BEN FRANKLIN LEAGUE RULES FOR 2009

* Denotes new for 2009

1. All players who play in the Ben Franklin League must be on your roster. Roster moves must be approved by the League Office.

2. All players must have at least 8 games played, to qualify for the playoffs.

3. Zero Tolerance for fighting, 1st offense, out the next 2 games 2^nd offense, 1 year suspension to date

4. The no profanity rule will be used by the league,

5. One courtesy runner per game.  This player can have the courtesy runner for him all games, but no other player is allowed to  have a courtesy runner at any other time in that game.

6. A team may start a game with at least 9 players and not take an out, but could end the game with 8, in that case must take an out.

7. Run rule. The league has adopted the 20/15/10 run rule. 20 runs after 3 innings, 15 runs after 4 innings and 10 runs after 5 innings.

8. Umpire fees are $25.00 per game.

9. All teams qualify for the playoffs. (One 9 inning game) 

10- All playoff games will be at Gaston and Progressive.

11. The fields have a new Pro - Choice finish, therefore the city will make the call on postponements.

12. Please call the umpire hotline Frank Pidro, at 651-6352 to check on the status of your game.

13. All playoff balls and umpires will be provided by the league.

14. A team may use a DH or EP. You can not use both in the same game. 

15. The Ben Franklin league will pay out division and playoff monies.

16. Bat restrictions (no titanium bats) 

17. League ball is a Yellow Red String synthetic Dudley Thunder SY 12inch RF80 44 core 375 comp 

18. 3 Home run rule in all divisions. All over the 3 run limit, will be outs.

19. There will be NO stealing.

20. A team caught using an illegal bat must forfeit the game. A second offense by the same team, will be gone for the season.

21. No beer or alcohol in dug out, during a game.

22. When playoffs begin, you could be scheduled, more then once a week.

23.  POSTPONEMENTS:  A team can only postpone a game due to weather. (rain)  If both manager agree the the game CAN be played earlier.  All make up games will be rescheduled by the League Offices.

*24.  All batters will start with a 1-1 count with NO Courtesy foul.

*25.  Foul Ball and Homeruns are the teams that hits them goes and gets them.  Penalties will be assessed accordingly.

*26.  There will be NO digging in the batters box or around the pitchers mounds.  Penalty will be Ejection from the game!!!