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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Where can I find the rules for your leagues?
Where are the fields & how are they assigned?
What types of leagues are available?
How many players are allowed on a roster?
Do you have a level of play that meets my team's experience?
What is the playoff format?
Does the league supply softballs?
Does the league supply bases?
How many players bat in the lineup?
What softball governing body is ABL affiliated with?
How many players do you need to avoid a forfeit?
Is bunting or stealing permitted?
How do I know if my bat is legal?
What are the requirements to play in a Coed program?
How do the umpires get paid?
Are team jerseys required?

Registration Questions
How do I register my team for an upcoming league?
If my team needs a particular week off, can you arrange it around the schedule?
I do not think I have enough players to form a team. Can you help?
Will my team play within our level of play throughout the season & playoffs?
Does the league play on all holiday weekends?
Am I required to post a forfeit bond or pay for (optional) insurance each season?

 

Q: Where can I find the rules for your leagues?

A: For 2012 ABL Men's & Coed Slow-Pitch Softball Rules & Regulations, Click Here
For 2012 ABL Men's Basketball Rules & Regulations, Click Here
For 2012 ABL Coed Kickball Rules & Regulations, Click Here
For 2012 ABL Men's Flag Football Rules & Regulations, Click Here
For 2012 ABL Coed Soccer Rules & Regulations, Click Here
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Q: Where are the fields & how are they assigned?

A: We have basketball courts and softball, soccer, flag football and kickball fields located throughout Bergen, Hudson, Passaic & Essex County.
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Q: What types of leagues are available?

A: ABL offers Slow-Pitch (Standard play) leagues for Adult Men and Adult Coed (Men & Women). We also have: 5-on-5 Flag Football Leagues, 7-on-7 Coed Soccer Leagues, Coed Kickball Leagues abd Men's Basketball Leagues
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Q: How many players are allowed on a roster?

A: You need a minimum of 12 players to form a team and up to 20 maximum (Softball). Minimum of 8 players, max 12 (Basketball and Flag Football).
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Q: Do you have a level of play that meets my team’s experience?

A: There are 3 different levels of play for Softball. "A/B" (highly competitive teams - 6 HR Limit) , "C" (standard level of play - 4 HR Limit), and "D" (beginner teams - 2 HR Limit). The are usually 2 levels of play for our other sports (Recreational or Competitive).
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Q: What is the playoff format?

A: In Softball, The top 4 teams (there are usually 6-8 teams in a division) make the playoffs regardless of the number of teams per division. The playoff will last a total of 3 rounds (Summer) & 2 rounds (Fall). Each round is a best 2 out of 3 game series. Exception: Mini-Season teams will play (1) 9-Inning Game each round for a total of 2 rounds. For our other sports, we usually play a single-elimination playoff tournament (top 4 teams per division qualify).
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Q: Does the league supply softballs?

A: Yes! Each team will receive Dudley Thunder Blue Heat softballs for all regular season and playoff games.
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Q: Does the league supply bases?

A: No. Both managers are responsible for providing bases. Check your local sporting goods store for the best deal.
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Q: How many players bat in the lineup?

A: For Men's, you may bat a maximum of 13 at any one time (10 fielders plus 3 extra hitters).
For Women's, you may bat a maximum of 14 at any one time. (Alternating Males & Females)
Minimum # of players needed to start a game is 8.
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Q: What softball governing body is ABL affiliated with?

A: We adhere to the rules of the sanctioned USSSA program (U.S. Specialty Sports Association).
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Q: How many players do you need to avoid a softball forfeit?

A: 8
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Q: Is bunting or stealing permitted?

A: No (Slow-Pitch/Standard play).
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Q: How do I know if my bat is legal?

A: Authorized bat manufacturers shall mark their products with the words "Official Softball" or words to that effect. When a bat does not meet the specifications as defined, has flat spots or pronounced dents, or if in the Umpires judgment, the bat has been altered, the Umpire shall prohibit the use of the doubtful bat. The performance standard for all bats will be a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.20 or less. If you have any questions regarding the legality of a bat, visit USSSA's Legal Bats Webpage or call USSSA directly at (804) 732-4099.

ABL will adhere to the approved bat standards set by USSSA, unless otherwise specified, prior to the season. All teams will be given a listing of any bats that are disqualified by ABL, and any bats that are permitted by USSSA.
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Q: What are the requirements to play in the Coed program?

A: You must have a minimum of (4) women & (4) men on the field at (any position) at a time. The batting lineup must alternate between sexes. See the ABL Rulebook under 'Rulebook' heading for more specific coed rules.
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Q: How do the umpires get paid?

A: Each team pays the umpire $20 per game at the field ($40 per double/header).
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Q: Are team jerseys required?

A: No. However, since nearly all teams wear some sort of team jersey it is highly recommended that your team wear them as well.
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Q: How do I register my team for an upcoming league?

A: You can register directly on our website or by phone by calling the League Office 201-224-7431. Please register your team early to lock in your team's preferred time slot! After you register, you will receive a confirmation email. Softballs, rulebooks, permits, field directions, and all other pertinent information will be shipped to you (1) week prior to Opening Day. Your Schedule will also be released around this time.
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Q: If my team needs a particular week off can you arrange it around the schedule?

A: Yes. All we need is for you to let us know the week you need off at time of registration (make a note in the "special requests" portion of the registration form). However, if you want a week off, there are no guarantees that the games will be made up. A makeup game will be scheduled if an opponent/location/field is available. You will not be penalized for any 'bye week' requested since teams qualify for the playoffs based upon 'winning percentage' regardless of the number of games played.
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Q: I do not think I have enough players to form a team. Can you help?

A: Absolutely! Visit our renowned "Free Agent Player Profile" which will allow you to sign free agents from our database of individuals to fill the void in your line-up.
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Q: Will my team play within our level of play throughout the season and playoffs?

A: Yes. If your team joins the "C" league, you will only play "C" level teams throughout the season (whenever possible) and playoffs.
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Q: Does the league play on all holiday weekends?

A: There are no regular season games on Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekend. However, unless you ask for a BYE Week, you will be scheduled to play on Mothers & Fathers Day.
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Q: Am I required to post a forfeit bond or pay for (optional) insurance each season?

A: Each team is required to post a forfeit bond upon first joining ABL ($ vaue based on what league you register for). Once your team posts a forfeit bond, you will not be asked to post another (unless your team forfeits). The forfeit bond will be carried over each season.
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