BATS: All bats must have the USSSA new Fastpitch Only marking or the Thumb Print logo and 1.20 BPF marking. The illegal bat penalty for any NON-APPROVED/ALTERED BAT, when discovery occurs (after entering the box and before a pitch to the NEXT batter),

a. The batter using the NON-APPROVED/ALTERED BAT is DECLARED OUT

b. The NON-APPROVED BAT is REMOVED

c. The player and the coach are immediately ejected from the game

TIME LIMIT

All games are timed...do not stop clock unless serious injury requiring medical help or a protest occurs. No changes to the game length can be made unless directed to do so by UIC, or tournament director. ALL games, including the finals are timed. Pool Play=80 (Elite Select and A Level 90) minutes finish the inning. Bracket Play=90 minutes (A Level 100 min) finish the inning. Timer started at completion of pregame conference.

MERCY RULE

12 after 3 (2 1/2 home ahead), 10 after 4 (3 1/2 home ahead), 8 after 5 (4 1/2 home ahead).

ADDITIONAL PLAYER & DP/FLEX

A team may play with two (2) additional players (AP) and a DP/Flex.

The decision to use or not use additional player(s) DP/Flex is optional but it must be made before the start of the game.

A team that uses additional players bats 10 (or 11) players for the entire game.

Any nine (9) of the 10 (or 11) may play defensive.

Players can change defensive positions at any time.

Roster Batting (Non-Elite Select Divisions and in Eastern PA/NJ Open, B & C Levels only)

A Team may bat all roster eligible players present at the start of the game. This must be declared at the Pre-game Conference, and every player in the dugout must be listed. The DP/FLEX may not be used with the Roster Batting option.

Playing Shorthanded (Non-Elite Select only)

Teams must have 8 players to start (with an automatic out taken in 9th batting slot), if subs show up later, must add to bottom of line-up, or in first vacant batting slot. If the team cannot field 7 game is forfeited by tournament director. Whenever the vacant spot is due up in the line-up, an out is declared; can walk preceding batter to get to automatic out. Coaches cannot agree to forgo taking an out.

Elite Select Divisions: May play with only 1 less player than on the original line-up. Taking an out for the absent player whenever they are due up to bat. (ex. Start with 11, may play with 10 but forfeit with 9)

COURTESY RUNNER

A team may use any player who has NOT been in the lineup in any other capacity, as a courtesy runner, for pitcher/catcher, can run for BOTH P/C, just, not in the same inning. CR may not enter the game as a sub in the same ½ inning as they CR unless an injury occurs. A CR can be used for the DP only if the DP is the pitcher or catcher of record.

Courtesy Runner Non-Elite Select Only-Last Completed At Bat (LCAB)

If, and only if no eligible substitute is available, a team may use the Last Completed At Bat (LCAB) to run. All other CR rules apply. If CR declared as soon as P/C get on base the LCAB CR will be the batter who batted in front of the P/C, not currently on base, not a pitcher or catcher, not someone who's already run for P/C in the current inning.

PENALTY: A player who is not entitled to be a courtesy runner who is used as a courtesy runner shall immediately be called out and a team warning issued. ON the second offense, the head coach is ejected for the remainder of game only. (This is NOT an ILLEGAL SUB-Different than NFHS)

PITCHING

The pitcher may have ONE OR BOTH feet on the pitching rubber AND MAY TAKE A STEP BACKWARDS (may start back and still take a step back) prior to starting the pitch (hands separate after having come together) both feet must be within the 24" width of the rubber throughout the pitch.

The pitcher is no longer required to have the pivot foot remain in contact with the ground, it's permissible to leap. However, the pitcher may not push off from any place other than the pitcher's plate with her pivot foot (crow hop) or will be called for an illegal pitch.

Tape, preferably neutral/skin color, CAN be worn on the pitching hand/arm for injury.

Pitching Distance 35 ft (10U); 40 ft (12U); 43 ft (14U and above)

Gloves may be any color except Optic yellow (manufacturer’s logos are permitted on glove as long as they don't give the appearance of the ball).

Players shall not use other teams on deck circle. Only 2 USSSA approved bats may be used. Any weighted devices must be USSSA approved; NO DONUTS.

USSSA approved bat warmers are permitted. Dugout heaters are permitted in inclement weather, but must be at opposite end of the dugout away from bats.

TIEBREAKER PROCEDURE

After seven innings or after the time limit has expired and a new inning is started, the tiebreaker procedure will be used at the start of every half inning. The player who had the last completed at bat of the previous inning will be placed on second base to the start the inning.

If the player is the pitcher or catcher, a courtesy runner may be used. A substitution may be made for the player.

If the wrong player is placed on second base, there is no penalty. The correct player is placed on base. Any advance by the incorrect player is allowed.

If the team is playing shorthanded and the vacant spot was the last completed at bat. The player who precedes the vacant spot would be placed on second base.

BLUE STITCH USSSA ball must be used (47 COR, 375)