June 7th-9th, 2024

Tournament Fee: $275.

Please make checks out to: William Rockwell, and mail to: 603 West Market Street, Celina, OH 45822

Coaches, all teams must be registered with rosters submitted and paid in full by June 1st, 2024. Rosters can be submitted by mailing it in with your check, or you can email us your roster at: celinamidsummerclassic@gmail.com. If you have any questions please contact William Rockwell's wife (Michelle) at 937-638-0306 or by email at CelinaMidSummerClassic@gmail.com.

RULES:

(Any issues regarding rules throughout this tournament, the tournament director has the final say.)

Eligibility

(A-1) 8 and under - Any player who will not be 9 years old before March 1 of the current year is eligible for this division. 1 exception will be allowed back to January 1 and must be noted on the roster entry form.

(A-2) 9 and under - Any player who will not be 10 years old before March 1 of the current year is eligible for this division. 1 exception will be allowed back to January 1 and must be noted on the roster entry form.

(A-3) 10 and under - Any player who will not be 11 years old before March 1 of the current year is eligible for this division. 1 exception will be allowed back to January 1 and must be noted on the roster entry form.

(A-4) 11 and under - Any player who will not be 12 years old before March 1 of the current year is eligible for this division. 1 exception will be allowed back to January 1 and must be noted on the roster entry form.

(A-5) 12 and under - Any player who will not be 13 years old before March 1 of the current year is eligible for this division. 1 exception will be allowed back to January 1 and must be noted on the roster entry form.

(A-6) All players must provide a copy of a birth certificate verifying his age if questioned. All players must be from the same school district to be eligible for all divisions. If a player is found to be ineligible (either by age or not in same school district), the team will forfeit all games in which the ineligible player played.

Team Organization

(B-1) Team rosters must be turned in before their 1st game. Rosters will be limited to 15 players.

(B-2) A coach must be able to field at least 8 players at the start of the game. Failure to field (8) players will result in a forfeit. A score of 6-0 will be used as the final score if needed for tiebreaker.

(B-3) A player may only be on one roster within a division. He may play on teams in different divisions, provided that he is not too old for either division. For example, an 11 year old could play in the 11U & 12U divisions. It is recommended that this is only used out of necessity and no scheduling will be done to accommodate this.

Equipment

(C-1) Players must wear batting helmets while batting, on deck, and while on base unless during a timeout situation. A player who intentionally violates this rule will be called out. This rule is designed for the safety of the players and umpires are instructed to enforce this rule.

(C-2) No metal cleats are allowed.

(C-3) Only official USA Stamped metal or wood bats in good, playable condition shall be allowed per each division’s rules. Coaches are responsible for checking their team’s bats prior to the game. Use of illegal bats will result in a forfeiture of that game.

No longer than 33” in length

2-1/4” barrel bats will still be acceptable to use

NO SOFTBALL bats are allowed

HEAD COACH is responsible for making sure all bats are legal.

First infraction results in the batter being out. No runners will be allowed to advance and all outs recorded during the time at count.

Second infraction will result in the HEAD COACH being ejected from game.

Third infraction will result in team being disqualified from tournament.

(C-4) One game ball will be supplied by the tournament.

Protests

(D-1) No protests, umpire’s ruling will be final.

Scorekeeping

(E-1) Each manager shall keep score, or make arrangements for keeping score, for each official game. The home team keeps the official score.

(E-2) The books should be verified periodically during the game or every inning.

(E-2) The tournament officials will post the score on the official schedule. Teams should verify that the score is correct and report any errors to the tournament officials immediately.

(E-3) The scores will be posted and kept up to date as best they can on the tournament’s social media pages & website.

Tournament Tie Breaker Guidelines

Win/Loss

Run Differential (Max:10/game)

Runs Allowed

Coin Flip

Misconduct

(G-1) Any player or coach, who is ejected from a game, must also sit out the next game.

Cancellations/Refunds

(H-1) Entry fees will be refunded to teams that provide notice of cancellation to the tournament director(s) prior to May 1st. If a team cancels on or after May 1st, that team's entry fee will only be refunded if a replacement team is found.

(H-2) In the event of inclement weather, every attempt will be made to complete the tournament. Refund Policy: If inclement weather forces the cancellation of the tournament prior to its start, $50.00 of the entry fee will be forfeited. If one (1) game is played/started, 50% is forfeited. If two (2) games are played/started, no refund is due (two (2) games played, or a combination of a forfeit and a game).

Trophies

(J-1) Awards will be given out to 1st and 2nd place in each division. In the event of inclement weather hindering completion of the tournament, whoever is the remaining two highest seeds in tournament play will automatically receive 1st and 2nd place trophies, which is based off of pool play results (with the assumption that pool play has been completed).

Home Run Balls

(K-1) If a home run is hit by a player, he/she will be awarded one (1) ball all tournament play for the weekend.

Games

All games shall be played as officially scheduled by the Tournament Directors. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to make any needed schedule changes.

A 15 minute grace period will be given for a late team. A forfeit will result in a 6-0 score.

A coin toss will determine the home team for pool play. The higher seed will be the home team in tournament play unless otherwise designated on the tournament bracket. No batting or fielding practice on fields before game.

Normally, all games will played to completion and rain delayed games will resume from point of delay. Both coaches are encouraged to sign the home team scorebook to ensure that both teams agree on the score, lineups, count, outs, runners, and batter with which to resume the game. However, in the event of rain, the Tournament Directors may recognize as an official game any game that has completed four (4) innings. If a game is cancelled for any reason during the fifth, sixth, or seventh inning, the score shall revert back to the score at the beginning of the current inning. The Tournament Directors reserve the right to make any needed adjustments to accommodate rescheduling of games.

In the event of threatening weather coaches and umpires should be alerted to lightning striking in the area. If the umpire or coach sees lightning that may pose a danger to players, coaches or fans the umpire is to immediately postpone the game, instruct all players, coaches and fans to seek shelter away from the baseball fences.

The head coach shall be the only coach to approach an umpire to discuss any disputed judgments. Assistants will be given a warning and then ejected if the action continues.

Games could start as early as 15 minutes prior to the posted start time. Please have your teams ready to take the field 15 minutes prior to the posted times. Tournament format can be changed by the tournament director for purposes of inclement weather or other occurrences.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, HAVE FUN AND REMEMBER, WE APPRECIATE OUR UMPIRES BEING TREATED WITH RESPECT AND WE ARE HERE FOR THE KIDS!

12U & 11U Special Rules:

OHSAA Rules apply with the following exceptions.

GAME LENGTH

Games will last six (6) innings unless run rule is reached or the game is at time limit.

Run Rule

15 runs after 3 complete innings

10 runs after 4 complete innings or any complete inning thereafter

During Pool Play Only – If the visiting team achieves the run rule limit within the 1:45 time limit, the home team will get a chance to hit. If the run rule limit is achieved by the visiting team after the 1:45, the game will be over.

TIES

In the event that a game remains tied after the last inning or after the time limit has expired, the next inning shall be started with a runner on second base (last batter of the previous inning). If the game remains tied after one additional inning, runners will start on second and third the next inning and each inning thereafter (last two batters from the previous inning). If the game remains tied after two additional innings in pool play, the game is over and will be recorded as a tie.

TIME LIMIT

No inning will begin after 1:45 from the first pitch during pool play.

MOUND/BASES

46’ pitching distance and 60’ bases.

PITCHERS

Will be given 7 warm up pitches to start and will have 4 pitches for each inning after that.

Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 3 innings per game (1 pitch = 1 inning).

A player may NOT re-enter as a pitcher during a game, once he is removed from that position.

One balk warning will be afforded each pitcher during a game. Only blatant balks will be called.

Any pitcher hitting 4 batters in a single game must be removed as a pitcher for the remainder of that game.

An intentional base on balls may be given by the defensive team by having its catcher or coach request the umpire to award the batter first base.

This may be done before pitching to the batter or on any ball & strike count.

The ball shall be declared dead before making the award.

No breaking balls are allowed as determined in the sole discretion of the umpire. Straight changeups and knuckleballs are permitted. Warning will be given on first offense; repeated violations may result in ejection from the game of the player and/or the coach at the umpire’s discretion.

DEFENSE/BATTING

Nine players will play the field and a minimum of 10 players will bat. Coaches may bat more than 10 players at their discretion.

SUBSTITUTION

Re-entry may be used. A player must re-enter in the same position in the batting order. Players can only re-enter once. Substitutes cannot re-enter.

A late 10th player may be added to the end of the batting order as long as that spot has not come up.

DROP 3rd STRIKE

A batter MAY take first base on a third strike missed or dropped by the catcher, in accordance with OHSAA rules, that is, when there are 2 outs or first base was unoccupied at the time of the pitch.

BASE RUNNERS

Runners may not lead off and may steal all bases only after the pitched ball has reached home plate. One warning per game for leaving a base too soon, and the runner must return back to the base. The play is immediately dead if a runner is deemed to have left early, including on a batted ball. After one warning, runners will be declared out for leaving early.

Runner may advance home or any other base on any overthrows or passed balls or play on another base.

On overthrows that are still in play, runners may try to advance as many bases as they wish.

All base runners must slide when played upon. If a base runner fails to slide when played upon, the runner may be called out if in the umpire’s sole discretion, the runner interfered with the play.

OVERTHROWS

As long as the ball stays in the playing field, a runner can advance at his own risk.

If the ball is thrown out of play, the runner will be awarded 2 bases from the last base touched or occupied.

EXCEPTION

If the overthrow occurs from the pitcher, with his foot on the rubber, the runner will only be awarded 1 base from the last base touched or occupied.

COURTESY RUNNERS

Permitted for those players who will be either pitching or catching to start the next inning (catchers only in 8U) at any time per the coach’s discretion. The courtesy runner shall be the last recorded out.

INFIELD FLY

Will be called.

9U & 10U Special Rules:

OHSAA Rules apply with the following exceptions.

GAME LENGTH

Games will last six (6) innings unless run rule is reached or time limit.

Run Rule

15 runs after 3 complete innings

10 runs after 4 complete innings or any complete inning thereafter

During Pool Play Only – If the visiting team achieves the run rule limit within the 1:45 time limit, the home team will get a chance to hit. If the run rule limit is achieved by the visiting team after the 1:45, the game will be over.

TIES

In the event that a game remains tied after the last inning or after the time limit has expired, the next inning shall be started with a runner on second base (last batter of the previous inning). If the game remains tied after one additional inning, runners will start on second and third the next inning and each inning thereafter (last two batters from the previous inning). If the game remains tied after two additional innings in pool play, the game is over and will be recorded as a tie.

TIME LIMIT

No inning will begin after 1:45 from the first pitch

RUN RULE PER INNING

No more than 6 runs can be scored in an inning except the sixth inning and after. Even if the last hit causes more than 6 runs to score, only 6 runs will be counted.

MOUND/BASES

46’ pitching distance and 60’

PITCHERS

Will be given 7 warm up pitches to start and will have 4 pitches for each inning after that.

Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 3 innings per game (1 pitch = 1 inning).

A player may NOT re-enter as a pitcher during a game, once he is removed from that position.

One balk warning will be afforded each pitcher during a game. Only blatant balks will be called.

Any pitcher hitting 4 batters in a single game must be removed as a pitcher for the remainder of that game.

An intentional base on balls may be given by the defensive team by having its catcher or coach request the umpire to award the batter first base.

This may be done before pitching to the batter or on any ball & strike count.

The ball shall be declared dead before making the award.

No breaking balls are allowed as determined in the sole discretion of the umpire. Warning will be given; repeated violations may result in ejection from the game of the player and/or the coach at the umpire’s discretion.

DEFENSE/BATTING

Ten players will play the field and a minimum of 10 players will bat. Coaches may bat more than 10 players.

SUBSTITUTION

Free substitutions on defense for all players in the batting order.

A late 11th player may be added to the end of the batting order as long as that spot has not come up.

DROP 3rd STRIKE

A batter may not take first base on a third strike missed or dropped by the catcher. Batter is automatically out.

BASE RUNNERS

Runners may not lead off and may steal 2nd or 3rd base only after the pitched ball has reached home plate. One warning per game for leaving a base too soon, and the runner must return back to the base. The play is immediately dead if a runner is deemed to have left early, including on a batted ball. After one warning, runners will be declared out for leaving early.

A runner on 3rd base, when the play begins, can score only when driven in by a batted ball, a walk, a hit batsman, or when a play is made on him. A runner on 3rd may not score when a teammate attempts to steal second, even on an overthrow by the catcher to 2nd.

Runners not on 3rd base when the play begins may advance home during any live ball situation, including overthrows on steals, overthrows from the catcher to the pitcher, and passed balls.

No delayed stealing. After a ball is pitched and the ball has crossed the plate, a runner must immediately make an attempt to steal the next base.

All base runners must slide when played upon. If a base runner fails to slide when played upon, the runner may be called out if in the umpire’s sole discretion the runner interfered with the play.

OVERTHROWS

As long as the ball stays in the playing field, a runner can advance at his own risk.

If the ball is thrown out of play, the runner will be awarded 2 bases from the last base touched or occupied.

COURTESY RUNNERS

Permitted for those players who will be either pitching or catching to start the next inning (catchers only in 8U) at any time per the coach’s discretion. The courtesy runner shall be the last recorded out.

INFIELD FLY

No infield fly rule

8U Special Rules:

OHSAA Rules apply with the following exceptions.

BASEBALL

A regulation Little League baseball will be used. We will NOT use a rubber coated or RIF ball.

GAME LENGTH

Games will last six (6) innings unless run rule is reached or time limit.

Run Rule

15 runs after 3 complete innings

10 runs after 4 complete innings or any complete inning thereafter

During Pool Play Only – If the visiting team achieves the run rule limit within the 1:15 time limit, the home team will get a chance to hit. If the run rule limit is achieved by the visiting team after the 1:15, the game will be over.

BETWEEN INNING TIME LIMIT

There will be a 3-minute time limit when switching sides. Exceeding the time limit once will result in a warning.

Please be organized, have hitters ready and all fielders (coaches) in position within this time limit.

If you feel you must huddle before offense / defense, please be mindful of the clock.

TIES

In the event that a game remains tied after the last inning or after the time limit has expired, the next inning shall be started with a runner on second base (last batter of the previous inning). If the game remains tied after one additional inning, runners will start on second and third the next inning and each inning thereafter (last two batters from the previous inning). If the game remains tied after two additional innings in pool play, the game is over and will be recorded as a tie.

TIME LIMIT

No inning will begin after 1:15 from the first pitch

RUN RULE PER INNING

No more than 6 runs can be scored in an inning except the sixth inning and after. Even if the last hit causes more than 6 runs to score, only 6 runs will be counted.

MOUND/BASES

40’ pitching distance and 60’ bases.

PITCHERS

Pitching will be performed by any qualified adult designated by the coach.

The designated pitcher must make every attempt to not interfere with the play in the field after the batter hits the ball. If the ball hits the pitcher or the pitcher interferes with play in any way (in the umpire's opinion), all runners will return to the base they were at, and the batter will continue his at bat. The pitch does not count as a strike or one of the 6 pitches.

The designated pitcher must stand on the pitching rubber.

Fielding pitchers (players) are required to be within eight (8) feet of the rubber at the time of each pitch; the player may stand to the right, left, or behind the rubber, but not in front of the pitcher.

DEFENSE

The defensive team will consist of the normal ten (10) players.

Four (4) player outfield is mandatory with all outfielders playing approximately an equal distance from home plate. A short fielder is not allowed.

All outfielders must have both feet in the outfield grass before and during each pitch.

Free substitutions are allowed on defense and do not have to be reported. Players can change position during an inning.

One defensive outfield coach is allowed (but not required). The coach must remain in the outfield at all times while the ball is in play.

If the ball comes in contact with the coach, the ball is still live and in play.

There shall be no defensive shifts.

Each team will have a player at the catcher position and must wear full catcher’s equipment.

All players present must play in the defensive field minimum of two (2) innings.

Defensive players standing on the base or in the baseline when a play is not present will be ruled as runner interference and will result in the baserunner being awarded an extra base. Please do not play your players directly with in the baseline.

HITTING

All players present will be in the batting order.

If a player can absolutely NOT bat due to an injury, his spot may be skipped without penalty IF the head coach reports this injury to the plate umpire before the next time which his team bats AND the umpire agrees that this injury is legitimate.

Once a player is declared “unable to bat”, he may not play the rest of the game.

Faking injuries will not be tolerated and may be ground for the team’s removal from the tournament.

Teams can play with fewer than ten (10) players but the batting order will consist of a minimum of nine (9) players. If the minimum number of batters is not met, one (1) out will be taken each time the end of the batting order comes up.

Each batter is allowed a maximum of six (6) pitches, unless the 6th pitch is fouled off.

A batter will be ruled out by strikeout if:

He/She has any combination of three (3) missed swings and foul balls.

The last swing being a missed swing.

A foul ball on the 6th or thereafter pitch will warrant another pitch until the following occurs:

A swing and miss

The player fails to swing at the pitch

The player hits the ball into fair territory

Bunting is not allowed.

Drop 3rd strike

A batter may not take first base on a third strike missed or dropped by the catcher. Batter is automatically out.

There will be no throwing of bats. A team will receive a warning for the first violation of the rule. All subsequent violations will result in the batter being called out and all runners shall return to their previous bases.

BASERUNNING

There will be no stealing of bases. A base runner will not be allowed to leave his/her base until the batter makes contact with the ball.

Team will receive a warning for the first violation of this rule. All subsequent violations will result in the runners being called out and all other runners shall return to their previous bases.

All base runners must slide when played upon. One warning will be given during the game before an out is justified.

If the defensive player is forced up the line to make a defensive play before an allowable sliding distance, the player will not be ruled automatically out for not sliding and the result of the play will stand.

The runner will be ruled out if they run more than three (3) feet of either side of the baseline when a play is being made upon them.

TIMEOUT

A player, in the infield dirt and within fair territory, with firm possession of the ball may ask for timeout. Once the umpire has signaled time, the play is dead.

There will be a chalk line in the dirt 30’ past each base. If the runner has reached the chalk line or went past, he will be awarded that base. If he has not reached the chalk line, he must return to the previous base touched.

There shall be no “dancing” by the base runners to attempt to induce a throw.

OVERTHROW

As long as the ball stays in the playing field, a runner can advance at his own risk.

If the ball is out of the field of play, the runner can only advance one base.

SUBSTITUTION

Free substitutions on defense for all players in the batting order.

A late 12th player may be added to the end of the batting order as long as that spot has not come up.

If a player can absolutely NOT bat due to an injury on the field and there are no available extra players, his spot may be skipped without penalty IF the head coach reports this injury to the plate umpire before the next time which his team bats AND the umpire agrees that this injury is legitimate. Once a player is declared “unable to bat”, he may not play the rest of the game. Faking of injuries will not be tolerated and may be grounds for the team’s removal from the tournament.

COURTESY RUNNERS

Permitted for those players who will be catching to start the next inning at any time per the coach’s discretion. The courtesy runner shall be the last recorded out.

INFIELD FLY

No infield fly rule