2024 Churchville Mid-Summer Tournament Rules

Follow the Churchville Mid-Summer Classic website for important news and updates leading up to and throughout the tournament. The website address is www.churchvillmidsummerclassic.com.

Modified Major League Baseball rules will be used for this tournament. All modifications are listed below. Coaches should print a copy of this document and keep it with them during the tournament. Coaches should read all rules carefully and share them with assistant coaches, players, and parents (as appropriate) so that everyone is fully informed about the rules and other tournament matters.

Bat Restrictions: 8U Kid Pitch: Bats must be stamped with USSSA BPF 1.15 or USA Baseball. No double wall bats are allowed. There are no barrel size restrictions.

 9U to 10U: Bats must be stamped with USSSA BPF 1.15 or USA Baseball. No double wall bats are allowed. There are no barrel size restrictions.

14U: BBCOR bats are required. Bats must be stamped BBCOR with a drop of -3. The barrel may not exceed 2 ⅝ inches. Metal Cleats: Metal cleats are only allowed for the 14U age group.

Age Group Base Distance Mound Distance Innings

Played 8U 60’ 43’ 6 innings

9U-10U 60’ 46’ 6 innings

14U 90’ 60’ 6” 6 innings

There are no extra innings in preliminary seeding games. These games can end in a tie. If an elimination game (excluding the championship game) is tied after the Page 2 of 10 2024 Churchville Mid-Summer Classic Tournament Rules no-new-inning limit is reached, all subsequent innings begin with the last batter out in the preceding inning on second base (international tie-breaker rule). Determination of Home Team: For preliminary seeding games, home team will be determined through a coin flip during the plate conference with the umpire and head coaches. For elimination games, the higher seeded team has their choice of being the home or away team. The home team is responsible for maintaining the official scorebook. Dugout selections are first come, first served.

Time Limits & Official Games: There will be a one hour and fifty minute no-new-inning time limit for all games, excluding championship games. The start time for the game will be determined by the umpire and should be recorded by both teams. A new inning officially starts as soon as the third out is recorded in the previous inning. Once an inning starts, it must be completed unless the home team is leading or takes the lead during their final at-bat. An official game will be recorded after four innings or three and one half innings if the home team is leading for a six inning game. An official game will be recorded after five innings or four and one half innings if the home team is leading for a seven inning game.

Mercy Rule: Games will end when a team is ahead by at least 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, or 8 runs after 5 innings. The home team does not bat if ahead by the mercy rule limit but does bat if the visiting team goes ahead by the mercy rule limit in the top of an inning.

Game Delays: The game clock continues to run during any weather-related or other delay (injury, field condition, etc). The following are examples of situations that might be impacted by game delays. Example 1: If a game is delayed and play is able to be resumed with time remaining on the game clock, the game will be played until one of these occurs: a) The time limit is met. i. In preliminary rounds, the game would end regardless of the number of innings played as per the published rules on Official Games. ii. In elimination rounds, the game would be played until it is at least an official game. b) A full game is completed (6 or 7 innings, depending on the age group). c) The mercy rule is enforced. Example 2: If a game is in the bottom of the 2nd inning and there is a delay that lasts beyond the no-new-inning time limit, the following will occur: a) In preliminary rounds, the game would end regardless of the number of innings played. b) In elimination rounds, the game would be played until it is at least an official game. Example 3: If the game is official, and there is a delay that lasts beyond the time limit of the Game, then the game is over.

Intentional Delays: The umpire and tournament directors reserve the right to eject any player, coach or fan for intentionally delaying a game and a forfeit may be enforced at the tournament director’s discretion.

Tournament Pitching Rules Delivering one pitch constitutes an inning pitched. Any pitcher, who enters a game and throws a pitch to a batter, is now the pitcher of record. Any pitcher withdrawn from the mound may not return to that position in the same game even if removed on a first visit. New relief pitchers are allowed a max of eight (8) warm-up pitches. Returning pitchers between innings are allowed a max of six (6) warm-up pitches. Any coach, who goes onto the field of play (crosses base line) 2 times in an inning to confer with a pitcher or any player, or third overall visit for the same pitcher, must make a pitching change. This resets for each new pitcher. The only exception to this rule is in the event of injury or equipment problem, when time is called by an umpire. If a pitcher goes over the per game pitching limit, the player will be immediately removed from pitching and the head coach will be ejected. All pitching limits are per-game limits. There are no per-day or tournament maximum limits imposed, but coaches should use good judgment in determining who is allowed to pitch in each game. Coaches are responsible for tracking/enforcing the per-game limits.

Division Pitching Limits 8U 2 innings per game 9U-10U 3 innings per game 14U No limit, coaches’ discretion

8U Specific Rule – If a pitcher hits two (2) batters in an inning, they must be removed from pitching for that game.

9U/10U Specific Rule - If a pitcher hits three (3) batters during their appearance; they must be removed from the mound and cannot return as a pitcher in the same game.

Uniforms: All players must wear team hats and numbered shirts/jerseys with shirts tucked in. No duplicate numbers are allowed

Line-Ups: Our intent is to encourage coaches to play as many players as possible and provide each coach with options. The coach must determine prior to the game how many batters will be in the starting line-up, and this must be communicated to the umpire and the opposing coach/scorekeeper. Teams may bat 9 players, the entire roster, or any number in between. Once the number of batters is established, it must remain the same throughout the game. A substitute is defined as any player not placed in the original batting line-up to begin the game. As soon as a substitute bats or runs for another player, the substitute and the original starter are locked into that batting line-up slot and either one may bat or run at any time (in that line-up position only). If no substitutes are available, an out will be recorded each time that spot in the line-up is scheduled to bat with two exceptions: Exception 1: A player may leave the game early if, before the first pitch of the game, the player’s Coach (or scorekeeper) informs the opposing coach (or scorekeeper) and the official scorekeeper that the player must leave early, and of the appointed time the player must leave. Upon such notification, and upon penalty of forfeit, the player may not bat or play in the field after the player’s appointed time of leaving. Conversely, should the player be removed from the game prior to his appointed time of leaving, for whatever reason, that player is considered an out during his next one scheduled plate appearance, unless Exception 2, below, applies. To prevent potential protest situations, please sign the official scorebook prior to the game with details of the player’s departure. Exception 2: A player who is injured on the field of play, and who is immediately and permanently removed from the game, will not be considered an out in subsequent scheduled plate appearances if he is unable to complete his next at-bat. Exception 2 applies only to players who are injured during play, not to players who may become ill or need to be removed from the game for any reason other than injury. A player is considered to have been removed immediately after injury only if he is removed from the game prior to the next pitch. A player is considered to have been permanently removed from the game if he does not, following removal from the game, play in any defensive or offensive capacity for the remainder of the game following his removal.

Courtesy Runners: Courtesy runners are allowed for the pitcher and catcher at any time. When batting the entire lineup, the courtesy runner will be the last batted out (who is not the pitcher or catcher). If not batting the entire lineup, a courtesy runner may be any player who has not entered the game yet as a substitute. A courtesy runner may later enter the game as a substitute for any of the position players but can no longer be a courtesy runner unless they are the last batted out. If a team runs out of subs (they’ve all entered the game and are married to a position player in the starting lineup), the courtesy runner would be the last batted out.

Pinch Runners: Pinch runners are substitutes for the specific purpose of replacing another player on base. Once a pinch runner is put into the game, they are then “married” to the player they pinch ran for.

Number of Players: A team must have at least 8 players to play a game. However, a team with only 8 players must take an out each time the 9th batter would be scheduled to bat until additional players join the game. Late players must be added to the end of the line-up.

Injuries to Baserunners: If an injury occurs to a baserunner and no substitute is available, the last batted out may take his place on the bases. If a player is removed from the game due to an injury, that player is not eligible to return to the game once his spot is skipped in the lineup. However, the injured player can return to the game as long as he has not been skipped in the lineup.

Defense: Any player on the roster may assume any defensive position in the field at any time throughout the game with one exception. A player once removed from the pitcher position may not return to pitch later in the same game.

Collision and Slide Rules: For ages 8U-10U there are no head first slides into a base, sliding head first is only allowed when going back to a base. For 14U, head first slides are allowed everywhere. All runners must slide or otherwise attempt to avoid a fielder who has possession of the ball and is waiting to make a tag. If in the judgment of the umpire the collision is intentional or flagrant, the offending player may be ejected from the game. If a runner does not slide and there is no collision and the umpire rules the runner safe, then the runner is safe.

NCAA Forced Slide Rule: On any force play, the runner MUST slide, and slide directly to the base. In addition, the runner cannot interfere with a fielder’s ability to throw the ball in any way. A runner is out when he does not slide and his not sliding causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play, or on a force play, does not slide in a direct line between the bases. This is true even when the runner did not intend to cause contact. Any runner who, in the umpire’s judgment, is involved in contact of a malicious manner is not only out but is immediately ejected from the game.

Protests: No protests are permitted on any umpire judgment calls. If there is a valid dispute over a rules issue, the decision of the tournament director (or designee) will be final. Resolve any disputed rule questions before play continues. Protest must be made within 30 minutes of the end of the game.

Player Eligibility: If a coach/manager questions the eligibility of a particular player or players, he may do so privately with the tournament director (or designee). He/she will investigate and resolve eligibility questions immediately. Player eligibility protests must be addressed during the game or immediately (within 15 minutes) following the game. Age eligibility is determined as the players’ age before May 1, 2024.

Forfeited Games: The final score of a forfeited game will be 10-0. Tie Breaker System: 2 Team Tie Breaker When 2 teams are tied with the same record, follow the list below until the tie is broken. • Head-to-head results from pool play (if applicable) • Least number of total runs allowed • Lowest single game runs allowed • 2nd lowest single game runs allowed • Coin flip 3 or more Team Tie Breaker If 3 or more teams are tied with the same record or winning %, use the following to break the tie. In this scenario, Head-to-Head results DO NOT come into play. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTE : At any given time when the tie is between 2 teams ONLY, we revert back to the beginning of the 2-Team Tie Breaker system outlined above and head-to-head comes back into play. • Least number of total runs allowed • Lowest single game runs allowed • 2nd lowest single game runs allowed • Coin flip 3 Team Tie Breaker Example Team A 1-1 15 total runs allowed in pool play Team B 1-1 16 total runs allowed in pool play Team C 1-1 17 total runs allowed in pool play • In this scenario, Team A would be the highest seed of the 3 tied teams. • Since we are now down to 2 teams TIED, we revert to the Head-to-Head tie breaker and if Team B played Team C in Pool Play, the winner of that game (regardless of total runs allowed) would be the next highest seed. • For this example, let’s say that Team C beat Team B in pool play. In this scenario, Team C would be the higher seed even though they allowed more total runs in pool play. More than 3 Team Tie Breaker Example Team A 1-1 12 runs allowed in pool play Team B 1-1 13 runs allowed in pool play Team C 1-1 15 runs allowed in pool play Team D 1-1 16 runs allowed in pool play Team E 1-1 16 runs allowed in pool play Team F 1-1 17 runs allowed in pool play • In this scenario, Team E beat Team D in pool play. • Going off total runs allowed since Head-to-head is not applicable (until 2 teams are tied), the seeding would be as follows: o Team A – 1 seed o Team B – 2 seed o Team C – 3 seed o Team D and Team E are now in a 2-team tie for the 4 seed. Because 2 teams and only two teams are tied for this seed, Team E would be the 4 seed and Team D would be the 5 seed as we revert back to the Head-to-Head tiebreaker when there are only 2 teams to break a tie. o Team F – 6 seed

8U to 10U Specific Rules 8U Specific Rules: There is no stealing bases for 8U. Otherwise, all of the rules below apply to 8U. Baserunning: There is no leading. Runners may steal bases for 9U and 10U but cannot leave the base they occupy at the time of the pitch until the pitched ball crosses home plate or is hit by the batter. If an umpire rules that a runner has left his base prematurely, the runner will be declared out and the pitched ball will be declared a dead ball immediately (no warnings). In this instance the results of the pitch do not count (i.e. no pitch).

Defense: There is no infield fly rule, dropped third strikes, or balks. Ball 4 is a dead ball for the batter only. The batter cannot advance past first base on a walk. However, runners on base can advance as allowed on any other pitch.

14U Specific Rules Balks: Balks will be called and will be ruled a dead ball. However, one warning per pitcher will be issued each game before a balk is called. (Note: there are no balk warnings.) Additional Information Pre-game Warm-ups: No batting practice or infield practice prior to the games. Teams are permitted to warm up in OF as time permits between the end of the game before and the start time of your scheduled game.

Reporting Game Results: On-Site Field Coordinators will provide Post Game Reports for each game. Immediately following the conclusion of each game, the winning team is responsible for getting the form signed by both coaches and for turning in the Post Game Report to the On-Site Field Coordinator. Failure on the part of the winning team to communicate the game result to the Age Group Coordinator within one hour of the completion of a game may result in the game being declared a tie and the runs allowed by the team that won the game on the field will be increased to the same number of runs allowed by the losing team.

Playing Conditions: The tournament director (or his/her appointees) will make all decisions regarding playing conditions prior to each game. He/she will determine whether or not the field conditions are fit to play with the safety of the players first and foremost in mind at all times. Teams must check the tournament website for updates regarding field conditions and game postponements. After a game starts, the umpire is responsible for stops/starts. Any sound of thunder or sight of lightning in the area will immediately stop play for 20 minutes. Weather related make-ups/continuations will be rescheduled by the tournament director.

Refund Policy: We make every effort to get as many games played for our participating teams as possible. Unfortunately, weather conditions beyond our control occasionally conspire against us. In the event that the tournament is abbreviated, the following refund policy will apply: 70% refund if all games are canceled due to inclement weather; 20% refund if only one game is played; no refund if two or more games are played. No refund will be given, under any circumstance, to a team that has been removed from the tournament due to a rules or sportsmanship violation.

Official Team Roster and Insurance: Every team must fully complete and maintain in their possession at all times a Roster & Waiver and Release of Liability Form (Official Team Roster) and a Certificate of Insurance. Elkridge Youth Organization should be listed as "Additional Insured" on the certificate. The Official Roster Form contains player birth date certification and will also serve as your team's Official Team Roster. Participating tournament teams are limited to a maximum of fifteen (15) players for ages 8U through 14U; and eighteen (18) players for 15U and above. A parent (or guardian) of each player must read and sign the document. The head coach/team manager is required to maintain in their possession a copy of the official team roster and a copy of each player's birth certificate in the event that an eligibility question arises. We would not expect that an ineligible player would ever be asked by a coach/manager to play. However, if that were to occur and it is discovered, the player and his head coach/manager will be disqualified for the remainder of the tournament. A game underway will be forfeited immediately to the opposing team as would a game completed in which the ineligible player participated. The team (without its head coach/manager and the ineligible player) may continue to play in the remainder of the tournament. Sportsmanship: We anticipate that tournament games will be emotionally charged and competitive. However, we also expect that every participant will conduct him/herself at all times in a manner that is appropriate for youth baseball. Accordingly, arguing with or complaining about umpire judgment calls (balls/strikes, out/safe or fair/foul) or any display of inappropriate behavior (to include foul language used) by coaches, managers, players, parents or spectators simply will not be tolerated. Anyone (except players) in violation of this sportsmanship rule will be asked to leave the premises immediately by either the umpire or On-Site Field Coordinator. If after five (5) minutes the offending person is not out of sight and sound of the field, the team will forfeit the game in progress. An ejected player will be confined to the dugout. A player ejected from a game is suspended from participating at the next game. A coach or parent ejected from a game is suspended from participating or being a spectator for the remainder of the day. Team head coaches/managers are 100% responsible for the conduct of their assistant coaches, players, parents and any other related spectators. If anyone other than the head coach/manager or assistant coach is ejected by an umpire, the team's head coach/manager will be automatically ejected from the game in progress and suspended for the next game as well. Anyone who threatens a tournament official, umpire, opposing coach or player (either physically or verbally) will be asked to leave immediately and may not return for the duration of the tournament. Team managers should make certain that everyone associated with their team is fully aware of the sportsmanship rules in advance of the tournament. The games should be fun for all involved, especially the kids playing in them. The Tournament Director reserves the right to remove any manager, coach, player, or spectator from the ballpark for unsportsmanlike behavior.