2023 YOUTH SLOWPITCH STATE TOURNAMENT RULES AND PROCEDURES
EACH TEAM MUST CHECK IN AT THE HEADQUARTERS AT THE COMPLEX WHERE THEY WILL BE PLAYING, BEFORE THE START OF YOUR FIRST GAME.
- Basic USA rules apply, with modifications or exceptions as set forth below. USA umpires will be used.
- Please report to the field 30-min. before game time. In the case of games that run ahead of schedule, the start time can and will be advanced. It is the coach’s responsibility to be aware of schedule changes, both game times and diamonds, deemed necessary to keep the tournament near schedule.
- Three game guarantee will be used. In the 10 and under division there will be a 5-run rule per inning. All age divisions will follow the “run ahead” rule of 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5.
- Pick-up players must be listed on the official USA Softball pick-up player form. They shall wear the team uniform that they are playing for, if available.
http://usasoftballofsouthdakota.com/content/images/pdf/2022_Pick_Up_Player.pdf
- Helmets are required for batters and catchers; catchers must also have approved face masks attached. These will be checked along with the bats at the start of the games.
- All teams must have copies of all players’ proof of age, government-issued ID, with them in the dugout. Spot-checking of the roster will be done upon checking in with your team.
- Coaches and dugout personnel need to be Background Checked and are to have completed the yearly SafeSport Training, a Federal Law. One coach or bench personnel are to be ACE Certified.
- The home team in each game is decided by a coin toss and will be the official scorekeeper. Check with the other team periodically to assure you are correct. Official brackets are posted at tournament headquarters and kept up by the tournament officials.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the state tournament. Use of tobacco/vaping products are allowed in complex parking lots only.
- The Tournament steering committee will be the final arbiters of any disputes.
- In case of inclement weather, tournament officials shall have the option to conclude the tournament in whatever form deemed safest and fairest for all.
- USA Softball SD, tournament officials, or the city of Sioux Falls are not responsible for accidents.
- A $5.00 spectator fee per day will be charged. Please inform your fans of this before coming to the tournament. Bench personnel and players are required to have a pass.
- No metal cleats are allowed and if found will be taken away, and given back at the end of the tournament.
- Trot rule will be used in boys slowpitch. Players will be awarded the homerun and will then go to the dugout.
- Good sportsmanship on and off the field. USA Softball South Dakota has zero tolerance for such behavior. There will not be any other warnings given besides this.
- Next year’s State Tournament will be held in Watertown.
PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY, AND PASS THEM ALONG TO THOSE THAT ARE INVOLVED!
