BFA TOURNAMENT RULES 2024
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.
PDF of rules is available here.
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Age Cut-off
April 30, 2024 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.
BFA Nationals Division Qualifications
The identification process as to which division (minors/majors) team should be playing in is listed here:
https://baseballforall.com/bfa-nationals-division-qualifications/
Teams found violating the parameters of these qualifications will be given a chance to correct their mistake and move to the appropriate division if found before BFA Nationals. If the mistake is found during BFA Nationals, the team will be allowed to continue to compete, but may receive a two-year suspension from Baseball For All Nationals as determined by the Tournament Director or his/her/their Designee.
Bat Restrictions
USABat standards apply: https://www.usabaseball.com/bats/guidelines
USA Baseball certified bats (have the USA Baseball mark on the bat) or BBCOR bats must be used at for 10u|12u|14u. The16u |18u divisions must meet the BBCOR standard; there is no specific weight/length ration limit. If an illegal bat is discovered during the game, a warning will be issued to the team and the bat will be removed from the game. 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
Pitch counts will be strictly enforced. Staff members of the Ripken Experience Elizabethtown will be keeping an official pitch count throughout the tournament.
Pitching Distances
10U: 60 ft. base paths, 46 ft. pitching distance
12U MAJORS: 70 ft. base paths, 50 ft. pitching distance
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
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 suggested players not pitch and catch in the same game. However, there is no rule players can’t play 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 in the same inning (three in a game). Umpire discretion on trips for injury.
Player Contact/Sliding
All runners must attempt to avoid contact with a fielder on ALL Plays. Failure to do so will result in the player being called out and could result in an ejection from the game. The umpire has final say as to whether the runner made sufficient effort to avoid a collision. When in doubt players should SLIDE.
Headfirst slides into all bases/home are allowed ONLY in 14U-18U divisions. However, you may dive back to a base headfirst. Penalty for a headfirst slide: the runner will be called out.
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
Ripken will keep the final score. The final score must be verified by the umpire prior to reporting score to the Tournament Official after the 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 must be ready to play 15 minutes after completion of previous game. Games are subject to start early to make up time.
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
Player’s 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.
Shoes
Metal cleats are NOT allowed at the Ripken Experience in Elizabethtown. All players must wear rubber cleats, turf shoes, or sneakers when playing at the complex.
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
Home team will be pre-determined in the schedule in pool play, in bracket games the better 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 hour and 45 minutes. Immediate drop dead at 2:05. If the inning is not finished, the score reverts back to the last completed inning. 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 2:20. If the inning is not finished, the score reverts back to the last completed inning. 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 hour and 45 min. Immediate drop dead at 2:05. 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 2:20. If the inning is not finished, the score reverts back to the last completed inning.
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. A new inning begins at the time the third out is recorded.
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:
- Each team will begin their extra inning (and any subsequent necessary extra innings) with a player on first and second, no outs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, may have a courtesy runner when there are 2 outs. Catchers may choose to have a courtesy runner with no outs or one out. 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: 5 runs per half inning, plus the runs that finish the play. No run limit in the declared last inning.
14U-18U: 8 runs per half inning, plus the runs that finish the play. No run limit in the declared last inning.
Inning Mercy Rule: Medal Games
No inning-based mercy rule applies for any division during 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:
- Winning percentage
Highest of: (Total Number of Wins plus (Total Number of Ties times 0.5)) divided by Total Number of Games played. This could also be written as: “(wins + (ties * 0.5)) / games - 2. Head to Head Winning percentage: Highest of all teams tied after computing #1 of: (Total Number of Wins against tied teams in #1 plus (Total Number of Ties against tied teams in #1 times 0.5)) divided by Total Number of Games played against tied teams in #1
- Head to Head run differential: Highest of: Total number of runs scored when playing all tied teams in #2 – total number of runs allowed when playing tied teams in #2
- Runs against overall: Lowest of: Total number of runs allowed for all games played in the division
- Runs for overall: Highest of: Total number of runs scored for all games played in the division
- Number of forfeits: Lowest of: total number of forfeits in the season
- Coin flip
The two managers meet with the division rep and the division rep will toss a coin. The manager with the team name that would come first sorted alphabetically is the one that calls “heads” or “tails” while coin is in the air. If more than two teams are still tied after #6, coin flips occur between all managers once and the manager with the highest number of “wins” will get the better seed. Coin flips continue until all ties are broken.
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
On a forfeit for teams in the 12u-18u division, 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 7-0 (14u+) or 6-0 (10u\12u) except if game is forfeited after the number of innings required for a regulation game (6 innings in 4 or 7 innings in 5) and the offending team is behind then the score remains as recorded.
PITCH COUNTS
Pitch counts will be enforced in all games and will follow the WBSC World Cup Pitch Counts. Staff members from Ripken Experience Elizabethtown will keep track and have the official counts. Counts will be shared with coaches each night, online.
Pitch Count Limit for 10U and 12U (Majors & Minors)
Each pitcher must observe a day(s) rest as follows:
Number of Pitches // Rest Days
1 – 30 pitches | No rest
31 – 45 pitches | 1 day
46 – 60 pitches | 2 days
61 – 75 pitches | 3 days
85 pitches (max) | 4 days
Note: Pitchers may not exceed 85 pitches in one day. There is no collective tournament limit on pitch count.
Pitch Count for 14U (Majors & Minors)
Each pitcher must observe a day(s) rest as follows:
Number of Pitches // Rest Days
1 – 35 pitches | No rest
36 – 50 pitches | 1 day
51 – 65 pitches | 2 days
66 – 80 pitches | 3 days
95 pitches (max) | 4 days
Note: Pitchers may not exceed 95 pitches in one day. There is no collective tournament limit on pitch count.
Pitch Count for 16U & 18U (Majors & Minors)
Each pitcher must observe a day(s) rest as follows:
Number of pitches // Rest days
1 – 49 pitches | No rest
50 – 104 pitches | 1 day
105 pitches (max) | 4 days
Note: Pitchers may not exceed 105 pitches in one day. There is no collective tournament limit on pitch count.
PITCHING FOR ALL DIVISIONS
The Tournament Director will determine the accurate pitch count by using all the information gathered from the official Ripken scorers plus his own work and render any final decisions on protests.
If a pitcher reaches the maximum number of pitches during an active at bat, the pitcher may be removed, or she may finish the same batter.
When pitching in more than one game on the same calendar day, pitchers may pitch any combination of pitches in those games provided they do not exceed the maximum number of pitches for that calendar day.
The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold she reached during the start of that at-bat, provided that the pitcher is removed before delivering a pitch to the next batter.
NOTE: Violating pitch count rules will cause the violating team to forfeit the game.
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.
2. 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.
Coaching Requirements
All teams must have at least one woman on their coaching staff present at BFA Nationals. Teams may have a maximum of four coaches. Only those who have submitted all necessary paperwork and have been approved by BFA are permitted in the dugout.
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. 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 infracting runner will return to their base unless the infracted runner is out on the play and all other runners return to their original base.
3. Runner cannot advance beyond third base on a past 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.
4. A runner can advance if the catcher makes a play on any base runner.
5. If 9 players are not available, teams may play with as few as 7 players.
6. If teams run out of pitching, BFA staff can be consulted about using coach-pitch.
7. Dropped third strike is not in effect.
8. Infield fly rule is not in effect.
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 infracting runner will return to their base unless the infracted runner is out on the play and all other runners return to their original base.
3. Runner cannot advance beyond third base on a past 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.
4. A runner can advance if the catcher makes a play on any base runner.
5. If 9 players are not available, teams may play with as few as 7 players.
6. If teams run out of pitching, BFA staff can be consulted about using coach-pitch.
7. Dropped third strike is not in effect.
8. Infield fly rule is not in effect.
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.
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.
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.
