff Final Roster are not eligible for playoffs no matter if they meet minimum games played requirement.

5.10 Definition of a Game Played for Postseason Eligibility (Batters and Fielders)

To be counted as having played a game for postseason eligibility as a batter or fielder (non-pitcher), a player must have either taken at least one plate appearance or played in the field for at least one complete opponent plate appearance.

5.11 Pitcher Game Participation Criteria for Postseason Eligibility

To be considered a game played for postseason eligibility as a pitcher, the player must have accomplished one of the scenarios in 5.12.1, 5.12.2, or 5.12.3:

5.12.1 Minimum Pitching Requirement for Game Credit

Player upon pitching during the inning pitched must, at a minimum, have 1 batter reach base or record one out.

5.12.2 Alternate Game Credit via Plate Appearance for Pitchers

Pitchers may, in lieu of the above, make at least 1 plate appearance during the game to constitute a game played. 

5.14 Effect of Forfeited Games on Postseason Eligibility Totals

Games that are forfeited against a team will not count toward that team’s total games for postseason eligibility purposes. For example, in a 24-game season, if Team A forfeits a game against Team B, Team B’s eligibility total will be based on 23 games instead of 24. Team A, however, must still base its eligibility on the full 24-game schedule.

5.15 Waiver Request Submission Deadline for Playoff Eligibility

All waiver requests must be submitted prior to the Playoff Final Roster submission deadline, which is two weeks prior to the end of the regular season.

6. Contracts, Trades, Free Agency, Waiver Wire

Free Agency

6.1. Free Agency Status and Season-Long Player Commitment

Once a player clears waivers, they will become a free agent. The League will post a list of free agents on its website, and these players may be contacted at any time by any coach. By signing a waiver and joining a team, a player is committing to that team for the duration of the season; leaving a team after signing will be strongly discouraged and may limit future roster movement.

6.2. Free Agency Timeline and Board Announcement Authority

The free agency period will begin at the season’s end once the free agent list has been published and distributed to the coaches by the Board of Directors. During the offseason, the Board of Directors will formally announce the opening of free agency. Free agency typically begins around October 15th of each year and continues until players are signed or re-enter the draft on Signing Day. If a player re-enters the draft, any team may draft and sign the player.

Player Releases

6.2.1. Player Release Procedures and Waiver/Free Agency Status

Coaches may release players voluntarily at any time.  Players released during the season will go to waivers.  Players released after the season will become free agents.

6.2. Draft Re-Entry and Free Agency for Unsigned Returning Players

A player from a non-disbanding team, who does not sign the DCBL waiver contract by December 31st, is welcome to re-enter the draft or join any team in the league, thereby becoming a Free Agent.

6.2.3. End of League Year and Free Agency Transition

The league year concludes on November 1st. Players who have not re-signed with their team after that date will be considered free agents. Coaches are encouraged to refrain from contacting players from other teams until after November 1st to allow managers adequate time to re-sign their players for the upcoming season.

Team Disbands

6.3.1. Waiver Placement Following Midseason Team Disbandment

In the event a team disbands during the season, all players from the disbanding team will be added to waivers.  

6.3.1.1. Fee Clearance Requirement for Waiver Placement of Disbanded Team Players

Players from disbanding teams will not be placed on the waiver wire until their fees are paid in full.

 

6.3.1.2. Free Agency Status for Unclaimed Players from Disbanded Teams

Players from disbanded teams that do not get claimed while on the waiver wire, will be placed on the free agents list and are free to join any team.

6.3.2. Automatic Free Agency Following Year-End Team Disbandment

In the event a team disbands at year end, all the players will become automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team.

Transfers

6.4. Transfers During the Season

Transfers are not allowed during the league year.

6.5. Anti-Tampering and Improper Player Recruitment Policy

During the league year, coaches and team representatives are prohibited from contacting, recruiting, or attempting to entice players who are rostered on another team to join their team. This includes, but is not limited to, offering to pay or reimburse league fees, providing financial incentives, or otherwise encouraging a player to leave their current team.

The Board of Directors may choose to discuss alleged player transfers or recruitment activity with the non-affected team managers but will ultimately make the final determination as to whether sufficient evidence exists that tampering occurred in the recruitment of a player. If tampering is determined to have occurred, the team found guilty of recruiting a player will forfeit all draft picks for the current season (if resolved prior to the season) or the following season (if resolved during the season) and will be issued a $100 fine payable to the league.

6.6 Spring Training Invitee Status and Duration

Players are automatically added to the Spring Training Invitee List and will remain on the team until the league year concludes on November 1st.

Player Signing Period

6.7. Season-Long Player Commitment Upon Waiver Signing

All players who sign the DCBL waiver contract are committed to the team for the entirety of the league year.  

 

Trades

6.8. Draft Pick Trades

Player and draft pick trades are not permitted.

DCBL Draft

6.9. Annual Player Draft and Draft Order Determination

Each year, all prospective players and players on the league’s waiting list will be invited to a draft. The draft order will be the inverse of the standings from the previous season.

6.10. Draft Placement for Expansion Teams

Expansion teams will be added to the end of Round 1 of the draft and will subsequently start off Round 2.

6.11 Draft Length and Player Selection Limits

The draft will continue for as many rounds as needed.  Coaches can choose as many, or as few, players as they like with a limit of one per round.  

Waiver Wire 

6.13. Waiver Wire Priority Determination

Waiver wire priority will be determined in the following order: expansion teams first, followed by teams in ascending order of winning percentage from the previous season

6.14. Waiver Claim Process for New Players

If, during the season or after the draft, a new player seeks to join the league, the player’s details will be distributed to all coaches, who will have 48 hours to submit a claim to add the player. The team with the highest waiver priority will be awarded the player. If a team agrees to add the new player, that team will then be moved to the bottom of the waiver wire and will not be eligible to add additional new players unless all remaining teams pass on subsequent requests.

6.15. Free Agent Status Following Unclaimed Waiver Requests

If all teams pass on a waiver claim, the player will be posted on the league website on the free agents list to be eligible to be picked up by any team at any time during the season.

COURTESY RUNNERS

7.1. Courtesy Runner Notification Requirement for Injuries

In the event of an injury, a courtesy runner may be assigned for the injured player, provided the opposing manager is notified before the start of the game. If prior notification is not given, the opposing manager may deny the request.

7.2. Limit on Designation of Injury-Related Courtesy Runners

Each team will be allowed to designate a maximum of 1 injury related courtesy runner prior to the game.

7.2.1. Last Record Out Courtesy Runner

The player to make the last recorded out must be the courtesy runner.

7.2.2. Courtesy Runner Eligibility After Game Start

Once the game begins, only by obvious injury can a courtesy runner be added.

7.3. Forfeiture of Courtesy Runner Privilege After Batter Runs

If a batter (designated as needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, or forgets to get a courtesy runner and subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner for the remaining portion of the game.

SPEED UP RULE

8.1. Catcher/Pitcher Courtesy Runner Speed-Up Rule

Catcher/Pitcher Speed Up Rule – With the catcher/pitcher on base and two outs, the player making the last recorded out can replace the catcher/pitcher on base as the runner.

8.1.1. Alternate Courtesy Runner Selection When Last Out Is Ineligible

If the player that recorded the last out is also the pitcher/catcher or a person that was already designated as needing a courtesy runner, then the person closest in the batting lineup who is not on base will run.

8.2. Pre-Game Agreement for Expanded Courtesy Runner Use for Pitchers and Catchers

Coaches may agree before the game to allow pitchers and/or catchers to be courtesy-run for, at any point during the game and not just with two outs. (Example: If game is played in 100-degree heat.)

PITCHERS

9.1. Pitcher Uniform and Equipment Restrictions

No player while pitching may wear white or gray sleeves, or be sleeveless, nor may a pitcher wear a batting glove or wristband while pitching.

9.2. Intentional Walks

Intentional walks will be allowed; pitches do not need to be thrown to the batter.

9.3. Mandatory Pitcher Removal After Four Hit Batters

If a pitcher hits 4 batters in any one game, the pitcher must be removed on the fourth hit batsman.

9.4. No Pitching Inning Limits

There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or a week.

FIELDERS

10.1. Prohibition of Fake Tags and Resulting Penalties

Infielders will not be allowed to fake a tag. The first offense will result in a warning, the second offense will result in an ejection.

EX-PRO STATUS AND REGULATIONS

11.3. Limit and Disclosure Requirements for Former Professional Players

Each team is limited to a maximum of three players who have previously played major league, minor league, or independent professional baseball. At the beginning of each season, each team’s manager or designee must submit to the Board of Directors a list of all ex-pro status players on the roster. 

PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITY

12.1 Facility Respect and Conduct Expectations

All teams, players, coaches, and spectators are expected to treat league facilities with respect at all times. The league is a guest at each field it uses, and any damage to fields or facilities is strictly prohibited. Teams are responsible for leaving dugouts and surrounding areas clean following each game. Failure to comply with these standards may jeopardize the league’s continued access to facilities and result in additional costs or disciplinary action.

12.2. Prohibition of Alcohol, Smoking, and Tobacco Use at League Facilities

There will be no beer or alcoholic beverages permitted at the field before, during or after the game. There will be no smoking allowed in the dugouts or on the field. The field refers to the general playing area and ancillary areas.

12.3. Standards of Player Conduct and Disciplinary Authority

Players are expected to maintain professional behavior and observe all league rules.  Failure to do so could result in consequences from the Board of Directors.

12.4. Umpires Ejection Authority

An umpire has sole discretion to eject any player, manager, or spectator from the game.

12.5. Zero-Tolerance Policy for Fighting and Umpire Abuse

Fighting among players or aggressive physical contact with an umpire will not be tolerated and players ejected from the game for either violation will be subject to suspension, fines and possible expulsion from the league. (See Section 15.1(8)(f)).

SOCIAL MEDIA

13.1. Social Media Conduct and League Representation Expectations

Players and fans are encouraged to act respectfully and positively on social media platforms, always keeping the best interests of the league in mind.

CODE OF CONDUCT

14.1. Sportsmanship Standards and Grounds for Ejection

Good sportsmanship and adult attitudes must prevail no matter what the level of competition. Umpires will eject players before, during or after games for any of the following infractions, which the league considers to be unsportsmanlike behavior:

COACHING/PLAYERS’ ETHICS (1-7 from NCAA rulebook)

1. It is the coaches’ duty to be in control of their players at all times in order to prevent any unsportsmanlike act toward opponents, officials or spectators.

2. Coaches are expected to comply wholeheartedly with the intent and spirit of the rules. The deliberate teaching of players to violate the rules is indefensible.

3. Coaches must teach their players to respect the dignity of the game, officials, opponents and the institutions that they represent.

4. Coaches must confine their discussion with the game officials to the interpretations of the rules and not challenge umpire decisions involving judgment.

5. “Bench jockeying” will not be allowed. Coaches are to prohibit bench jockeying, which would include personal and malicious remarks, cursing and obscene language toward opponents, umpires or spectators.

6. Coaches must refrain from any personal action that might arouse players or spectators to unsportsmanlike behavior.

7. Coaches must expect from the umpires a courteous and dignified attitude toward players and themselves.

15.1 Umpire Authority to Eject and Resulting Disciplinary Action

Any player, coach, or affiliated individual may be ejected by an umpire at any time, before, during, or after a game, for unsportsmanlike conduct, abuse of officials, physical or verbal altercations, arguing judgment calls, violation of facility rules, intoxication, smoking in restricted areas, vandalism, or any behavior deemed detrimental to the game or the league. Any ejection shall result in an automatic one-game suspension and a $50 fine, with additional disciplinary action, including extended suspension or expulsion, subject to review by the Board of Directors.

Penalties

15.2.1. Disciplinary Authority of the Board of Directors and Coaches

Players may be fined, suspended, or expelled from the league by the Board of Directors or a majority vote of coaches for violations to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.

15.2.2. League Authority for Enforcement of Conduct Violations

Except as otherwise provided, the league will determine the appropriate disciplinary action for violations of the codes of conduct and will communicate its decision to the affected player, manager, and the league.

15.2.3. Payment Requirement for Fines Prior to Next Game Participation

Any fines incurred throughout the season (regular or postseason) must be paid in full prior to the offending player’s next game being played.

15.2.4. Progressive Discipline for Repeated Ejections or Probation Violations

Any team member, from year to year, with a history of ejections or probation is subject to further disciplinary actions (above what is listed in this charter) if incidents continue to occur.

15.2.5. Team Responsibility for Violations of Field Owner Rules and Resulting Penalties

Any fines or penalties imposed by dismissing a field owner’s rules and regulations will be the sole responsibility of the offending team(s).

15.2.6. Reinstatement Application and Review Process Following Expulsion

Any player or team expelled from the league may apply to the Board of Directors for reinstatement.  A determination will be sent to the applicant once a full review is concluded by the Board of Directors.

Ejections

15.3.1. Ejection Consequences During Doubleheaders and Fine Enforcement

A player ejected from a game by an umpire will be fined $50 and will automatically be suspended 1 game. A second ejection for a player in the same season will result in a $100 fine and will automatically be suspended 2 games. A third ejection for a player in the same season will be an automatic suspension from the league for 1 calendar year.

15.3.2. Doubleheader Ejection Penalties and Fine Requirements

If a player is ejected in the first game of a doubleheader, the player will automatically not be eligible to play in the second game. The player/team will still be fined $50 as well and must be paid prior to the next scheduled game day regardless if the player is in attendance.

15.3.3. Mandatory Reporting of Ejections to the Board of Directors

If a player or manager is ejected from a game, the manager is required to notify the Board of Directors within 24 hours of the conclusion of the game.

15.3.4. Manager Reporting Requirement for Unobserved or Non-Ejection Incidents

In case of no ejection or where umpires are unaware of an incident, managers should report the incident to the Board of Directors for further action.

15.3.5. Reporting and Discipline for Unsportsmanlike Conduct Without Ejection

Players whose actions are disrespectful to the league sportsmanship policy and yet are not ejected from a game, are to be reported by the umpires or the team’s coach to the Board of Directors immediately following the game.  Offending player(s) or coaches may be subject to suspension after review by the Board of Directors.

 

Procedures for enforcing penalties are as follows:

15.4.1. Immediate Removal and Communication Prohibition After Ejection

After an ejection and suspension, the offending individual must leave the field and dugout area immediately and is not allowed to communicate with team members or the umpires.

15.4.2. Additional Discipline for Failure to Leave the Field Area

If an ejected player remains in the vicinity of the field, within eyeshot of the umpires, and is asked to leave, but refuses, the player could be subject to further consequences as determined by the Board of Directors.

15.4.3. Restrictions on Suspended Personnel Participation

Suspended personnel shall not be in uniform, allowed in any team area (to include both the field and dugout) or perform any team duty while serving their suspensions.

15.4.4. Head Coach Responsibility for Suspension Enforcement

It is the responsibility of the head coach to administer and enforce the suspension penalty. If a suspended player or coach is found to have participated in a game during their suspension, the game will be forfeited by the offending team.

15.4.5. Timing of Penalty Enforcement for End-of-Season Infractions

If an infraction occurs during the team’s last game of the regular season, the penalty will be assessed during the post-season.  If an infraction occurs during the team’s last game of the post-season, the penalty will be assessed at the beginning of the next official DCBL season.

Grievances, Protests, and Appeals

15.5.1. Appeal Process for Ejections and Disciplinary Actions

Offenders may appeal the decision of an umpire ejection and subsequent fine/suspension/expulsion. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors for review.

15.6 Protest Definition and Submission Procedures

Protest: Defined- as an allegation of a rule's violation by the team in question declared by the opposing team in any game.

Protest may be declared for instances pertaining to rules interpretations or violations. Protest for a judgment call by any umpire will not be accepted. Protests must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors within 24 hours of the conclusion of the game.

 

All-Star Game

1.0 All-Star Team Coach Selection Criteria and Tiebreakers

The coaches from the top two teams in the league standings at the date of the team standings lock (see section 2.0) will manage the two All-Star teams .  Tie breakers for coach selection will be chosen by  highest winning percentage, then head-to-head, then runs allowed.

1.1 Alternate Coach Selection for the DCBL All-Star Game

If either coach is unable to commit to coaching the DCBL All-Star game, the coach of the team with the next highest winning percentage will be offered the option to coach. 

Team Standings:

2.0 All-Star Seeding Standings Lock Date

The current season standings (as determined by overall winning percentage), from which to decide All-Star seeding, will be locked 2 Sundays prior to the All-Star Game date.

Roster: 

3.0 All-Star Team Roster Size and Pitching Requirements

Each All-Star team will be made up of 20 players. Each team should attempt to have at least 6 pitchers on the team.

3.1 All-Star Roster Selection Format by Team Tier

4 players from Tier 1 (1st place team), 3 from Tier 2 and 3 (2nd and 3rd place team), 2 from Tier 4,5,6 (4th/5th/6th place team), 1 from Tier 7 and 8 (7th/8th place team).

3.1.1. Allocation of Player Selections Per Team

The All-Star roster for both teams will be filled in for each All-Star team in such a manner as to coincide with the number of players each team is allotted to give (for a total of 26).

3.1.2. Guaranteed Team Nomination Selection Process

At the time of the Team Standings lock, each team will take a vote to select one person from his team to go to the All-Star game. This selection is a guaranteed selection for the All-Star game. This selection should not be the coach.

3.1.3. Statistical Update Requirement Prior to Standings Lock

At the time of the Team Standings lock, each team should have their stats updated on the league website.

3.1.3.1. All-Star Coach Roster Selection Procedures

Each All-Star coach will select his roster (among the designated teams) from the remaining players available (i.e. besides the team nomination) to coincide with the number of players each team is allotted to give.

3.1.3.2. Replacement Selection for Unrepresented Teams

In case a team does not or cannot provide players to be represented at the All-Star game, the corresponding All-Star coach will select replacements from among the rest of his designated teams. (Note: No more than 2 replacements can come from one team.)

3.2 All-Star Player Availability and Replacement Policy

Availability: If a person is chosen to be an All-Star, but cannot attend the All-Star game, a replacement will be named from the same regular season team that the person plays for. (Exception: See Rule 4.1.3.2)

Game Play:

4.0 All-Star Game Length, Tie Games, and Weather Completion Rules

The game will last 9 innings, unless there is a tie, or time limit is enforced. In case of rain conditions, a game is considered complete after 5 innings.

4.1 No Run Rule in the DCBL All-Star Game

There is no run-rule in the DCBL All-Star game.

4.2 Batting and Fielding Lineup for All-Star Teams

Both All-Star teams will bat 9 players. Hitting lineups and fielding lineups may be different. It is strongly encouraged, but is not mandatory, that all players get a chance to bat and field in the DCBL All-Star game.

4.3 Applicability of DCBL League Rules to the All-Star Game

All DCBL League Rules are in effect for the DCBL All-Star game.

Homerun Derby

HR DERBY RULES: (Subject to change depending upon how the All-Star Game festivities are set up)

5.1 Home Run Derby Participant Submission Requirement

A list of HR Derby participants (rough estimate) should be submitted along with your All-Star team roster to the Board of Directors.

5.2 Home Run Derby Check-In and Eligibility Requirements

All participants must sign in no later than a half hour before the start of the HR Derby competition.

5.2a. If a player fails to sign in by the deadline, he will not be eligible to participate.

5.2b. If a player does not pay at the time of signups, he will not be eligible to participate.

5.3 Pitching to Participants 

Participants need to bring their own pitchers to pitch to them.

5.4 First Round Format and Advancement Criteria

First round: Everyone will get 15 outs (Outs being defined as any pitch swung at and does not result in a ball going over the outfield fence.)

(Rules 4a - 4c may be modified if a strict timeframe is enforced to meet the start of the ASG itself)

5.4a. Hitters with the top HR counts from the first round will advance to the second round.

5.4b. If less than   hitters hit HRs during the first round, then the second round will consist of those hitters who did hit HRs.

5.4c. If there is a tie for the 4th spot to advance to the second round, all hitters who are tied for the 4th spot will advance.

5.4d. If only 1 hitter hits a HR during the first round, he will be crowned the HR Derby champion.

6.0 Second Round Advancement

Second round: All remaining participants will get 10 outs.

6.1a. All home run totals from round 1 carry over into round 2.

6.1b. The hitter with the most HRs at the end of the second round will be crowned the HR Derby champion.

6.1c. If there is a tie for the most HRs in the second round, a Sudden Death tiebreaker will be enforced.

7.0 Sudden Death Criteria

Sudden Death tiebreaker: All hitters participating in the Sudden Death tiebreaker will be judged based on the quickest to hit his first HR of the Sudden Death round (Quickest being defined as number of pitches until first HR).

7.1a. If during the Sudden Death tiebreaker, a hitter hits no HR within his first 10 pitches, he will be given a “0” for the round and will not advance unless all other participants record a “0” for the round. The next hitter will get his turn to swing.

7.1b. If multiple hitters hit their HR in the same number of pitches, the Sudden Death round will go another round. This pattern will repeat until a winner is crowned.

8.0 Winner Awarded

A prize/trophy will be awarded to the HR Derby Champion.

League Awards

League awards will be handed out to players following the end of the league’s postseason tournament. If there is a league postseason awards banquet, league awards will be distributed at that time. Here is a list of the possible awards and any criteria associated with the award:

Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Awarded to the league’s top offensive player

Cy Young Award

Awarded to the league’s best pitcher

Rookie of the Year

Awarded to the league’s top newcomer.  Rookie status ends once the player has played in 13 career games.

Coach of the Year

Awarded to the league’s best manager

Most Improved Player Award

Awarded a player who has shown significant improvement over the previous season(s).

Postseason MVP Award

Awarded to a player from the postseason’s winning team as selected by the winning team’s head coach.

Batting Avg. Leader

Awarded to the player with the highest league batting average

Extra Base Hits Leader

Awarded to the player with the most extra-base hits

Strikeout Leader

Awarded to the pitcher with the most strikeouts

Draft Pick of the Year

Awarded to the top player who came out of that season's draft.

Voting

9.0 League Award Ballot Distribution, Submission Deadline, and Voting Transparency

Ballots for League Awards will be distributed to all managers immediately following the final regular season game. Ballot nominations must be returned to the Board of Directors within one week of the posted date.  In order to maintain voting integrity, ballot results will be distributed to all league coaches.  

9.1 Manager Voting Process for Major League Awards

The MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards will be voted upon by the managers. The Board of Directors will oversee the voting process and ranking system, and will report the results when all votes are submitted.

9.2 Selection Criteria for the All-DCBL Team

The All-DCBL Team will be selected using an objective mathematical formula based on player statistics.

9.3 Team Statistics Submission Requirement for Individual Awards

All managers will be required to submit team statistics (from DCBL regular season league games only) to the Board of Directors within one week of the conclusion of the regular season for the purpose of distinguishing winners of the individual hitting and pitching awards.