Print Version of rules

2004 PA Softball Tournament Rules

For more information or for a rules clarification, contact the tournament director

Cell – (717) 385-9674 Rain Phone – (717) 243-3956 E-mail – greg.barrick@pa-softball.com

PA Softball Website: http://pa-softball.com (rules, results, lodging, pictures, brackets, etc.)

• ALL teams shall be PONY registered, if not you will register on site before you play for all qualifiers.

• The name of the head coach/contact person, hotel information/phone number, as well as an active cell phone/emergency number shall be presented to the field director @ the tournament headquarters before you start play in your first game. Teams must check in at the headquarters (complex concession stand area) at least 30 minutes prior to the start of 1^st scheduled game and be prepared to show a current PONY roster, proof of insurance, as well as birth certificates. We do not need to keep any of these documents except a PONY roster (Note: Only if it is your first PONY tournament of the year).

• The tournament will be governed by 2004 PONY Girls Softball rulebook, except where amended by PA Softball tournament rules.

• Game times are approximate times! Please be prepared to take the field when the preceding game is completed. It is recommended that teams are ready to play 30 minutes prior to scheduled game time -- Game time is forfeit time – to be regulated at the tournament director’s discretion.

• The International Tie Breaking (ITB) rule will apply only to ELIMINATION ROUND games or tied pool play games that have finished 7 innings BEFORE 1:20. In elimination round games, ITB will begin if still tied after 1:20 or 7 innings have been played (whichever comes first). The last batter due up in the current inning will be placed on 2^nd base to start the inning. ITB will be played until there is a winner. Ties will be recorded as such in pool play after 7 innings or 1:20 has elapsed (whichever is first).

NOTE: A substitute with eligibility may be used to pinch run in this situation as the runner. A CR may be used for the pitcher or catcher.

• Time limit -- 1 hour and twenty minutes. A new inning starts at the completion of the 3^rd out by the home team of the previous inning. No drop dead rule, however, we will not finish an inning if the home team is winning. Games begin at the conclusion of pre-game meeting. The official clock shall be declared at the pre-game and will only stop during lengthy delays (determined at umpire’s discretion). Stalling will not be tolerated and may result in another inning being played. Umpire judgment is FINAL. A timer may be provided and put on the fence.

• Speed up rules will apply. In an attempt to get in a full 7 innings of play, a pitcher will receive 5 warm ups the first inning, 3 every inning thereafter. A new pitcher will receive 5 warm ups. Infield/Outfield balls will be permitted the 1^st inning only.

• ALL games are subject to a “run ahead rule” as follows:

8 runs after 5 innings

10 runs after 4 innings

12 runs after 3 innings

• The Championship game will not have a time limit; however the run rule will remain in place for ALL games.

• Home team shall be determined by the flip of a coin for ALL games.

• A courtesy runner can be used anytime for the pitcher and catcher. The courtesy runner will be someone who is not in the game. If all players are (or have been in) the game, the last out will be used.

NOTE: A runner may not run for both positions in the same game.

• PONY rules permit a DH/Defo, but NOT an EP. Line-up cards should be given to the plate umpire before each game. Please clearly mark the Designated Hitter (DH), if applicable, and place the Defense Only (DEFO) at the bottom of the line-up.

• ALL starters have re-entry privileges (Substitutes DO NOT have re-entry privileges)

• ALL jewelry must be removed with the exception being a medical alert bracelet. Any violation of this rule will require removal and re-entry use of that player. Should no re-entry be available a substitute will be necessary.

• The Tournament Director will settle ALL protests on a “rule interpretation” in a timely manner. A $50 cash fee is required immediately upon request of protest. Do not threaten a protest. A game will continue if a deposit is not made before the next pitch. Protests cannot be made on a “judgment” call – only on rule application.

• Game winners MUST report their game score to the Field Director upon conclusion of a game. Not reporting the score may result in a double forfeit.

• Please do not hang or climb on field fences and warm up in appropriate areas. Practice and warm up areas will be designated at check in.

• The Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust schedules, brackets, and field locations as needed to complete the tournament.

• The order of determining elimination round seed positions, and if necessary the tournament winner shall be:

Criteria for Seeding:

Best Record

Head to Head (only if between 2 teams)

Least Runs Allowed

Most Runs Scored

Flip of a coin

NOTE: a forfeit is a 7-0 win

• Every attempt will be made to honor the game minimum – however, if a situation develops where a team forfeits or the weather does not cooperate the Tournament Director will make an attempt to reschedule games, shorten games, or cancel games in order to complete the tournament in a timely fashion.

NOTE: The tournament will be considered complete if 40% of games are played. Trophies may be awarded by pool play standings.

• A team may forfeit no more than one game of bracket ball and advance to elimination round play.

• Extra Information:

1. Announce all substitutions to the umpire -- avoid ejections.

2. Shirt tails are to be kept in (one warning, then re-entry privilege’s are wasted).

3. Coaches must remain in the dugout during the game. Non-playing members and coaches are asked to remain in dead-ball territory until time has been called (by the umpire-not the coach).

4. Please do not impede the progress of the game – any signs of poor sportsmanship, actions that demean opposing players, fans, or the umpire are subject to be removed permanently from the game and premises. Any coach / player ejected from a ball game will be reviewed by the Tournament Committee. Final decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final! Coach / player will be notified by the Tournament Committee with the final decision.

5. Concessions are available at all fields. Please use them and clean up after yourselves.

6. Alcohol is forbidden for ALL complexes. The police will be called if found in violation.

7. Please do not smoke near the players.