League Rules

All regular season games consist of 7 innings. There is no time limit — each game plays to 7 complete innings. No new inning may begin after both teams agree, but time is not grounds for ending a game.

If a team scores 8 or more runs in a single half-inning, that half-inning is immediately over and the opposing team takes their turn to bat. This applies in all regular season and playoff games.

A game ends when one team leads by 10 or more runs after 5 complete innings (4.5 if home team leads).

Playoff games are 7 innings with no time limit. All playoff innings play to completion. Extra-inning playoff games use a runner on 2nd base from the 8th inning onwards (WBSC tiebreaker rule).

Each team must field a minimum of 9 players and a maximum of 30 registered players per season roster. A team may play with 8 players; the 9th spot is an automatic out. Forfeit if fewer than 8 players within 15 minutes of game time.

The DH rule is in effect for all BPL games. The DH bats in place of the pitcher. Once removed, the pitcher must bat. Teams may opt out by declaring before the game.

Free defensive substitution is allowed. A substituted player may NOT re-enter the game. Courtesy runners are allowed for pitcher and catcher anytime.

A pitcher who hits 3 batters in a single game must be removed. Balks called per WBSC Rule 11. Once removed from pitching, a player may not return to pitch in the same game.

Players aged 16 or 17 are limited to a maximum of 90 pitches per game. After reaching 90 pitches, they must rest for a mandatory 4 days before pitching again. This rule protects developing arm health and is strictly enforced.

Approved baseballs: 9-inch leather, 5-5.25 oz. Bats: wood, aluminium, or composite — no altered bats. Pitcher gloves must not be white or grey. Full catcher gear mandatory.

Base paths: 90 feet (27.43m). Pitcher rubber to home plate: 60 feet 6 inches (18.43m). Home plate to backstop: minimum 25 feet.

The umpire has full authority per WBSC Rule 4.1. Only the team manager may dispute a ruling, respectfully. Aggressive disputes result in ejection.

A team forfeits if it cannot field 8 players within 15 minutes, refuses to play, or deliberately delays. Forfeit score: 7-0 in favour of the opponent.

The BPL is open to players aged 16 and above. Players aged 16–17 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the liability waiver on their behalf in addition to the player's own signature. Players under 16 are not permitted to participate.

A player removed from the game for at least 1 inning may be allowed to re-enter at the discretion of the umpire, subject to the standard WBSC re-entry rules. A player removed and immediately replaced with no inning elapsed may NOT re-enter.

No fighting, equipment throwing, verbal abuse, profanity, or discriminatory language. No alcohol or drugs before or during games. Full team uniform required. Home and away uniform colors must be worn as designated so teams can identify home vs. away status for each game.

Any player involved in physical contact or fighting will face escalating discipline: First offence — Ejection + 2-game suspension. Second offence — Season ban. Third offence / Umpire physical contact — Lifetime ban from all BPL events.

Discriminatory language or slurs: Ejection + 2-game suspension. Repeated misconduct: Season ban at Commissioner's discretion. All disciplinary decisions are final and made by the Commissioner.

Lightning: Stop play immediately. Move to enclosed vehicles or permanent structures. Resume only 30 minutes after last lightning/thunder. Heavy Rain: Game valid after 5 innings. Extreme Heat (37C+): Mandatory water breaks every 2 innings.