NWBL Rules and Regulations - 2026 Season

The NWBL’s goal: enjoy competing, play and behave with class, show respect for the game – teammates, umpires, opponents, and spectators

General Information

Governance

• General Managers (GMs) hire the Co-Commissioners; together they form the Leadership Group.
• Jon Dillon and Grete Mathews are the active Co-Commissioners for the 2026 Season.
• Ian Linterman has officially retired from the co-commissioner role but remains with the league as a supportive advisor to help guide and onboard the team.
• Each team must have a GM or representative attend all scheduled NWBL meetings so that input from every team is considered; an additional $100 league fee will be added to a team that misses two meetings in a row; Co-Commissioners will break tie votes if necessary.

Player / Roster

• Player eligibility for ALL NWBL games requires each player to register on the league website to sign the insurance waiver, and provide contact information (cell phone and/or email address) prior to playing in any NWBL game.
• Each GM is required to send their opening-day roster with full names and email addresses to the Co-Commissioners prior to opening day.
• Players must be at least 18 years old to be on a roster.
• Age for "Over / Under" related rules is 26 - age determination for "Over / Under" rules based on a player's exact DOB and not his birth year.
• Each GM will receive copies of other team's rosters so that game-related reporting can be done accurately.
• New player inquiries from the NWBL website are sent directly to the Co-Commissioners, then compiled into a "Waiver Wire" spreadsheet, and shared with GMs, based on current roster needs. At the start of each season, interested teams participate in a selection process (Waiver Wire), where players are selected by teams in order based on previous year's standings. Players not selected will be added to a list of potential subs and shared with GMs.
• Player eligibility for Postseason Tournament (PST) games requires twenty (20) plate appearances or 20 IP; beyond that, any hardship cases must be reviewed by the Leadership Group.

Team Updates 2026 - Six Teams

• Ray Williams is the new GM for the Brewers.
• Cameron Seiler is the new GM for the Dodgers.

Umpire Updates 2026

• Marty Rasmussen will once again serve as the Lead Umpire.
• Starting June 29, 2026, and going forward, two (2) umpires will be scheduled for every league game.
• Game Control Mandate: Umpires are contracted representatives of the NWBL and are expected to enforce all league rules, safety guidelines, and code of conduct provisions strictly. Umpires may not ignore chronic behavioral or verbal issues under the guise of "player personality."

Other Updates 2026

• The league has returned to a 20-game regular-season schedule.
• Postseason eligibility requires twenty (20) plate appearances or 20 innings pitched.

Fees

• League fees are $6500 per team for the 2026 season.
• Individual Player Payments: All league fees must be paid individually by players directly through the league website.
• The absolute deadline for all individual fee payments is July 3rd.
• Payment Non-Compliance & Forfeits: At the absolute discretion of the Co-Commissioners, any individual player who has not completed their payment by the deadline may be declared ineligible to take the field. Furthermore, teams carrying outstanding balances or non-compliant player rosters after the deadline may face automatic game forfeits until all payment requirements are met.
• The Co-Commissioners will provide GMs with regular status updates regarding their team's payment completions.

Scheduling Information

• Regular season games: June 8th - September 11th
• 20 regular season games
• PST games: September/October (Exact dates TBD)

Fields Available

• Joe Martin
• Sehome High School - no alcohol or tobacco at any high school fields
• Bellingham High School - no alcohol or tobacco at any high school fields
• Squalicum High School - no alcohol or tobacco at any high school fields
• Mount Baker High School - no alcohol or tobacco at any high school fields

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Game Related Information

League Games

With 6 teams in the league, the regular season will include 20 games for each team.

Pre-game items

• Pick-up players (e.g. players not currently on your roster):
  • Can only pitch 3 innings.
  • No pick-up pitchers are allowed the last 5 games of the regular season.
• Ground rules for most ballparks will be on the website; umpires and GMs should clarify ground rules prior to a game’s start at home plate.
• Before the game, each team may designate players to have courtesy runners; each team must inform the other team and the umpire which players will have courtesy runners, and identify them in their scorebook and on their lineup card. Courtesy runners may advance on wild pitches, passed balls, on balls put into play, with 2 outs and a full count, and when the pitcher elects to throw from the “wind up.”
• Courtesy runners (except for “catcher courtesy”) may not steal.
• Each team has the option of using a courtesy runner for the catcher when there are 2 outs; this means that if the catcher for the next inning is on a base with 2 outs, he may be substituted from the bases with the last batted out so that he can expedite putting on the catcher’s gear for warm ups after the 3rd out. The catcher courtesy runner is permitted to steal.
• No other position player may have a designated runner with 2 outs; however, injuries occur, so there will be instances where a runner is required; abuse of this rule needs to be reported to the Co-Commissioners.
• Lineup cards required for all games – GMs are required to fill out lineup cards with the following: 1) first or last name of player 2) field position 3) jersey number 4) designate a “U” for "unders" in the lineup and 5) designate a "R" for a player who requires a runner; lineup cards will be presented to the other team before the game starts as an expected courtesy.
• Each team's scorebook will contain: the current schedule, rosters, and regulations.
• Regardless of the length of a game, an “under” may only pitch 9 outs.
• The “under 26” rule means that only 4 players who are under 26 years old may be in the field or in the batting order at one time; if a team had 5 “unders” show up for a game, it could have 2 of the 5 alternate in one spot in the batting order.
• New baseballs for 8th and 9th innings on fields without lights - each team will receive four boxes of baseballs; this equates to baseballs for 24 games.
• Each team will provide 2 (or more, if necessary) league-approved baseballs per game.
• The designated home team will occupy the 3B dugout.

During game items

• Late arriving players may only bat at the bottom of the batting order if the team is batting all (not just 9) players; also such a player is not an “out.”
• Runs per inning rule:
  • Regular Season Games - for any inning but the declared last inning by the umpire, there is a maximum of 4 runs scoring, except when: After the 4th run, play continues until either a) the runner(s) "give up" and stop trying to advance or b) the defensive team throws the ball to the catcher - before a runner passes third base - who forces out advancing runner(s) by touching home plate.
  • Postseason Games - there is no runs per inning rule during the post season.
• A head or foot first slide or no slide at all at home plate is acceptable, but an intentional collision at home plate means an ejection; this step is left up to the umpire’s discretion with each GM’s input weighed; catcher obstruction, if it occurs, must be called.
• GMs must make every effort to be the point of contact and team spokesperson for any and all in-game issues arising between their players and umpires.
• All bats used in NWBL games must have a length-to-weight ratio not greater than minus three (-3); (-5) bats are acceptable for players 45 years and older.
• The limit on HBP is 3 in one game; if that number is reached, the pitcher must be replaced unless the “hit” team is indifferent.
• The offensive team may use a courtesy base runner (the player who made the last out) if: a) use of courtesy runner designated prior to start of game; b) courtesy runner is for a catcher after two outs; or c) an in-game injury forces need for a courtesy runner.
• Although there is unlimited free substitution on defense except for the maximum of 4 “unders” at one time, a player may only bat in one spot in the batting order (even if he re-enters) or it is illegal substitution and he’s out; 2 players could alternate in one spot.

Post-game items

• The winning team is responsible for reporting the final score to the Co-Commissioners within 24 hours; if the winning team can’t do this, the losing team should submit the report.
• Each team is responsible for submitting the stat line (R-H-E) for their team to the Co-Commissioners within 24 hours; a brief game summary is optional but encouraged as well.
• Umpire Evaluations: Following every game, the winning GM is required to submit a brief Umpire Evaluation when reporting the score to the Co-Commissioners via email. If an umpire receives multiple reports indicating a loss of game control, failure to issue mandatory warnings, or allowing unsportsmanlike conduct to escalate, the Co-Commissioners will review the official's league standing and future assignments.

Game times/lengths & Mercy Rules

• Monday–Friday evening games begin at 6:00 pm and/or 6:30 pm when possible; Saturday game times will be determined around scheduling opportunities.
• Games that are tied at time limit or after 9 innings:
  • Regular Season Games - if there is a tie at the time limit, a 2B-R (then 3B-R the next inning), the player who made the last out in the previous inning, is added until one team wins; any game suspended after 5 innings because of darkness or bad weather will be picked up prior to the next meeting of those two teams; new batter orders and pitchers may be used if a suspended game is resumed later.
  • Postseason Games - PST games will only implement the 2B-R rule if the game is still tied after 11 innings; the 12th inning will start with a runner on 2nd and follow the regular season format until the game is completed.
• The length of all games prior to the last one of a tripleheader or quadheader is a 2½-hour limit unless there is a tie to be broken.
• The umpire declares when the last unlimited scoring inning begins.
• Official Mercy Rules: A game shall be officially concluded, and the leading team declared the winner, if:
  • The winning team leads by fifteen (15) or more runs after five (5) completed innings (or 4.5 innings if the home team is leading).
  • The winning team leads by ten (10) or more runs after seven (7) completed innings (or 6.5 innings if the home team is leading).
• Early Termination by Mutual Consent: If a game has reached a margin of fifteen (15) or more runs prior to the 5th inning, the game may be terminated early only by the mutual consent of both team GMs and the home plate umpire. The score at the time of stoppage will stand as the final result.

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Playoffs / Postseason Tournament

• The tournament schedule will be based on a double-elimination format for 6 teams.
• Two (2) umpires will be scheduled for all playoff games.
• Playoff Seeding Rules - the following rules will be followed in order as needed to determine PST seeding: Overall winning percentage; Head-to-head record between tied teams; Best record for 2nd half of the season; Best record last 11 games, 12 games, etc.; Run differential; Runs scored per game; Runs allowed per game; Coin toss.
• Playoff seeding - the team from the winner’s bracket will hold home field advantage for the finals (Home, Away, Home); the winner of the loser’s bracket will be the away team for games 1 and 3.
• Player eligibility for Postseason Tournament (PST) games requires twenty (20) plate appearances or 20 IP; beyond that, any hardship cases must be reviewed by the Leadership Group.

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Forfeits & Game Abandonment

Forfeits

• If unable to field a team on the day of the game, it is an automatic forfeit.
• If a team notifies the Co-Commissioners and the other team before the day of game: Both teams come up with 2 dates that work for both and submit them to the Co-Commissioners.
• If the Co-Commissioners cannot get a field for either of those dates - field and date choice is made by the Co-Commissioners based on availability.
• If either of the teams cannot field a team on the new date - it results in a forfeit by the team that originally could not field a team.
• If a team forfeits a game during the regular season that loss will factor into tie-breaker considerations in the final regular season standings.
• Forfeits count for 1 loss and NOT 1.5 as in previous years.

Game Abandonment (Walking Off)

• No GM, coach, or team may unilaterally choose to stop play, concede, or remove their team from the field prior to the official completion of a game without the express consent of the plate umpire. Decisions regarding weather safety, field conditions, or player safety rest solely with the officiating crew.
• Any team that abandons the field without umpire consent shall suffer an automatic forfeit loss (recorded as 9-0 or the actual score at the time of abandonment, whichever run differential is more severe for the abandoning team). The abandoning GM faces a mandatory review by the Leadership Group and possible disciplinary action.

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Protests, Discipline and Ejections

Protests

• A team may challenge the interpretation, application or violation of a NWBL rule by the opposing team, but may not protest a judgment call or rule interpretation of the umpire.
• The protest must be made at the time of the suspected rule violation (or at the end of the game should the violation occur on the last out or at bat) and the opposing team and umpire must be notified at that time that the game is being played under protest.
• No protests may be made once the game is complete.
• A notation of the protest and circumstances shall be made in both team's scorebook.
• The team lodging the protest must send an email to the Co-Commissioners, with a copy to the opposing team’s GM, within 24 hours of the game, or the protest is waived.
• Protests will be reviewed by the Co-Commissioners - NOTE: if the Co-Commissioners are involved in the protest, a GM(s) from an impartial team(s) will be selected to assist with the review process.
• Once the make-up of Co-Commissioners and/or selected GM(s) is determined, both teams will be notified and will have 24 hours to submit information for consideration.
• Should the Co-Commissioners and/or selected GM(s) uphold the protest, penalties will include forfeiture of the game by the opposing team.

Discipline and Ejections

Prohibited Verbal Conduct & Taunting

• Continuous, targeted, or excessive verbal harassment ("chirping," trash-talking, or personal mocking) directed at opponents, teammates, or game officials is strictly prohibited.
• Teams holding a significant lead are expected to maintain professional decorum. Deliberately baiting, mocking, or "egging on" a frustrated opponent while holding a blowout lead is a direct violation of league sportsmanship standards.
• Mandatory Warning System: At the first instance of prohibited verbal conduct or provocative behavior from either side, the umpire must issue a formal Team Warning to both benches. Any subsequent verbal infraction by any participant following the team warning shall result in an immediate ejection.
• GM Accountability: GMs are directly responsible for the behavior of their players and dugout. If a league participant continues to violate the Code of Conduct after a Team Warning has been issued, the umpire is authorized to eject the GM alongside, or instead of, the offending individual for failure to maintain bench control.

Reporting

• Ejections are to be reported by the affected player’s GM to the Co-Commissioners within 24 hours or prior to the team’s next game, whichever comes first.
• Co-Commissioners must report the results of all disciplinary actions (penalties leveled, appeals heard, and reasoning behind such decisions) within 48 hours following the disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action Absent an Ejection

• The Co-Commissioners' authority to investigate, suspend, or penalize league participants is not restricted solely to incidents resulting in an on-field ejection.
• If an umpire’s post-game report, league official report, or a formal team grievance details a severe failure of decorum, continuous unpunished verbal harassment, poor sportsmanship, or a loss of game control—even if no formal warning or ejection was issued on the field—the Co-Commissioners reserve the right to issue retroactive warnings, probations, or multi-game suspensions following a review by the Leadership Group.

Ordinary Ejections

• An ejection is considered "ordinary" if specified on the umpire’s report of the ejection or at the discretion of the Co-Commissioners.
• Minimum Penalties for Ordinary Ejections:
  • 1st ejection will result in a 1 game suspension.
  • 2nd ejection will result in a 3 game suspension.
  • 3rd ejection will result in a 5 game suspension.

Non-Ordinary Ejections

• Ejections not deemed "ordinary" per the umpire’s report of the incident, or at the discretion of the Co-Commissioners, shall result in a suspension greater than the minimum penalty required for an "Ordinary" ejection.
• Extraordinary Verbal Assault and/or Excessive Abuse may occur when an individual engages in a verbal discussion with an umpire, player, field personnel or fan, or engages in excessive abuse of equipment, property, the dugout or the premises in general.
• The Co-Commissioners have the discretion to determine the appropriate penalty and should penalize the individual in accordance with their actions.
• Minimum Penalties for Non-Ordinary Ejections:
  • 1st offense will result in a 5 game suspension.
  • 2nd offense will result in a suspension for the remainder of the season.
• Fighting or attempting to incite a brawl, leaving the bench or position during any type of altercation, or physical and/or verbal intimidation - whether directed at an umpire, players, field personnel, fans, or any other person in the vicinity - shall subject an individual to suspension, and/or possible banishment from the NWBL on the first offense.

The Appeals Process

• For any penalty, the penalized individual has a maximum of 48 hours to notify the Co-Commissioners of their intent to appeal any disciplinary action.
• Once an appeal has been made, the individual may continue to play until such time as their appeal is decided.
• All appeals will be reviewed by the Co-Commissioners.
• Once the appeal is filed by the appealing individual, the Co-Commissioners will request information from the appealing individual, the respective GMs of the teams involved, and will review the umpire's report.
• When collected, the Co-Commissioners will provide this information to the penalized individual, who will provide their response and any substantiating reports from supporting witnesses within 48 hours of receipt of the information.
• The Co-Commissioners will render a decision as soon as practical following receipt of the response from the appealing individual.
• Unless it is found by the Co-Commissioners that the umpire is obviously biased, great weight will be given to the umpire’s version of the incident.
• In considering a individual’s appeal of the facts of the incident and/or the assessed penalties, the Co-Commissioners may consider their past history in the NWBL.
• Mitigation for Game Stoppage: If a GM removes their team from the field due to safety concerns arising from an opponent's unchecked verbal harassment, and the post-game investigation reveals the officiating crew completely failed to issue mandatory warnings or maintain control of the game, the Co-Commissioners may waive standard game abandonment penalties against the GM. The game may be ruled a double-forfeit or a no-contest at the Leadership Group's discretion.

Serving Suspensions

• A suspension is to be applied to the next available game(s) for which that player’s team is scheduled.
• This may include carry-over into the playoffs and/or the following season.
• While serving suspensions, a suspended individual may not attend their team's games, sit on the bench or be present at the field where their team is playing.

(Updated July 2026)