Carolina Men’s Baseball League, INC

2026 League Rules

Preamble

The Carolina Men’s Baseball League, Inc. (CMBL) is a recreational, adult wood bat baseball league. Its core principles are safety, sportsmanship, and friendly competition. Fair and safe play always takes priority over winning at any cost.

CMBL games are governed by the rules outlined here and the official rules of Major League Baseball (MLB). In case of conflict, CMBL rules take precedence.

Table of Contents

1. League and Governance
2. Players, Divisions, and Rosters
3. Code of Conduct
4. Uniforms and Equipment
5. General League Rules
6. Games
7. Game Play
8. Specific Rules of Play
9. Miscellaneous

1. League and Governance

1.A. The League

The Carolina Men’s Baseball League (CMBL) is a registered North Carolina corporation. It provides adults the opportunity to play recreational baseball and supports charitable and community efforts. The League’s official website is: www.carolinamensbaseball.com.

1.B. Executive Board

The Executive Board consists of the President and the Commissioner. It is responsible for day-to-day operations and the implementation of League policies.

1.C. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is a separate governing body that oversees long-term decisions and organizational governance.

  • The Commissioner is appointed jointly by the President and the Board of Directors.
  • The Commissioner’s term is limited to three years.

1.D. Commissioner

The Commissioner is the League’s chief executive officer and has authority as defined in these rules and delegated by the Executive Board.

1.E. Committees

The Executive Board may establish Standing or Special Committees to manage specific League functions.

  • Members are appointed by the President and may include active CMBL players in good standing or others approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Committees report directly to the Commissioner, who serves as an ex officio member of all committees.

Standing Committees include:

  • Player Conduct
  • Fields and Grounds
  • Rules and Competition
  • Awards and All-Star Selection

2. Players, Rosters, Divisions

2.A. Eligibility

  • All players must be at least 18 years old during the calendar year of the current season.
  • Before participating in any League activity, players must submit a completed application and pay all required fees.
  • Any player or manager violating these requirements is subject to suspension at the Commissioner’s discretion.

2.B. Age Waivers

Players may request a waiver to play outside their eligible age division. The Board of Directors may grant or deny such waivers in the interest of competitive balance and player safety.

2.C. Former Professional Players

Anyone who has competed professionally may participate only if they have not played professionally in the past three (3) calendar years. The Board may grant exceptions in special cases.

2.D. Challenging Eligibility

A manager may challenge a player’s eligibility at any time by notifying the Executive Board.

  • If the issue is age-related, the player must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • The Board will review the case and determine any penalties.

2.E. Divisions

  • The League currently operates a single 18+ Division.
  • If needed, the Board may create additional divisions (such as a 35+ Division) based on player demographics, with input from team managers.
  • Any new divisions or changes will take effect at the start of a new season.

2.F. Team Rosters

  • Final team rosters are due at least one week before Opening Day and must include a minimum of 12 players.
  • Teams may be formed by draft or another method designed to create balanced competition. The Commissioner oversees this process, and decisions are final.
  • The official online roster, as maintained on the League website, is the controlling record in any eligibility dispute.

2.G. New Players

  • A new player is defined as anyone who hasn’t played in the previous or current season.
  • Once League recruiting advertisements begin, all unclaimed or independently registered players are assigned by the League.
  • Teams are encouraged to recruit in the offseason but must claim players before open recruiting begins.

2.H. Roster Changes and Transfers

  • Players may not change teams without approval from both managers and the Executive Board.
  • If the move is denied:
    • The player must remain on their current team,
    • Sit out one full season from their last appearance, or
    • Re-enter the next season as a free agent.

2.I. Forming New Teams

  • A player may form a new team at the beginning of the next season.
  • No other players may be taken from existing teams without the consent of those teams’ managers and the Executive Board.

2.J. Poaching Prohibited

  • Attempting to recruit players from other active teams is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

2.K. Fees and Refunds

  • League fees are non-transferable.
  • Refunds or credits may be granted at the sole discretion of the Executive Board.
  • All roster changes must be approved by the Executive Board to be valid.

3. Code of Conduct

3.A. Guiding Principle

All participants are expected to uphold the values of sportsmanship, safety, and respect. Fair play and positive conduct are more important than winning. Demeaning, abusive, or reckless behavior will not be tolerated.

3.B. Governmental Rules. The rules and regulations of New Hanover County, the City of Wilmington. City of Jacksonville, Pender County Park and Recreation, or such other governmental or other entity that provides facilities for League activities, shall apply to all venues utilized by the CMBL, and in the event of conflict or discrepancy with these Rules, Governmental Rules shall be controlling and shall, for purposes of this Article, be considered League Rules.

3.C. General Conduct Rules

  • Alcohol & Drugs:
    No alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted before, during, or after games in any part of the field complex, including dugouts, parking lots, and restrooms. Players under the influence will be ejected and may be suspended.
  • Smoking:
    Smoking and smokeless tobacco are prohibited on the field and in the dugouts.
  • Behavior:
    The League may suspend or expel any participant who:
    • Violates League rules
    • Endangers others
    • Disrespects officials, players, or fans
    • Undermines the reputation of the League

3.D. Ejections

  • Umpires have full authority to eject any player or manager for misconduct.
  • An ejected individual must immediately collect their belongings and leave the playing area without confrontation.
  • All ejections result in an automatic one-game suspension, with the possibility of further penalties pending review.

3.E. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Examples & Penalties

Prohibited BehaviorConsequence
Threatening, striking, or shoving an umpire or officialImmediate suspension; potential lifetime ban
Refusing to accept umpire rulingsImmediate ejection; possible suspension
Arguing excessively or demonstrativelyEjection from game
Players engaging in unauthorized arguments with officialsEjection
Unnecessarily rough playEjection and suspension
Physical fights or attacks (on any person)Immediate ejection; suspension or lifetime expulsion
Verbal abuse (players, officials, or fans)Ejection and suspension
Playing while intoxicatedEjection and suspension
Throwing equipment in angerEjection (umpire’s discretion)
Use of noisemakers deemed disruptive by umpiresProhibited

⚠️ Penalties may include game suspensions, season bans, or permanent expulsion, depending on the severity and decision of the Executive Board.

3.F. Disciplinary Process

  • The Player Conduct Committee investigates all misconduct cases and recommends action.
  • The Executive Board makes final decisions on all suspensions, expulsions, or warnings.
  • Disciplinary outcomes may be published on the League website at the Board’s discretion.
  • Disciplinary Appeals:
    • Any disciplinary ruling may be appealed in writing to the Board of Directors, whose decision is final.

3.G. Protests, Grievances, and Appeals

  • Game Protests:
    • Only rule misapplications (not judgment calls) may be protested.
    • The protest must be declared before play resumes, and a written report must be submitted to the Commissioner within 24 hours, accompanied by a $50 fee (refunded if upheld).
  • Grievances:
    • Non-game complaints may be filed by players or managers with the Commissioner.
  • Appeals:
    • Any ruling may be appealed in writing to the Board of Directors, whose decision is final.

4. Uniforms and Equipment

4.A. Uniforms

  • All players, managers, and coaches must wear complete baseball uniforms during games, including:
    • Team cap
    • Numbered jersey (buttoned and tucked in)
    • Baseball pants
    • Belt and color-coordinated socks
  • Uniforms must match in style and color within each team.
  • Sponsor names are permitted on jerseys or caps.
  • Incomplete uniforms may be allowed only with consent from the opposing manager.
  • Shorts are permitted only under extreme heat conditions.

4.B. Helmets

  • All batters and base runners must wear NOCSAE-approved helmets with at least one ear flap facing the pitcher.
  • Double-ear flap helmets are encouraged.
  • Catchers must wear:
    • A skull cap or helmet
    • A protective cup (mandatory)
  • Base coaches are encouraged to wear helmets.
  • Cracked or damaged helmets are prohibited.

4.C. Baseballs

  • All game balls must be NCHS-approved or higher in quality.
  • The League provides each home team with 3 new game balls per scheduled home game.
  • If a team runs out of supplied balls, it must replace them with balls that meet League standards.

4.D.1. Bats

  • The League uses wood or wood-composite bats only.
  • A legal bat must:
    • Be one-piece wood construction or approved composite (e.g., Baum Bat, AAA Pro, Hoosier Woodforce 2000, DeMarini Pro Maple DX271)
    • Be no more than 2.61 inches in diameter and 42 inches long
    • Have a drop (length-to-weight ratio) no greater than -3

4.D.2. Prohibited Bats

  • Aluminum or metal bats
  • Hybrid or two-piece designs
  • Graphite or composite barrel bats
  • Any altered bats

⚠️ Umpires may remove illegal bats from the game. If a bat is challenged after use and determined to be unauthorized, the plate umpire may nullify the result of the at-bat.

4.E. Spikes

  • Players may wear metal, molded plastic, or rubber spikes.
  • The following are not allowed:
    • Golf or track spikes
    • Open-toed footwear

5. General League Rules

5.A. Team Forfeits

  • Any team that forfeits two games in a season may be expelled from the League at the discretion of the Executive Board.
  • No refunds will be issued to expelled teams or their players.

5.B. Playoff Eligibility Requirements

Position Players

  • Must participate in at least 50% of their team’s regular season games and receive at least two at-bats in those games to be eligible for the playoffs.

Pitchers

If a player is a pitcher only (PO), they must meet one of the following:

  • Pitch at least one complete inning in six (6) of his team’s games
  • OR
  • Pitch in 20% of their team’s total innings

⚠️ Injury Exception: A manager may request a written waiver from the Commissioner for an injured player who doesn’t meet these requirements.

  • Proof of participation must be provided via official scorebook records.
  • If no scorebook entries are available, the player is presumed ineligible.

5.C. Season and Schedule

  • The number of regular-season games is determined by the Executive Board and posted on the League website.

5.D. Playoffs and Tiebreakers

  • The playoff format and schedule will be announced at least one month before the end of the regular season.
  • Final standings are determined by winning percentage.

Tiebreaker Order

  1. Head-to-head results
  2. Fewest runs allowed in head-to-head games
  3. Coin toss conducted by an Executive Board member

6. Games

6.A. Game Length and Time Limits

18+ Division

  • Games are scheduled for 9 innings or 3 hours, whichever comes first.
  • No new inning may begin after 2 hours and 50 minutes.
  • If the game is tied after 9 innings or before reaching the time limit, it will continue with a Shootout.
  • If the game is tied and the time limit has expired, it is recorded as a tie.

35+ Division

  • Games are scheduled for 7 innings or 2.5 hours, whichever comes first.
  • No new inning may begin after 2 hours and 25 minutes.
  • If the game is tied after 7 innings or before time expires, a Shootout will be used.
  • If the time limit expires while tied, the game is recorded as a tie.

⏱ The Executive Board may adjust 35+ Division game lengths midseason if necessary.

6.B. Shoot-Out Format

Used to resolve tied games after regulation innings when time permits.

  • Each team starts its half-inning with the last eligible batter placed on second base.
  • The offensive lineup continues as normal, with fresh counts on each batter.
  • Shoot-out innings are played until a winner is determined.

🏆 Playoff Exception:
There is no time limit during playoff games. If tied after regulation, shootout rules will apply for extra innings.

6.C. Official Games (Weather, Darkness, Time)

A game is considered official if the following minimums are met before suspension:

  • 18+ Division: 5 innings (or 4.5 if home team is ahead)
  • 35+ Division: 4 innings (or 3.5 if home team is ahead)

If a game is stopped before becoming official, it is suspended and must be resumed from the point of interruption.

If a game is tied but official when stopped, it must also be resumed later and completed.

6.D. Rainouts and Suspended Games

  • Canceled games may be rescheduled if both managers agree and the League is notified (to arrange for umpires).
  • Rainouts must be made up in the order they were canceled.
  • Tied or suspended games must be resumed before the playoffs if possible.
  • The League will make every attempt possible to reschedule make-up games.

6.E. Game Cancellation Authority

  • Before game time:
    The Commissioner or President is responsible for field condition assessments and cancellation decisions. Notices will be posted online when possible.
  • After the game has started:
    Umpires have sole authority to delay, suspend, or call the game due to weather, darkness, or unsafe conditions.

7. Game Play

7.A. Pre-Game Field Use

  • The home team is responsible for field setup if needed (dragging, lining, etc.).
  • Dugouts must be cleaned by each team after the game.
  • Field access schedule:
    • Home team: 30 minutes starting 1 hour before game time
    • Visiting team: final 30 minutes before game time

7.B. Minimum Players & Forfeits

Regular Season

  • Teams must have at least 7 players within 15 minutes of the scheduled start to avoid forfeit.
  • Managers are encouraged to lend players to ensure the game is played.
    • Borrowed players are not allowed to pitch or catch.
    • Borrowed players must bat last in the lineup.
    • Unregistered players are strictly prohibited.
    • If a team’s 9th player arrives late, the borrowed player must return to his original team or exit the game.

Playoffs

  • Teams must have at least 7 rostered players.
  • Additional players may be borrowed from other CMBL teams with the opposing manager’s approval (before the game starts).
    • Defensive use is limited to corner outfield positions.
    • Opposing manager may approve or deny offensive participation.

7.C. Dugout Access

Only registered and borrowed players (approved as noted above) may be in the dugout.

7.D. Scoring Limits by Division

18+ Division: 7-Run / 7-Up Rule:

  • In innings 1–7 (or first 5 in shortened games): max 7 runs unless trailing, then may take up to a 7-run lead.
  • Unlimited runs in final 2 innings and extra innings.
  • No run limits apply during playoffs.
  • Over-the-fence home runs count fully, even in capped innings.

35+ Division: 5-Run / 5-Up Rule:

  • In innings 1–5: max 5 runs unless trailing by more than 5 (then may take up to a 5-run lead).
  • Unlimited runs allowed in the final 2 innings and extra innings.
  • Over-the-fence home runs count fully, even in capped innings.

18+ Mercy Rule

  • If a team is ahead by at least 15 runs after seven (7) innings, the game is over.

7.E.1. Lineups and Batting Rules

  • Managers are encouraged to give all players meaningful playing time.
  • Teams may use separate offensive and defensive lineups.

7.E.2. Batting Requirements

  • Teams must bat at least 10 players, if available.
  • Additional players may be added to the bottom of the lineup at any time.

7.E.3. A/B Tandem Hitting

  • A lineup spot may be shared between two players (e.g., 7A/7B), alternating each at-bat.
  • Once declared, the A/B slot remains in effect for the game.
  • Either player may be pinch-hit for, but only one side of the tandem is replaced.

7.E.4. Offensive Substitutions

  • Once a player is removed for a pinch hitter or runner, they may not re-enter the offensive lineup, but can still play defensively or pitch.
  • Unannounced offensive substitutions result in an automatic out when the player enters the batter’s box. The lineup reverts to the previous version.

7.F. Defensive Substitutions

  • Unlimited and free substitutions are allowed at all positions.
  • Pitchers may re-enter one time per game, but not in the same inning they were removed.
  • A removed pitcher may play other positions.

7.G.1. Courtesy Runners

  • Automatically allowed for the pitcher and catcher.
  • Each team may designate two additional players per game who may always receive courtesy runners.
  • The runner must be the last eligible batted out.
  • Substitution must occur within 30 seconds or the original runner must stay.

7.G.2. Injury Exception

  • If an injury occurs after both designated courtesy slots are used, and no subs are available:
    • The injured player may be skipped in the lineup with no penalty.
    • If subs exist, one must be used as a pinch runner.

7.H. Mandatory Catcher Rule (2-Outs)

  • If the catcher is on base with two outs, the last batted out must run for him to speed up the next half-inning.

7.I. Injury or Ejection During the Game

  • Injury:
    • If no substitute is available, the player is removed, and the lineup spot is skipped without penalty.
  • Ejection:
    • If the player was in the offensive lineup, an out is recorded every time his spot comes up.
    • If not in the lineup, an out is recorded starting in the next half-inning and every time through the order thereafter.

⚠️ If an offensive lineup player has to leave the game or field for any reason other than ejection, the player’s spot in the order will be skipped without penalty as long as the scratch is announced to the opposing team and umpire.

7.J. Scorebook

  • The Home Team is responsible for official scorekeeping, and its scorebook shall govern in the event of a discrepancy with respect to the number of runs scored. However, if the Home Team is unable or unwilling to maintain the official scorebook, the visiting team will assume the responsibility for the official scorebook. 

8. Specific Rules of Play

8.A.1. No Intentional Contact Rule

  • Players may not deliberately initiate contact with others at any time.
  • Base runners must slide or give up when:
    • A defensive player has possession of the ball
    • A play is imminent (about to receive the ball and make a play)

8.A.2. Slide Requirements:

  • Slides must be directed toward the base (within arm’s reach).
  • Runners may slide through the base but may not target or make contact with fielders.

8.A.3. Obstruction by Fielders:

  • A defensive player may not block the base path unless they are:
    • In possession of the ball
    • In the act of receiving the ball

⚠️ If a fielder obstructs without a play:

  • The runner is safe.
  • The fielder may be ejected.
  • Flagrant obstruction may lead to suspension.

8.B. No Decoying

  • Fake tags or throws are prohibited unless part of a rundown play.
  • If a decoy is used:
    • All runners advance one base after the play ends
    • The offending player is warned. Repeat offense results in ejection.
  • * Fake to 3rd, throw to 1st pickoff moves are prohibited under this rule.

8.C. Passed Balls & Wild Pitches

  • Runners may advance only one base at their own risk when a pitch gets past the catcher.

35+ Division Specific Rule:

  • Runners may not score from third on a passed ball or wild pitch.
    • Exception: They may score if a pickoff attempt is made.

🚫 Straight steals of home are not allowed in the 35+ Division.

8.D. Pitching Rules

8.D.1. Uniform and Gear Restrictions

  • Pitchers may not wear:
    • White or gray sleeves below the elbow
    • Rings, batting gloves, or wristbands on the throwing hand

8.D.2. Hit Batters

  • If a pitcher hits three batters in a game, he is disqualified from pitching further that game.
    • This is to be strictly mandated and not left up to the discretion of the opposing manager.
  • Intentional HBPs may result in ejection and at least a one-game suspension.

8.D.3. Intentional Walks

  • May be declared at any time (after at least one pitch unless waived by offense).
  • Once declared, the batter is awarded first base, regardless of pitch outcome.

8.D.4. Pitching Limits

  • There are no restrictions on how many innings a pitcher may throw per game or week.

9. Miscellaneous

9.A. Rule Amendments

  • League rules are reviewed at least once annually by the Rules and Competition Committee.
  • The Committee may recommend changes to the Executive Board, which may adopt amendments by majority vote.
  • Rule changes take effect:
    • At the next regularly scheduled game after being posted on the League website, or
    • At a time designated by the Executive Board when changes are adopted

9.B. Jewelry and Accessories (“No Bling” Rule)

  • Players are prohibited from wearing:
    • Watches
    • Rings
    • Visible or flashy jewelry

Adopted April 21, 2008                      President             Frank Amoroso

Modified + adopted February 2009    

Modified + adopted June 2009

Modified + adopted Sept. 2009

Modified + adopted April 2010

Modified + adopted April 2011

Modified + adopted February 2013

Modified + adopted March 2014

Modified + adopted April 2015

Modified + adopted January 2016                                       

Modified + adopted February 2022

Modified + adopted January 2024

Modified + adopted February 2025

Modified + adopted February 2026

President: Ethan King

Commissioner: Ethan King

Board of Directors: Frank Amoroso, Troy Morse, Travis Boyd, Tanner Staley, Derek Fallecker