Tournament Rules & Policies
Rules & Regulations
Rosters and Proof of Age
Coaches are responsible for submitting a typed or handwritten roster before the event (prior to your first game) to the ONSITE DIRECTOR. PLAYERS MUST be listed on the roster in order to be eligible to participate in that event (1-, 2-, or 3-day events). If that player can’t be there at the beginning of the tournament, that must be COMMUNICATED with the onsite director for approval.
Birth Certificates and proof of grade exemption must always be AVAILABLE for ALL players.
Opposing teams can request to see proof of age or grade by submitting $100 to the onsite director. If no proof can be given, then that team will forfeit the game. If proof is provided the team in question RECEIVES a $100 credit to their next event.
Age limits and grade exemptions (see at the bottom of this page)
Game Time Limits
1 Day Tournament:
All 8u games are 1:15 - No new inning can start after 1:10
All 9U-12U games are 1:30 - No new inning can start after 1:25
If home team is winning and in the BOTTOM of the inning when the 1:30 game clock expires, game is over.
NFB reserves the right to change game times based on playing and weather conditions.
Seeding Information
1. Winning percentage - Descending
2. Number of wins - Descending
3. Number of losses - Ascending
4. Tied teams (vs each other) winning percentage - Descending (more than two teams tied skip this tie breaker)
5. Average runs allowed - Ascending
6. Average run differential with Max of 8 - Descending
7. If still tied, Date team entered tournament
8. Coin Flip
Run Differential (+/- 8 Runs)
We never consider runs scored except when doing differential and we limit that to 8 runs max.
Forfeits - are recorded (6-0)
Win - 1 point
Tie - 1/2 point
Loss - 0 point
Pitching Rules​
Coaches are responsible for taking care of their players. We recommend using the Pitch Smart guideline.
Pitch Limits
1 Day - 6 innings - If exceeded, team will automatically forfeit. After six innings the pitcher cannot throw one more pitch even if it doesn't result in an out.
Only the starting pitcher can reenter the same game to pitch. If any other pitcher reenters to pitch that team will automatically forfeit.
Pitchers can NOT do 3rd to 1st pick offs.
Balks will be called at the DISCRETION of the umpire. We will be more LENIENT with the younger ages. It will be called Dead Ball if Called.
Mound Visits - 3 Mound Visits per game. A mound visit is a trip that doesn’t result in removing the pitcher. One mound visit per pitcher.
No Balks for 9U - Only 10U - 12U
Run Rules
2 innings - 20 runs
3 innings - 15 runs
4 innings - 10 runs
5 innings - 8 runs
Extra Inning Rule
No extra innings in pool play. The game ends in a tie.
In bracket play, we start with a runner on 2nd base with no outs. Last batted out is the runner.
Bat Rules
8u-12u: all bats must have the 1.15 bpf stamp
Banned Bats
1. 2017 cf zen Balanced -8 (29/21, 30/22, 31/23, 32/24)
2. 2017 cf zen sl -10 2 3/4 (28/18, 29/19, 30/20, 31/21, 32/22)
3. 2017 CF zen zero dark 2 3/4 -10 (29/19, 30/20)
4. custom 2017 CF Zen 2 3/4 -10
5. custom 2017 cF Zen Balanced -8
6. Dirty South Kamo BB KA 8 (30/22, 31/21, 32/22, 31/23, 32/24 only)
7. Nike BT0636 CX2
8. CAt 5 MCB2 33/30 BBCOR
9. Black Emerald
8u SPECIFIC Rules
· No bunting, stealing or leads
· 6 pitches (3 strikes)
· Ball must pass 20' arc to be fair
· No Infield fly rule
9u SPECIFIC Rules
· No Dropped 3rd Strike
· Runners may Advanced on Pass Balls (even home) - No leads
· No Infield fly rule
· Runners can attempt to steal bases when pitch crosses the plate.
· No Balks
· Mound Visits - 2 Mound Visits per game. A mound visit is a trip that doesn’t result in removing the pitcher. One mound visit per pitcher.
Batting Lineup
Teams can bat their entire roster. Free defensive SUBSTITUTIONS, IF you bat the entire roster. Players can rotate in freely to non-pitching positions.
No DH, only EH’s.
If the batting team starts with 8 players in kid pitch and 9 players in coach pitch, the last position is NOT an out.
If a team starts a game with the minimum number of players and a player is removed for any reason then the players spot WILL be an out every time that spot comes up in the lineup.
Each batter can only be intentional walked once per game
MISCELLANEOUS Rules
· Steel Spikes are NOT allowed.
· Catching equipment is left up to the coach. 2-piece helmets, type of glove, etc... Catchers must be properly and legally EQUIPPED for SAFETY
· No face masks are required in any age groups
· No slash bunting in any age group. If a batter shows a bunt, then swings he will be out no matter if he makes contact or not.
· First game of the day may take infield practice. All other teams must warm up in the outfield prior to game time.
· Game balls will be provided.
· Game times may run ahead of schedule, please plan accordingly.
Age Control Dates and Grade Exemptions
· 8u - can't turn 9 before May 1st, 2025 unless in 2nd grade
· 9u - Can't turn 10 before May 1st, 2025 unless in 3rd grade
· 10u- Can't turn 11 before May 1st, 2025 unless in 4th grade
· 11u- Can't turn 12 before May 1st, 2025 unless in 5th grade
· 12u- Can't turn 13 before May 1st, 2025 unless in 6th grade
Rain Refund Policy​
· 1 Game Played: 66% refund
· started 2nd Game: 33% refund
· Started 3rd game: No Refund