Game Rules Version 2.3

 Our tournaments are governed by Major League Baseball (MLB) rules with certain overrides. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to change these rules at any time.  Please note the version of rules. Periodically we make enhancements to the rules online. Make sure you print off the latest version of the rules. The web site version is the official version. The following rules override the MLB Rules where appropriate:

1. Time limits: Championship play does not have time limits, but the following time limts are in effect for all other games:

Game will consist of 7 innings or a one hour forty-five minute time limit whichever comes first (no new inning may start after the one hour forty-five minute time limit). 8u - 10u: Game will consist of 6 innings or a one hour forty-five minute time limit whichever comes first (no new inning may start after the one hour forty-five minute time limit). In the inning where a time limit is reached the Home Team bats if the game is tied or they are behind. The game immediately ends if the home team gains the lead or 3 outs are made. If the home team has the lead when the visiting team makes 3 outs the game immediatley ends. The game ends immediately if the home team is ahead and is batting when the time limit is reached.

2. Pitching distance & base length. 8u 40' pitching 60' base length 9u- 10u 46' pitching 65' base length 11u - 12u 50' pitching 70' base length 13u - 14u 54' pitching 80' base length.

3. Playing surface is as it remains at the tournament fields.

4. NCAA Force-Play-Slide Rule 8 Section 4 (NCAA rules)

5. Malicious contact at any base is forbidden (umpire's discretion)

6. Mercy Rule 1: 12 runs after 3 innings (home team bats if behind)

7. Mercy Rule 2: 8 runs after 5 innings (home team bats if behind)

8. Spikes/Shoes 8u-12u rubber or plastic sheeted shoes only.

9. Courtesy runner for pitcher or catcher - must be a player not in the current batting line-up. If no players are left you must use the player committing the last out.

10. Bats - if you can swing it you can bring it except 15u and above -3 bat. Team using an illegal bat at home plate will receive an out.

11. Player must be on their teams valid Online Tournament Roster. Team using a player not on the Tournament Roster will be subject to a forfeit if protested.

12. The Official Scorebook is to be kept by the Home Team. The home team will be designated with a flip of a coin prior to the start of the game. Verify the game score at the end of every inning with the other team. If a discrepancy occurs, bring it to the attention of the umpires immediately.

13. A Pitcher cannot be removed from the game defensively then go back on the mound. If a pitcher is removed from his position when his team is no longer on defense then he may be put back on the mound. Example 1: Pitcher A pitches 1 inning. His teams comes into bat. Next inning Pitcher B is now pitching. Pitcher A is eligible to go back on the mound. Example 2: Pitcher A is having a hard time. Coach comes in and removes him from the mound. Pitcher A is not eligible to pitch again in this game.

14. Use of tobacco products is prohibited within game field fences, on all fields and in the dugouts.

15. Each coach must prepare 2 line-ups no later than 10 minutes prior to the game starting and give one to the plate umpire and one to the opposing coach.

16. Extra hitter is optional, but must be declared to the opposing coach before the games start. The extra hitter may enter the game to play the field, but must remain in the same spot in the batting order. (EH may be rotated as any other position). The starting player and replacement player rules apply to the extra hitter as well. If a team is down to nine players and has started the game with an extra hitter they will receive an out when the extra hitter is supposed to bat.

17. For rain-out purposes or Any "Act of God" (example - rain-out, tornado etc.) a game is complete after 4 innings (11u and older). 3 innings (10u and younger).

18. Re-entry rule - starting player may re-enter 1 time in the same batting order. Substitutes may not re-enter. Team re-entering a player illegally while on defense must remove that player immediately. Team re-entering a player illegally offensively will receive an out.

19. No pre-game warm up is allowed on the infield. Team will forfeit the game if caught.

20. 8u only - No runner may advance from third to home unless he is batted home or forced by a base on balls. The runner on third base cannot advance on a wild pitch or passed ball. After a missed third strike, the batter cannot advance to first. The batter is out. Each pitcher will get 2 warnings per inning on balks. On the third balk during the inning the runners advance.