TOURNAMENT FORMAT
Pool play with 3 games (weather permitting) with 1 hour 15 minute time limit (finish the inning). Pool games dictate bracket play seeding. You may bat the roster and freely substitute. All teams then play in single elimination bracket play games with 1 hour 15 minute time limit (finish the inning). In all bracket play, you may still bat the roster if you choose but no free substitution (on offense) as described below in pool play games. If you are batting the roster, you may sub freely on defense. No time limit for the Championship game. ITB will be used in bracket play for all games tied after time expired, including the championship game. Always be prepared to start early if situation allows.

HOME TEAM
Home team will be determined by flip with umpires prior to start of game. The score should be verified between the two teams and the umpire at regular intervals during game. Please report final score to the Game Center Desk located at Field #2.

MERCY RULE
15 runs after 3 innings, 12 after 4 innings, and 8 runs after 5 innings. Rule will apply to both Pool Play and Bracket.

Tournament will follow MHSAA Game Rules unless otherwise stated for special rules improvised by the tournament as follows: Teams may bat the entire roster if they choose. Courtesy runners are allowed for the pitcher or catcher (and no one else) at any time. The runner must be someone who is currently not in the batting line up or if batting roster, the player who made the most recent out. In the event that both pitcher and catcher reach base in the same inning and a 2nd courtesy runner is needed, the out before the most recent should be used. The same girl shall not be the courtesy runner more than once per inning.

WARM-UPS BETWEEN INNINGS – ALL GAMES
We are looking to keep games on time and play as many innings as possible. So, first inning each team will be allowed three (3) warm-up pitches and one throw down by catcher & infield and outfield warm-up allowed in first inning only. All innings after the first will be one warm-up pitch and throw down by the catcher and no infield-outfield warm-ups. Make sure your lead off batter is prepared to step in box after the pitcher’s first warm-up pitch. Play will be resuming quickly –umpires will be
enforcing this for it allows a better opportunity of teams playing their seven innings.

PLEASE MAKE YOUR PLAYERS AWARE PRIOR TO GAME OF THIS WARM-UP RULE AND HAVE THEM HUSTLE ON AND OFF THE FIELD. EACH COACH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO HAVE THEIR TEAMS PREPARED TO RESUME PLAY QUICKLY FROM DEFENSE TO OFFENSE.

SPORTSMANSHIP DURING TOURNAMENT WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
All players and coaches are expected to behave in a professional manner. No inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. All games are to be played in a respectful manner towards players, coaches, umpires and fans. No profanity will be accepted. Umpire-in-chief will have final authority on all matters regarding a game dispute.

EJECTIONS … YOUR NEXT GAME WILL BE SAT OUT … NO APPEALS. We have a responsibility as coaches to set the example of proper game conduct. There will be no inappropriate behavior towards umpires, a judgment call is exactly that , an umpires judgment. You can make the players and fans have a respect for the game … if you display that respect in a leadership role.

POST COVID-19 GUIDELINES:
1. Follow all local and state guidelines for facilities and events.

2. Each team coach is responsible for communicating the event rules and guidelines to all players and
families. Please convey the following:
          a) encourage all event attendees to practice social distancing;
          b) explain that any person who is experiencing symptoms of sickness will be prohibited from attending
          c) make clear that all posted and published local- and state-regulated guidelines shall be followed.

3. Follow social distancing environments, where possible.
          a) When using a tent, please restrict it to family members only.

4. We will minimize player contact by eliminating handshakes and high fives.
No group prayers between teams on the field. Suggest other means of game celebrations and team sportsmanship at the end of games (line up on foul lines after game and say good game).

5. All coaches, players, umpires and spectators must adhere to the guidelines from CDC, state and local authorities regarding potential state travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders, including return to state of residence.

6. Players should bring their own, personal cooler instead of using a team cooler. Players should plan on bringing an individual water bottle.