PLAYING THE GAMES

Managers shall have at least two (2) pitchers and one (1) catcher in the bullpen at the start of all games and maintain this number as much as possible.  This rule is designed to speed up the game at this classification.

Unnecessary delay in the playing of a ball game MUST be avoided.  Managers, players and umpires have an obligation to the public to keep the game moving.  Players are expected to hustle in and out between innings.

When two (2) games are advertised for one (1) admission, the first game MUST be played to completion before the second game can begin.  To be fair to the patrons who come to the ballpark to witness two (2) games, the regulation period of each contest must be faithfully observed.

All doubleheaders during the regular season in the South Atlantic League are 7 inning games.  (Although the term, “Day-Night Doubleheader” is often used, the fact that separate admissions are required for each game contradicts the definition of a doubleheader.  Both games of a “Day-Night Doubleheader,” therefore, are 9 inning games.)  All doubleheaders during the playoffs are 9 inning games.

Baseballs are NOT to be removed from the field or taken out of play until inspected and discarded by one of the umpires.

If a pitcher is scheduled to bat, he must be in the batter’s circle just prior to his turn at bat.  Pitchers will NOT be allowed to remain in the dugout until their turn at bat.  This is an unnecessary delay and will NOT be tolerated in the South Atlantic League.

Players stepping out of the batter’s box after every pitch create an unnecessary delay.  Also, delaying the game by lounging outside the batter’s box is NOT permitted in the South Atlantic League.  The Umpires have been instructed to enforce Official Playing Rule 5.04(b)(4) in order to speed up the game and give the fans action instead of long delays.

Members of the team on the field shall carry all gloves and equipment off the field and to the dugout while at bat.  No equipment shall be left lying on the field in either fair or foul territory.

If a playing Manager removes himself from a game, he may remain on the field as a non-playing Manager.

If a club plays an unlisted player, the offending Manager and Umpire-in-Chief shall each be fined fifty-dollars ($50.00).

Do not substitute a Player without first notifying the Umpire-in-Chief.  The automatic South Atlantic League penalty for violating this rule is a fifty-dollar ($50.00) fine.

Should a thrown ball stick in the screen, it shall be regarded as having passed from the playing field and shall be declared dead.