when not enough teams for one divisions we will:
If your team has more than 2 drops, your team will give 7 runs to the team with 2 or less than 2 drops.
Tournament Rules (Men):
Modified Official Rules Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA)
Each batter starts with a ball and a strike. With the exception of Extra Innings which is one pitch. No courtesy foul ball.
Bats: will be randomly tested at directors or umpire’s desecration. Failure to comply will result in a 3-month suspension.
USSSA Bats – Must have the thumbprint stamp.
ASA Bats – Must not be on the ASA banned list. (A printout of the ASA banned bat list will be available at the fields)
Balls: 44 core, 375 compression balls. 12inch. WSL balls or ASA/ISPS
Home Run Rule: Please note: if not enough teams for divisions, home runs will be 4 and 1 up.
E/Rec division: 2 home runs, with IE if illegal HR
D/Intermediate division: 4 home runs, 1 up, with IE if illegal HR
C/Advanced division: 8 home runs, OUT after 8
****** Any team with players not found for rankings, the player will be allowed to play in rec but will be observed so a determination can be made for a personal ranking****
Hit and Sit: Batter does not have to touch bases with an over the fence home run.
Players: ALL PLAYERS MUST SIGN THE ROSTER PRIOR TO PLAYING!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely NO ALCOHOL allowed on the premises, as per county ordinance. Any player considered to be intoxicated WILL be removed from the game and not allowed to continue to play for the remainder of the day
Must be at least 18 years of age and signed roster with liability waiver prior to the start of any game. 16 and 17-year-old players may play with a signed release by a legal guardian. If the legal guardian is not present at the field for us to witness the signing, a notarized waiver can be signed off sight and brought to the field.
A player found not to be listed on roster and/or not signed liability waiver WILL be ejected from the game, if observed by umpire or director. Player may sign roster (if he is on the roster) and play remaining games. If a team protest an illegal player and wins, the game is a forfiet.
Teams: A team may bat 10,11 or 12 players. You can only add players to the roster if you drop below 10 players. Make sure you include any possible players who may come, on your submitted roster.
All teams will be placed in divisions, by the skill level of the team, ranking level of players, or based on information provided to TBS. Subject to change at the discretion of TBS.
(E/REC) Our lowest rec division, beginner’s division, formally known as REC. division
2 male D/intermediate drops, per roster.
(D/Intermediate) Designed for tournament/intermediate ball players
2 C/Advanced drops or 1 B/Advanced Plus drop (conf) per roster
A team may start with 8 players. A ghost player may be on the lineup card and replaced with a player as they arrive, up to 10. A ghost player will be an out until the actual player arrives. Once a team has batted thru the line-up card, they cannot add players. They can only replace the ghost player with an actual player
Rosters must be completed and submitted prior to tournament day. All players will be check for possible rankings. Changing of players on event day: No roster player may be replaced with a higher-ranking player, if a roster player needs to be replaced the replacement must be “same like player”.
The roster can be up to 20 but ONLY 12 prizes will be awarded if individual prizes are awarded.
Only the captain may speak with the umpire about removing and replacing players, appeal plays, discussion on calls, etc…
It will be the opposing team responsibility to bring the illegal batter to the attention of the umpire. If the umpire observes the illegal batter prior to the opposing team, the umpire will notify the coach to replace the batter. If the batter has taken a position in the box and a pitch thrown, it is an out. (This is not retroactive)
If you have to forfeit, it will count as a 7-0 win for the team not forfeiting
All players, including added players, must sign their team’s roster/waiver BEFORE the Start of their game and MUST have played at least one game to be eligible to play in the championship game. Playing with ineligible players may result in a forfeit. This call will be made by TBS staff. It is the responsibility of the team captains to make sure all players in their line-up card are eligible players for all games.
ALL players MUST sign the roster prior to taking the field.
Each team, first game of the day, will be allowed to pick-up players. (No ranked player may fill in) This is not available at any other time during the day (only your first scheduled game) at the approval of the tournament director.
There is a $100 fee to protest the roster of another team. Refundable if protest found to be valid. Roster protest must be done no later than 3rd inning. No protest will be accepted after the 3rd inning. Ranking protest is based on TBS rankings first, if no ranking, then we will rely on another association. At any time when a staff member observes an illegal player, the player will be ejected.
If a team has won 3 tournament(s) in a 3-month period or 2 consecutive tournaments and has 6 players of that sanctioned roster, the team roster will be reviewed for possible reclassification of the sanction roster. Once moved up and played 3 tournaments a request can be made to drop back to a lower division. (Discretion of the tournament directors)
Courtesy runners: designated or pinch runners will be allowed when requested, and the DR must be listed on the lineup card, if not listed on the card no DR will be allowed. The DR does not have to be in the batting order or play the field. If the DR is in the lineup and is on base, when his turn comes to bat, the player remains on the base and takes an out at the plate
No designated fielders, any and all fielders must be placed in the batting order and bat.
Injured players: MUST report the injury immediately to the umpire and complete an incident report. If the injured player requires medical attention, the player will be removed from the line up for the day. If the team roster drops below the ratio the team may pick up a replacement as long as the new player is “same like player” in ranking. If a replacement player is not available, the injured players team may condense the lineup without taking an out.
If your injured player is also your designated runner you can declare a new designated runner. Note* This is the only way you can redeclare a runner mid game.
PROFANITY: Profanity will not be tolerated and may be grounds for players being called out or ejected at the discretion of the umpire. Absolutely no F word directed at anyone. The umpire will give one warning to the individual, then take action as deemed necessary to control the situation. Please be considerate and respect our children and not play music containing explicit lyrics.
Ejection from game: Once ejected a player remains ejected for that game. They cannot bat, run, etc. they are ejected. It will be the umpire’s discretion, if the player will be allowed to play any remainder games. Fighting, wrestling, or pushing will not be tolerated and may result in multi-game suspensions or ejection from the league all together. NO warning will be given for the throwing of equipment (even if equipment belongs to the individual). This includes bats, gloves or any equipment. Verbal abuse of officials or players, fighting, foul language, spitting, kicking of dirt and continued rough play could result in player ejections. If a player is ejected, the team may not replace that player with another player. And it is an out in the line up.
Running to first base: (orange base) “extra base” is being used at first base , players must step on the orange base when overrunning first base, or when there is a legitimate play at first base (ball still in the infield). Players stepping on the white base when the ball is in play in the infield may be called out. Balls that have reached the outfield will allow the runner to touch the white base in an attempt to advance to second base. When in doubt runners should touch the orange base to avoid being called out. . Runner may overrun first base, any aggressive attempt towards second base the fielder may make a play on the runner. There MUST be aggression or attempt made and it’s umpires discretion.
Home plate and bases: All plays at home plate and or a base where the fielder is in possession of the ball, the runner MUST slide to avoid any injury. The player MUST slide or give up, any un-sportsman like conduct will not be tolerated.
IF the fields are damaged due to standing water, a 2nd home plate will be used, all runners will be required to touch the 2nd plate and not the original plate, which is now unsafe to use. It will be a force play if the ball is thrown to the original home plate and reaches that plate prior to the runner touching the 2nd home plate. For any questions, please ask the umpire.
Taking a base on a walk: The runner MUST touch each base.
Stealing: Baserunners may attempt to advance once the ball has crossed the back corners of home plate, when pitched to batter or the pitched ball has landed on the ground behind home plate. The ball is dead if the batter has swung and missed, foul tips, and if the ball lands in front of home plate or lands on home plate, or any fake swing in an attempt to distract the catcher. Runners are allowed to steal home on a live ball.
An overthrown ball from the catcher, in the catcher’s field position, while the ball has deemed alive, runners may advance at their own risk. This also means a runner on 3rd may advance to home at their own risk. The ball must be a live ball, meaning if the ball is declared dead from landing on or in front of the plate it remains dead until the pitcher presents the ball.
Example: Ball is thrown infield, umpire calls time, balls rolls down the 1st base line, or 3rd base line, catcher retrieves the ball and over throws the return ball to pitcher. Due to the catcher is not in position and the ball was deemed to be dead, the ball remains dead and base runners may not advance.
DEFENSELESS PITCHER: At coin toss a decision will be made if the pitcher is using a mask or a net. If pitchers do not agree, the pitcher who selects the net will be responsible for rolling the net on and off the field to be used each inning. If the pitcher does not want to use the net they must have full head protection (helmet). If a pitcher uses the net ONLY, they may not make any contact with the ball as a fielder until after the ball has been touched by another fielder. If the pitcher uses the net and a mask or helmet, they have to get behind the net immediately after release of the ball but may come out from behind the net after contact with the ball is made. If a pitcher not using head protection fields a batted ball, the batter will be awarded the base and the pitcher will be removed from the pitching position. Pitching screens are to be place approx. 4′ in front of the rubber to the pitcher’s glove side and must cover at least 1/2 of the area in front of the rubber. Any pitcher hit with a batted ball, bat will be removed from the game and tested.
Pitcher’s not using the net, you are pitching at YOUR OWN RISK. No penalty to the pitcher unless there is injury to the pitcher and the umpire overheard the hit was intentional.
Any batted ball that hits the net on the first hit is a strike, if there are 2 strikes on the batter, the batter will be out. If the batter hits the net a second time at the same at bat, the batter will be out. If the batted ball hits the pitcher or any player, the bat will be tested. If failed the bat will be removed for the day and tagged on TBS list of illegal bats. If caught using the illegal bat, the player will be suspended.
Game time: 55 minute game time, games will start on time. A 10 minute grace period will be allowed only for the first game time. The 10 minutes will be deducted from the official 50 minute game time. CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ONE HOUR, 15 MINUTES, MAX. Double dip game will be 55 minutes Games may be reduced in time at TBS discretion due to acts of nature. This includes changing the format to a one (1) pitch format. TBS Tie breaker is in effect.
If a team has played 5 innings and game is stopped due to rain or any reason, game is official at the end of the 4th inning.
Rainouts: If a tournament already in progress gets rained out, we will finish out the bracket using a coinflip. If your team is still in the tournament you will be part of the coinflip.
We will use 3 coinflips per game whichever team wins the best of three flip will move on to their next position on the bracket.
Winner bracket finals will flip for first place.
If it’s clear that inclement weather is approaching, and we don’t think we can get everyone through at least 2 games we will cancel the event the day(s) before.
Players: ALL PLAYERS MUST SIGN THE ROSTER PRIOR TO PLAYING!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely NO ALCOHOL allowed on the premises, as per county ordinance. Any player considered to be intoxicated WILL be removed from the game and not allowed to continue to play for the remainder of the day
Must be at least 18 years of age and signed roster with liability waiver prior to the start of any game. 16 and 17-year-old players may play with a signed release by a legal guardian. If the legal guardian is not present at the field for us to witness the signing, a notarized waiver can be signed off sight and brought to the field.
A player found not to be listed on roster and/or not signed liability waiver WILL be ejected from the game until the roster is signed.
THROWING BATS: Intentionally throwing the bat in anger or frustration after your turn up to bat is not tolerated and will result in an automatic out for the batter (when up to bat again) if the bat hits another player, the batter will be ejected. If the bat is thrown in anger directed @ a player or official, will result in player’s immediate ejection.
Run Rule: If a team is winning by 15 runs after 3 innings, the game will cease and winner declared, 12 after 4 and 10 after 5. This rule also applies to Championship game. If a team is winning by 15 runs in the 5th inning the flip flop rule will be in force.
Fake tags: They are prohibited. A fake tag will result in the base runner being awarded one additional base (the base they were running to, plus one) The fielder faking the tag will be warned. The 2nd offense from any player on the team faking a tag will be ejected.
Any batted ball that strikes a baserunner while advancing to another base is out, dead ball is called.
Any batted ball that strikes a baserunner while standing on or has any contact with any base, is a live ball.
Intentional ball drop: If any fielder who catches a ball and intentionally drops it, in an attempt to force a double play, the batter is out, ball is DEAD and runners may not advance. Fielder will be given a warning, 2nd offense ejection. Dropping of the ball is umpire’s discretion.
Appeal play or protest: Appeal play must be made after the play has ceased and before the next pitch. Protest can only be done by the team captain.
Pitcher’s mound: All pitches are thrown underhand. (No side arm pitching) The pitcher may pitch starting up to 3ft behind the rubber mound marker before throwing a pitch. (The pitcher must make sure they are not more than 3 feet behind the rubber) The pitch must be one continuous motion, no ball shall be pitched in a motion to distract the batter. (NO PUMP FAKING). NO pitch shall be made or release in front of the pitcher’s mound or net.
Strike zone: Shoulder to knees as the ball crosses the plate
Batter: Any batter standing in the batter’s box MUST be ready to bat or ask for time out. A verbal request to the umpire is sufficient.
Guaranteed games: Sometimes a team may have more than the 3 games due to the number of teams entered in the tournament. All teams are only guaranteed 3 games. If this is a seeded tournament. Seed positions will be determined by the first 2 games played if there is an unequal amount of games played per team.
A TBS tie breaker will be enforced to break the tie. If the game is tied, play continues until a decision is reached, by using the TBS (or international) tie-breaker rule. Starting in the top of the inning, the batting team starts with a base runner on second base, which is the player who is the last available to bat (in other words, the batter who last took their position in the batter’s box; regardless whether they were the last out or another runner was put out). The game will continue as a one (1) pitch until there is a winner. This includes if times runs out and game is in a tie. No games will end in a tie, does not apply to championship game.
EQUIPMENT:
Each team is responsible for their own game balls, a new game ball, and a backup ball, approved by the umpire. 12″ ball.
Forfeit time is game time. Games are 55 MINUTES unless teams are tied. 10 minute grace period for the first game of the day ONLY. The 10 minutes is deducted from the game time of 55 minutes.
Arch of Pitch: not less than six (6), not greater than ten (10)
Bats: All bats must be approved by the TBS umpire. No SR Bats, no Ultra’s and no bat on any unapproved list. Each individual and captain is responsible for using legal bats. If a batter steps into the box with an illegal bat, the batter is out, even if the bat has not been used. TAMPABAY SOFTBALL and the umpires reserve the right to disallow a bat should it be thought the bat may be doctored. If any injury occurs from a batted ball, TBS staff has the right to seize the bat to determine if the bat was altered.
NO metal cleats. It is up to the team captain to make sure no metal cleats are worn prior to start time. All players must have proper footing attire.
REFUNDS: There are NO refunds.