BFA Nationals 2022 Rules
TOURNAMENT RULES
Unless otherwise stated in this handbook, the rules shall be those of Major League Baseball.
Age Cut-off
April 30, 2022 is the age cut-off date.
Bat Restrictions
USABat standards apply.
All divisions 12u and under must use bats that bear the USA Baseball mark. Wood bats must be single piece and can be used with or without the USA Baseball Certification Mark. There is no weight/length ratio limit.
The 14u and 16u must use BBCOR or USABat certified bats. There is no weight/length ratio limit. Wood bats, must be single piece, can be used with or without the USA Baseball Certification Mark.
More details on USABat standards: https://www.usabaseball.com/bats/guidelines
Pitching Restrictions
Coaches are strongly advised to follow USA Baseball’s Pitch Smart guidelines. See chart at the bottom of the page.
Pitching Distances
8u: 60-ft. base paths, 35-ft. pitching distance
10u: 60-ft. base paths, 46-ft. pitching distance
12u: 60-ft. base paths, 46-ft. pitching distance
14u: 80-ft. base paths, 54-ft. pitching distance
16u: 90-ft. base paths, 60 ft., 6-in. pitching distance
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-16u.
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. 8u bats the whole line-up.
Players re-entering the game must go back in the same spot in the batting order that they left. Subs cannot re-enter game.
Scorekeeping
Home team is responsible to keep the official book via Gamechanger. 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.