GAMEPLAY & PLAYER USAGE

Strat-O-Matic Computer Game: All league games are played using the most current version of the Strat-O-Matic Baseball computer game with the most up-to-date patch installed.
Required Game Settings: The following settings must be used for all league games:
Injuries: OFF (injuries are handled separately per Rule 6.4)
Pitcher Fatigue: OFF (fatigue is handled separately)
Pitch Counts: OFF (not used as they skew results undesirably)
Manager Ratings: Manager ratings are not used in TSBBL gameplay.
Built-in Fatigue: Player fatigue settings built into the game remain active and function normally.

Home Team Responsibility: The home team manager is responsible for playing all home games.
Game Modes: Games may be played in two ways:
Computer Manager (CM): Home team plays against a computer-controlled opponent
Netplay: Both managers play the game together in real-time via Strat-O-Matic's netplay feature
Cloud File Sharing: All game files and results are shared using Strat-O-Matic's built-in cloud sharing feature, which automatically distributes necessary files to all teams.
Results Reporting: Game results are automatically shared through the cloud sharing system and do not require separate reporting.

Lineup Submission: Teams are not required to submit or announce lineups in advance of games. Teams may choose to announce lineups if they wish, but it is not mandatory.
Lineup Flexibility: Managers have full discretion over lineup construction and may make substitutions at any point during a game, including from the first inning.
Designated Hitter: All teams are permitted to use a Designated Hitter, regardless of league affiliation.
No Minimum Playing Time: There are no minimum playing time requirements for any players. Managers may use their rosters as they see fit.

Regular Season Rest Requirements: Starting pitchers must receive a minimum of 4 days of rest between starts during the regular season.
Rest Applies to All Starts: The 4-day rest requirement applies to all starts, including those where the pitcher throws fewer than 3 innings. The standard "short rest" allowance does not apply in TSBBL regular season play.
Postseason Rest Rules: During the postseason, the Super Advanced Pitcher Rest Chart is in use, allowing for more flexible pitcher usage in line with playoff strategy.
No Rotation Requirements: Teams are not required to use a specific rotation size (e.g., 5-man rotation). Managers may structure their pitching staff as they choose, subject to rest requirements.

Series Appearance Limit: Relief pitchers are limited to pitching in a maximum of 2 out of 3 games in any three-game series.
Series Innings Limit: Relief pitchers may pitch a maximum of 4 innings over the course of any three-game series.
Combined Restrictions: Relief pitchers must comply with both the appearance limit and innings limit. Exceeding either limit constitutes a violation.

No Hard Innings Limits: There are no league-imposed seasonal innings limits for any pitcher.

Position Eligibility: Players may play any defensive position listed on their Strat-O-Matic card without restriction.
Catcher Usage Limit: Catchers may only play catcher in a maximum of 5 games per week (within any 7-day period). They may play other positions without restriction.
No Platooning Restrictions: Teams may platoon players or use any strategic substitution patterns without restriction.

Injured List Players: Players on the Injured List (per Rule 6.4) cannot be used in games under any circumstances.
Injured Players Not on IL: Players who are injured but not formally placed on the IL cannot be used in games, leaving the team short-handed for those games.
Forced Usage Penalty: If a manager is forced to use an injured player (not on IL) due to lack of available bench players in a manager-controlled game, that player will automatically suffer an additional injury of 2+ games beyond their current injury.
Computer Manager Exception: When using Computer Manager (CM) mode, any injured player not on the IL must be set to inactive. Failure to do so constitutes an illegal lineup violation.

Illegal Lineup in CM Games: If a manager fails to set the correct lineup when using Computer Manager mode and an ineligible player is used:
The opposing team may choose to let the result stand, OR
The opposing team may request that the game be replayed in its entirety
Offending Team Choice: The choice of whether to accept the result or require a replay belongs solely to the team that did not commit the violation.
Ineligible Player Definition: An ineligible player includes anyone on the IL, injured players not on the IL, or players not on the active roster.

Netplay Game Crashes - Recoverable: If a netplay game crashes but the game file is recoverable:
Restart the game from the last saved point
All statistics and results from the saved portion of the game count
Resume play from that point
Corrupted Game Files: If a game file becomes corrupted and cannot be recovered:
The game must be replayed in its entirety
No statistics from the corrupted game count
Technical Issue Resolution: The Commissioner has final authority on determining whether a game file is recoverable or must be replayed.

Rule Violation Disputes: Disputes regarding rule violations (illegal lineups, pitcher usage violations, etc.) should be brought to the Commissioner for resolution.
Commissioner Authority: The Commissioner has final authority to determine appropriate remedies for rule violations, which may include game replays, forfeits, or other penalties as deemed appropriate.