While the pitcher takes the signal, her stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired. Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride foot, she CANNOT move it to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate. In addition, the pitcher must take or appear to take a signal while in the pitching and signal-taking positions.
The no-pitch intentional walk rule will be used and requires that a coach or catcher signal the plate umpire to award first base to a hitter without the pitcher having to throw four balls outside the strike zone. This can be declared at any time during the at bat. The ball is dead.
We use the written NFHS courtesy runner rule, which states the courtesy runner must be an eligible sub that has not been in the game at any capacity.
Players who have played in college at any level and completed college coursework are not eligible to play below the A classifacation.
During pool games only we allow free substitutions that must be reported. Teams may bat the entire roster. Coaches must maintain the integrity of the batting lineup and the courtesy runner rule remains in effect. Teams that bat the lineup will utilize the last recorded out as a courtesy runner, those who do not bat the lineup must utilize an eligible substitute.
During bracket play teams may utilize one EP and bat up to 10. They may utilize the DP/Flex rule in addition to the EP, the flex player would be listed last. The EP may play anywhere on defense only if it is properly reported.
Courtesy runners must be eligible substitute, that has not participated in the game.
OPTIONS: Any option below may be used: it will not be free subs or bat your lineup.
10 runs after 3, 8 runs after 4, and 6 runs after 5. The standard game time is 1:25 minutes and finish the inning. However, this can be modified by the Tournament Director at their discretion. In the event the game times being used differ from the standard they will be listed for each tournament under the rules section of the event page.
During each half-inning of the inning used to enforce the tiebreaker, the offensive team must begin its turn at bat with the player scheduled to bat last in that respective half-inning being placed at second base. For example, if the number five batter is to lead off, the number four batter in the batting order should be placed on second base. A substitute may be inserted for the runner.
It is the responsibility of the umpire and scorer to notify the teams involved as to which player starts the half-inning at second base. Should the wrong player be placed on second base and it is brought to the umpire’s attention, there is no penalty.
The call on the field stands. All rule questions will be interpreted by USA Fastpitch UIC and the site director.
A player can only be on one roster during the same tournament.
If a violation is discovered, the ineligible players will be removed at the time of discovery and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game, suspended a minimum of one additional game, and up to one year at the discretion of the competition committee. Any coach or player ejected from a game will sit out a minimum of the following game and the possibility of one season. at the discretion of the competition committee.
No alcohol or tobacco products are allowed on the field or in the dugout.
Pool games may end in a tie; bracket games must have a winner. In bracket, the International tie-breaker rule will apply after the last out and time has expired.
Pool Tiebreaker Rules:
1. Win/ LostRecord (percentage)
2. Head 2 Head (used only when all tied teams have played each other)
3. Average Per Game Runs Allowed
4. Average Per Game runs Differential
5. Random (Computer Coin Flip)
No paper brackets will be posted onsite.
If a spectator, parent, player, or coach is ejected from a game, they will be required to sit out the rest of that game + 1 other (at minimum). The penalty can be increased at the tournament staff’s discretion. Players will be asked to remain in the dugout with their team. Coaches, spectators, and parents will be asked to wait outside of the complex not within site of the field.
Teams are allowed to use one-way electronic communication devices to communicate from the dugout (when on defense) and from the dugout or coach's box (when on offense).
The communication is one-way, meaning coaches can communicate from the dugout to the field, but players cannot communicate back to the dugout.
Teams can choose to use these devices, and it's optional whether they use them for a single player, several players, or all on-field players.
If weather delays occur, please do not gather in shelters or dugouts. Weather updates will be posted under tournament posting on www.usafastpitch.org
Teams should warm up on the perimeter or behind the temporary homerun fences, outside of the areas where spectators sit, or were directed by the onsite staff. In the event that there is frost on the fields, please avoid the grass and warm up outside of the field.