Rules

  • Tournament Rules

    WEST COAST BASEBALL TOURNAMENT RULES


    9U & 10U DIVISIONS


    1. GENERAL RULES

    All games will follow modified NFHS (high school) rules unless otherwise stated.

    Tournament directors reserve the right to modify rules for safety, time constraints, or unforeseen circumstances.

    All rulings by the tournament director are final.


    2. ELIGIBILITY 


    9U DIVISION

    • Players who turn 10 years old prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible, unless they are currently enrolled in the 3rd grade.
    • Any player who turns 11 years old prior to August 1 of the current season is not eligible under any circumstances.
    • Players who are age-eligible for 9U may participate regardless of grade level.

    10U DIVISION

    • Players who turn 11 years old prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible, unless they are currently enrolled in the 4th grade.
    • Any player who turns 12 years old prior to August 1 of the current season is not eligible under any circumstances.
    • Players who are age-eligible for 10U may participate regardless of grade level.

    PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY


    Teams must be prepared to provide proof of age and/or grade upon request.

    • Acceptable documents include:
    • Birth certificate
    • School report card or official school document

    Failure to provide proof may result in player removal or team forfeit.


    ROSTER VIOLATIONS


    Use of an ineligible player will result in:

    • Immediate game forfeit
    • Possible removal from tournament at director’s discretion

    3. GAME LENGTH & FORMAT

    Pool Play

    • 6 innings OR 1 hour 30 minute time limit (no new inning after time expires)

    Bracket Play

    • 6 innings OR 1 hour 45 minute time limit (no new inning)

    Championship Game

    • 6 innings, no time limit (unless weather or field constraints apply)

    4. RUN RULE

    15 runs after 3 innings

    10 runs after 4 innings

    8 runs after 5 innings


    5. GAME START / FORFEITS

    Teams must be ready to play at scheduled time.

    Game time is forfeit time.

    A team may start with 8 players (9th is an automatic out).

    Less than 8 players = forfeit.


    6. BATTING & LINEUP

    Teams may choose:

    Bat 9 (with subs)

    Bat 10 (EH)

    Bat entire lineup (continuous batting order)

    If batting entire lineup:

    All players bat

    Courtesy for pitcher and catcher is the last out or last batter in lineup

    Free defensive substitution

    If a player leaves the game for any reason:

    Spot becomes an out unless due to injury (no penalty)


    7. DEFENSE

    9 players on defense.

    Free substitution allowed when using continuous batting order.


    8. PITCHING RULES 

    INNING LIMITS

    Maximum 3 innings per day

    Maximum 6 innings per tournament

    1 pitch constitutes 1 full inning

    REQUIRED REST

    A player who pitches more than 3 innings in one (1) day must rest the entire following day and may not pitch.

    ADDITIONAL PITCHING RULES

    A pitcher removed from the mound may not return as a pitcher in the same game.

    A pitcher may return to another defensive position.

    One warning per pitcher for balks, then balks will be enforced.


    9. BASE RUNNING

    Sliding

    Head-first slides allowed only when returning to a base

    Must slide or avoid contact at all bases


    10. PROTESTS

    Must be made before next pitch.

    $100 cash protest fee (refunded if upheld).

    Judgment calls cannot be protested.


    11. EJECTIONS

    Any player, coach, or fan ejected must leave the facility immediately.

    Ejected coach = out for next game.

    Tournament director may impose further penalties.


    12. WEATHER / GAME SUSPENSIONS

    Games called due to weather are considered official after:

    3 innings (or 2.5 if home team ahead)

    If not official:

    May be resumed or replayed at director’s discretion


    13. TIEBREAKERS (POOL PLAY)

    Overall Record

    Head-to-Head

    Runs Allowed

    Run Differential (max +8 per game)

    Runs Scored

    Coin Flip


    14. EXTRA INNINGS (BRACKET PLAY)

    International tie-breaker:

    Last batted out starts at 2nd base

    1 out to start inning


    15. EQUIPMENT

    Bats must be USA Baseball or USSSA approved

    Metal cleats not allowed

    Catcher must wear full gear including throat guard


    16. COACHING CONDUCT

    Coaches are responsible for players and fans.

    Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in ejection or team removal.


    17. UMPIRES

    Umpires’ decisions are final.

    Only head coach may address umpire.


    18. TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AUTHORITY

    Tournament director has full authority over:

    Rule interpretation

    Schedule adjustments

    Player eligibility issues

    All decisions are final.


    FINAL NOTE


    This tournament is about competition, development, and sportsmanship. Respect the game, respect the umpires, and represent your team the right way.