OFFICIAL VETO LEAGUE RULES
FOREWORD
This code of rules is written to govern the playing of baseball games by the sandlot teams of Veto League Baseball and the leagues that may become members of Veto League Baseball in the future. We recognize that many other sandlot leagues play their games under Veto League rules, and we are happy to make our rules available as widely as possible.
Baseball not only has maintained its position as the National Game of the United States, but also has become an International Game being played in 100 countries. Its popularity will grow only as long as its players, managers, coaches, umpires and administrative officers respect the discipline of its code of rules.
Baseball not only has maintained its position as the National Game of the United States, but also has become an International Game being played in 100 countries. Its popularity will grow only as long as its players, managers, coaches, umpires and administrative officers respect the discipline of its code of rules.
1.01
Veto League Baseball follows all organized rules of playing the game of baseball as stated in the Official Rule Book of Major League Baseball with the exception of the subsequent rules.
Teams are selected by two captains scheduled to play on a particular day. In the event that one or both captain(s) are absent on the scheduled day, a substitute captain shall be used. The home-team captain will select one player first. Next, the visiting-team captain will select one player. Then, the home-team captain will select again. This process will continue until all players have been selected. Should a player arrive after teams have been selected, they will be assigned to team in the order that they arrive, starting with the captain that would have had the next pick in the draft order. If two or more players arrive late together, the captain whose turn it is to pick may select which player he wants, then the other captain gets to select a player if necessary.
Teams are selected by two captains scheduled to play on a particular day. In the event that one or both captain(s) are absent on the scheduled day, a substitute captain shall be used. The home-team captain will select one player first. Next, the visiting-team captain will select one player. Then, the home-team captain will select again. This process will continue until all players have been selected. Should a player arrive after teams have been selected, they will be assigned to team in the order that they arrive, starting with the captain that would have had the next pick in the draft order. If two or more players arrive late together, the captain whose turn it is to pick may select which player he wants, then the other captain gets to select a player if necessary.
1.02
The pitcher shall make every attempt to throw strikes and may not throw curveballs, knuckleballs, sliders, or any other “junk pitches” meant to deceive the hitter. When available, the pitcher shall throw from behind a protective L-screen. It is not necessary for the pitcher to pitch from the pitching mound or pitching rubber, just near it.
1.03
The catcher will not receive pitches from the pitcher; he is placed near the home-plate area and is only to be involved in defensive plays. He may stop balls thrown by the pitcher if he chooses. Protective gear is not worn by the catcher.
1.04
Any batted ball that hits the protective L-screen behind which the pitcher is pitching shall be deemed a dead ball and shall be redone.
1.05
In the event that one or both teams have more than nine players, only nine will be allowed to field, and additional players will be required to "sit" while on defense. The captain will decide what player(s) sit each inning, but will be consistent with attempting to allow every player to field the same number of innings.
In the event that one or both teams have more than nine players, only nine will be allowed to field, and additional players will be required to "sit" while on defense. The captain will decide what player(s) sit each inning, but will be consistent with attempting to allow every player to field the same number of innings.
1.06
In the event that one or both teams have eight players, the other team will provide a catcher during their batted innings, thus keeping the game 9-on-9.
1.07
In the event that one or both teams have seven players, both teams shall pitch to itself. The pitcher will always field, whether pitching to their own team or not.
In the event that one or both teams have seven players, both teams shall pitch to itself. The pitcher will always field, whether pitching to their own team or not.
1.08
In the event that not enough players are present to sufficiently provide a catcher, a pitcher’s hand rule shall be in effect and a catcher will not be used. In this instance there is a “point of no return” for the base runner when rounding third base. There is an assumed risk when a player rounds third. Players make the decision to pass the point of no return risk being thrown out at the plate. If the player is between the point of no return and the designated scoring plate, and the pitcher receives a decent throw from the field, while standing on or within a foot of the pitcher’s mound dirt, the runner is out. If he is in front of the point of no return and the pitcher receives the throw, he goes back to third, and the pitcher may throw where he pleases. If the runner reaches the scoring plate before the pitcher receives the throw from the field, the runner scores. If, in any of these occurrences, the pitcher fielding the pitcher’s-hand throw is playing for the batting team (see 1.06) and is out of position, the fielding team shall throw toward the L-screen, or the pitcher’s dirt, either of which will serve as the pitcher’s hand in this instance.
1.09
In the event that one or more teams have less than seven players, each offensive team shall provide the opposing team with a defensive second baseman. The second baseman must field as if he is on the defensive team and may not intentionally miss plays to help his/her team. Failure to comply with this rule will result in an out being awarded to the defensive team.
1.10
In the event that one or more teams have less than six players, any batted ball toward right field shall be ruled an out. Right field is considered anything to the right side of second base extended to the midpoint of the center-field wall. A first baseman will be used to field putouts at first base, but is not considered in play otherwise. A team may elect to shift the first baseman to second in which case he is in play, but first base will remain uncovered. Rules 1.05 and 1.06 will still apply.
1.11
In the event that one or more teams have less than five players, the game shall be postponed due to lack of players unless all players present agree to play.
1.12
At any point in time during any game, a 2/3-majority rule may agree to shorten (to no less than five innings) or lengthen (to no more than nine innings) the game. This inning total must be collectively agreed upon.
1.13
A mercy rule is in effect during all Veto League games. The mercy rule will differ between number of innings designated before the start of the game. If the mercy rule meets the below mentioned criteria, the leading team will be awarded the victory.
9 inning game: 20+ runs after five innings, 15+ runs after seven innings
7 inning game: 15+ runs after five innings, 10+ runs after six innings
5 inning game: 15+ runs after three innings; 10+ after four innings
9 inning game: 20+ runs after five innings, 15+ runs after seven innings
7 inning game: 15+ runs after five innings, 10+ runs after six innings
5 inning game: 15+ runs after three innings; 10+ after four innings
1.13
A strike is only called when the batter swings and misses or bats the ball foul. The batter can only strike out if s/he swings and misses at the third strike.
1.14
There are no balls called in Veto League unless the defensive captain uses his/her option to intentionally walk a batter. Any one batter may only be intentionally walked once per game and a captain may only walk two players total during the course of a single game. Only one walk will be allowed per inning.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, the intentional walk rule has been abolished.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, the intentional walk rule has been abolished.
1.15
Bunts and stolen bases are prohibited in Veto League Baseball, as the catcher and pitcher are not in proper fielding position. Accidental swinging bunts and full-swing slap hits are legal unless a catcher is not in play.
1.16
Base runners are allowed a three-step lead from first and third base and a five-step lead from second base. Secondary leads are illegal.
1.17
Caps, pants, and at least short sleeves are required to be worn by all players participating in the night game or any other special Veto League game.
1.18
All Veto League players are required to be courteous to all other players and show respect for the field and for the people who help take care of it. Degrading remarks directed toward other players will not be tolerated and will be addressed with dismissal from the league standing as a potential result.
2.01
Captains may not pitch for their own team.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, this rule has been abolished.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, this rule has been abolished.
2.02
Players have the option of course to hit from any side of the plate that they choose. However, they cannot change what side of the plate they bat from during the course of one at-bat unless a pitching change is made. Whatever side of the plate a hitter is on once the pitcher has the intent to throw the first pitch, is the side of the plate they must remain on for the entirety of that at-bat.
2.03
There is a foul ball limit. After a player has two strikes, there is a limit of 5 foul balls. On the 5th foul ball following a two strike count, the batter will be deemed out.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, this rule has been amended to a 4 foul ball limit after two strikes.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, this rule has been amended to a 4 foul ball limit after two strikes.
2.04
Players who show up late unannounced will be required to bat in the last spot of their team's lineup. Once the first pick in the draft is made, a player who has not yet arrived is considered late. If that player did not notify the two captains prior to the draft that he or she would be late, that player is required to bat last in the batting order. This rule does not apply to players who announce ahead of time that they will be late.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, this rule has been amended. Players who are late, whether announced or unannounced, will be required to bat last in the batting order. Players who announce that they will be late will be allowed to be drafted.
2017 UPDATE: For the 2017 Season, this rule has been amended. Players who are late, whether announced or unannounced, will be required to bat last in the batting order. Players who announce that they will be late will be allowed to be drafted.
