Tournament Rules
Triple Crown Baseball Rules - Unless noted prior to the event, National Federation High School Rules will be used with the following notations. Triple Crown reserves the right to enforce particular invitational tournament rules. 8 Yr. Old Rules posted at the end of this page.
TCS Arizona Spring Championships are excluded from these rules
EJECTIONS
1. New age cutoff information for all age divisions:
**Coaches are required to provide photo copies of birth certificates for proof of age and current report card for proof of grade (if applicable).
6u Division – Player turning 7 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in Kindergarten.
Player turning 8 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
7u Division – Player turning 8 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 1st Grade
Player turning 9 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
8u Division – Player turning 9 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 2nd Grade
Player turning 10 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
9u Division – Player turning 10 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 3rd Grade
Player turning 11 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
10u Division – Player turning 11 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 4th Grade
Player turning 12 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
11u Division – Player turning 12 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 5th Grade
Player turning 13 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
12u Division – Player turning 13 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 6th Grade
Player turning 14 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
13u Division – Player turning 14 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 7th Grade
Player turning 15 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
14u Division – Player turning 15 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 8th Grade
Player turning 16 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
15u Division – Player turning 16 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 9th Grade
Player turning 17 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
16u Division – Player turning 17 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 10th Grade
Player turning 18 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
17u Division – Player turning 18 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 11th Grade
Player turning 19 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
18u Division – Player turning 19 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 12th Grade
Player turning 20 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
2. Roster: May not exceed 20 players during the tournament and may not be added to during the tournament. Players may only play for 2 teams if they are in different age divisions (so playing up for 1 team) but may only pitch for 1 team.
3. Protest Fee: $100 cash (on rule interpretation only). - Protests must be done immediately. Please inform the umpire(s) and then proceed to find the tournament director.
4. Game Time: Starting time is forfeit time unless delay is created by Triple Crown. Game time starts during the home plate meeting.
5. Home Team: Determined by coin flip. Home team is required to keep the official book. Higher seed is awarded the home team in playoffs and championship games. If records are tied and there was not head to head play, we will use a coin flip.
6. Player Minimum: A team must start with a minimum of 9 players but can finish with less, taking an out in the vacant batting order position(s) *If batting the entire lineup and an injury or ejection occurs it will also be an out but only the first time around the batting order.
7. Championship Games: No time limit. Run rule is still in effect.
8. Pitching Rules (Innings per Tournament):
8's,9's and 10's = 6 innings, 11's and 12's = 6 innings, 13's and 14's = 7, 15's thru 18's = 8
One inning can be added in each game after your 4th game (5th game)* *Each player on the roster gets (1) additional inning per game played starting in a team’s 5th game played. (Example: During a 12u team’s 7th game, each player can have a max of 9 innings pitched.)
- Violation of these pitching rules will cause the Pitcher in question as well as the Manager to be thrown out for the rest of that game. We ask that teams help monitor this so the infraction is caught ASAP and doesn't affect game too much.
*Scorecards must be signed by both team managers after the game to verify the score and pitching (Managers, please help us out)
*No limit on the number of appearances.
*One pitch will be considered an inning pitched.
*Eight warm-ups to start, five thereafter.
*If pitching rules are violated and the infraction is detected, the situation will be reviewed and consequences may include elimination of team from the event and suspension for the following year, coach and/or player ejection.
9. Infield Warm-Ups: All teams are encouraged to warm-up as much as possible before game time. No pre-game infield.
10. Triple Crown will provide 3 baseballs per game (returned to TCS after the game)
11. Metal cleats allowed in ages 11 and up but metal cleats will not be allowed on portable pitching mounds at any facility. If detected a warning will be issued to both teams and any following violations will result in the pitcher in question to be removed from the mound as a pitcher. They may remain in the game at another position but cannot pitch again in that game.
12. BAT RULES 13u and Younger: All bats -5 or greater must be stamped BPF 1.15. Must be a baseball bat – no restriction on weight or length as long as bat has “BPF 1.15” stamp. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed. 14u and Older: -3 weight/length ratio only. All bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed. 19u: To be considered a wood bat , a bat must be made of a single piece of wood. All other bats such as bamboo or two piece must meet the BBCOR standards and have the BBCOR stamp Bat rules apply to the age division you are playing in (not the age of the player or team). Penalties for illegal bats will be assessed as per the NFHS rule book. -First violation of this rule – batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. -Second violation of this rule – batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach ejected -Subsequent violations of this rule – batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and the designated head coach is ejected -When a batter is declared out for violation of the new bat rules, the defense may take the penalty or the result of the play. The head coach penalties apply in either case.
13. Uniforms: Numbers necessary, matching uniforms recommended. Players must use the same uniform number throughout the tournament to help maintain accurate pitching charts
14. Adverse Weather: The Triple Crown Baseball Tournament could be played in adverse weather conditions. The format may be changed and may include lesser time limits or fewer innings to complete the tournament. Coaches and players accept these conditions when entering the tournament.
15. Decisions: Tournament Director shall have final decision on all tournament questions.
16. Hotels/Motels/Condos: Teams that leave unpaid bills or damages will be removed from the tournament and possibly banned from future Triple Crown events.
17. Refund Policy: There will be a $50 administration fee charged for complete rain outs; 1 game played = 50% of entry fee; 2 or more games played = no refund.
18. Tie-Breaker System: Used only in playoff or Championship games. If the game (playoff or championship) is tied after all innings have been completed, the "California" tie breaker rule will go into effect. Each team puts the batter who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half of the inning on second base and plays out a full inning. This happens until the tie is broken and the game is complete.
19. No Show: Teams that no-show will forfeit their entry fee and may be subject to suspension from competition in Triple Crown events for the following season.
20. Batting Order: Teams may bat any number of players and retain subs but must remain at the same total number of batters they started with throughout the game: Example 11 batters and three subs must finish with 11 batters. Batters not listed defensively will be extra hitters (EP or EH) and may rotate anywhere on the field like any other starter. DH may also be used and the DH can go play defense, but that could be a substitution for only the player he is batting for. Outside of the DH, Players can play defense only if they are in the lineup.
21. Courtesy Runners are allowed for the pitcher and catcher only. The courtesy runner must be either the last batted out or a legal substitute from your bench not having played in the game. The same legal substitute may run for both the pitcher and the catcher.
22. Visits to the mound: Each team is allowed three charged visits to the mound within a game. A charged visit is a trip in which the manager or coach does not remove the pitcher. After the three charged visits are used, every trip to the mound after that will result in the pitcher being removed. An uncharged visit is when the manager removes the pitcher from the mound. This visit will not be a charged visit. Remember, charged visits are cumulative for the entire game. No restrictions on visits per inning.
23. It is a balk if a pitcher, while touching the pitcher’s plate (rubber), feints a throw to first or third base and fails to complete the throw (No fake to third with foot on plate and throw to first). Pitchers may still feint a throw to second base.
DIMENSIONS & RUN RULES
The following dimensions are set by Triple Crown Baseball however minor discrepancies may occur due to particular field set up at various locations. Example: 9's and 10's may have 45' pitching and 60 ft. bases. 11's and 12's may have 48' pitching.
8's** 40' pitching **60' bases **1hrs30 min **6innings ** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
8's Championship game: no time limit, 6 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
9's**46'pitching**60 to 65' bases**1hrs45 min**6 innings** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
9's Championship game: no time limit, 6 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
10's** 46' pitching**60 to65' bases**1 hrs45 min**6 innings** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
10's Championship game: no time limit, 6 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
11's or 12's**50' pitching**70' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
11's or 12's Championship game no time limit, 6 innings and run rules are still in effect.
13's **54' pitching**80' bases**2 hrs**7 innings** 15 runs after 4 or 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6.
13's Championship game no time limit 7 innings and run rules are still in effect.
14's **60'6" pitching 90' bases 2 hrs**7 innings** 15 runs after 4 or 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6. 13's or
14's Championship game no time limit 7 innings and run rules are still in effect.
15's, 16's, 18's**60'6" pitching**90 ft. bases**2 hrs **7 innings** 15 runs after 4 or 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6.
15's, 16's, 18's Championship game no time limit, 7 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
All ages have a 20 run rule after 2 completed innings.
SEEDING PROCEDURE (First factor is Win-Loss record)
Two Way Tie
1. Head to Head between tied teams
2. Total Run differential
3. Runs Allowed
4. Runs Scored
5. Actual run differential in last pool game
6. Coin Flip
Three (or more) Way Tie
1. Head to Head (if sweep)
2. Total Run differential
3. Runs Allowed
4. Runs Scored
5. Actual run differential in last pool game
6. Coin Flip
RA=Runs Allowed
RS=Runs Scored
LAD=Last Actual Differential
IMPORTANT: Run differential maximum
1. Forfeits will be scored 7-0
2. Maximum run spread per game is 7 regardless of score.
Note: When 3 or more teams are tied and there is not a common opponent amongst all tied teams, run differential is the first tie breaker.
Ties will be counted as a .5 win and .5 loss
7 & 8 YEAR OLD RULES:
Pitching distance shall be 40 feet. Base length shall be 60 feet. Bunting is allowed. Pitching restrictions: Each player may pitch 6 innings for the entire tournament. A player will gain an additional inning for each game played after a minimum of 4 games played. 1 pitch delivered to a batter is considered an inning. Once a pitcher is removed from mound, he may not return to pitch in that game. Illegal pitches will result in a dead ball The batter is considered out on a dropped third strike. No lead-offs. Players cannot leave base until after ball crosses home plate. Stealing is allowed. Runners may advance once the ball is passed home plate at their own risk. If a player leaves early he is out. If ball is hit, it is a dead ball and batter returns and hits again unless there were already 2 outs (inning is over). Stealing home is not allowed. Runner may advance to home only on hit ball, when forced in by a walk, or when hit by pitch. The ball is considered dead once the pitcher has possession of the ball near the mound area. 8 & Under has a 10 run max per inning until the last designated inning. No new inning after 1 hr and 30 minutes. Each game shall be considered an official game regardless of the number of innings played. Mercy rule: 20 runs after 2 innings, 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings. Intentional walks: Coach or fielder just needs to inform umpire and point to first base. No pitches need to be thrown. The Infield Fly Rule does not apply in the division. Coach Pitch Bats not allowed in Kid pitch divisions. 1 Umpire for these games.
6 YEAR OLD RULES:
1. PLAYING FIELDS:
A. Pitching Distance: 35 feet (Machine Pitch OR Coach Pitch) you must play the game the way you started
B. Distance between bases: 50 Feet
C. The recommended homerun fence distances:
1) Foul Line: 125 ft minimum to 150 ft maximum
2) Centerfield: 125 ft minimum to 150 ft maximum
D. A 2-foot vertical line will be drawn halfway between each base to assist the umpire in determining where to place the runner when a batted ball is dead. Player must have both feet completely over this line to be entitled to the next base.
E. Ten foot horizontal lines will be drawn 15 feet from the base lines and second base to determine where the outfield begins and the infield ends.
2. EQUIPMENT:
A. Catchers must wear full catchers gear (Mask, Chest Protector, Shin Guards & Protective Cup) No Exceptions
B. The ball should weigh not less than 5 or more than 5 1/4 ounces & measure not less than 9 or more than 9 1/4 inches in circumference.
3. TOURNAMENT PITCHING:
A. Machine Pitch OR Coach Pitch
B. The player fielding the pitcher’s position shall take a position five (5) feet to the rear of the pitching machine and 3 feet to the left or right. A 2 foot line will be drawn at this position. The player must keep at least one foot on this line until the start of the pitch. If the other foot is free it will be on the side of the line extending away from the pitching machine.
C. If a batted ball strikes the coach pitcher, the ball is dead, the pitch counts as a strike and no runners shall advance.
(PENALTY): The coach pitcher shall be warned once and if a second infraction occurs the coach pitcher must be removed for the remainder of the game and a new coach pitcher put in his/her place.
D. If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and remains in fair territory, the ball is in play.
E. If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and goes into foul territory, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance one base.
F. The coach who is feeding the pitching machine shall not give coaching instructions to batters after they hit the ball or to base runners. They may not in any way interfere with the defensive players.
4. PLAYING RULES:
A. Game length shall be five (5) innings or 1 hour and 20 minutes unless the score is tied. In this event the game will be played to its conclusion.
B. All players listed on the Affidavit will bat. Once the batting order is submitted to the scorekeeper it will not be changed, except for injury, illness or ejection.
C. A batted ball becomes dead when an infielder has control of the ball in the infield or at a base, has possession of the ball and holds the ball over their head.
D. Defensive and Offensive Substitutions:
1) Minimum of nine players shall be used defensively with a maximum of ten. There will be free defensive substitutions.
2) There shall be a maximum of four outfielders, stationed not less than 15 feet behind the baseline when the coach pitches the ball.
E. Offensive coaches will be stationed in the coach’s boxes and as a coach feeding the pitching machine. The fourth coach will be in the dugout or designated area. One defensive coach will be behind the catcher or designated area as directed by the umpire and/or Tournament Director.
5. BATTERS:
A. Are not permitted to bunt. (Penalty: The batter shall be called back to the plate, the swing is a foul-strike, the ball is dead and no runners may advance).
B. The batter is out if failing to hit a fair ball after a maximum of five (5) pitches or after 3 strikes from the coach pitcher feeding the machine.
C. A batter is not out on a foul ball, foul strike, and/or foul tip unless it is the fifth pitch.
6. RUNNERS:
A. Runners are not permitted to steal or lead-off, and shall remain in contact with the base until the ball crosses the plate.(Penalty: Runner is out and the ball is immediately dead).
B. On a batted ball runners may advance until an infielder has control of the ball in the infield
or at a base and holds the ball up. Once the ball becomes dead and in the judgment of the umpire the runner has not gone entirely beyond the halfway point between the bases, the runner will be required to return to the base in which they are comingfrom.
C. No infield fly rule.
7. MERCY RULES:
A. 15 runs after 3 innings or 10 runs after 4 innings
B. Maximum five (5) runs per half inning. Maximum five (5) runs per half inning.
(1) No maximum runs apply in the 5th and all subsequent innings.
Bat Restrictions: There are no bat restrictions in the 6u division
1 Umpire for these games.
TCS Arizona Spring Championships are excluded from these rules
EJECTIONS
- Any coach, player and/or spectator ejected from a game will be required to not participate in their next scheduled game unless deemed otherwise by the tournament director.
1. New age cutoff information for all age divisions:
**Coaches are required to provide photo copies of birth certificates for proof of age and current report card for proof of grade (if applicable).
6u Division – Player turning 7 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in Kindergarten.
Player turning 8 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
7u Division – Player turning 8 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 1st Grade
Player turning 9 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
8u Division – Player turning 9 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 2nd Grade
Player turning 10 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
9u Division – Player turning 10 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 3rd Grade
Player turning 11 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
10u Division – Player turning 11 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 4th Grade
Player turning 12 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
11u Division – Player turning 12 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 5th Grade
Player turning 13 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
12u Division – Player turning 13 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 6th Grade
Player turning 14 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
13u Division – Player turning 14 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 7th Grade
Player turning 15 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
14u Division – Player turning 15 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 8th Grade
Player turning 16 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
15u Division – Player turning 16 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 9th Grade
Player turning 17 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
16u Division – Player turning 17 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 10th Grade
Player turning 18 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
17u Division – Player turning 18 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 11th Grade
Player turning 19 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
18u Division – Player turning 19 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE, unless player is in 12th Grade
Player turning 20 prior to May 1 of current year is NOT ELIGIBLE
2. Roster: May not exceed 20 players during the tournament and may not be added to during the tournament. Players may only play for 2 teams if they are in different age divisions (so playing up for 1 team) but may only pitch for 1 team.
3. Protest Fee: $100 cash (on rule interpretation only). - Protests must be done immediately. Please inform the umpire(s) and then proceed to find the tournament director.
4. Game Time: Starting time is forfeit time unless delay is created by Triple Crown. Game time starts during the home plate meeting.
5. Home Team: Determined by coin flip. Home team is required to keep the official book. Higher seed is awarded the home team in playoffs and championship games. If records are tied and there was not head to head play, we will use a coin flip.
- Team listed 1st on the schedule will occupy the 1st base dugout.
- If a team is already occupying a dugout from a previously played game, they may remain in that same dugout.
6. Player Minimum: A team must start with a minimum of 9 players but can finish with less, taking an out in the vacant batting order position(s) *If batting the entire lineup and an injury or ejection occurs it will also be an out but only the first time around the batting order.
7. Championship Games: No time limit. Run rule is still in effect.
8. Pitching Rules (Innings per Tournament):
8's,9's and 10's = 6 innings, 11's and 12's = 6 innings, 13's and 14's = 7, 15's thru 18's = 8
One inning can be added in each game after your 4th game (5th game)* *Each player on the roster gets (1) additional inning per game played starting in a team’s 5th game played. (Example: During a 12u team’s 7th game, each player can have a max of 9 innings pitched.)
- Violation of these pitching rules will cause the Pitcher in question as well as the Manager to be thrown out for the rest of that game. We ask that teams help monitor this so the infraction is caught ASAP and doesn't affect game too much.
*Scorecards must be signed by both team managers after the game to verify the score and pitching (Managers, please help us out)
*No limit on the number of appearances.
*One pitch will be considered an inning pitched.
*Eight warm-ups to start, five thereafter.
*If pitching rules are violated and the infraction is detected, the situation will be reviewed and consequences may include elimination of team from the event and suspension for the following year, coach and/or player ejection.
9. Infield Warm-Ups: All teams are encouraged to warm-up as much as possible before game time. No pre-game infield.
10. Triple Crown will provide 3 baseballs per game (returned to TCS after the game)
11. Metal cleats allowed in ages 11 and up but metal cleats will not be allowed on portable pitching mounds at any facility. If detected a warning will be issued to both teams and any following violations will result in the pitcher in question to be removed from the mound as a pitcher. They may remain in the game at another position but cannot pitch again in that game.
12. BAT RULES 13u and Younger: All bats -5 or greater must be stamped BPF 1.15. Must be a baseball bat – no restriction on weight or length as long as bat has “BPF 1.15” stamp. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed. 14u and Older: -3 weight/length ratio only. All bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed. 19u: To be considered a wood bat , a bat must be made of a single piece of wood. All other bats such as bamboo or two piece must meet the BBCOR standards and have the BBCOR stamp Bat rules apply to the age division you are playing in (not the age of the player or team). Penalties for illegal bats will be assessed as per the NFHS rule book. -First violation of this rule – batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. -Second violation of this rule – batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach ejected -Subsequent violations of this rule – batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and the designated head coach is ejected -When a batter is declared out for violation of the new bat rules, the defense may take the penalty or the result of the play. The head coach penalties apply in either case.
13. Uniforms: Numbers necessary, matching uniforms recommended. Players must use the same uniform number throughout the tournament to help maintain accurate pitching charts
14. Adverse Weather: The Triple Crown Baseball Tournament could be played in adverse weather conditions. The format may be changed and may include lesser time limits or fewer innings to complete the tournament. Coaches and players accept these conditions when entering the tournament.
15. Decisions: Tournament Director shall have final decision on all tournament questions.
16. Hotels/Motels/Condos: Teams that leave unpaid bills or damages will be removed from the tournament and possibly banned from future Triple Crown events.
17. Refund Policy: There will be a $50 administration fee charged for complete rain outs; 1 game played = 50% of entry fee; 2 or more games played = no refund.
18. Tie-Breaker System: Used only in playoff or Championship games. If the game (playoff or championship) is tied after all innings have been completed, the "California" tie breaker rule will go into effect. Each team puts the batter who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half of the inning on second base and plays out a full inning. This happens until the tie is broken and the game is complete.
19. No Show: Teams that no-show will forfeit their entry fee and may be subject to suspension from competition in Triple Crown events for the following season.
20. Batting Order: Teams may bat any number of players and retain subs but must remain at the same total number of batters they started with throughout the game: Example 11 batters and three subs must finish with 11 batters. Batters not listed defensively will be extra hitters (EP or EH) and may rotate anywhere on the field like any other starter. DH may also be used and the DH can go play defense, but that could be a substitution for only the player he is batting for. Outside of the DH, Players can play defense only if they are in the lineup.
21. Courtesy Runners are allowed for the pitcher and catcher only. The courtesy runner must be either the last batted out or a legal substitute from your bench not having played in the game. The same legal substitute may run for both the pitcher and the catcher.
22. Visits to the mound: Each team is allowed three charged visits to the mound within a game. A charged visit is a trip in which the manager or coach does not remove the pitcher. After the three charged visits are used, every trip to the mound after that will result in the pitcher being removed. An uncharged visit is when the manager removes the pitcher from the mound. This visit will not be a charged visit. Remember, charged visits are cumulative for the entire game. No restrictions on visits per inning.
23. It is a balk if a pitcher, while touching the pitcher’s plate (rubber), feints a throw to first or third base and fails to complete the throw (No fake to third with foot on plate and throw to first). Pitchers may still feint a throw to second base.
DIMENSIONS & RUN RULES
The following dimensions are set by Triple Crown Baseball however minor discrepancies may occur due to particular field set up at various locations. Example: 9's and 10's may have 45' pitching and 60 ft. bases. 11's and 12's may have 48' pitching.
8's** 40' pitching **60' bases **1hrs30 min **6innings ** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
8's Championship game: no time limit, 6 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
9's**46'pitching**60 to 65' bases**1hrs45 min**6 innings** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
9's Championship game: no time limit, 6 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
10's** 46' pitching**60 to65' bases**1 hrs45 min**6 innings** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
10's Championship game: no time limit, 6 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
11's or 12's**50' pitching**70' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings** 15 runs after 3 or 10 runs after 4 or 8 after 5.
11's or 12's Championship game no time limit, 6 innings and run rules are still in effect.
13's **54' pitching**80' bases**2 hrs**7 innings** 15 runs after 4 or 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6.
13's Championship game no time limit 7 innings and run rules are still in effect.
14's **60'6" pitching 90' bases 2 hrs**7 innings** 15 runs after 4 or 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6. 13's or
14's Championship game no time limit 7 innings and run rules are still in effect.
15's, 16's, 18's**60'6" pitching**90 ft. bases**2 hrs **7 innings** 15 runs after 4 or 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6.
15's, 16's, 18's Championship game no time limit, 7 innings, and run rules are still in effect.
All ages have a 20 run rule after 2 completed innings.
SEEDING PROCEDURE (First factor is Win-Loss record)
Two Way Tie
1. Head to Head between tied teams
2. Total Run differential
3. Runs Allowed
4. Runs Scored
5. Actual run differential in last pool game
6. Coin Flip
Three (or more) Way Tie
1. Head to Head (if sweep)
2. Total Run differential
3. Runs Allowed
4. Runs Scored
5. Actual run differential in last pool game
6. Coin Flip
RA=Runs Allowed
RS=Runs Scored
LAD=Last Actual Differential
IMPORTANT: Run differential maximum
1. Forfeits will be scored 7-0
2. Maximum run spread per game is 7 regardless of score.
Note: When 3 or more teams are tied and there is not a common opponent amongst all tied teams, run differential is the first tie breaker.
Ties will be counted as a .5 win and .5 loss
7 & 8 YEAR OLD RULES:
Pitching distance shall be 40 feet. Base length shall be 60 feet. Bunting is allowed. Pitching restrictions: Each player may pitch 6 innings for the entire tournament. A player will gain an additional inning for each game played after a minimum of 4 games played. 1 pitch delivered to a batter is considered an inning. Once a pitcher is removed from mound, he may not return to pitch in that game. Illegal pitches will result in a dead ball The batter is considered out on a dropped third strike. No lead-offs. Players cannot leave base until after ball crosses home plate. Stealing is allowed. Runners may advance once the ball is passed home plate at their own risk. If a player leaves early he is out. If ball is hit, it is a dead ball and batter returns and hits again unless there were already 2 outs (inning is over). Stealing home is not allowed. Runner may advance to home only on hit ball, when forced in by a walk, or when hit by pitch. The ball is considered dead once the pitcher has possession of the ball near the mound area. 8 & Under has a 10 run max per inning until the last designated inning. No new inning after 1 hr and 30 minutes. Each game shall be considered an official game regardless of the number of innings played. Mercy rule: 20 runs after 2 innings, 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings. Intentional walks: Coach or fielder just needs to inform umpire and point to first base. No pitches need to be thrown. The Infield Fly Rule does not apply in the division. Coach Pitch Bats not allowed in Kid pitch divisions. 1 Umpire for these games.
6 YEAR OLD RULES:
1. PLAYING FIELDS:
A. Pitching Distance: 35 feet (Machine Pitch OR Coach Pitch) you must play the game the way you started
B. Distance between bases: 50 Feet
C. The recommended homerun fence distances:
1) Foul Line: 125 ft minimum to 150 ft maximum
2) Centerfield: 125 ft minimum to 150 ft maximum
D. A 2-foot vertical line will be drawn halfway between each base to assist the umpire in determining where to place the runner when a batted ball is dead. Player must have both feet completely over this line to be entitled to the next base.
E. Ten foot horizontal lines will be drawn 15 feet from the base lines and second base to determine where the outfield begins and the infield ends.
2. EQUIPMENT:
A. Catchers must wear full catchers gear (Mask, Chest Protector, Shin Guards & Protective Cup) No Exceptions
B. The ball should weigh not less than 5 or more than 5 1/4 ounces & measure not less than 9 or more than 9 1/4 inches in circumference.
3. TOURNAMENT PITCHING:
A. Machine Pitch OR Coach Pitch
B. The player fielding the pitcher’s position shall take a position five (5) feet to the rear of the pitching machine and 3 feet to the left or right. A 2 foot line will be drawn at this position. The player must keep at least one foot on this line until the start of the pitch. If the other foot is free it will be on the side of the line extending away from the pitching machine.
C. If a batted ball strikes the coach pitcher, the ball is dead, the pitch counts as a strike and no runners shall advance.
(PENALTY): The coach pitcher shall be warned once and if a second infraction occurs the coach pitcher must be removed for the remainder of the game and a new coach pitcher put in his/her place.
D. If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and remains in fair territory, the ball is in play.
E. If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and goes into foul territory, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance one base.
F. The coach who is feeding the pitching machine shall not give coaching instructions to batters after they hit the ball or to base runners. They may not in any way interfere with the defensive players.
4. PLAYING RULES:
A. Game length shall be five (5) innings or 1 hour and 20 minutes unless the score is tied. In this event the game will be played to its conclusion.
B. All players listed on the Affidavit will bat. Once the batting order is submitted to the scorekeeper it will not be changed, except for injury, illness or ejection.
C. A batted ball becomes dead when an infielder has control of the ball in the infield or at a base, has possession of the ball and holds the ball over their head.
D. Defensive and Offensive Substitutions:
1) Minimum of nine players shall be used defensively with a maximum of ten. There will be free defensive substitutions.
2) There shall be a maximum of four outfielders, stationed not less than 15 feet behind the baseline when the coach pitches the ball.
E. Offensive coaches will be stationed in the coach’s boxes and as a coach feeding the pitching machine. The fourth coach will be in the dugout or designated area. One defensive coach will be behind the catcher or designated area as directed by the umpire and/or Tournament Director.
5. BATTERS:
A. Are not permitted to bunt. (Penalty: The batter shall be called back to the plate, the swing is a foul-strike, the ball is dead and no runners may advance).
B. The batter is out if failing to hit a fair ball after a maximum of five (5) pitches or after 3 strikes from the coach pitcher feeding the machine.
C. A batter is not out on a foul ball, foul strike, and/or foul tip unless it is the fifth pitch.
6. RUNNERS:
A. Runners are not permitted to steal or lead-off, and shall remain in contact with the base until the ball crosses the plate.(Penalty: Runner is out and the ball is immediately dead).
B. On a batted ball runners may advance until an infielder has control of the ball in the infield
or at a base and holds the ball up. Once the ball becomes dead and in the judgment of the umpire the runner has not gone entirely beyond the halfway point between the bases, the runner will be required to return to the base in which they are comingfrom.
C. No infield fly rule.
7. MERCY RULES:
A. 15 runs after 3 innings or 10 runs after 4 innings
B. Maximum five (5) runs per half inning. Maximum five (5) runs per half inning.
(1) No maximum runs apply in the 5th and all subsequent innings.
Bat Restrictions: There are no bat restrictions in the 6u division
1 Umpire for these games.
