2026 NWIBL QUICK REFERENCE RULES
Lineup Cards
It is imperative that lineup cards are filled out appropriately. Managers must submit lineup cards to the home plate umpire in the following format:
Jersey # LAST NAME, FIRST INITIAL POSITION
Teams Please submit lineup cards in the above official format. We have announcers and score keepers use this information also if on game changer let them know.
Extra Hitter & Designated Hitter
A batting lineup may contain up to two (3) Extra Hitters (EH) and one (1) Designated Hitter (DH) for a maximum of 12 batters. An EH can switch with defensive positions as desired but must retain the same spot in the batting order. A DH is tied to a specific defensive player and while the defensive player can change defensive positions or subbed out, the DH spot in the lineup must remain in the same place in the batting order for the entirety of the game.
Substitute Players
Players’ defensive positions can be adjusted as many times as desired. However, once an offensive starter is removed from the batting order, he is no longer eligible for more at-bats during that game. Starting pitchers may resume pitching after being relieved but only if they remain in a defensive position. Relief pitchers cannot return to the mound once relieved. Pitchers must face three (3) batters before being relieved.
Non-Runners
A team may designate up to two (2) non-runners in 18+ and three (3) non-runners for 30+ (NR) in a game. All NR’s must be declared on the line up card at the start of the Game. The replacement runner for an NR is the player who recorded the last batted out. A non-runner for the catcher may also be used upon two outs in an inning.
Ghost Runners in Extra Innings
In extra innings, teams will place a runner on second at the beginning of each half-inning. The runner on second shall be the last batted out of the previous inning. This rule will not be used during playoff games.
Game Time Limits
- 7-inning games: No new inning shall begin after 2 hours and 30 minutes (2:30) from the scheduled official start. At 2 hours and 45 minutes (2:45) the Umpires can call the game complete. - 9-inning games, no new innings shall begin after 3 hours (3:00) from the scheduled start time. At 3 hours and 15 minutes (3:15) the Umpires can call the game complete.
- Games that are tied when the game is called will be marked as a “tie” in the standings. It is up to the home team to mark the start time for each game and report it to the Umpire Crew Chief.
A game will be considered official if 5 full innings have been played (4.5 innings or any part thereof if the home team is ahead).
Mercy Rule
- 7-inning game: 12 runs after 5 innings, 10 runs after 6 innings.
- 9-inning game: 12 runs after 6 innings, 10 runs after 7 innings.
If the umpires call the game due to the Mercy Rule the game may continue if both managers agree, but the umpires are under no obligation to stay on the field.
Late Player Arrivals
If a player listed in the starting lineup is not present at the time of their first at-bat, an out will automatically be recorded in their place. A manager may substitute a new hitter in for the absent player prior to their first at bat in order to avoid taking the out, but the absent player will no longer be eligible for at bats for the remainder of the game, in line with the Substitute Player rules outlined above.
Postseason Eligibility
A player is required to participate in at least 6 regular season games to be eligible for the playoff roster. “Participating” is defined as pitchers facing at least 3 batters in a game and hitters taking at least 1 at bat per game during the Regular Season.
Keeping Score / Official Book
Both teams are required to keep score of the game. The home team’s scorebook is considered the official book of the game. Scorebooks must be kept on a traditional paper book or via the Game Changer which is recommended. Score book information may be transferred to CG.
Rainouts + Delays
In the Event of Rain: Any game stopped due to rain will be considered officially completed after five (5) full innings or 4.5 innings if the home team is leading. If any game must be stopped during any portion of any inning after 5 full innings have been played, the score will revert back to the last complete inning played. When there is Lighting/Thunder wait 30 minutes after last occurrence to restart (umpires) have the authority to stop games if this is a safety issue. There is also a city rule in regards to the field with standing water and mud that field use must stop.
All efforts will be made to postpone games no later than 2 hours before start for a night game. In the event of additional inclement weather, however, Please check with the League Commissioner within two (2) hours of the scheduled start if the weather is in question.
Game Balls
Each team shall supply the home plate umpire with three 3 game balls per 7-inning game and 4 per 9-inning game. Teams are responsible for fetching foul balls and returning them to play.
Gate & Restroom Lock Combo
The gate and bathrooms combos are 2408 for both Walker and Sckavone.
Covering Fields & Lockup
The home team will remove covers and open bathrooms and the home team will replace covers and lock bathrooms and gates after games. The city will issue fines up to $75 for lost combination locks, which will be passed on to the home team.
Field Conditions
The city reserves the right to issue fines for property damage, vandalism, littering, etc. If you arrive at a field or dugout that has been trashed or left in poor condition, please take photos and send them to the Commissioner ASAP so that he can forward them to the city to prevent NWIBL from being fined.
Fake Tags vs. “Dekes”
In response to a recent injury, we are formally outlawing fake tags. While it is legal for a defensive player to “deke” a runner in an attempt to confuse them, it becomes illegal if the defensive player pretends to have the ball and apply a tag in the basepath. If a defensive player is in the basepaths without the ball and intentionally fakes to tag a runner to alter their path/speed, it is ruled a fake tag and the runner will be awarded an additional base like a typical obstruction call.
Important Contacts
James Campbell, NWIBL Commissioner: (423)847-5380. Portland Park Rangers: (503) 823-1637
