Last Updated: July 2025

General Rules:
High School Federation Baseball Rules will govern all play with the following tournament-specific modifications.

1. Game Format & Timing

• Game Length: 7 innings or a time limit of 1 hour and 50 minutes – no new inning may begin after the time limit expires.

• Official Game Start: Game time begins with the first pitch. The home plate umpire will keep the official time.

• Pool Play Games: May end in a tie.

• Playoffs (Excluding Championship): All half-innings after the conclusion of the 7th inning (or if the time limit has been reached) will begin with an automatic runner on second base. The runner placed on second base at the start of each half-inning in extras is the player in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning’s leadoff hitter, or a pinch-runner. So, if the No. 7 hitter in the order is due to lead off, the No. 6 hitter (or a pinch-runner for the No. 6 hitter) would be placed on second base.

• Championship Game: Will continue until a winner is determined, using standard extra innings.

• Inclement Weather: The game will be considered official after four complete innings. The team leading at that point will be awarded the victory. If the home team is ahead after the top of the fourth, they will not need to bat in the bottom half."

2. Mercy Rule

• 10-run lead after 4 innings

• 8-run lead after 5 innings

3. Lineups & Substitutions

• Teams may bat as many players as they wish with no restriction on lineup length.

• The use of the Extra Hitter (EH) is optional.

• Free defensive substitutions are allowed at all times.

4. Courtesy Runner Rule

• At the manager’s discretion, a courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher or catcher at any time.

• The courtesy runner must be the last batted out.

5. Mound Visits

• One visit per pitcher per inning without removal; the second visit in the same inning requires the pitcher to be removed following completion of the current batter.

6. Bat Rules

• Metal bats only. All bats must conform to NFHS standards.

7. Home / Away Designation

• Pool Play: Home team determined by coin flip.

• Championship Game: Higher seed is designated home team.

8. Seeding & Tiebreakers

For pool play standings:

1. Head-to-head record (if two teams are tied)

2. Fewest runs allowed

3. Run differential (maximum +10 per game)

9. Field Conduct & Sportsmanship

• Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their teams, fans, and staff. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in ejection or disqualification.

• Any ejected individual must leave the facility immediately.

Please review these rules with your team before tournament play begins. The Tournament Director reserves the right to interpret or amend rules in the interest of fair play.