NXT Sports USA tournaments follow a hybrid format based on the USSSA rulebook. Where not specified, USSSA National By-laws govern play. These rules prioritize safety, fairness, and professionalism while allowing flexible tournament operations.
- Players must be rostered and eligible per the USSSA age chart.
- Guest players: Maximum of 3 per team, must comply with Rule 3.06.
- All rosters must be submitted online and locked prior to first game.
- Teams violating roster eligibility rules are subject to forfeiture and disqualification.
Pitching limits enforced by age:
- 7U-12U: Max 6 innings per day / 8 innings over 3 days.
- 13U-14U: Max 7 innings per day.
- Once removed, pitchers may not return in the same game.
- 2 mound visits per inning allowed. The 2nd visit requires a pitching change.
- Double/triple plays don't count toward pitching limits for same-day eligibility, but do count toward future day use.
- 14U & below: USSSA 1.15 BPF or USA Baseball-stamped bats permitted.
- 13U: Max drop -8. 14U: Max drop -5.
- 15U and older: BBCOR or wood bats only.
- Non-conforming bats result in the batter being called out (1st offense). Second offense results in manager ejection.
- Pool Play: 1:40 no new inning.
- Bracket Play: 1:45, finish the inning.
- Championship Game: 2:00 no new inning or finish the inning (Director discretion).
- Run Rules: - 15 after 3 innings
- 10 after 4 innings
- 8 after 5 innings
- Catchers must wear full protective gear including throat guard.
- No metal cleats under 13U.
- Molded cleats or turf shoes required on turf or portable mounds.
- USSSA-licensed balls required.
- 9U-10U: 65' bases, 46' mound
- 11U-12U: 70' bases, 50' mound
- 13U: 80' bases, 54' mound (or 60/90 in select events)
- 14U+: 60/90
- Teams may bat:
- 9 hitters
- 9 + 1 EH
- Full continuous lineup
- Courtesy runners allowed for pitcher/catcher with last batted out.
- 9U and above: Leadoffs and stealing allowed.
- 8U and below: No leadoffs. Runners may steal after the pitch crosses the plate.
Pool play tiebreakers:
1) Winning %
2) Total Wins
3) Head-to-head (only if 2 teams)
4) Runs Allowed (lowest avg)
5) Run Differential (max +8)
6) Date entered into event
7) Coin Flip
- Any player, coach, or spectator ejected must leave the vicinity immediately.
- Fighting results in immediate ejection and possible tournament expulsion.
- Repeat violations by teams may result in full disqualification.
- Coaches are responsible for team and parent behavior.
- Only rule interpretation, age, or pitching violations are protestable.
- Must be declared before next pitch or before leaving the field (on game-ending plays).
- Protest fee: $100 cash (refunded if upheld).
- Judgment calls (e.g., safe/out, fair/foul) are not protestable.
- Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust game times, shorten games, or modify formats due to weather or facility availability. - Games delayed over 1 hour may be suspended or rescheduled at the discretion of the Director.
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