BBH RULES 10U-18U

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Baseball Heaven Tournaments will use American League Rules with the following exceptions:

NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, SUNFLOWER SEEDS OR CHEWING GUM – No alcohol, tobacco products (of any kind), sunflower seeds or chewing gum products will be permitted at Baseball Heaven or any of our off-site facilities. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in an automatic ejection from the game.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS – Th roster limit for Baseball Heaven Tournaments can not exceed 18 players, except those that are specifically stated in our tournament details. NOTE: Rosters are locked after each team plays one (1) pool play game. No roster additions will be allowed unless authorized by BBH Malmanagement. Penalty is forfeit of game played.
HOME/VISITING TEAM – In tournament pool play, home and visitor will always be decided by a coin flip. During playoffs and Championship rounds the higher seed will always be the home team.
DUGOUT RULE – Only 3 coaches and 1 manager will be permitted in each dugout. No parents, scorekeepers, children or batboy/batgirl will be allowed in dugouts at any time. All coaches also must be listed on the roster/waiver form as well. Failure to comply with this rule will result in being removed from the dug-out and field of play.

FOUL BALLS – Multiple games are played at the same time during the tournament. We ask for all players, coaches, parents & spectators to be aware of foul balls at all times. We would also ask to please return all foul balls to their proper fields.

TIE BREAKERS

• In pool play games if the score is tied at the completion of 6 innings (10U-12U) or 7 innings (13U-18U) and the time limit has elapsed, the game will end in a tie. Effective 2021 Season: If a pool play game is tied after the completion of 6 or 7 innings and time remains, team may continue to play until the time limit is reached. 

The following system will be used for advancing and seeding out of pool play:

1. We use a Traditional Scoring System for tournament play. Teams will receive:
   • 3 Points for a Win
   • 1 Point for a Tie
   • 0 Points for a loss
2. If 2 teams are tied – Head to Head Winner. If there was no Head to Head move to #3.
3. If 3 teams are tied – If one team has defeated both other teams, that team advances. If not move to #4.
4. Total runs allowed in pool play to determine pool winner, second place and third place. This will also determine wild card winners if records are tied. (We will not go back to head to head after first team in is decided.)
5. If still tied – Total runs scored in pool play
6. If still tied – Total runs allowed subtracting game with most runs allowed in pool play
7. If still tied – Total runs allowed minus two games with most runs allowed in pool play
8. If still tied – Runs scored inning by inning starting with first game until one team has more runs after a complete inning starting with pool games

UMPIRES – All tournament games will have two umpires for 10U-18U.

BASEBALLS – During tournament play, Baseball Heaven will provide umpires with game balls for pool play and playoffs. Balls are to be returned to the umpire following the completion of each game. NOTE: Each team will designate a coach for the retrieval of all balls hit out of play on their side of the playing field.

Coaches/ Players Dress Code/Helmet Rule– Coaches are not required to wear uniforms during tournament play. Coaches must be dressed appropriately while on the field of play or in dugouts. Coaches must wear clothing that distinguishes them from other parents and spectators. Coaches that fail to comply with this policy will be restricted from the dugout area. Players are all expected to be in matching uniforms with uniform numbers. Players who do not have a matching jersey with number will not be permitted to participate, unless authorized by the tournament committee, or tournament director. COACHES ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A HELMET WHILE COACHING FIRST AND THIRD BASE ON OFFENSE. (Baseball Heaven prohibits the sharing of helmets) 

NOTE: Players or Coaches ARE NOT PERMITTED to stand outside the dugout.

LINEUPS (ALL DIVISIONS)

Team managers may use the following options when choosing lineups. The team manager/representative is required to inform the umpires and the other teams head coach or team representative at the pre-game plate conference on how they intend on batting their players.

1. A team may use a nine (9) player lineup
2. A team may use a nine (9) player lineup with the option of batting a designated hitter (DH). The DH may bat for anyone in the lineup and will be considered a starter for re-entry purposes.
3. A team may use a ten (10) player lineup, with the 10th batter being utilized as an extra-hitter (EH). The EH may change position and/or rotate from EH to the field at the coach’s discretion. A DH can still be used when batting a 10-player lineup.
4. A team may use an eleven (11) player line-up with the 10th & 11th batters being utilized as extra hitters (EHs). EHs may change positions and/or rotate from EH to the field at the coach’s discretion. A DH may also be used.
5. An EH may bat anywhere in the lineup.
6. When using a 10 or 11-player lineup a DH is still allowed.
7. A team may choose to bat their entire lineup
8. Any player on the bench MUST be on the lineup card and official roster.

Comments: Lineups MUST be given to the home plate umpire before each game. Once lineups are exchanged, they will be official throughout the game. If any player in that said lineup gets injured, ejected or removed from the game for any other reason, and no legal substitute is available, an out will be recorded each time that position in the batting order is reached. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

LINEUP CARDS – Each team must provide their own lineup cards. A copy MUST be given to the opposing team as well as the umpire prior to each game. This policy will be STRICTLY ENFORCED, as the umpires will now be in charge of keeping the official lineup cards. If a legal player who is listed on the team’s roster is left off the lineup card by mistake the player is still eligible to be placed on the lineup card BEFORE FIRST PITCH. If a pitch is thrown the player is ineligible for that game.

STARTING GAMES – Teams may start a game with 8 players. In this situation the 9th batter in the lineup will be counted as an out. If the 9th player joins the team he/she may be added to the empty spot in the batting order at any time. An out will only be recorded if the 9th player’s spot is due up for an at-bat. If a team begins the game with 9 players and 1 player is ejected the team may continue but must take an out in that batter’s place in the order. If an injury occurs and a team is left with only 8 players, an out will also be recorded. NOTE: Once a game is started, any additions that are made are considered a substitution. All teams are required to check in with the tournament director 30 minutes prior to the game. BBH has the right to begin games early if it allows. Teams are required to be ready for play at their respected field 15 minutes prior to their start time.

FORFEITS – If a team does not have the required number of players (8) to start a game, the team will be given 15 extra minutes to have the required number of players ready to start. If the team fails to get the required number of players for that particular game, the game will be considered a forfeit, and a 7-0 score will be recorded to the winning team. The tournament director may give the team additional time for special circumstances.

COURTESY RUNNER – A team may choose to use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher only at any time. The courtesy runner must be the last batted out. Available substitutes may not be used as a courtesy runner, unless officially entering the game as a substitute. If an illegal courtesy runner is used and a pitch or play occurs, that runner will be deemed legal at that point.

OFFICIAL SCOREBOOK – Each team is required to keep a scorebook for every game. If a situation occurs when a tiebreaker requires the use of the team’s scorebook and a team fails to provide an accurate scorebook, that scorebook will be deemed unacceptable.

RE-ENTRY RULE – Starters may re-enter the batting order once after being removed from the game and MUST re-enter in the same lineup position. NOTE: Once a starting pitcher is removed from the lineup, even by an EH, that starting pitcher may only re-enter to any other position other than pitcher during the game and must return to the original lineup spot. MLB Rule 3.03 Comment: A pitcher may change to another position only once during the same inning while on defense; e.g. the pitcher will not be allowed to assume a position other than a pitcher more than once in the same inning. Once a pitcher is removed from the game as a pitcher (even by an EH) he/she may not return to the pitcher’s position at any point throughout the rest of the game. Substitutes will not be available for re-entry.

MERCY RULE

• 10U-12U: 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4. (Teams must complete equal at-bats before the 4th inning). Once the mercy rule is reached after four equal at-bats, the game will end and be considered complete. Example: In the top of the 5th inning the visiting team goes up by 10 runs the game is over.
• 13U-18U: 12 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings and 8 runs after 5. (Teams must complete equal at bats before the 5th inning). Example: Visitors go up by ten (10) runs in top of 4th. The home team MUST BAT in the bottom of the 4th. If no runs are scored in the bottom of the 4th, the game would end. If a team goes up by 8 runs in the top or bottom of the 6th the game is over.

NOTE: Once the mercy rule is reached after five equal at-bats, the game will end and be considered complete.

AVOIDING CONTACT / SLIDING RULE – NFHS slide rule will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. The base runner must slide or avoid contact at a base when a play is being made on him. He cannot interfere with a fielder making a play. His slide must be on a direct line between the bases. On the violation, the ball is dead, and the runner and the batter-runner are out. If an umpire decides a player’s approach to a base or home plate is malicious, the base runner may be ejected from the game. NOTE: This is an umpire’s judgment call. Because it is a judgment call it cannot be argued or protested.

TIME LIMITS

• ALL POOL PLAY GAMES (IN ALL DIVISIONS) WILL HAVE A TIME LIMIT OF 1 HOUR & 50 MINUTES.
• Once the ground rules and lineup exchange are completed, the umpire will announce the start time after the pregame conference is complete. No inning may start after the time limit elapses, or six innings (10U-12U) or seven innings (13U-18U) are completed.
• ALL DIVISIONS: If a POOL PLAY game is tied and the time limit expires, that game will end in a tie.

Comments: The official time will be kept on the field by the umpires. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. NOTE: The BBH tournament committee reserves the right to change the game time limits when weather or special circumstances warrant. This includes playoff and championship games as well.

PLAYOFF TIME LIMITS – Time limits will be enforced in all playoff games.

• CHAMPIONSHIPS: All championship games will not have a time limit, however, once 7 full innings are completed in the 10U-12U divisions and 8 full innings are completed in the 13U-18U divisions, the game will go to the following tie breaker rules. NOTE: During certain situations, the tournament committee may put a time limit on a championship game.

PLAYOFF TIE BREAKER – During playoff games only, if the time limit is reached and both teams are tied the following tie breaker rules will go into effect:

1. The last 3 hitters from the previous inning will load the bases. The runners will be placed as follows:

• Last hitter from the previous inning at 1st base
• Hitter before him in the lineup at 2nd base
• Hitter before that in the lineup at 3rd base

2. Normal substitution rules apply to these runners.
3. The hitting team will start the inning with 1 out.
4. Play will continue like this until one team is ahead at the end of an inning.

• This rule will go in effect in ALL Championship Games after 9 innings for 13U-18U and 8 innings for 10U-12U are completed.

NOTE: Mercy rules will still be in effect for all playoff and championship games.

BETWEEN INNINGS – Players are expected to hustle on and off the field at all times. Pitchers are permitted to throw 8 warmup pitches in their first inning of work and 5 in each inning thereafter. If a catcher is putting his gear on it is expected that another player (wearing mask) will warmup the pitcher. Coaches are also permitted to warm up the pitcher. It is not mandatory that coaches wear a mask for warmups. Pitchers that enter the game due to an injury will receive unlimited warmup pitches.

INTENTIONAL DELAYS – Intentionally delaying a game is unsportsmanlike and will not be tolerated at Baseball Heaven. The umpire as well as the tournament coordinator reserves the right to eject players and/or coaches due to intentional delay. In extreme cases, BBH staff reserves the right to declare a forfeit to the responsible team.

ON-DECK BATTER – All on-deck batters must stay in their team’s designated on-deck location inside the fenced-in area. No on-deck batters will be permitted on the field of play.

JEWELRY – For safety reasons, players are not permitted to wear jewelry during the games. Medical alert jewelry and religious jewelry will be an exception to this rule.

OFFICIAL REGULATION GAME PROCEDURES – 10U-12U will play six (6) innings and 13U-18U will play seven (7)innings). If a game is called early, it is an official game when three (3) innings have been completed or the visiting team has completed three (3) at-bat innings and the home team is ahead (ALL DIVISIONS). NOTE: When conditions warrant and an inning does not complete, the score will revert back to the previous inning.

SUSPENDED GAMES – If a started tournament (if not official), playoff or championship game is suspended (for any reason) the game must be replayed from its point of interruption (if time and weather permit). NOTE: If a suspended game DOES NOT complete one (1) full inning, that particular game will be re-played in its entirety. The tournament committee will make all decisions on all suspended games.

PITCHING RESTRICTIONS – Baseball Heaven does not enforce any pitching restrictions for tournament play. NOTE: The 3rd to 1st move by a pitcher is LEGAL.

TRIPS TO MOUND –The pitcher must be replaced on the 2nd trip to the mound (to the same pitcher) in that particular inning. NOTE: Once a starting pitcher is removed from the lineup, even by an EH, that starting pitcher may only re-enter to any other position other than pitcher during the game and must return to the original lineup spot.

CLEATS – Rubber cleats and/or turf shoes are required for ALL AGE GROUPS. METAL CLEATS ARE NOW PROHIBITED AT BBH AND ALL OFF-SITE LOCATIONS USED FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY! NOTE: If a player is found to be wearing metal cleats, that player will be given time to change into the proper footwear, however, the umpires we will not stop the game clock for this.

EJECTIONS / SUSPENSIONS – Any player, coach, parent or spectator that is ejected from a game must leave the vicinity of the fields and will be subject to a further suspension by the BBH Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to remove/eject any person from the facility and/or its off-site locations for unsportsmanlike behavior. Play of the game will cease until coach, parent or spectator has left the vicinity. If they don’t cooperate their team will forfeit the game. An ejection could carry additional game suspensions as well. Any player, coach, parent or spectator that is ejected for the second time, during the same tournament, will be eliminated for the remainder of the tournament. NOTE: Only the Head Coach of the team may question the umpire. Assistant Coaches will be subject to ejection when not following this rule.

BAT RESTRICTIONS

• 10U-12U:Any bat with USA or 1.15 BPF Certification
• 13U-15U: Wood or Metal BBCOR Certified -3 bats are mandatory
• 16U-18U: ONLY WOOD BATS must be used. (No Composite Bats are allowed unless listed below)
• In all WOOD BAT tournaments, teams must use wood (Maple, Ash or Birch).
• The following Composite Bats are legal effective January 1, 2021
• Legal Baum Bats 

• AAA Pro Maple Baum Bat (Gold & White editions)
• AAA Pro Ash Baum Bat (Gold & White editions)

DIMENSIONS

• 10U: 65 foot bases and 46 foot mound(with leading and balks)
• 11U-12U: 75 foot bases and 51 foot mound
• 13U-18U: 90 foot bases and 60 foot, 6 inch mound

INTENTIONAL WALK – In all ages, the coach can call for an intentional walk. When an intentional walk is requested, the ball will become dead immediately.

SLASH BUNT / BUTCHER BOY PLAY – ILLEGAL in 10U, 11U and 12U Divisions. If a batter fake bunts and pulls his/her bat to swing and makes an attempt to swing, that batter will be called out and play will be immediately dead with no runners advancing.

INFIELD FLY RULE – The infield fly rule will be in effect for ages 10u and up.

BALKS – In the 10u division (65 foot bases) one balk warning per pitcher will be given. For 10u, if a balk warning is called, the ball will become dead immediately and all runners will return to the base occupied at the time of the balk warning. In all other divisions, balks will be called with no warnings given.

INTENTIONAL FORFEITS – Forfeits will be handled on a case-by-case basis but will always be marked as a 7-0 score. Intentional forfeits are grounds for team suspensions from future BBH events. Please keep in mind that teams are paying to play their games, not to take forfeits. Forfeits jeopardize the integrity of the facility, as well as the team that is forfeiting. In the event that an intentional forfeit plays a role in playoff seeding or playoff entry the Tournament Director reserves a right to make judgment on which team advances.

In the event any item is not covered in the rules, the tournament committee will make the final decision. Baseball Heaven reserves the right to amend any rule at any point of a particular tournament in order to provide better service for our customers and players.

BBH RULES 8U-9U

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Baseball Heaven 8U-9U Tournaments will use Little League Rules with the following exceptions:

NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, SUNFLOWER SEEDS OR CHEWING GUM – No alcohol, tobacco products (of any kind), sunflower seeds or chewing gum products will be permitted at Baseball Heaven or any of our off-site facilities. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in an automatic ejection from the game.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS – There are no roster limits for Baseball Heaven Tournaments, except those that are specifically stated in our tournament details.
HOME/VISITING TEAM – In tournament pool play, home and visitor will always be decided by a coin flip. During playoffs and Championship rounds the higher seed will always be the home team.
DUGOUT RULE – Only 3 coaches and 1 manager will be permitted in each dugout. No parents, scorekeepers, children or batboy/batgirl will be allowed in dugouts at any time. All coaches also must be listed on the roster/waiver form as well. Failure to comply with this rule will result in being removed from the dug-out and field of play.
FOUL BALLS – Multiple games are played at the same time during the tournament. We ask for all players, coaches, parents & spectators to be aware of foul balls at all times. We would also ask to please return all foul balls to their proper fields.

TIE BREAKERS

• In pool play games if the score is tied at the completion of 6 innings or the time limit has elapsed, the game will end in a tie.

The following system will be used for advancing and seeding out of pool play:

1. We use a Traditional Scoring System for tournament play. Teams will receive:
   • 3 Points for a Win
   • 1 Point for a Tie
   • 0 Points for a loss
2. If 2 teams are tied – Head to Head Winner. If there was no Head to Head move to #3.
3. If 3 teams are tied – If one team has defeated both other teams, that team advances. If not move to #4.
4. Total runs allowed in pool play to determine pool winner, second place and third place. This will also determine wild card winners if records are tied. (We will not go back to head to head after first team in is decided.)
5. If still tied – Total runs scored in pool play
6. If still tied – Total runs allowed subtracting game with most runs allowed in pool play
7. If still tied – Total runs allowed minus two games with most runs allowed in pool play
8. If still tied – Runs scored inning by inning starting with first game until one team has more runs after a complete inning starting with pool games

UMPIRES – All tournament games will have two umpires for 9U and one umpire for 8U.
BASEBALLS – During tournament play, Baseball Heaven will provide umpires with game balls for pool play and playoffs. Balls are to be returned to the umpire following the completion of each game. NOTE: Each team will designate a coach for the retrieval of all balls hit out of play on their side of the playing field.
COACHES & PLAYERS DRESS CODE – Coaches are not required to wear uniforms during tournament play. Coaches must be dressed appropriately while on the field of play or in dugouts. Coaches must wear clothing that distinguishes them from other parents and spectators. Coaches that fail to comply with this policy will be restricted from the dugout area. Players are all expected to be in matching uniforms with uniform numbers. Players who do not have a matching jersey with number will not be permitted to participate, unless authorized by the tournament committee or tournament director. NOTE: Players or coaches ARE NOT PERMITTED to stand outside the dugout at anytime during the game unless they are coaching first or third base while on offense.

LINEUPS (ALL DIVISIONS)
Team managers may use the following options when choosing lineups. The team manager/representative is required to inform the umpires and the other teams head coach or team representative at the pre-game plate conference on how they intend on batting their players.

1. A team may use a nine (9) player lineup
2. A team may use a nine (9) player lineup with the option of batting a designated hitter (DH). The DH may bat for anyone in the lineup and will be considered a starter for re-entry purposes.
3. A team may use a ten (10) player lineup, with the 10th batter being utilized as an extra-hitter (EH). NOTE: The EH may change position and/or rotate from EH to the field at the coach’s discretion. A DH can still be used when batting a 10-player lineup.
4. A team may use an eleven (11) player line-up with the 10th & 11th batters being utilized as extra hitters (EHs). EHs may change positions and/or rotate from EH to the field at the coach’s discretion. A DH may also be used.
5. An EH may bat anywhere in the lineup.
6. When using a 10 or 11-player lineup a DH is still allowed.
7. A team may choose to bat their entire lineup. NOTE: When using the universal batting order and a player is unable to bat in his/her spot in the lineup (for whatever reason), an out will be recorded for that particular spot in the line-up.
8. Any player on the bench MUST be on the lineup card and official roster.

Comments: Lineups MUST be given to the home plate umpire before each game. Once lineups are exchanged, they will be official throughout the game. If any player in that said lineup gets injured, ejected or removed from the game for any other reason, and no legal substitute is available, an out will be recorded each time that position in the batting order is reached. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

LINEUP CARDS – Each team must provide their own lineup cards. A copy MUST be given to the opposing team as well as the umpire prior to each game. This policy will be STRICTLY ENFORCED, as the umpires will now be in charge of keeping the official lineup cards. If a legal player who is listed on the team’s roster is left off the lineup card by mistake the player is still eligible to be placed on the lineup card BEFORE FIRST PITCH. If a pitch is thrown the player is ineligible for that game.

STARTING GAMES – Teams may start a game with 8 players. In this situation the 9th batter in the lineup will be counted as an out. If the 9th player joins the team he/she may be added to the empty spot in the batting order at any time. An out will only be recorded if the 9th player’s spot is due up for an at-bat. If a team begins the game with 9 players and 1 player is ejected the team may continue but must take an out in that batter’s place in the order. If an injury occurs and a team is left with only 8 players, an out will also be recorded. NOTE: Once a game is started, any additions that are made are considered a substitution. All teams are required to check in with the tournament director 30 minutes prior to the game. BBH has the right to begin games early if it allows. Teams are required to be ready for play at their respected field 15 minutes prior to their start time.

FORFEITS – If a team does not have the required number of players (8) to start a game, the team will be given 5 extra minutes to have the required number of players ready to start. If the team fails to get the required number of players for that particular game, the game will be considered a forfeit, and a 7-0 score will be recorded to the winning team. The tournament director may give the team additional time for special circumstances.

COURTESY RUNNER – A team may choose to use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher only at any time. The courtesy runner must be the last batted out. Available substitutes may not be used as a courtesy runner, unless officially entering the game as a substitute. If an illegal courtesy runner is used and a pitch or play occurs, that runner will be deemed legal at that point.

OFFICIAL SCOREBOOK – Each team is required to keep a scorebook for every game. If a situation occurs when a tiebreaker requires the use of the team’s scorebook and a team fails to provide an accurate scorebook, that scorebook will be deemed unacceptable.

RE-ENTRY RULE – Starters may re-enter the batting order once after being removed from the game and MUST re-enter in the same lineup position. NOTE: Once a starting pitcher is removed from the lineup, even by an EH, that starting pitcher may only re-enter to any other position other than pitcher during the game and must return to the original lineup spot. MLB Rule 3.03 Comment: A pitcher may change to another position only once during the same inning while on defense; e.g. the pitcher will not be allowed to assume a position other than a pitcher more than once in the same inning. Once a pitcher is removed from the game as a pitcher (even by an EH) he/she may not return to the pitcher’s position at any point throughout the rest of the game. Substitutes will not be available for re-entry.

MERCY RULE – 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4. NOTE: If the visiting team (who is not ahead by 15 or more runs after three complete innings) goes ahead by 15 or more in the top of the 4th, the home team will be entitled their at-bat in the bottom of the inning. Once a team goes ahead by 10 or more runs, after all teams have had four (4) equal at-bats, the game will end at that point.

AVOIDING CONTACT / SLIDING RULE – At all levels of play contact must be avoided. If contact is not avoided the base runner will be called out. If an umpire decides a player’s approach to a base or home plate is malicious, the base runner may be ejected from the game.

MUST SLIDE RULE

• In the 8U and 9U divisions there will be NO HEAD FIRST SLIDING, unless it’s back to a base. Each team will be given one (1) warning per game for head first sliding. If ANY member of a team slides head first after the team’s warning, that player will be called out, the ball will become dead and all runners will return to their bases occupied at the time of the violation.
• Runners MUST SLIDE when a play is being made on them at HOME PLATE. NOTE: Runner will be called out and all runners will return to their bases occupied at the time of the violation.

LEADING AND STEALING – Stealing is allowed, however, the ball must cross home plate before the runner(s) can steal. NOTE: In 8U, teams are only allowed three (3) steals per inning. Runners advancing on a passed ball will be considered a stolen base.

8U MOUND DISTANCE – The mound will be placed 42 feet from home plate in the 8U division.

8U OUTFIELDERS – Four (4) outfielders are permitted. No short center fielder is allowed.

8U RUNS PER INNING – A maximum of five (5) runs per inning are allowed, except for the last inning, where that inning has unlimited runs. The declaration of the last inning must be done before the away team bats. Once that inning is declared as the final inning, that decision will be final. In any inning where the run rule is met and there is still a play in progress the cap is still five (5) runs but the play should continue till its end. The additional runs will not count.

8U ENDING OF PLAY – A play is considered dead when the pitcher is in the vicinity of the mound and has possession of the ball. This is strictly an umpire’s judgment call.

BUNTING – Bunting is allowed in the 9U division ONLY. There is NO bunting allowed in 8U.

SLASH BUNT / BUTCHER BOY PLAY – ILLEGAL in 8U and 9U Divisions. If a batter fake bunts and pulls his/her bat to swing, that batter will be called out and play will be immediately dead with no runners advancing.

DROPPED THIRD STRIKE – The dropped 3rd strike rule IS NOT in effect for 8U and 9U.

TIME LIMITS – All 8U and 9U pool play games will be played with a 1 hour and 50 minute time limit. The time of game will start once the home plate umpire calls play and notifies the home team (official scorebook) of the start time. No inning may start after the time limit elapses. NOTE: If the game is tied after six (6) innings, the game will end in a tie. Comments: The official time will be kept on the field by the umpires. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

PLAYOFF TIME LIMITS – Time limits will be enforced in all playoff games.

• CHAMPIONSHIPS: All championship games will not have a time limit, however, once 9 full innings are completed the game will go to the following tie breaker rules. NOTE: During certain situations, the tournament committee may put a time limit on a championship game.

PLAYOFF TIE BREAKER – During playoff games only, if the time limit is reached and both teams are tied the following tie breaker rules will go into effect:

1. The last 3 hitters from the previous inning will load the bases. The runners will be placed as follows:

• Last hitter from the previous inning at 1st base
• Hitter before him in the lineup at 2nd base
• Hitter before that in the lineup at 3rd base

2. Normal substitution rules apply to these runners.
3. The hitting team will start the inning with 1 out.
4. Play will continue like this until one team is ahead at the end of an inning.

• This rule will go in effect in ALL Championship Games after 8 innings

NOTE:Mercy rules will still be in effect for all playoff and championship games.

BETWEEN INNINGS – Players are expected to hustle on and off the field at all times. Pitchers are permitted to throw 8 warmup pitches in their first inning of work and 5 in each inning thereafter. If a catcher is putting his gear on it is expected that another player (wearing mask) will warmup the pitcher. Coaches are also permitted to warm up the pitcher. It is not mandatory that coaches wear a mask for warmups. Pitchers that enter the game due to an injury will receive unlimited warmup pitches.

INTENTIONAL DELAYS – Intentionally delaying a game is unsportsmanlike and will not be tolerated at Baseball Heaven. The umpire as well as the tournament coordinator reserves the right to eject players and/or coaches due to intentional delay. In extreme cases, BBH staff reserves the right to declare a forfeit to the responsible team.

ON-DECK BATTER – All on-deck batters must stay in their team’s designated on-deck location inside the fenced-in area. No on-deck batters will be permitted on the field of play.

JEWELRY – For safety reasons, players are not permitted to wear jewelry during the games.Medical alert jewelry and Phiten necklaces will be an exception to this rule.

OFFICIAL REGULATION GAME PROCEDURES – If a game is called early, it is an official game when three (3) innings have been completed or the visiting team has completed three (3) at-bat innings and the home team is ahead (ALL DIVISIONS). NOTE: Championship games must be played in its entirety and will be considered a suspended game, with the game resuming from the point of interruption.

SUSPENDED GAMES – If a started tournament (if not official), playoff or championship game is suspended (for any reason) the game must be replayed from its point of interruption (if time and weather permit). NOTE: If a suspended game DOES NOT complete one (1) full inning, that particular game will be re-played in its entirety. The tournament committee will make all decisions on all suspended games.

PITCHING RESTRICTIONS – Baseball Heaven does not enforce any pitching restrictions for tournament play.

CLEATS – Rubber cleats and/or turf shoes are required for ALL AGE GROUPS. METAL CLEATS ARE NOW PROHIBITED AT BBH AND ALL OFF-SITE LOCATIONS USED FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY! NOTE: If a player is found to be wearing metal cleats, that player will be given time to change into the proper footwear, however, the umpires we will not stop the game clock for this.

EJECTIONS / SUSPENSIONS – Any player, coach parent or spectator that is ejected from a game, will be subject to a further suspension by the BBH Tournament Committee. The tournament Committee reserves the right to remove/eject any person from the facility and/or its off-site locations for unsportsmanlike behavior. Any player, coach parent or spectator that is ejected for the second time, during the same tournament, will be eliminated for the remainder of the tournament.

BAT RESTRICTIONS

• USABat Standard – 2 5/8” barrel maximum
• 1.15 BPF – 2 1/4” barrel maximum

9U PITCHING DIMENSIONS – 9U divisions play 60 foot bases and 46 foot mound.

8U MOUND DIMENSIONS – 8U divisions play 60 foot bases and 42 foot mound.

INTENTIONAL WALK – There are NO intentional walks in 8U and 9U.

INFIELD FLY RULE – There is NO infield fly rule in 8U and 9U.

BALKS – There will be NO balk calls in 8U and 9U.

INTENTIONAL FORFEITS – Forfeits will be handled on a case-by-case basis but will always be marked as a 7-0 score. Intentional forfeits are grounds for team suspensions from future BBH events. Please keep in mind that teams are paying to play their games, not to take forfeits. Forfeits jeopardize the integrity of the facility, as well as the team that is forfeiting. In the event that an intentional forfeit plays a role in playoff seeding or playoff entry the Tournament Director reserves a right to make judgment on which team advances.

In the event any item is not covered in the rules, the tournament committee will make the final decision. Baseball Heaven reserves the right to amend any rule at any point of a particular tournament in order to provide better service for our customers and players.

Pitching Restrictions

Steel Sports and Baseball Heaven have adopted the MLB & USA Baseball Pitch Smart Guidelines for the Richard Becher Memorial Tournament ONLY (May 17-19, 2019).

1. Coaches will monitor pitch counts for their team and the opposing team. After each half inning, coaches will verify with each other on the correct pitch count and notify the plate umpire to record the pitches for that inning. The home plate umpire will settle any disputes on field regarding pitch counts each ½ innings.
2. Pitches thrown in a game that ends in a forfeit will be counted towards the pitch count for that day.
3. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning.
   • Example 1: Player is at 19 pitches and a new batter is up. The pitcher throws 3 pitches to the batter and he strikes out. The pitcher is then replaced and the pitches recorded for that inning will only be 20 pitches.
   • Example 2: Player is at 16 pitches and a new batter is up. The pitcher throws 4 pitches and the batter hits a single. The pitcher throws to the next batter 1 pitch and he pops up. That pitcher is ineligible to pitch the next day.
   • Example 3: Player is at 17 pitches. The batter has a good at bat and is fouling off pitch after pitch. 11 pitches later, the batter hits a home run. The pitcher is removed and is only charged for pitching 20 pitches.
4. No pitcher shall appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch count.
5. PENALTY: If a pitcher is found to be in violation of the pitch count/rest restrictions, the pitcher must be removed immediately, the current hitter will be awarded first base and all base runners will advance one base, regardless of a force.

PARK POLICIES

• NO Smoking
• NO Alcohol
• NO Tobacco Use
• NO Pets
• NO Hoverboards
• NO Outside Coolers
• NO Heating or Cooling Units of any kind
• Baseball Heaven is not responsible for any lost items at the facility or off-site fields.

CASHLESS FACILITY

Baseball Heaven is a CASHLESS facility. All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) are accepted along with Apple Pay, Tap and debit cards. Cash will not be accepted.

PARKING

Parking is free for Baseball Heaven events with plenty of space available and direct access to the facility. If additional parking is needed, there will be signs and people to help direct you to the parking destination. Please do not double park or park in unmarked spots. If this situation arises you will be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

COOLERS

Only hand-held coolers will be allowed within the gates of Baseball Heaven. Concession stands as well as the Baseball Café are available during Tournament Play. One (1) team cooler is allowed in the dugout.

FIRST AID & AED

First aid equipment and AEDs are on sitefor all events. Brookhaven Hospital is less than three miles away in case of a serious injury or emergency.

WEATHER POLICY

All information regarding weather related delays will be available on the BaseballHeavenLI.com homepage. Each team will be required to give a valid mobile phone number and email address, which should be filled out on our online roster link.

There are times when weather becomes a factor during a Tournament. Baseball Heaven will try to adhere to the original schedule to the fullest extent possible. If the schedule needs to be adjusted or changed, Baseball Heaven will attempt to maintain the original tournament schedule format. However, there may be times when game times may be shortened or not played due to inclement weather. By signing up for a League or Tournament, you understand and agree to the factors weather may play into the scheduling.
In case of any scheduling changes, it is the team’s responsibility, not Baseball Heaven or the tournament committee, to make sure the team is aware of the new schedule or any schedule changes. All information will be posted online at BaseballHeavenLI.com

LIGHTNING RULE

As soon as lightning is visible ALL GAMES must be stopped. Play may continue after a 20-minute wait. NOTE: Once one game is stopped, due to weather related incidents at Baseball Heaven or its offsite locations, all fields are to suspend playing action. Any decisions made by the umpires and/or tournament committee will be final.

PROTESTS

There will be a $300.00 fee for all protests. No protests shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the umpire. Whenever a manager protests a game because of alleged misapplication of the rules, the protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are notified at the time the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch, play or attempted play. Play may not resume until protest is resolved. If play continues there can be no protest. If the ruling is overturned, the protest fee will be returned less $50.00.

If the protest involves the use of an illegal player, the team manager is to inform the umpire of the protest, have the umpire sign the book at the time of the protest and inform the tournament coordinator of such actions. The tournament committee will be responsible for interpreting facility and roster rules. In all protests, the decision of the Baseball Heaven Tournament Committee will be final. NOTE: A protest arising on a game-ending play, or involving the use of an illegal player, MUST be filed before the umpires leave the field after a game’s completion.

REFUND POLICY

Please refer to our updated Terms and Conditions page for the Payment and Refund/Credit Policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WEATHER RELATED REFUND POLICY

3-Game Minimum Tournaments

• No Games Played: 50% credit & 50% refund or 100% credit
• One Game Played: 25% credit & 25% refund or 75% credit
• Two Games Played: No Refund

4-Game Minimum Tournaments

• No Games Played: 50% credit & 50% refund or 100% credit
• One Game Played: 25% credit & 25% refund or 75% credit
• Two Games Played: 50% credit
• Three Games Played: No Refund

PAYMENT POLICY

Baseball Heaven requires any team registering for a League or Tournament to make a deposit of $250-$500. Registration for all Leagues and Tournaments are limited and are given on a first-come-first-serve basis and only a full payment will guarantee you a spot in a League or Tournament. Payment in full will be due 45 days prior to the start of any particular Tournament and 30 days prior to the start of any League.

Baseball Heaven accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Cards online, at our office or by phone. Checks can also be sent to Baseball Heaven Inc., 350 Sills Road, Yaphank, NY 11980. Your spot in a League or Tournament is not secure until your payment has been processed and accepted.

BANNED BATS

The following 2017 DeMarini bats did not meet the 1.15 BPF standard and are banned from Baseball Heaven events. Bats that have been retooled by DeMarini will be allowed, but they MUST have the high-visibility orange end cap, new approval marking and new model code: CBZR-17 or CBRR-17.