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: April 30 will be the designated date to determine ages. Photocopies of birth certificates will be required.
New age Cutoff information for 13u & 14u teams:
*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.
*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.
**Additional verification will be needed for these players.
2. Roster rules are as follows:
8u to 14u – Rosters may not exceed 20 players during the course of the season.
15u to 18u – Rosters may not exceed 25 players during the course of the season.
3. Protest Fee: $100 cash (on rule interpretation only).
4. Game Time: Starting time is forfeit time, unless delay is created by Triple Crown. Game time starts at completion of coin toss.
5. Home Team: Determined by coin flip in pool play, in playoff rounds the better seeded team will be given choice of home/visitor. Home team is required to keep the official book.
6. Player Minimum: A team must start with a minimum of 9 players but can finish with less, taking outs in vacated batting positions.
7. Championship Games: No time limit and no "Triple Crown Tie Breaker” – run rules are still in effect.
8. Pitching Rules (Innings per Tournament):
8s = 6 innings 9s = 6 innings 10s = 6 innings 11s = 6 innings 12s = 6 innings 13s = 7 innings 14s = 7 innings
15s = 8 innings 16s = 8 innings 18s = 8 innings
****One additional inning per game, per player starting in a team’s 5th game played****
*Scorecards must be signed by both team managers to eliminate inning validation problems. (Managers, please help with this process.)
*No limit on the number of appearances.
*It is a balk if the pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first or third base and fails to complete the throw: Pitchers may still feint a throw to second.(No fake to third with foot on plate and throw to first). “while this is a new rule, the rule is intended to instill in all ways the same restrictions on a pitcher that exist pertaining to a feint or throw to first.”
*A mound appearance resulting in any 1 pitch (warm-up pitch or game pitch) being thrown or a play will be considered an inning pitched.
*Eight warm-ups to start, five thereafter.
*If pitching rules are violated and the infraction is detected, the situation will be reviewed and consequences will be determined by the tournament director. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, the following: coach and/or player ejections, game forfeiture, removal of team from the tournament, suspension from additional tournaments.
9. Infield Warm-Ups: All teams are encouraged to warm-up as much as possible before game time. No pre-game infield.
10. Baseballs: Teams must provide all game balls (High School approved). Typically two new balls and one used ball per game are sufficient.
11. No steel cleats in the following age groups: 10u and younger.
12. Triple Crown Bat Rules:
13u and younger: All bats must be stamped BPF 1.15 USSSA or USA Baseball. Must be a baseball bat – no restriction on weight or length as long as bat has “BPF 1.15” stamp. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed.
14u: -3 weight/length ratio only; all -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR; wood bats allowed.
15u and older: -3 weight/length ratio only. All bats must be stamped BBCOR.
Bat rules apply to the age division you are playing in (not the age of the player or team).
Penalties for illegal bats will be assessed as per the NFHS rule book.
1st Violation - Batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) & head coach is restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.
2nd Violation (Same Game) - Batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and Head Coach is ejected.
Subsequent Violations of this rule: Batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach is ejected.
When a batter is declared out for violation of bat rules, the defense may take the penalty or result of the play. the head coach penalties apply in either case.
13. Uniforms: Numbers mandatory, matching uniforms recommended.
14. Adverse Weather: The Triple Crown Baseball Tournament 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. Decisions: The Tournament Director shall have final decision on all tournament questions.
16. Hotels/Motels/Condos: Teams that leave unpaid bills or damages will be removed from the tournament and reported to their respective leagues.
17. Weather Refund Policy: There will be a $175.00 administration fee charged for complete rain outs; 1 game played = 50% of entry fee; 2 or more games played = no refund.
18. Tie-Breaker System: If a playoff game is tied after all innings have been completed (or at time limit), the "Triple Crown Tie-Breaker" will go into effect. Each team puts the batter who is scheduled to bat last in their offensive half of the inning on second base and plays out a full inning. This happens until the tie is broken and the game is complete. After two complete innings with the runner starting on second base and still no winner, the runner will move from second to third and the inning will be played out. 18B. Pool play games CAN end in ties after all innings have been completed or at time limit.
19. No Show: Teams that no-show will forfeit their entry fee and may be subject to suspension from competition in Triple Crown events for the remainder of the season.
20. Batting Order: Teams may bat any number of players and retain subs but must remain at the same total number of batters they started with throughout the game: Example 11 batters and 3 subs must finish with 11 batters. Batters not listed defensively will be extra hitters (EP or EH) and may rotate anywhere on the field like any other starters. If a team finishes the game with less players than they started, the team must take outs in the vacant positions (NO EXCEPTIONS).. Teams 14u and younger have the OPTION to 'Bat the Entire Roster'. You MUST bat every player on the roster.
21. Courtesy Runner: The NFHS rules apply for the pitcher and catcher. However, there's an option (not mandatory) allowance for the catcher ONLY - if the team doesn't meet the NFHS rule (ex. no eligible substitute or batting entire lineup), the last batted out may run for the catcher.
22. Visits to the mound: As per NFHS rules , each team is allowed three charged visits to the mound within a game. A charged visit is a trip in which the manager or coach does not remove the pitcher. After the three charged visits are used, every trip to the mound will result in the pitcher being removed. A visit is not “charged” when the manager removes the pitcher from the mound. Remember, charged visits are cumulative for the entire game (visits are not tracked “per pitcher”). No restrictions on visits per inning.
****TRIPLE CROWN WILL PLAY THESE DIMENSIONS AND RUN RULES****
8u **40’ pitching**60’ bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
9u **43' pitching**65' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
10u **46' pitching**65' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
11u, 12u**50' pitching**70' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, or 8 runs after 5 innings.
13u, 60'6'' pitching**90' bases**2 hrs**7 innings**
15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings, or 8 runs after 6 innings.
14u, 60’6” pitching** 90’ bases**2 hrs**7 innings**
15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings, or 8 runs after 6 innings.
15u, 16u, 18u**60'6" pitching **90' bases**2 hrs 10 minutes**7 innings**
15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings or 8 runs after 6 innings.
*********All ages have a 20 run rule after 2 completed innings*********
8u division specific rules ONLY.
No leadoffs, no stealing home -- a runner *starting a play* at 3rd Base may *only* advance home on a batted ball or when *forced* home by a walk, hit batter, or other force play (bases loaded). For 8u, note that 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 (there is not a 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. 10 run MAX. per half inning. No balks.
1. Age Requirement: April 30 will be the designated date to determine ages. Photocopies of birth certificates will be required.
New age Cutoff information for 13u & 14u teams:
*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.
*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.
**Additional verification will be needed for these players.
2. Roster rules are as follows:
8u to 14u – Rosters may not exceed 20 players during the course of the season.
15u to 18u – Rosters may not exceed 25 players during the course of the season.
3. Protest Fee: $100 cash (on rule interpretation only).
4. Game Time: Starting time is forfeit time, unless delay is created by Triple Crown. Game time starts at completion of coin toss.
5. Home Team: Determined by coin flip in pool play, in playoff rounds the better seeded team will be given choice of home/visitor. Home team is required to keep the official book.
6. Player Minimum: A team must start with a minimum of 9 players but can finish with less, taking outs in vacated batting positions.
7. Championship Games: No time limit and no "Triple Crown Tie Breaker” – run rules are still in effect.
8. Pitching Rules (Innings per Tournament):
8s = 6 innings 9s = 6 innings 10s = 6 innings 11s = 6 innings 12s = 6 innings 13s = 7 innings 14s = 7 innings
15s = 8 innings 16s = 8 innings 18s = 8 innings
****One additional inning per game, per player starting in a team’s 5th game played****
*Scorecards must be signed by both team managers to eliminate inning validation problems. (Managers, please help with this process.)
*No limit on the number of appearances.
*It is a balk if the pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first or third base and fails to complete the throw: Pitchers may still feint a throw to second.(No fake to third with foot on plate and throw to first). “while this is a new rule, the rule is intended to instill in all ways the same restrictions on a pitcher that exist pertaining to a feint or throw to first.”
*A mound appearance resulting in any 1 pitch (warm-up pitch or game pitch) being thrown or a play will be considered an inning pitched.
*Eight warm-ups to start, five thereafter.
*If pitching rules are violated and the infraction is detected, the situation will be reviewed and consequences will be determined by the tournament director. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, the following: coach and/or player ejections, game forfeiture, removal of team from the tournament, suspension from additional tournaments.
9. Infield Warm-Ups: All teams are encouraged to warm-up as much as possible before game time. No pre-game infield.
10. Baseballs: Teams must provide all game balls (High School approved). Typically two new balls and one used ball per game are sufficient.
11. No steel cleats in the following age groups: 10u and younger.
12. Triple Crown Bat Rules:
13u and younger: All bats must be stamped BPF 1.15 USSSA or USA Baseball. Must be a baseball bat – no restriction on weight or length as long as bat has “BPF 1.15” stamp. All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR. Wood bats allowed.
14u: -3 weight/length ratio only; all -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR; wood bats allowed.
15u and older: -3 weight/length ratio only. All bats must be stamped BBCOR.
Bat rules apply to the age division you are playing in (not the age of the player or team).
Penalties for illegal bats will be assessed as per the NFHS rule book.
1st Violation - Batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) & head coach is restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.
2nd Violation (Same Game) - Batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and Head Coach is ejected.
Subsequent Violations of this rule: Batter is declared out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach is ejected.
When a batter is declared out for violation of bat rules, the defense may take the penalty or result of the play. the head coach penalties apply in either case.
13. Uniforms: Numbers mandatory, matching uniforms recommended.
14. Adverse Weather: The Triple Crown Baseball Tournament 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. Decisions: The Tournament Director shall have final decision on all tournament questions.
16. Hotels/Motels/Condos: Teams that leave unpaid bills or damages will be removed from the tournament and reported to their respective leagues.
17. Weather Refund Policy: There will be a $175.00 administration fee charged for complete rain outs; 1 game played = 50% of entry fee; 2 or more games played = no refund.
18. Tie-Breaker System: If a playoff game is tied after all innings have been completed (or at time limit), the "Triple Crown Tie-Breaker" will go into effect. Each team puts the batter who is scheduled to bat last in their offensive half of the inning on second base and plays out a full inning. This happens until the tie is broken and the game is complete. After two complete innings with the runner starting on second base and still no winner, the runner will move from second to third and the inning will be played out. 18B. Pool play games CAN end in ties after all innings have been completed or at time limit.
19. No Show: Teams that no-show will forfeit their entry fee and may be subject to suspension from competition in Triple Crown events for the remainder of the season.
20. Batting Order: Teams may bat any number of players and retain subs but must remain at the same total number of batters they started with throughout the game: Example 11 batters and 3 subs must finish with 11 batters. Batters not listed defensively will be extra hitters (EP or EH) and may rotate anywhere on the field like any other starters. If a team finishes the game with less players than they started, the team must take outs in the vacant positions (NO EXCEPTIONS).. Teams 14u and younger have the OPTION to 'Bat the Entire Roster'. You MUST bat every player on the roster.
21. Courtesy Runner: The NFHS rules apply for the pitcher and catcher. However, there's an option (not mandatory) allowance for the catcher ONLY - if the team doesn't meet the NFHS rule (ex. no eligible substitute or batting entire lineup), the last batted out may run for the catcher.
22. Visits to the mound: As per NFHS rules , each team is allowed three charged visits to the mound within a game. A charged visit is a trip in which the manager or coach does not remove the pitcher. After the three charged visits are used, every trip to the mound will result in the pitcher being removed. A visit is not “charged” when the manager removes the pitcher from the mound. Remember, charged visits are cumulative for the entire game (visits are not tracked “per pitcher”). No restrictions on visits per inning.
****TRIPLE CROWN WILL PLAY THESE DIMENSIONS AND RUN RULES****
8u **40’ pitching**60’ bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
9u **43' pitching**65' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
10u **46' pitching**65' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
11u, 12u**50' pitching**70' bases**1 hr 45 min**6 innings**
15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, or 8 runs after 5 innings.
13u, 60'6'' pitching**90' bases**2 hrs**7 innings**
15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings, or 8 runs after 6 innings.
14u, 60’6” pitching** 90’ bases**2 hrs**7 innings**
15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings, or 8 runs after 6 innings.
15u, 16u, 18u**60'6" pitching **90' bases**2 hrs 10 minutes**7 innings**
15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings or 8 runs after 6 innings.
*********All ages have a 20 run rule after 2 completed innings*********
8u division specific rules ONLY.
No leadoffs, no stealing home -- a runner *starting a play* at 3rd Base may *only* advance home on a batted ball or when *forced* home by a walk, hit batter, or other force play (bases loaded). For 8u, note that 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 (there is not a 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. 10 run MAX. per half inning. No balks.
