2021 Tournament Rules

HBQVB Complex Rules

• The conduct of fans/parents/ spectators is the responsibility of the manager/coaches.

• No foul language inside the complex.

• No smoking inside the complex.

• No alcohol inside the complex.

• No animals inside the complex.

• No coolers inside the complex.

COVID 

• We recommend each team has its own hand sanitizer.

• We suggest parents entering the complex wear a mask when walking around and maintain 6 feet between you and other parents.

• Players, coaches, and umpires are not required to wear a face-covering but may be worn as desired.

• I’m lieu of handshaking lines, each team will line up on the foul lines, and tip their caps to the opposing team/fans.

General Rules

• Field Dimensions = 42/50

• Good sportsmanship must be stressed at all times.

• Players must wear a complete uniform at all times (on the playing field and when in the dugout)

• Catchers must be wearing the proper equipment (helmet w/ face mask & throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, protective supporter, and cup)

  • The warm-up catcher must wear the same

• No metal cleats/spikes.

• Forfeit time is 15 minutes from game time.

• All teams need 9 players to start the game.

• No throwing of equipment.

• All games will be 6 innings.

• No new inning after 1:45.

• Universal lineup permitted

• No bunting allowed

• Mercy Rules →  15 after 3 and 12 after 4.

• Standings will be calculated; 2 pts Win, 1 pt Tie, 0 pts Loss, in case of head to head --> least amount of runs scored

• If a player is injured and the team has no one to replace them, their spot in the lineup will not be an out. 

• If a player has to leave the game and there is no replacement, his spot in the order will be an automatic out.

• The re-entry rule will be in effect. Know the rule before using it ask the tournament director beforehand.

• No DH.         

• Mound visits will be twice in an inning, the pitcher is to be removed, 3 times in a game pitcher gets removed.

• There will be a maximum of 6 warm-up pitches.                

• If a ball is hit into the OF, and the OFer throws it to an IFer who has possession of the ball, it’s a dead ball. 

• If a runner is more than halfway to the next base, he can advance, if he’s not, he must return to the previous base.

• Only the manager can request time and speak to the umpires.

• There is no courtesy runner.

• There is the speed-up runner for the catcher and pitcher. Mandatory with 2 outs.

• No barreling over the fielder. The runner must slide, or give himself up.

Safety 

• Only players, the manager, and 2 coaches are allowed in the dugout.

• Only 1 on-deck hitter at a time.

• Catchers must be wearing the proper equipment (helmet w/ face mask & throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, protective supporter, and cup)

• A warm-up catcher must wear the same.

• Batters must wear helmets with ear covering on both sides.

• All runners must wear helmets with ear covering on both sides.

• No earbuds, watchers, earnings, etc.. are permitted. Chains must be inside of the shirt at all times.

• Except when returning to a base, head-first slides are not permitted.

• You must slide or give yourself up at the home plate.

• We recommend that you do not share equipment. If need to be shared, a coach/manager should properly disinfect the equipment prior to sharing.

• Home plate meetings will be limited to 1 coach from each team.

• No spectators behind the dugouts, or home plate.

• No parents/spectators are allowed in on-deck batting areas, dugouts, or on the field.

Stealing

• Permitted to steal 3B ONLY

• No taking of home plate on a wild pitch

• The ball is considered dead if it is overthrown into OF when a runner is stealing 3B. The runner cannot advance and must return to 2B.

Umpire

• 1 umpire for ALL games

• Only umpires can grant a timeout. Timeout will be granted when an umpire has considered the play over.

• Any ejection from the game and or an ejection of a spectator(s), they are to leave the complex immediately. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit.

• Only the manager can protest. 

• The only protest on a rule, bat, or an ineligible player can be protested.

• The protest must be made immediately and in a respectful and visible way to the umpires.

• The umpire will discuss among themselves and the Tournament Director and a decision will be made.

Bat

• The only USA Approved Bats = BPF 1.15 marking.

• No composite or bamboo bats.   

• Cannot have a barrel bigger than 2 1/4. 

• No batting donuts are allowed.

• No minus ratio for wood bats.

Pitching

• There are no pitch count rules. However, we encourage each team to look out for the safety and well-being of their pitchers.