WLB League Official Rulebook

Article 1. General Rules

Section 1. League Name — The official name of this league shall be the WeLoveBaseball League (hereinafter referred to as the “WLB League”).

Section 2. Purpose — The primary purpose of the WLB League is to promote friendship, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition through the game of baseball.

Section 3. Member Obligations — All teams and registered members of the League shall have an absolute obligation to uphold and support the purpose stated in Section 2.

Section 4. Disciplinary Action — Any team or player who violates the purpose of the League or engages in conduct detrimental to the reputation of the League shall be subject to review by the League Executive Committee and may face disciplinary action up to and including suspension or permanent expulsion from the League.

Section 5. Executive Committee — The League Executive Committee shall consist of the League President, Vice President, and the manager of each member team.

Section 6. Authority to Convene Meetings — The authority to convene Executive Committee meetings shall be vested exclusively in the League President.

Section 7. Quorum and Voting Requirements — An Executive Committee meeting shall be considered valid only when at least one of the following officers is present: the President or the Vice President, and when at least sixty percent (60%) of all Executive Committee members are present with the approval of the President. League matters may be approved by a majority vote or by a sixty percent (60%), seventy percent (70%), or eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote of members present, as determined by the President based on the significance of the matter under consideration.

• Section 7.1. Rounding of Calculations — When calculating quorum or required votes, any decimal figure shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.

Section 8. Finality of Decisions — Any matter duly approved through the Executive Committee’s formal voting process shall be considered final and binding, and no further objections shall be accepted.

• Section 8.1. Reconsideration of Decisions — A previously approved matter may be resubmitted to the Executive Committee for reconsideration no earlier than four (4) weeks after the original date of approval.

Section 9. Governing Rules — The League shall generally operate under the Official Baseball Rules of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), supplemented by WLB-specific rules designed for amateur and recreational baseball.

Section 10. Rule Priority — In the event of any conflict between KBO rules and WLB League rules, the WLB League rules shall take precedence.

Section 11. Knowledge of Rules — All League participants, including umpires and scorekeepers, shall have the right and responsibility to understand the League rules. Any disadvantage resulting from a failure to understand the rules shall be the responsibility of the individual and/or his team.

Section 12. Season Structure — The League season shall consist of a Regular Season and a Postseason (Playoffs).

• Section 12.1. Playoff Format — The playoff bracket and postseason format shall be determined and announced by the Executive Committee prior to the start of each season.

Section 13. League Divisions — Based on the previous season’s results, teams shall be divided into two divisions: the HappyPlay Club and the JoyPlay Club. Team placement shall be determined using a Snake Draft system.

• Section 13.1. New Teams — Newly registered teams shall receive a provisional ranking based on the order in which their applications are received.
  • Section 13.1.1. Admission of New Teams — All new teams must be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee prior to joining the League. Final approval shall require the voting threshold established by the President pursuant to Section 7.
• Section 13.2. Exceptions Based on Number of Teams
  • Section 13.2.1. If the League consists of nine (9) or fifteen (15) teams, the League shall operate with three divisions: Happy, Joy, and Smile.
  • Section 13.2.2. If the League consists of seven (7) or fewer teams, or eleven (11) or thirteen (13) teams, the League shall operate as a single unified division without divisional separation.

Section 14. Regular Season Officials — All Regular Season games shall be officiated by one (1) umpire and one (1) official scorekeeper.

• Section 14.1. The umpire may consult the scorekeeper when clarification is needed to ensure accurate game administration.
• Section 14.2. The official scorekeeper shall not participate in or influence umpire judgment calls.
• Section 14.3. However, the scorekeeper shall immediately notify the umpire of any objective game-management errors, including but not limited to incorrect outs, ball-strike count errors, or batting-order violations.

Section 15. Postseason Officials — All Playoff games shall be officiated by two (2) umpires consisting of one plate umpire and one field umpire in order to maximize fairness and accuracy.

Section 16. Team Rosters — Each team may register a minimum of ten (10) players and a maximum of twenty-five (25) players.

• Section 16.1. Former Players Limitation — No more than three (3) former competitive baseball players may be on the field simultaneously during a game.

Section 17. Footwear Restrictions — For player safety and field preservation, metal cleats are strictly prohibited.

Section 18. Official Game Ball — The official League baseball shall be the Wilson 1010. Each team shall provide three (3) game balls to the umpire prior to the start of the game. Additional baseballs required during the game due to loss or damage shall be supplied by the participating teams as needed.

Section 19. Bat Regulations — The maximum allowable bat specification shall be a minus-five (-5) drop bat.

• Section 19.1. Players with collegiate baseball experience or higher shall be required to use wood bats exclusively until they are no longer subject to former-player restrictions.
• Section 19.2. Players with high school baseball experience may use bats no lighter than a minus-three (-3) drop until former-player restrictions are lifted.

Section 20. Official Statistics — All official game records and statistical information shall be published and maintained on the League’s official website.

Section 21. Forfeited Games

• Section 21.1. Advance Notice (Day Before Game) — A team that forfeits a game and notifies the League no later than the day before the scheduled game shall be responsible for the field rental fee.
• Section 21.2. Same-Day Notice — A team that forfeits a game on the day of the scheduled game shall be responsible for the field rental fee, double umpire fees, and double scorekeeper fees.
• Section 21.3. In-Game Forfeit — No additional fine shall be assessed for a forfeiture that occurs after the game has started.
• Section 21.4. Statistical Treatment — No team or individual statistics shall be recorded for a forfeited game. However, all rostered players on both teams shall receive credit toward playoff eligibility requirements, including games played, minimum plate appearances, and minimum pitching requirements.

Section 22. Season Disqualification — Any team that records three (3) forfeited losses during a single season shall be immediately removed from playoff eligibility and declared inactive for the remainder of the season. All remaining scheduled games shall be recorded as forfeiture victories for the opposing teams.

Article 2. Code of Conduct and Sportsmanship

Section 1. Manager’s Right to Appeal — Only the team manager, or one designated representative in the manager’s absence, may formally appeal or discuss an umpire’s ruling during a game.

• Section 1.1. If any player other than the manager argues aggressively with an umpire, the umpire shall issue an initial warning. Continued misconduct after such warning may result in immediate ejection.

Section 2. Ejected Players — Any player who has been ejected must immediately leave the field, dugout area, and game facility. If an ejected player remains near the field, continues to interfere with the game, or verbally heckles players, coaches, or officials, the umpire may issue one warning. If the behavior continues, the offending player’s team may be declared to have forfeited the game.

• Section 2.1. Play shall not resume until the umpire confirms that the ejected individual has completely complied with the ejection order.

• Section 2.2. Game Delay Penalty — Any time consumed by arguments, disturbances, ejections, or related incidents shall count toward the official game time limit. If the delay becomes excessive, the following inning penalties shall apply:

  Delay	Penalty
  0:00 – 4:59	No penalty
  5:00 – 14:59	1 inning charged
  15:00 – 29:59	2 innings charged
  30:00 – 44:59	3 innings charged
  45:00 – 59:59	4 innings charged

  Thereafter, one additional inning shall be charged for each additional fifteen (15) minutes of delay.

• Section 2.3. The official scorekeeper shall record the duration and cause of any game delay in the official scorebook.

Section 3. Judgment Calls — Judgment calls made by the umpire, including balls and strikes, fair or foul balls, and safe or out calls, shall not be subject to protest.

• Section 3.1. Any player or coach who refuses to accept a judgment call may receive an immediate warning and may be ejected at the umpire’s discretion.
• Section 3.2. Challenge Review — Except for balls and strikes, each team shall be entitled to one (1) challenge per game requesting a conference review of a ruling.
  • Section 3.2.1. Video evidence recorded by either team may be presented during the review process.
  • Section 3.2.2. The entire review process must be completed within five (5) minutes.
    • Section 3.2.2.1. Any review exceeding five (5) minutes shall be subject to the delay penalties outlined in Section 2.2, and the official scorekeeper shall document the delay in the official scorebook.

Section 4. Unsportsmanlike Conduct — Excessive taunting, abusive language, profanity, harassment, or any conduct deemed unsportsmanlike toward opponents, umpires, or spectators may result in immediate ejection. Depending on the severity of the offense, the League Executive Committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, including game suspensions or further sanctions.

Section 5. Retrieval of Foul Balls — The offensive team shall be primarily responsible for retrieving foul balls. However, if a foul ball comes to rest near a particular team’s dugout, that team shall make reasonable efforts to promptly retrieve the ball to assist with the pace of play.

• Section 5.1. If a team repeatedly fails to retrieve foul balls in a timely manner, the umpire may issue warnings. Continued failure to comply after multiple warnings may result in a forfeited game.

Section 6. Alcohol and Tobacco Policy — The use of alcohol, tobacco products, or electronic cigarettes (vapes) is strictly prohibited on the field and inside all dugout areas.

• Section 6.1. Smoking in designated areas outside the playing facility is permitted only if all cigarette waste is properly disposed of in appropriate trash receptacles.
• Section 6.2. If the League is fined or sanctioned by a county, municipality, facility owner, or park authority due to violations of this policy, the responsible team(s) shall bear full financial responsibility for all resulting penalties.

Section 7. Uniform Standards — All players must wear their baseball jerseys tucked into their pants and must wear a baseball belt while participating in games.

• Section 7.1. The plate umpire shall report any uniform violations to the official scorekeeper, who shall document the violation in the official scorebook. Repeated violations may result in disciplinary action.

Section 8. Sign Stealing Restrictions — Players, coaches, substitutes, or team personnel shall not position themselves behind the catcher, directly within the pitcher’s line of sight, or in any location intended to identify pitches or relay signs to batters or baserunners.

Section 9. Dugout Requirement — All players listed on the lineup card, including substitutes, must remain inside their designated dugout area when not actively participating in play.

Section 10. Authorized Field Access — During live-ball situations, only the following individuals may enter the playing field:

• Team managers
• The current batter
• Up to two on-deck batters in the designated on-deck areas
• A pitcher and catcher actively warming up in the bullpen
• First-base and third-base coaches

No other individuals shall enter the playing field during live play.

Section 11. Equipment Safety — For safety purposes, all bats, helmets, catcher’s equipment, and other team gear must be stored in an orderly manner inside the dugout.

• Section 11.1. If equipment is left outside the dugout and creates a hazard on the field or surrounding walkways, the umpire shall issue a warning. A team that accumulates three (3) such warnings during a single game and commits a fourth violation shall immediately forfeit the game.

Section 12. Habitual Rule Violators — Any player who accumulates three (3) or more significant violations of the Manner and Sportsmanship Rules during a single season shall be referred individually to the League Executive Committee. Following review, the Committee may impose disciplinary action up to and including permanent expulsion from the League.

Article 3. Player Registration and Eligibility Rules

Section 1. Uniform Requirements — All players must participate in League games wearing their team’s official uniform, consisting of matching jersey and pants, and displaying their assigned uniform number.

• Section 1.1. Newly Registered Players — A newly registered player whose official uniform is unavailable due to manufacturing delays or similar circumstances may be permitted to play in temporary attire for a maximum period of five (5) weeks from the date of his first game. The player must notify the official scorekeeper prior to each game during this temporary period. After the five-week grace period expires, the player shall not be eligible to participate without the proper uniform.
  • Section 1.1.1. Temporary attire should reasonably match the color scheme and overall appearance of the team’s official uniform.
• Section 1.2. Replacement Uniforms — A player whose official uniform has been damaged, lost, or otherwise rendered unusable may be granted a temporary five-week exemption upon approval by the League. Participation shall not be permitted after the exemption period expires unless the player has obtained a replacement uniform.

Section 2. Minimum Age Requirement — Only individuals who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age shall be eligible to register and participate in the League.

Section 3. Player Registration Information — All player registration applications must be completed using information that matches the player’s government-issued driver’s license or other valid identification. The following information must be submitted accurately:

• Team Name
• Uniform Number
• Full Name (Korean, if applicable)
• Full Legal Name (English)
• Current City and State of Residence
• Date of Birth
• High School Attended
• Former Competitive Baseball Player Status
• WLB Playing Experience

Any application containing incomplete or missing information shall be rejected.

Section 4. Ineligible and Unregistered Players — No player may participate in any League game unless he has been properly registered on the League’s official roster.

• Section 4.1. If an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player participates in a game, even for a single plate appearance or a single pitch, the game shall immediately be declared a forfeit victory for the opposing team.
• Section 4.2. If a team is found to have used an unregistered or ineligible player on two (2) or more occasions during the same season, the matter shall be referred to the League Executive Committee, which may impose disciplinary action up to and including removal from the League.

Section 5. Definition of Former Competitive Players — For purposes of League eligibility, a “Former Competitive Player” shall be defined as any player who previously participated in organized school, amateur, semi-professional, or professional baseball programs as outlined below.

• Section 5.1. High School Baseball Players — Any individual who was rostered on an official high school baseball team (excluding purely recreational or casual baseball programs).
  • Section 5.1.1. U.S. High School Junior Varsity Players — Former Junior Varsity players shall be classified as Former Competitive Players until reaching forty (40) years of age.
  • Section 5.1.2. U.S. High School Varsity Players — Former Varsity players shall be classified as Former Competitive Players until reaching forty-five (45) years of age.
• Section 5.2. College Baseball Players — Any individual who participated on an official college baseball team shall be classified as a Former Competitive Player until reaching fifty (50) years of age.
• Section 5.3. Industrial, Corporate, or Semi-Professional Players — Any individual who played for a company-sponsored, industrial, or semi-professional baseball team shall be classified as a Former Competitive Player until reaching fifty (50) years of age.
• Section 5.4. Professional Baseball Players — Any individual who played professional baseball shall be classified as a Former Competitive Player until reaching fifty-five (55) years of age.
• Section 5.5. Pitching Restriction — Any player who is currently classified as a Former Competitive Player under the above provisions shall not be eligible to pitch in any League game.
• Section 5.6. Misrepresentation of Playing History — Any player who intentionally conceals, misrepresents, or falsifies his competitive baseball background in order to register as a non-former player shall be subject to disciplinary review by the League Executive Committee. Penalties may include permanent expulsion from the League. In addition, all games in which the player participated shall be recorded as forfeited losses for his team.

Section 6. Pitcher Eyewear Restriction — To ensure player safety and prevent visual distraction to batters, pitchers shall not wear sunglasses, tinted lenses, mirrored lenses, sports goggles, or similar eyewear while pitching. Prescription eyeglasses with clear lenses are permitted.

Article 4. Game Rules

Section 1. Official Timekeeping — All game time shall be controlled and monitored using the official smartwatch or designated timing device maintained by the official scorekeeper.

Section 2. Minimum Players Required to Start a Game — A game shall begin as scheduled when the umpire(s), scorekeeper, and the home team have at least nine (9) eligible players present.

• Section 2.1. Because no more than three (3) Former Competitive Players may participate on the field at the same time, a roster consisting of four (4) Former Competitive Players and five (5) non-former players shall be considered to have only eight (8) eligible players and shall not satisfy the minimum player requirement.
• Section 2.2. If the home team has fewer than nine (9) eligible players at the scheduled start time, but the visiting team has at least nine (9) eligible players available, the umpire may reverse the order of offense and defense and begin the game immediately.
• Section 2.3. If one team satisfies the minimum player requirement and the opposing team still fails to field nine (9) eligible players after the procedure described in Section 2.2 has been applied, the compliant team shall be awarded a forfeit victory.
  • Section 2.3.1. The forfeiting team shall reimburse the winning team for the umpire fee and scorekeeper fee.
• Section 2.4. If neither team has the required minimum of nine (9) eligible players within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled game time, the game shall be declared a double forfeit.
  • Section 2.4.1. Both teams shall remain responsible for their share of the umpire and scorekeeper fees.

Section 3. Absence of Assigned Umpire — If the assigned umpire has not arrived within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time, the game shall proceed by mutual agreement of both managers, with designated representatives from each team alternately serving as game officials during the opposing team’s offensive half-inning.

Section 4. Absence of Official Scorekeeper — If the assigned scorekeeper has not arrived within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time, each team shall designate one scorekeeper. Each scorekeeper shall maintain the opposing team’s statistics and compare records throughout the game.

Section 5. Scheduled Start Times and No-New-Inning Limits

No new inning may begin after the applicable cutoff time.

Section 6. Regular Season Ties — Extra innings shall not be played during the Regular Season. If a winner has not been determined before the applicable time limit, the game shall be recorded as a tie.

Section 7. Suspension of Night Games — If stadium lights are turned off due to time restrictions during a night game, the final result shall be determined based on the last fully completed inning.

Section 8. Playoff Extra Innings — In playoff games, if the score remains tied after two (2) hours and forty-five (45) minutes, extra innings shall continue until a winner is determined. However, if the game remains tied after three (3) hours and fifteen (15) minutes, the result shall revert to the last completed inning in which a winner can be determined.

Section 9. Championship Game — The Championship Game shall be scheduled for nine (9) innings. If the score remains tied after nine innings, extra innings shall continue until a winner is determined.

Section 10. Regulation Games — A game shall be considered official upon completion of five (5) innings.

• Section 10.1. If a game is terminated due to time restrictions before five innings are completed, all statistics and results accumulated up to that point shall remain official.
• Section 10.2. If a game is terminated due to weather or other uncontrollable circumstances before five innings are completed, the game shall nevertheless be considered official if the combined score of both teams has reached thirty (30) runs.

Section 11. Mid-Game Break — Teams shall be entitled to a five (5) minute break following the completion of the fifth inning.

Section 12. Pace of Play — Teams shall promptly take the field and enter the batter’s box to maintain an efficient pace of play.

• Section 12.1. If a team is determined to be intentionally delaying the game, the opposing manager or umpire may file a formal complaint. After two sustained delay violations, a third violation shall result in an immediate forfeited loss.

Section 13. Improper Game Suspension by Umpire — If an umpire suspends play two or more times during a game without reasonable cause, such as injury or severe weather, either team may file a formal complaint with the League Office.

• Section 13.1. If the complaint is upheld, the umpire shall be suspended from WLB League assignments for two (2) games.

Section 14. Qualification for Batting Titles — The minimum qualification for season batting titles and official statistics shall be calculated at 2.5 plate appearances per team game.

Section 15. Qualification for Pitching Titles — The minimum qualification for season pitching titles and official statistics shall be calculated at ten (10) batters faced per team game.

Section 16. Expanded Batting Order — Teams may utilize an expanded batting order of up to twenty-five (25) batting positions based upon the players present on game day.

• Section 16.1. Except for the starting pitcher, every defensive player must be included in the batting order.
• Section 16.2. If a team has exactly nine (9) players present, the pitcher must bat.
• Section 16.3. If a team has ten (10) players present, the pitcher may be excluded from the batting order while pitching. Once removed from the mound, however, that player shall be added to the end of the batting order and remain eligible as a position player.

Section 17. Courtesy and Injury Runners

• Section 17.1. If a non-batting bench player is used as a substitute runner for an injured player, that substitute runner shall be added to the end of the batting order.
• Section 17.2. If no bench players are available, the most recently retired player shall serve as the substitute runner.
• Section 17.3. If an injured player cannot return for his next defensive inning or plate appearance and his team cannot maintain at least nine eligible players, the team shall forfeit the game.
  • Section 17.3.1. No additional penalty or fine shall be assessed.

Section 18. No Stealing Rule — For player safety and injury prevention, stealing bases is strictly prohibited.

Section 19. Passed Balls — Passed balls shall be recognized and recorded as official statistics.

Section 20. Pitcher Re-Entry Restriction — A pitcher who has been removed from the mound, whether by substitution or position change, shall not return to pitch later in the same game.

Section 21. Winning Pitcher — A pitcher must complete at least three (3) innings to qualify as the winning pitcher.

Section 22. Balk Rule Modifications — A balk shall not automatically award bases to runners.

• Section 22.1. If a runner is retired as a direct result of a balk, the out shall be nullified and the runner returned to the original base.
• Section 22.2. If a balk unfairly disrupts a batter’s timing, the pitch shall be declared null and void.
• Section 22.3. After receiving instruction and warning from the umpire, a pitcher who continues to commit the same balk may be removed from the mound at the umpire’s discretion.

Section 23. Defensive Conferences — Upon a manager’s second visit to the same pitcher during a single inning, the pitcher must be removed from the game as a pitcher.

Section 24. Pitching Changes — Pitching changes may only occur between innings or between batters. No pitching change shall be permitted during an active plate appearance unless the umpire determines that the pitcher has suffered a legitimate injury.

Section 25. Team Timeouts — Each team shall be allowed a maximum of three (3) charged team conferences per game. The official scorekeeper shall track all charged conferences. A charged conference includes:

• A manager requesting time from the umpire.
• A manager or player joining a pitcher-catcher discussion on the mound.
• Infielders or outfielders gathering around the mound and delaying play.
• Offensive conferences involving a batter or baserunner during live game action.
• Section 25.1. Time used for a legal pitching substitution shall not count as a charged conference.

Section 26. Courtesy Runner for Catcher — With two outs, if the catcher reaches base and becomes a runner, the most recent player retired may serve as a courtesy runner to allow the catcher sufficient time to prepare for the next defensive inning. Use of a courtesy runner is optional.

Section 27. Save Rule — A relief pitcher shall be credited with a save when he finishes a winning game and satisfies at least one of the following conditions:

• A. Enters the game with a lead of five (5) runs or fewer and records outs against at least three batters.
• B. Enters the game in a potential tying or go-ahead situation, including runners already on base, and preserves the lead until the end of the game.
• C. Enters the game regardless of score differential and faces at least six (6) consecutive batters while preserving the lead through the conclusion of the game.

Section 28. Hit-By-Pitch Safety Rule — If a pitcher hits three (3) batters in the same inning, the umpire shall immediately remove the pitcher from the mound for safety reasons. The removed pitcher may remain in the game as a hitter or position player.

Section 29. Voluntary Surrender — Beginning one (1) hour and forty-five (45) minutes after the start of the game, the manager of a team that has no realistic opportunity to win may formally surrender the game to the umpire. However, the current inning must be completed before the game officially ends.

Section 30. Sliding at First Base — For player safety, all forms of sliding into first base, including feet-first and headfirst slides, are prohibited. Any batter-runner who slides into first base shall be declared out, regardless of whether he would otherwise have been safe.

Section 31. Runner Safety at First Base — When advancing to first base, a batter-runner who intentionally avoids contact with a first baseman occupying the base by running through, around, or beyond the base without touching it may be ruled safe or out at the umpire’s discretion based on the circumstances of the play.

Article 5. Playoff Rules

Section 1. Playoff Qualification Structure — At the conclusion of the Regular Season, the number of teams qualifying for the Playoffs shall be determined based on the total number of participating teams for that season as follows:

• Section 1.1. Wild Card Qualification — Wild Card positions shall be awarded in the following order of priority:
  • A. Teams tied for first place within their respective divisions shall receive priority consideration based on highest winning percentage.
  • B. If additional tiebreaking is required among teams qualifying under Condition A, the team with the higher winning percentage within its division shall prevail.
  • C. If still tied, the team with the higher overall winning percentage shall prevail.
  • D. If still tied, the team with the greater total number of runs scored during the Regular Season shall prevail.

Section 2. Playoff Format — All playoff rounds shall be conducted as single-elimination games unless otherwise announced by the League Executive Committee before the start of the season.

Section 3. Player Eligibility for the Playoffs

• Section 3.1. Participation Requirement — To be eligible for postseason roster inclusion and participation, a player must have appeared in at least thirty percent (30%) of his team’s games as of the point when eighty percent (80%) of the Regular Season schedule has been completed. Any fractional calculations shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
  • Section 3.1.1. Batters — A batter must satisfy both of the following requirements: minimum qualifying games played, and minimum qualifying plate appearances calculated as Qualifying Games × 2.5 Plate Appearances per Team Game.
  • Section 3.1.2. Pitchers — A pitcher must satisfy both of the following requirements: minimum qualifying games played, and minimum qualifying pitching workload calculated as Qualifying Games × 10 Batters Faced per Team Game.
• Section 3.2. Postseason Position Eligibility — A player who qualifies under either the batter eligibility requirements or the pitcher eligibility requirements shall be fully eligible to participate as both a batter and a pitcher during the postseason. No separate postseason qualification requirement shall apply to individual playing positions.