Clio Softball Classic Rules
The Clio Classic Tournament will use MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association) Softball
Rules for tournament play. Exceptions and deviations from those rules are outlined in this document by
division.
All Divisions
1. All coaches must register with a tournament director 30 minutes before their first game at the
concessions area. The coach needs to have a copy of Liability Insurance, Team Roster, Code of Conduct,
and Copy of Birth Certificates for all players on the roster.
2. A team scoring 6 runs or more (if it gives them a 6 run lead) must take the field regardless of the number
of outs in that inning.
More than a 6 run lead can be established if the ball is still in play.
Unlimited runs will be allowed for both teams in the last full inning of the game (last inning
defined as ‘by time’ or ‘sixth’).
3. No game will end in a tie during bracket play. International tiebreaker rule will be used to decide the
game after time limit or 6 innings have been reached. Last out on 2nd and NO Outs.
4. Championship games will have no time limits; International tiebreaker will not be used after 6 innings in
a championship game.
5. All base runners MUST slide on contested plays (umpire discretion).
6. A mercy rule will be used, ahead by 12 after 3 innings, 10 after 4 innings, 8 after 5 innings.
U10 Division (Pitching)
Game & Scoring (U10 Pitching Division)
1. Games will consist of six (6) innings or one hour and thirty minutes (1 hr. and 30 min.)
2. No inning will start after one hour and twenty-five minutes (1 hr. and 25 min.)
3. Steel cleats are not allowed.
Defensive Rules (U10 Pitching Division)
1. Pitching Mound (rubber) will be spaced 35 feet from the front of Home Plate.
2. A pitcher will only be allowed to pitch 4 consecutive innings per game (12 outs or participation in 4
innings).
The pitcher may play another position in the field after 4 innings.
Offensive Rules (U10 Pitching Division)
1.
A runner may not steal until the ball is released by the pitcher, a runner may only advance one
base unless a play is made on any base runner.
2.
A runner must earn home. (If there is a play is made on a runner going to third they may advance
home). Runners on third may not steal home or advance on a play at another base
3.
Free substitution. Team must bat the entire roster.
U10 Division (Pitching Machine)
Game & Scoring (U10 Pitching Machine Division)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Games will consist of six (6) innings or one hour and thirty minutes (1hr. and 30 min.)
No inning will start after one hour and twenty-five minutes (1hr. and 25 min.)
Steel cleats are not allowed.
Free Substitution. Team must bat the entire roster.
Pitching Machine Rules (U10 Pitching Machine Division)
1. Pitching machine will be used for U10 Division tournament play.
a. Machine is set at pitcher’s mound 35 feet from plate.
b. Before the start of the game, both coaches will together set the pitching machine at 40 RPMs
(approximately 32 miles per hour).
c. Initial settings and initial adjustment (first 2 to 3 pitches) are only to be done with an assistant
coach standing by the batter’s box (not a player).
d. After initial adjustment by the Away Teams Pitching Coach (at the start of the game), no
adjustments to the machine shall be made until teams switch offense to defense.
e. Adjustments to the machine can only be made before the first live pitch is released to the batting
order, at the start of the top of the inning or the start of the bottom of the inning.
f. If the pitching machine is obviously out of the strike zone, and the batters cannot be adjusted in
the batter’s box to hit the ball; the umpire may call “no pitch” and allow the pitching coach to
adjust the machine.
g. In the event the coaches cannot decide on proper adjustment, the umpire will determine the
correct setting.
2. The batter is allowed five (5) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes; foul balls on a third strike or fifth
pitch keeps the batter in play.
3. If a hit ball strikes the pitching machine or the pitching coach it will be considered a dead ball and not
counted as a pitch.
4. The pitching coach from the batting team will feed the balls to the batters.
5. The pitching coach will take a knee behind the pitching machine when a ball is hit into play.
a. If the pitching coach does not take a knee and inhibits a defensive players ability to make a play,
all base runners will be returned to their starting base and the batter is out at first.
6. Look back rule for U10: When the pitcher has the ball ( in complete control) and is within an 8 foot
radius (both feet) of the pitchers plate play must stop, a runner must immediately return to the previous
base or attempt to advance to the next base; otherwise the runner will be declared out. The runner will
not be declared out if the pitcher attempts to make a play (a fake throw or causing a runner to react is
considered a play) or leaves the circle.
7. Outfield players must remain in the grass until the ball crosses the plate or it is hit.
8. There will be a 12 lf arch placed at home plate. The ball must cross the arch to be a fair ball.
9. Halfway lines (chalked or imaginary) will be set between each base and home plate. This line will
be used to rule whether a runner advances in accordance with the Look Back Rule. The runner
must be past the halfway line to the next base or plate before the pitcher enters the 8-foot radius of
the pitchers plate.
10. There is no bunting allowed.
11. No stealing or leading off. Runner can leave base after ball is hit in play (a relaxed step will be
allowed). Runner will be considered out if they leave base before the ball is hit.
12. Pitching coach may talk to batter before ball is released.
13. Runners must slide on all close plays.
14. Player playing the pitching position must wear a caged helmet or mask (i.e., game face).
U12 Division
1.
2.
3.
4.
Games will consist of six (6) innings or one hour and thirty minutes (1hr. and 30 min.)
No inning will start after one hour and twenty-five minutes (1hr. and 25 min.)
Pitching Mound (rubber) will be spaced 40 feet from the front of the Home plate.
A pitcher will only be allowed to pitch 4 consecutive innings per game (12 outs or participation in 4
innings).
The pitcher may play another position in the field after 4 innings.
5. Steel cleats are not allowed.
6. Free Substitution. Team may bat entire roster.
U14/U16 Division
1.
2.
3.
4.
Games will consist of six (6) innings or one hour and thirty minutes (1hr. and 30 min.)
No inning will start after one hour and twenty-five minutes (1hr. and 25 min.)
Pitching Mound (rubber) will be spaced 43 feet from the front of the Home plate.
A team may bat entire roster.
All divisions, in the event of a rainout if no games are played you will receive 3/4 refund.