IMSSL — Official League Rules

1. League Overview

The International Mario Super Sluggers League (IMSSL) is an open, ongoing 2v2 league. There is no fixed schedule or bracket. Player standings track individual cumulative performance across all games.

2. Membership & Roster

• No fixed roster size; new players may join at any time.
• Players enter the standings at 0–0 when they join.
• Wins and losses remain recorded even if a player leaves.
• No minimum game requirement exists for playoffs unless the league agrees otherwise.

3. Game Format

• All matches are played in 2v2 format.
• No fixed partnerships are used; teams can change every match.
• Games may be 5 to 9 innings, agreed upon before play.
• All roster spots must be human-controlled.

4. Character Selection

Both teams must agree on one selection method before the match begins.

Random Selection

• Both teams randomize their full roster.
• Each team gets one full re-randomization before the game starts.
• Individual character swaps are not allowed in random mode.

Snake Draft

• Teams alternate picks in snake order.
• Draft order must be decided before selection begins.
• All picks are final once made.

5. Illegal Pitches

Pitches that leave the visible screen are banned. They must be treated as intentional balls.

• If an illegal pitch is thrown, it is ruled an intentional ball.
• If it was accidental, the pitcher must call it immediately or throw an intentional ball on the next pitch.
• Repeated use may be reviewed under the amendments process.

6. Regular Season Standings & Scoring

The league tracks individual player standings. Each match gives a win to both players on the winning team and a loss to both players on the losing team.

Scoring System

Player score is the sum of participation points, win points, and a win percentage bonus.

Win Points

2 pts per win.

Win% Bonus

A seasonal bonus requires at least 4 games played.

Total Score = Participation Points + Win Points + Win% Bonus

Standings Tiebreaker

1. Most Wins
2. Higher Win Percentage
3. More Participation Points
4. More Home Runs Hit

7. Playoffs & Championship

• Playoff format is decided by league consensus before the regular season ends.
• Currently, playoffs are planned to be played as 1v1 games.
• Seeding is based on regular season winning percentage.
• Playoff tiebreakers are defined with the playoff format.
• Special playoff rules may be used if agreed upon before the postseason begins.

8. Statistics & Record Keeping

• At minimum, win-loss records must be tracked.
• Additional stats like runs scored, home runs, and batting average are encouraged.
• Players are responsible for reporting results after each game.
• Disputed results must be raised before the next match is played.

9. Amendments

• Any active IMSSL member may propose an amendment.
• Amendments pass by majority vote of active members.
• Changes take effect at the start of the next match unless immediate implementation is agreed upon.
• Adopted amendments are recorded in this document with the adoption date.