Playing by the ''Rules''

''Sip, don't slurp; legs always together, a lady reveals nothing,'' reprimands actress Ellie Weingardt, the charm-school teacher in A League of Their Own. Her mission: to train the Rockford Peaches how to win at the game of etiquette — a subject taken very seriously in the 1940s. The film wasn't making an error. When it comes to mind-boggling regulations, female baseball players were in a league of their own. Just scan some of the official ''Rules of Conduct'' for players in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (courtesy of the Northern Indiana Historical Society).

Always appear in feminine attire when not engaged in playing baseball.

At no time may any player appear in slacks or shorts in public.

Boyish bobs are not permissible. Longer hair is preferred over short. u Lipstick should always be on. Games included.

Smoking or drinking is not permitted in public places. Hard-liquor drinking will not be permitted under any circumstances. Other intoxicating drinks, in limited portions, will be allowed with the after-game meal if the player is of legal age, but never in a public bar or the player's room.

Curfew shall be no later than 12:30 a.m.

Baseball-uniform skirts will not be shorter than six inches above the kneecap.

All social engagements must be approved by your chaperone. Legitimate requests for dates might be allowed.

Players will not be allowed to drive their car beyond the city limits without special permission of the manager.

No obscene language.

There were, of course, players who bent the rules: The fine for a first offense was $5; for the second, $10; for the third, suspension.