The Monmouth County Athletic League
The Monmouth County Athletic League Believes Sportsmanship is an Expectation. So Please Let The Players Play, Let The Coaches Coach, Let The Officials Officiate, Let The Spectators Be Positive. M.C.A.L. PRIDE
American Division 2025 National Division 2025
Antrim Avon
Brielle Bradley Beach
Manasquan Belmar
Spring Lake Heights College Achieve
St. Catharine H.W. Mountz
St. Dominic Lavallette
Neptune City
Sea Girt
B. Eligibility - Participants must not have attained age 15 prior to September 1 of current school year. Any Student who has completed his/her 8th grade studies will be prohibited from participation in the Monmouth County Athletic League. To participate in the M.C.A.L. a student must be a resident in the town in which they wish to play and/or attending member school. (See Eligibility/Alternatives under general guidelines)
C. Practice - Practice may begin on March 1ST.
D. Rules - Standard rules (Federation) of play will be utilized. *Exceptions to these rules will be listed below. Sneakers or all purpose rubber cleats may be worn by all participants. Metal cleats may be worn in baseball. (See all-sports dress code - attached) Home field rules will be explained prior to the start of the game to both the officials and the visiting coach.
E. Time Limit - All games should start as close to 3:45 p.m. as possible and consist of seven innings, when possible. (ALL LAVALLETTE HOME GAMES WILL START AT 4:00 and ALL ANTRIM AWAY GAMES WILL START AT 3:45 OR 4:00 DEPENDING ON BUSSING) No inning may be started after 6:00 p.m. , and four and one-half or 5 innings will be considered a complete game. The two-hour rule must be used in all games.* Umpires should keep the time on the field. The visiting team should confirm the game by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the game. *This means if a game starts at 3:30 you may not start an inning after 5:30 - a game that starts at 3:45 ends with no inning after 5:45.
NEW EXCEPTION: If the umpire is late to the game, the time limit can start at the actual start of the game. The cut off of 6:00 can be extended (in this case) if both coaches agree prior to the start of the game.
F. Officials - The home team will be assigned two qualified officials when possible. The Home books is the official book. Cancellation of games will be made by the home field administrator. A visiting "home" team does not cancel the game. Games should be canceled only with administrative approval. The league director must be notified of make-up date. MIKE MERVES is our assigner. Call him at 732-598-6927 to cancel games.
Rate of pay - $66.00 (2) - $92.00 (1) DO NOT CALL ASSIGNER TO RESCHEDULE GAMES
G. Plaques will only be presented to the first place team in the American and National Divisions. A perpetual plaque (All sports plaque) with 16 spaces for smaller plates will be presented to a championship winner. Each succeeding championship will get a plate to put on the perpetual plaque.
In case of a tie duplicate plaques/plates for first place will be presented.
H. Disqualification Procedure- All players ejected from a game will receive an automatic 1 game suspension, which will be served in the next game. A second ejection in a season will result in a 2 game suspension. A third ejection will result in suspension for the season. Coaches must report an ejection to their administrator within 24 hours of the incident. An incident report form must be filed with the league within 3 days. (See Disqualification procedures for players & coaches)
I. Non-Interference Rule - Only authorized coaches and assistants may coach players during M.C.A.L. games. Spectators may not actively* coach from the sidelines for the purpose of enhancing the chances of their team to win a particular game or games.
Exceptions to this rule will be for substitute coaches in the event a coach is ill or out of town, so as not to cancel a game. This should be made clear and approved by both teams prior to the game.
The M.C.A.L. Code of Sportsmanship states in part "...let the players play, let the coaches coach and the officials officiate. Let the spectators be positive."
*Actively coaching is defined as continually attempting to coach an individual or team during a game. This rule is not trying to stop spectators from supporting their team, but to make the playing field level for both teams. The M.C.A.L. feels that the players, coaches and officials should be the only ones to decide the outcome of games.
If a coach feels that a violation of the above rule is taking place he should bring it to the attention of the opposing coach. That coach should talk to the person involved and ask them to stop. If after the individual or individuals are warned and the interference continues, the coach should place a protest with the official in charge of the game and the administrator in attendance. (If one is present). After reviewing information, talking to the official, coaches and administrators, the league director will make a binding decision on whether to accept the score as posted, or declare a forfeit.
All violations of the rule should be submitted to the league director for review. If there needs to be additional action, the league director will make an appropriate decision.
J. Code of Conduct / Players/Coaches/Spectators - In line with the Shore Conference of High Schools, the Monmouth County Athletic League has adopted the code of good sportsmanship for their players, coaches and spectators. Players, coaches and spectators that violate the spirit of the code of sportsmanship will be subject to suspension from attending/participating in future M.C.A.L. games. (See code of conduct under general guidelines)
K. Reporting Scores - Report all scores to 848-258-2896 or email to:
donneice@comcast.net
L. Rosters - All sports will require rosters prior to the first game. Failure to submit will cause forfeiture of any games played. Include names and dates of birth. Signed by Administrator or school Secretary. (***********new for 2024*********)
SEE: 15/10 RUN RULE - ATTACHED - LEAGUE RULES
SEE: 10 RUN STEALING - ATTACHED - LEAGUE RULES-
SEE: DESIGNATED RUNNER - LEAGUE RULES
SEE: BATS - ATTACHED - LEAGUE RULES
Pitchers - National Federation Rules prevail.
D.H. Rule - The D.H. rule is optional; however, the team can only bat nine players, and the designated hitter will take the place of someone in the field who will not hit. THE MAXIMUM YOU MAY BAT IS 9.
Substitutions - Any started who is substituted for, may re-enter the game, but must re-enter in the same position in the batting order of the original starting line-up. Any member of the team may re-enter the game at anytime, but it must be in the same batting slot. Pitchers may re-enter as pitchers.
Assigner -Mike Merves is our assigner. Call him at 732-598-6927 to cancel games. If you need to make any changes, or reschedule a postponed game, please contact the other school and agree on an acceptable make-up date. Then call Don Neice 848-258-2896 and give him the new date. No calls are to be made to the assigner, except to cancel a game scheduled for that day. Two days notice will be required to guarantee officials for any game.
National Federation rules will be used. Our league rules will override the National Federation rules as listed above.
15/10 RUN RULE REMINDER: ******NEW FOR 2025*****
A TEAM THAT IS AHEAD BY 15 RUNS AFTER THREE COMPLETE INNINGS OF PLAY WINS THE GAME.
DURING THE FOURTH INNING IF EITHER TEAM GETS TO 15 RUNS AHEAD, THE GAME ENDS IMMEDIATELY.
IN THE FIFTH INNING THE VISITORS WILL BAT UNLESS THE 15 RUN RULE IS ACTIVATED. THEN THE HOME TEAM BATS. IF THE HOME TEAM IS WINNING BY 15 RUNS OR MORE, THEY WILL NOT BAT IN THE FIFTH INNING. THE GAME ENDS. ALSO, IF THE HOME TEAM IS BATING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH INNING AND THEY GET TO 15 RUNS AHEAD THE GAME IS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY.
IN THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH INNING THE GAME ENDS IMMEDIATELY WHEN EITHER TEAM REACHES A 15 RUN LEAD.
The M.C.A.L. realizes that all coaches are trying to win games and are always worried about the other team catching up. You can follow the rule and still win games. Lets all remember the Aims and Objectives of the M.C.A.L. which include:
The development of good character.
The instillation of good sportsmanship.
To promote sound interschool relations.
To develop skill and confidence in children through athletics.
To develop a healthy social interest.
To develop an understanding of the rules of play for the various games in which the children will participate.
RE: STEALING - BASEBALL
WHEN EITHER TEAM REACHES A 10 RUN LEAD, ONLY THE TEAM BEHIND MAY STEAL A BASE. IF THE SCORE DROPS BELOW A 10 RUN DIFFERENCE, EITHER TEAM MAY BEGIN STEALING AGAIN. IF A RUNNER STEALS A BASE AT 10 RUNS OR MORE THEY SHOULD BE SENT BACK TO THE BASE THEY WERE AT. THEY ARE NOT TO BE CALLED OUT.
In baseball, if a pitcher throws over to first in a pick-off attempt, the runner may then attempt to go to the next base is the ball is missed. In other words, if the no stealing rule is in effect and the pitcher attempts to make a play on the runner, the runner may run.
RE: DESIGNATED RUNNER
WE DO NOT HAVE A PROVISION FOR A DESIGNATED RUNNER.
THE LEAGUE RULE STATES: ANY STARTER WHO IS SUBSTITUTED FOR, MAY RE-ENTER THE GAME, BUT MUST RE-ENTER IN THE SAME POSITION IN THE BATTING ORDER OF THE ORGINAL STARTING LINE-UP. ANY MEMBER OF THE TEAM MAY RE-ENTER THE GAME AT ANYTIME, BUT IT MUST BE IN THE SAME BATTING SLOT. PITCHERS MAY RE-ENTER AS PITCHERS.
SPEED-UP RULE IS ONLY FOR CATCHERS. RUNNER FOR CATCHER MUST BE SOMEONE NOT IN LINE-UP.
RE: BATS
BOYS BASEBALL WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE BATS THAT ARE 5 OR LESS IN DIFFERENCE.
RE: FORFEITS
ALL FORFIETS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE LEAGUE OFFICE IN WRITING (EMAIL) BY THE TEAM RECEIVING THE WIN.
RE: ELIGIBILITY / ALTERNATIVES
As you are aware, our league has an age limit of 15. No athlete who is 15 prior to September 1st is eligible to participate in M.C.A.L. activities. Also, any student who has completed his 8th grade studies will be prohibited from participation in the M.C.A.L. no matter his or her age. In the past we have had 3 challenges to this age limit. All challenges were denied. N.J.S.I.A.A. does not govern non High School sports. We are exempt from their rules. As long as we have a clearly stated age limit we are on very stable legal grounds.
After discussions with Manasquan Athletic Director, Ron Kornegay (2008) we felt it was important to restate your alternatives for those students who will not be eligible due to age restriction. As stated in our General Information, Section V, Sub-section B:
Participants must not have attained age 15 prior to September 1 of the current school year. Students who are ineligible due to the age requirement should apply for a waiver by the N.J.S.I.A.A. for participation in high school athletics. (H:CL4 - Students in 6th, 7th, or 8th grades who will reach age nineteen (19) prior to September 1 while properly enrolled in a member school may request a waiver of the Bylaws, Article V, Section 4.1, Pre-High School Student, to have an opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics for four (4) years prior to becoming ineligible.) (J:CL - In order to assure the opportunity for eight consecutive semesters of interscholastic eligibility, member schools may request waivers to permit classified students who are enrolled in 7th and 8th grades and who are otherwise academically eligible, to participate on the junior varsity and varsity teams.)
To prevent future challenges it would really help if you ascertain those students who are ineligible due to age and petition the appropriate High School to request a waiver to participate on the High school level. This will allow that athlete to have four years of high school participation. The High school age limit is 19, based on the same September 1st date. Also, 16 year olds are not allowed to participate in freshman sports. You should allow two months time, prior to the start of the season, to start the process.
Also, please make sure your coaches are fully aware that if an athlete is 15 prior to September 1st of the school year that they should not be allowed to try out for the team. It is important to check ages prior to the first practice.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO JEWERLY CAN BE WORN IN ANY
OF THE M.C.A.L. SPORTS.
THIS INCLUDES SOCCER, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL.
THIS INCLUDES EARINGS.
THIS IS STANDARD FOR ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS AND HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS.
The Monmouth County Athletic League © Copyright - Don Neice, M.C.A.L. Director 732-458-9554 donneice@comcast.net