Tournament Rules
Southern Pines
Artificial Turf Field Guidelines
- Due to the quality and maintenance needs of the synthetic turf at Southern Pines, peanuts with shells, sunflower seeds and gum are strictly prohibited.
- No steel spikes (turfs or molded cleats only).
- Teams are responsible for cleaning up dugout at the completion of game.
- No negative sportsmanship, behavior, vulgar language, physical abuse towards players, coaches, fans, umpires or park officials.
VIOLATION OF RULES ARE SUBJECT TO A FINE AND REMOVAL
FROM SOUTHERN PINES ATHLETIC FIELDS.
Legacy Sports Baseball Rules
Coaches: Be sure you are aware of all rules and rule changes. Legacy Sports reserves the right to amend these rules at any time for specific tournament play. National High School Federation Baseball Rules will be enforced with the following exceptions.
If there is a contradiction with language found in any printed copy of this addendum and the version most recently updated online, the online version shall supersede.
1] Bat Specifications
Penalties for illegal bats will be assessed as per the NFHS rule book. 1st violation – Batter is pronounced out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) & head coach is restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. 2nd violation (Same Game) – Batter is pronounced out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and the head coach is ejected. Subsequent violations: the batter is pronounced out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and the head coach is ejected. When a batter is pronounced out for violation of bat rules, the defense may take the penalty or result of the play. The head coach penalties apply in either case.
7U- 12U
• Metal/Composite bat
• All bats must have a branding, label, or stamp proving BPF 1.15.
• USABat, BBCOR and Wood bats are also allowed.
Effective January 1, 2021, the following bats may not be used in Legacy Sports events:
• 2015 Demarini CF7 (-5)
• 2015 Easton XL1 (-5)
• 2016 Demarini CF8 (-5)
• 2016 Demarini CF8 (-8)
• 2016 Demarini CF8 (-10)
• 2017 Demarini CF Zen Balanced (-8)**
• 2017 Demarini CF Zen SL 2 3/4″ (-10)**
• 2017 Demarini CF Zen Zero Dark 2 3/4″ (-10)**
• 2017 Demarini CF Zen (-5)
• Louisville Slugger Blue Meta Composite (33/30 model only)
• 2018 Dirty South Kamo BB KA 8 (30/22, 31/21, 32/22, 31/23, 32/24 only)
• (Easton) Ghost X (30/20 only – USA Baseball Marked)
**Re-tooled models of these bats may be used. Once returned from the manufacturer, these bats will have updated model numbers and a new orange end
cap and stickers indicating the corrected performance standards.**
DEFINITION OF AN ALTERED BAT
“A bat which has been subjected to change in its physical makeup outside the original manufacturers product”
At any point, a Legacy Sports Director or UIC may request to inspect a bat that is at a Legacy Sports sanctioned event. If the owner/user refuses to allow the requesting body to inspect the
bat the owner/user accepts an automatic three-year suspension from Legacy Sports sanctioned events. Alternatively, the owner/user can allow the bat to be inspected so a conclusion can be formed as to whether the bat was altered.
The owner/user of the bat has the responsibility of having knowledge of whether a bat is altered.
DAMAGED, WORN, OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE ON BATS:
Bats that are damaged in any way, including but not limited to cracked, warped, missing a knob/cap, having a rattle, etc. are not legal for Legacy Sports sanctioned events.
Bats may not have any certifying markings or graphics worn off the bat.
Bats that have certifying or identifying markings worn off the bat shall be removed from play.
No substance shall be added to the bat barrel. The barrel of the bat and all identifying marks or graphics shall be free of any foreign obstruction. If a foreign substance is discovered as
being used or identifying marks on the bat are not visible the bat shall be removed from play.
2] Pitching Regulations
Balk Rule
The MLB balk rule will be enforced. When a balk is called it is NOT a dead ball. A called balk will remain a LIVE ball. The offensive team has the choice of taking the called balk or the result of the play. The balk is not considered an automatic dead ball.
The fake to third and throw to first play remains LEGAL for Legacy Sports Youth events. Also, in the windup position, a pitcher is permitted to have his “free” foot on the rubber, in front of the rubber, behind the rubber, or off to the side of the rubber.
Pitching Restrictions
Daily Limits
• 7U-8U: Daily max is 15 outs OR 50 pitches.
• 9U-10U: Daily max is 18 outs OR 75 pitches.
• 11U-12U: Daily max is 18 outs OR 85 pitches.
• 13U-14U: Daily max is 21 outs OR 95 pitches.
Players can pitch in more than one game in a day if they do not exceed daily limits. The definition to be utilized for the purpose of the pitching restrictions for end of a day shall be any time of night or day that the facility is closed and teams have a break in playing prior to the next days games. Pitchers who record outs or pitch in a game that is forfeited will still have those outs/pitches counted toward their limitations.
3] Pitching Violations
The pitcher must be replaced on the mound immediately upon notice of a violation, not a forfeit.
4] Game Procedure
Game Play
• Directors reserve the right to adjust game lengths to benefit the event. Directors will rule in the fairest way possible.
• 11u-13u Games are 1 hour 30 minutes
• 9u-10u Games are 1 hour 20 minutes
• 6u-8u games are 70 minutes.
• No inning can start after the time limit.
• Time will be kept by the Umpire.
• For each team’s pool games the home team will be predetermined.
• A tie is equal to a ½ win and ½ loss for each team.
Championship Round/Playoffs
• The home team in Championship Play will be the higher seed
Extra Innings
• Texas Tie Breaker, last 3 hitters on base with 1 out.
• The base runners will be placed as follows: Last hitter from previous inning @ 1st Base Hitter before him in the lineup @ 2nd Base Hitter before that in the lineup @ 3rd Base Normal substitution rules apply to these runners. The hitting team will start the inning with one out. Play continues until one team is ahead at the end of an inning.
• Balk is the MLB ruling (NOT a dead ball)
• 9U-12U: Games will be played with regular extra innings through the time limit. If time has expired, the last three hitters from previous inning will load the base with 1 out.
5] Forfeits
A team should do everything within their power to start the game with 9 eligible players. Should a team not be able to begin with 9 players a game may begin with 8 players with the 9th lineup spot being an automatic out. A game can be finished with 8 players. If there are no eligible subs the player leaving the original lineup will be recorded as an out until he is able to return. Any intentional forfeit could result in the forfeiting team being eliminated from the tournament. The tournament committee will rule on all forfeits. No team should benefit from the result of a forfeit in an unfair manner. This rule could result in a dispute and the tournament committee reserves the right to look at and rule in the fairest possible way. The committee’s decision will be final! A forfeit score will be the average runs scored for the winning team to 0 for the losing team. Only the Head Director can call a forfeit.
6] Taking Infield
No infield will be allowed during the tournaments.
7] Mercy Rules9U-12U
• 15 after 2
• 12 after 3
• 8 after 4
13u-High School
- 15 after 3
- 12 after 4
- 8 after 5
8] Equipment
Metal cleats cannot be worn on any field at Southern Pines Regional Complex. Any player catching must wear all necessary protective gear including a catcher’s helmet with a facemask, throat guard (separately attached or built-in), chest protector, shin/leg guards, and an athletic supporter.
Note: Players in 12U and younger divisions must wear a catcher’s helmet that fully covers both ears.
9] Trips To The Mound
Max 2 times per pitcher. Pitcher must be removed on 2nd visit.
10] Lineups
Hitting Lineup
• You may bat 9,10,11 players or your roster.
• You must declare at the start of the game, and once the first pitch has been thrown the lineup is locked, and the number of batters may not be changed.
• May start game with 8 players, 9th player spot is an out when he comes up in lineup.
• DH Allowed
• The 10th and 11th hitter if used will be designated as an EH and XH on the lineup card.
• The EH and XH may bat at any spot in the order.
• The EH and XH is the same as any position on the field as far as substitutions are concerned.
• Team can bat its entire lineup.
Roster Batting Rules
Injury
• Batter: If a batter cannot fulfill his time at bat due to injury or illness, that player will be eliminated from that entire game. If no substitute is available his spot in the batting order will be an automatic out each time.
• Runner: If a runner cannot continue his time on the bases, that player will be substituted under the Courtesy Runner rule for Roster Batting. He will not be allowed to participate in the remainder of the game. If no substitute is available his spot will be an automatic out.
Ejection or Injury
• A player ejected while roster batting will result in the team losing that player for the entire game and the head coach will also be ejected for the game. If no substitute is available his spot will be an automatic out.
Courtesy Runner – Roster Batting
• The last batter not on base. If the last batter not on base is unavailable (i.e., he is the catcher or pitcher), the designated runner will roll back until such time as a possible substitute can be found.
11] In Case Of Rain
All rain out games may not be made up depending on time constraints. In case of scheduling changes, it is the team’s responsibility, not the tournament committee, to make sure they are aware of the new schedule or any scheduling changes. This information will be posted on the tournament web site when it becomes available. Note: No special requests will be honored if rescheduling becomes necessary. Tournament format is subject to change at any time if deemed necessary and will be determined based on the fairest outcome for all teams. All coaches should make sure the tournament committee has current contact info. If games are cancelled, pool winners and championship qualification will be determined by the tie breaking procedures (listed below).
12] Stop In Play
If a game is stopped, the game must start within 1 hour of the stop in play. If games are not resumed, they will become suspended or called official. Games called by umpires that cannot be resumed within 1 hour will be considered an official game, if 4 innings have been completed, or 3 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead (13U-14U: after 5 innings or 4 1/2 if the home team is ahead). After 4 complete innings, a tie score will be recorded a tie in pool play. The tournament director can extend the 1 hour if there are extenuating circumstances, i.e. lightning detector, working on fields, etc. A suspended game will resume where the game was halted. In the event play is stopped for any reason before or during the playoff round, first place, second place, third place, etc. will be awarded based on Legacy Sports Seeding and Tie Breaker Rules. In the event the Championship game has started and both teams have reach a point of equal opportunity the winner will be determined by whichever team is leading at that point. (Example #3 seed is playing #1 and both teams have had equal at bats, or it will revert to last completed inning, whichever team is leading the contest will be declared the winner. In the event both teams are tied at that point it will go to higher seed.)
13] Protests
Judgment calls are not eligible for protest. Protests will be heard and ruled on by a tournament committee. The team protesting must make cash payment of $100 at the time of the protest. If the protest is ruled in the protesting team’s favor the $100 will be refunded. The ruling made by the committee will be final. Protests must be filed and ruled on before the next pitch if during game, or before umpires leave field if after a game.
14] Roster Changes
All players should be listed on the official roster prior to the first game. For Legacy events players may not be added to a roster after the first game If a player is listed on more than one roster, the player listed will make a decision as to which roster, he is legally on. This decision is up to the individual player. No player can appear in a tournament game for more than one team. If there are multiple events (events defined as ages or classifications within a weekend grouping) going on at one time players are permitted to play for one team in each event if so desired; pitching limitations still apply to the player. Age divisions within a tournament count as separate events.
• The team’s manager is responsible for all aspects of the eligibility of the players on his team and that they meet the requirements.
• A player who is in violation of the age eligibility shall be considered an illegal player. If anytime during a tournament game, a player is discovered illegal due to an age violation or participating on more than one team in the same tournament, the team is subject to forfeit. The first team a player participates for is their official team.
• This does not apply to Pitch Smart violations.
• Participating players shall have photocopies of their original birth certificates (US) or passports (International) in the possession of their team manager. Electronic copies of ID documents are accepted. Failure to have a copy of a birth certificate, in the event of a protest, could result in suspension for the remainder of the event until such a document can be produced for the team or individual. Driver’s License is permitted. For events classified by graduation year or grade level, transcripts/report card from a player’s most recent academic semester shall be in the possession of their team manager.
15] Scoring
We recommend that all teams (home and visitor) keep a scorebook.
All subs should be reported to the umpires. To eliminate scoring disputes scorekeepers should check with the official scorer during and after the game.
• Lineup cards must be fully filled out with players’ first name, last name, position, and accurate jersey numbers. All substitutes should be listed with accurate jerseys numbers. Failure to produce a complete lineup card can result in games not starting on time. Lineup cards are to be given to the official scorekeeper before the home plate meeting.
16] Sportsmanship
In the interest of maintaining a quality event, the tournament committee reserves the right to eject any person from the site for unruly or unsportsmanlike behavior. Such behavior shall include but not limited to:
• Physical attack on an umpire, tournament official, associate director, associate officer, and/or any player or fan prior, during, or immediately following a game played under the authority of Legacy Sports. Assault on an official is a felony in some states.
• Players, coaches, managers, fans, spectators, or sponsors threatening an umpire, tournament official, associate director, or associate officer with physical harm.
• Any player, coach, manager, sponsor, fan, spectator, director, or officer who engages in physical fighting.
• Using unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive language, symbol tactics, or derogatory or unbecoming acts.
• Destruction of property or abuse or failure to pay.
• Competing under an assumed, false and/or altered name.
• Tournament hosts have the authority to eject a player, fans, or team anytime during a tournament of committing any of the above listed offenses.
• A player, spectator, fan or coach ejection carries removal from that game only.
• Any spectator, coach, manager, or player who is ejected for the second time during the tournament will be eliminated from participating for the remainder of the tournament.
• Any event that results in physical altercation (before, during or after a game) could result in a forfeit for both teams. Tournament committee reserves the right to remove teams from playoff contention.
• Any participant that is ejected by an umpire after a contest is completed must sit the next scheduled game. If it is the last game of the tournament the offender may be required to sit the first game of the next tournament that the team plays in.
17] Courtesy Runners
Courtesy runners can be used for the Pitcher and Catcher at any time but must be a VALID SUBSTITUTE. In addition, the same substitute CANNOT run for more than one position (Pitcher or Catcher) in the same game. Additionally, if a team is batting their entire lineup, the courtesy runner will be the last batter not on base. If the last batter not on base is unavailable (i.e., he is the catcher or pitcher), the designated runner will roll back until such time as a possible substitute can be found.
18] Legal Slide
A legal slide can be either feet first or head first. If a runner slides feet first, at least one leg and buttock shall be on the ground prior to contact with the fielder. If a runner slides head first,the runner’s arm/arms and torso must be on the ground prior to contact with the fielder.
19] Jumping Over A Fielder
A runner leaving his feet to avoid a fielder that is either in possession of the ball or in the act of fielding is illegal. The ball is dead and the runner is called out. No runners may advance from the last base legally occupied at the time of the illegal act. The runner does not have to contact the fielder and the fielder does not have to control the ball for this to be considered an illegal act.
20] Not Covered In The Rules
In the event any item is not covered in these rules or NFHS rules, the tournament committee will make the fairest possible ruling and that ruling will be final!
Youth Age Restrictions
Youth Age Restrictions:
8U Division
Players who turn 9 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 2nd grade. Also, any player turning 10 prior to August 1 will not be eligible. Players who are8u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade
9U Division
Players who turn 10 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 3rd grade. Also, any player turning 11 prior to August 1 will not be eligible. Players who are9u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade
10U Division
Players who turn 11 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 4th grade. Also, any player turning 12 prior to August 1 will not be eligible. Players who are10u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade
11U Division
Players who turn 12 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 5th grade. Also, any player turning 13 prior to August 1 will not be eligible. Players who are11u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade
12U Division
Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to August 1 will not be eligible. Players who are12u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade
7U-8U Tournament Rules:
Coach Pitch Specific Rules, Field Set Up and Guidelines
Field Set Up
- Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball.
- Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. Infielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit.
- Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two(42) feet from the rear point of home plate.
- Pitcher’s Line: There shall be a line drawn from the pitcher’s circle to the safety arc.
- The pitching coach shall keep one foot on or straddle the pitcher’s line. The Coach can pitch anywhere in-between the 30′ Safety Arc and the 42′ Pitching Circle.
- The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position
- The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball has been hit.
- Penalty: If a coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction shall be called.
- Additional Penalty: If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game.
Playing Rules
- Pitching Coach: The Pitching Coach shall be an adult at least eighteen (18) years of age.
- The catcher shall receive the pitch in the catcher’s box in a normal baseball manner. If in the Umpire’s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there shall be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams’ manager shall be ejected.
- Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.
- The defensive player listed as pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit.
- Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.
- Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
- Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout.
- The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
- The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
- Teams may start a game with eight (8) players. The ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) positions in the batting order shall be declared an out each turn at bat.
- Approved Ruling: A ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
- Teams may use free substitution on defense, but the batting order shall remain the same.
- Bunting shall not be allowed.
- The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes.
- A player may only be Intentionally Walked once per game by announcement from the defensive team.
- Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.
- A courtesy runner for catcher of record only the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base. If the team batting has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.
- A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning.
- The game is over, when the opposing team is mathematically eliminated from scoring enough runs to win or tie the game. (Run Rules still apply)
- Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as all runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule.
- Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
- When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply:
- If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance.
- If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared.