Official Rules (2024)
1)Any shaker may be used. Amended by Executive Order,
2014. APBA dice provided by the league or APBA will be used unless
otherwise agreed. (Loosely Enforced) Any shaker and any APBA dice may be used
for the Unusual Event Card. Players are limited to two pair
of APBA dice per series (Amended 2009)
2) All dice rolls on the table and not significantly leaning are official.
3) Either or both players may use a stadium. All rolls not staying within the confinement
of the stadium may be declared non-rolls if declared by the manager(s) prior
to the start of the series.
4) The Unusual Event Card will be used for numbers 15-23 and 36-41
(Including the Hit and Run and Sacrifice Booklet)
If there is a HBP on the initial result the Unusual Event Card is not used.
5) The latest edition of the APBA boards/booklets including advanced rules as modified by the league will be
followed. The following rule has been amended.
a) Dice result # 21 will be an individual fielding number with a First baseman (4) or (5)
being Fielding 1,First baseman (3) being Fielding 2 and a First baseman (1) or (2) being
Fielding 3. On the bases empty board, fielding one only, one die is rolled. An even number=hit, an odd number=out (Amended 2011)
b)With the bases empty any 18,19 or 20 that results from the unusual event card and the 2B,3B or SS is a Fielding One
(8 or 9 for 2B, 5 or 6 for 3B and 9 or 10 for SS); one die is rolled with an even number being an error (E=Error) and an odd number being a groundout This sequence includes #19 with two out.
c) If an error is still indicated after all the above rules have been implemented then the defensive team rolls APBA dice.
If the result is a double number (11-22-33-44-55-66) then the result off the boards is read as an “out, no error”.
All advantages are awarded to the defensive team. An addendum listing the exact interpretation
of the result will be
issued, known as an Error Eliminator Chart. If an error occurs in the
Sacrifice section and the defensive team takes it away
then the play is no error with the runner(s) advancing one base.
d) The Double ZZ will count as a ball one instead of ball
two, except bases empty, in all applicable situations where the Z comes into
play. Amended 2010
e) On the bases empty board if a 40 comes up on the Unusual Play Card (Not on the player's card) it is scored a single (Rally Clause), the “W” if applicable is disregarded. The defensive team can no longer “roll away” the hit. Amended 2019. To be implemented for the 2020 season
f)On a first column extra
base hit number (2 thru 6), on players with two
columns, the initial result on the board stands.
Note: The (*) that appears on any result number will be applied after the play is complete. Amended by Executive Order 2018
6) All new rules adopted at the annual league meeting will go into effect the following season unless
the rule(s) passes unanimously. In the case of a unanimous passage, the rule(s) goes into
effect for the current season.
7) Score sheets must be turned in immediately after a series unless permission is
granted by the Commissioner. Failure to do so will result in a $5.00 fine. If, after
permission is given and the score sheets are not turned in, in a reasonable amount of
time, the same fine will be assessed.
8) Illegal players "spotted" during a game will be ejected immediately. A $5.00 fine will
be assessed. The Commissioner will impose the same fine ($5.00) for illegal
players not "spotted" during a game, but discovered at a later date by the league
statistician.
9) At no time will the use of an illegal player or any other infraction result in the forfeit
of a game.
10) Rain Outs
Rain outs are to be ignored, you re-roll on the unusual play board. Executive Order 2021
11) All games of the regular season schedule are to be played on consecutive days.
12) The Draft Order will be as follows:
a) The World Series winner will pick last in each round.
b) The World Series loser will pick next to last in each round.
c) The losers of the second round of the playoffs will pick 3rd and 4th to last in each
round depending upon their winning percentages for the regular season.
d) The losers of the first round of the playoffs will
pick 5th and 6th from last in each
round depending upon their winning percentages for the regular season.
e) The remaining teams draft according to their winning percentages (worst picks 1st,
etc.)
f) A roll of the APBA dice will break all ties not broken by playoff determining tie breakers (Head to Head, then Division Record) (Tie breakers or higher roll takes
best pick). The teams then will alternate draft positions in subsequent rounds. Amended 2010. Takes effect in 2011. (See Section 13 Note)
13)Lottery & Rosters
a) The first round consists of a lottery involving all teams that did not qualify for the
playoffs.
b) The first team chosen in the lottery picks last among those eligible, 2nd team
chosen picks next to last, etc.
c) The lottery will be weighted. The team with the worst winning percentage will have
just one chance. The team with next-to-worst record will have 2 chances, etc. After the
lottery the teams pick according to order established in Rule 12 a, b, c and d, for the remainder
of the first round.
d) All subsequent rounds are based on regular season winning percentages (worst
picks first in each round, etc.)
Note: If two lottery teams are tied and the winner of the tie-breakers ends up drafting below the team they are tied with then the alternate drafting order begins in the 3rd round instead of the 2nd.
Executive Order (2022)
14) A team may not trade draft picks more than one year ahead of the next draft.
15) The roster size is 40 players.
a) Each team has an active roster of 27 players. (Amended 2022) .
b) Each team has a minor league roster of 13 players.
c) The roster may never exceed 40 players.
d) A team is limited to 5 un-carded players. An un-carded player is defined as never being issued
an APBA card.
16) Minor leaguers are included on the major league roster when a team begins play
in their own division for the last time. (Currently Section 3 of the schedule)
17) Only the club’s active* roster (27 players) prior to the first game played in the last intra-divisional round (Currently Section 3)
are eligible for a team's post season play. (* This can include any player(s) on the injured list, as long as it does not exceed 27)
18) Trades may not be made until a team turns in its 40 player roster. Trades of draft picks higher than the 10th round are not permitted. (Except during the current draft and only for that draft)
19) Trades may not be made once a team has begun a new
season. (Exception: A Gentlemen’s Agreement between two or more clubs and
with all parties reporting the particulars of the trade to the Commissioner
will be considered as binding for the following season. Amended 2009)
20) A team may make 5 player moves per season. Moves may be made at the
conclusion of any game including between games of a doubleheader.
21) Injury Rules
a) J-0 Remainder of game in progress
b) J-1 1 day
c) J-2 2 days
d) J-3 3 days
e) J-4 4 days
Commissioner Interpretation: Byes in the schedule do not
count as injury days (Amended 2011)
22) If there is an injury, that team may bring up a player from the minors for the duration of the injury after the game in which the player is injured. When the injury is over, the player must be sent back down to the minor leagues, otherwise it will count as a move.
23) Play result number 39 with runners on 2nd and 3rd in Fielding One is interpreted as both players being injured.
24) A player may not play a position that is not listed on his card unless injuries, ejections or limits make it impossible to field a team. (Or if it the 9th inning or later)
25) Any non-pitcher may pitch at a Grade D (1)(W), with no grade advancement, if their
are no eligible pitchers available.
26) A teams' 27 player active
roster (Amended 2022) Must have a back up (Not necessarily 10 games) for
each position at the start of every game unless injuries or limits make it
impossible to do so. A teams' 40 man roster must
have a legitimate backup at every position (legitimate being defined as having
10 games at that position or first position listed on the card and therefore is
eligible to start.) That backup may be in the minors (Amended 2011)
27) A player must be recalled from the minors if injuries leave you with no
available backups at a position immediately after the game.
28) If a player did not play 10 games at the non-primary position(s) on his card, he
may not enter a game at that position(s) until the 7th inning. If you substitute for a
Player and your backup falls into this category and it is prior to the 7th inning, your
Opponent may select the player or pitcher to replace him (In lieu of your selection). A
Player with less than 10 games at a position may enter a game before the 7th inning if
injuries, ejections or limits occur and there are no other eligible players available.
29) A player may only be used at a position not on his card if it is the 9th inning or
later and there is no player available with that position on his card.
30) Players may not bat more than they did for real and pitchers may not pitch more
innings nor start more than they did for real as noted on their cards. Amended 2019 for the 2020 season. Fractional innings are disregarded.
A pitcher may exceed the IP on his card by 2/3 of an inning.
Exceptions: Pitchers can bat, limited by actual at bats within the rules. (No Pinch-Hitting: Unless they PH for real) See Rule 33(d)
(Amended 2019 by E.O.)
Non-pitchers may pitch unlimited at D (1)(W) within the rules.
31) Hit and Run Rules
There is no limit to the number of hit and runs called in a game. Once the hit and run is announced,
that batter must finish his at bat unless the inning ends with the same player at bat. Pitchers may never
hit and run.
32) Waiver Rule
A player placed on waivers goes through the reverse order of the standings. Once he is
claimed, he can be recalled one time. If he is put on waivers again, he cannot be
recalled. The team that claims a player through waivers, must immediately release a
player and then he goes through the reverse order of the standings also.
33) Pitching Rules
a) A starting pitcher must have at least 3 days (not games) of rest before and after
each start. He may not relieve during that period.
b) If no DH is used the starting pitcher must bat ninth unless he has another defensive position listed. (Ohtani is currently the only exception)
c) A starting pitcher may pitch 10 innings in any one game. Every inning he pitches
over 10 his grade will be reduced by one.
d) Pitcher's At Bats are now on the roster page.
(All rules below are limited to that number if they have
no other defensive position on their card)
1)They may be used as the DH.
(If they have actual at bats). The
Ohtani rule is also in effect.
2)They may PH limited to their number of actual PH official at bats on the roster page.
3)They may never pinch hit otherwise unless they have
another defensive position on their card or injuries, ejections or limits occur
and there are no other
position players available and they have remaining At Bats.
4) If they have another position on their card, then they
are limited by their actual number of At Bats. If they
have a second defensive position on their card they
must have 10 games played at that position to start otherwise they may not
enter the game until the 7th inning.
Amended 2019 by E.O.
e) Pitchers may never attempt to steal on a hit and run.
f) A starting pitcher must pitch at least 5 innings unless he has surrendered 4 runs (Amended 2014)
( Earned or unearned) or has reached his innings limit.
34) Relief Pitching Rules
a) Split Grades as assigned by APBA are ignored. The higher grade, according to our pitching chart, will be their only grade. Amended 2019 for the 2020 season.
b) Any reliever who enters a game in the middle of
an inning increase their grade by one
(Regardless of Grade) if the batter bats from the same
side of the plate
that the pitcher throws. This is in effect until he faces
a batter who hits from the other side of the plate.
(Amended 2019 for the 2020 season)
d) Save Rule - Credit a pitcher with a save when such pitcher meets all four of the following conditions:
(Amended 2015)
1)He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his team;
2)He is not the winning pitcher;
3)He is credited with at least ⅓ of an inning pitched; and
4)He satisfies one of the following conditions:
a)He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning
b)He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, at bat or on deck
c)He pitches for at least three innings.
e) Rest
--Up to 3 innings per day - No Rest Required
--3 1/3 to 4 innings per day - One Day Rest
--4 1/3 to 5 innings per day - Two Days Rest
--5 1/3 to 6 innings per day - Three Days Rest
--6 1/3 to 7 innings per day - Four Days Rest
--7 1/3 innings and over per day - Five Days Rest
f) ZSABL E.R.A. GRADE CONVERSION CHART
One Chart for both leagues: Amended 2018
E.R.A. GRADE
OVER 4.50 D
3.71 4.50 C
2.80 3.70 B
2.00 2.79 A
1.40 1.99 A&C
UNDER
1.40 A&B
g)ZSABL Pitcher Control Chart
The formula is the same for both leagues.
IP/BB-IBB=BB/9
Under 1.00 BB/9 = ZZ
1.00 to 2.50 BB/9 = Z
2.51 to 4.50 BB/9 = No Control Letter
Over 4.50 BB/9 = W
1)MLB.com will provide the official final stats used. Do not carry the ERA out to three decimal points.
2)Any pitcher Graded “C” by APBA cannot be reduced by the current pitching chart. Amended 2018
35) Schedule
a) The season consists of a 136 game “more balanced" schedule Amended 2023
b) The Commissioner may declare a "Wildcat" Schedule whenever he deems necessary.
36) Any flagrant abuse of ZSABL Rules will be dealt with at the next league meeting.
37) Playoff Structure
a) The first, second and third place finishers in each division advance to the post season.. Any ties for Division winners or third place will be broken by a one game playoff, unless it involves three or more teams. (See Rule 38). There is no playoff game for two teams tied for second in the same division.(Tie Breaker for seeding and home field will be Head to Head, followed by Division record if still tied, APBA dice will determine the 2nd place team.) All playoff series will be seven games with home field determined by records..
b) The second
and third place finishers in each division play a seven game
series.
c) The two winners of the above match-ups then play their respective division winner. This round will start the day after the last game of the first round is completed.
d) The winners then play in the World Series.
e) All pitching eligibility and injuries carry over from the regular season.
f) In case of a one game playoff to determine the final standings. It is to be played the day after the season ends. At bats and innings from the regular season do count as well as pitchers/players rest and injuries. The entire roster will be active. Home field is determined by head to head and then divisional record, if still tied then APBA dice. The stats from this game(s) count as regular season.
g) The playoffs will be played on consecutive days, starting three days after the conclusion of the regular season even if there is a playoff game to determine the final standings.
h) The format for the playoffs is a 2-3-2 sequence with the team with the better record or tie breaker winner playing the first two games at its home field..
i)
All playoff series are to be played on a neutral site. (Amended 2009)
j) An injured player may be
replaced for the duration of his injury but he must
return as soon as the injury is over. Amended by Executive Order, 2023
38) Three Way Ties - Playoff Spots
a) If there is a 3-way tie for first place, second or third place in a Division, the teams are seeded:
1)Head-to head record with each other. (If still tied then # 2)
2)Record within own division. (If still tied then # 3)
3)Best overall record versus the other 2 play-off teams.
--The team that is the winner of this system gets a bye and the other 2 teams play a 1 game playoff.
The winner will then play the team with the bye. This playoff begins the day after the regular season ends.
b) A Four-way tie will be decided by a single elimination tournament. # 1 vs. # 4, # 2 vs. # 3
with the winners playing each other. The Teams are then seeded by the same process as Rule 38a.
c) The Commissioner will settle all disputes over this complicated system.
39) World Series
a) This series begins the 4th day after the last play-off is played. The series
is a best of 7 games.
b) All pitching eligibility and injuries carry over from the regular season and/or the previous
playoff series.
c) The home field is to be determined by the better record, if tied then head to head and if still tied record within their respective division and if still tied, APBA dice are rolled.
d) There will be a travel day after game number 2 and game number 5.
e) Mandated to be played at a feasible location, currently the 8th Ward Club.
40) Playoff and World Series Player Eligibility
a) A player must have at least 300 at bats in real life in order to be eligible to play full
time.
A pitcher must have 100 innings and/or 30 appearances to
be eligible to play full time.
If a pitcher fails to meet the criteria of 100 innings
but has 30 appearances he can pitch in relief
unlimited but can only start 25% of his real life Games Started. (i.e. A
pitcher who made one start during the season can make one start in the post
season, 25% of 1 rounded up is “1") (Amended 2019 for the 2020 season)
b) If a player has batted less than 300 times, then that player may bat 10% of his real
at bat total, rounded up, i.e., 265 at bats equals 27 post season at bats. c) Single game relief restrictions
-- 2 1/3 to 3 innings - 1 Day Rest
-- 3 1/3 to 4 innings - 2 Days Rest
-- 4 1/3 to 5 innings - 3 Days Rest
-- 5 1/3 innings & up - 4 Days Rest
d) Starters may pitch 10 innings. Every inning after that he is reduced by one grade.
e) Any pitcher (regardless of grade or having an asterisk) may relieve with the above
restrictions.
f) All relief pitchers (regardless of grade or having an asterisk) advance when they face a batter that bats
from the same side of the plate that the pitcher throws from when they enter a game
in the middle of an inning and remain that grade until a batter that hits from the opposite side comes up.
g) Before each post season round, a manager may change his roster providing there is
an injury. In the following series, the manager may opt for his original roster.
h) In the potential final game of the World Series, any relief pitcher who pitches more
than 2 innings has his grade reduced by 1 grade for each inning pitched thereafter.
41) Expansion Rules
a) Each team protects 20 players before the free agent draft.
b) Each expansion team rolls the APBA dice with the higher number getting their choice.
Either the first pick in the free agent draft or first pick in the expansion draft.
c) The teams will alternate selections in the expansion draft.
d) Once an original team loses a player, he may protect 2 more players.
e) If an original team loses another player, he may protect 1 more player.
f) Rule 41(e) also applies if an original team loses a 3rd, 4th or 5th player.
g) No original team may lose more than 5 players.
h) Starting in the 1st round of the free agent draft, the expansion teams select 1st and
2nd and will draft 1st and 2nd in each round thereafter.
i) Any franchise that opens up, can be claimed by an original team based on last years
record, in lieu of his own team.
42) Contraction
If a team has to be contracted there will be a Dispersal Draft consisting of two rounds..The
First round will go in reverse order of the standings including playoffs. It will mirror the 2nd round order
of the Free Agent Draft. At the conclusion of the initial round, the 2nd phase will begin with the World
Series winner selecting back to back and working down to the team with the worst regular season
Record.
43) Year End Award Voting
a) Voting for Cy Young, MVP and Manager of the Year will be based on a 3,2,1 point
basis, with the number 1 vote getting 3 points, number 2 getting 2 points and number 3
getting 1 point.
b)You may not vote for yourself for MOY or any of your own players for MVP or Cy Young.
(Amended By Executive Order, 2017)
44) League Fees
Each team pays $20.00 per year to the league treasury.
45) Each team pays $30.00 to the league statistician. (Amended 2009)
46) All future franchise owners must also be the general manager and manager of the
team. In the best interest of the league, the Commissioner can approve alternate arrangements.
The team with the Best Record in Baseball (Will receive a
plaque-Amended 2008)
The BRIB has been re-named the Scott L. Fisher Best
Record in Baseball Award. To start in 2017.
Rules Secretary,
Tom "Harry" Doran
Commissioner,
The Very Honorable
"Fair" Phil Zangari