TOURNAMENT PLAYER GUIDE (60) YR. OLD MIDWEST PLAINS REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

Transcription

1 TOURNAMENT PLAYER GUIDE (60) YR. OLD MIDWEST PLAINS REGIONAL TOURNAMENT PITrSBURG, KANSAS JULY27-31,

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome... 3 Pittsburg Information... 4 Team Check-in... 5 Team Information... 8 Game Conduct... 9 General Tournament Guidelines Hotel Information Player Instructions Tournament Schedule/Information TRANSPORTATION While traveling to Pittsburg, distances from the following cities may be helpful: Bismarck, ND Minneapolis, MN Sioux Falls, SD Omaha, NE Des Moines, IA Regina, Saskatchewan Kansas City, M Lawrence, KS Denver, C

3 April 2017 Dear Coaches, Managers, and Players: On behalf of the Pittsburg, KS Babe Ruth League and the Pittsburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, we would like to welcome you to our community for this exciting event! By qualifying for this tournament, you have successfully completed another step towards a Midwest Plains Regional Championship! The purposes of this booklet is to let you know what you can expect and what is expected of you during your stay in Pittsburg. Please read every page so there are no surprises during this tournament. Pittsburg has been making plans for over a year to host this tournament and is very excited to be entertaining you this year! This will be the first Regional Tournament in Pittsburg, KS in over twenty years. This tournament will also be played on the site of the Gene Bicknell Sports Complex/ Al Ortolani Field on the beautiful Pittsburg State University campus, Home of the Gorillas! Congratulations to all the teams for their hard work and commitment to qualifying for this event If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best of luck to all teams! Sincerely, 2017 Pittsburg Tournament Committee Welcome! 3

4 On behalf of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Pittsburg and the Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau, it's my pleasure to welcome you to our community. Pittsburg and Crawford County have a rich tradition of hosting top-quality sporting events, including the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship, National Junior College Football Championship, Kansas Shrine Bowl, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Baja competition and many more significant sporting events, and we welcome the opportunity to make the 2017 Babe Ruth 11-Under Midwest Plains Regional Tournament the pinnacle of our sports showcase. Pittsburg has completed more than $300 million in economic development and community improvement projects since 2012, much of this geared toward providing a greater experience for those visiting our community. Two brand new hotels, several new restaurants and retail establishments, the Kansas Crossing Casino project, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts and the Robert W. Plaster Indoor Event Center are just a few of the strides our community has made to ensure you have an unforgettable experience during your time here. A full list of our community's restaurants has been provided to your team. We know you'll spend most of your time at the ballpark, but we hope you have the opportunity to enjoy what Pittsburg has to offer. Pittsburg also boasts one of the top aquatic centers in the area, featuring a 644,000 gallon swimming pool, zero depth entry kiddie pool, Bicknell Island with the Flume & Mammoth Slides and a lazy river. The Pittsburg Aquatic Center is open seven days a week and will even feature a dive-in movie on July 28. More information is available on their Facebook page. For the little ones, Kiddieland Amusement Park is located next to the Pittsburg Aquatic Center and has several rides sure to provide hours of fun for little brothers and sisters. The AMC Pittsburg 8, located inside Meadowbrook Mall, is newly renovated and offers a top-notch movie going experience at an affordable price. These are just a few of ways to unwind after a long day at the ballpark. Again, we welcome you and wish you the best of luck at this week's tournament. If you have any questions, or see any way that we can improve your stay, please don't hesitate to call the Chamber and Convention & Visitor's Bureau at (620) Sincerely, Blake Benson Chamber President 4

5 Team Check-In Wednesday, July 26th Team Lincoln Center (Lincoln Park) Officials will be verifying team credentials. All players and coaches must be in attendance. Team Materials Coaches/Managers-please a team photo and roster to cratzlaff@sekconnection.com as soon as possible. At the team check-in, the tournament team manager must place in the custody of the tournament officials the following documents, as required by Babe Ruth Baseball rules: A.) B.) C.) D.) E.) F.) G.) Birth document or records as specified by Rule 0.04, paragraph 1, for each of the tournament team players Certificate of Coverage of Group Accident Insurance Policy Certificate of Coverage of League's Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy. Tournament team roster certified and signed by League President. Babe Ruth League, Inc. Letter of Tournament Eligibility Form. Consent for Treatment Forms A color team photography with identification must be uploaded with your tournament roster through Babe Ruth online. Print and place one copy in your teams credentials. Digital photos may be ed to cratzlaff@sekconnection.com Missing or incomplete documentation will delay your check-in. These documents will remain in the possession of the tournament director until teams are eliminated or move on to further championship play. Check-in schedule: 12:00 pm-host (Kansas) 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 5

6 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm Tournament Picnic (Wednesday, July 26, 5:00pm at????) A tournament picnic will be held at??????? for all players, managers, coaches, tournament officials, and families. Umpires/Coaches Grounds Meeting (Wednesday,July 26, 6:00pm) Immediately following the Team Picnic, all coaches, managers, and umpires will meet at the???????to cover any rule interpretations. This meeting will then proceed to the tournament game diamond to clarify ground rules. Coin Toss for Home Team games will take place at this time. Tournament Office: The tournament office will be located in the?????? building located at??????? This office is for tournament officials, dignitaries, media, and to assist coahes and managers if any questions or problems arise. Opening Ceremony (Thursday,July 27, 7:00pm) Information regarding the specifics of the Opening Ceremony will be available to the teams after qualifying for this tournament. A reminder, attendance of all teams, coaches, and manager is MANDATORY for the Opening Ceremonies. Teams should participate in full uniform with their State Flag. Hotel Room Blocks (see page 14 for details) Room Blocks have been set aside for qualifying teams and parents but will not be released to the individual teams until the appropriate information has been provided to the Tournament Director. The Team Manager or designee must confirm to the Tournament Director as soon as possible how many rooms you require and if there are any special requirements for any of your team members. Payment of the rooms 6

7 is the responsibility of each team, and we are obtaining 20-room blocks at various hotels for your use. Media Coverage: The Tournament will be covered by local media?????77??7 a a I I I I Tournament Host: Not applicable for this tournament. Gene Bicknell Sports Complex All tournament games will be played at this facility, located at 2198 S. Rouse Ave, Pittsburg, KS. Parking is available to the South and West sides of the complex. --w \ I t. i ~ Four Oaks Golf. I Course i ~ P\, i! I / V j u,g E 4th St --@ C. '1' W Quincy St 1 - E Quincy St ~ ~ - I o Chicopee 2198 S Rouse I St Kirkwood I I Batting Cages/Practice Fields: A Batting Cage will be available for players on site, and times will be assigned during check in. Practice fields (located to the east) are also available upon request. 7

8 Medical Assistance: Athletic training personnel will be on hand througout the entire tournament. They will be available for any pre-game medical needs, as well as care and treatment of all injuries. Souvenirs and Concessions: Souvenirs and concessions will be avaiable throughout the tournament.??7??7?... Tournament Telephone Numbers: Team Information: 1.) All games shall be six ( 6) completed innings, unless the home team is leading at the end of 5 ½ innings of play. In the event a game is called before completion, it shall be completed from the point of discontinuance. All decisions in regard to rescheduling will be made by the tournament task force. The 10-run rule will be in effect for all tournament games after 3 ½ or 4 innings. 2.) Managers, coaches, and players shall wear uniforms consistent with Cal Ripken championship play. No coaching shorts, players shorts, or ragged shirt tails, etc. will be permitted. Each player, coach, and team manager shall wear a different number on his/her uniform (at least a 6 inch number on back of shirt). No number may be duplicated. The official Cal Ripken shoulder emblem must be worn on the left outer uniform sleeve, if vest type, sleeveless jersey on the upper left chest of the jersey, or the approved cap emblem option. All team personnel must be in full uniform. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE! Absolutely no players, coaches, or managers will be allowed on the playing field or in dugout if they are in violation of these rules. The state commissioner, tournament director, or any other designated official of Babe Ruth Baseball at the tournament will have final approval of all uniforms worn by the teams in attendance. 3.) Upon elimination from the tournament, arrangements will be made for team checkout with the regional commissioner ( or assigned tournament official), tournament director, and the team coaches/managers. This departure form the tournament will remove all liabilities associated with this tournament from Babe Ruth Leagues, Inc., and the tournament committee. 8

9 4.) This tournament is under the jurisdiction of Cal Ripken Baseball, the Midwest Plains Regional Commissioner, and the tournament director. The tournament protest committee shall have final authority in all protests and matters not covered by Official Baseball Rules, or Cal Ripken Baseball rules and regulations. 5.) At least one coach or manager from each participating team shall be required to be in attendance at all required meetings called by the tournament director. Preferably, the entire staff would be in attendance whenever possible. 6.) All teams are to arrive as a complete group, and will depart as a complete group. Any players who do not arrive with the team at check-in will not be allowed to participate. There will be no exceptions, unless prior approval has been given by their state commissioner. All requests must be documented, and with sound judgment having been used for such a request. Game Conduct: 1.) Umpires will enforce all rules and regulations covered in the Official Baseball Rules and the rules and regulations of Babe Ruth Baseball. The umpires for the regional tournament have had many years of umpiring experience. They are here to make this tournament the best possible experience for all. Players, coaches, and fans must treat them accordingly. Two umpires will participate in each regional game ( championship game-3 umpires). 2.) The games will be kept moving at all times. No unnecessary delays or mound conferences will be permitted. 3.) ANYONE-players, coaches, managers, or fans-acting in an unsportsmanlike manner shall be removed from the playing field and facilities immediately! 4.) Only the manager ( no coached or players) will discuss any plays of a controversial nature. The umpire in chief shall be fully informed of the identity of each teams manager. 5.) All equipment, bats, gloves, etc shall be stacked neatly in their proper places at all times. 6.) Bat boys/girls shall be prompt in delivering the discarded bats to their proper places at all times. 7.) Discarding bats or protective headgear in such a way that may cause injury to another player or spectator shall be deemed unsportsmanlike and may lead to an ejection from the game. 9

10 8.) Only players, coaches, managers, and bat boys/girls shall be allowed in the dugouts or on the player's bench. NO ONE ELSE ALLOWED! All bat boys/girls will wear helmets at all times. Flags: Please bring a 3' x S' flag representing your State. The Midwest Plains Regional Tournament is a tournament of champions representing each of the teams, which make up the region. The flags will be on display during the tournament. They will be on display as long as the respective team remains in the tournament. Win or lose, your flag will be returned as you leave. We do not need the flag on a pole, just a 3' x S' flag with grommets in the corners. General Tournament Guidelines: 1.) CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL POLICIES: All Cal Ripken rules and regulations will be adhered to during the Midwest Plains Regional Tournament. Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated, and could jeopardize the opportunity for a player or team to proceed in the tournament. 2.) Sportsmanship will be stressed. Judgment calls by umpires will not be questioned. If there is a discussion regarding a rule, it will be handled in a gentlemanly manner. Protests will be handled as prescribed in the Cal Ripken rulebook. Players, managers, and coaches will not be allowed to talk to the protest committee during deliberations unless asked to do so. 3.) Smoking, chewing tobacco, or drinking alcoholic beverages by any player, manager, or coach will not be allowed at the complex. At the completion of 10

11 your game, please clean up all trash within the dugout area so it is clean for the next team occupying the dugout! 4.) Players, one manager, two coaches, and one bat boy/ girl are the only personnel allowed in the dugout during the game. Any other necessary personnel needed in the dugout will only be allowed with the permission of the tournament director. 5.) Managers, coaches, and players are to remain in the dugout except when participating in the game or when time is called. 6.) Teams are not to verbally harass opposing pitchers, hitters, or defensive players. Do not make any remarks to the opposition, or argue with the umpires. ENCOURAGE POSITIVE PLAY AT ALL TIMES! 7.) Double earflap protective headgear must be worn at bat, on the bases, and by players in the coach's box. Protective headgear must also be worn by any bat person or ball retriever outside the dugout 8.) Any player, manager, or coach warming up the pitcher at any location shall wear a mask. All catchers are to wear protective cups. A back-up catcher is to be ready to warm up the pitcher if the catcher is not ready at the start of the inning. A player should be assigned to pick up any balls used for between inning warm ups that are thrown to the backstop. 9.) Only players who are preparing to enter the game should be using the bullpen area during the game. Starting pitchers are to use the bullpen for their warm up prior to the start of the game. 10.) The bat may not exceed 33" in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 1/4" in diameter. Only 2 ¼" barrel non-wood bats marked BPF 1.15 will be allowed. Wood 2 ¼" barrel bats are allowed. 11.) In case of injury, the game will be stopped at the earliest possible convenience. Do not come onto the field until time is called, and the umpire signals you to do so. 12.) Make sure your team knows how to properly appeal plays. 13.) Teams are to be in their respective dugout for pre-game introduction a minimum of 10 minutes prior to the game time. 14.) Players will be introduced before each game with the starters first, followed by the reserves, coaches, and manager. Players should line up by their respective foul lines in front of their dugouts, starting outside the batters box at home plate and facing their dugout. Managers are asked to shake hands at home plate before every game, prior to the start. 15.) Make sure players, along with the managers and coaches, shake hands following each contest. 11

12 16.) Managers are to submit lineup cards 1 hour prior to the start of the game, with first and last names, numbers, and positions listed. Reserves must be listed with first and last name and number. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY! 17.) It is expected that every player, manager, coach, and spectator will conduct himself or herself in an exemplary manner while representing their State and Cal Ripken Baseball. In doing this, we agree to abide by the (a) sportsmanship code of Babe Ruth Baseball; (b) rules and regulations of Cal Ripken Baseball; and (c) the official baseball rules as published by the National Baseball Congress. Inappropriate behavior, as defined by these resources, reflects poorly upon the entire program and is unacceptable. Player Instructions: Officials of Cal Ripken Baseball in Kansas, the Midwest Plains Region, and the tournament hosts have made extensive efforts to make certain your stay will be a pleasant, rewarding, and educational experience. Therefore, we expect each participant to cooperate with the following regulations during the tournament. 1.) ASSISTANCE. We want every participant to thoroughly enjoy the entire tournament experience. If you need any information or assistance, contact your coach or manager immediately. They in turn may rely upon the aid of tournament officials when necessary. 2.) CONDUCT. Your conduct will be above reproach on and off the field. Any misbehavior or misconduct not only could cause your disqualification from the tournament, but could also disqualify your team as well. 3.) SCHEDULE. Follow your team schedule at all times. Be at practice sessions and any other events on time. 4.) APPEARANCE. At regional tournament qualifiers, we expect your dress to be neat. You may, of course, dress informally and comfortably. 5.) ILLNESS._ In the event a player becomes ill, contact your team manager immediately. 6.) TOURNAMENT PASS. You'll be issued a tournament pass that allows you to enter the tournament at all times. If you lose the pass, you'll be expected to purchase a ticket. Keep your identification in a safe place and do not forget to bring it with you at all tournament functions. Schedule of Events (No bracket is currently available, awaiting the regional committee's preparation) 12

13 Wednesday, July 26 Noon Team Check-ins begin (see page?) 5:00pm Team Picnic 6:00pm Umpire/Coaches meeting Thursday, July 27 Noon 1 st Round Pool Play-PSU Team placement/times to be determined at a late date 7:00pm Opening ceremonies Friday, July 28 Noon?? znct Round Pool Play-PSU Team placement/times to be determined at a later date 3 rd Round Pool Play-PSU Team placement/times to be determined at a later date Saturday, July 29 Insert Bracket here******** The following websites contain information about Pittsburg, KS. Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department JL Hutchinson Baseball League Jlhutch.net Convention and Visitors Bureau City of Pittsburg Pittsburg, Kansas Lodging Lamplighter Inn and Suites 13

14 4020 Parkview Drive Pittsburg, Kansas P: {620) F: {620) Contact: Sara McMechen E: Total number of rooms: 100 Total number of suites: 1 Comfort Inn and Suites 4009 Parkview Drive Pittsburg, Kansas (620) (620) , fax Contact: Kara Mishmash E: gm.ks067@choicehotels.com Total number of rooms: 70 Holiday Inn Express and Suites 4011 Parkview Drive Pittsburg, Kansas P: (620) F: (620) Contact: Lawana Johnson E: gm11050@dencofamily.com Total number of rooms: 72 Super North Broadway Pittsburg, Kansas P: {620) F: {620) Contact: Denny Patel E: den9121@gmail.com Total number of rooms: 64 Regency Inn 4023 Parkview Drive Pittsburg, Kansas P: {620) F: (620) Contact: Amit Desai E: regencyinnpittsburg@gmail.com Total number of rooms: 55 14

15 Himmel House Bed and Breakfast 402 West Euclid Pittsburg, Kansas P: (620) Contact: Sherri Stephens E: Hampton Inn & Suites Located at Kansas Crossing Casino 1285 US-69 Pittsburg, KS Contact:Tim Ryan P: (620) E: Total number of rooms: 3 Total number of rooms: 123 LaQuinta Inn & Suites 2408 South Broadway Pittsburg, Kansas (COMING SUMMER 2017) Total number of rooms: 70 15