Dominican government implements new regulatory framework for national baseball
The Executive Branch has taken a transcendental step in the organization of the king of sports in the Dominican Republic. Through Decree no. 601-26, issued on August 26, 2026, the Regulation for the Supervision of Professional and Recreational Baseball has been made official, a regulation that covers everything from little leagues to high-level structures and development academies.
This Alofoke Deportes initiative seeks to raise the standards of transparency and security in the baseball ecosystem, guaranteeing a more protected environment for players, coaches, umpires, and operations staff.
Supervision and National Registry
The responsibility for ensuring compliance with these provisions lies with the Office of the National Baseball Commissioner, an agency attached to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. Among the pillars of this regulation are sports integrity, equal opportunities, and the prevention of conflicts of interest.
As a fundamental part of this modernization, the National Baseball System Registry has been created. This mandatory database will integrate all actors in the sector, including:
- Players and teams of all categories.
- Training academies and development programs.
- Agencies, representatives, and scouts.
- Certified coaches and referees.
Clear rules for professional baseball
In the professional sphere, the regulation introduces rigorous mechanisms for the supervision of leagues and organizations. Strict regulations are established regarding transfers and contracts, with the aim of eradicating the lack of transparency in agreements. Likewise, drastic measures are incorporated against the manipulation of competitions, the use of prohibited substances, and malpractice by intermediaries.
The regulation seeks to protect Dominican talent, ensuring that sports development does not come at the expense of the comprehensive well-being or academic training of young prospects.
Comprehensive protection for prospects and minors
One of the most relevant points of the decree is the special protection for minors. Academies operating in the country are now required to guarantee optimal conditions for hygiene, food, transportation, and accommodation. Furthermore, practices that threaten the integrity of young people, such as overtraining and negligence, are prohibited, always prioritizing the continuity of their school education.
The regulation also requires institutions to have civil liability policies and an environment free of abuse, discrimination, or harassment. With mandatory coach certification and the creation of an honorary advisory council, the Dominican State seeks to further professionalize the path to the Major Leagues, ensuring that every step in the athlete’s career is supported by a solid and transparent legal framework.
