1. Game Format and Timing

• All scheduled matchups in MASC are doubleheaders, meaning two games between the same teams on the same day. This format is designed to maximize playing time, reduce travel, and create consistent competition.

• Game structure (length, inning cap, run rules, and start time) must be mutually agreed upon by both head coaches before the start of play. While MASC recommends a 1 hour 30-minute, finish-the-inning format or a standard 6-inning game, coaches are encouraged to adjust based on field availability, daylight constraints, team roster sizes, or developmental goals.

• Recommended default rules for games (if not otherwise agreed upon):

• Time Limit: 1 hour 30 minutes (finish the inning)

• Run Rule: 10 after 4 innings, 8 after 5 innings

• No new inning after: 1 hour 20 minutes (optional guideline)

• Lineups: Teams may agree to bat the entire roster or use free defensive substitutions

• In the absence of a pre-game agreement on rules, MASC's recommended default rules will apply.

• Pre-game communication is critical. Coaches are expected to communicate by the Wednesday prior to the game weekend to confirm:

• Start times and field address

• Any field-specific rules or access instructions

• Whether batting the lineup or free subs will be used

• Any weather concerns or schedule conflicts

• Games should start on time. Teams arriving late may be subject to reduced game time, adjusted inning limits, or forfeiture if unable to field a team within 15 minutes of scheduled start.

• Coaches are expected to prioritize a development-first approach and work collaboratively to ensure all athletes gain meaningful playing time while maintaining game integrity.

2. Plate Fee Policy

• The host team is responsible for securing a certified or experienced umpire for both games of the scheduled doubleheader. MASC recommends using sanctioned umpires from trusted local associations when possible.

• Plate fees must be split equally between both teams and paid directly to the umpire(s) at the field on game day—preferably before the start of the first game to ensure transparency.

• Maximum fee per game: Plate fees must not exceed $40 per game (i.e., $80 total for the doubleheader), unless both coaches agree in writing to a higher rate prior to game day. This helps ensure fairness and predictability in budgeting for all teams.

• Umpire no-show procedures:

• If an umpire is unavailable or does not show up, both teams should work together to either:

• Agree on a mutually acceptable substitute (e.g., a parent or coach)

• Reschedule the doubleheader to a mutually agreed future date

• If only one umpire is available, teams may proceed with a single-umpire setup if both sides agree.

• Backup umpire planning: Teams that are hosting multiple weekends or have a known field schedule are encouraged to build a list of trusted backup umpires in case of last-minute cancellations.

• If neither an umpire nor substitute can be secured and the game cannot be played, it may be rescheduled without penalty as long as both teams are in agreement and communicate with MASC.

• MASC will assist teams who need help locating umpires—especially those new to hosting or who do not have a local umpire network. Let us know in advance if you need assistance, and we’ll provide contact info or help make arrangements.

• Coaches are responsible for ensuring the umpire(s) understand the game format, time limits, and any special rules agreed upon between the teams before the first pitch.

3. Field & Bathroom Access

• The home team is responsible for providing a safe, clean, and playable field for their scheduled doubleheader. This includes:

• Proper field preparation (lining, raking, and base setup) completed at least 15 minutes prior to game time.

• Fields should be in good condition—free from holes, puddles, or hazards that could impact player safety.

• Game balls must be provided by both teams.

• Cleanliness and presentation are expected. Dugouts and spectator areas should be free of trash and debris before, during, and after the games. Trash bins or bags must be available for post-game cleanup. All teams—home and away—are expected to clean up after themselves and encourage families to do the same.

• A functioning restroom or portable toilet must be available at the field or within short walking distance. This is required for the comfort and safety of players, coaches, and spectators.

• Restroom cleanliness matters. Whether it’s a standard restroom or a porta-potty:

• It must be unlocked, accessible, and reasonably clean at the start of play.

• Porta-potties must be serviced regularly and stocked with toilet paper and sanitizer or handwashing supplies.

• Facilities that are overflowing, locked, broken, or located off-site without proper directions will be considered non-compliant.

• If a field becomes unavailable or unsafe due to weather, scheduling conflict, or facility issues, the home team must:

• Notify the visiting team and MASC immediately

• Attempt to secure an alternate field or work with the visiting team to reschedule

• If a team does not have consistent access to a playable field, they may opt to play all games away. Hosting is not required to participate in MASC.

• Failure to meet field or restroom standards may result in forfeiture of hosting privileges or rescheduling of future matchups by MASC.

4. Schedule and Standings

• MASC builds the season schedule based on team availability, division level (Premier or Gold), blackout dates, and field access information submitted during registration.

• All schedules are released by the announced schedule release date (e.g., August 13th for the fall season), and all teams are expected to honor their scheduled matchups once finalized.

• Match Frequency & Flexibility:

• Teams may choose to play as few or as many games as they like during a season for one flat fee.

• Most teams play between 3–5 doubleheaders, but those seeking more can opt into the Replacement Opponent Pool for additional matchups throughout the season.

• Games are primarily scheduled on weekends, with optional flexibility for weekday games if both teams agree.

• Schedule Adjustments:

• MASC recognizes that availability may change. Coaches can submit adjustment or reschedule requests by the last Monday of each month (e.g., August 26th, September 30th).

• While MASC will make every effort to accommodate changes, reschedules are not guaranteed after schedules are released.

• Excessive changes or cancellations may result in reduced future scheduling priority.

• Blackout Dates:

• Teams are required to submit all blackout dates during registration.

• Additional blackout dates may be submitted before the monthly cutoff, but MASC may not be able to adjust games already scheduled.

• Score Reporting:

• After each doubleheader, the home team is responsible for reporting scores via the MASC Score Submission Form within 24 hours of game completion.

• If scores are not reported within 72 hours, the result may be marked as incomplete or void.

• Standings and Tracking:

• Weekly standings are posted on the MASC website and used to track overall team performance.

• Standings may be used to determine seeding for end-of-season tournaments, bracket matchups, or eligibility for future showcase events (where applicable).

• While MASC prioritizes development and competitive balance over win-loss records, standings provide transparency and motivation throughout the season.

• Ineligible Games:

• Games played against non-MASC teams or outside of the approved schedule will not count toward standings or end-of-season seeding.

• Game Cancellations and No-Shows:

• If a team no-shows or cancels last minute without replacement or valid notice, it may result in an automatic forfeit and impact standings.

5. Cancellations, Rescheduling & Replacement Opponent Pool

• 5.1 Cancellations

  • MASC understands that unexpected situations arise, but we ask all teams to honor their scheduled matchups to maintain fairness and balance across the league.

  • Weather-Related Cancellations:

  • In the event of inclement weather or unplayable field conditions, the home team must notify the opposing coach and MASC as soon as possible.

  • These games must be rescheduled by mutual agreement, and MASC staff can assist if needed.

  • No penalties apply for weather-related cancellations.

  • Non-Weather Cancellations:

  • Teams must give a minimum of 7 days’ notice for any cancellation unrelated to weather (e.g., lack of players, double booking, etc.).

  • Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice may result in a $50 cancellation fee and a recorded forfeit, depending on the circumstances.

  • Last-Minute Cancellations (Within 48 Hours):

  • If a team cancels within 48 hours of game time without a valid emergency or reschedule plan, the following may occur:

  • A $75 penalty will be assessed

  • The game(s) will be marked as forfeited

  • The team may be flagged for limited future scheduling or suspended if repeat behavior occurs

  • Emergency Cancellations:

  • In cases of legitimate emergencies (e.g., illness outbreak, vehicle breakdown, injury), MASC will review the situation and waive penalties at its discretion.

  • Open and timely communication is essential for consideration.

  • No-Shows:

  • Teams that fail to show up for a scheduled game without any communication will be subject to immediate review and may be removed from the remainder of the season with no refund.

• 5.2 Rescheduling

  • MASC allows for schedule adjustment requests during the season. These are due by the last Monday of each month.

  • To request a reschedule, both teams must agree on a new date and location, and submit the change to MASC for approval.

  • Once confirmed by both teams, reschedules are added to the master calendar and updated in standings tracking.

  • If one team is unable or unwilling to reschedule, the original game may be canceled, and a replacement opponent may be sought if desired.

  • A reschedule is not guaranteed unless both teams are in agreement and submit their request in time.

• 5.3 Replacement Opponent Pool

  • MASC maintains a Replacement Opponent Pool for teams that:

  • Want to play more than their originally scheduled 4–6 doubleheaders

  • Are available to fill in for canceled matchups

  • Have flexibility in location and scheduling

  • Teams can opt into the pool during registration or by emailing MASC staff at any point during the season.

  • When a cancellation occurs, MASC will contact teams in the pool based on division level, location, and availability to fill the open slot.

  • Being in the Replacement Pool offers benefits:

  • More playing opportunities without additional registration fees

  • Keeps players on the field and avoids lost weekends

  • Builds goodwill and camaraderie across the league

  • Teams in the pool are not obligated to accept all replacement game offers—they simply have the first right of refusal when matchups open up.

6. Sportsmanship and Conduct

MASC is committed to creating a competitive but positive and respectful environment for all players, coaches, officials, and families. We believe player development and character go hand in hand—and that starts with how we conduct ourselves on and off the field.

6.1 Code of Conduct Expectations

• All participants—coaches, players, spectators, and team staff—are expected to adhere to the MASC Code of Conduct, which includes:

  • Treating opponents, officials, teammates, and fans with respect

  • Demonstrating good sportsmanship, regardless of score

  • Refraining from any verbal abuse, intimidation, or taunting

  • Following directions from umpires and game officials without confrontation

• Coaches are expected to:

  • Model calm, respectful leadership under pressure

  • Encourage their players to compete hard but fair

  • Intervene and de-escalate if tempers rise

  • Address any inappropriate parent or fan behavior immediately

• Players are expected to:

  • Play hard, hustle, and compete—but not at the expense of integrity

  • Avoid trash talk, taunting, or arguing with umpires or opponents

  • Support teammates and show humility in both victory and defeat

• Parents and Spectators are expected to:

  • Cheer positively and refrain from yelling at umpires or opposing teams

  • Avoid coaching from the sidelines

  • Respect the coach's role and decisions—even when they disagree

6.2 Handling Misconduct

• If unsportsmanlike conduct occurs—such as fighting, racial or discriminatory remarks, threatening behavior, or ongoing verbal abuse—MASC will take swift action, which may include:

  • Immediate ejection from the game

  • Forfeiture of the game

  • Suspension of the player, coach, or spectator involved

  • Removal from the league for serious or repeated violations

• Umpires and league officials have the authority to stop a game if safety or decorum breaks down. Coaches are expected to support this authority, even if they disagree with the call.

• All incidents must be reported to MASC within 24 hours, preferably with supporting details or video if available. Reports can be submitted via the Incident Report Form on the MASC website.

6.3 Repeat Offenses

• Teams or individuals with multiple conduct violations may face increased penalties, including full-season bans, forfeiture of future games, or exclusion from end-of-season tournaments and showcases.

• MASC reserves the right to review and investigate all reported incidents, even if they did not result in ejection during the game.

6.4 Praise, Not Just Penalties

• MASC also encourages coaches to report positive displays of sportsmanship—teams helping each other, players showing leadership, or parents going above and beyond. These moments may be highlighted on MASC’s social media or newsletter as part of our commitment to a culture of excellence and respect.

7. Additional Guidelines

MASC is designed to support flexibility and development. While we offer structure and consistency, we also empower coaches to make the best decisions for their players—within reasonable boundaries. This section outlines additional guidelines that help keep games running smoothly.

• 7.1 Pre-Game Rule Modifications

  • Teams may agree to modify standard rules as long as both head coaches confirm those changes prior to the first pitch.
    Common modifications include:

  • Batting the full roster

  • Free defensive substitutions

  • Rolling lineups

  • Courtesy runners for pitchers/catchers

  • Playing with 8 players to avoid forfeits

  • MASC encourages player development over strict enforcement of rulebook details in regular scrimmages—especially for younger divisions. The key is transparency and mutual agreement.

  • Any agreed-upon rule changes should be clearly communicated to the umpire before the game begins to avoid confusion or disputes.

• 7.2 Dispute Resolution

  • If a dispute arises during gameplay (e.g., eligibility question, rule disagreement, time management issue), coaches should:

  • Pause the game and attempt to resolve the issue calmly

  • Refer to any written agreement or MASC recommendations

  • Prioritize safety and continuity of the game

  • If the issue cannot be resolved on-site, the game should continue under protest (if necessary), and the situation must be reported to MASC within 24 hours for official review.

  • MASC will review disputes case-by-case and may request feedback from both coaches, the umpire, and any other relevant party before issuing a ruling.

• 7.3 Player Eligibility & Rosters

  • All players participating in MASC games must:

  • Be properly rostered with the team (submitted at registration or approved by MASC)

  • Fall within the age limits for the division in which they are playing

  • Have a signed waiver and emergency contact information on file with the team or league

  • Guest players are allowed in certain situations but must:

  • Be from the same or lower division level (e.g., no Premier player on a Gold team unless approved)

  • Be reported to MASC prior to gameplay if possible

  • Be used only to prevent forfeits—not to gain competitive advantage

  • Repeated use of ineligible players without league approval may result in forfeited games, disqualification from end-of-season events, or suspension of the coach.

• 7.4 Waivers and Medical Readiness

  • All players must have a signed waiver on file prior to participating in any MASC game. This ensures league liability coverage and medical readiness.

  • Waivers should include:

  • Medical release and emergency contact information

  • Acknowledgment of sports injury risk

  • Agreement to follow MASC’s rules and Code of Conduct

  • It is the responsibility of the head coach or team manager to collect and maintain copies of all required waivers, and produce them upon request by MASC officials.

• 7.5 Compliance & Flexibility

  • MASC promotes a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and flexibility.
    While rules are in place to ensure fairness and structure, the league encourages teams to:

  • Work together to problem-solve unforeseen challenges

  • Keep player development and safety as the top priority

  • Communicate early and often with opponents and MASC staff

  • MASC reserves the right to update or clarify any rule mid-season in response to feedback or league-wide concerns.