BFA Nationals Rules 2026

Important note: All rules have been finalized for BFA Nationals 2026 following the conclusion of the Coaches’ Meeting on July 12, 2026.

 

TOURNAMENT RULES

Unless otherwise stated in this handbook, the rules shall be those of Major League Baseball.

Baseball For All reserves the right to determine, restrict or decline a player, in its sole discretion, participation in BFA events for reasons of safety, skill level and/or unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the field. The determination is to be made by Tournament Director or his/her/their Designee.

As needed, Baseball For All will consider rule modifications, age-waivers, and other requests on a case-by-case basis.

 

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Age Cut-off

April 30, 2026 is the age cut-off date.

 

Coach Requirements

Teams may have up to 4 coaches. Teams must have at-least 1 woman coach in the dugout or on the field; this includes opening ceremonies, game play, and on-site practices. All coaches must submit necessary paperwork and be approved by BFA.

All Coaches, who are minors, must complete the BFA Girls Baseball Junior Coach Program and its relevant certifications.

All youth coaches, under the age of 18, must be at least three (3) years older than the athletes they are coaching. See below for clarification:

8U Division 

Coach must be at least 11yo

10U Division 

Coach must be at least 13yo

12U Division

Coach must be at least 15yo

14U Division

Coach must be at least 17yo

16u Division

Coach must be at least 18yo

 

Bat Boys/Girls:

No bat boys or girls are permitted.

 

Team Rosters

Team rosters are locked at the moment of team registration on-site at Nationals on July 19, 2026.

 

Bat Restrictions

USA Baseball certified bats (have the USA Baseball mark on the bat) or BBCOR bats must be used for all divisions must meet the BBCOR standard; there is no specific weight/length ratio limit. One-piece wood bats are also permitted.

 

If an illegal bat is discovered during the game, a warning will be issued to the team, the bat will be removed from the game, an out will be recorded. The warning will cover all bats for the team during game. If an illegal bat returns, an out is recorded, and the manager is removed from the game. If the bat was used and the opposing team catches the infraction before the next batter, the batter is called out and the bat will be removed. The out will be recorded, and runners will return to their bases. Pitches thrown will count towards the pitcher’s overall pitch count.

 

Pitching Restrictions

While pitch counts will not be recorded or managed by Baseball For All staff, coaches are strongly encouraged to adhere to the pitch counts outlined below. Should Baseball For All’s staff receive information, including supplemental proof (e.g. Gamechanger stats) of excessive use of a pitcher, the Tournament Director may issue a warning and/or eject the manager at his/her discretion.

Baseball For All is a Pitch Smart Educational Partner. All coaches at Nationals have completed the USA Baseball online course, Introduction to Pitch Smart.

 

Pitching Distances

10U:                      60 ft. base paths, 46 ft. pitching distance

12U MAJORS:  70 ft. base paths, 50 ft. pitching distance

12U MINORS:   60 ft. base paths, 46 ft. pitching distance

14U:                       80 ft. base paths, 54 ft. pitching distance

16U:                       90 ft. base paths, 60’6’’ ft. pitching distance

18U:                       90 ft. base paths, 60’6’’ ft. pitching distance

 

 

Baseball For All is a Pitch Smart Educational Supporter

Pitch Counts Are Not Enforced at Nationals 2026

 

 

Pitcher of Record
Once a pitcher throws a warm-up pitch, they must face at least one batter. If the pitcher is hurt during their warm-up pitches, another player may come into pitch. The previous pitcher of record will not be allowed to re-enter back onto the mound after a pitcher has thrown a warm-up pitch.

 

Removing the Pitcher

A pitcher who has withdrawn from the mound will not be permitted to return to the mound as a pitcher in the same game.

 

Catching & Pitching

For arm safety, it is strongly recommended that players do not pitch and catch in the same game. However, there is no rule preventing players from playing both positions in the same game.

 

Coach Visits to the Mound

The pitcher must be removed when the manager makes a second trip to the mound to the same pitcher during an inning or makes a third visit to the same pitcher during a game.

 

Player Contact/Sliding

All runners must attempt to avoid contact with a fielder on ALL plays. If in the umpire’s judgment, the player made intentional effort to have physical contact with a player from the other team, malicious contact will be called. The umpire has final say as to whether the runner made sufficient effort to avoid a collision. When in doubt players should SLIDE.

 

Substitutions/Extra Hitter
Teams can bat 9, 10(EH) or bat entire lineup.  If teams bat the entire lineup, there is free substitution. The Extra Hitter can play anywhere on the field.  You may remove your EH(s) for the duration of the game at any time prior to their at-bat, without penalty. You must notify the plate umpire prior to removal. Extra Hitters must be announced prior to the start of the game; no mid-game entry is permitted.

Players re-entering the game must go back in the same spot in the batting order that they left.  Subs cannot re-enter game.

If batting entire line up there is no penalty if the player leaves the lineup due to injury or illness.  The order will be moved up into the open spot.  If the player is ejected, then an out is recorded for the first at-bat only in the ejected player’s spot.

If not batting entire lineup, a substitute can enter for an injured or ill player.  If due to an ejection, an out will be recorded for the first at-bat only in the ejected players spot and the substitute will bat for ejected player.

 

Scorekeeping
Home team will keep the final score, and if applicable, run the scoreboard. Home plate umpires are responsible for reporting scores to the Tournament Official or Baseball For All staff after each game.

 

Protests

No game will be played under protest.  The umpires on the field will decide all questions of rule interpretations, with final judgment made by Tournament Official or delegate.

 

Pregame
No infield practice before the game is permitted. Teams should be ready, if possible, to play 15 minutes after completion of previous game. Games are subject to start early to make up time.

 

 

UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

Players Uniform

Hats
Official BFA Nationals hats should be worn on-field during all games, and during any off-field activities that require players to be in uniform.

Jewelry
During game play, players may wear chains, but they must be tucked into or sit beneath their jersey. Players may only wear studs for earrings; no hoops or dangling earrings will be permitted.

 

Shoes

Metal cleats are NOT allowed at Mercyhealth Sportscore 1 or 2, but are permitted at all other fields for 14U-18U teams. All players must wear rubber cleats, turf shoes, or sneakers when playing at Mercyhealth Sportscore 1 and 2. Players must wear turf shoes or sneakers when pitching at either of these facilities.

 

Coach Uniform

Coaches may be in full uniform or in matching athletic gear (i.e. collared shirts with logo, dri-fit team shirts, etc.). No jeans or open-toed shoes. Coaches must wear BFA hat provided when on the field.

Penalty: Coach may not be eligible to compete until in compliance. Whether a coach’s attire is deemed appropriate is solely determined by Tournament Official and may not be appealed.

 

Catcher’s Helmet

All players must wear a helmet that meets NOCSAE standard. Helmet/mask must cover both ears and include a throat protector.

Penalty: Failure by a player to wear proper equipment after being so ordered by the umpire, shall result in an ejection of the Team Coach.

 

HOME TEAM, GAME TIME, SEEDING, PACE OF PLAY, AND MERCY RULES

Home Team

For pool play games, home team will be determined by coin toss at the start of each game. In bracket games, the higher seeded team will be given choice of home/visitor.

 

Complete Game

10U-12U: Six innings (5 ½ if home team is ahead)

14U-18U: Seven Innings (6 ½ if home team is ahead)

 

Regulation Game
10U-12U | Four full innings have been played or the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in three, or three and a fraction, turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in four turns at bat.

14U-18U | Five full innings have been played or the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four, or four and a fraction, turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns at bat.

 

Time Limits

Pool Play
10U-12U | No new inning shall begin after 1:45 hours. Immediate drop dead at 2:10. If the inning is not finished, the score reverts back to the last completed inning.

Exception: If the time limit is reached during the home team’s at bat and the home team had been trailing at the end of the last completed inning but has tied the score during their final at bat, the tie will stand. (This rule does not apply if the home team was ahead in the prior completed inning). Pool play games can end in a tie. A new inning begins at the time the third out is recorded.

 

14U-18U | No new inning shall begin after 2 hours. Immediate drop dead at 2:25. If the inning is not finished, the score reverts back to the last completed inning.

Exception: If the time limit is reached during the home team’s at bat and the home team had been trailing at the end of the last completed inning but has tied the score during their final at bat, the tie will stand. (This rule does not apply if the home team was ahead in the prior completed inning). Pool play games can end in a tie. A new inning begins at the time the third out is recorded.

 

Playoff Games
10U-12U | No new inning shall begin after 1:45 hours. Immediate drop dead at 2:10. If the inning is not finished, the score reverts back to the last completed inning. A new inning begins at the time the third out is recorded.

14U-18U | No new inning shall begin after 2 hours. Immediate drop dead at 2:25. If the inning is not finished, the score reverts back to the last completed inning. A new inning begins at the time the third out is recorded.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation or reaches its time limit, extra innings will be played using the international tie breaker.  See below.

 

International Tie-Breaker: Extra-Inning Rule

If the game remains tied after the completion of six (10U-12U) or seven innings (14U-18U), the following procedures will be implemented during extra innings:

  1. Each team will begin their extra inning (and any subsequent necessary extra innings) with a player on first and second, no outs.
  2. The lineup will continue as in any other inning. For example, if the 7th inning ends with the #8 hitter having the last plate appearance (PA), the 8th inning begins with the #9 hitter at bat and 2B runner is the #7 hitter, and 1B runner is the #8 hitter in the lineup.
  3. With the exception of beginning the inning with runners on 1B and 2B with no one out, all other Baseball For All rules and regulations will remain in effect during the extra innings required to determine a winner.
  4. The traditional system of the visiting team hitting in the top of the inning and the home team hitting in the bottom of the inning (if needed) will remain in effect until a winner is determined.

 

Playoff & Medal Game
If the score is tied at the end of regulation or reaches its time limit, extra innings will be played using the international tie breaker.

 

Pace of Play

Batter’s Box Rule

Hitters must keep one foot in the box during their time at bat.

 

Pitches Between Innings

10U-12U: 5 pitches for the 1st time pitching and 3 pitches for every consecutive warm-up.

14U-18U: 8 pitches for the 1st time pitching and 5 pitches for every consecutive warm-up.

 

Courtesy Runner: Catchers & Pitchers

When on the base paths, catchers, coming in to start the next half inning, MUST use a courtesy runner when there are 2 outs. Courtesy runners for catchers are optional when there are fewer than 2 outs. Pitchers may have a courtesy runner with 2 outs. Courtesy runner is the last out.

 

Mercy Rules

Inning Mercy Rule: Pool Play & Playoffs

10U-12U: Teams may score up to 5 runs an inning, plus any additional runs that are scored until the conclusion of the play. No run limit in the declared last inning.

14U-18U: Teams may score up to 8 runs an inning, plus any additional runs that are scored until the conclusion of the play. No run limit in the declared last inning.

 

Inning Mercy Rule: Gold Medal Games

No inning-based mercy rule applies for any division during Gold medal games.

 

All Divisions: All Games

10-run rule shall apply after 5 innings (4 ½ innings if the home team is winning)

15-run rule shall apply after 4 innings (3 ½ if the home team is ahead.

Game-based mercy rules apply in all games.

 

Seeding
Seeding will be based on the following:

  1. Win percentage
  2. Head-to-head only if 2 teams are tied
  3. After head-to-head with more than 2 teams — or if the teams did not play each other — we go straight to runs allowed
  4. Runs scored
  5. If teams are still tied with equals, we do runs allowed against a common opponent (if any)
  6. Coin toss

 

Forfeits

10u teams may forfeit a game if they are out of pitchers. The game may continue as a coach-pitch game, with a coach pitching to their own team. The final score will be 6-0

In a forfeit for teams in the 12U–18U divisions, there will be no opportunity for a coach-pitch scrimmage. The final score will be 6-0 (12u) and 7-0 (14u-18u).

The score of a forfeit game is 6-0 (10U/12U) or 7-0 (14U+) except if the game is forfeited after the number of innings required for a regulation game (6 runs in 4 innings or 7 runs in 5 innings) and the offending team is behind. In this scenario, the score remains as recorded.

RAIN/LIGHTNING POLICY

If rain and/or lightning occurs during a game, the game will be suspended at the discretion of the Umpire and/or Tournament Director and picked up from that point if the game has not reached official status.

If game has reached official status, see Official Status (Regulation Game) and note below:

  1. Official Status (Regulation Game)

For 10U-12U, four full innings have been played or the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in three, or three and a fraction, turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in four turns at bat.

For 14U-18U, five full innings have been played or the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four, or four and a fraction, turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns at bat.

If the game is suspended when the teams have not had an equal number of completed times at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; except that if the home team in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent’s score, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.

For all divisions, the umpire may suspend a game, but not declare the game complete, to hold discussions with BFA tournament officials.

  1. In the Event of Extended Inclement Weather
    The Tournament Official may deem it necessary to alter the tournament format by shortening either the time limit for games and/or reducing the number of innings that will constitute an official game, or any means necessary to complete the tournament within the published dates.

No refund will be given on account of rain or other inclement weather.

In the event that bracket play cannot continue due to inclement weather (as determined solely by the Tournament Official), final tournament standings will be determined by taking the remaining non-eliminated teams and choosing final standings based on the seeds prior to the beginning of bracket play.

 

CONDUCT & RESPONSIBILITIES

Coach Responsibilities

Managers are responsible for the conduct of their team and parents.

All coaches must agree to the Baseball For All Coach Pledge (see addendum), submit a background check, and complete USA Baseball’s online course, Abuse Awareness for Adults, and Intro to Pitch Smart.

 

Participant and Spectator Conduct

Baseball For All does not tolerate unsportsmanlike conduct—on or off the field. Any Player, Coach, Manager, or spectator who acts in an unsportsmanlike manner on or off the field may be removed from participation in any current or future Baseball For All events.

 

On-Field Conduct

Any Player, Coach, Manager, or spectator who acts in an unsportsmanlike manner will be warned once by the umpire or a Tournament Official. The second time, that person will be ejected. If in the judgment of the umpire or Tournament Official, the offense is of a more serious nature, that person may be ejected from the game without being issued a warning and may be suspended from all further tournament play or participation, subject to the Tournament Official’s discretion. In the event of illegal activity, law enforcement will be called.

Off-Field Conduct

“Unsportsmanlike conduct” off the field pertains to any hate speech, bullying, harassment, discrimination, threats of violence, and the like on platforms that include, but are not limited to: digital communications, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, LinkedIn, and emails.

 

Player & Coach Ejections

The first occurrence of unsportsmanlike conduct will result in suspension for the remainder of the game (removal from game site) during which the ejection occurred, as well as for the next scheduled game.

The second occurrence will result in suspension for the remainder of the tournament as well as possible further sanctions subject to the review of Baseball For All.

If all coaches listed on the team’s tournament roster are ejected during a game, then the team may continue if the players decide to take charge of their team.

 

Spectator Ejections

The first occurrence of unsportsmanlike conduct will result in suspension for the remainder of the game (removal from game site) during which the ejection occurred, as well as for the next scheduled game.

The second occurrence will result in suspension for the remainder of the tournament as well as possible further sanctions subject to the review of Baseball For All.

Any spectator who participates in a fight, brawl, or altercation shall be immediately ejected from the facility. At the discretion of a BFA staff member, the spectator may also be refused future entry into the complex for the remainder of the tournament and future Baseball For All events.

 

Alcohol & Tobacco Policy

Alcohol is not allowed at BFA Nationals tournament events. Violators will be asked to leave the park. A coach, player, participant, or spectator may not use tobacco or tobacco-like products or e-cigarettes within the confines of the field.

 

Noise Policy

Only event personnel can play music during games and practices on Baseball For All sites.

No loud noises may be made during a pitch by coaches, players or spectators.

 

Team Insurance

All teams must show proof of Certificate Liability of Insurance, listing Baseball For All as a certificate holder

 

DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES

10U Division

  1. Team may choose to play with 4 outfielders. Total of 10 players on the field.
  2. Players may step off the base when the ball crosses home plate.
  3. Stealing of any base is allowed only after the ball crosses the plate or on a passed ball. If a player leaves the base early, it will be a delayed dead ball and the play will continue to its conclusion. Once concluded the defensive team will be given the choice to either take the result of the play or treat it as a dead ball, and all runners will be returned to the base(s) they occupied at the start of the play.
  4. Runner cannot advance beyond third base on a passed ball, wild pitch, or throwback to the pitcher. If the catcher throws down to any base to pick off a runner, all runners can advance at their own risk.
  5. A runner can advance if the catcher makes a play on any base runner.
  6. If 9 players are not available, teams may play with as few as 7 players.
  7. If teams run out of pitching, BFA staff can be consulted about using coach-pitch.
  8. Dropped third strike is not in effect.
  9. Infield fly rule is not in effect.
  10. No head-first sliding.
  11. Offensive contact: umpires will call interference for an out. Slide or avoid at any base.

 

12U Minors Division: 46/60

  1. Players may step off the base when the ball crosses home plate.
  2. Stealing of any base is allowed only after the ball crosses the plate or on a passed ball. If a player leaves the base early, it will be a delayed dead ball and the play will continue to its conclusion. Once concluded the defensive team will be given the choice to either take the result of the play or treat it as a dead ball, and all runners will be returned to the base(s) they occupied at the start of the play.
  3. If 9 players are not available, teams may play with as few as 7 players.
  4. If teams run out of pitching, BFA staff can be consulted about using coach-pitch.
  5. Dropped third strike is in effect.
  6. Infield Fly Rule is in effect.
  7. Offensive contact: umpires will call interference for an out. Slide or avoid at any base.

 

12U Majors Division: 50/70

  1. Baserunners can leadoff and steal a base any time the umpire has placed the ball in play.
  2. Dropped third strike is in effect.
  3. Infield Fly Rule is in effect.
  4. To intentionally walk a batter, a coach simply needs to inform the umpire and point to first base. No pitches are to be thrown.
  5. Balk rules will be enforced, there will be one warning given to each pitcher.
  6. Players may slide head-first.
  7. If 9 players are not available, teams may play with as few as 7 players.
  8. Offensive contact: umpires will call interference for an out. Slide or avoid at any base.

 

14U Division

  1. Baserunners can leadoff and steal a base any time the umpire has placed the ball in play.
  2. Dropped third strike is in effect.
  3. Infield Fly Rule is in effect.
  4. To intentionally walk a batter, a coach simply needs to inform the umpire and point to first base. No pitches are to be thrown.
  5. Balk rules will be enforced, there will be one warning given to each pitcher.
  6. If 9 players are not available, teams may play with as few as 7 players.
  7. Offensive contact: umpires will call interference for an out. Slide or avoid at any base.

 

16U -18U Division

  1. To intentionally walk a batter, a coach simply needs to inform the umpire and point to first base. No pitches are to be thrown.
  2. Balk rules will be enforced.
  3. If 9 players are not available, teams may play with as few as 7 players.
  4. Offensive contact: umpires will call interference for an out. Slide or avoid at any base.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8U DIVISION RULES

Time | Innings
5 innings shall be played, time permitting. No new inning shall begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes. If the inning being played is not finished at 1:30, the game shall continue until the end of that inning or at 1 hour 45 minutes, which will be the “drop dead” time.

If the drop dead time limit is enforced, the score will revert back to the last full inning played.

Exception: If the time limit is reached during the home team’s at bat and the home team had been trailing at the end of the last completed inning but has tied the score during their final at bat, the tie will stand. (This rule does not apply if the home team was ahead in the prior completed inning). Pool play games can end in a tie. A new inning begins at the time the third out is recorded.

 

 

Line-Up

Teams will bat their entire line-up. Three outs will constitute a half inning.

Teams may choose to play with four (4) outfielders for a total of 10 players on the field.

Teams may play with as few as seven (7) players.

 

 

Pitching

The pitcher should pitch approximately 25 feet from the tip of home plate.

The coach may pitch from the kneeling position. All pitches must be overhand.

The coach pitching shall not field the ball after it has been hit.

The ball shall be declared a ‘dead ball’ once it has been thrown back to the pitcher.

The pitcher shall attempt to get out of the way of a hit ball, if the pitcher is hit by the ball, deflects the ball, or interferes in any way with the hit ball, it shall be ruled a ‘do over.’ All situations will return to the point before the last pitch. (e.g. base runners, score, etc.)

 

Batting
Three strikes is an out. A batter has six pitches to hit the ball into play. A strike is only called on a swing and a miss. If the sixth pitch (and any subsequent pitch) is fouled off, another pitch is thrown.

If the sixth pitch is NOT swung on, the batter shall be declared out.

Bunting is not permitted.

 

 

Runners

Leadoffs and stealing are not permitted.

Runners must stay on their base during an at-bat. They may leave the base once the ball is hit into play. Abuse of this may result in the runner being called out at the umpire’s discretion. 

Runners may only advance to the base they are approaching once an infielder has control of the ball. “Under control” is a judgment call by the umpire!

Runners may only advance up to third base on any overthrows. If an overthrow goes to the fence for example, the runner must stop at third base.

Runners may NOT score on an overthrow.

A missed throw from the outfield to the infield will not be considered an overthrow. (There are no overthrows from the outfield. Overthrows can only be made by an infielder to another infielder.)

A runner on third base may ONLY advance home when the ball is hit into play.

Note: The umpire may send the runner back to third base if, in their judgment, the runner was not around the base at the time of infield possession or on an overthrow.