I. Overview and League Structure
1. The NFBL is a simulation league using the Out Of The Park 8 simulation
engine. Ownership of the OOTP program is optional. The NFBL began play as an
OOTP5 league, using real National League players and prospects as of Opening Day
2003.
2. The NFBL consists of the Jackie Robinson League and the Lou Gehrig League.
Neither league uses the designated hitter. Each league shall begin with six
franchises. The league may expand in the future, though there are no current
plans to do so. Each major league team has a AAA, AA, and A affiliate. There is
also an independent Japanese Baseball League. Trading is not allowed between the
NFBL and JBL, but free agents from one league may sign with the other.
3. The NFBL plays a 162-game regular season that includes interleague play.
4. The top two teams in each league will meet in a best-of-seven League
Championship Series. (See tiebreaker rules) The LCS winners will advance to the
best-of-seven Federal Series.
II. Owner and Commissioner Duties
1. Owners are responsible for submitting updated lineups for each sim. Lineups
will be due at noon PDT the day of any weekend sim and 7 pm PDT the day of any
weekday sim unless otherwise stated. Owners who will be unavailable, e.g.
vacation, should notify the commissioner ahead of time.
Owners are also responsible for participating in drafts and other league
activities. Owners need not be active traders, but are expected to respond
timely to trade proposals from others.
Owners are expected to attempt to field a competitive team. While a "rebuilding
phase" is understandable, owners may not deliberately "tank" either to help
another owner or to improve their own draft position.
Our league depends on the active participation of its owners. Although not
required, owners are encouraged to write articles for the web site, and
generally contribute to the community.
2. The Commissioner is responsible for running sims, approving trades and other
matters. He shall enforce these rules and amend them as necessary to ensure the
fair operation of the league. Wherever possible, owners shall be consulted
before and rule changes are made.
3. The sim schedule will generally be two sims a week, Sunday and Wednesday, of
eight and seven days, respectively. This schedule will be adjusted as necessary,
e.g. to slow down for playoffs and pennant races, or as the commissioner's
schedule demands.
III. Trades
1. Prior to the trade deadline, or in the off-season, teams may trade players,
cash, and draft picks for the upcoming amateur draft. All trades must be
confirmed by email to the commissioner. NO TRADE IS OFFICIAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN
CONFIRMED BY ALL PARTIES AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER, or the assistant
commissioner in the case of a trade involving the commissioner's team. Trades
will only be vetoed if they appear collusive, are so lopsided as to threaten the
integrity of the league, or would violate another league rule.
IV. Financial System
1. There is no salary cap and no cash maximum. There is a luxury tax as follows.
At the end of each season, teams will be charged a tax if their Total Player
Expenses exceed the league average (mean) from the previous season. From 100% to
110% of the league average, the tax rate is 25%, from 110% to 125%, it is 50%,
and above 125% it is 100% (dollar for dollar).
Owners who run out of money may not be permitted to bid on free agents, offer
contract extensions, or make trades that increase team payroll, and shall be
required to submit a plan to the commissioner for restoring a positive cash
balance to the franchise.
2. Player contracts are subject to the following restrictions: (a) A multi-year
contract shall not increase or decrease the player's base salary by more than
50% from year to year. (b) No bonus shall be greater than the player's base
salary.
3. Contract extensions may not be offered prior to June 1 ofa league year.
4. Ticket prices may not be raised above $25.
V. Miscellaneous
1. Amateur Draft
After each season, a seven-round amateur draft shall be held. The non-playoff
teams shall draft first through eighth (in reverse order of finish, with ties
broken by coin toss), the two LCS losing teams shall draft ninth and tenth
(again in reverse order of finish), the Federal Series losing team shall draft
eleventh, and the Federal Series winning team shall draft twelfth.
2. Coaches and Scouts
The coaching and scouting system are enabled.
3. New Stadiums
Teams are permitted to make changes to their stadium dimensions (but not seating
capacity) in the offseason. Changes must be approved by the Commissioner.
4. Relocation
New owners will be permitted to relocate their franchise if they so desire. All
other relocations are subject to the Commissioner's approval.