The Atlantic County Outlaws 2023 Christmas in July Tournament Wrap-up.

• The rain held off and Champions were crowned
• Tournament T-Shirts were sold out in record time --- addtional order is being placed if you want one!  
• Home Runs were hit
• Santa is back at the North Pole
• We will see you back in 2024!

Congratulations to the following teams for winning each of their respected age brackets:

2023 Tournament Champions

13U Baseball:  Colossal Baseball Academy

10U Baseball:  GVAA

9U Baseball:    Cinnaminson Pirates

Recap back to last year's tournament, It looked like a blizzard at the field with all the baseballs and softballs that were flying all over the Gabriel Field complex this weekend.  Several players hit home runs for their first time at all different age levels.   It's the magic of Christmas that was in the air!  Congratulations to the following teams for winning each of their respected age brackets:

2022 Tournament Champions

12U Baseball:  Millville Lightning

10U Baseball:  South Jersey Sandsharks

9U Baseball:  Baseball Performance Center

10U Softball:  Delco Diamonds

12U Softball:  Audubon Aces

Welcome to the home of the Atlantic County Outlaws "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" tournament.

FIELD ADDRESS

GABRIEL FIELD   201 Duerer Street, Galloway, NJ 08205

The Outlaw Elves are working hard already building our wonderful Christmas/Winter Wonderland displays for our tournament.  

NO PETS / NO SMOKING PLEASE!

HAPPENINGS AROUND THE FIELD DURING THE TOURNAMENT

VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS

Santa Claus confirmed he will be cutting his vacation short to make an appearance on Saturday, July 8, 2023!    Please stop him and have your pictures taken!  

TOYS FOR TOTS TOY DRIVE

We are accepting toy donations of new unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.   Please drop of your donation at the Tournament T-Shirt table.

TOURNAMENT T-SHIRTS

Last year, we sold out of the tournament t-shirts early on day 1.   We strongly suggest pre-orders to ensure you receive these awesome baseball themed Christmas T-Shirts.  
Please make sure you pick up your pre-ordered shirts up at the Tournament Shirt table at the snack stand.    Don't forget to donate your new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots! 

TEAMS WARMING UP PRIOR TO GAMES

We have other ball fields that we will not be using during this tournament, teams may feel free to arrive early to use these fields to warm ups.   

We also have 3 batting cages around the complex you may use.   (Dick's Sporting Goods will be using one on Saturday for their bat demo.)

FUN FOR SIBLINGS

Siblings can bring a kick ball and start a friendly game on our tee-ball field.

We also have a few playground areas for any youngsters in attendance!

Come early and have your BASEBALL TEAM PHOTOS with Santa!   

SNACK STAND

The Snack Stand will be open to keep you satisfied all weekend long. 

BATHROOM FACILITIES

We have new indoor bathroom facilities at Gabriel Field! 

DUGOUT AREAS

First and Foremost:  Please watch out for flying balls and/or bats when around the ball field.

The dugouts are covered to help your players beat the heat!   We do have bleachers for each team at all fields.

Around the fields, there is not to much shade, so if you have a pop up tent, we encourage you to bring it.

We ask for your assistance in retrieving all foul balls and return them to the closest dugout would be greatly appreciated.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY BASEBALL & SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT RULES

General Rules (All Division)

1. PARKING: There is plenty of parking around the complex. Please be cautious of parking beyond field #2 behind the log cabin, as baseballs may be leaving the playing field.  Also near the Babe Ruth Field as foul balls could enter the parking area. You assume all risks parking in this area.
2. COMPLEX RULES: No Smoking. No Pets. No bicycles, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, hoverboards.
3. CONCESSIONS: Our concession stand will be open during the tournament. The concession staff is willing to work with your teams. If you want to place an order for a team breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, or drinks please pick up an order form from the concession building and we can have an order ready at any specified time. ALLERGEN STATEMENT Please be advised that any of our products may contain, or may have come in contact with, allergens including Eggs, Fish, Milk, Peanuts, Shellfish, Soy, Tree Nuts and Wheat.
4. FOUL BALLS: We would ask for all players, coaches, fans, and parents to be aware of foul balls at all times. There will be more than one  game going on at a time, which can cause foul balls from different fields. Please return all foul balls to the umpire or closest dugout.
5. FAN CODE OF CONDUCT: Atlantic County Outlaws are committed to serving our fans by providing a secure, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all fans.. The Fan Code of Conduct has been instituted to make sure that your experience is consistent with our commitment.As a supporter of the teams playing in our Christmas in July Tournament, we ask you to help us maintain a positive game day experience by adhering to the following:

   • Fans will be treated in a consistent, professional and polite way by all staff and team personnel.

   • Obscene, abusive, and/or racist language, gestures, signage or behavior directed towards game officials or opposing team's fans, players or coaching staff is prohibited. Additionally, obscene or indecent clothing or related material will not be admitted at our venue.

   • Verbal or physical confrontation, including dangerous, abusive or profane behavior is prohibited.

   • Disruptive actions or behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal, including but not limited to throwing objects on the playing surface or unauthorized trespassing on the playing surface or other restricted areas will result in immediate removal from the event.

   • Signs of alcohol impairment in and around any venue that results in irresponsible behavior will lead to denial of entry or

   subject persons to arrest or ejection from the event.

   • Interfering with or failure to abide by security procedures, emergency procedures or requests from staff concerning athletic operations will result in immediate removal from the event.

   
   Fans unwilling to abide by the provisions outlined in this Fan Code of Conduct will be subject to ejection and may also be subject to arrest and prosecution. 

 Tournament Information (All Division)

1. INSURANCE: Each team is required to have proof of insurance with them at all times. Proof must also be provided to the Atlantic County Outlaws prior to the tournament. Insurance certificate must have "Atlantic County Outlaws & Galloway Township Athletic Association" listed as the certificate holder and additionally insured.
2. ROSTERS: The roster size (Baseball or softball) should be limited to no more than 13 players on the team. 
3. TEAM EQUIPMENT: Game balls will be provided for all games. Teams are to bring their own practice balls for batting cage and warm up. Teams also should bring helmets, bats, gloves, catchers gear, first aid and other equipment that may be needed for your team.
4. UNIFORMS/CLEATS: Teams are to be in full uniform once they are on the field. All players must have a uniform number. NO METAL CLEATS - 12U and below.
5. PRE-GAME WARM UP: Teams will not be allowed to warm up on the infield prior to the game.  They are only permitted on the grass portion of the outfield to warm up.
6. BATTING CAGES: There are 3 batting cages around the complex for you to use.  Please be considerate of other teams waiting to use a cage.
7. GAME SCHEDULE: Each team will be pre-selected during pool play as home and away.
8. RUN RULE: Game will conclude if there is a 10 run differential after 4 innings, provided each team had the equal number of at bats.

   10U SOFTBALL GAMES ONLY:  There is a 5 run max for innings played during the first 60 minutes of the game.  The umpire will notify teams at the 60 minute mark.  Unlimited scoring for the remainder of the game.

   8U BASEBALL GAMES ONLY: There is a 5 run max per innings, except for the last inning.

9. LENGTH OF GAME: Game is 6 innings, 13U 7 innings. No new inning may start after 1:45 (Baseball) / 1:20 (Softball) – coaches/umpire should note the actual game start time.   Game time starts at the conclusion of the Plate Meeting.
10. EXTRA INNINGS: Extra Innings will not occur in pool play. In Pool Play games there is no International Tie Breaker (ITB).
11. POST GAME: Please clear out of the dugout quickly.   We encourage you to have your team meeting outside the confines of the field to help us keep on schedule.
12. STARTING GAME EARLY: Please have your teams ready and available at least 30 minutes prior to game time in the event we may be able to start early.
13. ROSTER RULES & LINE UP
    Free defensive substitutions are allowed and you are allowed to bat your entire line up on both Saturday and Sunday.
    With your batting line up, how you start the game is how you need to finish the game. If a player is unable to bat in their spot of the lineup and you do not have subs, it will be recorded as an out.
    Shorthanded Play: All games must be started with at least 8 players. If a team does not have at least 8 players at the start of the game then the result is a forfeit. If a team starts with 8 players then an automatic out will be called every time the 9th slot in the batting lineup comes up. If and when a 9th player arrives at any time during the game, that player is to be inserted immediately into the lineup in the 9th spot and placed into the game (even if the team is on defense). Any other player(s) that arrive after the 9th player can only be used as a legal substitute.
14. SUBSTITUTES: Please announce offensive substitutions to the umpire and opposing team.
15. COURTESY RUNNERS: may be used for Pitcher or Catcher at any time. If you are batting full lineup, use last batted out. If you have subs on the bench, a player not in the game shall run. The same runner cannot run for the pitcher and catcher in the same inning, if you are using a player not in the game; ex: If you have 1 player on the bench, they may only run for the pitcher or the catcher.
16. BETWEEN INNINGS
    Softball Pitchers will receive 5 warm ups the first inning, 3 every inning thereafter. A new pitcher will receive 5 warm ups.
    Baseball Pitchers will receive 8 warm ups in the first inning, 5 every inning thereafter. A new pitcher will receive 8 warm ups.
    Infield/Outfield balls ARE permitted in between innings.
17. PITCHING DISTANCES: SOFTBALL 10U: 35ft. 12U: 40ft    BASEBALL 8U-10U: 46ft 11U-12U: 50ft 13U: 60ft

Batting 

1. Teams reserve the right to bat the number of players they choose.
2. If you have substitutes, all changes must be made through the umpire at the time of the change.   
3. If you bat your complete lineup, you will have free defensive substitution throughout the game. 
4. Lineup cards must have last name, first initial and player uniform #.

Baseball Specific Rules:  (8U, 9U & 10U)

1. Runners shall not leave the base until the ball crosses home plate.
2. Runners may NOT slide head first.
3. Infield Fly Rule is NOT in effect.
4. Tagging up is encouraged.
5. There is no dropped third strike.
6. There are no balks on the 46/60 field.
7. 8U BASEBALL GAMES ONLY: There is a 5 run max per innings, except for the last inning.
   
8. USA or USSSA BATS allowed.

Baseball Specific Rules:  (11U & 12U)

1. Infield Fly is in effect.
2. Dropped Third Strike is in effect.
3. Balks:  1 Warning per Pitcher.
4. USA, BBCOR or USSSA BATS allowed.
5. 11U - BANANA BALL RULES WILL APPLY in 2023. (click here to view rules: https://youtu.be/rFIHqTyreTw) Fans, bring your gloves!!

Baseball Specific Rules: (13U)

1. No Balk Warnings
2. USA or BBCOR bats are allowed. NO USSSA bats.

Rules that are not listed above revert to Official Baseball Rules.

Softball Specific Rules: (10U)

1. All Runners are able to steal 1 base per pitch with liability to be put out.  They are not allowed to advance on catcher overthrows. 
2. If a base runner advances beyond their entitled base is liable to be put out.   Once they safely achieve the next base, the runner shall be returned to the correct base.
3. A batter who receives a base on balls, is not allowed to continue and steal 2nd base.

Softball Specific Rules: (12U)

1. No restrictions on stealing bases.
2. Infield Fly is in effect.
3. Dropped Third Strike is in effect.

BRACKET PLAY/SEEDINGS

1. 1. Overall record (winning percentage)
   2. If still tied: Total runs allowed in pool play
   3. If still tied: Total runs scored in pool play
   4. If still tied: Highest single game run differential
   5. If still tied: Lowest single game runs allowed
   6. If still tied: Highest single game runs scored
   7. If still tied: Coin flip

• All SOFTBALL bracket games will have a 90-minute time limit, finish the inning. At 90 minutes no new inning will be allowed to start.

• In SOFTBALL bracket games, ITB will begin after 2 extra innings or time limit has expired, which ever comes first. Extra innings may be played as is if time has not expired. International Tie Breaker (ITB): The last batter from the previous inning goes to 1st base, second to last batter at 2nd base, third to last batter at 3rd base. The hitting team will start with one out. Play continues this way until one team is ahead at the end of a full inning..

• All BASEBALL bracket games will have a time limit of 1:45 time limit.
• In BASEBALL bracket games, after 2 extra innings or when time limit has expired, which ever comes first. Each team will place last batted out from previous inning on 2nd base to start each inning there after. Play continues this way until one team is ahead at the end of a full inning..

• Softball Championship games will have a 2 hr time limit.

*If there is a case where all teams have not played the same amount of pool play games then we will base best overall record off of their winning percentage. If multiple teams have 100% winning percentage but a different number of wins than the team with the most wins will be presumed a better seed than the other team. For example: 3-0 is presumed better than 2-0.

*If, at any time, a team informs the tournament director that they do not have intentions on playing in the playoffs, that team will be immediately removed from advancement procedures and the remaining teams will proceed with the regular tie-break rules.

SCORE REPORTING

Text scores to 732-771-6275

AGE ELIGIBILITY PROTEST

Protests will be heard and ruled on by the tournament committee. The team protesting must have convincing evidence that a player is not in compliance. If the tournament committee feels there is convincing evidence, then they will proceed to the team- in-question’s submitted roster. From here three cases can occur:

1. The player’s information on the roster is in compliance with the tournament and therefore play continues.

2. The player’s information is not in compliance to the tournament which results in team expulsion for the current tournament and the possibility of future tournaments. If the tournament is still in pool play, the standings will be recalculated and advancement procedures will remain the same. If the tournament is in the playoffs, the current game will become a forfeit and playoffs will continue as scheduled.

3. The player’s information on the roster is in compliance with the tournament but the protesting team has convincing evidence that the wrong information was submitted. In this case, the protesting team must provide $250 in cash which will be needed in order to gather the player-in-question’s appropriate documents. From there, the player-in-question has until the end of the current game to provide the tournament committee his/her documents. If he/she cannot provide documents in that amount of time, then the tournament committee will make the fairest possible ruling and that ruling will be final.

PLAYING RULES OR ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT PROTEST

Protests will be heard and ruled on by the tournament committee. The team protesting a playing rule must make cash payment of $250 at the time of the protest to the tournament director on-site. If the protest is ruled in the protesting team’s favor the $250 will be refunded. The ruling made by the committee will be final. Protests must be filed and ruled on immediately. You cannot protest a play on the field if play has already been resumed. If you are protesting illegal equipment and committee rules in your favor, then the equipment in question will be removed immediately and play will continue (any prior game play leading up to that point remains as it was).

SUSPENSION

Any player or coach that is ejected from a game will be suspended for the next game. If a team acts unruly or unsportsmanlike, the Tournament Director reserves the right to eject that team from the current tournament.  Sportsmanship: In the interest of maintaining a quality event, the tournament committee reserves the right to eject any person from the site for unruly or unsportsmanlike behavior.

THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

Reserves the right to adjust the rules, schedules, brackets, and field locations as needed to complete the tournament. Every attempt will be made to honor the game minimum – however, if a situation develops where a team forfeits or the weather does not cooperate the Tournament Director will make an attempt to reschedule games, shorten games, or cancel games in order to complete the tournament in a timely fashion.

GABRIEL FIELD GROUND RULES

1. Any ball that goes into the dugout area is a dead ball and runners will be placed accordingly.

2. All gates must be closed at all times. If for some reason a gate is open and the ball passes the opening then that ball is considered dead immediately and runners will be placed accordingly.

3. Any ball hit over the yellow cap on the outfield fence is a homerun. 

4. Any fair ball that caroms into foul territory is a live ball unless the ball gets lodged in/goes under fencing. In the case of a lodged ball, the ball becomes dead immediately and the runners will be placed accordingly.

5. Teams are allowed one on deck batter, the on deck batter hall be beyond the base coach closest to their dugout on the outfield grass. 

6. Batting order and designated head coach will be discussed at the pre-game conference

7. Home plate umpire will announce the starting time or start his stopwatch at the end of the pre-game conference.

8. No metal cleats (12U and below). Sneaker, turf shoes, or molded cleats are okay for use.