Tournament Rules
Unless noted prior to the event, National Federation High School Rules will be used with the following notations. Triple Crown reserves the right to enforce particular invitational tournament rules. Franchisees may offer rule variations.
1. Age Requirement: May 1st will be the designated date to determine ages. Photocopies of birth certificates/grade reports will be required.
Age Cutoff information for events starting 2019: Players are eligible for a division of play provided that they are not older than that age division on April 30 of the current year. For 13U and older graduation year may be used.
2. Rosters: May not exceed 20 players, 25 players for 15U-18U during the tournament. All players must have an authorized signature to be eligible.
3. Protest Fee: $100 cash (on rule interpretation only). Protests must be made prior to the next pitch being thrown. Umpire(s) must be informed first of a protest made during the game. The Tournament Director will make the final decision on all protests.
4. Game Time: Starting time is forfeit time, unless delay is created by Triple Crown. Game time starts at completion of coin toss OR pre-game meeting.
5. Home Team: Determined by coin flip in pool play. Higher seed is awarded the choice of home team in playoffs and championship games. If two equal seeds meet then we will use a coin flip. Home team will be required to keep the official book. Disputes will be reviewed by tournament staff. The exception to this rule is in the case of a double elimination bracket the undefeated team will always have choice of home or away, regardless of their seed.
6. Player Minimum: A team must start with a minimum of nine players but can finish with fewer, taking outs in the vacant batting order positions.
7. Tie-Breaker System: For ALL playoff games (other than Championship Game) if a game is tied after all innings have been completed (or at time limit), the "American" tie-breaker rule will go into effect. The last three hitters from the previous inning will load the bases. The base runners will be placed as follows: Last hitter from previous inning @ 1st Base / Hitter before him in the lineup @ 2nd Base/ Hitter before that in the lineup @ 3rd Base. The offensive team also starts the inning with one out. This happens until the tie is broken and the game is complete. *Pool Play Games can end in a tie.
8. Pitching Rules (Innings per Tournament): the amount of innings a pitcher can pitch through the teams first 4 games. 8s = 6, 9s = 6, 10s = 6, 11s = 6, 12s = 6, 13s = 7, 14s = 7, 15s = 8, Upperclass = 8 *Scorecards must be signed by both team managers to eliminate inning validation problems. (Managers, please help with this process.) *One additional inning per pitcher for every game played after the teams 4 games. At the start of the teams 5th played game = 1 additional inning, 6th=1 more inning, 7th=1 more inning, etc... *No limit on the number of appearances. *One pitch (warm-up or game) will be considered an inning pitched. *Eight warm-ups to start, five thereafter. Umpires reserve the right to limit the warm-up time to a minimum of 1 minute regardless of the number of pitches thrown. *If pitching rules are violated and the infraction is detected, the situation will be reviewed and a MINIMUM of the head coach ejection will be enforced. Additional consequences may include the player ejection from game, player and head coach from the tournament, forfeiture of game and elimination of team from the event.
9. No Infield Warm-Ups
10. Baseballs: Estimated two new balls per game. Umpires reserve the right to refuse baseballs they determine are not suitable. a dozen baseballs are provide to each team to start the tournament.
11. No steel cleats in the following age groups: 8s, 9s, and 10's.
12. Bat Restrictions: 13u and Younger: All bats -5 or greater must be stamped BPF 1.15 USSSA or USA stamp. Must be a baseball bat – no restriction on weight or length as long as bat has “BPF 1.15 or USA” stamp. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed.
14u and Older: -3 weight/length ratio only. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed. Wood Bat Rule: To be considered a wood bat , a bat must be made of a single piece of wood. All other bats such as bamboo or two piece must meet the BBCOR standards and have the BBCOR stamp. Bat rules apply to the age division you are playing in (not the age of the player or team). Penalties for illegal bats assessed per the NFHS rule book.
13. Uniforms: Numbers mandatory, matching uniforms recommended.
14. Adverse Weather: Triple Crown baseball tournaments will be played in adverse weather conditions. The format may be changed to lesser time limits or fewer innings to complete the tournament. Coaches and players accept these conditions when entering the tournament.
15. Hotels/Motels/Condos: Teams that leave unpaid bills or damages will be removed from the tournament and reported to their respective leagues.
16. No Show: Teams that no-show will forfeit their entry fee and may be subject to suspension from Triple Crown events for the following season.
17. All age groups can have an EH (Extra Hitter) if they choose to bat 10. You can also utilize a DH in addition to the EH. Teams 14u and younger may bat any number of players (must start with 9)and retain subs but must remain at the same total number of batters they started with throughout the game. If you finish the game with less players in your batting lineup you must take outs in the vacant positions. Free defensive rotation for kids in the lineup. You can also bat any number of kids. For example if you have 14 kids on the roster, you can bat 11, 12, 13 or 14. Only players in the batting lineup can rotate freely defensively.
18. Courtesy Runners: As per NFHS rules, a courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher or catcher. The courtesy runner must be a substitute player that has not been in the game. A courtesy runner may run for either the pitcher or catcher, but not both. Two courtesy runners (one for pitcher, one for catcher) may be used if the team has eligible substitutes for both roles. However, there's an optional (not mandatory) allowance for the catcher only - if the team doesn't meet the NFHS rule (eligible substitute), the last batter out may run for the catcher.
19. Refund Policy: see refund policy page
22. Decisions: Tournament Director shall have final decision on all tournament questions.
TRIPLE CROWN WILL PLAY THESE DIMENSIONS AND RUN RULES
8 Year Old Rules: * 40 ft. pitching, 60 ft. bases *6 innings or 1:45 min. *Mercy rules are 20 runs after 2 complete innings, 15 after 3, 10 after 4 or 8 after 5.
9's, 10's: **46'pitching**60 or 65'bases**1 hr 45 (140 for Best of the West) **6 innings**15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4 or 8 after 5 8's,9's,10's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only.
11's, 12's: **50'pitching**70'bases**1 hr 45 min (1:40 for Best of the West)**6 innings**15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4 or 8 after 5 11's,12's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only. 13's,14's**60'pitching**90'bases**2 hours (1:50 for Best of the West) **7 innings**15 runs after 4 innings, 10 after 5 or 8 after 6 13's,14's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only.
15's through 19's: **60'6"pitching**90"bases**2 hr 10 minutes**7 innings** 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6 15's,19's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only.
All ages have a 20-run rule after 2 completed innings
8u Kid pitch ONLY: No leadoffs, no stealing home -- a runner *starting a play* at third base may *only* advance home on a batted ball or when *forced* home by a walk, hit batter, or other force play (bases loaded). A walk is considered a "Dead Ball" situation -- the batter may only take 1st Base and any forced runners may only advance one base. A runner starting from 1st or 2nd Base may advance home as a continuation of a play (no mandatory red light at 3rd Base for a play in motion). Runner may leave base only after ball crosses plate: 1st Offense = Dead Ball / warning; 2nd Offense = Dead Ball / offending runner is called out, other runners return to previously occupied bases, no ball/strike charged to batter). Batter may not run on dropped 3rd strike; bunting is allowed. No balks. Entire lineup may bat, but not mandatory. If bat-the-lineup is chosen, courtesy runners for pitcher/catcher aren't allowed. Three outfielders, four infielders and pitcher/catcher on defense. No maximum runs per inning. Infield fly rule used.
TOURNAMENT LODGING (CONDO & HOTEL) SECURITY POLICY: Myrtle Beach has graciously opened its doors to our events. Most lodging is well-suited for multiple night stays and may include amenities you may not find in other tournaments. Please respect the properties that are hosting you. Parents and coaches: it is your sole responsibility to supervise your children. There should be no lodging without adult supervision. Players and families should be well chaperoned at all times. ANY PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM LOUD NOISE, HORSEPLAY IN THE POOL FACILITIES OR UNSUPERVISED LOITERING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Failure to comply could result in game forfeiture and/or removal from the event.
1. Age Requirement: May 1st will be the designated date to determine ages. Photocopies of birth certificates/grade reports will be required.
Age Cutoff information for events starting 2019: Players are eligible for a division of play provided that they are not older than that age division on April 30 of the current year. For 13U and older graduation year may be used.
2. Rosters: May not exceed 20 players, 25 players for 15U-18U during the tournament. All players must have an authorized signature to be eligible.
3. Protest Fee: $100 cash (on rule interpretation only). Protests must be made prior to the next pitch being thrown. Umpire(s) must be informed first of a protest made during the game. The Tournament Director will make the final decision on all protests.
4. Game Time: Starting time is forfeit time, unless delay is created by Triple Crown. Game time starts at completion of coin toss OR pre-game meeting.
5. Home Team: Determined by coin flip in pool play. Higher seed is awarded the choice of home team in playoffs and championship games. If two equal seeds meet then we will use a coin flip. Home team will be required to keep the official book. Disputes will be reviewed by tournament staff. The exception to this rule is in the case of a double elimination bracket the undefeated team will always have choice of home or away, regardless of their seed.
6. Player Minimum: A team must start with a minimum of nine players but can finish with fewer, taking outs in the vacant batting order positions.
7. Tie-Breaker System: For ALL playoff games (other than Championship Game) if a game is tied after all innings have been completed (or at time limit), the "American" tie-breaker rule will go into effect. The last three hitters from the previous inning will load the bases. The base runners will be placed as follows: Last hitter from previous inning @ 1st Base / Hitter before him in the lineup @ 2nd Base/ Hitter before that in the lineup @ 3rd Base. The offensive team also starts the inning with one out. This happens until the tie is broken and the game is complete. *Pool Play Games can end in a tie.
8. Pitching Rules (Innings per Tournament): the amount of innings a pitcher can pitch through the teams first 4 games. 8s = 6, 9s = 6, 10s = 6, 11s = 6, 12s = 6, 13s = 7, 14s = 7, 15s = 8, Upperclass = 8 *Scorecards must be signed by both team managers to eliminate inning validation problems. (Managers, please help with this process.) *One additional inning per pitcher for every game played after the teams 4 games. At the start of the teams 5th played game = 1 additional inning, 6th=1 more inning, 7th=1 more inning, etc... *No limit on the number of appearances. *One pitch (warm-up or game) will be considered an inning pitched. *Eight warm-ups to start, five thereafter. Umpires reserve the right to limit the warm-up time to a minimum of 1 minute regardless of the number of pitches thrown. *If pitching rules are violated and the infraction is detected, the situation will be reviewed and a MINIMUM of the head coach ejection will be enforced. Additional consequences may include the player ejection from game, player and head coach from the tournament, forfeiture of game and elimination of team from the event.
9. No Infield Warm-Ups
10. Baseballs: Estimated two new balls per game. Umpires reserve the right to refuse baseballs they determine are not suitable. a dozen baseballs are provide to each team to start the tournament.
11. No steel cleats in the following age groups: 8s, 9s, and 10's.
12. Bat Restrictions: 13u and Younger: All bats -5 or greater must be stamped BPF 1.15 USSSA or USA stamp. Must be a baseball bat – no restriction on weight or length as long as bat has “BPF 1.15 or USA” stamp. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed.
14u and Older: -3 weight/length ratio only. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed. Wood Bat Rule: To be considered a wood bat , a bat must be made of a single piece of wood. All other bats such as bamboo or two piece must meet the BBCOR standards and have the BBCOR stamp. Bat rules apply to the age division you are playing in (not the age of the player or team). Penalties for illegal bats assessed per the NFHS rule book.
13. Uniforms: Numbers mandatory, matching uniforms recommended.
14. Adverse Weather: Triple Crown baseball tournaments will be played in adverse weather conditions. The format may be changed to lesser time limits or fewer innings to complete the tournament. Coaches and players accept these conditions when entering the tournament.
15. Hotels/Motels/Condos: Teams that leave unpaid bills or damages will be removed from the tournament and reported to their respective leagues.
16. No Show: Teams that no-show will forfeit their entry fee and may be subject to suspension from Triple Crown events for the following season.
17. All age groups can have an EH (Extra Hitter) if they choose to bat 10. You can also utilize a DH in addition to the EH. Teams 14u and younger may bat any number of players (must start with 9)and retain subs but must remain at the same total number of batters they started with throughout the game. If you finish the game with less players in your batting lineup you must take outs in the vacant positions. Free defensive rotation for kids in the lineup. You can also bat any number of kids. For example if you have 14 kids on the roster, you can bat 11, 12, 13 or 14. Only players in the batting lineup can rotate freely defensively.
18. Courtesy Runners: As per NFHS rules, a courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher or catcher. The courtesy runner must be a substitute player that has not been in the game. A courtesy runner may run for either the pitcher or catcher, but not both. Two courtesy runners (one for pitcher, one for catcher) may be used if the team has eligible substitutes for both roles. However, there's an optional (not mandatory) allowance for the catcher only - if the team doesn't meet the NFHS rule (eligible substitute), the last batter out may run for the catcher.
19. Refund Policy: see refund policy page
22. Decisions: Tournament Director shall have final decision on all tournament questions.
TRIPLE CROWN WILL PLAY THESE DIMENSIONS AND RUN RULES
8 Year Old Rules: * 40 ft. pitching, 60 ft. bases *6 innings or 1:45 min. *Mercy rules are 20 runs after 2 complete innings, 15 after 3, 10 after 4 or 8 after 5.
9's, 10's: **46'pitching**60 or 65'bases**1 hr 45 (140 for Best of the West) **6 innings**15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4 or 8 after 5 8's,9's,10's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only.
11's, 12's: **50'pitching**70'bases**1 hr 45 min (1:40 for Best of the West)**6 innings**15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4 or 8 after 5 11's,12's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only. 13's,14's**60'pitching**90'bases**2 hours (1:50 for Best of the West) **7 innings**15 runs after 4 innings, 10 after 5 or 8 after 6 13's,14's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only.
15's through 19's: **60'6"pitching**90"bases**2 hr 10 minutes**7 innings** 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 or 8 after 6 15's,19's Semi-Final & Championship games no time limit, No Tie-Breaker and run rules are still in effect in the Summer National Championship Bracket only.
All ages have a 20-run rule after 2 completed innings
8u Kid pitch ONLY: No leadoffs, no stealing home -- a runner *starting a play* at third base may *only* advance home on a batted ball or when *forced* home by a walk, hit batter, or other force play (bases loaded). A walk is considered a "Dead Ball" situation -- the batter may only take 1st Base and any forced runners may only advance one base. A runner starting from 1st or 2nd Base may advance home as a continuation of a play (no mandatory red light at 3rd Base for a play in motion). Runner may leave base only after ball crosses plate: 1st Offense = Dead Ball / warning; 2nd Offense = Dead Ball / offending runner is called out, other runners return to previously occupied bases, no ball/strike charged to batter). Batter may not run on dropped 3rd strike; bunting is allowed. No balks. Entire lineup may bat, but not mandatory. If bat-the-lineup is chosen, courtesy runners for pitcher/catcher aren't allowed. Three outfielders, four infielders and pitcher/catcher on defense. No maximum runs per inning. Infield fly rule used.
TOURNAMENT LODGING (CONDO & HOTEL) SECURITY POLICY: Myrtle Beach has graciously opened its doors to our events. Most lodging is well-suited for multiple night stays and may include amenities you may not find in other tournaments. Please respect the properties that are hosting you. Parents and coaches: it is your sole responsibility to supervise your children. There should be no lodging without adult supervision. Players and families should be well chaperoned at all times. ANY PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM LOUD NOISE, HORSEPLAY IN THE POOL FACILITIES OR UNSUPERVISED LOITERING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Failure to comply could result in game forfeiture and/or removal from the event.
