2027 May Tournament

USA ELITE TRAINING

OFFICIAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT RULE BOOK

USA Softball Rules will be followed with some exceptions.

Round Robin  • Tournament Play

1. Tournament Format

• Each team receives a minimum of 5 games in this tournament. 4 pool play games, and single elimination play on Sunday.
•  Games are 1 hour and 45 minutes long, with no new inning beginning after 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• USA Softball playing rules apply
• Pool play games may end in a tie; international tiebreaker applies on elimination games.

2. Game Duration and Drop-Dead Rule

• Games end at the 1-hour-and-45-minute drop-dead limit, upon satisfaction of the mercy rule, or after seven innings, whichever occurs first. No new inning may begin after 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• The official clock starts immediately after the pregame plate conference and is controlled by the field umpires.
• An inning that begins before 1 hour and 40 minutes may continue until the 1-hour-and-45-minute limit. At the time limit, finish the current batter only; do not finish the half-inning.
• The score reverts to the last fully completed inning, unless the home team is batting and has tied or taken the lead, then that score stands.
• If fewer than one full inning has been completed, the Tournament Director will determine whether the contest is recorded as no game.
• The clock is stopped only when authorized by the Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) or Tournament Director.
• Seeding is based on

1. Wins/losses

2.Runs against

3. Runs for

4. Head-to-Head

5. A coin flip

3. Mercy Rules

• 15 runs after 3 innings; 12 runs after 4 innings; 8 runs after 5 innings.
• The home team need not complete its at-bat if it is already ahead by the required margin.

4. Field and Equipment

• Pitching distance: 43 feet.
• Two umpires are assigned per game. Game balls are included.
• Bats, helmets, catcher’s gear, jewelry and other equipment must comply with the adopted playing rules and facility safety requirements.

5. Pay-at-the-Plate Umpire Fee

• Umpire pay is $100 per game per team, due in cash at the pregame plate meeting.
• Payment must be completed before play begins.

6. Pregame Readiness

• No pregame warm-ups on the playing field. Teams must arrive game-ready.
• Teams should be prepared to play up to 25 minutes before the listed start time, except for the first game of the day.
• Coaches attend the plate meeting and exchange lineups. Home/away is decided by coin toss for exhibition games unless the Tournament Director specifies otherwise.
• Warm-ups are permitted only in designated areas outside the infield.

7. Lineups and Player Participation

• Traditional lineups and continuous batting may be used; declare the lineup method at the plate conference.
• DP/Flex, substitutions and courtesy runners follow the adopted playing rules.
• Only rostered players and authorized coaches may occupy the dugout.

8. Pitching and Warm-Up Safety

• Five warm-up pitches at the start of the game or when a new pitcher enters; three between subsequent innings, subject to umpire direction.
• Pitchers warming outside the field must use designated safe areas with a spotter; warm-up catchers must wear a catcher’s mask. No team warmups allowed on the football field.
• No pitcher warm-ups in spectator areas.

9. Umpires and Rules Disputes

• Field umpires control the game. At least one UIC will be on-site or available to resolve rules questions.
• Judgment calls are not protestable. Rules interpretation issues must be raised before the next pitch whenever possible.
• The Tournament Director and UIC have final authority on tournament procedures.

10. Conduct and Sportsmanship

• Managers are responsible for players, coaches and associated spectators.
• Abusive, threatening or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in ejection or removal from the tournament.
• An ejected adult must leave the vicinity of the field and have no further contact with the team for the remainder of that game.

11. Weather, Delays and Schedule Changes

• The Tournament Director may shorten games, adjust schedules or change the format because of weather, darkness, safety or other unforeseen conditions.
• Any changes will be communicated to participating teams. Safety and completion of the event take priority.

12. Exhibition Games and Results

• The 4 guaranteed pool play games are exhibition contests, not elimination-bracket games.
• There will be elimination play on Sunday ..
• Coaches should verify recorded scores with the umpire after each game.

13. Refund and Cancellation Policies:

While we will make every attempt to play each event, the weather may prevent an event from being completed or in some cases, even starting. In those cases:

•If at least 1 game is started no refund is provided.

•If no games are started a $700 refund is given.