Lake Shore Baseball

Best In House Tournament Rules

Revised May 2023

General

All Lake Shore intramural teams (except for Little Gloves and Shetland) will participate in an in-house elimination tournament at the end of the Spring season. Normal in season rules will apply except where noted differently in the tournament rules below.

1. The Scheduler and division Player Agents will create and distribute a tournament schedule no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the first game.
   1. A divisions will have single-elimination tournaments with consolation brackets for eliminated teams.
2. Each division shall follow the Lake Shore Gameplay Rules, except where modified herein.
3. Teams shall not borrow players during the tournament.  Any team will less than 8 players within 15 minutes of the scheduled game start time will forfeit.
4. All managers are required to review the division Gameplay Rules and this tournament rules document to clarify any discrepancies BEFORE the tournament begins.
5. Player Agents will place each team into their respective brackets based on the team’s record at the end of the regular season.

Clinic, Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, Pony and Colt

1. Single Elimination tournament
2. The team with the best record will be the 1st seed, second best record will be the 2nd seed, and so on.
3. Season seeding tie-breakers will be determined as follows: (1) Win%, (2) head-to- head record (two way tie only), (3) total runs against, (4) coin toss.
4. No re-seeding throughout tournament, higher seed receives choice of home/away.

1. Players from both teams in the division championship games will receive awards.

2. Field & Equipment

1. All fields will meet the specifications detailed in the Gameplay Rules.  No modifications are permitted.
2. The Lake Shore field maintenance crew will be responsible for preparing the fields for play.
3. The Home Team shall select its dugout before the Visiting Team.
4. The Visiting Team is entitled to use the infield for practice beginning 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the game. The Visiting Team must yield the infield to the home team 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the game.
5. All equipment requirements listed in the Gameplay Rules still apply.

3. Game & Innings

1. The higher-seeded team will receive the choice of home or away.  
2. No new inning shall begin after 1 hour 45 minutes from the start time, unless the score is tied.
   1. A new inning begins the moment the final out of the last inning is recorded.
   2. There is NO “Drop-Dead” TIME LIMIT for tournament games.
3. Each division’s mercy rule and runs per inning limits will apply.  Only the final inning and extra innings may be unlimited.
4. If the score is tied after the sixth inning or time limit, international tie breaker rules will apply with each team beginning their half of the inning with a runner (last batted out) on second base.
   1. The home team Manager will notify the Player Agent for any games that are going over the scheduled time limit.
   2. The Player Agent and Scheduler, if necessary, will modify the starting times or locations of any follow-on games.
5. Any coach playing under protest of a rule interpretation must immediately notify the division Player Agent and Head Umpire/Junior Umpire Coordinator.
   1. These two individuals and an additional Board Member MUST rule on the matter before the next games in the division can begin.
   2. Any protests raised after the next round of games have begun will not affect the tournament bracket results.

4. Batting & Base running

1. All Batting and Base running rules will be the same as the division

Gameplay Rules.

5. Pitching Restrictions

1. Coaches are encouraged follow MLB Smart pitch (included below) to the best of their ability BUT this is not a requirement.
2. Teams are required to maintain innings per pitcher for both teams, any discrepancies will be resolved prior to leaving the field. Home teams count will be used in the event of differences.
3. Innings pitched by pitcher are to be sent to the league player agent at the conclusion of the game.
4. A single pitch thrown counts as an inning.
5. A pitcher who hits two (2) batters in the same inning or three (3) total in a single game shall be removed and cannot re-enter as a pitcher.
6. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher.
7. Any team found in violation of the pitching guidelines will be given a loss for the game in which the violated the rules. If the violation occurs during an elimination game the losing team will move on in the tournament.

1. Below are the tournament maximum pitching innings for each division:

1.  A single pitch thrown counts as a full inning.
2. Maximum innings listed above are for the entire tournament regardless of the rest between games, innings may be broken up any way (i.e. Johnny can pitch 5 innings the first game and then no more would be allowed, or 4 then 1, or 2 then 3, etc.)

6. Fielding

1. Each team will use the number of players in the field as specified in the
2. Gameplay Rules from the regular season.
3. While not required, to the maximum extent possible, all players shall play in the field equally. Each player MUST play a minimum of two innings in the field at any position.
   1. No players may sit the bench in consecutive innings in the Clinic, Pinto, or Mustang divisions.
4. Coaches are not permitted in the field to guide defensive players.

Boys of Summer & Dirt and Diamonds - Travel Tournament Rules

(continue scrolling down for Rec Tournament War at the Shore Rules)

Checks should be mailed to:

Lake Shore Youth Baseball

PO Box 1117

Pasadena, MD 21123

**Please be sure to list your Team Name, Age Group and Tournament Name on Check

*Refunds are given by check only. Registration is not complete until payment is received.

Federation rules except for modifications listed below.

NO FIRST TO THIRD PICKOFF PLAY (MLB RULE FOR THIS)

All teams please carry a copy of your insurance, birth certificates or state issued ID cards, and rosters throughout the tournament. The head coach must be certain that the score is reported and confirmed with the umpire upon completion of each game. 

Any weather related updates, cancellations etc. will be posted on the website.

Refund Policy:

Full refund minus administration fees ($75) if no games are played. 75% refund if one game is played. No refund if two or more games are played. Every effort possible will be made to get games in. Also April 1 is the deadline to withdraw your registration for the Dirt and Diamonds event. There will be no refunds for any reason except weather after April 1st. May 1st for Boys of Summer

Payment

Payment must be received to secure a team's place in tournaments.

FOR 2023 TOURNAMENT PLAY

• Baseballs and Umpires Included
• 3 game guarantee for ALL Teams
• Two Umpires for All Championship Games ages 8-11
• Two Umpires for All Games ages 12-14u

For all tournaments:

Rosters:
 

All teams are required to carry with them at all times a copy of their official roster, a copy of each player’s birth certificate or state issued ID card, and a copy of their insurance.

In the event of a player’s age challenge the challenging team must present a $100 challenge fee to a Lake Shore representative, then the challenged team must show the player’s birth certificate or valid State-issued ID with birth information. If a player is found to be ineligible the player will be removed from the tournament, the head coach will be ejected from the remainder of the tournament. If the challenge is successful the coach will be refunded his $100 if not it will go to the LSYB general operating fund.  There will be NO FORFEITS because of an ineligible player. A sub may replace the ineligible player if one is available, otherwise an automatic out will take place in the same manner as an injured player.

A player may appear on ONLY one roster at a time. Any player found to be participating with more than one team shall result in the second team’s disqualification, and suspension of the player for the remainder of the tournament.

Lineups:

All teams have the option of the following lineups:

• Teams may bat 9 batters
• Teams may bat 10 batters. An (EH) may be used in the batting lineup. If you start with an (EH) you must finish with an (EH), or take an out at that at-bat.
• Teams may bat the entire roster. In this case, if a player is unable to bat for any reason an out is declared for that player each time he is unable to take his turn at-bat.

For 8u -12u only, when batting their entire lineup, if a player is unable to bat at any time solely due to on-field injury, then no out will be called but the player is no longer eligible to play in the rest of the game offensively or defensively.

Each team must announce their options when exchanging lineups with the  other team at the pregame conference with umpires.

A substitute is defined as any player not placed in the original batting line-up at the start of the game. As soon as a substitute bats or runs for another player, the substitute and the original starter are locked into that position in the batting line-up. Either one may bat or run at any time in that line-up position only. 

Reentry Rule:
Teams may substitute for defensive positions (except pitcher) as many times as they wish, as long as the batting order remains the same. A player does not have to play the field in order to bat. Conversely, a player does not have to bat to play the field. Once a player has been placed in a slot of the batting order, the player may only bat in that slot.

Time Limit:
All games will be 6 innings with the exception of 14u (7 innings). No new inning will start after 2 hours for the Boys of Summer tournament and 1 hour and 45 minutes for Dirt and Diamonds (May). This will apply to all seeding and elimination games. The International Tie Breaker Rule will go into effect in the event there is a tie after the completion of the last ruled inning of an elimination game as a winner must be declared. 

A new inning begins when the last out of the previous inning is made. The tournament directors have the right to put in drop-dead times if games begin to run behind on any day.

Games call before a full inning is complete because of weather, darkness, or other pertinent matters will revert back to the previous inning for the score. If the game has not reached official game status by reverting back to the previous inning, the coaches will mark their books and the game will be considered a complete game. A game is considered to have reached official status at the completion of 4 innings (3 ½ if the home team is leading). Games ending in ties due to darkness, time, or weather after 4 innings will remain as ties. However, a game called due to the time limit is an official game regardless of the number of innings completed. If a game is stopped for any reason (weather, lightning, or darkness) before the game is official, the game is suspended and will be resumed from the point of curtailment at a time scheduled by the Tournament Director. At the discretion of the Tournament Director, if there is not a feasible time to resume the game, the game will be considered complete at the end of the last complete inning and the team that is winning at that point will be the winner.

No time limits for Championship games, but mercy rules still apply.

Home/Visitor:
The home team will be determined by coin flip in all pool round/robin play games. The higher seed will have a choice for all games on Sunday.

Intentional delays:

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

Protest:
No protest!! Judgment calls are final. A coach may politely ask the umpire who made the call to clarify a rules interpretation. The umpires on the field will make a final decision on the field.

Tiebreakers:
Tiebreak rules will apply to determine all seeding after round-robin play.

Tiebreak rules will apply for division winners, wild card winners, and seeding for playoffs.

Tiebreakers are as followed in this order:

• Win-Loss Record
• Head to Head record (if only 2 teams are tied)
• Least amount of total runs allowed
• Lowest single game runs allowed
• 2nd lowest single game runs allowed
• Coin flip

Scorebooks:
The home team will be the official scorebook. The visiting team is encouraged to maintain a book also.

Mercy Rule:

15 runs after 3 innings (2 ½ if the home team is ahead). 10 runs after 4 innings (3 ½ if the home team is ahead). 8 runs after 5 innings (4 1/2 if the home team is ahead).

Pitching:
Pitching limits are coaches discretion with the exception of 8u which is 3 innings per game.

• Once a pitcher is removed from the mound they may not return to pitch in the same game.
• 11U and 12U - Each Team is allowed 1 balk warning per game. No balk warnings for 13U and Up. 
• One pitch constitutes a full inning pitched for all pitchers.
• Coaches should use sound judgment in determining who is allowed to pitch each game.

Bats:

• Any discovery of an illegal bat will result in immediate ejection from the game.
• No Rolled or Shaved Bats allowed.
• No Heating of bats
• 8-12u may use BPF 1.15 or new USA bat rules (effective 2018) Metal bat. All bats must have a branding, label, or stamp proving BPF 1.15. USABat, BBCOR and Wood bats are allowed.
• 13u. All bats must have a branding, label, or stamp proving BPF 1.15 or BBCOR on it. There is a length to weight ratio maximum of -8 (8 ounces). Wood Bats are allowed.
• 14u & Up. All teams must use BBCOR -3 bats that are legal according to the National High School Federation.Wood bats are also allowed.

Courtesy Runners:
 

A courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher is allowed with two outs. The runner must be a player not in the game or was last out. The same courtesy runner cannot run for the pitcher and catcher in the same inning.

Ejections:
 

Coaches and fans ejected from a game must exit the park immediately and not return for the rest of that game plus their next scheduled game. Players may stay with their respective teams but may not participate in the rest of that game plus the next scheduled game provided they display a sportsmanlike manner for the duration of the game.

Dugouts:
 

Teams that are hosting game sites for the tournament have first priority when choosing their dugouts for all games in the tournament at their host site. Dugouts are on a first come first serve bases for Friday and Saturday after that. If an agreement cannot be made then teams should flip a coin to determine who has first choice. On Sunday the higher seed shall pick their dugout unless the other team is hosting a game site at their home field.

Pregame Infield:
 

There will be NO infield warm-ups before any scheduled game. Please allow the field crews to work on the fields between games if they choose to.

Start of game: 
 

All teams are expected to be at fields ready to play ½ hour prior to game time. Please be prepared to start games early if the field, umpires and teams are ready to play. Teams must have 9 players to start a game with NO exceptions. Teams may finish with 8 players (out taken for a vacant spot in the lineup).

Reporting scores:
 

Each home plate umpire will be given an official tournament score sheet before each game. At the pre-game conference between the umpires and both head coaches, the home team head coach will be responsible for the score sheet and have it completely filled out by the end of the game. At the end of the game, the home team head coach will return the score sheet back to home plate where the home plate umpire and both head coaches will then ensure that the proper score is recorded on the score sheet. The two head coaches and the home plate umpire will then print and sign their names in the space provided. The home plate umpire is then responsible to call in the correct score off the score sheet to the tournament headquarters. At the end of the home plate umpires day, the umpire will return the completed score sheets to the proper zone coordinator.

It is very important that each team head coach ensures that these forms are filled out completely and correctly after each and every game. Coaches must carry with them a copy of the complete schedule for their age bracket at all times. Coaches must have the correct game number when filling out the official tournament score sheet. Failure to follow these procedures could result in both teams having to forfeit their games at the tournament director’s discretion.

Special Considerations for 8U Divisions

Live Play Rule- For base running purposes, the play does not begin or resume (“live play”) until the batter hits the ball officially in play.  Neither a base-on-balls nor being hit by a pitch (walks) constitutes “live play” for these purposes.

Dead Ball Rule- For base running purposes, the play ends or ceases (a “dead ball” occurs) when the pitcher has control of the ball within a 10’ radius around the rubber (umpires discretion). At this point in time, the umpire must determine the position of the base runners at the moment of the “dead ball.” Base runners who have reached at least a point midway (30 feed) between the bases may advance to the next base. Base runners who have not yet reached the mid-way point must return to the preceding base.

If the pitcher attempts a continuance of play by attempting to throw-out an advancing runner after the ball has been returned to him (from a fellow player) within the “infield area” the pitcher has forfeited a “dead ball” and has officially resumed the ball in play, allowing players to advance. A “dead ball” will not occur again until the ball returns back to the pitcher in the “infield area”.

Walks of any kind, bases on balls or batters hit by a pitch, are considered “dead ball” activities.  Runners do not advance except as typically caused by the walk itself

Special Considerations for 9U and 10U Divisions

Live Play Rule- For base running purposes, the play does not begin or resume (“live play”) until the pitcher delivers the ball that crosses home plate or the batter hits the ball officially into play.

Dead Ball Rule- For base running purposes, the play ends or ceases (a “dead ball” occurs) when the pitcher has control of the ball within a 10’ radius around the rubber (umpires discretion). At this point in time, the umpire must determine the position of the base runners at the moment of the “dead ball.” Base runners who have reached at least a point midway (30 feed) between the bases may advance to the next base. Base runners who have not yet reached the mid-way point must return to the preceding base.

If the pitcher continues a play by attempting to throw out an advancing runner after the ball has been returned to him (from a fellow player) within the “infield area” the pitcher has forfeited a “dead ball” and has officially resumed the ball in play, allowing players to advance. A “dead ball” will not occur again until the ball returns back to the pitcher in the “infield area”.

Base-on-Balls for Batter – A batter turned runner on their ball-4 pitch for a base-on-balls is not allowed to advance beyond first base on a cleanly fielded pitch by the catcher that is returned cleanly to the pitcher.  Other runners on base are allowed to steal or advance, but in this case the batter turned runner is not allowed to advance beyond first.  If the ball-4 pitch gets away from the catcher, or away from the pitcher on the return throw from the catcher, or either the pitcher or catcher attempts a pick-off then the batter turned runner can advance.  The intent of this rule is to prevent teams from taking unfair advantage of the inexperience of 10U and under players.  This prevents a batter turned runner continuing to run to second after reaching first when another runner is on third. 

War At Lake Shore

2023 Tournament Rules (Rec)

****  RULES FOR THE 2023 WAR AT LAKE SHORE HAVE BEEN FINALIZED  ****

Note: Major League Baseball Rules will apply except as modified or covered below.

6U-8U Coach Pitch - Specific Rules

Pitching

• Coach pitchers must stay out of the way at all times when the ball is hit or plays are being made. If a ball hits the Coach Pitcher or the Coach Pitcher interferes with any play, the ball is dead and the pitch counts as a foul ball to the batter. 

Base Running

• No leading off base and runners may not steal bases.
• A player may not leave the base he occupies until the ball is struck by a batter. If an umpire rules that a base 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).
• Play will stop and the umpire will call “time” when, in the umpire’s judgment, an infielder has stopped the advancement of the runner
• The Coach Pitcher should leave the field of play until the infielder stops advancement of the runner.

Batting

• Players will get three (3) swinging strikes. 
• Each batter shall receive a maximum of five pitches. 
• Batters will not be awarded first base on a walk or hit-by-pitch. 
• If a foul ball is hit on the fifth or succeeding pitches, the batter shall receive an additional pitch.
• Bunting is not permitted in the 6U - 8U Coach Pitch tournament age group.  A dead ball will be called immediately and a pitch counted against the batter if in the opinion of the umpire, the batter squares to bunt.  If the pitch is the 5th pitch, the batter will be called out.
• No Team will be credited with scoring more than five (5) runs in one inning except for the sixth inning (must be sixth inning) or any extra innings.

Defense

• No dropped third strikes. No infield fly.
• Player pitcher must have one foot inside the circle and should be even with pitching rubber or behind.
• Two Defensive Coaches (one on 1st base side, foul territory and one on 3rd base side, foul territory) will be permitted during game play for 6U only. 
• The Offensive Team will be allowed to put a coach behind the catcher to help speed up the game. The coach will only be allowed to touch the ball on dead ball situations. If the coach  touches the ball, then the umpire will give the proper bases to the runners and the play will immediately called dead.

Player/Coach Alignment on Defense

• Ten (10) players may be placed on the field defensively. Fields are enclosed, all over throws are live and in play.
• There will be four (4) outfielders. The use of a “Short Fielder” is not permitted.
• The Coach Pitcher may not talk, touch or coach the runners or batters while ball is “live”.
• No physical contact will be allowed by any coach to any player, i.e., setting up batter at plate with foot stance or holding bat behind shoulder up in the air.

10U - Specific Rules

Pitching Restrictions

• No Pitcher may pitch more than 3 innings per game. One pitch in an inning constitutes a complete inning.

Baserunning

• No leading. Runners may steal bases, but may not 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).
• Stealing home is only allowed on a passed ball or non-clean exchange between catcher and pitcher, or a play at a base. 

Defense

• No balks.
• No dropped third strike. Batter is out.
• No infield fly rule.

12U - 15U - Specific Rules:

Pitching Restrictions

• No Pitcher may pitch more than 4 innings per game. One pitch in an inning constitutes a complete inning

Defense

• Balks will be called. 
• Dropped third strike and infield fly in effect.

Bats (15U ONLY)

• Any bat stamped with USA Bat. See www.usabat.com.
• Bat may not exceed 34” in length.
• Bat barrel may not exceed 2 5⁄8” in diameter.
• All aluminum barrel bats are allowed.
• All aluminum barrel/composite handle bats are allowed.
• Composite barrel bats must be stamped BBCOR .50(-3).
• Wood bats conforming to the specification of Official Baseball Rule 1.10 are allowed.

General Rules (All Age Groups)

Batting

• No Team will be credited with scoring more than five (5) runs in one inning except for the sixth inning (must be sixth inning) or any extra innings.

Collision and Slide Rules

• There isn’t a “Must Slide Rule”. All players “Must Avoid” malicious contact (Umpire's Judgment).
• Runners must avoid contact on ALL close plays at ALL bases (based on Umpire's Judgment). Players, who make malicious contact, will be immediately ejected from that game and the next scheduled game. The ejected Player must attend the next game in uniform to serve his/her penalty game. Forfeits Any team that forfeits a game for any reason will be responsible for the associated umpire fees.

Courtesy Runners

• Courtesy runners are allowed for both the pitcher and catcher for the following inning at any time. The player that made the last out is the substitute runner. If the last out was made by a pitcher or catcher, then the player making the next preceding out is the substitute runner, if the offense chooses to do that.

Defense

• There is “Free Substitution” for all players. Exception: A Pitcher may not re-enter the game as a Pitcher once he has left his/her position.
• Teams will bat through their entire roster without alteration.
• 10U and 12U ONLY- If a pitcher hits 2 batters in one inning he must be removed from the pitching position. If a pitcher hits 3 batters in a game he must also be removed from the pitching position.

Dugouts:
 

• Teams that are hosting game sites for the tournament have first priority when choosing their dugouts for all games in the tournament at their host site. Dugouts are on a first come first serve bases for Friday and Saturday after that. If an agreement cannot be made then teams should flip a coin to determine who has first choice. On Sunday the higher seed shall pick their dugout unless the other team is hosting a game site at their home field.

Ejections:
 

• Coaches and fans ejected from a game must exit the park immediately and not return for the rest of that game plus their next scheduled game. Players may stay with their respective teams but may not participate in rest of that game plus the next scheduled game provided they display a sportsmanlike manner for the duration of the game.

Home Team/Coin Flip and Dugouts

• A coin flip prior to the game determines home and visiting team in all tournament games. Dugout selection is first come first served. Home team maintains the official scorebook. Official Game Four (4) innings shall constitute an official game or three and one half (3 1/2) innings if the home team is leading. However, a game called due to the time limit is an official game regardless of the number of innings completed. If a game is stopped for any reason (e.g. weather, lightning or darkness) before the game is official, the game is suspended and will be resumed from the point of curtailment at a time scheduled by tournament officials with one exception: If one full inning has not been completed the game will be replayed in its entirety.

Injured and Ejected players

• A player, who is ejected on the field of play will be considered an out on his upcoming at bats for that game.
• A player, who is injured will not be considered an out. The injured player will not be allowed to return to that game at all.
• A team may start and play with 8 players. One of the 8 players must be in the catcher position. A team with only 8 players must take an out each time the missing player(s) is/are scheduled to bat.
• No add-ons to the lineup once completed the first time through. (Unless it’s the ninth player)
• If an injury occurs to a base runner, the last batter out may take his place on the bases.

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.

Line-ups

• Offense Teams must bat the entire roster (if you bring them, they must bat).
• If a Player arrives late to a game, they cannot enter the game after the entire roster has batted. A late Player shall be inserted at the bottom of the line-up. A Player is considered late if they arrive after the first pitch is thrown.

Mercy Rule

• Fifteen (15) runs after 3 innings, ten (10) runs after 4 innings. The home team does not bat if ahead by the mercy limit, but does bat if the visiting team goes ahead by the mercy limit in the top of an inning.

Pitcher's Mound Visits

• As per MLB rules, on a coach’s second visit to the same Pitcher in the same inning, the Pitcher must be removed. A coach is prohibited from making a second visit while the same batter is up.

Official Game

• Four (4) innings shall constitute an official game or three and one half (3 1/2) innings if the home team is leading. However, a game called due to the time limit is an official game regardless of the number of innings completed. If a game is stopped for any reason (e.g. weather, lightning or darkness) before the game is official, the game is suspended and will be resumed from the point of curtailment at a time scheduled by tournament officials with one exception: If one full inning has not been completed the game will be replayed in its entirety

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.
• 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 on May 1st of the current year. Players should play in the division he/she played during the regular season.
• A player cannot be on more than one roster/team in each age group. If a player is caught playing for more than one team in the same age group, those teams would forfeit any games won in which the illegal player participated in.
• Current travel players and JV or varsity high school players are NOT permitted on any tournament team rosters. If a player is found to be on any travel or high school roster, that team will forfeit any games played with that player.  The team may be dismissed from the tournament without refund at  the discretion of the Executive Board of Directors for Lake Shore Baseball.
• Travel teams are not eligible for our tournament. If a team is found to be travel, they will be disqualified without refund.

Pre-game Warm-ups

• No batting practice on the field is permitted. Batting cages around Lake Shore Complex are available on first come first serve basis.
• No infield practice is permitted. Outfield practice is permitted.

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. Disputed rule questions must be addressed before play continues.
• Protest must be made at the time in question. There will be a protest fee of $25 that will go to the trophy fund if the protest is lost. Protests of any umpire’s ruling or other tournament condition shall be made to the Tournament Decisions Committee immediately, before play is resumed.
• Under no condition shall a protest be made after a game is completed.

Reentry Rule:

• Teams may substitute for defensive positions (except pitcher) as many times as they wish, as long as the batting order remains the same. A player does not have to play the field in order to bat. Conversely, a player does not have to bat to play the field. Once a player has been placed in a slot of the batting order, the player may only bat in that slot.

Refund Policy:

1. Full refund minus administration fees ($75) if no games are played. 75% refund if one game is played. No refund if two or more games are played. Every effort possible will be made to get games in. 

Reporting scores:
 

• Each home plate umpire will be given an official tournament score sheet before each game. At the pre-game conference between the umpires and both head coaches, the home team head coach will be responsible for the score sheet and have it completely filled out by the end of the game. At the end of the game the home team head coach will return the score sheet back to home plate where the home plate umpire and the both head coaches will then ensure that the proper score is recorded on the score sheet. The two head coaches and the home plate umpire will then print and sign their names in the space provided. The home plate umpire is then responsible to call in the correct score off the score sheet to the tournament headquarters. At the end of the home plate umpires day the umpire will return the completed score sheets to the proper zone coordinator.

• It is very important that each team head coach ensure that these forms are filled out completely and correctly after each and every game. Coaches must carry with them a copy of the complete schedule for their age bracket at all times. Coaches must have the correct game number when filling out the official tournament score sheet. Failure to follow these procedures could result in both teams having to forfeit their games at the tournament director’s discretion.

Scorebooks:

• The home team will be the official scorebook. The visiting team is encouraged to maintain a book also.

Tie Breakers

• After win/loss record, the following Tie Breaker Criteria will be used to determine advancement following preliminary round play:
• 1) Head to head competition (only applies when two teams are tied)

1. 2) Least amount of runs allowed
2. 3) Total runs scored
3. 4) Defensive Run Ratio Tied Teams Only
4. 5) Offensive Run Ratio Tied Teams Only
5. 6) Defensive Run Ratio All Games
6. 7) Offensive Run Ratio All Games
7. 8) Coin flip

If a single inning playoff results in subsequent ties, all subsequently tied teams will advance to additional innings until a clear cut winner is determined. Those teams not tied in each playoff inning will be eliminated from further playoff innings. If more than 2 teams are tied, then a coin will be flipped to determine which teams will play first. On the flip, the matching “Heads” or “Tails” teams will play each other and the winning team will play the remaining team. A Forfeit Game will be scored as 5-0 and One (1) Inning Played.

Time Limits

• Forfeit time is 15 minutes after the scheduled start time. Forfeit time may be extended by the Tournament Director upon request from the Team Manager. The official game start time (determined by the umpire) should be noted in both scorebooks prior to the start of the game.
• Ties count as such in round robin play. If an elimination game (excluding the Championship game) is tied after the “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).

• Seeding games will be 6 innings.  6U & 8U - No new inning will start after 1 hour and 30 minutes.  10U, 12U, & 15U - No new inning will start after 1 hour and 45 minutes for all seeding games. Elimination games will be 6 innings and no new inning will start after 1 hour and 45 minutes. The International Tie Breaker Rule will go into effect in the event there is a tie after the completion of the last ruled inning as a winner must be declared. 

  A new inning begins when the last out of the previous inning is made. The tournament directors have right to put in drop dead times if games begin to run behind on any day.

  Games call before a full inning is complete because of weather, darkness, or other pertinent matters will revert back to the previous inning for the score. If the game has not reached official game status by reverting back to the previous inning, the coaches will mark their books and the game will be considered a complete game. A game is considered to have reached official status at the completion of 4 innings (3 ½ if home team is leading). Games ending in ties due to darkness, time or weather after 4 innings will remain as ties. However, a game called due to the time limit is an official game regardless of the number of innings completed. If a game is stopped for any reason (weather, lightning, or darkness) before the game is official, the game is suspended and will be resumed from the point of curtailment at a time scheduled by the Tournament Director. At the discretion of the Tournament Director, if there is not a feasible time to resume the game, the game will be considered complete at the end of the last complete inning and the team that is winning at that point will be the winner.

  No time limits for Championship games, but mercy rules still apply.

Uniforms

• While it is preferred that teams have matching uniforms/hats for their players, it is acceptable to have the same type of jersey from prospective leagues in different colors. The jerseys however must all be from the same league.

Last Updated 6/28/23