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SOUTH EAST ASIA YOUTH

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

TOURNAMENT RULES

SINGAPORE

27TH-30TH MARCH 2019

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Unless otherwise clarified, modified or added below; the TOURNAMENT RULES will

follow the rulebook indicated, and age restrictions by division will be as follows:

Division Age Restrictions Rule Book

Minors Baseball Cannot be 13 before April 1, 2019 2019 Little League

Majors Baseball

Cannot be 15 before April 1,

2019 2019 Jr./Sr./Big League

Seniors Baseball Cannot be 19 before April 1, 2019 2019 Jr./Sr./Big League

Girls Seniors Softball Cannot be 19 before April 1, 2019 2019 A.S.A.

DIVISION SPECIFIC DATA

Minors Majors Seniors Seniors

Baseball Baseball Baseball Softball

Base Paths (ft) 60’ 80’ 90’ 60’

Pitching Distance (ft) 46’ 54’ 60.5’ 43’

Innings/game 6 7 7 7

Pitched innings/game NA NA NA Open

Pitched innings/day NA NA NA Open

Pitched innings NA NA NA 26

tournament

Game time limits * 1 hr 40 mins 1 hr 50 mins 1 hr 50 mins 2 hrs

Run Limit per Innings 6 (except last) None None None

Game official after 4 (3 1/2) 5 (4 1/2) 5 (4 1/2) 5 (4 1/2)

Balls

*The inning in which the time limit is reached will be the last. Scorers will keep time

starting from the first pitch and shall notify the umpire when the time limit is reached. The

clock can be stopped by agreement between the scorers and home plate umpire for injury

or umpire time. Umpires, managers, coaches, players and scorers are all responsible for

speeding up the game to try and ensure full innings are played. Catchers should be ready

as much as possible. Quick changeovers will be highly encouraged. Managers/coaches

should not unduly delay the game with between inning substitutions. The umpires are

instructed to aggressively move games along.

Game starting time may not allow for infield practice. Teams and umpires should be ready

to immediately play at their game time. Warm-ups can and should be done on the

Practice Field or space allocated.

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CLARIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL RULES (applicable to all Divisions)

1. The use of bat boys/girls is prohibited during warm-ups, practices and games.

2. Each team Manager shall decide the number of players to roster or play in a game up to

the agreed minimum of 11 and maximum of 14 players per team. Little League

Tournament Rules 9 (Mandatory Play) and 10 (Substitution/Re-Entry) will be in effect

for all respective Divisions (including Softball).

In summary:

• Under Rule 9 (Mandatory Play) for Minors and Majors Baseball Divisions: If a

tournament team has thirteen (13) or more eligible players in uniform at a game,

then every player on a team roster shall participate in each game for a minimum of

one (1) at- bat. If a tournament team has twelve (12) or fewer eligible players in

uniform in each game, then every player on a team roster shall participate in each

game for a minimum of six (6) consecutive defensive outs and at least one (1) atbat.

Note: all other sections of this tournament rule, while not mentioned here,

apply.

• Under Rule 10 (Substitution/Re-Entry): This tournament rule replaces regular

season Rule 3.03 (re-entry) for all levels of tournament play. In particular, please

note the following pertinent sections:

a. Any player who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game in

the SAME position in the batting order.

b. For Minors/Majors Baseball only, a substitute entering the game for the first

time may not be removed prior to completion of his/her mandatory play

requirements (Refer Rule 9).

c. For Majors/Seniors Baseball only, a pitcher remaining in the game, but moving

to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the

game but only ONCE per game.

d. For Seniors Baseball only, contrary to Little League rules, there will be no

designated hitter allowed in this tournament.

e. For Seniors Baseball only, any player in the starting line-up, who has been

removed for a substitute may re-enter the game only ONCE, and provided such

player occupies the SAME batting position as he or she did.

Note: all other sections of this tournament rule, while not mentioned here, apply.

Based on using Little League Rule 10 as our tournament-wide substitution rule, all

other substitution rules in the Little League or A.S.A. rules will be ignored, including

A.S.A. Rule 4, Section 3. DESIGNATED PLAYER. ADDENDUM: A team can start with 9

players and finish the game with 8 players.

3. In line with Little League rule 7.13 in the Majors and Seniors Baseball Divisions,

regarding a pinch runner, will only be allowed in the case of injury. Any other

replacement runner who enters the game for a current runner will be considered a

substitute. The pinch runner must come from one of the players on the bench and not

from the current line-up.

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4. A courtesy runner for the catcher is the player who made the out previous to the

catcher’s at-bat. There shall be no courtesy runner in the top half of the first inning. The

catcher for whom a courtesy runner is designated must have caught the previous

inning. This applies to all divisions. This is an option of the coach but highly encouraged

to move the game along.

5. In accordance with the rules, all roster players are expected to be in proper and

matching uniform. The aesthetics help us to promote the sport.

6. Contrary to any Rulebooks, adult coaches will be allowed to coach the bases from the

marked coach’s boxes in all divisions.

7. If the batter throws the bat excessively during their turn at-bat, that batter shall be

warned the first time and thereafter that batter shall be called out. Umpires shall note

the first warning with the scorer and coach.

8. Coaches may visit the mound, but if twice in the same inning they must remove the

pitcher from pitching duties for the remainder of the game. The pitcher is, however,

permitted to remain in the game in another fielding position. Crossing of the foul base

line into the field is considered a “mound visit”.

9. Deliberate or dangerous play will not be tolerated and the offending player will be

ejected from the game and possibly the tournament at the discretion of the

Tournament Directors

10. Tie-Breaker Rules:

a. For Round Robin games: If tied after regulation innings and there is still time

remaining, innings immediately go to tie breaker process:

For the first extra inning, place last batter from the previous inning on second

base, as a runner, before starting the at-bat. If at the end of the first extra inning

teams are still tied, the second extra inning will begin with the last batter and

second last batter of the previous inning (or their substitutes) placed on third and

first respectively. The third extra inning and all subsequent extra innings will begin

with bases loaded with the last three batters of the previous inning, (or their

substitutes) on base. Normal rules and substitutions apply. Pitching innings for the

tiebreaker games will count against the pitchers’ innings for the tournament. The

game will continue until a winner is decided or the game time limit is reached. If

game time limit is reached, both teams played their sides of the current inning,

and still tied, the game will end as a tie.

b. For Playoffs, Championship and Consolation games:

Play normal extra innings until regulation time is reached, and then invoke the tiebreaker

process above (i.e. place a runner on second base, no one out for the first

extra inning, first and third for the second extra inning, etc.). The runner(s)

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is/are always the last batter(s) from the previous inning. Existing line-up continues

and regular sub rules remain in effect. Innings count against pitching limits in

baseball and softball. The game will continue until a winner is decided.

11. Tournament Placing Tie-Breaker Process:

All two team ties in standings will be broken based on the head-to-head record of

the teams in question.

The following process will be used in the event of a multi-team tie, the host

country has 2 options to determine the rankings:

a. There will be a series of tie-breaker games. A (home) will play B in game 1. B

(home) will play C in game 2. C (home) will play A in game 3. Teams will draw lots

to determine who are the A, B, and C teams. Each game will be played only until

the end of the first inning in which one team is ahead, with the team ahead being

declared the winner of that game. At the start of the game the teams will submit

their line-up and place their number 9 batter on second base, as a runner, to start

their first batting innings. If at the end of the first innings teams are still tied, the

second inning will begin with the last batter and second last batter of the first

innings (or their substitutes) placed on third and first respectively. The third

inning and all subsequent innings will begin with bases loaded with the last three

batters of the previous inning, (or their substitutes) on-base. Normal baseball

rules and

substitutions apply. Pitching innings for the tie-breaker games will count against

the pitchers’ innings for the tournament. Teams will only be allowed fielding

warm-ups one time for the tie-breaker series, this warm-up session will be

immediately prior to the game in which they first play. Game wins are the only

criteria that will be used in determining the standings from the tie-breaker series.

If at the end of one complete round and the teams are still tied, the series will

begin again. These rules apply to all divisions.

b. Follow modified Little League tie-breaking process as follows:

i. Head to head record(s) among the tied teams

ii. If still tied, fewest number of runs allowed in the tournament to date

iii. If still tied, highest number of runs scored in the tournament to date

iv. If still tied, then by a coin flip

12. Any player warming up a pitcher must wear a face mask.

13. In the Minors Division, the run limit is 6 runs per inning (except for the last inning);

however, this rule allows all runs to count at the conclusion of an at-bat, which may be

in excess of 6 runs. (Examples: With 5 runs already in, a player hits a home run with

the bases loaded; all 4 runs scored from the final at-bat count for a total of 9 runs that

inning. Likewise, with 5 runs already in, a player hits a single with a runner on 3rd and

scores; the at-bat is not yet concluded and still “live” until the play stops – either the

hitter stays on a base and time is called, or he/she is gotten out. There will be other

examples possible but use above 2 examples as guidelines.

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Basically, the at-bat is “live” until a “dead” ball is called, in which case the inning is

over, but until then, (an) additional run(s) can still score.)

14. All substitutions and player changes on the field must be reported to the umpire and

official scoring table at the same time prior to play resuming after the change. Failure

to report will result in a warning by the umpire and forfeiture of the team’s right to

protest official scorers’ statistics.

15. Balks:

a. There shall be no balk calls in Minors Division or the Girls Softball Division. The

penalty for an illegal pitch will be a ball to the batter.

b. In all other divisions, balks will be called per the rulebook.

16. In line with Little League Rule 7.08 (a) (3) and A.S.A. Rule 8 Q. for all Divisions: Any

runner is out when he/she does not slide or attempt to get around or avoid a fielder,

who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag or is in the act of receiving the ball such

that a tag or attempt to make a tag is possible on the play. Similarly, a fielder without

the ball must yield the right of way to all runners or be subject to an obstruction call.

While it is the runner’s responsibility to avoid a collision by either sliding or

attempting to get around the fielder, the umpire on top of the particular play in

making his call will be guided by the circumstances described above on whether or

not the fielder has the ball and is waiting to make a tag, or is waiting to receive the

ball and can attempt to make a tag on the same play, or does not have the ball and

therefore creating an obstruction to the advancing runner.

Any player (runner or fielder) who, in the umpire’s judgment, intentionally causes a

dangerous collision may be ejected from the game and from the tournament at the

discretion of the Tournament Director.

For Minors Division, no head-first slides are permitted to advancing runners.

However, runners are permitted to return to base head-first.

17. A player with an injury that is bleeding or open must be immediately treated. All

contaminated clothing and equipment must be cleansed of any blood prior to the

player being allowed to resume play. The wound must be covered. If bleeding reoccurs

and cannot be controlled, the player must then be removed from the game.

For purposes of this rule the injured player may re-enter the game as long as their

position in the batting order is not altered. The substituted player can re-enter the

game in accordance with the normal substitution rule.

18. At the completion of each inning and game, coaches are encouraged to confirm with

the scorer the number of pitches thrown by his/her pitcher(s). The scorer is to advise

the umpire if the pitcher is close to or at their pitching limits. The umpire may advise

the relevant coach; however, it is the coach’s responsibility to ensure that the pitcher

does not exceed the limits.

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19. In the event of a dispute of playing rules, which cannot be resolved on the playing

field, the plate umpire will refer the matter to the Tournament Umpire Coordinator or

his/her nominated delegate and the Tournament Director for final determination, as

protests will not be accepted.

20. Mercy Rules will be applied as follows:

a. Baseball Seniors and Majors, Girls Softball Seniors – a game will end on account

of the Mercy Rule if the visiting team is leading by more than 15 runs at the

completion of the fifth inning (4 ½ innings if the home team is leading), or 10 runs

upon completion of the sixth inning (5 ½ innings if the home team is leading). In

addition, the Tournament Director can invoke the mercy rule or a time limit if

warranted by a slow rate or uncompetitive play regardless of how many innings

played.

b. Baseball Minors – a game will end on account of the Mercy Rule if the visiting

team is leading by more than 15 runs at the completion of the fourth inning (3 ½

innings if the home team is leading), or 10 runs upon completion of the fifth

inning (4 ½ innings if the home team is leading). In addition, the Tournament

Director can invoke the mercy rule or a time limit if warranted by a slow rate or

uncompetitive play regardless of how many innings played.

21. The team designated as the “Home Team” for the semi finals and finals will be the

team with the highest ranking after the round robin including the “mini-series” if one

is necessary. In the case of identical records, head-to-head will determine the Home

Team. If they have not played, a coin toss will decide.

22. Minors Division pitchers are not allowed to throw curve balls.

23. For Minors Baseball Division:

The bat must meet the USA Baseball bat (USABat) standard as adopted by Little

League and shall bear the USA Baseball logo. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick that is

made of wood or of material and color tested and acceptable to USABat. It shall not

be more than 33 inches in length; nor more than 2⅝ inches in diameter, and if wood,

not less than 15/16 inch in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30 inches) at its smallest

part. Wood bats taped or fitted with a sleeve may not exceed sixteen (16) inches from

the small end. Note: Solid one –piece wood barrel bats do not require a USA Baseball

logo.

24. For Major Baseball Division:

The bat must meet EITHER: (1) the USA Baseball bat (USABat) standard as adopted by

Little League and shall bear the USA Baseball logo; OR (2) the BBCOR standard and

shall bear the BBCOR logo. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick that is made of wood or

of material and color tested and acceptable to USABat or BBCOR. It shall not be more

than 34 inches in length; nor more than 2⅝ inches in diameter, and if wood, not less

than 15/16 inch in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30 inches) at its smallest part.

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Wood bats taped or fitted with a sleeve may not exceed eighteen (18) inches from the

small end. Note: Solid one –piece wood barrel bats do not require a USA Baseball logo.

25. For Senior Baseball Division:

The bat shall not be more than 36 inches in length; nor more than 2⅝ inches in

diameter, and if wood, not less than 15/16 inch in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than

30 inches) at its smallest part. Wood bats taped or fitted with a sleeve may not exceed

eighteen (18) inches from the small end. The bat shall not weigh, numerically, more

than three ounces less than the length of the bat (e.g., a 33-inch long bat cannot

weigh less than 30 ounces). All bats not made of a single piece of wood must meet the

BBCOR performance standard, and shall bear the BBCOR logo.

26. For Girl’s Senior Softball Division:

The bat length versus weight differential must not exceed -13 with a diameter of 2-1/4

inches. All bats must have the USSSA 1.20 BPF stamp and certified by ASA.

27. Any player using an illegal bat will be called out and the bat will be removed from the

stadium. The use of an illegal bat occurs when a batter steps into the batter’s box. If

a player is caught twice using an illegal bat, the player will be restricted to the dugout

for that game, and the coach ejected from that game.

28. Metal spikes are not allowed.

29. Players listed on each country’s roster must be living in that country or

approved by all countries for participation in the tournament.

30. Sec. 20. CROW HOP. (Fast Pitch Softball ONLY)

A crow hop is defined as the act of a pitcher who steps, drags, or hops off the front of

the pitcher's plate, replants the pivot foot, establishes a second impetus (or starting

point), pushes off from the newly established starting point, and completes the

delivery. (THIS IS AN ILLEGAL ACT)

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31. Pitching Rules as follows:

Maximum 170 pitches per the tournament

MINORS Maximum 85 pitches per day

BASEBALL 1 – 45 pitches No Rest

46 + pitches 1 day rest from pitching

Maximum 190 pitches per the tournament

MAJORS Maximum 95 pitches per day

BASEBALL 1 – 50 pitches No Rest

51 + pitches

1 day rest from pitching

Maximum 210 pitches per the tournament

SENIORS Maximum 105 pitches per day

BASEBALL 1 - 55 pitches No Rest

56 + pitches

1 day rest from pitching

GIRLS SOFTBALL 26 INNINGS Maximum per Tournament

To ensure that pitching rules are followed, each Division will have a scorekeeper or official

to track pitch-counts as the official pitch-count recorder.

The pitch-count recorder must provide the current pitch-count for any pitcher when

requested by either manager or any umpire, and notify the umpire-in-chief when a pitcher

has reached the pitch limit, who will, in turn, notify the pitcher's manager that the pitcher

must be removed.

Failure of the pitch-count recorder to notify the umpire-in-chief, and/or the failure of the

umpire-in-chief to notify the manager does not relieve the manager of his/her responsibility

to remove the pitcher when that pitcher is no longer eligible to pitch.

Violation of the rule can result in a protest of the game in which it occurs, removal of the

player or Manager from the game and/or tournament. The decision will be made by the

tournament committee.

The tournament pitch-count limit is a HARD STOP limit. Any pitch made after the

tournament limit is a violation of the pitch-count limit rules. All other pitch-count limits

(daily, with-rest, no-rest) allows pitchers to “finish the batter”. However, all pitches will still

be counted under the tournament pitch-count limit.

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Under Little League Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules –please note the following pertinent

sections:

a. Minors, Majors, and Seniors: Any player on a tournament team may pitch. Exception:

Any player, who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game,

is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day. Refer below examples:

− Note 1: This will also apply if, for example, a player had played catcher for 2 innings

in one game and then 2 innings in a next game within the calendar day. He/She may

not pitch after having caught a cumulative 4 innings by the next game.

− Note 2: Likewise, to keep things simple take note of modified Little League rule: if a

pitcher has caught 3 innings already (even if just to 1 batter in his/her 3rd inning of

work) and then pitched up to his/her “with-rest” pitch-count limit, he/she cannot

catch again afterwards for that day.

b. Minors only: Pitchers once removed from the mound may not return as pitchers for that

game.

c. Majors and Seniors: A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position,

can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only ONCE per game.

d. Minors and Majors: Contrary to what is mentioned in the Little League Rule (4 f.), a

player can pitch in two games in a day, as long as he/she does not go over the applicable

pitch-count limits.

e. Minors, Majors, and Seniors: Contrary to what is mentioned in the Little League rules, a

pitcher is allowed to pitch in three (3) consecutive days, as long as he/she does not go

over the applicable pitch-count limits.

Note: all other sections of this tournament rule, while not mentioned here, apply.

32. UMPIRES – Each team agrees to bring 2 umpires or pay the host country a fee to

help their hiring of umpires. Individual countries should arrange for translation of

rule books ahead of time if necessary to ensure that all umpires understand the

entirety of the rules clearly.

UMPIRES are responsible for checking the following before each game:

a. Players Cleats

b. All Bats

c. Catchers Gear

d. Batting Helmets

33. Sec.3.03 Designated Hitter Rule (Fast Pitch Softball Only)

At the beginning of the game, each manager may list on the line-up card a

designated hitter to bat throughout the game for a designated player in the regular

line-up. Only a player not in the regular batting order may be used as a designated

hitter. This rule does not change the regular rule governing the use of the pinch

hitters.

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34. Host country has the option to enter two teams per division at their discretion.

35. First day of the tournament, ALL BATS HAVE TO BE INSPECTED BY THE UMPIRES

AND STAMPED FOR SEAYBST RULE APPROVAL.

36. SAFETY BASES ARE REQUIRED FOR SOFTBALL. HOST COUNTRIES SHOULD PROVIDE

FOR THESE.

37. Designation of Managers and Coaches – Each team will have one person designated

as the “Manager”. The Manager is the head coach for the team. Each team may

have two other persons designated as “Coaches”. The final team roster submitted

to the host country should clearly state the names of the team Manager and any

Coaches. For the avoidance of doubt, only the titles “Manager” and “Coaches” will be

recognized for roster purposes.

38. Aside from the rostered players for a team, only the designated team Manager and

Coaches may enter the dugout, or enter the field to protest a matter. No other

persons, including, but not limited to: team mothers, parents of players, delegation

officials, managers or coaches of other teams not playing said game, etc. may enter

the dugout or protest a matter on the field.

39. The official tournament games schedule will present the home team first, and the

visiting team second. The home team will use the dugout on the third base line. The

visiting team will use the dugout on the first base line. Upon completion of a game,

teams should endeavor to vacate the dugouts as expeditiously as possible, and

remove all waste.

40. For Minor Baseball and Girls Softball Divisions: A batter is out for illegal action if

he/she fakes a bunt and then takes a full swing (NO SLAP BUNTS ALLOWED).

41. For all divisions: Uniform numbers must be designated in each team’s roster; and

these numbers should remain the same on all uniforms for each player throughout

the tournament.

42. Exceptions or changes to any of these rules shall only be allowed by a majority vote

of the country Directors or their designated representatives.