TBUSA ABUSE/MOLESTATION POLICY
TBUSA Baseball Rules
This organization abides by “National Federation” (http://www.nfhs.org) rules with the following exceptions:
1. BASEBALLS: Participating teams must provide two new baseballs for each game. High School Grade baseballs are recommended.
2. BATTING ORDER OPTIONS: Batting the entire line up, designated hitter and extra hitter is allowed. (Please Note: A team batting entire line up beware that for any reason a player is not able to bat at the time his turn comes up is an automatic out). Free defensive substitutions are allowed at anytime except, for the pitcher. Each participating team must have nine players to play. If, for any reason your team drops below nine players your game becomes a Forfeit unless, the opposing team agrees to continue to play. Participating teams starting with ten players and lose a player for any reason and have no replacement, you may continue to play with nine players with an automatic out each time the lost player comes up in the batting order.
3. BAT RESTRICTIONS: Beginning January 1, 2012, all bats not made of a single piece of wood shall meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard and such bats shall be labeled with a permanent certification mark. The certification mark shall be rectangular, a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color. Aluminum and composite bats shall be labeled as approved tamper evident and be marked as to being aluminum or composite. This marking be permanent certification mark, a minimum of one-half inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color (NFHS Rule 1-3-2-3). An aluminum or composite bat meeting the BBCOR standards is legal immediately. The NFHS has banned hollow composite bats unless they meet the Ball Exit-Speed Ratio (BESR) and the Accelerated Break In (ABI) test protocal. The performance of some composite bats can change with use. The ABI protocal is intended to confirm that the performance of such bats does not improve and exceed the BESR ball exit speed limit with use.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
13U and Younger: All bats must be stamped BPF 1.15. Must be a baseball bat- not exceed the BPF. No restriction on weight or length as long as bat has "BPF 1.15" stamp.
14U: -5 or -3 weight/length ratio. All -5 bats must be stamped BPF 1.15- not exceed the BPF. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR.
15U and Older: -3 weight/length ratio only. All bats must be stamped BBCOR. Bats stamped BBCOR legal for all ages.
Bat rules apply to the age division being played
A bat(s) performance determine not to meet the 1.15 BPF is Not Eligible for tournament play.
Effective April 6, 2017 additional bats listed below are not eligible for play effective immediately
CLICK HERE FOR DEMARINI BATS NOT MEETING THE BPF STANDARDS
Effective April 12, 2018 additional bats listed below are not eligible for play effective immediately
CLICK HERE FOR MORE BAT INFORMATION
Effective May 16, 2018 additional bats listed below are now eligible for tournament play.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE BAT INFORMATION
Effective June 6, 2018 additional bats listed below are now eligible for play effective immediately
CLICK HERE FOR MORE BAT INFORMATION
On Feb. 21,2020 the NCAA sent out an email to coaches and athletic directors to tell them the 33-inch model of the 2020 Meta (-3) BBCOR Louisville Slugger baseball bat "will not be allowed for use in any NCAA baseball competition," effective immediately.
The National Federation of State High School Associations, which governs most high school sports and activities in the U.S., followed suit and banned the bat on Tuesday.
The illegal bat use by a player will result in the both the head coach and the player who used the illegal bat be EJECTED from the game in progress. The illegal bat has to be discovered before the next pitch to a batter of either team. If the bat is deemed illegal by the umpire and/or Tournament Director, the defensive coach has the choice of the batter being called out and all players return to base prior to the at bat or take the play.
4. COACHES PASSES: Each team shall receive (3) coaches passes and a scorekeeper pass. Coaches and scorekeeper who lose, forget, or misplace their passes will be required to pay a non-refundable gate admission.
5. CONDUCT: Each participating team(s) manager and coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team(s) parents, players, and spectators. If a manager, coach, or player is ejected from any game by the umpire, that manager, coach, or player will not be allowed to participate in their team(s) next schedule game. The manager, coach, or player must leave the ballpark after the ejection they may return after the game is completed. Clarafication: If manager, coach, or player ejected in championship game then the next tournament game that manager, coach, or player will not be allowed to participate. Spectators ejected from the ballpark will not be allowed back into the park until the next scheduled tournament day.
New for 2022 Season: If a parent or spectator for your team gets ejected from a game the coach/manager will be ejected at that time also. The umpire at the plate meeting should identify who is the responsible coach or manager for that game. Each participating team(s) manager and coaches are responsible for the conduct of their teams parents and spectators. The parent/spectator ejections has reached a level that is not acceptable therefore, this rule is being implemented.
6. COURTESY RUNNERS: Speed up. Runners for pitcher and catcher once the player reaches the base safely. Runner must be a substitute player or the last out when batting the entire line up.
7. COOLERS: (1) cooler per team allowed in park. Must be kept in dugout.
8. FAKE BUNT Then SWING: Not allowed for ages 6U through 13U. Automatic Out.
9. FIELD DIMENSIONS:
Ages: 7 - 8 60 Ft. Bases 40 Ft. Pitching 6 Innings (See 8U Rule #13)
Ages: 9 - 10 65 Ft. Bases 46 Ft. Pitching 6 Innings
Ages: 11 - 12 70 Ft. Bases 50 Ft. Pitching 6 Innings
Ages: 13 80 Ft. Bases 54 Ft. Pitching 7 Innings
Ages: 14 & Up 90 Ft. Bases 60.6 Ft. Pitching 7 Innings
10. GAME LENGTH: 9U through 12U, six innings or 1:30 time limit. 13U and up, 7 innings or 1:30 time limit. Games are complete at time or inning limits. If, time limit has expired, inning completion is allowed. Home team is batting and winning game is over, final score is the score at the end of the time limit. Championship Games 9U-12U, six innings or 1:40 time limit. Championship Games 13U and up, 7 innings or 1:40 time limit. Umpires keep official time. 8U is six innings or 1:10 time limit with Championship Games six innings or 1:20 time limit. SATURDAY ONLY tournaments, Facility conditions or Number of Teams game times may be reduce to accomodate all teams.
11. HEAD FIRST SLIDE: Age divisions 11 and up may slide head first. Unless, a player is wearing a helmet with a face guard, C-flap or chin strap. This is a safety precaution. Automatic Out. A player can dive back into the bag on the initial pick off play. If a player becomes a runner after the initial pick off the player must slide feet first. If player's helmet has a face guard, C-flap or chin strap cannot slide head first.
12. HOME TEAM: Home team is determined by the flip of a coin at the umpire meeting at home plate. The Highest seeded team in elimination and championship games are the home team. Official scorekeeper shall be furnished by the home team and the scoreboard operator by the visiting team. Games will start once there is an official book/scorekeeper.
13. ILLEGAL PLAYER OR PITCHER: The use of an illegal player or pitcher in a game will result in the participating team to an immediate forfeiture. An example of an illegal player is a player who is not on teams roster, not correct age, exceeded innings pitched or playing on different teams in the same tournament.
14. MERCY RULE: Mercy rule will be in effect for all games. 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings.
15. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TOBACCO: No exceptions.
16. OFFICIAL GAME: Games unable to be resumed because of rain or other acts of God are official when the following occurs. An official game is 3 innings or home team is winning in the bottom half of the 3rd inning. Games called prior to this shall be resumed where the game was suspended.
17. PITCHING RULES: 9U through 12U, 10 total innings. 13U and up, 12 total innings. Limitation of 7 innings per day anyway a team wants to use them. Saturday Only tournaments 7 total innings.
18. PLAYERS AGE: A player’s age is determined as of April 30 of each year. The age of the player determined at this date is the age bracket the player must participate. A player may elect to play up in age division(s). The beginning of each season the participating players must move up to the next age division.
Age Based with Grade Exceptions:
7U Division
Players who turn 8 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 1st grade. Also, any player turning 9 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 7u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
8U Division
Players who turn 9 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 2nd grade. Also, any player turning 10 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 8u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
9U Division
Players who turn 10 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 3rd grade. Also, any player turning 11 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 9u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
10U Division
Players who turn 11 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 4th grade. Also, any player turning 12 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 10u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
11U Division
Players who turn 12 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 5th grade. Also, any player turning 13 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 11u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
12U Division
Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 12u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
13U Division
Players who turn 14 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 7th grade. Also, any player turning 15 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 13u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
14U Division
Players who turn 15 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 8th grade. Also, any player turning 16 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 14u eligible are eligible for this division regardless of grade.
15U Division
Players who turn 16 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are a freshman in High School. Also, any player turning 17 prior to May 1 will not be eligible.
16U Division
Players who turn 17 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are a sophomore in High School. Also, any player turning 18 prior to May 1 will not be eligible.
17U Division
Players who turn 18 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are a junior in High School. Also, any player turning 19 prior to May 1 will not be eligible.
18U Division
Players who turn 19 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are a senior in High School. Also, any player turning 20 prior to May 1 will not be eligible.
Player's age Verification consist of birth certificate and/or grade exceptions player's report card or letter from principal of attending school verifying the player's grade.
Documentation must be with player or team at each tournament.
A player that is illegal due to an age or grade violation during a TBUSA tournament game, shall result in the participating team's immediate forfeiture . The illegal player and head coach of participating team will be ejected from the tournament.
19. PROTEST: Only Rule interpretations can be protested. A $300 Non-Refundable fee payable for any protest.
20. REFUND/CREDIT (Rain out/ No show): Tournament Fee full refund/credit if no games are played. ½ refund/credit if (1) game is played. No refund/credit if (2) games are played. No refund for teams that are a no show or surrender during a tournament. No gate refunds, nor rain check, at anytime. Teams should inform their parents and fans, if play is in doubt due to inclement weather or rain, to wait until play begins to enter the ball park.
21. SPECTATOR FEE: Per day gate fee for Adults and Children, Age 6 and under Free. Applicable sales tax where required.
22. STEEL SPIKES: Baseball Cleats with steel spikes may only be used in age divisions 13U and up unless their is a temporary mound where the facility may require no steel spikes.
23. TEAM ROSTER: Each participating team must register your team online by creating an account. Once an account has been created you may create your team roster online. The online roster must be completed prior to participation. Each player birth certificate must be kept available by the team manager during each tournament. Upon request by the tournament director the team manager must provide copies of each player birth certificate. See illegal player for clarification.
Roster is limited to a total of 18 players. Team manager may add or delete players each year not to exceed the 18 player roster.
The online roster is NOT FROZEN during the TBUSA season. This allows the parents to decide where and for whom their child can play not the organization.
No limitations on the number of players that can be added or deleted at any one time. A participating player may not play on two different teams in the same tournament.
24. SEASON: Each season begins August 1 and ends July 31st. TBUSA Membership fee is due once a year with each new season.
25. TEAM INSURANCE: Each team must have proof of insurance prior to participating in a TBUSA Tournament. Team insurance can be obtained by clicking on the "Team Insurance" button on the home page or may be purchased by a provider of your choice. Team insurance is the responsibility of the participating team and should be obtained prior to participating in any TBUSA tournament. NO liablility is assumed by this organization and participating teams play at their own risk.
26. TEAM SEEDING: All games played during pool play are seeding games based on wins and losses. Tiebreakers for determining seeding will consist of head to head (if applicable, see below), least runs allowed, run differential (7 runs max positive), Most runs scored (10 runs max) and Coin toss. If, three or more teams are tied we will use this rule for determining the Highest seed and after one team has been determined convert back to the first tiebreaker, head to head and continue until all teams are seeded.
Please note: Head to Head for tiebreakers can only be used if all teams have played each other or the tournament is a round robin.
27. TIE BREAKERS: Only elimination games may not end in a tie. If, an elimination game is tied after regulation (innings played) or time has expired. At this time the Texas Tiebreaker will be put into effect. At the start of the next inning the last batted out for the visiting team will go to second base with one out. This will continue until there is a winner. 7U and UP.
TBUSA 7-8U COACH PITCH RULES
1. POSITION PLAYERS: 10 Players will play in the field with 4 outfielders. All outfielders must assume a position in the outfield behind the baseline no outfield player may assume an infield position.
2. FAIR BALL ARC: The fair ball arc line will be drawn on the field 20 feet from home plate, from the 3rd base foul line to the 1st base foul line. A batted ball must have traveled 20 feet in front of home plate to be fair. An untouched batted ball that has traveled 20 feet and spins back inside the 20 foot arch is considered a fair ball as long as the batted ball stays inside the foul lines.
3. PLAYERS SAFETY ARC: The safety arc line is 30 feet from home plate, from the 3rd base foul line to the 1st All infielders must stay behind the safety arc until the bat has made contact with the baseball.
4. PITCHER: The defensive player listed as the pitcher may not leave the pitcher circle until the bat has made contact with the baseball. The pitcher will receive a warning after 1st offense and 2nd offense removal from the pitching position. Play continues if this occurs and after the play has been completed the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no pitch.
5. BASE RUNNER: No Stealing or Head First Slide. A base runner leaving the base prior to the ball contacting the bat or reaching home plate is out (Dead Ball). NO head first slide at anytime. 7U and 8U are always runners there is no leading off therefore no need to dive back on a pick off play. Going head first into a base including homeplate is an automatic OUT. This is a safety rule.
6. COURTESY RUNNER: Only the catcher may receive a courtesy runner. The courtesy runner must be a player who made the last out or if no outs the previous player not on base.
7. DEAD BALL: The ball will be declared dead after every play. The umpire shall call time once it is determine the lead runner is not attempting to advance. The participants do not have to call time.
8. BATTING ORDER: All players on the team roster at the time play begins shall bat. Any late arrivals shall be inserted into the batting order as the last batter. All players on the roster must bat before returning to the top of the line up.
9. RUNS and OUTS: There is a maximum of 7 runs per inning or 3 outs. There is no open inning.
10. SUBSTITUTION: There is free defensive substitution while the batting order must remain the same.
11. NO BUNTING: Automatic out.
12. BATTER: Maximum of 6 pitches or 3 swinging strikes. Fouling the 6th pitch continues the at bat until the player hits the ball, swings and misses, or takes a pitch.
13. PITCHING COACH: The coach when pitching must have both feet in the pitchers circle when pitching to the batter. The following rule applies when a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach and it’s determined by the umpire that the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact with the ball, the batter shall be called out and the runners on base shall not advance. No pitch is declared and the ball becomes dead. This is an umpire judgment call.
Clarafication: 8u is played on many types of fields with mounds, no mounds, no pitching rubber, pitching rubber therefore, the pitching coach is allowed to pitch within the circle as long as both feet are within the 20ft circle when pitching. The 40ft mark is just a starting point to make the 20ft circle for the player pitcher and coach pitcher. The reason for this is that not all parks are setup the same.
14. INTENTIONAL WALK: A player may only be intentionally walked once per game.
15. INFIELD FLY: The infield fly rule does not apply.
16. DEFENSIVE COACHES: The defensive coaches must coach from the dugout. Coaches are not allowed on the field of play.
TBUSA’S POLICY ON ABUSE & MOLESTATION
TBUSA ABUSE/MOLESTATION POLICY - TBUSA will not tolerate the abuse/molestation of any minor participant at a TBUSA baseball tournament event. TBUSA baseball events in which teams register to play where TBUSA provides rules for play and a tournament structure that allows teams to compete.
TBUSA encourage parents (and guardians) who determine the team for a youth team participant, the adult team participants (such as team coaches or team sponsors) of a team, the community organizations who are involved in the organization, creation or management of such teams to thoroughly investigate and screen the background and character of the individuals who coach, manage, volunteer or otherwise come into contact with such teams and their minor participants and to vigilantly supervise any and all activities of any youth team with which they are associated.
Background checks are available, among other places, on-line for a small fee and TBUSA encourages those actually responsible for team activities and the parents (guardians) of youth athletic team members to utilize such tools to limit the exposure of youth athletes to those who might pose a danger.
TBUSA is not involved in the startup of teams, TBUSA does not in any way take responsibility for the organization, creation, management or any other activity of the teams (customers) that register to play in TBUSA baseball events and/or tournaments, except to provide the opportunity to play TBUSA events governed by TBUSA rules..
Teams that participate in TBUSA events are customers of TBUSA and no more. When a team chooses to participate in a TBUSA activity, the team, its players, coaches, volunteers, organizers, and its parents and fans must abide by TBUSA rules located on the TBUSA website under TBUSA Rules. TBUSA has nothing to do with the practice sessions of a team, choosing of team coaches, the picking of which team to play for, where to eat before, after or during a TBUSA, the activities with respect to any other sanctioning body, or any other activities of a team (but simply provides registered participation in TBUSA activities), TBUSA takes no responsibility for any such other non-TBUSA sanctioned event activities of any team.
While TBUSA is not responsible for checking the background of each of its customers (including the coaches of the teams that play in TBUSA events), those convicted or charged with a violent felony or a sex offense with a minor are automatically suspended from all TBUSA activities (until found innocent or the charges are dropped). If you are aware of someone who has been charged with or convicted of a violent felony or a sex crime with a minor and that someone is may be in any way involved in a TBUSA activity, you should immediately inform TBUSA and upon being provided with proof of such charges or conviction, that individual will be automatically suspended from all TBUSA activities. For example, if you do a background check on a coach before joining a team and find evidence that he has been charged with having sex with a minor, you should report this to TBUSA through email or phone number listed on website, even though you have decided to play for another team. Even more important if you are aware of any one who has committed a violent felony or has had sex with a minor that has not been charged, you are obligated to report those crimes to the proper authorities and you should do so immediately.
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