Governing Rules

International World Series Roster Rules Below

FOREWORD

Playing rules not specifically covered herein, shall be governed by The Official MLB Rules of Baseball – National League. If any conflict in rules between these Official USSSA Baseball National By-laws & Rules and The Official MLB Rules of Baseball – National League, these Official USSSA Baseball National By-laws & Rules shall govern. In the event of any conflict in language between any printed version of these Official USSSA Baseball National By-laws & Rules and the usssabaseball.org online version, the usssabaseball.org online version shall govern.

RULE 1.00 – NAME & OBJECTIVE

1.01 This organization shall be known as USSSA Baseball.

1.02 The objective of USSSA Baseball shall be to organize and promote youth and adult baseball, to perpetuate the interest and love of the game. To coordinate the providing of an opportunity for teams to compete in league and tournament competition that leads to state championships and world championships in their respective competitive classifications and age divisions.

RULE 2.00 – MEMBERSHIP, PARTICIPATION & CLASSIFICATIONS OF PLAY

2.01 Team Membership: A team registration fee shall be paid seasonally to participate in the USSSA Baseball program. The USSSA Baseball season begins August 1st and concludes July 31st.

2.02 Umpire Membership: An Umpire registration fee shall be paid yearly to officiate in the USSSA Baseball program. Included with membership is general liability and accidental medical insurance while officiating in the USSSA Baseball program. In addition, Umpires may choose to purchase optional insurance that shall cover the Umpire during non-USSSA Baseball contests.

2.03 League Participation: InallUSSSABaseball sanctioned leagues,teams shall qualify forState Championships and / orWorldSeries play.

2.04 Tournament Participation: In all USSSA Baseball sanctioned tournaments, teams shall qualify for State Championships and / or World Series play.

2.05 Classifications of Play: The USSSA Baseball program shall offer four (4) classifications of play for tournament teams: Major, AAA, AA, A and two (2) classifications for drafted league play League Team and All-Star Team. The Drafted League and All-Star Team 2 classes are different USSSA programs and a player can be frozen to a A, AA, AAA, or Major roster and still participate in those classes within the guidelines sets by the Drafted Team and All-Star Team program.

2.06 State Directors shall adopt an acceptable method to classify teams within their respective state. State Directors shall have sole authority to classify teams within their respective state and the authority to classify and / or re-classify any team within their respective state during the current season, except when a team classification has been assigned by the USSSA Baseball National Committee.

RULE 3.00 – INDIVIDUAL PLAYER & TEAM ELIGIBILITY:

3.01 A In divisions 4U – 18U, all players participating in USSSA Baseball tournament play shall have photocopies of their original birth certificate in the possession of their team manager at all times. Upon protest, failure to have a photocopy of the original birth certificate immediately available upon demand shall result in the offending team losing the game(s), being ejected from the tournament, being placed last in the standings and forfeiting all awards, points, sponsors travel money, and berths that would have been or have been awarded. 3.01.B All grade-based players must have a copy of their birth certificate, current report card, or official school ID with grade, or any official government document stating the grade

3.02 A player that is found to be illegal due to an age or grade violation during or after a league or tournament game, shall result in the offending team losing the game(s) team and player being ejected from the tournament, team being placed last in the standings and forfeiting all awards, points, sponsors travel money, and berths that would have been or have been awarded. The illegal player shall be removed from the offending team’s Official Online Roster and additional penalties may be applied to the illegal player and / or team manager / coaches.

3.03 A player shall be eligible to compete in the USSSA Baseball program as long as he abides by the USSSA Constitution and the Official Baseball National By-laws & Rules when his first name, last name (no middle names, nick names, shortened names, slang names, 3 initials, prefixes or suffixes are allowed) and date of birth (in proper format – mm/dd/yyyy) are listed EXACTLY as they appear on his original birth certificate, as a member on an eligible team’s Official Online Roster. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in your team being prohibited from participating in USSSA.

3.04 A player who is in violation of the USSSA Constitution or the Official Baseball National By-laws & Rules shall be an illegal player.

3.04.A A team with a player found to be illegal due to age, grade or class violation, anytime during the USSSA event, will be deemed ineligible. The team WILL be disqualified and put in last place. The manger could face suspension.
3.04.B Any team in violation of any roster rules located in section 3.08, 3.09 and 3.10 MAY be disqualified from their current event and be placed in last place. The manager could face suspension
3.04.C A player found to be playing on multiple teams in the same weekend, anytime during the USSSA event, both teams MAY be disqualified and put in last place. The player, parents and managers could face suspension
3.04.D An ineligible player is any player not listed on the official online roster (when rosters are required), a player with an incorrect birthday, or a player with name listed incorrectly on the official online roster. All players must be listed on a team's online roster correctly prior to their first game or prior to the event's deadline to add players. Penalty: Any ineligible player MAY cause the team to be disqualified and put in last place. Each case will be looked at by the teams State Director to determine if the player is ineligible.

3.05 Player Roster Eligibility:

3.05.A Prior To Being Qualified / Frozen To An Official Online Roster (age Divisions 4U – 14U ONLY):

3.05.A.1 A Player can only play on one team in any given tournament and can only play in one tournament at any given time.
3.05.A.2 Players shall only physically play for one (1) team per day, event, tournament, week or weekend, regardless of location, venue, age division and / or classification.

3.05.B After Being Qualified / Frozen To An Official Online Roster (Age Divisions 4U – 14U ONLY):

3.05.B.1 Players shall only appear on one (1) Official Online Roster per age division and shall only participate with such qualified / frozen team (unless previously released pursuant to these rules).
3.05.B.2 Players participating in multiple age divisions shall only appear on one (1) Official Online Roster per age division and shall only participate with such qualified / frozen team(s) (unless previously released pursuant to these rules).
3.05.B.3 A Player can be on teams in multiple age divisions as long as the older teams class is the same or lower than the younger teams class.
3.05.B.4 A Player can only play on one team per weekend regardless the age.

3.06 Team Eligibility:

3.06.A No team shall be allowed to compete in any USSSA Baseball program without first paying their team registration fee to the Association.

3.06.B All teams shall maintain an Official Online Roster.

Rule 3.06.B Comment: State Directors with the approval of the Association’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations may waive this roster requirement for the traditional “Fall” playing months of August 1 – December 31.

3.06.C Team rosters for age divisions 4U – 14U shall be composed of not more than twenty-five (25) players.

3.06.D Team rosters for scholastic divisions 15U – 18U shall be composed of not more than forty (40) players.

3.06.E A team’s “home” state shall be determined by the home residency of fifty-one percent (51%) or the majority (whichever is greater) of the players on the team’s Official Online Roster.

3.06.F The team manager shall be responsible for all aspects of eligibility of the players and the information of the players contained on the team’s Official Online Roster pursuant to these rules. This includes but is not limited to: age eligibility, classifications of teams the players may participate on in other age divisions, classifications of previous teams the players may have participated on, legal names of the players, and correct dates of birth of the players.

3.06.F.1 The intentional or unintentional act of adding ineligible players to the team’s Official Online Roster shall be grounds for team manager suspension and disqualification of the team.
3.06.F.2 The intentional or unintentional act of incorrectly spelling a player’s name on the team’s Official Online Roster shall be grounds for team manager suspension and disqualification of the team.
3.06.F.3 The intentional or unintentional act of incorrectly entering a player’s date-of-birth on the team’s Official Online Roster shall be grounds for team manager suspension and disqualification of the team.

3.06.G State Directors shall have the authority to approve or reject all players contained on a team’s Official Online Roster State Director approval of a team’s Official Online Roster shall not release the team manager of his responsibilities pursuant to these rules.

3.06.H An all-girls team can request roster exemptions from the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations.

RULE 6.00 – WORLD SERIES

6.01 World Series play shall be under the jurisdiction of the USSSA Baseball National Committee. The Association’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations shall appoint a duly qualified person to serve as Tournament Director.

6.02 The Tournament Director shall have the authority to amend these National By-laws & Rules to accommodate the needs of the World Series with the approval of the Association’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations.

6.03 All teams receiving berths to World Series shall participate in their (home) state’s State Championship provided such a State Championship is played. Failure to participate in the State Championship if played shall result in forfeiture of the World Series berth. Other requirements can be set forth by the state director and must be followed. It is the manager’s responsibility to verify all requirements to play in a World Series with their respective State Director.

6.04 State Directors shall approve all entries entering World Series. If the State Director position is vacant, the Association’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations or his designee shall give such approval. All World Series must be entered and paid for online at USSSA.com

6.05 A deadline for accepting entries in World Series shall be set by the USSSA Baseball National Committee.

6.06 A team shall participate in the highest classification World Series in which it wins (is awarded) a berth unless the team is re-classified by the State Director or USSSA Baseball National Committee.

6.07 A team may participate in a higher age division World Series but shall participate at or above the team’s current classification.

Rule 6.08 Example: A 10U AAA team can participate up in the 11U AAA or 11U Major World Series but cannot participate down in the 11U AA World Series.

6.08 No write in players, all players must be on the team’s roster prior to check in.

6.09 Only USSSA licensed baseballs shall be used in World Series play.

6.10 Any team in a World Series that forfeits a pool-play game shall not be eligible for championship play regardless of record.

6.11 USSSA prohibits the visual display of any non-USSSA association’s logo anywhere on the uniform.

RULE 7.00 – RULES OF PLAY

7.01 Playing Field, Equipment & Safety:

7.01.A The playing field shall be laid out according to the recommended dimensions contained within these rules. (Chart 7.01.A-1)

7.01.B For details on field layout including recommended direction of play, fair and foul territory requirements, infield and outfield grades, pitcher’s mound height and slope, batter’s and catcher’s box dimensions, and base and home plate size and construction should be referred to the Official Rules of Baseball as published by Major League Baseball on MLB.com.

7.01.C In all 14U Events all Players and all Teams must use a maximum drop 5 (-5) bat with the official USSSA 1.15 BPF Mark permanently stamped. (Chart 7.01.C-1) All bats for scholastic divisions ages 15U to 18U they must conform to the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) bat standards including a length to weight ratio no greater than negative three (-3) ounces. These bats must be permanently stamped with the BBCOR.50 Certified Mark or made of wood and manufactured by a licensed USSSA manufacturer.

7.01.C Local: 14U teams and older must use BBCOR or Wood Bats.

7.01.C.1 In all Super NIT Events, 14 Majors must use BBCOR or wood bats only.
Rule 7.01.C Penalty: (First Offense) – If the Umpire discovers that a bat does not conform to USSSA Rule 7.01.C until a time during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the batter out and / or ejection from the game. If the Umpire discovers that a bat has been used to put a ball in play and before the next legal pitch, the defensive team shall have the choice of the result of play or the batter being called out and all runners returning to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
(Second Offense) – If a team is found in violation of this rule a second time, then the manager shall be ejected in addition to the First Offense penalty.

7.01.D Any bat permanently stamped with the official USA Baseball logo is legal to use in any USSSA baseball event, except were BBCOR is required. In all 14U Events all Players and all Teams must use a max drop 5 (-5) bat.

7.01.E Protests on uniforms shall not be allowed. It shall be the League / Tournament Director’s responsibility regarding uniform legality. Violation of the uniform rules shall result in the violator being allowed to immediately conform or be removed from the game. Managers and coaches may wear athletic type gear.

7.01.F In age divisions 4U – 12U, non-metal cleats shall be worn. In age divisions 13U and older, traditional metal baseball spikes shall be permitted.

7.01.F Local: Non-metal cleats must be worn on all portable mounds regardless of age division.

7.01.G The catcher shall wear all appropriate protective gear including a catcher’s helmet with facemask and either a built in extended throat guard or a separately attached throat guard, chest protector, shin and / or leg guards, and protective cup.

Rule 7.01.G Comment: In age divisions 4U – 12U, the catcher’s helmet shall fully cover both ears.

7.01.H All offensive players shall use a double ear-flap batting helmet whenever at bat, on deck, on base or any other time outside of the dugout and the ball is live and in play.

7.01.I Special Protective Gear: USSSA continues its long-standing policy of permitting players to determine the use of the protective equipment when they deem it appropriate.

7.01.J Bat / ball boys / girls under the age of eighteen (18) shall not be permitted.

7.01.K All Playing equipment shall not contain undue commercialization of the product.

7.01.L The Ball. USSSA licensed baseballs must have a USSSA Mark, must weigh between 5 and 5.25 ounces, must have a circumference of between 8.95 and 9.25 inches, have a COR of between .5 and .555 and have an ASTM standard compression of between 200 and 350 pounds. Molded balls without a traditional cover will be allowed in USSSA play but will require at least 6 weeks of field testing by USSSA and written approval of USSSA in advance of applying the USSSA Mark to such balls, which written approval may add additional performance/design requirements not otherwise applicable to other USSSA licensed balls.

7.02 Game Preliminaries:

7.02.A A flip of a coin between the two teams shall determine the home team for each pool play game The highest seeded team shall be the home team for bracket play games in single elimination brackets. In double elimination brackets, the highest seeded team shall be the home team until the championship game. In the championship game, the team in the winner’s bracket shall be the home team and a coin toss shall determine the home team for the “IF” game.

7.02.A Local: The Home team will occupy the 3rd base dugout. Winner of the coin flip has option to choose visitors during Pool Play. In the playoffs, the higher seeded team will be the Home team for duration of tournament. Each team must provide a scorekeeper but all changes must go through the home plate umpire, who is the official scorekeeper.

7.02.B In League, Qualifying Tournament and State Championship play, time limits may be used with approval of the League / Tournament / State Director.

7.02.C In World Series play, time limits may be used in pool play and consolation bracket games with approval of the Association’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations.

7.02.D Approved Team Line-ups:

7.02.D.1 Teams may bat a nine (9) player line-up, or a nine (9) player line-up with a Designated Hitter (DH), or a ten (10) player line-up with an Extra Hitter (EH), or a 10 player line-up up with a DH and EH, or a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players. Such line-up must be declared before the start of the game and used the entire game. A Designated Hitter (DH) can be used for ages 9u thru 14u.

7.02.D.1 Local: Only the batter who is assigned as the DH may re-enter as the DH under the re-entry rule.

7.02.D.1(a) If a team uses a line-up that contains substitute players, all starting players may be removed and re-enter the game once but must re-enter in their original position in the batting order. Non-starters are not allowed to re-enter. When a starter re-enters, the player in the starter’s batting position in the batting order

must be removed from the game and is ineligible for the remainder of the game.

7.02.D.1(b) If a team uses a line-up that contains ten (10) players, the player in the Extra Hitter position has free defensive substitution.

7.02.D.1(c) If a team uses a continuous line-up, all players other than the nine (9) defensive position players are Extra Hitters and may move freely in defensive positions with the exception of the pitching position. Any player(s) arriving after the game has begun, shall be added to the bottom of the batting line-up. When using the continuous lineup and a player has to leave the game for any reason, that position in the line-up becomes an out when that at bat comes around.

7.02.D.1(c) Local: Once a player is removed from a game due to injury, they may not return.

7.02.E Designated Hitter playing rules:

7.02.E.1 The DH can bat for any defensive player (not just the pitcher, as in some leagues).

7.02.E.2 The DH would normally bat for one player and any of that player’s substitutes on defense for the original player.

7.02.E.3 The DH must be listed next to or under the player he is batting for in lineup.

7.02.E.4 The DH and the player he is batting for are both locked into the same batting slot; neither of these two players can ever bat in another batting position.

7.02.E.5 If the DH enters the game on defense, the player he was batting for must come out of the game.

7.02.E.6 A replaced DH can re-enter the game one time since he was considered a starter. The defensive player being hit for can also re-enter the game one time if subbed for. Both must always stay in the same batting spot.

7.02.E.7 The DH role for a team is terminated for the rest of the game if:

7.02.E.7(a) A replaced DH re-enters the game on defense (the acting DH is disqualified from further participation.

7.02.E.7(b) The player for whom the DH was batting pinch hits or pinch runs for the DH.

7.02.E.7(c) The DH assumes a defensive position.

7.02.F In Scholastic divisions (15U-18U), if the Extra Hitter (EH) is not be utilized, then the Designated Hitter (DH) may be utilized in accordance with the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) rules.

7.02.G Teams may play an official game with an eight (8) player line-up. If a team plays with an eight (8) player line-up, an out shall be declared for the ninth (9th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat. A ninth (9th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.

7.02.H A team may continue a game with a minimum of eight (8) eligible players.

7.03 Starting and Ending a Game:

7.03.A A regulation game consists of six (6) innings for age divisions 4U – 12U and seven (7) innings for age divisions 13U and older, unless the game is:

7.03.A.1 Extended because the score is tied after the completion of the regulation number of innings, in which case, play shall continue until the visiting team has scored more total runs than the home team at the end of a completed inning, or the home team scores the winning run in an uncompleted inning.

7.03.A.2 Shortened because the home team needs none of its half of the last inning or only a fraction of it to win.

7.03.A.3 Shortened because an imposed Time Limit expires; or

7.03.A.4 Shortened because any applicable part of USSSA Rule 7.03.B has been met.

7.03.A.5 Shortened because any applicable part of USSSA Rule 7.03.C has been met.

7.03.A.6 Pool play games can end in a tie if the time limit is up or a complete game has been played.

7.03.A.6 Local: All elimination and championship games, extra innings or the next inning after time expires will begin with a runner on second base and no outs. The runner at second base will be the player in the batting order position previous to the leadoff batter of the inning (or a substitute for that player). By way of example, if the number five hitter in the batting order is due to lead off the next inning, the number four player in the batting order shall begin the inning on second base. In the event the runner is the pitcher or catcher of record a courtesy runner will be allowed.

7.03.B (Chart 7.03.B-1) An imposed Mercy (run) Rule shall be used to complete a regulation game when one team’s margin of lead is greater than or equal to the listed run differential in the corresponding listed start inning. In enforcing this rule, the home team shall not bat if they are winning and the mercy requirement is met prior to the start of the bottom half of the listed inning. Similarly, if the home team is batting and meets the mercy requirement in the bottom half of a listed inning the home team shall cease batting and the game shall end.

7.03.B Local: 7u Kid-Pitch Division: 5-Run max per inning for 1st 3 innings

7.03.C 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:

7.03.C.1 For a six (6) inning game, if 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.

7.03.C.1(a) In bracket play if a game is tied after 4 or more innings, the score will revert back to the previous inning. If still tied, the game will be a suspended game. 7.03.C.2 For a seven (7) inning game, if four (4) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after three and one half (3 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.

7.03.C.1(a) In bracket play if a game is tied after 5 or more innings, the score will revert back to the previous inning. If still tied, the game will be a suspended game.

7.03.D All games that for any reason cannot be declared a regulation game pursuant to USSSA Rule 7.03.C shall be a suspended game. A suspended game when resumed, shall resume from the exact point of suspension.

7.04 The Batter, Batter Runner & Runner:

7.04.A An Intentional Walk may be issued upon announcement from either the pitcher or catcher without throwing pitches.

7.04.B At any time, the offensive team may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher of record from the previous inning on defense. The courtesy runner must be a player not presently in the line-up. If no players not presently in the line-up are available, the courtesy runner shall be the player making the last batted out. The re-entry status of the courtesy runner, pitcher, and catcher shall not be affected by this rule. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligible, a proper replacement pursuant to these rules (if available) shall be used without penalty.

7.04.C Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and / or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire.

Rule 7.04.C Penalty: The runner shall be called out and may be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpires.

7.04.D A runner who jumps over a player will be called out whether or not contact is made with the defensive player.

7.05 The Pitcher:

7.05.A A player removed from the pitching position (starting pitcher or subsequent relief pitcher) may not return to the pitching position for the remainder of the game. The defensive team may correct this rules infraction at any time by substituting a legal pitcher without penalty. If an illegal pitcher is permitted to pitch, any pitch or play that results is legal. The rule violation should be caught by the Umpire or the offensive team and immediately corrected. If the violating pitcher has legal innings remaining, the violation is deemed an improper substitution and is corrected without penalty. If the violating pitcher has no legal innings remaining, it’s deemed a pitching limitations violation pursuant to USSSA Rule 7.05. B.7.

7.05.B (Chart 7.05.B-1) The end of the day for the purpose of this rule shall be the time of day or night when the ballpark is shut down and the teams go home for the night break. Games that for any reason extend past midnight (12:00 AM) or start late at night, past midnight (12:00 AM) and are completed before the teams take the night break, shall count as being played on the scheduled day. A game not completed before the night break pursuant to USSSA Rules 7.03.D shall be a suspended game. Suspended games, when resumed (the next day or another day), shall count as being played on two different days. The outs recorded during the portion of the game played prior to suspension shall count as being played on the regularly scheduled day and the outs recorded during the portion of the game played once resumed, shall count as being played on the resumed day.

7.05.B.1 ONE DAY MAXIMUM TO PITCH THE NEXT DAY: The maximum number of innings a player

can legally pitch in one (1) day and still pitch the next day.

Rule 7.05.B.1 Example: In the 7U – 14U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum

of three (3) innings in one (1) day and still legally pitch the next day. If the player pitches three and one-third (3 1/3) or more innings in one (1) day, the player cannot legally pitch the next day.

7.05.B.2 ONE DAY MAXIMUM: The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch in one (1) day.

Rule 7.05.B.2 Example: In the 7U – 12U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum of six (6) innings in one (1) day. The player would be ineligible to pitch the next day. Similarly, in the 13U – 14U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum of seven (7) innings in one (1) day. The player would be ineligible to legally pitch the next day.

7.05.B.3 THREE DAY MAXIMUM: The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch in three (3) consecutive days.

Rule 7.05.B.3 Example: In the 7U – 14U age divisions, a player may legally pitch a maximum of eight (8) innings in three (3) consecutive days. This is to be interpreted as a player may legally pitch any combination of innings to equal eight (8) innings in two (2) days as long as the player doesn’t pitch more than three (3) innings the first (1st) day. Similarly, as a player may legally pitch any combination of innings to equal eight (8) innings in three (3) days as long as the player doesn’t pitch more than three (3) innings the first (1st) or second (2nd) days.

7.05.B.4 MANDATORY DAYS OF REST:

7.05.B.4(a) A player that pitches more than three (3) innings in one day MUST rest the next day.

7.05.B.4(b) A player that pitches eight (8) innings in two (2) consecutive days MUST rest the next day.

7.05.B.4(c) A player that pitches three (3) consecutive days (regardless of total quantity of innings pitched) MUST rest the next day.

7.05.B.5 For all cumulative totals in this rule, one (1) out equals one-third (1/3) of an inning, two (2) outs equals twothirds (2/3) of an inning and three (3) outs equals one (1) full inning. A pitcher that pitches in a game and records no outs is not charged with any innings pitched.

7.05.B.6 Outs recorded during a game that ends in forfeit shall count towards a pitchers’ innings limits.

7.05.B.7 For purposes of pitching limitations rules, a pitcher is in violation of the rule if he records any out above the legal pitching limits pursuant to these rules.

Rule 7.05.C.7 Exception: Exceeding the maximum innings allowed in the case of a double or triple play shall not be counted against the pitcher for the purpose of this rule but shall be counted towards the pitcher’s limits with regards to the eligibility to pitch the next day, etc.

7.05.B.8 It shall be the responsibility of each team to challenge pitching violations by notifying the Umpire and then filing a Protest with the League / Tournament Director. A protest may be filed at any point after the pitcher in violation records any out beyond his legal limit AND while the pitcher in violation is in the game as the pitcher of record. If such violation is the last recorded out of the game, the protest MUST be filed prior to the Umpires and the protesting team leaving the field of play.

Rule 7.05.B.1 – 7.05.B.7 Penalty: Any violation shall result in immediate forfeiture of the game. If such violation occurs during Pool Play, the team in violation of the rule may not advance to the Championship bracket regardless of record.

7.05.B.9 Pitch Counts may be used in Major Events with the approval of the Association’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations.

7.05.C Pitching mound visits will remain 2 coaches visits per inning, with the second coaches visit to the same pitcher in the same inning resulting in a pitching change.

RULE 8.00 – (07U) COACH PITCH SPECIFIC RULES

8.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball.

8.02 Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. Infielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit.

8.03 Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.

8.04 Pitcher’s Line: There shall be a line drawn from the pitcher’s circle to the safety arc.

8.04.A The pitching coach shall keep one foot on or straddle the pitcher’s line. The Coach can pitch anywhere in-between the 30’ Safety Arc and the 42’ Pitching Circle.

8.04.B The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position

8.04.C The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball has been hit.

Rule 8.04.C Penalty: If a coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction shall be called.

Rule 8.04.C Additional Penalty: If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game.

8.05 Pitching Coach: The Pitching Coach shall be an adult at least eighteen (18) years of age.

8.06 The catcher shall receive the pitch in the catcher’s box in a normal baseball manner. If in the Umpire’s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there shall be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams’ manager shall be ejected.

8.07 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.

8.08 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit.

Rule 8.08 Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.

Rule 8.08 Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.

8.09 Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout.

8.10 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.

8.11 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.

8.11.A Teams may start a game with eight (8) players. The ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) positions in the batting order shall be declared an out each turn at bat.

Rule 8.11.A Approved Ruling: A ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.

8.12 Teams may use free substitution on defense, but the batting order shall remain the same.

8.13 Bunting shall not be allowed.

8.14 The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes.

8.15 A player may only be Intentionally Walked once per game by announcement from the defensive team.

8.16 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.

8.17 A courtesy runner for catcher of record only the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base. If the team batting has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.

8.18 A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning. LOCAL: No maximum runs apply in the 6th and all subsequent innings.

8.19 LOCAL Run Rule: 15 runs after 3 innings or 10 runs after 4 innings

8.20 Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the all runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule.

Rule 8.20 Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.

8.21 When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply:

8.21.A If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance.

8.21.B If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared.

RULE 11.00 – 7U & 8U KID PITCH RULES

11.01 Nine (9) defensive players shall play in the field

11.02 Balk rules shall not apply.

11.03 A batter shall be automatically out on a dropped / missed third (3rd) strike by the catcher.

11.04 Runners shall not advance when the pitcher is on the pitching rubber with the ball in his possession and the catcher is in position to receive a pitch. On a base on balls, the batter may attempt to steal second prior to the pitcher and catcher coming set at his own risk, but if a runner is on third, he may not advance home even if the defense attempts to throw the runner out at second base.

11.05 Runners shall not lead-off but may advance at their own risk (steal) once a pitched ball has passed home plate. When a runner tries to advance prior to the pitched ball passing home plate, the following shall apply: LOCAL Approved Ruling: A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.

11.06 Runners shall not advance from third (3rd) base to home unless the runner is batted home or forced by a base on balls, hit batsman, or award from the Umpire. Runners shall not advance from third (3rd) base to home on passed balls, wild pitches or dropped / missed third (3rd) strikes by the catcher.

06u TOURNAMENT RULES:

1. PLAYING FIELDS:

Pitching Distance: 35 feet (Machine Pitch OR Coach Pitch) you must play the game the way you started
Distance between bases: 50 Feet
The recommended homerun fence distances:
- Foul Line: 125 ft minimum to 150 ft maximum
- Centerfield: 125 ft minimum to 150 ft maximum
A 2-foot vertical line will be drawn halfway between each base to assist the umpire in determining where to place the runner when a batted ball is dead. Player must have both feet completely over this line to be entitled to the next base.
Ten foot horizontal lines will be drawn 15 feet from the base lines and second base to determine where the outfield begins and the infield ends.

2. EQUIPMENT:

Catchers must wear full catchers gear (Mask, Chest Protector and Shin Guards) No Exceptions
The ball should weigh not less than 5 or more than 5 1/4 ounces & measure not less than 9 or more than 9 1/4 inches in circumference.
If the umpire or defensive player is hit by a carelessly thrown bat, he is almost certain to warn the batter that such action must be stopped. On the second offense, the player is told he will be ejected if he continues. On a third offense, the umpire should eject the offender.

3. TOURNAMENT PITCHING:

Machine Pitch OR Coach Pitch
The player fielding the pitcher’s position shall take a position five (5) feet to the rear of the pitching machine and 3 feet to the left or right. A 2 foot line will be drawn at this position. The player must keep at least one foot on this line until the start of the pitch. If the other foot is free it will be on the side of the line extending away from the pitching machine.
If a batted ball strikes the coach pitcher, the ball is dead, the pitch counts as a strike and no runners shall advance.
- (PENALTY): The coach pitcher shall be warned once and if a second infraction occurs the coach pitcher must be removed for the remainder of the game and a new coach pitcher put in his/her place.
If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and remains in fair territory, the ball is in play.
If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine and goes into foul territory, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance one base.
The coach who is feeding the pitching machine shall not give coaching instructions to batters after they hit the ball or to base runners. They may not in any way interfere with the defensive players.

4. PLAYING RULES:

Game length shall be five (5) innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes unless the score is tied. In this event the game will be played to its conclusion.
All players listed on the Affidavit will bat. Once the batting order is submitted to the scorekeeper it will not be changed, except for injury, illness or ejection.
A batted ball becomes dead when an infielder has control of the ball in the infield or at a base, has possession of the ball and holds the ball over their head.
Defensive and Offensive Substitutions:
- Minimum of nine players shall be used defensively with a maximum of ten. There will be free defensive substitutions.
- There shall be a maximum of four outfielders, stationed not less than 15 feet behind the baseline when the coach pitches the ball.
Offensive coaches will be stationed in the coach’s boxes and as a coach feeding the pitching machine. The fourth coach will be in the dugout or designated area. One defensive coach will be behind the catcher or designated area as directed by the umpire and/or Tournament Director.

5. BATTERS:

Are not permitted to bunt. (Penalty: The batter shall be called back to the plate, the swing is a foul-strike, the ball is dead and no runners may advance).
The batter is out if failing to hit a fair ball after a maximum of five (5) pitches or after 3 strikes from the coach pitcher feeding the machine.
A batter is not out on a foul ball, foul strike, and/or foul tip unless it is the fifth pitch.

6. RUNNERS:

Runners are not permitted to steal or lead-off, and shall remain in contact with the base until the ball crosses the plate.(Penalty: Runner is out).
On a batted ball runners may advance until an infielder has control of the ball in the infield or at a base and holds the ball up. Once the ball becomes dead and in the judgment of the umpire the runner has not gone entirely beyond the halfway point between the bases, the runner will be required to return to the base in which they are coming from.
No infield fly rule.

7. MERCY RULES:

15 runs after 3 innings or 10 runs after 4 innings
Maximum five (5) runs per half inning. No maximum runs apply in the 5th and all subsequent innings.

Bat Restrictions: Teams must use a bat with the official USSSA 1.15 BPF Mark permanently stamped.

International World Series Roster Rules

WEEK 1 -

ONLINE ROSTER MUST BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 12TH 10PM
THREE (3) WRITE-INS WILL BE ALLOWED AT CHECK-IN
CERTIFIED PROOF OF BIRTH WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL PLAYERS

WEEK 2 (AAA TEAMS) -

ONLINE ROSTER MUST BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 19TH 10PM
ONE (1) WRITE-IN WILL BE ALLOWED AT CHECK-IN
ANY PLAYER FROM A MAJOR ROSTER OF THE SAME AGE GROUP (THAT PLAYED) ON OR AFTER MAY 1ST, 2019 IS INELIGIBLE
PLAYERS FROM WEEK 1 PLAYING UP AN AGE GROUP ARE ELIGIBLE
- EXAMPLE: PLAYERS PLAYING 10u WEEK 1 ARE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY 11u-AAA WEEK 2
CERTIFIED PROOF OF BIRTH WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL PLAYERS

WEEK 2 (AA TEAMS) -

ONLINE ROSTER MUST BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 19TH 10PM
ZERO (0) WRITE-INS WILL BE ALLOWED
ANY PLAYER FROM ANY 2019 MAJOR ROSTER IS INELIGIBLE
ALL PLAYERS FROM WEEK 1 ARE INELIGIBLE
CERTIFIED PROOF OF BIRTH WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL PLAYERS

WEEK 2 (7U COACH PITCH TEAMS) -

ONLINE ROSTER MUST BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 19TH 10PM
ZERO (0) WRITE-INS WILL BE ALLOWED
ALL 6U & 7U TEAMS/PLAYERS FROM WEEK 1 ARE ELIGIBLE
CERTIFIED PROOF OF BIRTH WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL PLAYERS

USSSA RULE 3.03 - A player shall be eligible to compete in the USSSA Baseball program as long as he abides by the USSSA Constitution and the Official Baseball National By-laws & Rules when his first name, last name (no middle names, nick names, shortened names, slang names, initials, prefixes or suffixes are allowed) and date of birth (in proper format – mm/dd/yyyy) are listed EXACTLY as they appear on his original birth certificate, as a member on an eligible team’s Official Online Roster. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in your team being prohibited from participating in USSSA.

USSSA RULE 3.04 - A player who is in violation of the USSSA Constitution or the Official Baseball National By-laws & Rules shall be an illegal player.

3.04.A A team with a player found to be illegal due to age, grade or class violation, anytime during the USSSA event, will be deemed ineligible. The team WILL be disqualified and put in last place. The manger could face suspension.
3.04.B Any team in violation of any roster rules located in section 3.08, 3.09 and 3.10 MAY be disqualified from their current event and be placed in last place. The manager could face suspension
3.04.C A player found to be playing on multiple teams in the same weekend, anytime during the USSSA event, both teams MAY be disqualified and put in last place. The player, parents and managers could face suspension
3.04.D An ineligible player is any player not listed on the official online roster (when rosters are required), a player with an incorrect birthday, or a player with name listed incorrectly on the official online roster. All players must be listed on a team's online roster correctly prior to their first game or prior to the event's deadline to add players.
Penalty: Any ineligible player MAY cause the team to be disqualified and put in last place. Each case will be looked at by the teams State Director to determine if the player is ineligible.