Rules of play PLAYING FIELD The playing field shall be laid out according to the recommended dimensions contained within these rules. For details on field layout including recommended direction of play, fair and foul territory requirements, infield and outfield grades, pitcher s mound height and slope, batter s and catcher s box dimensions, and base and home plate size and construction should be referred to the Official Rules of Baseball as published by Major League Baseball on MLB.com. DIVISION OF PLAY BASE PATHS PITCHING DISTANCE FENCE AT FOUL LINES FENCE AT CENTER FIELD 7/8U 60 40 160 185 9U 65 46 180 210 10U 65 46 180 210 11U 70 50 230 275 12U 70 50 230 275 13U (54/80) 80 54 275 300 13U (60/90) 90 60 6 320 375 14U (60/90) 90 60 6 320 375 BATS The official bat shall be constructed of wood or aluminum or any other material or combination of materials. DIVISION OF PLAY BPF/BBCOR WOOD ALLUMINUM MAX NEGATIVE WEIGHT 7/8U 1.15 BPF ALLOWED ALLOWED NA 9U 1.15 BPF ALLOWED ALLOWED NA 10U 1.15 BPF ALLOWED ALLOWED NA 11U 1.15 BPF ALLOWED ALLOWED NA 12U 1.15 BPF ALLOWED ALLOWED NA 13U (54/80) 1.15 BPF ALLOWED ALLOWED -8 13U (60/90) 1.15 BPF ALLOWED ALLOWED -8 14U (60/90) BBCOR.50 ALLOWED ALLOWED -3 BAT VIOLATIONS: In the event a team violates the bat rules, the bat will be removed from play and the following will occur: a. If an illegal bat is identified prior the batter putting the ball in play, the bat will be removed from play and the batter will continue his at bat with a legal bat. It is the responsibility of the
Head Coach to remove the bat from the dugout or ensure the bat is not available for use. No exceptions. b. If any batter comes to the plate and has a previously removed illegal bat, the bat will be removed again, the batter will be out, and the coach will be ejected. c. If an illegal bat is identified after a batter put the ball in play but before a pitch is thrown to the next batter, the player who used the illegal bat will be declared out and all runners who advanced must return to the base they occupied. d. NOTE: It is the responsibility of the opposing Coach to report/ask the umpire to check the bat. If a pitch is thrown to a batter that results in base runners advancing a base and/or scoring (via a passed ball, pick off, or direct steal, the opposing coach must bring it to the umpire before the next pitch is thrown. The only exception would be a player advancing due to a balk by the pitcher. If player advances due to a balk, the base runner does not have to return to the previous base. PITCHING rules DIVISION OF PLAY One Day Max to Pitch the Next Day One Day Maximum Three Day Maximum 9U-12u 35 75 110 13u-14u 35 85 120 ONE DAY MAXIMUM TO PITCH THE NEXT DAY: The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch in one (1) day and still pitch the next day. Example: In the 9U 14U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum of (35) pitches in one (1) day and still legally pitch the next day. If the player pitches 36 or more pitches in one (1) day, the player cannot legally pitch the next day. ONE DAY MAXIMUM: The maximum number of pitches a player can legally pitch in one (1) day. Example: In the 9U 12U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum (75) pitches in one (1) day. The player would be ineligible to pitch the next day. Similarly, in the 13U 14U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum of (85) pitches in one (1) day. The player would be ineligible to legally pitch the next day. THREE DAY MAXIMUM: The maximum number of pitches a player can legally pitch in three (3) consecutive days. Example: In the 9U 12U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum of 110 pitches in three (3) consecutive days. In the 13U 14U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum of 120 pitches in three (3) consecutive days. This is to be interpreted as a player may legally pitch any combination of innings to equal (110) pitches in two (2) days as long as the player doesn t pitch more than (35) pitches the first (1st) day. Similarly, as a player may legally pitch any combination of innings to equal eight (8) innings in three (3) days as long as the player doesn t pitch more than three (35) pitches in the first (1st) or second (2nd) days.
FINISH THE HITTER: if a pitcher is approaching his pitch count limit, he may finish the hitter but must be removed from the mound following the last hitter. Any pitches thrown over his limit to the last hitter will not be counted against his pitch count. MANDATORY DAYS OF REST: 1. A player that pitches more than (35) pitches in one day MUST rest the next day. 2. A player 9u-12u that pitches (110) in two (2) consecutive days MUST rest the next day. 3. A player 13u-14u that pitches (120) in two (2) consecutive days MUST rest the next day. 4. A player that pitches three (3) consecutive days (regardless of total quantity of innings pitched) MUST rest the next day. 5. Pitches recorded during a game that ends in forfeit shall count towards a pitchers pitch limits. 6. For purposes of pitching limitations rules, a pitcher is in violation of the rule if he records any pitch above the legal pitching limits pursuant to these rules. 7. It shall be the responsibility of each team to challenge pitching violations by immediately notifying the Umpire and/or Tournament Director. A complaint may be filed at any point after the pitcher in violation records any pitch beyond his legal limit AND while the pitcher in violation is in the game as the pitcher of record. If the Tournament Director deems the pitcher is in violation of the pitch count rule, he will be immediately removed from the mound, an eligible pitcher will enter, and play will continue. If a second violation occurs during the season, the pitcher in violation will be removed from the game and the coach will be ejected. If a third violation occurs during the season, the team will forfeit the game. If such violation is the last recorded pitch of the game, the protest MUST be filed prior to the Umpires and the protesting team leaving the field of play. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that a player does not pitch and catch during the same game. It is recommended that a player does not pitch in more than one game per day. BASEBALLS Each team is responsible for supplying a minimum of 3 baseballs per game unless notated otherwise in tournament information packets. Any Youth League Certified game ball is acceptable. UNIFORMS Official uniforms: must be complete with matching team jerseys with numbers that are nonduplicating. Only customary baseball shoes shall be worn by all players. Managers and coaches: must wear a matching baseball hat and shirt with team insignia. Managers and coaches may wear athletic type shorts. Metal cleats: are NOT allowed in age division s 9U-12U. Metal cleats are allowed in the 13U division and higher. Metal cleats are not allowed on temporary mounds or in batting cages in which artificial turf is the surface material. Catchers Gear: Catcher s requirements are the use of a catcher s mitt, chest protector, leg guards, protective cup, and catcher s helmet with face mask and throat guard. 8U-14U, catchers must use hockey style mask.
Helmets: Offensive players are required to wear a double ear cover batter s helmet whenever at bat, on deck, base running, or base coaching. OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES Official Playing Rules of 2Dsports will follow National Federation Rules with the exceptions being contained in this document. Game time limits shall adhere to the following chart: DIVISION OF PLAY Innings Time Limit (no new inning after) Mercy Run Rules 9U-12u 6 1 Hour/40 mins 12 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5 13u-14u 7 1 Hour/50 Mins 12 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5 NOTE: All pool play games will flip for home team. If bracket game, high seed will be home throughout bracket play. Only exception would be if the team that wins the undefeated game is the lower seed, that team will be home team if they continue to the championship game undefeated. In the event of an "if" game, home team will be determined via a coin toss. FORCE PLAY SLIDE RULE at 2nd, 3rd or Home, runner must slide directly into bag. All players are required to avoid violent contact with another player while running the bases. Players running to a base must slide directly into the base. If, in the opinion of the umpire, the runner does not make an effort to avoid collision, he is to be declared out. If the act is deemed by the umpire to be malicious, the runner will be ejected from the game. NOTE: Force Play Slide Rule is effect for all AGES. COURTESY RUNNERS for the catcher and pitcher are allowed for age s 9U-14U. Rule: a. Must be sub player if team is not batting everyone. b. Last made out. c. If last made out is the pitcher or catcher, player must run (no sub) LINEUP OPTIONS Bat 9, 10, or everyone. If you are batting a continuous lineup (All Players) and a player cannot continue in a game, he will be declared an out when his turn in the batting order is scheduled to bat. A team may start with 8 players but must take an out for the 9th player. If a team cannot start or finish with at least 8 players, the game will be forfeited. TIE BREAKERS Games in pool play that are tied after time limit has expired shall be recorded as a tie. If a bracket game is tied after time has expired, the following format will be used to determine a winner.
last 3 hitters (who completed his at bat) from previous inning load the bases as follows: Last hitter from previous inning at 1B Hitter before that at 2B Hitter before that at 3B Normal substitution rules apply to these runners. Inning will start with 1 out MERCY RUN RULES are in effect for 9u-14u: 12 after 3 innings 10 after 4 innings 8 after 5 innings The home team will not bat once the run rule has been acquired, if ahead. OFFICIAL GAME A (7) inning game (13U and up) affected by but not limited to the weather, run rule, light failure, darkness (on fields without lights) or time limits, shall be considered a complete game after four (4) complete innings or three and a half (3 ½) if the home team is ahead. A game which is stopped after the 4th inning, but not in a complete inning, reverts to the last completed inning. A (6) inning game (6U-12U) affected by but not limited to the weather, run rule, light failure, darkness (on fields without lights) or time limits, shall be considered a complete game after three (3) complete innings or two and a half (2 ½) if the home team is ahead. A game which is stopped after the 3rd inning, but not in a complete inning, reverts to the last completed inning. Suspended games will resume from the point of suspension. FOREIFITS If a team is unable to start or finish with eight (8) players, the game will be recorded as a forfeit and the offended team will be awarded an 8-0 win. The (9th Player not in attendance will be an out). Any forfeit in pool play will result in the forfeiting team being placed as the last seed in the tournament. The tournament committee will rule on all forfeits. No team should benefit from the result of a forfeit in an unfair manner. This rule could result in a dispute and the tournament committee reserves the right to look at and rule in the fairest possible way. The committee s decision will be final. OFFICIAL PROTEST It is the coaches decision if he/she wants to protest a ruling during a game. The official rules of protesting a game must be adhered to for the protest to be considered. A check written to the 2Dsports for $300 must be submitted to the Umpire in order for the game to be halted and the protest considered by the Tournament Director. If the protesting team is correct, the protest check will be returned. A coach/team cannot protest based on an umpire s judgment call.
INTENTIONAL WALKS at 9U-17U age levels, the pitches do not need to be made. RE-ENTRY Starters may re-enter the game one time, however they must re-enter in the same place in the batting order. Substitutes may not re-enter the game. Pitchers may not re-enter as the pitcher once removed from the mound. FEET ON THE RUBBER In the Windup Position, a pitcher is permitted to have his free foot on the rubber, in front of the rubber, behind the rubber or off the side of the rubber. BALK CALLS When a balk is called it is NOT a dead ball. Fake 3rd to 1st is LEGAL. SLASHING 8U-13U Slashing (Fake bunt/swing away) attempts is not allowed. Batter will be called OUT. COACH PITCH RULES 7u/8u Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball. Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. Infielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit. PLAYER PITCH RULES 7U/8U Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge set at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate. Pitcher s Line: There shall be a line drawn from the pitcher s circle to the safety arc. The pitching coach shall keep one foot on or straddle the pitcher s line. The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball has been hit. Penalty: If a coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction will be called. Additional Penalty: If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game. THE CATCHER shall receive the pitch in the catcher s box in a normal baseball manner. If in the umpire s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there will be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams manager will be ejected.
TEN (10) DEFENSIVE PLAYERS shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baselines. The defensive player listed as pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit. Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch. Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game. Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout. The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time. The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order. Teams may start a game with eight (8) players. The ninth (9th) player in batting order will be declared an out each turn at bat. Only the 9th Player will be out. Approved Ruling: A ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available. FREE SUBSTITUTION Teams may use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same. BUNTING is not allowed in Coach Pitch. 6 PITCH RULE The batter shall receive 6 pitches if necessary. If a batter strikes out swinging in 3 pitches, he is out and does not get more pitches. However, a batter may receive additional pitches if: a. the batter fouls tips the 6th pitch that does not go directly into the mit and caught, they shall have his turn at bat extended on foul balls until either there is a swinging missed strike, no swing at all, or the ball is put in play. b. If the batter does not swing at the 6th pitch, he is OUT. No more pitches. INTENTIONAL WALKS A player may only be Intentionally Walked once per game by announcement from the defensive team and only one player may be intentionally walked in an inning.
LEAD OFF/STEALS Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate. COURTESY RUNNER for catcher of record only the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base. If the team batting has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team. TIME LIMIT 1hr 20 mins or 6 innings. No run-rule. No open inning. MAX RUNS PER INNING A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning, including the last inning or record three (3) outs. Umpires shall call Time after every play and declare the ball dead. Time shall be called as soon as the all runners are not attempting to advance. Time does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule. Comment: When a runner stands off a base and jukes or feints back and forth, this is to be interpreted as not attempting to advance and Time shall be called. BATTED BALL HITS THE PITCHING COACH the following shall apply: If in the umpire s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance. If in the umpire s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared. NONCOVERED RULES In the event any item is not covered in the rules, the tournament committee will make the fairest possible ruling and that ruling will be final.
TOURNAMENT FORMAT AND SEEDING DIVISIONS will consist of 2 divisions Major and Minor Major Division will be of teams considered to be AAA or Major teams Minor Division will be of teams considered to be AA and down. POOL PLAY each team will receive 2 pool play games BRACKET PLAY all teams will make bracket play on Sunday and be seeded based off pool play results SINGLE ELIMINATION BRACKET PLAY all bracket play games will be single elimination until a champion is determined. Note: Format is subject to change based on number of teams and event type TIE-BREAKER in the event of a tie in Pool Play record, the following tie-breaker rules will be enforced to determine the seeding in bracket play: (1) head-to-head (2) runs allowed (3) runs scored (4) coin flip AGE RESTRICTIONS AGE CONTROL DATE: April 30th EFFECTIVE FOR THE 2018 SEASON: NOTE: Birth Certificates and required for all players, at all times. If a player is participating using the grade exception, they will also be required to have a current report card on site at all games. 7U Division Players who turn 8 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 1st grade. Also, any player turning 9 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 7u 8U Division Players who turn 9 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 2nd grade. Also, any player turning 10 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 8u
9U Division Players who turn 10 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 3rd grade. Also, any player turning 11 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 9u 10U Division Players who turn 11 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 4th grade. Also, any player turning 12 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 10u 11U Division Players who turn 12 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 5th grade. Also, any player turning 13 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 11u 12U Division Players who turn 13 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 12u 13U Division Players who turn 14 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 7th grade. Also, any player turning 15 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 13u 14U Division Players who turn 15 prior to May 1st of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 8th grade. Also, any player turning 16 prior to May 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 14u Illegal player/pitcher: Any player that actively participates in a game who is not on the official online roster is considered an illegal player. These actions will result in immediate forfeiture. Roster Rules: By March 31 st, all teams must choose to participate in Major or Minor division for the remainder of the Spring Season, including the World Series. 2Dsports will work to ensure teams are placed in the appropriate divisions. Through April 31st all rosters will freeze on midnight before the start of the event and unfreeze on Monday morning.
Rosters freeze permanently on May 1st! a). participating teams are required to create an 2Dsports web account. b). all teams must have copies of all active and participating players birth certificates on hand at every event; failure to provide birth certificates will result in a forfeit of all games and payments. c). every team that participates in any 2Dsports event must have their roster online. d). roster limits are 24 players. e). rosters will freeze permanently on May 1st! f). a team may add up to 2 additional players to this roster at any time up to 30 days prior to the start of the 2Dsports World Series. g). a team may replace up to 2 players on this roster at any time up to 15 days prior to the start of World Series provided the team can show proof that the players being replaced cannot participate due to either a family emergency or injury. h). a replaced player comes off of the roster completely and cannot participate. i). once a player is frozen on a team's roster, that player may not be listed on another team roster or be eligible to play for another team in an 2Dsports event in the same age division unless the manager from the original team releases that player. This must be done in writing/email to 2Dsports. Once this player is released he may not be added back to his previous teams roster. j). a player who is frozen on another team's roster does not have to be released if this player goes to play for another team in another age division, provided this player is eligible to play in another age division. if any coach intentionally violates our roster regulations he will serve a mandatory 2 game suspension. Participation rules: No player may play on 2 different teams in the same event under any circumstances as this will result in a team forfeit for both teams. Any team playing up must only use players of that teams age, if you choose to pick up older players while playing up you must sanction an older team and play under that teams name. Commitments Participating teams must adhere to the following, prior to the schedule release: Register via 2Dsports.org Submit online roster Submit insurance Confirmation text/email with the Tournament Director *Failure to complete will result in removal from the tournament *Tournament Schedules are released Wednesday by 5pm