Playing Rules

• Policies and Procedures
  • Each schedule will be created fairly.
  • Umpires are to be treated with respect, they are human and many plays are judgement calls. Any player, coach, or fan that treats umpires disrespectfully will be removed from the tournament and not allowed back for the remainder.
  • All teams should arrive 45-60 minutes prior to their scheduled game. Games can start up to 30 minutes early and the tournament director will do his/her best to notify coaches.
  • Tournaments will rely heavily on Tourney Machine. Schedules and Scores will be posted in a timely manner. All coaches are required to sign up for team notifications so that the Tournament Director can effectively communicate changes.
  • The home team for pool games shall be determined by a coin flip. The team that has traveled the farthest distance will call the flip. Either an umpire or a member of tournament management must be present for the flip. The higher seed based upon the original seeding will be the home team throughout the playoffs.
  • Teams should fill first and third base dugouts on a first come basis, regardless of home and away designation. If a team has back to back games on the same field, they shall remain in the same dugout, to avoid the extra time involved in moving equipment.
  • There will be no infield practice on the field, please find a grassy area away from the field of play. Teams are allowed to play catch in the outfield if time allows. Never do flip drills into fences or step on foul lines. While taking batting practice, please have the hitter stand in a gravel or dirt area (if possible) so that the grass does not get torn up.
  • Metal spikes can be used by age divisions 13u and older ONLY. No exceptions.
    • Metal spikes are not allowed on portable pitching mounds. Players will need either molded cleats (plastic), turf shoes, or gym shoes.
  • If a tiebreaker is needed to determine playoff teams the following tiebreakers shall be used:
    • Overall win-loss record
    • Head-to-head (only applies when two teams are involved)
    • Least number of runs allowed throughout the tournament
    • Total runs scored
    • Run differential
    • Coin flip
  • The Tournament Director may modify the number or length of games when necessary due to weather, field conditions, or scheduling issues. This includes modifying the time limit if games get backed up.
  • All teams are required to adhere to local park, school, and field policies and ordinances. Alcohol and/or tobacco shall not be brought into the confines of the tournament venues. The Head Coach will be held responsible and accountable for the conduct of his players, assistant coaches, and spectators.
  • Each team shall have a copy of their team insurance policy when checking in.
  • If an event is cancelled at any time or shortened due to inclement weather or field conditions, Team Fuzion will issue money as follows:
    • 0 games: 100% admission fee returned or credit towards a future tournament.
    • 1 game: 50% admission fee returned or credit towards a future tournament..
    • 2nd game started: 25% admission fee returned or credit towards a future tournament.
    • 2 games completed: 15% admission fee returned or credit towards a future tournament.
    • 3rd game started: no fees returned or credited
  • Teams withdrawing from the tournament 21 days prior will receive a full refund, all other withdraws will forfeit their admission fee.

• Rosters and Birthdates
  • The birthday age cutoff is April 30, 2018. Each Head Coach shall have copies of player birth certificates on hand at every game, and shall be prepared to present them to the Tournament Director upon request.
  • Any Head Coach that would like to formally challenge the eligibility of a player shall make this known to the Tournament Director. A $100 cash challenge fee should be posted at the time of the challenge.

• Age Level, Mound and Base Distance
  • 9-10 Mound 46' : Bases 65'
  • 11-12 Mound 50'6" : Bases 70'
  • 13 Mound 54' : Bases 80'
  • 14-18 Mound 60'6" : Bases 90'

• Time Limits
  • No new inning may begin after time has expired, with exception to a tied score. When the score is tied at the end of regulation teams will have 1 inning to break the tie. Each team will start with a runner on second base and 1 out. The hitter will have 1 strike, and 1 ball. If the score is still tied the game will be declared a tie. During bracket play teams will continue this format until a winner is declared. Championship games will be played normally, with no time limit.
    • 9U-11U: 1 hour 45 minutes or 6 innings
    • 12U-14U: 1 hour 45 minutes or 7 innings
    • 15U-18U: 2 hours or 7 innings

• Mercy Rule
  • 15 runs after 2 innings
  • 12 runs after 3 innings
  • 10 runs after 4 innings
  • 8 runs after 5 innings

• Playing Rules
  • The official playing rules for the tournament shall be the NFHS (high school) rules with the following exceptions:
  • Batting Order and Extra Players, teams have the following three (3) options: The Head Coach shall declare his choice to the opposing coach and the umpire(s) during the plate meeting prior to each game. Once a declaration is made, it cannot be changed for that game.
    • a) Straight Nine: Nine (9) players in the batting order are listed on the lineup card. No designated hitter. All other players are substitutes, subject to the NFHS substitution rules (starter can re-enter into his original spot once, etc.).
    • b) Extra Hitter: Ten (10) players in the batting order are listed on the lineup card. No designated hitter. Free substitution (defensive players) among the ten (10) players listed on the batting order. All other players are substitutes and subject to the NFHS substitution rules (starter can re-enter into his original spot once, etc.).
    • c) Continuous batting order: All players in uniform (unless injured) in the batting order are listed on the lineup card. If a late player arrives after the lineup cards are exchanged, then the player must be entered into the last spot in the batting order. Free defensive substitution for all players throughout the game.
  • Courtesy Runners are optional at any time for the pitcher and catcher. The courtesy runner shall be a player not currently in the lineup. If a team is batting their entire roster, the courtesy runner shall be the last batted out. If this situation arises in the first inning and no outs have been recorded, the pitcher or catcher shall remain on the bases until an out is recorded.
  • Pitching Limits: There are no pitching limits, but coaches are encouraged to use best judgement for their players.
• Bats
  • 14 and Under must be stamped 1.15 BBCOR, USA or WOOD with no restrictions on weight drop.
  • Ages 15U-18U are BBCOR or WOOD bats with minus 3 weight drop.