Rule 1 – Selection of Umpires

Section 1. Applicability, Draft Order

After the end of the previous year’s rules summit or awards season, and prior to the spring training period of the pre-season, the UEFL shall establish and commence its registration process.

a.     A post announcing the opening of registrations shall appear on the UEFL website no later than two weeks prior to the start of the regular season. This post shall instruct members on the proper methods of signing up to participate in the UEFL for the upcoming season and will contain all appropriate pre-draft deadlines, if applicable.

b.     Five umpires shall be drafted by each UEFL member in the form of one (1) crew chief per Rule 1-2, two (2) primary umpires per Rule 1-3 and two (2) secondary umpires per Rule 1-4.

c.      The draft shall be effected via online web form.

Section 2. Crew Round (Crew Division)

Prior to the beginning of the year’s regular season, and during the spring training period of the pre-season, each member of the league shall select one MLB crew chief to serve as UEFL crew chief. See Also: Rule 3.

a.     This round shall be conducted privately. Accordingly, two UEFL members may, by chance, pick the same umpire(s).

b.     In the event of injury to the designated crew chief, wherein the chief is officially placed on the Disabled List or on Bereavement, the replacement umpire shall be whoever is appointed by MLB to replace the injured umpire as crew chief or acting crew chief of his MLB crew. This announcement must be public and requested by the effected UEFL member(s) to take effect.

Note: Although a member may select a non-MLB crew chief during this round, it is highly recommended that an officially appointed crew chief be selected.

Section 3. Primary Draft

After or concurrent with the crew round, each member of the league shall select two umpires they believe will compile the most league points at the end of the regular and post-season. Spring training and the All-Star Game do not count toward an individual umpire's points total, with the exception of bonus points may be accrued for selection to the All-Star Game. Primary umpires may be Triple A call-ups.

a.     This round shall be conducted privately. Accordingly, two UEFL members may, by chance, pick the same umpire(s).

(1) Primary umpires may be Triple A call-ups and may be the same as the umpire picked in SECTION 2 (crew round).

b.     The primary umpires picked by one league member may or may not be the same primary umpires of another member.

c.      This process is conducted simultaneously and the primary umpires are submitted secretly, to ensure that no league member gains an unfair advantage by knowing any other member's primary umpires.

Section 4. Secondary Draft

After or concurrent with the crew and primary rounds, each member of the league shall select two additional umpires.

a.     This round shall be conducted privately using the same form as prior rounds (such that members may opt to draft all umpires from all rounds at the same time). Accordingly, two UEFL members may, by chance, pick the same umpire(s).

(1) Secondary umpires may be the same as the umpire picked in SECTION 2 (crew round).

(2) Secondary umpires may not be duplicates and may not overlap with a member’s primary umpire selection.

b.      Umpires classified as MLB full-time as well as AAA call-ups are eligible for draft in the secondary round.

(1) An umpire listed on the MLB Crew or MLB Roster list shall be considered full time and MLB status for the purpose of this rule, and for the purpose of Rule 4 (League Scoring).

(2) An umpire considered MLB per subsection (d) may not receive scoring reserved for AAA status umpires, even if the umpire appears to change status during the season.

c.     Umpire classification as AAA or MLB shall be determined during the pre-season draft period, and shall not be altered for scoring purposes during the regular or post-season unless;

(1) An umpire, having been classified as AAA prior to the season, is publicly placed on the MLB Roster list; OR

(2) Promoted to the MLB Staff.

d.     If such an alteration as specified in subsection d. occurs, the affected umpire’s points shall be retroactively modified as if the named umpire had attained MLB status prior to the season or had been considered full time pursuant to Provision (1) of Article c.

Section 5. Qualified Alteration of Drafted Umpires / Authorization to Change Umpires After Draft, But Before Season Begins

If an umpire injury or significant personnel modification occurs prior to the beginning of the regular season, the Office of the UEFL Commissioner may authorize designated affected members the opportunity to alter their Crew, Primary and/or Secondary Umpires.

a.     The UEFL Commissioner has sole authority to allow or reject a last minute change under this rule. This decision is not appealable. If a significant personnel modification (hiring, firing, release or retirement, except as exempted by Rule 1-4-d) occurs after the pre-season, no UEFL roster may be modified, unless such modification would result in the requesting member losing points in the UEFL Standings as the replacement umpire’s score fully (and retroactively) replaces the injured/fired/etc. umpire’s score. For instance, Members X, Y, and Z have all drafted identical crews that include Primary Umpires A and B, Secondary Umpires C and D, and Crew Chief E. One week into the season, Umpire A suffers a catastrophic injury. At the time of A’s season-ending injury, A has 5 points in the UEFL Standings. Member X requests to replace Umpire A with Umpire F, while Member Y requests to replace Umpire A with Umpire G, and Member Z requests replacement of A with H. At the time of this request, F has 4 points in the UEFL Standings, G has 5 points in the UEFL Standings ,and H has 6 points in the UEFL Standings. RESULT: Member X’s request shall be granted and Member Y/Z’s requests shall be denied. X’s request is legal, as proposed replacement Umpire F has fewer UEFL points than does injured Umpire A; Y and Z’s requests are illegal, as proposed replacement Umpires G and H do not have fewer UEFL points than does injured Umpire A at the time of replacement.

b.    An umpire’s absence of 30 days in length, or longer, during the regular season, shall constitute an acceptable circumstance for replacement.

Approved Ruling: If Umpire G subsequently effects an ejection with QOCN, and loses UEFL points such that G now has fewer points than injured Umpire A, Y’s request to replace A with G will be granted only if Y files a new request to replace A with G at a time when A’s UEFL points are greater than G’s.

Rule 2 – The Season

Section 1. Regular Season and Phases

Throughout the season, ejections are logged, along with the correctness of the call (“Quality of Correctness” or “QOC”) and other variables as specified in Rules 4 and 6.

a.    [Removed]

Note: The purpose of seasonal phases is to partition the season into reasonably sized segments that are easier managed by members and UEFL.

Approved Ruling: Suspended, postponed, or cancelled games shall be classified under the Phase in which the game was played (the more recent phase).

Section 2. Post-Season and Special Events

During the post-season, ejections in addition to umpire appearance, are logged.

a.     The All-Star game counts as 1 additional point for each umpire that appears in that game. The All-Star Game crew chief receives a total of 2 points for this appearance. Ejections shall be subject to 4-2 (Reg) points.

Note: Spring Training games shall not affect points. See Section 6.

Section 3. AAA Umpires

AAA call-up (a.k.a. minor league call-up) umpires’ ejections are logged individually and will contribute to a crew chief's total if the ejection occurred during a game in which the drafted crew chief was designated as such (Rule 3).

Section 4. Rovers and Unassigned Umpires

Rovers contribute to a crew’s ejection total by experiencing an ejection during a game in which a drafted crew chief has been designated as such. Re-assigned umpires also benefit their game's crew chief in this fashion.

Section 5. Disabled List

In the event of an umpire entering the DL, and remaining on the DL for the remainder of the season, this umpire shall remain the crew chief/primary/ secondary umpire as chosen at the beginning of the season, and his crew shall remain the primary crew, if applicable. His replacement, however, shall not act as the crew chief/primary/secondary umpire, but may contribute to the total crew ejection count, if applicable.

Section 6. Pre-Season

Pre-season ejections may be logged, but shall not have any bearing on points distribution nor ejection totals.

Rule 3 – Crew Division

Section 1. Applicability

Unless otherwise stated, the points listed throughout Rule 3 (Crew Division) shall replace structures listed throughout Rule 4 (League Scoring. As such, Rule 3 shall be the primary reference in crew division scoring.

Section 2. Chronological Eligibility

Crew division begins at the start of the regular season and is complete at the end of the post-season.

Section 3. Crew Chief Points Structure

Unless otherwise specified by Rule 4, each non-incorrect ejection committed by a UEFL crew chief’s crew shall result in the addition of one (1) point toward a UEFL member’s overall score. A crew is defined as an umpiring team of three, four or six AAA fill-in or MLB umpires who work a MLB contest and a drafted crew chief must have worked the ejection-inclusive game as a named crew chief to receive this point.

a.     Each upheld instant replay challenge under a Crew Chief's purview shall result in the addition of one (1) point toward a UEFL member's overall score.

b.     Each overturned instant replay challenge under a Crew Chief's purview shall result in the subtraction of one (1) point toward this overall score.

Section 4. Injury or Absence

In the event of injury or absence, the absent crew chief shall not receive any points for ejections that might occur during this absence.

Section 5. Physical Eligibility

A crew chief is eligible to receive points for an ejection if he is serving as crew chief of his crew as assigned prior to the season, as interim or acting crew chief of this crew if the umpire is not a full-time crew chief, as crew chief of another crew or as acting crew chief of another crew.

Section 6. Post-Season Eligibility and Structure

The postseason is eligible for inclusion in crew division, including Rule 4-3 (Post-Season Points). Ejections that occur under the purview of an assigned post-season crew chief are eligible for crew division points, as in Section 3.

Rule 4 – League Scoring

Section 1. Applicability

Unless otherwise stated, the points listed throughout Rule 4 (League Scoring) are applicable to both primary and secondary umpires. Unless otherwise stated, the following sections are not applicable to UEFL crew chiefs (Rule 3).

Section 2. Regular Season Points

Regular Season points for ejections are distributed according to the following structure, which is comprised of (a) Base and (b) QOC components:

a.     The base points component is present in each ejection, regardless of quality of correctness, except as specified by the following article (1)(a) in regards to AAA umpires.

(1) 2 points for each ejection by a primary umpire; OR

(2) 1 point for each ejection by a secondary umpire.

b.     The quality of correctness component is present in all ejections that are not exempted by Rule 6-2-b-5.

(1) 2 points for an ejection occurring as a result of a player/coach arguing a correctly ruled call by the ejector.
Example: HP Umpire Baker ejects Abel for arguing a 3-2 fastball ruled ball four should have instead been ruled strike three. Replays show the pitch was located outside, the call was correct.

(2) 1 point for an ejection occurring as a result of a player/coach arguing a correctly ruled call by a crewmate of the ejector.

Example: 1B Umpire Daniel ejects Charles for arguing a safe call made by 2B Umpire Edward should have instead been ruled an out. Replays show the runner was safe, Edward’s call was correct

(3) -4 points for each ejection occurring as a result of a player/coach arguing an incorrectly ruled call by the ejector.

Example: 3B Umpire George ejects Frank for arguing a hit ruled foul should have instead been ruled fair. Replays show the batted ball should have been ruled fair, George’s call was incorrect.

(4) -2 points for each ejection occurring as a result of a player/coach arguing an incorrectly ruled call by a crewmate of the ejector.

Example: LF Umpire Ida ejects Henry for arguing a no catch call made by RF Umpire John should have instead been ruled a catch. Replays show the ball was caught; John’s call was incorrect.

Section 3. Post-Season Points

Post-Season points are distributed as follows:

a.     During the Post-Season, primary umpires receive 3 base points (denoted as MLB-Post-Season) per ejection while secondary umpires continue to receive 1 base point per ejection.

b.     During the Post-Season, the quality of correctness (QOC) component will be modified as follows:

(1) Ejections as the result of a correct call by the ejector will result in an additional two (2) points.

(2) Ejections as the result of an incorrect call by the ejectee will result in the application of minus six (-6) points.

(3) Ejections as the result of a correct call by a crewmate will result in the application of an additional one (1) point.

(4) Ejections as the result of an incorrect call by a crewmate will result in the application of minus two (-2) points.

(5) Ejections deemed irrecusable will result in the application of zero (0) points, as in Rule 4-2, as exempted by Rule 6-2-b-5.

c.      Post-Season appearance points are applied to the primary or secondary umpire according to the following schedule:

(1) Wild Card appearance: 1 bonus point;

(2) Division Series appearance: 2 bonus points;

(3) Championship Series appearance: 3 bonus points;

(4) World Series appearance: 4 bonus points;

(5) Crew Chief assignment (any series): 1 bonus point per series worked as crew chief in addition to any bonus points already received for working a playoff series. This applies to the Wild Card Games as well.

a)    In the event of an Umpire injury that prevents an umpire assigned to any postseason series (DS/CS/WS) from completing his assigned series, the Umpire will retain all applicable bonus points for the series assignment and initial appearance.

b)   In the event of an Umpire injury, whereupon a Replacement Umpire is assigned to complete any postseason series (DS/CS/WS) for an injured Umpire, the Replacement Umpire shall receive one (+1) bonus point for this postseason appearance, regardless of series or length of assignment (DS/CS) or two (+2) bonus points if this series is the World Series.

c)    In the event of an Umpire injury, whereupon a Crew Chief becomes injured and another umpire on the postseason crew becomes the new Crew Chief, he shall receive no additional bonus points for this role as Crew Chief, unless this replacement is for a majority of games during the series, or, if the series duration is an even number of games, no less than one half of the total number of games.

Section 4. End-of-Season Awards

End-of-Season awards are given to umpires who have shown any of several characteristics throughout the season. Umpires receiving the distinction of subsections (a) through (f) will have shown dedication, professionalism, advancement, and/or an affinity for a positive work ethic. An umpire may not receive distinctions (a) and (b) during the same year, but otherwise may receive multiple awards. Umpires receiving the distinction of (g) will have executed the best ejection(s) of the year, either through a correct call or other valuable contribution during this ejection. To qualify, the ejection need not possess a correct QOC. Umpires receiving the distinction of subsection (h) will have shown a regression in ability and might have had a regrettable situation occur in-season. Points scale for postseason awards:

a.     An umpire recognized as Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 1 umpire) will receive 5 bonus points.

b.     An umpire recognized as Promising Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 2 umpires) will receive 3 bonus points.

c.      An umpire recognized as Bernice Gera Honorable Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire) will receive 2 bonus points.

d.     An umpire recognized as Fill-In of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire) will receive 2 bonus points.

e.     An umpire recognized as Most Improved Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire) will receive 1 bonus point.

f.      An umpire recognized as Crew Chief of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire) will receive 1 bonus point.

g.     An umpire whose ejection is recognized as Best Ejection of the Year (min. 0 / max. 2 ejections) will receive 1 point.

h.    An umpire whose season is recognized as Most Disappointing Season (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire) will receive -1 bonus points.

i. The Commissioner shall review voting for quality assurance and to prevent spam/manipulation, and may adjust the voting results to account for this. The adjustment may only be made by removal of the entire selection associated with the offending ballot(s).  In the case of Most Disappointing Season, eligible umpires shall be only those explicitly mentioned in the Nominations balloting/comments and for whom a written explanation or reason for nomination is provided.

Approved Ruling: Fill-In umpires that work a minimum of 70% of total games scheduled (a number calculated in accordance with the team that plays the fewest games during the regular season) over the course of the season shall be eligible to receive awards a-e, and h.
Approved Ruling: Any umpire who ejects any person over the course of the season shall be eligible to receive award g.

Section 5. Case Plays and Rules Applications

Occasional case plays or other hypothetical scenarios may be posted to the UEFL. A case play is part rules analysis, part rules application and does have bearing on the distribution of points. Sporadically and unannounced, a Case Play posted to the UEFL will present one scenario that might play out on the field, with the possibility of multiple questions within the Case Play.

a.     Case play guidelines may vary from case play to case play; therefore, guidelines listed within each case play, if present, shall take precedence over the guidelines listed in this Section.

b.     Case plays shall remain open to UEFL members for no less than 48 hours (2 days) so that adequate time is given for UEFL members to provide responses in the form of a comment/reply to the “Case Play: __” post.

c.      Members requesting to receive credit for their responses must clearly convey their identity so that they may be credited, if applicable. This is the sole responsibility of the user replying to the case play post.

d.     In the interest of fairness, all responses may, at sole discretion of the Commissioner, remain in moderation (screened or invisible) until the submission period has closed. Case plays will be worth a maximum of however many points are specified in the “Case Play: __” post.

e.     Unless otherwise specified, as in Article d, all questions ("a", "b", etc.) of a Case Play are worth one point each.

Note: The UEFL Commissioners shall make all determinations in regards to the correctness of a case play response. Though this ruling shall be final and may not be challenged, members may increase their chances of winning points by thoroughly citing rules and/or other evidence to support their claims.

Section 6. Prop Predictions

Prop predictions are forecasts of what might occur during an upcoming season, series or game. They may be numerical (e.g., "On what date will the first ejection of the MLB season occur?") or objective (e.g., "What umpire will finish the season with exactly 10 ejections?").

a.     In the case of a numerical prop, points (the number of which shall be specified) are awarded to the member or members who provide the correct response, or, if no correct response is given, the numerical response closest to the correct response.

b.     In the case of an objective prop, points (the number of which shall be specified) are awarded on a sliding scale based on the maximum. For instance, if a maximum of five points are available, five points shall be awarded if a member provides one response and that one response is correct. If five points are available, that member may provide up to five possible responses. If five responses are provided and one is correct, that member will receive one point. For instance, if Charles provides "Florida," David provides "Florida, Georgia" and Edward provides "Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky," and the correct response turns out to be Florida, Charles will receive five points, David will receive four points and Edward will receive one point.

Section 7. Replay Review and the Manager’s Challenge

Points shall be assessed as a result of Replay Review throughout the championship and post-season pursuant to the following schedule:

a.     Calls affirmed or upheld as correct or inconclusive will result in the addition of one (1) point.

b.     Calls overturned or found to be incorrect will result in the application of negative one (-1) points.

c.      The UEFL Appeals Board retains the right, pursuant to Rule 6-2-b-8, to review and affirm/overrule any Replay Review decision rendered by the Replay Official. The Board’s decision shall prevail for scoring purposes.

Rule 5 – Statistics

Section 1. Reporting of Field-of-Play Statistics

The following field-of-play statistics will be regularly reported, as in Rule 2-1-a:

a.     Ejections: The raw total number of ejections by an umpire.

b.     Points: The total points received by an umpire. See Rule 4.

c.      Accuracy: The percentage of correct calls made by an umpire, where quality of correctness has been determined. The formula is "correct/correct+incorrect * 100." Accuracy is arranged by total number of ejections from correct/incorrect calls, if two umpires with a different number of ejections have the same accuracy rating.

d.     Simple Accuracy: The percentage of correct calls made by an umpire. The formula is "correct/correct+incorrect * 100." Simple Accuracy is arranged by the percentage of correctness, rather than number of correct ejections.

Section 2. Reporting of UEFL Statistics

The following UEFL statistic will be regularly reported, as in Rule 2-1-a:

a.     Points: The total points accrued within the UEFL. See Rule 3 and Rule 4.

Section 3. Ties

Ties across Field-of-Play statistics will be allowed. Ties across UEFL statistics will be resolved in the following manner:

a.     The primary determining factor will be the total number of points by the first drafted (listed) primary umpire.

b.     The secondary determining factor will be the total number of points by the second drafted (listed) primary umpire.

c.      The tertiary determining factor will be the total number of points by the first drafted (listed) secondary umpire.

d.     The fourth determining factor will be the total number of points by the second drafted (listed) secondary umpire.

e.     The fifth determining factor will be the total number of points by the crew chief, pursuant to Rule 3.

f.      The sixth determining factor will be the total number of ejections by all drafted umpires, excluding the chief drafted pursuant to Rule 3.

g.     The final determining factor will be the previous year’s UEFL league standings.

Rule 6 – Challenges and Appeals

Section 1. Definition and League Application

UEFL Challenges and appeals shall be used interchangeably and may be employed by any League member. UEFL Challenges shall be posted as a comment or reply to the entry containing the variable to be challenged. The word “challenge” or “appeal” must be included in this post, as shall a charge of challenge, or reason for appeal. UEFL Challenges are utilized by a person who disagrees with a determination made by the League in regards to an ejection and wishes to overturn a ruling. The Office of the UEFL Commissioner shall, at its own discretion, retain the power to grant or deny certiorari based on an appeal's compliance with this or any other Rule.

a.     To initiate a UEFL Challenge, a UEFL member must (1) be logged in and cannot challenge Pitch f/x (location-based) ball/strike calls, as in Rule 6-2-b-1|2. This appeal must be filed within 24-hours of the Original Ruling and must be supported by at least one other member or visiting commenter through a second.

b.     Filing an appeal shall carry its own reward or penalty dependent upon whether the Original Ruling is affirmed (appeal unsuccessful) or reversed (successful).

(1) The penalty for an unsuccessful appeal wherein the Original Ruling is affirmed, as in Rule 6-4-b-2, shall be the application of negative one (-1) points.

(2) The reward for a successful appeal wherein the Original Ruling is reversed, as in Rule 6-4-b-1, shall be the addition of one (1) point to a UEFL score.

                        c.    The UEFL Appeals Board, at its sole discretion, may initiate a UEFL challenge, in which case there is no penalty or reward for filing an Appeal.

Section 2. Points Affecting Variables

Eligible points-affecting variables for challenge include the following and must be challenged during the seasonal phase in which the ejection occurs, as prescribed by Rule 2-1-a and 2-1-b. An exception is made in the event an ejection occurs during the last day of a seasonal phase, in which that phase of the season is extended 24 hours for the purposes of this Section.

a.     Umpire classification as MLB- or AAA-.

b.     Quality of correctness (QOC) regarding a call. May be correct, incorrect or irrecusable.

(1) In rendering QOC regarding a pitch location (ball/strike), Statcast and/or Pitch f/x shall be the primarily cited source. Borderline pitches, whose outer bounds are located no more than one (1.00) foot from the absolute center of the strike zone (the center of home plate), shall be deemed a strike, if the call on the field was strike, as the pitch f/x plot takes into account the working strike zone (24 inches), which includes the 17" home plate, its edges, plus the diameter of a baseball (because pitch f/x records the location of the center of the ball, as opposed to its edges, one radius is subtracted from each side), so that the pitch f/x working strike zone is 19.944 inches. Converted to feet, the pitch f/x zone is 1.662 across or 0.831 to either side. To account for a projected margin of error of no greater than one inch (0.0833 feet), pitches with an absolute horizontal location (px) value of less than 0.748 feet from center shall always be deemed a strike (given appropriate vertical location), pitches with an absolute px value between 0.748 and 0.914 feet from center shall be deemed borderline, and shall routinely reflect the call on the field as correct unless evidence overwhelmingly suggests otherwise, and pitches with an absolute px value greater than 0.914 feet from center may be deemed a ball. This provision only applies to static borders of the strike zone (e.g.: its horizontal, as opposed to vertical, boundaries). This may be referred to as the "Kulpa Rule."

(2) Judgement of Quality of Correctness regarding a pitch location call (ball/strike), which involves the vertical, as opposed to horizontal, boundaries, shall be calculated using pitch f/x data. Given a batter's individual strike zone (variables sz_bot and sz_top), a pitch whose vertical location (pz) falls within this range shall always be deemed a strike (given appropriate horizontal location); pitches with an absolute pz value outside of this range may be deemed a ball. Margin of error, as indicated in Article 1 of this Section, shall apply to the determination of QOC with similar considerations given to borderline calls as in 6-2-b-1 .This may be referred to as the "Miller Rule."

(3) In the event of a called ball four, in an at bat that has lasted no more than four pitches, including the called ball four, the four called balls shall be adjudged to have been correctly ruled, provided that the Pitch f/x chart for the at bat does not include any pitch within the bounds of the strike zone. Borderline pitches in a four-pitch walk at bat shall be deemed as having been correctly called, due to the unrealistic chance of an alternative outcome.

(4) In the event of a called third strike, in an at bat that has lasted no more than three pitches, including the called third strike, the three called strikes shall be adjudged to have been correctly ruled, provided that the Pitch f/x chart for the at bat does not exclude any pitch from the bounds of the strike zone. Borderline pitches in a three-pitch strikeout at bat shall be deemed as having been correctly called, due to the reasonable probability of these pitches being within the bounds of the strike zone. This provision does not apply to an at bat in which the batter has swung at any of the three pitches.

(5) The Quality of Correctness for all ejections for reasons of Fighting, Throwing At, Unsportsmanlike Conduct-NEC, or Excess Contact shall be adjudged as "Irrecusable" by default, unless there is clear and convincing evidence to suggest otherwise; however, proving "Incorrect" status for Fighting, Throwing At, Unsportsmanlike Conduct-NEC, or Excess Contact is extremely difficult. Ejections for throwing equipment shall be judged individually with no such default status.
Approved Ruling: An umpire who ejects a person who was clearly and overwhelmingly not involved in the unsportsmanlike act may receive a QOC of "incorrect."

a)    All ejections of players/coaches not on the active roster (e.g., Disabled List) shall be associated with a reason listed under aforementioned UEFL Rule 6-2-b-5.

b)   Irrecusability shall be limited to the reasons listed in 6-2-b-5. Ejections resulting from a Repeat Visit argument (formerly, “DiMuro Rule”) or of an individual not on the active roster shall receive a QOC associated with the Quality of the call leading to ejection, as in Rule 4-2-b. If, due to the time between the initial call and associated ejection, reason for ejection is in dispute or otherwise unclear, the matter shall be referred to the UEFL Appeals Board, as in 6-1-c. This may be referred to as the "Ripperger Rule."

Approved Ruling: The UEFL Appeals Board shall determine QOC (and ejector classification, if applicable) based on the most probable reason for ejection. If two or more calls are at issue and these calls possess conflicting QOC or classification values, or if no reason for ejection is most probable, the Board may rule the play Irrecusable (if QOC) or Calling (if Classification).

c)    Ejections for the reason of “Check Swing” shall, automatically, be referred to the UEFL Appeals Board for QOC determination. No UEFL Challenge shall be accepted for any such ejection.

(6) Quality of Correctness for an ejection that occurs prior to or during the course of umpire consultation or instant replay review, wherein the initial call was changed during or after consultation/review, shall be adjudged by the correctness of the initial call.

a)    Any displayed reasoning for such a call, including a communicated application or interpretation of a rule, shall not affect the determination of Quality of Correctness. Quality of Correctness is governed by the (in)correctness of the call made, not by the quality of reasoning given for such a call.

(7) Quality of Correctness for an ejection that occurs after umpire consultation or instant replay review, wherein the initial call was changed during or after consultation/review, shall be adjudged by the correctness of the call after consultation/review.

Approved Ruling: For the purposes of this Section, instant replay review applies to both manager-initiated and umpire-initiated replay reviews.

(8) The UEFL Appeals Board may initiate an independent review of MLB Replay Review Decisions. Effectively, the Appeals Board may determine upon its own review that MLB Replay Officials arrived at an incorrect decision in affirming/reversing an on-field call and, accordingly, attribute its own QOC that may conflict with MLB/NY’s ruling.

Approved Ruling: This QOC pertains to the post-review decision. For instance, if the Board decides the Replay Official improperly affirmed/reversed an on-field call, the QOC for the resulting ejection shall indicate the incorrectness of the Replay Official's decision (QOCN).

c.      Name of ejector.

(1) Ejector classification as calling or secondary due to a crewmate designated as the calling umpire.

a)    All classifications in regards to calls that are upheld or overturned after umpire consultation or instant replay challenge shall revert to whichever umpire would have had primary responsibility (calling) had the consultation or challenge not occurred.

b)   All classifications in regards to calls that are overturned after instant replay review shall revert to reflect the crew chief as the calling umpire, whether or not he had calling responsibility on the field of play. In the case of an upheld call, either umpire may be calling.

Approved Ruling: A calling umpire is the umpire who has primary responsibility for a play and makes the original call on the field. In the event of a live ball appeal play (such as a check swing appeal), in which a play is instantaneously appealed AND the decision of the appellate umpire shall regularly prevail AND the ball remains live during this appeal process (excepting a ball which becomes dead for reasons other than to execute this appeal), the call of the appealing umpire shall be judged secondary to the call of the appellate umpire, which shall be deemed the primary call.

d.     Umpire classification as crew chief.

e.     Umpire crew listing.

f.      Date of ejection (see Rule 2).

g.     Reason for ejection is a pseudo points altering variable, which is primarily considered an inalterable variable under Rule 6-3. It may be challenged but may also be reviewed at any time under Rule 6-3 (see Rule 6-2-b-5).

Section 3. Points Inalterable Variables

Eligible points inalterable variables for review during any seasonal phase include the following.

a.     Seasonal ejection number.

b.     Player ejection number.

c.      Manager ejection number.

d.     Ejected team.

e.     Position of ejected person.

f.      Name of ejected person.

g.     Team W/L and score at time of ejection.

h.     Runs scored/allowed after an ejection.

i.       Inning of ejection and top/bottom designation.

j.       Reason for ejection (see Rules 6-2-b-5 and 6-2-g).

k.     Play result.

Section 4. Presentation and Review of Appeals and Challenges

Upon review of an appeal, the determination shall be made upon a course of action to result from such an appeal or challenge.

a.     The UEFL shall establish an Appeals Board that shall routinely rule on issues of Quality of Correctness.

(1) This board shall be comprised of two UEFL Commissioners, an alternate Commissioner, charter member, and five at-large members such that the Appeals Board shall seat nine persons. This rule does not preclude the Commissioners from adjusting the distribution of seats by type on the Board, so long as the Board shall have nine seats. Board members shall rotate abstentions, if necessary, such that no less than three board members adjudicate each QOC appeal.

a)    Abstentionism is determined by conflicts of interest, such as an appeal that includes a member’s umpire.

b)   In the event of abstentions that conflict with the minimum-voting requirement of three, the UEFL Commissioner who made the Original Ruling shall place a casting vote, as in Provision 5 of this Article.

(2) Selection of the five through seven at-large members shall be determined by a pre-season membership nomination.

a)    The pre-season election shall take the form of a plurality-at-large voting system such that top vote recipients are elected corresponding with the number of vacancies on the Appeals Board. In the event of a tied vote for the final vacancy, a run-off ballot may be used.

b)   The sixth and seventh Board members may/may not be elected or appointed at the sole discretion of the UEFL Commissioner.

(3) At-large terms shall be limited to one year in length with no term limits.

(4) At the conclusion of the season and during the Rules Summit, Appeals Board members may sit for re-election/retention. A simple majority is required for re-election. If a Board member fails to ascertain this during a first ballot, a run-off may be initiated.

(5) The Appeals Board shall vote upon matters by casting a vote for "Confirm," "Uphold," "Overturn," "Defer" or "Abstain" (Present). Though a simple majority is required to reverse or defer a decision, a plurality is required to affirm a decision.

a)    The UEFL Commissioner who made the Original Ruling is required to abstain during this process unless a tie occurs;

b)   In the event of a tied vote, the abstaining UEFL Commissioner shall place a casting vote that Confirms, Upholds or Overturns the matter; in this event, the simple majority requirement is suspended. The casting vote may not result in another tie.

b.     After a decision has been rendered by a Commissioner or the QOC Appeals Board, the appeal may be:

(1) Reversed, through which the initial ruling is overturned (Corresponding Vote: Overturn).

(2) Affirmed, through which the initial ruling stands or is confirmed (Corresponding Votes: Confirm or Uphold).

(3) Deferred, through which the initial variable is listed as inconclusive (Corresponding Vote: Defer).

Section 5. Quality of Correctness Guidelines and General Instructions to the Appeals Board

The general rules regarding appeals for Quality of Correctness include:

a.     In the event that a play under appeal can be conclusively categorized or adjudged as Correct/Incorrect as a result of this action, through the use of conclusive and/or clear and/or convincing evidence, the Original Ruling shall be Reversed or Affirmed, as in Rule 6-4-b-1 or -2, respectively.

b.     In the event that a play under appeal cannot be conclusively categorized or adjudged as Correct/Incorrect as a result of this action, through the lack of conclusive nor clear nor convincing evidence, the Original Ruling shall be Affirmed or Deferred, as in Rule 6-4-b-2 or -3, respectively.

c.      Quality of Correctness only applies to the call made directly prior to ejection, or, if balls/called strikes during a single at-bat, any pitch called during that at bat, provided that the call was against the ejected person (or his team) and this call realistically resulted in a different outcome of the at-bat.

(1) Rule 6-5-c only applies to ejections and calls made by the HP Umpire, in the event of a Balls/Strikes ejection. Otherwise, this Rule may be applied to any Umpire for any ejection and call.

(2) In the event of an ejection which occurs during an inning break immediately following the half inning in which the play to be argued occurred, the ejection must undoubtedly be for this one specific call, and is considered a Post-Inning Exemption. If there is any doubt as to the call being argued immediately prior to and during ejection, the Post-Inning Exemption shall be denied. The Post-Inning Exemption may be applied directly, or as the result of a challenge.

a)    A Pitching Change Exemption shall be authorized pursuant to terms identical to that of the Post-Inning Exemption.

(3) Ejections, wherein an argument for a previously ruled play (either correct or incorrect) continues into a later play (i.e., some point after a pitch has been delivered to the next batter), shall be ruled QOC Y/N under Rule 6-2-b-5. A reason for ejection of Unsportsmanlike Conduct-NEC is only assigned when no other reason for ejection may be assessed. For instance, if an ejected person reignites an argument over a previously ruled play, yet indicates a disagreement regarding the current play, reason for ejection and QOC will reflect the argument over the current play: NEC represents "Not Elsewhere Classified" and is generally subservient to any other probable classification.

(4) The Quality of Correctness of a post-at bat ejection, if arguing balls/strikes or some other call which occurs during the at bat immediately preceding ejection, shall be judged in relation to the holistic effect of the argued call(s)/pitch(es). This rule further declares that the argued call(s) during this preceding at bat must be against the ejected person (or his team) and this call must have realistically resulted in a different outcome of the individual at bat. If balls/strikes and it is possible that one or more pitches has been argued, the argued call shall be listed as the final callable pitch of the at-bat against the ejected person (or his team), even though Quality of Correctness may be governed by Rule 6-5-c related to an earlier call during the at-bat.

(5) As it relates to balls and strikes, whether an improperly ruled pitch has "realistically resulted in a different outcome" shall be adjudged pursuant to the following schedule, given that such contributing pitch has preceded a decisive pitch (not necessarily consecutively):

(a) YES (Offense) = x-1,* x-2 or 3-x ==> Called Strike (*Unless x-2 results in a foul ball); or

     (b) YES (Defense) = x-2, 1-x, 2-x or 3-x ==> Called Ball; and

     (c) NO (Offense) = 0-0, 1-0, 2-0 ==> Called Strikes; or

     (d) NO (Defense) = 0-0, 0-1 ==> Called Ball.

Approved Ruling: Realistically resulted in a different outcome" refers to a decisive pitch being incorrectly ruled, provided this call is against the ejected person (or his team). An example of a decisive pitch, when the batter is ejected, is a 1-2 pitch that is incorrectly ruled strike three. An example of a decisive pitch, when the pitcher is ejected, is a 3-1 pitch that is incorrectly ruled ball four. "Realistically resulted in a different outcome" also refers to a contributing pitch, which itself is not decisive, being incorrectly ruled, provided this call is against the ejected person (or his team) and this contributing pitch has preceded a decisive pitch being called later in the at bat which included only the minimum number of contributing + decisive pitches (generally, strikes). "Realistically resulted in a different outcome" does not refer to a scoring decision or alternate method of judgment, such as a tag of the player vs. a tag of the base (unless concerning a force play vs. no force, where this distinction is significant in the ruling of a play by virtue of allowing or prohibiting a runner from advancing) or a swinging vs. called strike (unless the swinging vs. called distinction is significant in the ruling of a play by virtue of allowing or prohibiting a batter or runner in advancing).

d.     Balls/Strikes ejections that occur at the end of an inning shall be judged on a case-by-case basis, with a strong regard for Rule 6-5-c. Single-case exemptions may or may not be made, depending on the overall inning's performance by the Home Plate umpire. Typically, an umpire must have less than 66% accuracy on callable pitches during a specific half inning for an exemption to be made, though some exemptions may be made where an umpire's accuracy is greater than 66% during any given inning. For an exemption to be made under this rule, a challenge for Quality of Correctness must be made for said ejection. Only ejections flagged "Eligible for Balls/Strikes Exemption" may be challenged under the realm of this article, and only ejections flagged "Eligible for Balls/Strikes Exemption" may receive such an exemption after challenge, though not all ejections flagged in this way will ultimately receive an exemption. The accuracy rating of 66% has been determined as the result of the finding that of all ejections, 66% are as a result of a correctly ruled play.

(1) No precedents shall be established based on any actions taken in regards to Rule 6-5-d as by rule, all B/S Exemptions under Rule 6-5-d. are determined on a case-by-case basis.

(2) Balls/Strikes ejections that occur during a pitching change, mound visit, or other pause in play, shall be judged on a case-by-case basis, as above, with a strong regard for Rule 6-5-c. The same exemption that may be made under Rule 6-5-d shall also apply to this provision, except that this exemption shall not be referenced as a Rule 6-5-d exemption, but as a Rule 6-5-d-2 exemption. The exemption title, "Balls/Strikes Exemption," however, shall remain the same as if the exemption were granted under Rule 6-5-d.

e.     In the event of an ejection resulting from one or more calls which occur during the same play and which carry the same Quality of Correctness, in which it is feasible that the argument may have been in response to any number of these calls which carry the same Quality of Correctness, as opposed to overwhelmingly clear and convincing evidence that the argument was indeed in response to only one call, Quality of Correctness and Ejector Classification (if applicable) will be determined by virtue of the points application by call order. For instance, if a ball (incorrect) and subsequent check [no] swing (incorrect) call result in the ejection of a player/coach, with no overwhelmingly clear and convincing evidence to suggest one call was exclusively argued, the scoring would proceed as such: the ejecting 1B/3B Umpire would receive -2 Incorrect Call (Crewmate) points, while the HP Umpire would receive -4 Incorrect Call points. The 1B/3B Umpire in this case would remain secondary, whereas the HP Umpire would remain primary.

f.      UEFL post language shall routinely and directly reflect the associated Quality of Correctness.

Approved Ruling: If QOC is reversed as the result of a challenge, the original ejection post shall be edited such that its language reflects the revised QOC value.

Approved Ruling: Provision f. shall not apply to rulings of check swing.

 

Comments on Appeals for Quality of Correctness may be made by any user, and may or may not have influential value in regards to the final decision made to uphold, deny, or defer the appeal for Quality of Correctness. As such, the recommended interval of time from the first post of appeal ("Challenge") to the post displaying the result of appeal as overturned, confirmed/upheld, or deferred shall be no less than 24 hours.

 

Table 1 – List of QOC Time Frame and Exemptions

 

Type	Rule	Timeframe
QOC (Y/N/U)	6-5-c	Immediately following call or, if balls/strikes, during or following at-bat.
QOC (Y/N may apply to play immediately preceding EJ)	6-5-c-3	Any argument over a former play that continues into a latter play or after the first pitch to a subsequent batter if interrupted or unless any of the following exemptions apply:
Exemptions
Post-Inning	6-5-c-2	Inning break immediately following half inning in which disputed call occurred.
Pitching Change	6-5-c-2-a	Mound visit or pitching change immediately following call.
Balls/Strikes	6-5-d	Inning break following call (if not immediate and not limited to one at bat).

 

*As used above, “immediately following” refers to a time directly in succession. For instance, an inning break immediately following a call refers to the full- or half-inning intermission that naturally occurs following the call in question—which resulted in the third out of the inning. In this situation, “immediately following” does not refer to a call that precedes further action during the same half inning of play (e.g., the second out or any other call that does not end the inning or half inning).

Approved Ruling: Double plays and the like, wherein the third out occurs on the final of a series of calls concerning the same play, allow for “immediately following” to include a second out or like call.

Rule 7 – Unresolved Classifications and References

Section 1. Classifications and Probable Reversion

All unresolved classifications, which fall under the category of points-affecting variables, as in Rule 6-2, shall be resolved and reverted to a probable classification, or the default if no probable classification can be made. Although unresolved/inconclusive classifications are subject to review and resolving and/or reversion at any time, such resolving and reversion must be made no later than the conclusion of the phase of the season, defined in Rule 2-1, during which the ejection occurred.

a.     In the instance of an Umpire changing status from AAA to MLB, or any other status change, during the season, the classification of Level shall reflect the level assigned at the time of the ejection.

b.     In the instance of an exhaustive disputed or inconclusive Quality of Correctness, the Quality of Correctness shall revert to reflect the call made on the field as correct.

c.      In the instance of a disputed name of Ejector, the name shall reflect the ejector noted in the official Box Score of the game during which the ejection occurred.

d.     In the instance of a disputed crew listing, the crew shall reflect the umpires listed in the affected game’s box score or if inapplicable, the pre-season crew listing, unless definite evidence (injury, etc.) proves otherwise.

Section 2. Disputed Information

In other instances of disputed information, the listing in the official box score shall prevail unless clear and convincing evidence exists to prove information listed in the official box score is erroneous. The UEFL Commissioners shall make this determination, which may not be appealed. If deemed accurate, only ejections documented in the specific contest’s box score shall be deemed official ejections. All other ejections shall be deemed unofficial ejections. The box score criterion may override any other criteria ordinarily applied to gaining information.

 

Section 3. Official Rules Reference

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the Official Baseball Rules shall take precedence over any other documents in determining information including, but not limited to, Quality of Correctness.

Approved Ruling: Any number of recognized documents may be used to support or explain a call or rule, yet the Official Baseball Rules shall be the primary source referenced for such activity.

Rule 8 – Umpire Odds & Ends and Community Issues

Section 1. Comment and Posting Guidelines

CCS has implemented a rudimentary set of posting guidelines, which shall apply to all comments, profiles and other user content:

a.     Users shall refrain from spam activity or any attempt to solicit.

b.     Users shall refrain from flaming, trolling or other conduct interpreted as such by the post moderators. This includes name-calling.

c.      Users shall refrain from undue profanity, vulgarity, obscenity, discriminatory statements pertaining to a marginalized community, or content of a prurient nature. This includes username selection.

d.     Users shall refrain from attempting to moderate or resolve violations. Instead, users shall contact a Commissioner for assistance.

e.     Users shall enjoy the privilege of engaging in an environment free from the aforementioned violative conduct.

f.      If at any time, attention or enforcement is requested, please contact the UEFL Commissioners for assistance.

g.     Post moderation shall be delegated to the UEFL Commissioners, whose judgment shall be final and unchallengeable.

h.     A penalty system, which may include, but is not limited to, comment banishment and loss of UEFL points, shall govern flagrant and/or repeat violations of the Comment and Posting Guidelines, at the sole discretion of the UEFL Commissioners. A commenter penalized for inappropriate/violative comments may appeal this decision to the UEFL Appeals Board, whose decision shall be final and binding.

Section 2. Odds and Ends

As a result of discussion regarding the disputed value of unofficial ejections, what constitutes an unofficial ejection, and the desire to discuss unique umpiring situations that may not lead to an ejection, either official nor unofficial, a different category of discussion will occasionally appear on the UEFL page. Post headings that fall under this category, but do not involve ejection, will read "Umpire Odds & Ends"; followed by a brief description of the situation involved. Unlike Case Plays as specified in Rule 4-5, Umpire Odds & Ends do not involve ejection, do not have bearing on points distribution, nor are Umpire Odds & Ends logged statistically.

Section 3. Rules Summit

At the conclusion of each season, the UEFL shall introduce a Rules Summit during which members, visitors and guests are invited to submit proposals for rules changes and for other matters. The Rules Summit shall culminate in a vote on which proposals to pass & adopt and which to reject. Unless otherwise noted by these rules, all proposals with two options (Yes/No) require an absolute majority for passage, while all proposals with more than two options require a plurality for determination, wherein the combination of like options has resulted in a simple majority in favor of the option who has gained plurality. If this combination simple majority is not achieved, a run-off shall occur between those two options which have received the most votes, or between those two options and any additional option which has received at least 30% of the vote. (e.g., like options in the poll, Yes #1 vs. Yes #2. vs. No #1 vs. No #2 would include Yes #1—Yes #2 and No #1—No#2. If Yes #1 received 10 votes, Yes #2 received 15 votes, No #1 received 20 votes and No #2 received zero votes, because the combination of Yes #1 + Yes #2 = 25 votes, which is greater than No #1 + No #2's 20 votes, a run-off vote would be held with only Yes #2 and No #1 on the ballot. If, alternately, No #2 received 10 votes, such that No #1 + No #2 = 26 votes, which would constitute a simply majority [26/[26+25] = 26/51 = >50%], No #1 would pass due to the plurality determination method as a result of simple majority of like options.

Section 4. UEFL Divisional Play

The UEFL shall incorporate the following divisions and make accessible to its members leader board or standing information for each:

a.     UEFL Traditional, which shall include all features of the UEFL as prescribed above.

b.     UEFL Express, which shall include all elements of the UEFL except for Case Play and Prop Predictions points, as in Rule 4-5 and Rule 4-6.

c.      Customized Divisions shall generally be a subset of UEFL Traditional play and may be requested by a group Captain.

Note: Pursuant to Rules vote, participation in the official Umpire Ejection Fantasy League shall remain free of charge to members.