Rock Tournament Baseball Rules

• We will utilize NFHS rules unless otherwise specified within this Rock Tournaments Rules and Policies document.
• Please be respectful to opposing teams, coaches, fans and umpires.
• No metal cleats allowed at any age level. All of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• No pets allowed at any of the venues we host tournaments. The exception is a Service Animal trained to perform a task related to an individuals disability.
• All on the field calls by an umpire are final. In the event there is a non umpire/game issue or question, please have the head coach consult with the onsite tournament director. All decisions made by the tournament director are final.
• No seeds or gum allowed as all of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• Admission Fees: Admission fees vary based on the length of the tournament.
• During pool play, home teams will be determined by a coin flip. The team that traveled the furthest will call the coin flip.
• Teams will occupy dugouts on a first come, first serve basis.
• No infield practice will be permitted. Teams may play catch and hit wiffles in the outfield if time allows. Do not hit or throw balls into the fences.
• No carry ins of any kind are allowed.
• Pitching restrictions - We do not monitor pitch counts or have pitching restrictions. That said, we recommend that all coaches adhere to the Smart Pitch guidelines provided by USA Baseball. Guidelines can be found at...https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines.
• Catchers may use a 2-piece helmet/mask at their own risk.
• Electronic communication between a catcher and head coach is allowed. All other players are not allowed to utilize electronic communication devices.
• Home team is resposnible for the scoreboard.
• Slash Bunts are NOT ALLOWED at any time in 12U and under. Batter will deemed out if attempted. On 1st offense coach will be restricted to the dugout. On the second offense, coach will be ejected from the game.
• If we have a safety bag, the entire safety bag is considered the bag. So if the firstbaseman is on the orange part of the bag, it is still considered the bag. That said, the orange part if the bag is still in foul territory.

• Games will be 6 innings in length.
• Game time starts when the first warm up pitch is thrown.
• 1 hour 45 minute time limit with no new inning starting after 1 hour 45 minutes. A new inning is considered started as soon as the 3rd out of the previous inning is recorded.
• Time limit is in effect for all games including championship games
• Pool play games can end in a tie - If the game is tied after the time limit, it will end in a tie. The inning being played at the expiration of time will still be completed. (For example, time expires in the top of the 6 and the game is tied, the 6th inning will still be completed.) If the game is tied when regular innings have been completed, but there is still time remaining, we will use the following rule for every 1/2 inning until there is a winner or time expires.
  • • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
    • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
    • The inning will start with 1 out
• There are no ties allowed in bracket play, after the expiration of the time limit in bracket play, we will use the following rule for every 1⁄2 inning until a winner is determined...
  • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
  • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
  • The inning will start with 1 out
• Run Rules - 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings. Run rules are in effect for all games including championship games
• Tournament director reserves the right to modify the number of games, length of games,

  or time limit on games as necessary due to weather, field conditions or any other scheduling issues.

• Games can start up to 45 minutes early depending on how the tournament is going. All teams should be onsite and ready to play up to 45 minutes before their scheduled game time.

• Both teams are required to submit a final scorecard signed by both coaches to verify score.
• If a team fails to turn in the scorecard within 30 minutes of the end of the game, we will go off the score submitted by the opposing team.
• We will use Playbook 365 for scoring and communicating seedings and bracket play game times with coaches.

• All teams must provide a completed roster and proof of insurance through their Playbook 365 account one week prior to their first game.
  • All players and coaches must complete a waiver with the link provided through Playbook 365.
• If a player that has not completed a waiver is found to be playing in a game, that game will be forfeited.
• Age cutoff for each age division is April 30th. For example, a player turns 13 on or after May 1st, they are elgible for 12U
• Please be sure to have birth certificates of all players as they may be requested by opposing teams.
• If a coach would like to challenge the eligibility of an opposing player, they will need to make a written request to the tournament director along with a $200 challenge deposit at least 60 minutes prior to the player’s next game. The tournament director will then review the challenge and if a player is ruled eligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be forfeited. If the player is ruled ineligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be returned.

Batting Order / Substitutions

• Teams must start a game with at least 8 players in uniform and on their roster.

• If a team plays with less than 9 players, the ninth spot will be recorded as an automatic out.

• If a team is down to 7 players or less, they will forfeit and the score will be 6-0 for seeding purposes.

• If a player arrives late, they may be added to the order in the last spot.

• Courtesy runners
  • allowed at any time for the pitcher and catcher of record. The courtesy runner shall be the last batted out unless you are not using a continuous batting order and have a legal substitute on the bench. If a pitcher or catcher reaches base in the first inning and no outs have been recorded, the pitcher/catcher will remain on base until an out is recorded.
• Batting Order
  • Continuous Batting Order - All players bat, free defensive substitutions for all players. A player arriving late must be listed on the lineup card and can be entered at the bottom of order when they arrive.
  • Extra Hitter - 10 players are listed in the batting order and these 10 players can be substituted freely on defense. DH and EH is allowed. All other players are subs and subject to NFHS substitution rules.
  • Nine Hitters - 9 players are listed in the batting order. DH is allowed. All other players are subs and are subject to NFHS substitution rules.
• Injuries
  • If a player becomes injured (umpire has final decision as to whether or not a player sustained an injury) and is not able to play, their spot in the batting may be skipped and will not result in an out.
  • If a player has an injury that prohibits them from hitting, but allows them to play in the field, this player will be allowed to play in the field and not bat. This exception will only be made if the request is submitted in writing and is accompanied by a letter from a physician indicating the injury and that the athlete is cleared to throw but not cleared to hit.
  • Once a player misses an at bat due to injury, they must be done for the remainder of that game.
     

Bat Restrictions

• 8U-12U
  • 1.15 BPF Stamp or USA Baseball Stamp
  • No other restrictions
• Illegal Bat Penalty
  • It is the responsibility of each team’s head coach to monitor bats that are in play. If a player uses an illegal bat. The umpire must be notified prior to the first pitch of the next batter or before all defensive players leave fair territory.
  • If the bat is found illegal, the batter will be ruled out and runners will not be allowed to advance.

  • If a team has three illegal bat rules infractions the Head Coach will be ejected for the rest of the tournament.

• 8U
  • There are no leadoffs and players must wait for the ball to cross the plate before stealing. If a player leaves early and the ball is put in play and results in an out, the play stands. If a player leaves early and the ball is put in play and does not result in an out, it is a dead ball and the player returns to the base. If a player leaves the base early 2 times in one inning, the runner is out.
  • A runner may only score from third base on a batted ball, a walk, a hit by pitch or if a play is made upon the runner...for example, the catcher tries to pick the runner off third base.
  • A runner who is stealing 3rd base may not advance to home on an over throw off third base.

Ejections

Game Cancelled Due to Weather or Field Conditions

• We will utilize NFHS rules unless otherwise specified within this Rock Tournaments Rules and Policies document.
• Please be respectful to opposing teams, coaches, fans and umpires.
• No metal cleats allowed at any age level. All of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• No pets allowed at any of the venues we host tournaments. The exception is a Service Animal trained to perform a task related to an individuals disability.
• All on the field calls by an umpire are final. In the event there is a non umpire/game issue or question, please have the head coach consult with the onsite tournament director. All decisions made by the tournament director are final.
• No seeds or gum allowed as all of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• Admission Fees: Admission fees vary based on the length of the tournament.
• During pool play, home teams will be determined by a coin flip. The team that traveled the furthest will call the coin flip.
• Teams will occupy dugouts on a first come, first serve basis.
• No infield practice will be permitted. Teams may play catch and hit wiffles in the outfield if time allows. Do not hit or throw balls into the fences.
• No carry ins of any kind are allowed.
• Pitching restrictions - We do not monitor pitch counts or have pitching restrictions. That said, we recommend that all coaches adhere to the Smart Pitch guidelines provided by USA Baseball. Guidelines can be found at...https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines.
• Electronic communication between a catcher and head coach is allowed. All other players are not allowed to utilize electronic communication devices.
• Catchers may use a 2-piece helmet/mask at their own risk.
• Home team is resposnible for the scoreboard.

• Games will be 7 innings in length.
• Game time starts when the first warm up pitch is thrown.
• 1 hour 45 minute time limit with no new inning starting after 1 hour 45 minutes. A new inning is considered started as soon as the 3rd out of the previous inning is recorded.
• Time limit is in effect for all games including championship games
• Pool play games can end in a tie - If the game is tied after the time limit, it will end in a tie. The inning being played at the expiration of time will still be completed. (For example, time expires in the top of the 6 and the game is tied, the 6th inning will still be completed.) If the game is tied when regular innings have been completed, but there is still time remaining, we will use the following rule for every 1/2 inning until there is a winner or time expires.
  • • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
    • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
    • The inning will start with 1 out
• There are no ties allowed in bracket play, after the expiration of the time limit in bracket play, we will use the following rule for every 1⁄2 inning until a winner is determined...
  • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
  • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
  • The inning will start with 1 out
• Run Rules - 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings. Run rules are in effect for all games including championship games
• Tournament director reserves the right to modify the number of games, length of games,

  or time limit on games as necessary due to weather, field conditions or any other scheduling issues.

• Games can start up to 45 minutes early depending on how the tournament is going. All teams should be onsite and ready to play up to 45 minutes before their scheduled game time.

• Both teams are required to submit a final scorecard signed by both coaches to verify score.
• If a team fails to turn in the scorecard within 30 minutes of the end of the game, we will go off the score submitted by the opposing team.
• We will use Playbook 365 for scoring and communicating seedings and bracket play game times with coaches.

• All teams must provide a completed roster and proof of insurance through their Playbook 365 account one week prior to their first game.
  • All players and coaches must complete a waiver with the link provided through Playbook 365.
• If a player that has not completed a waiver is found to be playing in a game, that game will be forfeited.
• Age cutoff for each age division is April 30th. For example, a player turns 13 on or after May 1st, they are elgible for 12U.
• Please be sure to have birth certificates of all players as they may be requested by opposing teams.
• If a coach would like to challenge the eligibility of an opposing player, they will need to make a written request to the tournament director along with a $200 challenge deposit at least 60 minutes prior to the player’s next game. The tournament director will then review the challenge and if a player is ruled eligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be forfeited. If the player is ruled ineligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be returned.

• If a game is cancelled due to weather, field conditions or other issue that prevents the game from being completed the following will constitute a complete game:
  • 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 inning (if home team is winning) complete
  • If 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 innings (if the home team is winning) are not complete, the game will be suspended and picked up where left off or may be cancelled by the tournament director.
• If a game (including the championship game) is not completed due to weather or field conditions, the winner will be determined by the score at the end of the last completed inning. If the score was tied or no innings were completed, the higher seed will be determined the winner.

• We will utilize NFHS rules unless otherwise specified within this Rock Tournaments Rules and Policies document.
• Please be respectful to opposing teams, coaches, fans and umpires.
• No metal cleats allowed at any age level. All of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• No pets allowed at any of the venues we host tournaments. The exception is a Service Animal trained to perform a task related to an individuals disability.
• All on the field calls by an umpire are final. In the event there is a non umpire/game issue or question, please have the head coach consult with the onsite tournament director. All decisions made by the tournament director are final.
• No seeds or gum allowed as all of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• Admission Fees: Admission fees vary based on the length of the tournament.
• During pool play, home teams will be determined by a coin flip. The team that traveled the furthest will call the coin flip.
• Teams will occupy dugouts on a first come, first serve basis.
• No infield practice will be permitted. Teams may play catch and hit wiffles in the outfield if time allows. Do not hit or throw balls into the fences.
• No carry ins of any kind are allowed.
• Pitching restrictions - We do not monitor pitch counts or have pitching restrictions. That said, we recommend that all coaches adhere to the Smart Pitch guidelines provided by USA Baseball. Guidelines can be found at...https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines.
• Catchers may use a 2-piece helmet/mask at their own risk.
• Electronic communication between a catcher and head coach is allowed. All other players are not allowed to utilize electronic communication devices.
• Home team is resposnible for the scoreboard.

• Games will be 7 innings in length.
• Game time starts when the first warm up pitch is thrown.
• 1 hour 45 minute time limit with no new inning starting after 1 hour 45 minutes. A new inning is considered started as soon as the 3rd out of the previous inning is recorded.
• Time limit is in effect for all games including championship games
• Pool play games can end in a tie - If the game is tied after the time limit, it will end in a tie. The inning being played at the expiration of time will still be completed. (For example, time expires in the top of the 6 and the game is tied, the 6th inning will still be completed.) If the game is tied when regular innings have been completed, but there is still time remaining, we will use the following rule for every 1/2 inning until there is a winner or time expires.
  • • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
    • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
    • The inning will start with 1 out
• There are no ties allowed in bracket play, after the expiration of the time limit in bracket play, we will use the following rule for every 1⁄2 inning until a winner is determined...
  • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
  • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
  • The inning will start with 1 out
• Run Rules - 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings. Run rules are in effect for all games including championship games
• Tournament director reserves the right to modify the number of games, length of games,

  or time limit on games as necessary due to weather, field conditions or any other scheduling issues.

• Games can start up to 45 minutes early depending on how the tournament is going. All teams should be onsite and ready to play up to 45 minutes before their scheduled game time.

• Both teams are required to submit a final scorecard signed by both coaches to verify score.
• If a team fails to turn in the scorecard within 30 minutes of the end of the game, we will go off the score submitted by the opposing team.
• We will use Playbook 365 for scoring and communicating seedings and bracket play game times with coaches.

• All teams must provide a completed roster and proof of insurance through their Playbook 365 account one week prior to their first game.
  • All players and coaches must complete a waiver with the link provided through Playbook 365.
• If a player that has not completed a waiver is found to be playing in a game, that game will be forfeited.
• Age cutoff for each age division is April 30th or your grade. For example, if a player is in 8th grade or turns 15 on or after May1st, they are eligible to play in 14U.
• Please be sure to have birth certificates of all players as they may be requested by opposing teams.
• If a coach would like to challenge the eligibility of an opposing player, they will need to make a written request to the tournament director along with a $200 challenge deposit at least 60 minutes prior to the player’s next game. The tournament director will then review the challenge and if a player is ruled eligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be forfeited. If the player is ruled ineligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be returned.

• If a game is cancelled due to weather, field conditions or other issue that prevents the game from being completed the following will constitute a complete game:
  • 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 inning (if home team is winning) complete
  • If 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 innings (if the home team is winning) are not complete, the game will be suspended and picked up where left off or may be cancelled by the tournament director.
• If a game (including the championship game) is not completed due to weather or field conditions, the winner will be determined by the score at the end of the last completed inning. If the score was tied or no innings were completed, the higher seed will be determined the winner.

• We will utilize NFHS rules unless otherwise specified within this Rock Tournaments Rules and Policies document.
• Please be respectful to opposing teams, coaches, fans and umpires.
• No metal cleats allowed at any age level. All of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• No pets allowed at any of the venues we host tournaments. The exception is a Service Animal trained to perform a task related to an individuals disability.
• All on the field calls by an umpire are final. In the event there is a non umpire/game issue or question, please have the head coach consult with the onsite tournament director. All decisions made by the tournament director are final.
• No seeds or gum allowed as all of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• Admission Fees: Admission fees vary based on the length of the tournament.
• During pool play, home teams will be determined by a coin flip. The team that traveled the furthest will call the coin flip.
• Teams will occupy dugouts on a first come, first serve basis.
• No infield practice will be permitted. Teams may play catch and hit wiffles in the outfield if time allows. Do not hit or throw balls into the fences.
• No carry ins of any kind are allowed.
• Pitching restrictions - We do not monitor pitch counts or have pitching restrictions. That said, we recommend that all coaches adhere to the Smart Pitch guidelines provided by USA Baseball. Guidelines can be found at...https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines.
• Catchers may use a 2-piece helmet/mask at their own risk.
• Electronic communication between a catcher and head coach is allowed. All other players are not allowed to utilize electronic communication devices.
• Home team is resposnible for the scoreboard.

• Games will be 7 innings in length.
• Game time starts when the first warm up pitch is thrown.
• 1 hour 45 minute time limit with no new inning starting after 1 hour 45 minutes. A new inning is considered started as soon as the 3rd out of the previous inning is recorded.
• Time limit is in effect for all games including championship games
• Pool play games can end in a tie - If the game is tied after the time limit, it will end in a tie. The inning being played at the expiration of time will still be completed. (For example, time expires in the top of the 6 and the game is tied, the 6th inning will still be completed.) If the game is tied when regular innings have been completed, but there is still time remaining, we will use the following rule for every 1/2 inning until there is a winner or time expires.
  • • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
    • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
    • The inning will start with 1 out
• There are no ties allowed in bracket play, after the expiration of the time limit in bracket play, we will use the following rule for every 1⁄2 inning until a winner is determined...
  • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
  • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
  • The inning will start with 1 out
• Run Rules - 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings. Run rules are in effect for all games including championship games
• Tournament director reserves the right to modify the number of games, length of games,

  or time limit on games as necessary due to weather, field conditions or any other scheduling issues.

• Games can start up to 45 minutes early depending on how the tournament is going. All teams should be onsite and ready to play up to 45 minutes before their scheduled game time.

• Both teams are required to submit a final scorecard signed by both coaches to verify score.
• If a team fails to turn in the scorecard within 30 minutes of the end of the game, we will go off the score submitted by the opposing team.
• We will use Playbook 365 for scoring and communicating seedings and bracket play game times with coaches.

• All teams must provide a completed roster and proof of insurance through their Playbook 365 account one week prior to their first game.
  • All players and coaches must complete a waiver with the link provided through Playbook 365.
• If a player that has not completed a waiver is found to be playing in a game, that game will be forfeited.
• Age cutoff for each age division is April 30th or your grade. For example, if a player is in 8th grade or turns 15 on or after May1st, they are eligible to play in 14U.
• Please be sure to have birth certificates of all players as they may be requested by opposing teams.
• If a coach would like to challenge the eligibility of an opposing player, they will need to make a written request to the tournament director along with a $200 challenge deposit at least 60 minutes prior to the player’s next game. The tournament director will then review the challenge and if a player is ruled eligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be forfeited. If the player is ruled ineligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be returned.

• If a game is cancelled due to weather, field conditions or other issue that prevents the game from being completed the following will constitute a complete game:
  • 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 inning (if home team is winning) complete
  • If 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 innings (if the home team is winning) are not complete, the game will be suspended and picked up where left off or may be cancelled by the tournament director.
• If a game (including the championship game) is not completed due to weather or field conditions, the winner will be determined by the score at the end of the last completed inning. If the score was tied or no innings were completed, the higher seed will be determined the winner.

• We will utilize NFHS rules unless otherwise specified within this Rock Tournaments Rules and Policies document.
• Please be respectful to opposing teams, coaches, fans and umpires.
• No metal cleats allowed at any age level. All of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• No pets allowed at any of the venues we host tournaments. The exception is a Service Animal trained to perform a task related to an individuals disability.
• All on the field calls by an umpire are final. In the event there is a non umpire/game issue or question, please have the head coach consult with the onsite tournament director. All decisions made by the tournament director are final.
• No seeds or gum allowed as all of the complexes where we host tournaments have turf fields.
• Admission Fees: Admission fees vary based on the length of the tournament.
• During pool play, home teams will be determined by a coin flip. The team that traveled the furthest will call the coin flip.
• Teams will occupy dugouts on a first come, first serve basis.
• No infield practice will be permitted. Teams may play catch and hit wiffles in the outfield if time allows. Do not hit or throw balls into the fences.
• No carry ins of any kind are allowed.
• Pitching restrictions - We do not monitor pitch counts or have pitching restrictions. That said, we recommend that all coaches adhere to the Smart Pitch guidelines provided by USA Baseball. Guidelines can be found at...https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines.
• Catchers may use a 2-piece helmet/mask at their own risk.
• Electronic communication between a catcher and head coach is allowed. All other players are not allowed to utilize electronic communication devices.
• Home team is resposnible for the scoreboard.

• Games will be 7 innings in length.
• Game time starts when the first warm up pitch is thrown.
• 1 hour 45 minute time limit with no new inning starting after 1 hour 45 minutes. A new inning is considered started as soon as the 3rd out of the previous inning is recorded.
• Time limit is in effect for all games including championship games
• Pool play games can end in a tie - If the game is tied after the time limit, it will end in a tie. The inning being played at the expiration of time will still be completed. (For example, time expires in the top of the 6 and the game is tied, the 6th inning will still be completed.) If the game is tied when regular innings have been completed, but there is still time remaining, we will use the following rule for every 1/2 inning until there is a winner or time expires.
  • • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
    • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
    • The inning will start with 1 out
• There are no ties allowed in bracket play, after the expiration of the time limit in bracket play, we will use the following rule for every 1⁄2 inning until a winner is determined...
  • Each batter will start with a 1-1 count
  • The last batted out will start on 2nd base
  • The inning will start with 1 out
• Run Rules - 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings. Run rules are in effect for all games including championship games
• Tournament director reserves the right to modify the number of games, length of games,

  or time limit on games as necessary due to weather, field conditions or any other scheduling issues.

• Games can start up to 45 minutes early depending on how the tournament is going. All teams should be onsite and ready to play up to 45 minutes before their scheduled game time.

• Both teams are required to submit a final scorecard signed by both coaches to verify score.
• If a team fails to turn in the scorecard within 30 minutes of the end of the game, we will go off the score submitted by the opposing team.
• We will use Playbook 365 for scoring and communicating seedings and bracket play game times with coaches.

• All teams must provide a completed roster and proof of insurance through their Playbook 365 account one week prior to their first game.
  • All players and coaches must complete a waiver with the link provided through Playbook 365.
• If a player that has not completed a waiver is found to be playing in a game, that game will be forfeited.
• Age cutoff for each age division is April 30th or your grade. For example, if a player is a freshman or turns 16 on or after May1st, they are eligible to play in 15U.
• Please be sure to have birth certificates of all players as they may be requested by opposing teams.
• If a coach would like to challenge the eligibility of an opposing player, they will need to make a written request to the tournament director along with a $200 challenge deposit at least 60 minutes prior to the player’s next game. The tournament director will then review the challenge and if a player is ruled eligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be forfeited. If the player is ruled ineligible, the $200 challenge deposit will be returned.

• If a game is cancelled due to weather, field conditions or other issue that prevents the game from being completed the following will constitute a complete game:
  • 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 inning (if home team is winning) complete
  • If 3 innings or 2 1⁄2 innings (if the home team is winning) are not complete, the game will be suspended and picked up where left off or may be cancelled by the tournament director.
• If a game (including the championship game) is not completed due to weather or field conditions, the winner will be determined by the score at the end of the last completed inning. If the score was tied or no innings were completed, the higher seed will be determined the winner.