Normally we don't make a lot of rule changes. The USPBL RULES only underwent 4 Major Rewrites since the current version was designed in 1998. 

In recent years, MLB has instituted new rules. In turn, Strat has instituted new rules.

Usually new Strat Rules are simply a matter of checking the boxes in the MAX RULES. And most of the time we decide on these without the need for a ballot. 

The Rules on the right were aimed at addressing the need for additional usage . While many agreed that some teams have usage issues, there were additional problems connected to the implementation  of these rule proposals. 

After the idea of maybe adding a  "BAD HITTER" Rule was determined to be too problematic, and the other two proposals for changes on the right were voted down, we tried one more thing.

During the Covid season (our 2021 season), we extended our rosters with TEMP players who we could use for the season, but would be returned to the player pool afterward. So it was proposed we try this again.

It was decided that we would go with the TEMP players, but whether we would hold a TEMP player draft after the Rotation Draft or simply appoint 2 TEMP players like we did in 2021 was decided by ballot.

(Results on the Right)  By a narrow margin, it was decided that we'd go with the "Temps by Appointment".

SO FOR the 2025 SEASON, REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN KEEP FROM 0-2

TEMP PLAYERS ON YOUR ROSTER. WE"LL BE SURE TO POST THE

NAMES OF THE TEMPS ON THE USPBL PAGE.

ALSO for 2025, the "BAD PITCHER RULE" will be set at 

5.10 ERA

This is for the 2025 season and may revert back to the usual 5.25 if the

offense returns to the Majors in the coming year.

RULE REMINDER:

Recently. one of the rule changes made was removal of the "TIER" system of usage while going with the 110% usage bonus across the board.  For some players they ended up getting less ABs than before while others gained. The purpose of the rule change was to get rid of the inequity of having the 101 At bat player getting the same usage as the 149 At bat player. This change also allowed us to use the usage shown on the cards as the actual allowed usage. 

While getting rid of the TIER SYSTEM, we did keep UNLIMITED AT BAT STATUS.

545 ACTUAL AT BATS  which is 

600 AT BATS WITH THE 110% BONUS THAT APPEARS ON THE USPBL ROSTERS. 

NEW FOR 2025:

Pitchers must have a STARTER ("S") Rating in order to start.

Previously as long as a pitcher started in the Majors, they were allowed to start

whatever number of games they actually started. This primarily concerned "openers".

Moving forward a pitcher will require an S rating in order to start regardless of whether they started in the Majors.

x

BALLOT RESULTS

"B"  needs 13 votes to

change an existing rule.

1) Increase Usage Bonus from 110% to 120%

A = 110%   Current

B = 120%   Change

A votes - 15

B votes - 5

2) Decrease schedule  from 166 games to 158

A = 166 games Current

B = 158 games Change

A votes - 13

B votes - 7

RESULTS are that there will be

no changes. The Usage Bonus will remain at 110% and the schedule will remain at 166 games.

Staying with the current rules is nearly always the winning option. Usually the only changes that will get a lot of support is when there's a change in the game itself that the league wants to adopt or drop. 

These were good ideas with good intentions. But that doesn't mean that the current rules are not also good ideas with good intentions.

______________________

BALLOT RESULTS -

TEMP PLAYERS

Rosters will be changed starting

with the 2025 USPBL Season.

We will have the 40 usual keeper players. Additionally teams may have from 0-2 TEMP players that may be used for the season, but will be returned to the player pool after the season.

We voted on the method of getting and assigning the TEMP

players.

A) Hold a Temp Player Draft after the Rotation Draft

B) Assign Temp Players on the Final Roster.

A VOTES  8

B VOTES 11

RESULT is that we will have the usual 40 player roster, and 0-2 additional players can be kept and designated as Temps.