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--- constitution [2021/04/02 15:34] – more schedule related stuff in section 0 sweda
+++ constitution [2025/01/15 14:20] (current) – 2024-06 (rule 3.7.1) sweda
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 <code>
 INTERNET BASEBALL LEAGUE CONSTITUTION
-       SPECIAL RULES FOR 2021 SEASON
-The rules in this section are special modifications for the 2021 season ONLY.
-When possible these will be numbered in a way that corresponds to the section of
-the Constitution where it most directly applies.  (e.g. for 0.4.x refer to 4.x)
-Usage and starts will be scaled from the 60 game MLB season to match the eventual
-length of the IBL season.
-.2.1.1  Schedule
-There will be no divisions for the 2021 season.  Each team will play
-every other team in their conference twice (one series home/away).
-The regular season schedule will last 11 weeks.  The trade deadline
-will be the transaction period after week 8.
-.2.1.8  Weather
-Weeks 1-3 will be July, weeks 4-7 August, weeks 8-11 September, and
-the post-season October.
-.2.2    Post-Season
-The top 7 teams by winning percentage will make the playoffs.  The team
-finishing in first place in the conference receives a first round bye
-while the remaining 6 teams play a best of 5 first round playoff series.
-The highest remaining seed picks their opponent in each round of the
-playoffs.  Only the first place team and 3 first round winners will be
-considered playoff teams for drafting purposes.
-.2.2.8  Post Season Schedule
-The opening round of playoffs will be played on the days listed for the
-wild card series in the standard playoff schedule.
-.3.1.1  Carded Players
-Position players with 15 AB+BB in the 2020 MLB season will be carded.
-Pitchers with 10 IP in the 2020 MLB season will be carded.
-.3.1.2  Uncarded Players
-If the 2021 IBL season is played with cards based on the 2020 MLB season
-only carded players will count toward the roster limit.  Teams will be able
-to carry an unlimited number of players who were uncarded in 2021 [UC21].
-.3.2.3  Game Apperance and Starting Position Limitations
-The 24 game limit in section 3.2.3 is lowered to 8 games.
-.3.3.4   Playoff Starting Positions
-The 48 start limit in section 3.3.4 is lowered to 16 games (8 MLB games).
-.3.3.5   Playoff Eligibility, Limitations, and Restrictions
-* all players are eligible for the post-season
-* the 150 AB+BB/BF limitations in section 3.3.5 are lowered to 50 AB+BB/BF
-* the 50 AB+BB vs LH/RH limitations in section 3.3.5 are lowered to 20 AB+BB
-.4.3   Free Agent Signings
-For players signed before the beginning of week 3, winning percentages
-will be determined by the previous year's standings.
-.4.6    Draft Pick Deferral
-Teams may choose to defer picks in the 2021 Free Agent Draft to the
-Free Agent Draft.  A deferred pick will be inserted into the same
-spot in the 2022 Draft, moving all other picks in the round back 1 spot.
-(ex: 1-10 2021 deferred becomes 1-10 2022, moving 1-10 2022 to 1-11)
-Pick deferrals announced prior to February 1st 2021 will be removed from
-the draft order, effectively being replaced by that team's highest remaining
-unusable selection.  Pick deferrals announced while drafting by lists in
-Feburary will be treated as a PASS.
-Only picks in the first three rounds of the 2021 draft may be deferred.
        LEAGUE STRUCTURE
@@ Line 447: / Line 356: @@
 .1.8   Weather
-Weather for the games will be determined by the IBL calendar. Weeks 1-4
+The month for weather of IBL games is determined by the IBL schedule
-will always be April, 5-9 May, 10-13 June, 14-18 July, 19-23 August,
+provided by the Commisioner.  Post-season games are played in October
--27 September, and the post-season October.
+weather.
 .1.9   Game Times
-Day 1 and day 2 are night games, day 3 is a day game. Games played in
+Teams will play a day game on the final scheduled day of a series, with all
-Wrigley Field will have day games on day 2 and 3.
+other games in the series being played at night.  For a series played at
+Wrigley Field this is reversed, the game scheduled for the final day being
+played at night and all others being day games.
 A make up game played on the off day following a series is a day game.
@@ Line 460: / Line 372: @@
 .1.10  Rainouts
-Day 1 only/Day 2 only: Make up as a doubleheader on Day 3 if there is no
+If there is an off day following the series then a make-up game should
-off-day following the series; otherwise make up on off-day following the
+be played on the off day.  Otherwise, if there are days remaining in the
-series.
+series then a make-up game should be scheduled as a doubleheader on the
+final day of the series. If a rainout occurs on the final day of a series,
-Days 1 and 2 Make up day 1 as a doubleheader on Day 3. If there is an
+or if multiple rainouts cannot be made up using the remaining days available,
-off day following the series, make up day 2 on the off day. If there
+report the unplayed games to the Commissioner for rescheduling.
-isn't an off day following the series, report the rainout to the
-Commissioner for rescheduling.
-Day 3 If there is an off day following the series, make up day 3 on the
-off day. If there isn't an off day following the series, report the
-rainout to the Commissioner for rescheduling.
 When hosting a team for the last time during the season, if a rainout is
 rolled prior to the game becoming official and the rainout would lead to
 the impossibility to make up the game via game played on off-day or
-double-header on day 3, reroll to see if the game is rained out. Field
+double-header, reroll to see if the game is rained out. Field will be wet
-will be wet for the remainder of the game.
+for the remainder of the game.
 The visiting manager should give specific instructions concerning the
@@ Line 739: / Line 645: @@
 .1.1   Carded Players
-All position players having at least 30 at bats plus walks and pitchers
+All position players having at least 30 plate appearances and pitchers
 having at least 20 innings pitched are eligible for IBL rosters. Players
 who were considered carded in the previous season are also eligible for
 IBL rosters.
-A player who had at least 30 at bats plus walks as a non-pitcher and at
+A player who had at least 30 plate appearances as a non-pitcher and at
 least 20 innings pitched will be eligible as a position player and a
 pitcher.
@@ Line 751: / Line 657: @@
 Any eligible player who does not have a card for the current season may
-be kept on the 35 man roster.
+be kept on the 36 man roster.
 If a player is uncarded one season, retained on the roster, and has a
@@ Line 770: / Line 676: @@
 .2.1   Active Roster
-Each team is limited to an active roster of 25 players from week 1
+Each team is limited to an active roster of 26 players from week 1 through
-through week 23. The active roster limit is expanded to 35 players for
+the week prior to the trade deadline. The active roster limit is expanded
-week 24 through the end of the season.
+to 36 players after the trade deadline through the end of the season.
 .2.2   Inactive Roster
 Each team may carry an inactive roster. The active and inactive rosters
-are not to total more than 35 players.
+are not to total more than 36 players.
 A player placed on the inactive roster must remain there for two weeks.
 This restriction does not apply once the active roster limit expands to
-in week 24.
+after the trade deadline.
 .2.3   Game Apperance and Starting Position Limitations
@@ Line 795: / Line 701: @@
 played at that position.
-A pitcher may not start more than twice the number of games started in
+All pitchers will be allowed to start one game per season.  The maximum
-the previous major league season.  Relief appearances of 18 batters or
+number of IBL starts will be twice the number of games the pitcher started
-more will be considered a start when calculating the limitation.
+in the previous MLB season.  Relief appearances of 18 batters or more will
+be considered a start when calculating the limitation.
 Failure to comply with these rules shall result in forfeiture of any
@@ Line 823: / Line 730: @@
 provided he has not exhausted his games played limitation.
-The IBL adopts all of the AL rules on the DH -- including, but not
+The IBL adopts all MLB rules regarding the DH -- including, but not
 limited to the following: the DH must make one plate appearance before
 he can be removed, unless he is injured before or during the initial
@@ Line 840: / Line 747: @@
 rated at the position). This option is not available to replace players
 after voluntary removal, such as pinch-hitting or pinch-running.
+.2.7	Concurrent Injuries
+Players who have overlapping injuries during the regular season serve
+those injury days concurrently.  Only a single day of injury credit is
+accrued on overlapping injury days.
@@ Line 846: / Line 759: @@
 .3.1   Playoff Roster
-Each team owner must submit a 25 man playoff roster to the League Office
+Each team owner must submit a 26 man playoff roster to the League Office
-prior to the week 24 Newsletter. If no post-season roster is received, the
+prior to the Newsletter following the trade deadline. If no post-season
-post-season roster will be that team's active roster entering week 23.
+roster is received, the post-season roster will be that team's active roster
+at the trade deadline.
 .3.2   Playoff Roster Changes
-Playoff teams may change their 25 man playoff roster between series. If a
+Playoff teams may change their 26 man playoff roster between series. If a
 team wishes to change their playoff roster it must submit the changes to
 the League Offices for approval. The new roster is not official until the
@@ Line 870: / Line 784: @@
 *   The replacement player must be a playoff-eligible player on that
-team's 35 man roster. Free-agents may not be used as a replacement during
+team's 36 man roster. Free-agents may not be used as a replacement during
 a series.
 *   If the injured player is a pitcher the replacement player must also be
@@ Line 876: / Line 790: @@
 *   The choice of replacement must still leave the team with two players
 who may play each position unless no playoff-eligible player is available
-on the 35 man roster who will fulfill that requirement.
+on the 36 man roster who will fulfill that requirement.
@@ Line 891: / Line 805: @@
 Rules for position players:
-*   A batter with less than 100 total AB+BB is not eligible for the
+*   A batter with less than 100 total plate appearances (PA) is not
-post-season.
+eligible for the post-season.
-*   A batter with less than 150 total AB+BB may only enter the game from
+*   A batter with less than 150 total PA may only enter the game from
 inning 6 onward, unless he is the only available defensive replacement for
 an injured player.
 *   A batter may only start a game in the post-season if they had at least
- AB+BB vs the hand of the starting pitcher, unless there are no other
+ PA vs the hand of the starting pitcher, unless there are no other
 players available which would allow a legal starting lineup.
 *   A batter may only pinch-hit in the post-season if they had at least 50
-AB+BB vs the hand of the current pitcher, unless he is the only available
+PA vs the hand of the current pitcher, unless he is the only available
 defensive replacement for an injured batter.
-*   A batter with less than 50 AB+BB vs the hand of the current pitcher
+*   A batter with less than 50 PA vs the hand of the current pitcher
 may only enter the game as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement from
 inning 6 onward, unless he is the only available defensive replacement for
@@ Line 909: / Line 823: @@
 Rules for pitchers:
-*   A pitcher with less than 100 total AB+BB against all batters is not
+*   A pitcher with less than 100 total batters faced (BF) is not eligible
-eligible for the post-season.
+for the post-season.
-*   A pitcher with less than 150 total AB+BB against all batters may only
+*   A pitcher with less than 150 total BF may only enter the game from
-enter the game from inning 6 onward, unless no other pitchers are
+inning 6 onward, unless no other pitchers are available.
-available.
+*   A pitcher must have recorded at least 150 total BF as a starting pitcher
-*   A pitcher must have recorded at least 150 total AB+BB against all
+in order to be eligible to start a post-season game or enter the game in a
-batters as a starting pitcher in order to be eligible to start a
+situation where a pitcher would be required to be rated as a starter.
-post-season game or enter the game in a situation where a pitcher would be
+*   A pitcher not rated as a starter but with at least 150 BF may enter the
-required to be rated as a starter.
+game from inning 5 onward, or anytime prior to inning 5 when the current
-*   A pitcher not rated as a starter but with at least 150 total AB+BB
+pitcher has allowed 3 runs or is fatigued.
-against all batters may enter the game from inning 5 onward, or anytime
-prior to inning 5 when the current pitcher has allowed 3 runs or is
-fatigued.
@@ Line 936: / Line 847: @@
 .5     Extra Starts
-Any player entering the game prior to the sixth inning, unless replacing
+Any position player entering the field prior to the sixth inning, unless
-a player who has been injured or ejected, or relieving a fatigued
+replacing a player who has been injured or ejected, shall be considered
-pitcher, or relieving a pitcher when the opposing team has not scored
+as using one of the player's starts at the position which he enters.
-five runs shall be considered as using one of the player's starts at the
+If a position player enters to replace a player who has been injured or
-position which he enters.  If a position player enters to replace a
+ejected enters at a different position and necessitates other players to
-player who has been injured or ejected enters at a different position
+shift positions, none of the players shall be charged with the extra start.
-and necessitates other players to shift positions, none of the players
-shall be charged with the extra start.
+Any pitcher entering the game during the first 18 batters shall be
+considered as using one of the pitcher's starts, with the following
+exceptions:
+*   relieving a pitcher who is fatigued
+*   relieving after the opposing team has scored five runs
+*   relieving in a game where the starting pitcher was forced to be
+    removed due to injury or ejection
@@ Line 1009: / Line 926: @@
 (Others) 0/KK/+3
-.7     Pitchers' Rest and Fatigue
-.7.1   Rest Requirements
+.7     Pitcher Fatigue and Rest
-A pitcher must use the appropriate rest chart based on the pitcher's
+The IBL uses the Advanced (Batters Faced) pitcher fatigue and rest rules.
-previous role (starter or reliever).
-.7.2   Rest Prior to Starting
+.7.1   Starting Pitchers
-In order for a pitcher to start a game he must have rested the required
+Any pitcher may start a game as long as they have starts remaining.  A
-days listed on the STARTERS' rest chart, regardless of whether his
+starting pitcher who does not have a SP fatigue rating shall use his
-previous appearance was as a starter or reliever.
+RP fatigue rating when starting.
-.7.3   Pitchers Out of Role
-A pitcher not rated as a reliever may pitch in relief as a Long reliever.
-The pitcher will use the relief rest chart after an appearance as a
-reliever.
-A pitcher not rated as a starter may start in the event that due to
-weather postponements no other rated starter is available to pitch. In
-this case, the pitcher must use his fatigue numbers. Should the pitcher
-become fatigued, he must use the emergency pitcher card. The pitcher
-will be considered a "5" starter for the purpose of determining fatigue.
@@ Line 1063: / Line 966: @@
 Players deactivated in this manner must remain inactive for the next two
 weeks, just as if they were deactivated after the conclusion of the series.
+.1.2  Special Pitcher Activations
+A team may replace pitcher(s) on the active roster with pitcher(s) on the
+inactive roster after any game that extends beyond the 9th inning, after the
+completion of a suspended game played on the same day as another game, or
+anytime during a series with a double-header (including between DH games). Any
+pitcher activated in this fashion must have been eligible to be activated for
+the current week (as per 3.2.2).
+Teams may not sign free agents in this situation, only players on the
+inactive roster at the start of the series are eligible replacements.
+Special transactions should be reported with the GRS for the series.
+Players deactivated in this manner must remain inactive for the next two
+weeks, just as if they were deactivated after the conclusion of the series.
 .2     Trades
-Trades may be made from March 1 until the newsletter following week 23,
+Trades may be made from March 1 until the Newsletter following the trade
-and from December 1 through January 31 in the off-season.
+deadline announced by the Commissioner prior to the season, and from
+December 1 through January 31 in the off-season.
 A team with an outstanding GRS or box score from previous weeks may not
@@ Line 1099: / Line 1019: @@
 An owner may sign any player on the free agent list from March 1 until the
-newsletter following week 23. Any owner signing a free agent must notify
+Newsletter following the trade deadline. Any owner signing a free agent must
-the Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner of the signing via the game report
+notify the Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner of the signing via the game
-or by electronic mail before opening day.
+report or by electronic mail before opening day.
-In the case of a conflict between teams attempting to sign the same free
+) Teams not on probation who have reported their home results from
-agent, the player will be assigned to teams by the following priority:
+the most recent week of play (or have been approved for a special exemption)
+and have no other outstanding results or box scores, in reverse order of
-) Teams not on probation who have reported their home results from
+winning percentage.  An exemption must be requested at least 24 hours
-the most recent week of play and have no other outstanding results or box
+before the Monday results deadline, and can only be requested if extraordinary
-scores, in reverse order of winning percentage.
+factors prevent the games from being played on time.  Approval is at the
+Commissioner's discretion.
 ) Teams not on probation but with outstanding results or boxscores
@@ Line 1120: / Line 1041: @@
 the winning percentages will be determined by the standings from the
 previous week.
+Teams that still have outstanding results or box scores one week after the
+completion of the regular season will be treated as having outstanding
+results during the pre-season transaction periods the following year.
@@ Line 1125: / Line 1050: @@
 Owners may release from their roster any player who has not exceeded his
-% usage, from opening day until the newsletter following week 23. Any
+% usage from opening day until the Newsletter following the trade deadline.
-player may be released from November 1 through November 30. Any owner
+Any player may be released after the conclusion of the regular season
-releasing a player must notify the Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner of
+through December 15.
-the release via the game report during the regular season, and via
-electronic mail during the off season. The released player will then be
+Any owner releasing a player must notify the Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner
-considered an available free agent.
+of the release via the game report or e-mail. The released player will then be
+considered an available free agent. A player released during the regular season
+may only be immediately re-signed the following week by the releasing team if no
+other IBL team submitted a claim on the released player.
@@ Line 1209: / Line 1137: @@
 The IBL shall hold a free agent draft supervised by the Commissioner
-after each season. Teams must have less than 35 players on their
+after each season. Teams must have less than 36 players on their
 combined active and inactive rosters on February 1 in order to
 participate. Any free agent eligible for an IBL roster may be drafted.
@@ Line 1261: / Line 1189: @@
 rounds.
-Once a team reaches the 35 player limit in February, that team shall not
+Once a team reaches the 36 player limit in February, that team shall not
 make any further draft selections.
@@ Line 1300: / Line 1228: @@
 .1     Allocating Incentive Points
-All members shall begin each season with an Incentive Point total of 35.
+All members shall begin each season with an Incentive Point total of 36.
 Associate members shall begin each season with their Incentive Point total
 at the end of last season.
-New owners will be upgraded to 35 Incentive Points.  Members on probation
+New owners will be upgraded to 36 Incentive Points.  Members on probation
 who take on a co-owner will remain on probation but will be immediately
-upgraded to 35 Incentive Points.
+upgraded to 36 Incentive Points.
 Associate members receive one point for every completed series (up to a
@@ Line 1332: / Line 1260: @@
 *   -1 to both teams after asking for a FTF extension and failing to
 report results within 48 hours of the Monday deadline
-*   -1 to the home team for every week of outstanding results at the
+*   -1 to the home team for each week that results have been outstanding
-conclusion of a real-time off week
+for two calendar weeks or more
-*   -1 to the home team for every outstanding GRS, box score, or
+*   -1 to the home team for each week that a GRS, box score, or scoresheet
-scoresheet at the conclusion of a real-time off week
+has been outstanding for two calendar weeks or more
+*   -1 to the home team per item outstanding at the conclusion of a
+real-time off week, in addition to any other late penalties
 .2.3   Other IP Penalties
@@ Line 1389: / Line 1320: @@
 sheet is late.  Owners may cc the Commissioner and/or Vice-Commissioner to
 ensure receipt and avoid IP penalties.
-If the opponent's MIS is not received by 5 pm PDT on Thursday, the home
-owner is allowed to play the series at his own discretion using the copy
-of the MIS available at the IBL shared storage location.  The home owner
-can make other arrangements with the visiting owner to receive the MIS
-later if he so desires.
 .1.1   MIS Requirements
@@ Line 1602: / Line 1527: @@
 not contradict any specific Constitutional provision.
-.1     Rule Clarifications
+.1     IBL Game Clarifications
 This section needs to be filled in by the membership.  Any ambiguous or
@@ Line 1626: / Line 1551: @@
         leftfield line (lfl)   None     None    3b,ss
-.1.2 Pitcher Fatigue and Rest
-The IBL uses the Advanced (Batters Faced) pitcher fatigue and rest rules.
+.2     MLB Rule Clarifications
+.2.1   MLB 3-batter rule for pitchers
+The IBL follows the MLB rules requiring pitchers to face a minimum of three
+batters or complete a half-inning, except in cases of removal due to injury
+or ejection.
+.2.2	MLB rules for extra innings
+The IBL does not follow MLB rules placing runners on base in extra innings.
+IBL games that go into extra innings will be played to conclusion using
+standard rules.