American Division 2024 National Division  2024
​American Division            National Division  
Antrim                              Avon
Brielle                              Bay Head (Softball only)
Manasquan                     Belmar
Spring Lake Heights       Bradley Beach
St. Catharine                  College Achieve 
St. Dominic                     Deal (Softball only)
                                       H.W. Mountz
                                       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.  (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. The schedule will consist of one game with each school. Additional games may be played through special arrangement, but will not apply to the trophy or championship.

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)  No inning may be started after 6:00 p.m. (NEW), (EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE WILL BE AT ANY SCHOOL WHO MUST BE OFF THEIR FIELD BY 6:00 p.m. FOR THE RECREATION PROGRAM. EX. AVON.), 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. There are no exceptions to this rule.

F. Officials - The home team will be assigned two qualified officials when possible. Cancellation of games will be made by the home field administrator. A visiting "home" team does not cancel the game. The Home books is the official book. 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) - $90.00 (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 - 
None this year - Each school is to check ages of players.

SOFTBALL RULES
Mound - In softball, the measurement from the pitcher's mound to the back of home plate should be 43' 0". Home field coaches should try to have the mound anchored to the ground.  

Ball - A dudley softball, or its equivalent should be used. Clinchers should not be used. The color of the ball may be white or yellow.

Runners - Bunting and stealing are permitted. The runner may not leave the base until the ball reaches home plate. Runners who leave early will be called out. There is running on the third strike. The "speed-up rule" is to be used for catchers only; catchers must come off the bases with two outs and be replaced by someone who has not played in the game. The 15/10 run rule is in effect for all league games. The 10 run stealing rule is in effect for all league games.

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. Our rules supersede those of NFR.

D.H. Rule - The D.H. rule is optional; however, the team can only bat ten players, and the designated hitter will take the place of someone in the field who will not hit. THE MAXIMUM YOU MAY BAT IS 10. 

Short Fielder - The short fielder must be positioned behind second base (must be behind the bag) if in the infield, or anyplace in the outfield.

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:

AS STATED IN OUR GUIDELINES:

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 10 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 10 RUNS AHEAD THE GAME IS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY.

IN THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH INNING THE GAME ENDS IMMEDIATELY WHEN EITHER TEAM REACHES A 10 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 - SOFTBALL


***NEW***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.


  *****NEW 2022 IF A CATCHER THROWS TO ANY BASE TO PICK OFF A RUNNER, THAT RUNNER MAY ADVANCE AT THEIR OWN RISK.  THIS RULE OVERIDES THE 10 RUN RULE.

E: 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 MUST BE SOMEONE NOT IN THE LINE-UP.


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.

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