Tournament Policies, Information and Rules

Tournament Policies, Information and Rules

Tournament Procedures 2014 Mount Vernon Labor Day Classic Tournament Policies and Information All mandatory paperwork is due prior to any team participating in the tournament. There will be a check in table on the first day of the tournament. All teams must submit the final tournament roster at check in before you can participate in the tournament. No changes can be made after you have checked in. Each team s roster must not exceed 20 players, 4 coaches and must include the following information: Printed full name Date of Birth League age for 2014 season Uniform number Each participant (players and coaches) must complete the Participant Waiver of Liability Form prior to participating in the tournament. NO PLAYER OR COACH WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE WITHOUT A VALID SIGNED WAIVER FORM OR COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT. The team delegate must have a copy of birth certificates for each player listed on the approved roster. The Tournament Officials will check the documents in case there is any age challenges throughout the tournament. All players must be the proper age as of April 30, 2015. Preliminary game schedule will be available on line at www.mvpatriots.org by the Wednesday prior to the tournament start date. Wait List A wait list will form once the tournament is full. There will be 4 teams for the 8U Division and up to 6 teams for 9U 16U Divisions. Teams on the wait list will be contacted in the order that their submission was received. Inclement Weather The Tournament Officials reserve the right to change the tournament format as he/she sees fit in order to complete the tournament in the scheduled time period. The Tournament Officials have the authority to cancel any game that has no bearing on advancement to championship play. The Tournament Officials have the authority to cancel consolation round games in order to assure that the championship round is completed. The game guarantee does not apply to game not played due to forfeits or inclement weather. Under normal circumstances each team will play the guaranteed number of games; however the

Tournament Officials are not responsible for teams that forfeit games or games lost due to inclement weather. Suspended/Regulation Game Policy Games that do not make it to regulation (4 complete innings for a 6 inning game or 5 complete innings for a 7 inning game) due to weather or darkness will be considered a suspended game and will be resumed (if possible) from the point of suspension at the earliest time available. If there is not enough time to resume a suspended game, it will be considered complete and official at the end of the last complete inning. Below are some further points to help illustrate this policy: If a game (pool play, elimination, or consolation) is suspended after it becomes a regulation game and it is unable to resume, it will be considered official at the end of the last complete inning. Pool Play and consolation games: o If a game is suspended prior to being official and there is not enough time to resume the game would be considered complete at the end of the last complete inning. o If tied at the end of the last complete inning, the game would stand as a tie. Elimination games: o If one inning hasn t been completed and the game is suspended and there is not enough time to resume, the higher seed would advance to the next round. o If tied at the end of the last complete inning, the higher seed would advance. If the championship game starts and is not able to complete due to weather or darkness and there is no time to resume, the game would be considered official at the endo fthe last complete inning. o If tied at the end of the last complete inning, both teams will be named cochampions. o If one inning hasn t been completed in the championship game and the game is suspended and there is not enough time to resume, both teams would be named co-champions. Lighting Policy McNaughton Field Complex utilizes a lightning detection device that allows for the implementation of a consistent policy regarding the suspension of games. When a lightning storm approaches within 8-20 miles, the Tournament Director will continuously monitor the storm activity and prepare for a possible suspension of games. When lightning is detected within 8 miles, all game will be suspended. At that time, players, coaches, and spectators should proceed to the safest possible place. Games will be resumed once the lightning has moved outside of the 8-mile radius from the complex for a period of 20 minutes. It should be noted that lightning could be visible (usually in the clouds) over 20 miles away. These observations should obviously alert everyone that a storm may be approaching; however, it does not necessitate the suspension of play.

Weather Related Refund Policy If no games are completed due to weather, you will be given a full refund. There are no refunds after a team has started play. Rosters There are no limits on player roster. Up to 4 adults are allowed in the dugout at any one time. Rosters are locked once a team s first game of the tournament begins. Teams must submit the official roster form during check-in. Team Insurance Each team is required to carry its own insurance and submit a certificate of insurance prior to the beginning of the tournament. No team will be allowed to play until we have that information. Team Check-In A representative from each team is required to check their team in upon arriving at the complex on the first day of the tournament. Team check-in will take place at the Tournament Information Table, which is located by the concession stand. Concessions The concessions stand at the complex will be open throughout the tournament. Generally speaking, the stand will open 1 hour prior to the start of the first game on-site and will remain open till the end of the games. Guest will not be permitted to bring any outside food or beverage into the complex. Each team will be allowed to bring a cooler into the dugout with drinks for players and coaches. Water coolers will be provided at all fields for the players and coaches. Merchandise Tournament t-shirts will be on sale throughout the tournament while supplies last and will cost $14.00 for one and $25.00 for two. Tournament t-shirts will be available at the concession stand. Umpires Age groups 8U through 12U will have one umpire at all games, including the championship game. Age groups 13U and up will have two umpires. Baseballs and Equipment Game balls will be provided. Teams are to bring their own practice balls. We will also provide a cooler in each dugout with water and cups for each game. All other baseball and safety equipment is the responsibility of each team.

Awards A team trophy and individual awards will be presented to the championship and runner up teams. Parking There is plenty of free parking available for parents and coaches at the complex. Please note that our insurance does not cover any damaged vehicles that are parked in the complex. Park at your own risk. Admission Admission to the tournament is free. 1 st Aide Responders and Trainers We do not have any 1 st aide responders or trainers at our complex. We will have 1 st aid kits at each field and injury ice at the concession stand. Jersey Numbers on Uniform Each player on a team should have a unique number displayed on their jersey. Pets Pets are not permitted on the McNaughton Field Complex. Dress Code for Coaches Managers and coaches are not required to be in uniform during the games. However, we do expect the coaches on the field to be dressed appropriately. Metal Spikes Age groups 8U through 12U Division are not allowed to wear metal spikes.

2014 Mount Vernon Labor Day Classic Tournament Rules Lineups 8U 12U Division - Nine bat format in which all nine position players must be in the batting lineup. Teams also have the option to bat more than 9. For example, if a team has 12 players on their roster, they have the ability to bat 9, 10, 11 or their entire lineup. A team in this situation could bat 9 with 3 substitutes; bat 10 with 2 substitutes; bat 11 with 1 substitute; or bat all 12 players with no substitutes. All players starting in the lineup but not in the field are extra hitters (EH) which are considered defensive starters for substitution purposes. 13U 18U Division - Teams may bat anywhere from 9 players to the whole roster and have option of using the designated hitter (DH) for any position player. The number of batter in your lineup must stay the same throughout the game. Example, if you have 14 players on your roster, you can bat anywhere from 9 players to 14 players. If you bat 12 players you will have 2 substitutes available and the lineup must stay at 12 players for that game. All players starting in the lineup but not in the field are EH s (except for DH) which are considered defensive starts for substitution purposes. The DH and the player being hit for are locked together in the same spot in the lineup for substitution purposes. Batting the Entire Lineup - When a team chooses to bat the entire lineup, each player is considered a starter and the team has free defensive substitution for that game. Furthermore, if a player is injured or ejected during the game in which a team is batting the entire lineup, their spot in the lineup is skipped with no penalty. Once the spot in the lineup is skipped due to an injury, that player is not eligible to return to the game in any capacity. It is the responsibility of the opposing team to verify the accuracy of the other team s lineup prior to the start of each game. Managers must bring any issues to the attention of a Tournament Official before the game. If a lineup issue is discovered during the game, the ruling will be that the lineup is corrected at that point for the rest of the game. If it is brought to our staff attention after the game, there will be no penalty. There will not be a forfeit in this situation since the opposing team is responsible for verifying the other team s lineup prior to the start of the game. Injuries and Substitutions If a player is injured and not substitute is available, that spot in the lineup will be skipped with no penalty. If an injury occurs during an at-bat and the player can t continue the at bat, the next batter in the lineup will take over that at-bat and assume the count. If any injury occurs while on the base paths and there no substitute is available, the player that made the last recorded out will take the place of the injured player on the bases. Pitcher Re-Entry If a pitcher is removed after throwing a pitch and goes to another defensive position, they may not return as a pitcher in that game. In other words, as soon as another pitcher throws a warm-up pitch (becoming the new pitcher of recorded), the previous pitcher is no longer able to pitch in

that game. If a team substitutes for the pitcher when on offense, but then re-enters the pitcher before going out on defense, that pitcher is still the pitcher of recorded and can continue to pitch in the game. Pitcher of Record Once a pitcher throws a warm-up pitcher, they must face at least one batter. If the pitcher is hurt during their warm-up pitches, another player may come in to pitch. The previous pitcher of record will not be allowed to re-enter back onto the mound after a pitcher has thrown a warm-up pitch. Pitching Recommendations We do not have specific pitching limitations at our tournament. We do, however, provide recommendations for coaches and parents to follow not only for your time at our tournament, but for your entire season. The responsibility ultimately lies with coaches and parents to ensure that each player s health and development is maintained properly. For further recommendations on pitching limitations, please see the information sheet we have compiled at the end of the rules to help educate those who monitor the players. Pitcher s Equipment It is the umpire and tournament director s discretion to deem whether any equipment or clothing that the pitcher is wearing is distracting to the opposing batter. This include but is not limited to; batting gloves, sunglasses, long sleeves, compression sleeves, athletic tape on wrist or arm, and two-toned fielder gloves. Mound Visits We follow Major League Baseball rules regarding mound visits. The pitcher must be removed on the second mound visit in an inning and removed on the third visit of the game for all age divisions. Balks We follow the NFHS rules pertaining to bulks. For the 10U through 12U Division, there will be one warning per pitcher issued for a balk. There will be no warnings issued for 13U and older Divisions. There are no balks for the 8U and 9U Division. The fake to third, throw to first move is allowed. Pitcher s Warm-Up When a pitcher takes his position at the beginning of each inning, or when he relieves another pitcher, he shall be permitted to pitch not to exceed eight (8) preparatory pitches to his catcher during which play shall be suspended. Such preparatory pitches shall not consume more than one minute of time. If a sudden emergency causes a pitcher to be summoned into the game without any opportunity to warm-up, the umpire-in-charge shall allow him as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary.

Avoid Contact Rule Players must attempt to avoid contact with other players in tag-out situations. If, in an umpire s judgment, there is intentional contact, that umpire may call the runner out on that play. If the contact is judged as intentional and malicious, that umpire may also eject the player from the game. If a player is ejected for this reason, they may face suspension for their team s next game with the probability of further sanctions as well. The Tournament Director will make the final ruling on a possible suspension. On force out situations, if the runner slides, they must slide directly into the base. A slide that is not directly into the base is grounds for an interference call (umpire s judgment) and the runner could be declared out. In this instance, the batter/runner could also be declared out if the fielder was attempting to make a play on the batter/runner it is important to note that if the runner makes a legal slide directly into the base and contact is made with the fielder, interference will not be called. Jumping, hurdling and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder as long as the fielder is lying on the ground. If the fielder is not lying on the ground, any jump, hurdle or leap by the base runner over the torso of the fielder will result in the base runner being called out. The base runner will not be ejected unless the jump, hurdle or leap is deemed malicious. Time Limit No new inning may start after the time limit elapses. The standard time limit for all age groups is 1 hour and 30 minutes form the time of the first pitch of the game to the last out of the inning. Games can go into extra innings as long as the time limit has not expired. Pool player games can end in a tie if the time limit is reached during an inning, that inning will be the last one of the game. If the home team is winning after the top half of that last inning, they will be declared the winner of the game and will not hit in the bottom of the inning. If the home team is trialing and must hit in the bottom half of the last inning, the game will end at the moment the home team scores the winning run or at the moment of their third out. If the time limit is reached ruing the bottom half of an inning the home team is winning at that moment, we will let the current batter complete the at-bat and then the game will end. Time in between Innings - Our expectation is that teams will take 2 minutes in between innings. Pitchers are permitted to throw 8 warm-up pitches in their first inning of work or 5 warm-up pitches every other inning. If a catcher is still getting dressed, a coach should be ready to warmup the pitcher. Intentional Delays - Intentional delaying a game to achieve a victory through the time limit is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will not be tolerated. The umpires and/or Tournament Director at the game reserve the right to eject a coach or player for intentionally delaying a game and possibly declare a forfeit to that team.

Slash Bunt For 8U through 12U Divisions, a slash bunt is illegal and the player will be called out if this play is attempted. A slash bunt is defined as a player showing bunt at any time during the pitch and then swinging at that same pitch. Tie Games in Pool Play Pool play games can end in a tie. A team with a 2-0-1 record is better than a 2-1-0 record. Line-Up Cards Teams must provide their own line up cards. A copy should be given to opposing team each game. On-Deck Batter All on-deck batter must stay near their team s dugout with a helmet on. Official Scorebook The home team will keep the official scorebook. Number of Players Teams are permitted to start and/or end a game with 8 players. Anything less than 8 available players at any time during a game will result in a forfeit for that team. Tie Breaker System When two or more teams have the same record, we will us the following tiebreaker system: Head to head results (if applicable) Fewest runs allowed Team that gave up the least amount of runs in all games Runs scored Coin Flip Jewelry In general, jewelry is not permitted during game play. Breakaway nylon necklaces are allowed (must be breakaway such as Phiten or Monsoon necklace). Rubber bracelets that are not a distraction are also permitted. Jewelry worn for medical reasons is also allowed, but must be taped to the body. Any item that is deemed unsafe or distracting will not be allowed. The team will receive a warning if a player wears improper jewelry during the game and any player found wearing improper jewelry after the team warning will be ejected for the remainder of that game.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices Cell phones, ipods and other electronic devices are permitted in the dugout only during the game. A coach, manager or scorekeeper is not permitted to have them on the field during the game. Forfeits If a team chooses to forfeit a pool play game, they are not eligible for the championship round and face suspension. The final score of the forfeited game will be based on the team giving up a run per inning for a complete game (e.g. for a 6 inning game the score would be 6-0 for a 7 inning game the score would be 7-0. If a team chooses to forfeit a championship game, they are not eligible for tournament awards. Protests We will attempt to replace a forfeited team in an elimination game if possible. If a game becomes a forfeit after it has started due to a team having less than the required 8 available players, the official score of that game still follows the guidelines above no matter what the score was at the time of the forfeit. It is the responsibility of the manager and/or coach of a team to stop the game at the time of the play and ask for a Tournament Director if they feel that a ruling during a game is incorrect. A game should never be stopped for umpire judgment calls as those cannot be protested. We will do everything possible to resolve issues as they occur. Expected Behavior Negative behavior/bad sportsmanship at youth sporting events has become a major issue. Our tournament is not immune as we still see coaches and parents that choose to act in a negative manner toward the opposing team or an umpire from time to time. Please remember that the games are for the kids, not the adults, and we expect each adult to set a positive example for the players through their words and actions. Everyone that attends the tournament is expected to act in a positive manner, no matter the outcome of a play, call by an umpire, or the game itself. We simply ask the following: Let the player play Let the coaches coach Let the umpires umpire Proper Cheering and Noise Makers All individuals are expected to cheer in a positive manner for their own team and never in a negative manner toward the opposing team. Noise makers are not permitted in the dugouts and if they are used by parents and fans, they must not cause any sort of distraction to the opposing team. Because the term distraction can be subjective, if an issue arises at a field involving noise makers, then Tournament Director may mandate that they not be used ruing moments of game play. They would only be permitted to be used when the ball is dead or in between

innings. If that stipulation is not followed, the noise makers would be prohibited all together for that team for the remainder of the tournament. Mercy Rule 15 after four (4) innings or 3.5 innings (if the home team is leading) 10 after fifth (5) innings or 4.5 innings (if the home team is leading) Bat Restrictions Age 8U 12U Divisions shall NOT be limited to the 2014 High School Baseball Rules published by NFHS regarding bat dimensions. All bats need to be BPF approved. Wood bats are permitted. Thrown Bat Safety Rule Any player that intentionally throws his/her bat will automatically be called out and receive a warning from the umpire. If the umpire believes the thrown bat was unintentional, a warning will be given to the team. If it happens a second time (intentional or unintentional), the player will be called out. On any thrown bat event, all play will stop. All runners will return to their base at the time of the pitch. Ejection and Suspension Policy Managers/Coaches/Players - Manager, Coach (or scorekeeper or anyone else that is in the dugout or on the field during a game) and Player that are ejected from a game (either by an umpire or by a Tournament Director) must leave the facility immediately and will automatically be suspended for 1 additional game. The Tournament Director may also lengthen the suspension to more games or expulsion from the facility for a period of time. If a Manager, Coach or Player is ejected from a game twice during the tournament, they will be suspended for the remainder of the tournament. Parents/Fans - If a Parent or Fan is ejected from a game (either by an umpire or a Tournament Director), they must leave the facility immediately and will be suspended for the remainder of the event. Home Team The home team will be determined by a coin flip. The umpires do not need to be present for the coin flip between coaches. Pre-Game There will be no pre-game practice allowed on the field (Exception for first games or if game before is done sooner than allotted time limit). Teams may hit in the batting cages prior to games on a first come first serve basis. Courtesy Runner Courtesy runners for the pitcher and catcher are allowed, regardless of the number of outs. A courtesy runner shall be an eligible substitute per NFHS. If no official eligible substitutes are

available, the last batted out may be used as a courtesy runner. A starter who is eligible to reenter the game will be considered an eligible substitute for the purpose of determining a courtesy runner. Under no circumstances shall the same player be allowed to run for both pitcher and catcher in the same inning. Head-First Slides A player sliding head-first into home plate will be called out. Information on Pitching Recommendations for Youth Baseball Players Information from USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee with help by the American Sports Medicine Institute, USA Baseball News, Journal of Biomechanics, and The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2006) Information also from an article on WebMD.com titled Baseball Pitching Compared in Children and Pros (2000) The following recommendations are not specifically from Ripken Baseball. We simply compiled the information and encourage each coach/parent to conduct further research and make the best decisions for their player. Always consult a physician if you have a concern. One of the missions of the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee is to provide scientifically based information to youth baseball members decreasing the chance of injury and maximizing their ability to play at a higher level. Pitchers should be taken out of the game immediately if their arm is fatigued. If a pitcher complains about arm pain and it does not go away after 4 days or the same pain happens immediately when they pitch again, the parent should take their son/daughter to a physician. Pitchers who competitively pitch more than 85 pitches per game, more than 8 months out of a year, or with arm fatigue are several times more likely to require elbow surgery. Injuries that occur when pitchers are adults may have begun to develop during their youth level of baseball. Once a pitcher leaves the game they should not come back in to pitch later in that game. The pitcher s tendons, muscles, and ligaments need time to cool down just as they needed time to warm-up. curveballs and sliders increase the chance of elbow and shoulder pain. If breaking balls are thrown, it is very important for the pitcher to have the proper mechanics. Developing the skills needed to play at a higher level is done through repetition, but a pitcher should not throw for more than one team per season. Performing drills to build strength and consistency is good, but the pitcher must find time to rest between starts. We encourage the player to only pitch for one team during the year. A pitcher should not compete in baseball for more than 9 months out of the year. The pitcher will need those 3 other months for active rest. Other physical activities are encouraged, but no other overhand activities should be done in these 3 months. (Javelin Throw, Football Quarterback, Swimming) Players should be taught proper pitching mechanics from an early age, and their pitches will get faster over time as joint force increases. A great way to prevent injury to a pitcher is to improve overall fitness. Athletes as a whole injure themselves much more frequently when they are fatigued. (WebMD) To prevent injuries to a pitcher s arm, have them work on strength and flexibility of their shoulder, wrist, and elbow. (WebMD) Parents should get to know their child s coach to ensure that they are teaching their child the proper mechanics of pitching. It is the coach and parent s responsibility to make sure the player is using the proper equipment, taking enough time to warm-up, and also enough time with stretching exercises. (WebMD)

2014 Rules Summary Sheet Rule 8U 9U 10U 11U 12U 13U/14U 15U - 18U Base Distance 60' 60' 65' 70' 70' 90' 90' Pitching Distance 46' 46' 46' 50' 50' 60'6" 60'6" Game Length 5 Innings 6 Innings 6 Innings 6 Innings 6 Innings 7 Innings 7 Innings Complete Game 3 Innings 4 Innings 4 Innings 4 Innings 4 Innings 5 Innings 5 Innings Leads Crosses Plate Crosses Plate Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Stealing Crosses Plate Crosses Plate Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (Including Home) No *Immediate dead ball call if they leave to early (1st Warning, 2nd is and out) Drop 3rd Strike No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Mercy Rule For all games - 15 runs after 4 innings or 10 runs after 5 innings. No No Warning Warning Warning Yes Yes Balks Educational Purpose Only 1 warning per pitcher No warnings We use the NFHS rule book when pertaining to what constitutes a balk. Faking to 3rd base is NOT a balk. Immediate dead ball. 2 1/4" - 2 3/4" 2 1/4" - 2 3/4" 2 1/4" - 2 3/4" 2 1/4" - 2 3/4" 2 1/4" - 2 3/4" 2 1/4" - 2 3/4" No 2 3/4" / -3 Only Bats All bats must have either the BFP 1.15 or BBCOR designation displayed on the bat (9U - 14U). No weight restrict on bats except for 15U and older which will follow NFHS rules. Wood bats are permitted. T-Ball or Coach Pitch bats are not permitted in any age group. Cleats Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber rubber or metal rubber or metal Bunting No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes IF Fly Rule No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Must Avoid Contact Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 8U - 14U: Anywhere from 9 to the whole roster can bat in the lineup (No DH) Lineup Rosters Re-Entry Courtesy Runners On-deck Batters Mound Visits Intentional Walk Ejections Injuries Sliding 15U - 18U: Anywhere from 9 to the whole roster can bat in the lineup with the option of using 1 DH. Teams that choose to bat the entire roster will have free defensive substitution during that game. Any player starting in the lineup but not in the field is an EH and is considered a defensive starter for substitution purposes It is each team's responsibility to check the opposing lineup prior to the game and call for a Tournament Director if there is an issue. No limits on player rosters. Up to 4 adults allowed in the dugout. Rosters are locked once a team's first game begins. Starters may be re-entered once, including the DH, as long as the player occupies the same position in the batting order. Starting pitchers may be re-entered, but not as pitchers. if a pitcher is removed from the mound and goes to another defensive position, they may not return as a pitcher in that game. Courtesy runners for the Pitcher and Catcher are allowed, regardless of the number of outs. Under no circumstances shall the same player be allowed to run for both the Pitcher and Catcher in the same innings. All on-deck batter must stay near their own dugout with a helmet on. Pitcher must be removed on second mound visit in the same inning and third visit of game (all ages). The pitcher must throw to a hitter during an intentional walk situation (all ages). if a Manager, Coach, or Scorekeeper is ejected from a game, they automatically suspended for the next game with further sanctions possible. If a player is ejected from a game, and there is not substitute available, that spot in the lineup will be skipped with no penalty. If a fan or parent is ejected from a game, they will not be allowed back for the rest of the tournament. If a player is injured and no substitute is available, that spot in the lineup will be skipped with no penalty. Head first slides are not allowed at home and will be called out. Head first back to the base is allowed.

8U SPECIFIC RULES The 8U teams will play on the 46 mound / 60 bases field. Game Information A game is defined as 5 innings or one (1) hour and forty-five (30) minutes (no new inning can start after one (1) hour and forty (25) minutes). In the case of a rain shortened game, that game will be considered official only after 3 complete innings (or if the home team is ahead after 2 ½ innings). In pool play, once the 5 th inning is reached or the time limited is reached, the game will end in a tie. In bracket play, once either the 5 th inning is reached or time limit is reached, and both teams are tied, we will then go to international tie-breaking rules. Both teams will play to win an inning, starting with a runner on second base playing until there is a winner. To start the tie breaker, the last batted out from the previous inning becomes the runner on second when starting the tiebreaker inning. The one (1) hour, forty-five (45) minutes is NOT a drop dead rule. The inning will be completed if it has been started before the one (1) hour, forty (40) minute limit has been reached. There is not limit for the Championship Game, but the run rule will remain in effect. Run Rule The twelve (12) run rule is in effect after a minimum of 4 innings (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). A ten (10) run rule is in effect after a minimum of 5 innings (4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). There will be a 5 run maximum rule per inning (no more than 5 runs can be scored), except for the last inning of the game (either the 5 th inning or the last declared inning by the umpire or coaches). Infield Fly The infield fly rule will NOT be in effect. Stealing Free stealing will be allowed. A player must NOT leave the base to steal until the ball crosses the plate. If a runner leaves early, they will be called out and the pitch will be a dead ball. A runner may not steal home. A run can only be scored on a hit, a bases loaded walkr, or one of the following:

o Runner attempts to steal third the catcher throws to third in order to pick the runner off. The runner may attempt home. o Runner at third, with runners at any other base. If the catcher attempts to throw out a runner at any other base, the runner at third may attempt home. Runners may steal if a catcher makes a play on the runner, the runner can make an attempt at one more base at their own risk. The runner can only take one additional base. The ball is dead once the umpire calls dead ball, or once the pitcher is on the rubber and the catcher is ready to receive the next pitch. Players Managers of 8U teams will be allowed to have 10 players on the field (4 outfielders). This is not mandatory, and if one team elects to have 10 players on the field, the other manager can elect to only have nine. Pitching Restrictions This tournament is kid pitch. Pitcher will not be allowed more than 50 pitches per day or 80 pitches over the three-day tournament. This excludes warm-ups. If a pitcher reaches his 50 pitch limit while pitching to a batter, he is allowed to finish pitching to that batter, even if his pitch count exceeds 50. The pitcher should not exceed 50 pitches on any one day. Use of a pitcher beyond the defined pitch rule/80 pitch for tournament above will result in his automatic removal (ejection) from the game, as well as the ejection of the manager. If the violation is found after the game has been completed, the game will be considered a forfeit. There will be no pitcher time limit between pitches. It is up to the umpire s judgment to move the game along if he feels that the pitcher is taking an inordinate amount of time. There will be no balks in the 8U division. Umpire should let the pitcher know of any flagrant moves that would normally be considered a balk. Each pitcher will be allowed to have tow mound visits in the same inning from his coach. On the third visit, the pitcher must be removed from the position. The home team score book will be used by the umpire to determine if the pitcher has reached his or her pitch count. Scorebooks should be clear in showing where the pitcher pitched. The visiting team should check every inning to make sure the home team book is accurate. Each manager is required to maintain a complete and accurate pitching affidavit for all tournament games. A copy of the affidavit will be shared with the opposing manager at the umpire plate conference.

Bunting Intentional bunting will NOT be allowed. If a batter, in the determination of the umpire, appears to have tried to intentionally bunt, the play will be called dead and the pitch is a no pitch. Outfielders Outfielders must be clearly present in the outfield before a pitch is made. The distance should be a minimum of 30 feet from where the infielders normally play. This will be a judgment call by the umpire. The intent of this rule is to have outfielders playing their positions and not crowding into the infield. If an outfielder is found to be playing to close in, the umpire will issue a warning to the player and manager and have the manager move the outfielder into their proper position.

8U Tournament Pitching Affidavit Pitcher s # Pitchers Name Total Pitches Opponent Date Opponent Signature This form MUST be completed and signed after every game by your opponent and MUST be present at the umpire s meeting to be reviewed by your opponent.