Hawks Athletics Tournament Rules
Tournament Changes:
The tournament director reserves the right to make changes that are in the best interest of the tournament. In the event of inclement weather, we will do our best to get all scheduled games in. If not, the format of the tournament may be altered.
Sportsmanship
All players, coaches, managers, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. The tournament director has the authority to remove anyone from the event at any time for unsportsmanlike conduct. Any ejected coach or manager shall remove themselves from the vicinity of the playing field for the remainder of the game. If behavior is too unruly the coach could be suspended for the rest of the tournament.
Weather
We will try to play through rain, but will not play through thunder/ lightning. If lightning is seen, we will suspend the game for 20 min. Games will not resume until we have gone 20 minutes lightning free.
Early Start
Each Team should be ready to play up to 30 minutes early if both teams and umps are ready.
Innings
Each game will be 6 full innings from 8-12u, 7 full Innings for 13u and Up. If a game is called due to rain, Weather, light failure or other acts of Nature and cannot be resumed it is a regulation game if in a six (6) inning game, three (3) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after two and one half (2 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
Lineup and Batting
Prior to the start of each game, each team shall turn in a lineup card to the umpire. (Lineups must be declared before the start of the game and used the entire game) Each team will use a continuous lineup of all present, eligible, and uniformed players. Defensive changes may be made at any time.
Bats
14u and Up -3,-5 USSSA, BBCOR Bats or Wood
13u USSSA, BBCOR, USA, Wood (-3, -5, or -8)
7-12u USSSA, BBCOR, USA, Wood (-3, -5, -8, -10)
Minimum Number of Players
Teams may play an official game with 8 players. A team that drops to 7 players will forfeit the game.
Time Limit
No new inning can start 15 minutes before the start of the next game. Umpires shall let both coaches know when time has expired. If the home team is winning when the game time expires the game will be over. Hard stop will be called 5 minutes before the next game is scheduled to start. No time limit on championship games only. The tourney director can change time limits based on needs of the tournament.
Teams must not intentionally delay games. Teams requiring a stoppage of play after initial time warning will be penalized at umpire’s discretion.
Mercy Rule
Pool Play/Bracket/Championship:
15 after 3 innings
10 after 4 innings
8 after 5-7 innings
Tied Games
There will be ties in Pool Play. If a pool play game ends in a tie and no time is remaining the game will end in a tie. The modified International tie breaker will be used to decide bracket play tied games. Each inning will begin with the last THREE batters from the previous inning loading the bases with 1 out. The tie breaker will be used until a winner is determined.
Reporting Results:
Scores will be tracked in GameChanger. Teams are responsible for entering this information at gametime. If using Head to Head scoring method please determine which team is responsible prior to the game. If there is a problem with scores in Gamechanger please contact us at [email protected]
Tie Breakers for Bracket Seeding
Pool Place
Record
Runs Allowed
Runs Scored
Coin Flip
Game Play
Leads/Dropped Thirds/Balks are called at all ages, with no warnings. Fake from third to first/first to third is NOT allowed. 11u balks will be instructional.
No re-entry for pitcher that is removed in the same game. Pitchers must be subbed out at second mound visit within the same inning.
Pitch Limit
Coaches discretion. Follow pitch smart guidelines! https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart
Courtesy Runners
You may courtesy run for the pitcher/catcher at any time during the game. The courtesy runner is the last completed AB/out.
Home Team
Coin flip in pool. Highest seed in bracket
Age Restrictions:
Age as of May 1st of the current year. It is the coaches responsibility to have documentation proving player age in case of protest. Digital Copies are acceptable.
Ejections/Suspensions
At the discretion of the umpires and tournament director.
There will be no protests. In the event of a challenge regarding rules or rule interpretations, both managers may confer with the umpires. All disputes will be settled at that time. If necessary, a tournament representative will be included in any discussions. Home plate umpire’s decision is final. Judgment calls may not be disputed. Remember the clock is running during any discussions.