Change in Age Divisions to Be Looked at for 2022

Sept. 1, 2021

SACRAMENTO –  The National Rules Committee voted to continue to monitor the 65 and older age groups for at least one more season before considering any changes in allowing underage players in those groups.

A survey of 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85 managers was inconclusive earlier in the year.

Here are the results of the survey:

70 Division:

• Recommendation -- Allow three 69 players on a 70-Division team: 14 managers voted for the change.
• Keep the current rule of no underage players on a 70 roster: 16 managers voted to keep the current rule.

80 Division:

80 Division teams were given two options.

• Option 1: Teams would be allowed to draw a total of 9 players aged 78 and 79 in any combination: 4 managers.
• Option 2: Teams would be allowed to draw up to 10 players aged 78 or 79, including not more than five 78-year-olds: 6 managers.
• Keep current rule: teams may draw up to 7 underage players, including no more than three 78-year-olds: 8 managers.

85 Division:

• Recommendation – Allow six 83-year-old players to be included in the 10 underage players allowed (the rest would be 84): 3 managers.
• Current Rule – Up to 10 underage players (83/84) with no more than five 83-year-olds: 1 manager.

Adjust Older Divisions:

• Change age brackets beyond 70 to be 74, 78 and 82, with no underage players: 18 managers.
• Keep current age divisions: 13 managers.

The National Rules Committee will review the issue at the National Convention in Sacramento in December.