M.L.B. NATIONAL LEAGUE RULES APPLY

*Local modifications listed below*

 *Copies of birth certificates, a copy of team insurance and a team roster signed by a legal parent/guardian of each player will be required at registration*

 *May 1, 2013 is the age cut off for all players for 2013 - this cut off is good through August 30th, 2013.  August 31st, 2013 starts new age cut off of May 1, 2014.

*A team may choose to challenge a players age of an opposing team by submitting a claim to the tournament director.  The tournament director will verify that player's age.  If it is found that a player is outside of the age requirements for that division, that team will be disqualified from competition  
"DON'T CHEAT THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION!"

 **A player may only play on one team during a tournament**
 ** Teams may start and play with 8 players, 9th batter is automatic out every time**

 **NO PROTESTS on judgment calls!  UMPIRES DECISION IS FINAL!  If an interpretation of a rule is in question, the MANAGER ONLY  may call on the tournament director for a ruling.

 **Coin flip determines home team; In elimination rounds home team is determined by highest seed.

**Each team shall provide 2 new baseballs for each game except Championship**

 **8u,9u, 10u, 11u, 12u Divisions are 6 inning games and no new inning may begin after 1 hour 45 minutes from start time.  13u and up- games are 7 innings and no new inning may begin after 1 hour 55 minutes  from the start time.   Ties stand except in elimination games. Time limit applies for ALL GAMES except Championship Game.

 **Mercy rule in effect during all games including Championship- 15 runs after 3 innings; 10 runs after 4 innings; 8 runs after 5 innings.

**Lead off base allowed in all divisions except 8u (ball must cross plate for runner to advance)

*Dropped third strike-ball is live in all divisions except 8u

**NO EH or DH: You may bat 9 players or bat the entire team.

 **Substitution/Re-Entry Rule: If playing 9, starters may re-enter game ONCE after being removed for sub.  Starters are defined as the 9 players who begin game in the 9 defensive positions.  Subs cannot re-enter after playing and then removed.  If batting entire roster the "Open Substitution" rule applies

EXCEPTION:  No player who has pitched and is removed may return to pitch in the same game.  He may re-enter at any other position.

 **Regardless of playing 9 or entire roster, batting order must remain constant throughout the entire game.

 **Balks called per MLB rules.  9,10,11,12 Divisions- One warning per pitcher ; All balks enforced without warning in 13u, 14u, 15u, 16u divisions and all medal rounds. No balks called in 8U.

 **Courtesy Runner:  For one position player only!  This is not a substitution and is optional.  Runner must be a player not currently in the lineup.  If not available, courtesy runner must be last out.

 **MUST SLIDE OR AVOID: Any player must slide or attempt to avoid contact on all close plays.  “Close” is solely at the discretion of the umpire. Failure to slide or avoid contact MAY result in player ejection. 

        **NO METAL SPIKES allowed in the 8u, 9u, 10u,11u Divisions

 **No infield warm-up allowed.  Please report to your field no less than 30 minutes prior to game time listed. GAMES WILL RUN ON TIME!

 For three day tournaments- Total inning per tournament increased by 2 innings

  **Base and Pitching Distance Guide – 8u- 60 ft base/ 42 ft pitch, 9u/10u- 65 ft base / 45 ft pitch                  
   11u/ 12u- 70 ft base / 50 ft pitch  -- 13u and up- 90 ft base/ 60 ft pitch

**BAT REGULATIONS**
13U and under-  All bats must be stamped with "1.15 BPF or under" and/or approved for Pony, Little League, USSSA or BBCOR use.
14U and up-  All bats muts be BBCOR certified, approved for high school use

If a non-compliant bat is detected during or after an at bat- that player along with the coach/manager will be ejected for the remainder of the tournament.

 **SPORTSMANSHIP: Any player ejected from a game is disqualified for the remainder of that game + one game.   Any coach that ejected is disqualified for the remainder of the Tournament.  It is the sole responsibility of the team management to control fans and parents during the game.