NXT Sports USA tournaments utilize a hybrid format that adheres to the USSSA rulebook, with USSSA National By-laws governing play wherever not specifically outlined. These tournament rules emphasize safety, fairness, and professionalism while ensuring flexible operations, including guidelines on pitching regulations and player eligibility in youth baseball.
- Players must be rostered and eligible according to the USSSA age chart, adhering to player eligibility requirements.
- Guest players: A maximum of 3 per team is allowed, provided they comply with Rule 3.06, which is part of the tournament rules.
- All rosters must be submitted online and locked prior to the first game to ensure compliance with pitching regulations.
- Teams that violate roster eligibility rules may face forfeiture and disqualification.
Pitching regulations enforced by age in youth baseball are as follows:
- For 7U-12U players, the maximum allowed is 6 innings per day and 8 innings over 3 days.
- For 13U-14U players, the maximum is set at 7 innings per day.
- Once a pitcher is removed, they may not return in the same game, which is an important aspect of player eligibility under tournament rules.
- Each inning allows for 2 mound visits, with the 2nd visit necessitating a pitching change.
- It's worth noting that double and triple plays do not count toward pitching limits for same-day eligibility, but they do impact future day usage.
- For 14U and below in youth baseball, only USSSA 1.15 BPF or USA Baseball-stamped bats are permitted under the tournament rules.
- For 13U players, the maximum bat drop is -8, while for 14U players, the maximum drop is -5.
- For 15U and older, only BBCOR or wood bats are allowed, aligning with the pitching regulations in place.
- Using non-conforming bats will result in the batter being called out on the first offense. A second offense will lead to the manager's ejection, ensuring adherence to player eligibility and tournament rules.
- Pool Play: 1:40 no new inning, adhering to the youth baseball tournament rules.
- Bracket Play: 1:45, finish the inning to ensure compliance with player eligibility.
- Championship Game: 2:00 no new inning or finish the inning (Director discretion), according to pitching regulations.
- Run Rules: - 15 after 3 innings
- 10 after 4 innings
- 8 after 5 innings.
- In youth baseball, catchers must wear full protective gear, including a throat guard, to ensure safety in accordance with tournament rules.
- For player eligibility, no metal cleats are allowed for players under 13U.
- Molded cleats or turf shoes are required when playing on turf or portable mounds to comply with pitching regulations.
- Additionally, only USSSA-licensed balls are permitted.
- For 9U-10U youth baseball, the bases are set at 65 feet with a 46-foot mound, adhering to standard tournament rules.
- In the 11U-12U category, the bases increase to 70 feet and the mound to 50 feet, aligning with the pitching regulations in youth baseball.
- For 13U players, the bases are 80 feet with a 54-foot mound, though some events may allow for a 60/90 setup.
- Players aged 14U and older typically play with a 60/90 configuration, which is crucial for player eligibility in various tournaments.
- Teams may bat:
- 9 hitters
- 9 + 1 EH
- Full continuous lineup
- Courtesy runners are allowed for the pitcher and catcher with the last batted out, in accordance with the tournament rules.
- For youth baseball leagues 9U and above, leadoffs and stealing are permitted, following the pitching regulations.
- In 8U and below, no leadoffs are allowed. Runners may only steal after the pitch crosses the plate, adhering to player eligibility guidelines.
Pool play tiebreakers according to tournament rules include: 1) Winning % 2) Total Wins 3) Head-to-head (only if 2 teams) 4) Runs Allowed (lowest avg), which is crucial for player eligibility 5) Run Differential (max +8) 6) Date entered into event 7) Coin Flip. These rules ensure fair competition and are essential for maintaining pitching regulations in youth baseball.
- Any player, coach, or spectator ejected must leave the vicinity immediately to uphold tournament rules.
- Fighting results in immediate ejection and possible expulsion from the tournament, impacting player eligibility.
- Repeat violations by teams may lead to full disqualification, affecting their standing in youth baseball.
- Coaches are responsible for ensuring that both team and parent behavior comply with pitching regulations.
- Only violations related to rule interpretation, player eligibility, or pitching regulations are eligible for protest.
- A protest must be declared before the next pitch or before leaving the field, especially in situations involving game-ending plays.
- The protest fee is $100 cash, which will be refunded if the protest is upheld.
- Please note that judgment calls, such as safe/out or fair/foul decisions, are not protestable under the tournament rules for youth baseball.
- The Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust game times, shorten games, or modify formats due to weather or facility availability while ensuring compliance with tournament rules. - Games delayed over 1 hour may be suspended or rescheduled at the discretion of the Director, taking into account player eligibility and pitching regulations.
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