EML Rulebook
By registering for the ELITE MLB LEAGUE (EML), you agree to follow the tenets of the EML Rulebook. The EML reserves the right to modify this Rulebook in-season, but only in accordance with and with the assistance of league members voting 2/3 or more for a change. No refunds under any circumstances unless the league dissolves.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
​
-
Section One - EML Code of Conduct and Player Rights
-
Section Two - EML League Settings
-
Section Three - EML Gameplay Rules
-
Section Four - The Draft
-
Section Five - Trade Rules
-
Section Six - General Rules - Not In Game
-
Section Seven - Standings and Playoffs
Section One: EML Code of Conduct and Player Rights
​
1.1 - EML players agree to demonstrate respect and good sportsmanship towards all community members, opponents, administrators, and staff, as well as abide by the EML Rulebook at all times.
1.2 - Failure to follow our standardized code of conduct policy may result in disciplinary action from the EML Admins.
1.3 - The following actions will not be tolerated:
-
Harassment, trolling, abusive language, death threats, racism, and/or religious or cultural prejudice.
-
Disruption of games.
-
Confirmed in-game exploits.
-
Abuse or impersonation of EML admins or its services.
-
Unsolicited advertising of third-party products, services, or leagues.
-
Spamming the news feed.
The EML reserves the right to remove or ban any member believed to damage the image of the league or disrupt its services with no refund. Punishments will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
1.4 - Players are expected to attempt to resolve conflicts on their own. If a player feels their rights are being violated, they have the right to confidentially contact the EML Admins.
1.5 - All players must use the ONE Xbox or PSN account they registered with. Multiple accounts or sharing of accounts will result in severe punishment, including removal with no refund.
Section Two: EML League Settings
​
2.1 - League settings are as follows:
-
HOF Pitching and HOF Hitting (subject to final vote and slider testing).
-
9-inning game lengths (unless extra innings).
-
12 playoff teams, with the top 4 receiving a first-round bye.
-
DH is on for all teams.
-
Guess Pitch is off.
-
Balks are off.
-
Quick counts are off.
-
Umpire accuracy is perfect.
-
Umpire close plays are off.
2.2 - The EML has the right to adjust sliders with admin approval at any time, and players will be notified of such changes.
​
Section Three: EML Gameplay Rules
​
3.1 - Gameplay Disconnect (D/C) / Lag Out / Freeze Rule:
-
The team losing can forfeit the game.
-
If no forfeit, the winning team can decide whether to resume from the last score or start a fresh game.
-
The 1st inning will be used to set the score correctly if options aren’t executed. Game continues from the 2nd inning onwards.
-
If a disconnect occurs, the game will be monitored for repeated issues.
3.2 - Disconnects and Quitting: Numerous disconnects or quitting games will result in a review of the player's status within the league. Players will receive one warning for disconnects or quitting; subsequent offenses may lead to removal from the league with no refund. Penalties can include simmed losses or player suspensions.
3.3 - Bunting Rule: Max 3 bunt hits allowed per game (or no outs recorded on the play, including errors).
3.4 - If a player exceeds their in-game pause time, an additional two minutes must be allotted.
3.5 - Pitching Rules:
-
Teams must establish and follow a 5-man rotation and post it on Discord. Violating this can lead to resets or pitcher suspensions.
-
Pitchers cannot be changed after 2 strikes on a batter.
-
Other times in the count, pitchers may be changed freely.
-
Only the scheduled starter can be used from the bullpen in a game where an opener is used.
-
Using a RP or 6th SP from the pen as an opener is allowed. The scheduled starter is eligible from the pen. The only pitchers not eligible are the 4 SP that were not scheduled.
​
Section Four: The Draft
​
4.1 - The draft will occur in two stages:
-
Rounds 1 and sometimes 2 will be conducted in Discord as a slow draft with a 30-minute timer per pick.
-
Remaining rounds will be completed on Fantrax, where users can draft via web or mobile app.
4.2 - Rosters must be completed manually post-draft through trades by the scheduled date to ensure all teams are fully staffed.
4.3 - If no pre-rank is submitted, the top-rated player will be chosen for the user at the end of the selection time.
4.4 - Fantrax pre-ranking is not always reliable, so we urge players to be present for the draft.
Section Five: Trade Rules
​
5.1 - Trades require three approvals to pass. If a trade receives more disapprovals than approvals, it will not pass.
5.2 - Trade disapprovals will include a rating scale from 1 to 5.
5.3 - Trade binding: Once trades are agreed upon and posted, they are binding and cannot be revoked.
5.4 - Buying or selling players is strictly prohibited, with penalties for any violations.
​
Section Six: General Rules - Not In Game
​
6.1 - Minimum of 60 games played to qualify for playoffs.
6.2 - Players must play in the home stadium of their team. If there’s an issue with visibility, it must be stated before the first at-bat concludes.
6.3 - Prize changes and rule changes are at the discretion of admin majority vote.
​
Section Seven: Standings and Playoffs
​
7.1 - All teams that qualify for the playoffs will follow a modified schedule determined by EML Admins.
7.2 - Points System: Teams will earn 4 points for a win and 1 point for a loss in the regular season standings.
7.3 - Series Formats:
-
Round 1: 5-game series
-
Remaining Rounds: 7-game series
-
Losers' Bracket: All rounds are 3-game series
7.4 - Deadlines and Conflicts:
-
Round 1 must be completed by the specified deadline.
-
If you have a scheduling conflict, DM the admin.
-
If you don’t DM, your games will be simulated.
7.5 - Pitching Rules:
-
Use a 3-man rotation. You can opt for a 4-man rotation if you want to ensure full stamina for every game.
-
Any pitcher not used in the rotation is eligible to pitch from the bullpen, with the following restrictions:
-
Max 9 innings for a 5-game series
-
Max 12 innings for a 7-game series
-
Max 7 innings for a 3-game Losers' Bracket series
-
7.6 - Stamina Reset Rules:
-
Full pitching stamina reset is allowed ONLY at the start of the first series.
-
After the first series, you are only allowed stamina resets equal to the number of unplayed games in the previous series:
-
For a 5-game series:
-
If you sweep (3-0), you get 2 resets.
-
If the series goes to 4 games, you get 1 reset.
-
If the series goes to 5 games, you get 0 resets.
-
-
For a 7-game series:
-
If you sweep (4-0), you get 3 resets.
-
If the series goes to 5 games, you get 2 resets.
-
If the series goes to 6 games, you get 1 reset.
-
If the series goes to 7 games, you get 0 resets.
-
-
-
Note: If you forget to do resets before your series starts, you cannot do them after the first game is played.
7.7 - Additional playoff rules may be outlined as the playoffs approach, including tie-breaker procedures and scheduling adjustments. Dates and deadlines will be set each season.