· The Bigler Fast Pitch Tournament is based on a (4) game minimum format, weather depending. There will be four pool games with the top four teams advancing to the playoff round. NFHS rules shall govern with exceptions as noted below.
· Each team shall submit a Tournament Roster and a copy of their Certificate of Insurance to be on file with our Tournament Director prior to the first game.
· Bracket play shall be time limit or International Tie Breaker. Time limit will begin at the end of the home plate conference when the umpire announces the home team to take the field for all games. Pool play shall be time limit and no new inning will start after 75 minutes. Ties can result in pool play and result in a half win and a half loss.
For Bracket play, no new inning will start after 75 minutes. Umpires will enforce a 1 minute time limit between changing of innings. Championship game will be 7 innings in regulation length with no time limit. Run rule (NFHS) – (10) runs after 5 innings does apply to Championship game.
· Run Rules- (15) runs after 3 innings, (10) runs after 5 innings shall be in effect for pool play and Bracket Play. Pool Play: Continuous batting order for ALL games.
· Bracket Play: NFHS rules apply – you may have 9 batters. International tiebreaker shall be implemented for all Bracket play. Courtesy runners shall be allowed for the pitcher and catcher only. In Pool play, a courtesy runner shall be the last out (using continuous batting order). In Bracket Play, a courtesy runner may be used but must be a bench player per NFHS rules. If an offensive player is injured a courtesy runner may be used. In the event a player has to leave the game before her next at bat, she shall be disqualified for the rest of the game. If the continuous batting order is used, an out shall be recorded at the injured player’s lineup position.
· A team may start a game with only eight (8) players. If this is the case, there shall be no penalty for the ninth spot in the batting order.
· U12 Pitching distance is 40’ with bases at 60’.
· U14 Pitching distance is 43’ with bases at 60’.
· There is no limit to the number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a game.
· Unlimited Defensive Substitutions when using continuous batting order.
· On deck batter should warm up behind the batter – This is different than the NFHS rule – making the girls stay on the side their team is on. This is for the safety of the girls.
· Metal spikes allowed at U14 only.
· Home team shall be determined by coin flip for pool play and highest seed in bracket play.
· Home teams shall be considered the official scorer for that game.
· Game balls will be supplied by the Tournament Director.
· Prior to the start of the game, the umpires shall determine ground rules. There will be no protests, umpire’s decision shall stand.
· Winning team is responsible for bringing final score to tournament director.
· Each team shall clean up their bench area after their game.
· Concessions will be available so please do not bring food into the parks.
· Brackets posted at the Tournament Site are the Official Brackets and Schedule.
Teams shall be ready to play 30 min. prior to game time in order to keep the tournament on schedule. If an opportunity arises to begin a game early because of run rule it will be at the Tournament Director’s discretion to do so. In the event of inclement weather it will be the responsibility of a team representative to confirm revised schedules as posted.
Thank you, and good luck! Enjoy the tournament.
