2024 Florida State Softball Championships

Florida Babe Ruth Softball wishes to extend a warm welcome to all players and coaches participating in the 2022 Florida State Tournament.  We are honored to be your host for these games.  Here are a few reminders about tournament etiquette:

1) All credentials must be in a loose-leaf binder notebook in the order of the Tournament Team Credentials Checklist. The Credentials Checklist must be signed by the District Commissioner for State Tournament Participation. 

2) Tournament Brackets must be followed however, weather or other conditions may necessitate a bracket being changed up to the start of the tournament and during the tournament.  There will be no infield practice prior to the game on the game fields.  Infield warm-ups and batting will be done at an alternate site, to be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.  It is the manager’s responsibility to have teams ready to play 30 minutes prior to scheduled start time.

3) Official Babe Ruth lineup sheets must be completed with player jersey number, first and last name and position (if starter) and with distribution to the official scorer, chief umpire, opposing team manager.  Changes in the lineup are to be made to the plate umpire at the beginning of the inning using numbers when reporting changes to the umpire. Lineups MUST be turned into the official scorekeeper 30 minutes prior to game time (they are not official until the plate meeting)

NOTE: Scorekeepers are part of the umpire crew and MUST NOT be disturbed by parents, fans or team scorekeepers. Manager must communicate through the plate umpire if there is a discrepancy. Penalty for disturbing the scorekeeper will be ejection of the person and the team manager.

4) Throwing or unnecessary abuse of any equipment or property will not be permitted. The use of inappropriate language within the playing field is not allowed. Penalty : Ejection from the game.

5) All tournament games will be played in the presence of the Tournament Director and a Protest Committee.  Any protest must be resolved prior to continuing play.  Decisions by the protest committee are final without appeal.  The Protest Committee will consist of at least three members designated by the Tournament Director.

6) The team manager will be held responsible for the behavior of their fans.  Fans are not to enter the playing field at any time for any reason and are to display a positive attitude to all teams, players, umpires and officials.  Managers are to immediately handle problem fans if the need arises.  Managers are reminded that umpires have the authority to take action against a team due to the actions of their fans.

7) Video recording of games from outside of the field of play is allowed as long as there is no disruption of or interference with the game.  There will be NO cameras allowed behind the backstop or attached to any part of the fence.

8) Noisemakers of any kind and music (pre-game,between inning and walk up music will not be allowed during this tournament.

9) Our goal is to help all players perform at the peak of their abilities while enjoying the competition, camaraderie and distinction that go along with playing in a State Tournament.  At the same time, you have an obligation to everyone involved to be on your best behavior at all times.  If you have a problem that can’t be resolved by your manager or coaches, please contact tournament officials.

Be smart and avoid trouble.  There is always a certain level of tension in competitive sports.  We do not want you to lose your competitive edge.  The desire to perform at your very best makes the game exciting for everyone.  Stay under control, even if another player or fan says something that you find offensive.  Keep your cool and do not respond to provocation in any way that could lead to your disqualification.  Remember, softball games are won with hits and runs, not with words.

The State Tournament Director has the authority to remove any player, manager or coach from a tournament game for actions detrimental to Babe Ruth Softball.  Any misbehavior or misconduct on or off the field may disqualify a player, manager, coach or team from the tournament. Physical contact with any tournament official by player, coach or spectator will disqualify this person and the team from further participation.