While TRJ is using a variation of banana rules, they are not exact.
Please read carefully & ask questions
We are here to play for the kids who can't.
DO NOT FORGET THIS.........EVER
TRJ is not about trinkets, error free innings, or perfect umpire calls.
It's about creating an unforgettable baseball and softball experience while supporting families impacted by childhood cancer.
As an able-bodied athlete, coach, or spectator, there's no reason to arugue with officials, throw tantrums, or have a negative attitude.
Read the room & save the theatrics for your other tournaments!
Play hard. Have fun.
Above all else, play with heart. 🩶
Every inning is worth ONE point
(except the last one).
ONE point is awarded to the team that scores the most runs in an inning.
In the last inning, every run counts.
Win an inning = 1 point
Tie an inning = 1 point each
Lose an inning = 0 points
Final inning = every run counts
(Have fun trying to score this in Gamechanger - sorry not sorry!!)
No stepping out of the batter's box.
What are you 7u? Wear it!
At the umpire's discretion, stepping out of the box may be called a strike.
No bunting allowed.
Grandma did't pay a $10 gate fee and walk a mile to see you lay down a lame bunt.
Intentional bunting results in an out and 1 point deducted from the team score.
#hitdingers
Batters can steal first base after any pitch.
Batter can attempt to steal 1st after the catcher receives a pitch, but before they throw the ball back to the pitcher.
Once the batter makes a move toward 1st base, all baserunners are LIVE and can be thrown out, including forced outs.
Think of this as a dropped 3rd that can happen at any moment.
Defenses often refer to this as the "Sneaky Pete", or some variation of "Oooohh $%@& !"
No Walks Allowed.
Ball four isn't a walk... it's a race.
When ball four is called:
Batter immediately runs.
All baserunners may advance.
Every infielder (except the pitcher and catcher) must touch the ball.
Ball becomes live after the final touch.
No strikeouts allowed.
Challenge the Catcher.
On strike three, the batter runs to first and may earn the base if safe.
(similar to a dropped 3rd)
All baserunners must stay at their base to see if the runner makes it.
If the runner is safe at 1st, all runners advance a base if forced.
Nobody came to watch a boring conference meeting.
No mound visits are allowed from coaches, catchers, or teammates unless a pitching change is being made.
Exceptions may be granted for player safety or injury situations.
The Fan Favorite.
If a fan catches a foul ball, it is an out.
No bystanders or inactive players allowed inside the playing field.
Bonus Showmanship Points (Optional-ish).
To be honest... in the history of the TRJ, we have never had a team NOT participate in this one
(do you really want the shame of being the first?)
Rule #10 is for all those moms out there. ❤️
Behind every young athlete is a mom who sacrificed something to help them chase their dreams. The early mornings, the long drives, the endless schedules, the encouragement through every win and loss, and yes... the impossible task of removing grass stains from white pants. This Mother's Day weekend, give her a little dance. She has certainly earned it.
Two points awarded for a synchronized dance at the start of a defensive inning.
A minimum of 9 defensive players must participate.
Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged.
Teams are responsible for their own music and speaker.
Points awarded at umpire's discretion.
All Fields may pause to enjoy the show.
Enjoy the Show! 🎥📷
(Please tag 'Team Reed Jamboree' in your Facebook pic/video posts!)
This one has grown to be quite popular!
Prior to the start of the game, both opposing coaches may mutually agree to:
Add one additional wildcard rule of their own invention
Eliminate one existing TRJ rule that both coaches deem boring or unnecessary.
All modifications must be agreeable to both coaches and approved by the field umpire prior to the first pitch.
If the umpire detects hesitation with either coach, he reserves the right to deny the request.
Use the Wildcard Rule in an agreeable way that stays true to the spirit of TRJ.
This rule is based on mutual trust - don't make it weird...er
Let us know if any Wildcard Rule catches on and becomes a favorite!
(Unlike Chip, I like incorporating fun new rules)
When a winner must be determined,
IT IS TIME FOR THE SUDDEN DEATH ROUND!
Each team will select one pitcher and one hitter (and a catcher) to represent them in a one-on-one showdown unlike anything found in traditional baseball
Pitcher vs Hitter.....Sudden Death Style
NO DEFENSE ALLOWED - THIS MOMENT IS TOO INTENSE!!!!
The batter receives one strike and one strike only.
Any of the following ends the at-bat immediately:
Called strike
Swing and miss
Foul ball
TO EARN a SUDDEN DEATH POINT:
The batter must put the ball into play in fair territory.
The batter is walked (4 balls)
*Point counts even if pitcher/catcher fields a popup or line drive.
Both teams will receive an equal opportunity.
The catcher from each team must play Rock Paper Scissors to determine who bats first.
Continue until one team outscores the other and is declared the winner.
To keep things interesting, players can only participate in one Sudden Death round.
Teams must select a new pitcher and new hitter each round until a winner is determined.
NO CHIRPING OR CHANTING ALLOWED UNTIL THE AT-BAT IS COMPLETED
No ties. No excuses. No pressure. 😎⚾🔥
(Thanks Chip 🙄)
Players must be at or below the appropriate age level as of April 30. Birth certificates may be requested.
A Player from each team will play Rock Paper Scissors to determine home team.
Bases and pitching distances will be age appropriate for the sport.
Home team keeps official book.
Games may start early. Please have your team warmed up and ready to play 30 minutes prior to schedule.
Each game consists of 9 innings. Last inning called at 1 hour 30 minutes.
Run rules: A team scoring 7 runs in an inning earns 1 point for that inning. The final inning has unlimited runs.
Entire lineup bats. Free defensive substitutions are allowed at any time.
Teams may play with 8 players without penalty.
No bat length, weight, or barrel ...or shape...limitations.
Courtesy runners are encouraged for catchers and pitchers. The courtesy runner must be the last recorded out.
Players should slide on close plays.
Umpire rulings are final.
Ejections result in suspension for remaining games.
No pitching inning limits. Pitch Smart guidelines encouraged.
Pitchers are allowed 4 warm-up pitches per inning and 7 warm-up pitches before the game or when a new pitcher enters.
Lead offs allowed.
Infield fly rule in effect.
One balk warning per pitcher per game.
Arguing a field umpire will result in the offending teams coach buying the umpire a hotdog and 2 cold ones from concessions.
(Note to UIC: Seriously Chip? How do you plan on enforcing this one?)
Yada, yada, yada, enough with the rules,
LET'S PLAY BALL!