General Tournament Rule Book

Team Registration

• Registrations are done via the forms on the front page of the website, or through an email including all of your team's info and the dates they wish to play. (sport, age, skill level, coaches name, coach contact information)

• All payment is due within 10 days of the tournament

• All conflicts should be submitted 7 days before each tournament

• There will be no administrative or sanction fees for any of Gametime’s events

• GameTime Tournaments or any of its affiliates will not be held responsible or liable for any injury or illness.

• I understand and will be held responsible for my team and parents to not bring any outside food or drinks.

• All schedule conflicts must be emailed 7 days before each tournament

• All tournament payments are due 10 days before the start of each tournament

Before You Play

• Team should be ready to play 15 minutes before their scheduled game time. Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to play. If a team does not have enough, they will have 15 minutes after the scheduled game time to have enough players at the field. 

• No outside food or drink is permitted at any of the venues. Alcohol may not be brought into the dugout or the play area at any time. All coaches should abstain from alcohol during the game.  No pets are allowed in the park.

• Electronic or paper score books are both ok to use for score keeping.  It is the responsibility of the teams to keep score of the game. Please check with the other team periodically to verify scores.  In case of a scoring discrepancy the home team’s book is official. If an agreement cannot be reached please contact the UIC at the park. Once leaving the park the home score will be accepted.  

• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of all players and spectators 

Rosters

• All managers must turn in a roster form before their first game.  We will take any league approved roster,our generic roster form or you can upload your roster on our website or send it to us via email. (electronic rosters only need to be submitted once, paper copies must have a new copy each time you play) Any players not on your tournament roster are not allowed to play.  Players cannot play on multiple teams in the same age group, unless pre approved to allow a team to participate. Players lost to injury or illness during a game can be removed with no penalty

• Birth certificates are not needed for GameTime but may be required if requested by another team.  Lack of roster or birth certificates could result in forfeiture of that game.  

• All Grade level exceptions are permitted with submitted proof of grade. 18u Division- Players who turned 19 prior to May 1 of current season unless they are in 12th grade. All players turning 20 prior to Sept 1 will not be eligible. 

Rain and Refund Policy

• Rain Delay / Rain-out / Refund Policy  The UIC will determine any rain delay. 

• Rainouts will be updated ASAP via website, email and the rainout line.

• The game will be considered a complete game if 3 innings have been played or one hour. Game reschedules will be determined by the Tournament Director. 

• Time limits could be modified due to inclement weather. 

• In the event the tournament cannot be played, a 100% refund will be given if 0 games are played. A  50% refund will be given if only 1 game has been played. If 2 games have been played there will be NO refund. If a team withdraws from the tournament at any time after the schedule has been released there may be NO REFUND. 

• If your team needs to withdraw from a tournament please let us know ASAP. Any withdrawal after a schedule is released may be subject to no refund.

Scheduling

• Scheduling:  Our intent is to have  separate groups of Recreational, A (Comp Rec) and AA (Select) in baseball and Rec/C and Comp B in softball every week.  If there are not enough teams to create separate groups I will do the best I can to match the skill levels up in Saturday's pool play games. If there are enough teams in the group we will create an upper and lower division for Sundays bracket play.  Winner of each group will be given awards. All teams advance to bracket play on Sunday with a chance to win the tournament.

• Requests: Gametime is more than happy to work with your team requests (Game times, location,ect). Requests may impact our ability to match your team with the most appropraite matchups on Saturday.

• Fall Scheduling:  Many teams during the fall will be a mixture of players from different summer teams as well as different age groups.  I will do my best to put these mixed age teams in the group that will most likely get everyone competitive games.  Teams are not required to have matching uniforms.  In order to keep as many kids and teams playing as possible players will be able to play on different teams in the same age group but not in the same game.  During the Fall skill levels are sometimes difficult to judge.  It won't be 100% but I will do the best I can to keep the kids matched up properly.

Conduct

• The manager of a team is responsible for the proper conduct of his/her team, coaches, and followers of the team. If an umpire deems improper conduct towards players, coaches, fans or umpires, then that person will be ejected from the game as well as the potential ejection of the manager of that team. 

• Any ejection can result in additional suspensions. The player's spot in the lineup is an out unless the team has a sub available to take his place.

• Coaches should remain in the dugout unless given permission from the umpire to come onto the field. Fans are not allowed in the dugout or on the field.

• Base runner or bench players distraction of pitcher (clapping hands, yelling) is unsportsmanlike behavior as well as defensive distraction of the batter.  Walk up music is ok, but any uses of audio towards the other team is not acceptable. The first act will result in a warning, a second act will result in an ejection.

• No malicious collision with any fielder is allowed and results in an automatic out and immediate ejection from the game of the runner.

• Players, coaches and fans should not be chanting or acting in distracting behaviors during a pitcher’s delivery.

Mercies and Forfeits

•  Mercy: 

  • 20 runs after 2 innings

  • 12 runs after 3 innings

  • 10 runs after 4 innings 

  • 8 runs after 5 innings

• All games are 6 innings or time limit unless the mercy rule or run limits apply.  A game is complete after the time limit expires if the visiting team completes their at bat and the home team is ahead or anytime a team can not tie or win due to half inning run limits. Scores will revert back to the previous completed inning if the inning does not complete.

• All pool play games can end in ties. All tied elimination games and bracket play will be played under “Modified California” rule until a winner is determined. The last two batters from the previous inning will be placed on second and third with one out. Last batter is on second, the 2nd to last batter on third.

• All teams should be at the field and ready to play 15 minutes before your scheduled game time.  We may start games early if the field is available. 

• Forfeits: Teams have until 15 minutes after the scheduled start time to get the minimum number of players and will that time be deducted from game time if played. Results in a 7-0 win for the forfeiting team’s opponent. 

Baseball Tournament Rules

Playing Rules All baseball games will be played under Major League Baseball rules except where such rules are at variance with our tournament format.  Baseball age cut off date is May 1. New MLB pace of play rules and Covid rules do not apply to little league baseball. No metal cleats are to be worn on a portable mound. 

• Game Times: All games have a time limit or 6 innings. 

  • 7&8U 1hr 15 minutes

  • 9U-18u baseball is 1 hour 30 minutes Saturday and 1 hour 40 minutes Sunday

  • Game times may vary in each tournament due to weather or other unusual events. 

• Fall baseball games starting on August 1  

  • 7/8U MP is 1:15. 

  • 9U-18u will have a 1:30 time limit both days

  • 14u will not be required to change bats but 15u will have to use drop 3 bbcore.

• Tie Breakers:  Head to head, runs allowed, run differential, runs scored, coin flip.  Head to head will not be used in any division that has 3 or more teams with a 1-1 record during pool play.  

• Pitcher Limits:  No limits

Distances

MP                   60ft bases / 40ft pitching / 35-42 mph machine speed.

9U                    60/65ft bases /     46ft pitching 

10U                  65ft bases / 46ft pitching

11U                  70ft bases / 50ft pitching

12U                  70ft bases / 50ft pitching 

13U                  80ft bases / 54ft pitching

14U-18U          90ft bases / 60ft pitching 

1 Balk warning will be issued to each pitcher for 9,10 and 11U age groups.  Pitching mounds will be available to all ages 9 and up. 

Run Limits

7U-9U      5 runs per half inning

10U-12U  7 runs per half inning

13U-16U  No limit    

• Bat Restrictions: There are no bat restrictions in our tournaments with the exception of 14U must use drop 5.5 or less.   All 15-18U must use drop 3 weight with bbcore stamp. 

• Protests:  Protests can be made only on interpretation of the rules, violation of the rules or player eligibility and must be made at the time of the issue. No judgment call by an umpire can be protested. The protest fee is $50 (Cash), must be paid at time of protest and will be decided on immediately by the UIC. If a protest is upheld, then the fee will be refunded.

• Courtesy Runner - Anytime the last pitcher or catcher of record becomes a base-runner you may substitute a pinch-runner. The pinch-runner must be the player who made the last out.

• Avoid Contact:  Runners that fail to avoid contact may be called out.  Malicious contact or intent to injure is an automatic ejection of the player.  Manager may also be ejected. To be determined by the umpire. 

• Home is determined by a coin flip in all seeding games. Home team is a higher seeded team in bracket play. 

• Coaches are allowed one mound visit per half inning. Any other mound visit will result in a pitching change.

• Line-Ups: 7U-8U divisions have free defensive substitutions, and must bat their entire lineup turned in for each game. There are no EH, DH or sub players allowed.  Teams must turn in a line-up card for each game.  Only players on that line- up card are allowed to play in that game. All teams can play free substitution, Bat 9 Play 9 must be announced at ground rules.

Bat 9 Play 9 (Optional) 9u-18u

• Play 9 Bat 10 with Free Defensive Rotations with these 9/10 Players

• Play 9 with DH for any Defensive Player Position. You can not use EH and DH at the same time.

• Starters may re-enter one time in their ORIGINAL batting position. Substitutes removed from a game are ineligible to return. Teams should report all substitutions to the home plate umpire and opposing score keeper.

• If a team burns all of their subs they may use the last batted out as a courtesy runner for the catcher of record with two outs. 

• Teams playing these rules must specify to the umpire at ground rules and give a lineup to the umpire.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

6/7/8u Special Rules

• 10 players in the field (4 outfielders) 

• Minimum 8 players to start game (teams must play a catcher)

• Outfielders must remain in the outfield until the batter makes contact with the  ball. 

• Entire lineup bats 

• 1 base overthrow into foul ground.

• 5 run limit per half innings

• 1:15 time limit or 6 innings 

• No infield fly rule 

• No bunting 

• No stealing. Runner must remain on base until the ball is hit 

• Catcher does not have to legally catch a 3rd strike

• No Intentional Walks

• 1 offensive coach putting balls in machine 

• Runner for the catcher is allowed at anytime (last batted out)

• 1 defensive coach behind catcher can help pick up pitched balls 

• If the pitching machine breaks down. Coaches will pitch to teams 

• The batter receives a maximum of 5 pitches or 3 swinging strikes. If the 5th pitch is not swung at or hit, the batter is out. The batter cannot end and at bat on a foul ball. Extra pitches may be added at the discretion of the umpire, in cases of poor machine pitches.

• When a ball is being thrown in from the outfield, play ends when the ball is inside the baselines and under control. If a runner is ½ way to the next base, he can continue to that base. If not ½ way to the next base, they must return to the previous base. This is up to the umpire’s judgment. 

• If a batted ball hits the pitching machine or coach it is a dead ball and the batter goes to first. All other runners advance 1 base, whether forced or not. 

• Machine speed will be 35-42mph determined by the umpire and coaches before the game starts.  Speed will stay the same for the entire game. Adjusting of the machine will be made between innings at the umpire’s determination. 

9u Special Rules  

• 46 ft pitching/60 or 65 ft bases

• 5 runs per inning

• No pitching limit

• Lead offs and stealing are allowed but there is no stealing home plate. Runners must be forced or batted in unless a play is made at any base. 

• 1 balk warning per pitcher. 

• No dropped third strikes 

• No infield fly rule 

General Rules for Softball Tournament 

• 6 innings per game unless time is exceeded 

• No metal cleats unless otherwise stated 

• No lead offs until the ball is released from the pitcher's hand. 

• Batting helmets required at bat, on deck, and on bases. 

• Catchers in all divisions must wear helmets, face masks, throat protectors, body protectors, and shin guards While warming up a pitcher you must wear a face mask if you are under 18 yrs of age

• The manager and/or coach can make 3 defensive trips per game Offensive coaches are allowed 1 conference per half inning.               

• Face guards are encouraged, but not enforced. 

• Line-Ups: 8U division have free defensive substitutions, and must bat their entire lineup turned in for each game. There are no EH, DH or sub players allowed.  Teams must turn in a line-up card for each game.  Only players on that line- up card are allowed to play in that game.(As of Sept 1 2019) 10u-18u Softball:  In these divisions we let the coaches choose between free substitution and bat 9-play 9. If you decide to bat 9 play 9 you must inform the umpire before your game. All coaches who choose bat 9 play 9 will be able to add a DH or EP to your line up but not both. As of 09/01/2019 we are now allowing the 9-18u divisions to use the Missouri High School reentry rule for all bat 9 / play 9 teams. Teams playing these rules must specify to the umpire at ground rules and give a lineup to the umpire.

• Courtesy Runner - Anytime the last pitcher or catcher of record becomes a base-runner you may substitute a pinch-runner. The pinch-runner must be the player who made the last out. Whether batting the roster or if using subs, the same runner can not be used twice in the same inning as courtesy runner for different players. (If using subs only players listed as subs may be used as a courtesy runner. Starting players may not be used as subs for other players and may only re-enter one time in the same place in the batting order they were subbed from)        

• Any rules not in our general tournament rules will fall back to USA rules

• As of 4/26/2017 We are no longer allowing DP/Flex for all age divisions 

7u-8u Special Rules 

Machine Pitch

• 10 players in the field (4 outfielders) 

• Minimum 8 players to start game (teams must play a catcher)

• Outfielders must remain in the outfield until the batter makes contact with the  ball. 

• Entire lineup bats 

• 11 Inch ball

• 1 base overthrow into foul ground.

• 5 run limit per half innings

• 1:15 time limit or 6 innings 

• No infield fly rule 

• No bunting 

• No stealing. Runner must remain on base until the ball is hit 

• Catcher does not have to legally catch a 3rd strike

• 1 offensive coach putting balls in machine 

• Runner for the catcher is allowed at anytime (last batted out)

• 1 defensive coach behind catcher can help pick up pitched balls 

• If the pitching machine breaks down. Coaches will pitch to teams 

• The batter receives a maximum of 5 pitches or 3 swinging strikes. If the 5th pitch is not swung at or hit, the batter is out. The batter cannot end and at bat on a foul ball 

• When a ball is being thrown in from the outfield, play ends when the ball is inside the baselines and under control. If a runner is ½ way to the next base, he can continue to that base. If not ½ way to the next base, they must return to the previous base. This is up to the umpire’s judgment. 

• If a batted ball hits the pitching machine or coach it is a dead ball and the batter goes to first. All other runners advance 1 base, whether forced or not. 

• Machine speed will be 34-42mph determined by the umpire and coaches before the game starts.  Speed will stay the same for the entire game. Adjusting of the machine will be made between innings at the umpire’s determination.

10u Special Rules 

• Pitchers Rubber 35 ft 

• 5 runs per inning 

• 60 ft bases 

• 11 inch softballs

• 1hr 15 minute games 

• 1 warning per pitcher per inning on illegal pitches 

• 10 fielders per team(4 outfielders) 

• Stealing home and dropped third strikes are allowed 

• Bat 9/10 play 9/10 with DH or EH or Bat line up with free substitution.  Must inform umpire prior to each game 

12u Special Rules

• 9 fielders are allowed 

• 12 inch softball 

• 1 hour 15 min games 

• 7 runs per half inning 

• Pitchers rubber 40 ft 

• 60 foot bases 

14u-18u Special Rules

• Metal cleats allowed 

• Pitcher rubber 43 ft. 

• 60 foot bases 

• 9 fielders are allowed 

• 1 hour 15 min games 

• 12 inch softball 

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Spring Training Special Rules

• All game times are 1:30 or 6 innings(hard time)

• 5 runs per half inning

• No rosters needed

• No matching uniforms needed

• Umpires are being trained during this event.  

• Relaxed atmosphere. No scores kept or awards given