11U Tournament
May 11-14, 2017
Tournament Rules
1. We will be adhering to SWOL League Rules with the following exceptions:
a. 1:45 time limit (inclusive of weather delays). No new inning can start after 1:45
though the current inning can be completed.
b. If a game is tied at the time limit, teams will play ONE extra inning using California
tiebreaker rules to try to break the tie. California tiebreaker: the last batted out
will be placed on second base with one out to start the next new inning. If that
inning ends in a tie, the game will be counted as a tie in pool play. In the event that
extra innings are needed before the time limit, they will be played as normal extra
innings until the time limit is hit, at which point the one inning California tiebreaker
will take effect. The time limit and tiebreaker will also apply in single elimination
play, with those games being played until a winner is decided.
c. 50’ Pitching. Bases will be placed at 70 feet. Leadoffs are allowed.
d. Nations Baseball pitching rules: Pitchers may not throw more than 6 innings (18
outs) in a single day and no more than 9 innings (27 outs) over three days
e. Run rules: 15 after 3, 10 after 4 & 8 after 5
f. Roster batting and courtesy runners (pitchers & catchers only) are allowed.
2. Coin toss prior to each game will determine home team in pool play. In the championship
game, home team will be decided by best record. The first tiebreaker after that will be run
differential and the second tiebreaker will be a coin flip.
3. Designated home team MUST keep the official book, record innings pitched for each
player for both teams (form provided) and return form to tournament director with both
the home and visiting team coach’s signature. It is also the responsibility of the visiting team
to review the pitching form before signing.
4. We will be using a portable outfield fence for this tournament. Any batted fair balls that
bounce over the fence or go past the fence in foul territory will be called a ground-rule
double. This wall also provides the opportunity for teams to warm-up in the outfield before
their game. Because of this, we expect that all teams will be ready to play within 10 minutes
of the previous game’s completion (as much as 30 minutes early).
5. The umpires are in charge of the game. Excessive arguing or abuse will not be tolerated.
The umpire’s decision on any judgment call is final. Rule interpretation can be discussed
with the tournament director
6. Ejection of a player will result in suspension, meaning removal from the stadium, for the
remainder of that game. Typically, ejected players will be eligible to resume play at the next
scheduled game unless the reason for ejection is flagrant. In that case, the coach’s ejection
rule will apply resulting in suspension both that game and their team’s next scheduled
game. Note: While we want the kids to play, should the offense be serious, so too must be
the punishment. Any second offense will result in being banned from the complex for the
remainder of the tournament. NO EXCEPTIONS. Ejection of a coach or parent will result in
suspension for the remainder of that game and their teams’ next scheduled game. This
means removal from the game site. Any second offense will result in being banned from the
complex for the remainder of the tournament. Folks, let’s all keep in mind that this is youth
baseball! NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABOVE.
7. All team warm-ups will only be allowed in designated warm-up areas. No pre-game
practice on any mound or plates. No pre-game infield practice. Teams may warm up before
their game in the grass areas both inside and outside the stadium and the outfield beyond the
portable fence.
8. Weather Policy: Games will not be played in heavy rain or nearby lightning. The umpire
will have the final say on when to delay a game if there is inclement weather. A game
cancellation or suspension and subsequent tourney re-formatting that results will be
announced by the tournament director following these rules:
a. In the event of a delay, teams should not leave the premises as the field drains
quickly (unless granted permission by a tournament official)
b. Any game experiencing more than a one hour delay will be canceled such that the
remaining games that day are unaffected. In that case, the next game may begin up
to 30 minutes earlier than scheduled weather permitting. Games that are delayed
for more than an hour or reach the time limit will be considered final no matter the
score once 2 innings are completed. Otherwise, the game is considered a rainout.
c. Unfortunately, we do not have any room in the schedule to make up rained out
games. If a game is rained out, those teams will simply play one less game.
d. Final decision on all rainouts and rescheduling will be made by tournament
director.
9. The tournament entry fee is non-refundable. NO EXCEPTIONS
10. Any team may schedule time to hit in the Freedom Baseball Academy at a discounted
rate of $35 for a half hour or $65 for an hour. All requests for the academy must go through
the tournament director and reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Payment
must be made by cash or check at the time of using the academy.
Format
This is a two-pool tournament with a four-game minimum. Each pool will play a round
robin and the top 2 teams from each pool will advance to the championship playoff. Teams
not advancing will play a consolation game on Sunday
Pool Tie-breaker procedures
1. Head-to Head
2. Run Differential (There will be a cap of 8 runs when calculating run differential: if a
team wins 15-3, the run differential would still be calculated as 8)
3. Runs Allowed (Same cap of 8)
4. Coin Toss
In the event of a 3-way tie, the above tie breakers will be used to eliminate ONE team. Once
that team is eliminated, the tie breakers will again be used again to decide which team
advances. (Head-to-Head will generally be used).
EX:
Team A 1-2 run differential +5
Team B 1-2 run differential 0
Team C 1-2 run differential -2
Team C would be eliminated since head to head can’t settle the tie break and record
against common opponent can’t settle it either. Run differential can and Team C has
the lowest therefore they are eliminated.
Team A and Team B remain tied. Since Team B beat Team A in Pool play Team B
advances even though their run differential is lower that Team A.
Consolation games
We’ve experienced difficulties getting teams to show up for these games. Please confirm
your intent to play the Consolation game via email to the Tourney Director on Friday. If we
do not hear from you on Friday, we will assume you are NOT playing. Teams that choose
not to play the Consolation games will be refunded the umpire fees.
Ground Rules and Stadium Information
1. NO steel cleats. Molded plastic cleats, turf shoes or sneakers only.
2. NO outside food and beverage, no coolers will be allowed in the ballpark. Yes, we are
trying to sell concessions. We have exclusive arrangements will vendors that base their
support of the Freedom on their sales volume. Our prices may indeed be a bit higher than
the convenience stores down the street or the volunteer-run stand at other venues, but they
are not paying $100,000 in Workers Comp premiums either! Concessions will be available
throughout the tournament, so any fan entering the ballpark with ANY outside food or
beverage will be asked to remove it from the stadium. Fans who do not follow the policy
will be asked to leave. NO EXCEPTIONS
3. Freedom will provide water coolers in the dugouts. Gatorade and bottled water will be
served at discounted rates for this tournament
4. NO sunflower seeds, peanuts, gum or tobacco products will be allowed on the field.
Peanuts and sunflower seeds are not allowed in the stadium at all. Seeds get stuck in the
fibers of the FieldTurf and are very difficult to clean up. We just spent thousands to dig up
the turf to clear a clog made up of seeds. Please don’t make us do that again!
UC Health Stadium is an “allergy friendly” venue and the use of peanuts might be dangerous
to some fans . Fans who violate the peanut and sunflower seeds rule will be asked to
leave the ballpark. Players seen spitting sunflower seeds will be ejected from the
game. We are NOT kidding.
5. NO smoking is permitted in the stadium, the only exception is the bar area on the first
base side of the concourse
6. NO players, coaches or fans are allowed on the balcony level of the stadium without
permission from the Tournament Director. No one is permitted up there until cleared by
local officials.
7. Teams enter through Main Entrance
8. Gates open 60 minutes before the first game of the day
9. Teams must arrive an hour prior to their game time in case of a run rule
10. Electronic scoreboard utilized
11. Public Address Announcer provided
12. Please make an extra copy of your starting lineup to give to announcer each game that
has the players’ first and last names and uniform numbers
13. Please provide Freedom with pronunciations so that player names that might be
difficult to pronounce are announced correctly
Waiver
All coaches and teams must sign Florence Freedom waiver to be eligible to play in
tournament
Freedom Provides:
Baseballs
Umpires
Water coolers in both dugouts
Admission
$3 for adults (will only need to pay once per day, the gate fee includes a free soda voucher)
Free admission for teams, coaches (3) and kids 12 and under
NO Refunds for gate admission
Concessions open (including beer!)
PITCHING RULES AND LIMITATIONS
1. Limitations of pitching are based upon recorded outs while the pitcher is on the mound.
a. In all age groups that are scheduled for six innings, a pitcher cannot pitch more
than 18 outs in any given day.
b. In all age groups 16 and younger that are scheduled for seven innings, a pitcher
cannot pitch more than 21 outs in any given day.
c. For six-inning games, a pitcher cannot pitch more than 27 outs in three
consecutive days, regardless of game guarantee.
e. For seven-inning 16U and younger games, a pitcher cannot pitch more than 30 outs
in three consecutive days, regardless of game guarantee.
f.
Any pitcher in the 16U or younger divisions that has pitched three days in a row
must rest the 4th day regardless of outs recorded.
g. Pitching limitations stop for the day when the park is shut down for the night and
the teams leave.
h. When games are suspended and continued the next day, pitching limitations are
split between the two days.
i.
In the case of a double or triple play, there is no penalty for exceeding outs recorded
at the time of the play.
j.
It is the duty of each team’s manager to protest pitching violations by contacting the
event director prior to the start of the next game of the team in possible violation.
k. Any outs recorded during a game once it is ruled a forfeit count toward the pitcher’s
recorded outs.
l.
Pitchers who violate pitching limitations are ejected from the game. Other penalties,
including forfeit, may be imposed by the tournament or league director. A violation
of pitching limitations is determined when a pitcher toes the rubber to throw to the
next batter after reaching his or her pitching limit.
2. Pitchers
a. Balks are enforced in 12U+ age divisions without warning. In age divisions 11U and
below, balks are not enforced strictly unless a persistent violation of the balk rule occurs.
b. Nations Baseball uses OBR (MLB) rules for balks. The balk can be a live ball (depending
on the situation). The intent is not to penalize the offense.
3. A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning causes the pitcher’s automatic
removal from the mound (not the game).
4. When a pitcher takes his or her position at the beginning of each inning, or when he or
she relieves another pitcher, he or she is permitted warm-up pitches, not to exceed eight
preparatory pitches to the catcher or coach.
5. A pitcher removed from the pitching position cannot return to the pitching position
during a game, but can re-enter to any other position.