February 7th, 2026
The RSBL rules (winter) meeting was well attended with almost everyone in attendance physically or virtually. Our hearts were with our commissioner Craig who was away on a family emergency.
First order of business was reviewing the league officers and who will be returning for 2026.
Rules were divided into operation (non-games related) rules that needed a majority and official rule changes that needed 2/3rds vote.
1. Requirement to post the scores and starting pitchers for each game played, and note any off days following a series on the website to ensure adherence to the rules for required days of rest between starts.
*** PASSED - It was decided that a separate discussion board "Series results" will be created to discuss the details of each series. Managers should decide at the end of each series who will post.
2. All roster moves should be posted. The post must include the game number the player was sent down, the name of the player called up and the game number the player sent down is eligible to return.
*** PASSED - A third discussion board "Roster Moves" will be created to post your initial 26 and minors. During the season each manager will post before the next series the required information above.
3. It would be nice if we could have some website functionality where our rosters are in a database and we select the game we're on, the roster as of that game, and then we can display the results.
This is a website functionality that Mike and Nick will work together on this year to implement.
1. 2 in 3 out player restriction after the 50 game mark for trades during the season
*** DID NOT PASS
2. Allow each team to draft one, and only one, player from the ineligible divisions (East this year)
*** DID NOT PASS
3. Eliminate the rule that a undotted starter must pitch until fifth inning or POW inning. Starters can be removed anytime at the discretion of the manager.
*** DID NOT PASS
4/5. The next two rules were voted on together. Mandatory relief innings drafted reduced from 450 to 400. Teams that feel they need more innings than 400 should draft accordingly to avoid penalties. Revert draft back to 18 rounds (after this year's draft).
*** PASSED
Mandatory relief innings will be reduced to 400 IP for 2026. Since there have been trades that affect 19/20 round picks for 2026 and 2027, reverting the draft to 18 rounds will take place in 2028.
6. Limit starters to Games Pitched and innings pitched + 10%.
*** DID NOT PASS
7. Since the draft will be March 14 cutting the typical first month in half, I propose that all deadlines are pushed to the 15th of the month instead of the typical 1st to accommodate for the later draft date.
*** DID NOT PASS
8. Fielding chart proposal: GB (b) where runner on 3rd base (any other baserunners but loaded) and corner infield position. If grounder is hit to first or 3rd should be a fielding decide (by being loose runner is committed to going) instead of an automatic out at home. You get the auto out if it's a GB(a) but on a GB(B) a fast runner could beat it out and sometimes they just throw to first anyway. I think corners is a bit unbalanced as most ++ signs are to SS or 2nd base not 1st or 3rd so this should make the decision of corners vs infield more of a decision. I think on a moderate ground ball there is more of a difference if Kirk is running home for me vs if Arozarena is running home… just would add to the realism.
A group will review the modification to the Official Infield Chart (Lewis, Justin, Stan I believe - going from memory) and we will do a quick vote before the season on implementation. If passed, a new infield chart (version 6) will be available at the draft for use in 2026.
Let me know if I missed anything. It was great seeing everyone in person on a very cold and windy day! Thanks to Stan for hosting and providing access for Dave who attended virtually!