A. All Tournaments are listed as either “Rec All-Star, Minors, Triple-A or “OPEN” and will group all teams of the same age
within pool play. Teams are assigned to elimination bracket play based on their seeding in pool play.
B. Small Town Select, its directors, or representatives will do everything in their power to provide a fair playing field
for all levels of play.
A. The team manager, upon request, must provide a copy of any player’s birth certificate to the tournament director. Any player without a birth certificate or who’s age puts them ineligible for the team they are competing with places the player and team as subject to disqualification.
B. All teams competing in STS events must have excess accident/medical coverage and general liability insurance. Required coverage limits are a minimum of $100,000 excess accident/medical, and a minimum of $2,000,000 general liability which includes participant legal liability. The team has the right to purchase its insurance from any reputable company. Insurance certificates will be verified at check-in. Insurance policy must have Small Town Select Tournaments listed at additionally insured.
A player may only participate with one team per event. PENALTY: Removal of player from all teams
(original and non-original) for rest of tournament. Removal of non- original team manager for rest of tournament.
player found to be playing down in age shall be ruled illegal. PENALTY: Forfeit of protested game and disqualification
of player and team manager for rest of tournament.
B. Tournament playing age is defined as the age of the player on or before May 1st of current year
|
Age
Division
|
AGE-BASED
Maximum Age for Division
Age as of May 1, 2024 |
|
GRADE BASED
Grade exception
|
Grade Exception
Maximum Age
|
| 5U |
Will not turn 6 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 7 years old |
| 6U |
Will not turn 7 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 8 years old |
| 7U |
Will not turn 8 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 9 years old |
| 8U |
Will not turn 9 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 10 years old |
| 9U |
Will not turn 10 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 11 years old |
| 10U |
Will not turn 11 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 12 years old |
| 11U |
Will not turn 12 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 13 years old |
| 12U |
Will not turn 13 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 14 years old |
| 13U |
Will not turn 14 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 15 years old |
| 14U |
Will not turn 15 years old prior to |
or |
Currently in |
And will not turn 16 years old |
ALL GRADE-BASED PLAYERS MUST HAVE A COPY OF BIRTH CERT AND CURRENT REPORT CARD, OFFICIAL SCHOOL ID
WITH GRADE, OR ANY OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT STATING GRADE
Classifications
- Majors Division is our most competitive division comprised of highly competitive teams from around the state.
- Triple-A Division is for strong regional teams that compete at a high level but are not competitive in majors division
- Minors division is comprised of local travel teams.
BAT SIZES:
A. All bats in all age divisions may not exceed 34” in length, and 2 ¾” in barrel
diameter.
PROHIBITED BATS:
A. All bats labeled “For T-Ball Only” may only be used when hitting off a TEE..
B. All bats labeled “Coach Pitch” may only be used within Coach Pitch competition.
C. All bats labeled “Not for Use with Real Baseballs” are prohibited from play
D. Any bat that is altered in any manner is prohibited.
A. Small Town Select will only permit aluminum and composite bats which bear the “USSSA BPF 1.15, BBCOR OR USA
Stamped” manufacturer’s branding, label, or stamp in ages 14U and under. Wood bats, Composite Bats, or Bamboo bats may
also be used.
B. 14U Division Can Not use bats with a greater than a -5 Drop.
C. 13U Division Can Not use bats with a greater than a -8 Drop
• A coin flip shall determine the home and/or visitor in all pool play games.
• Dugouts are first come first serve
Batting, Line-Up & Offense Rules
Teams may elect to bat the following in a lineup-
- Straight 9 with a least 1 substitute
- 9 with a DH with at least 1 substitute
- 10 with an DH (if desired) and EH with at least 1 substitute
- Entire rostered players present at the field (entire lineup)
NFHS substitute rules apply
The team must field a minimum of 8 players to start the game. If a team has less than 8 players at game time is forfeit time. Teams electing to bat their entire roster should note that in case of a player not being able to continue due to injury will only be an out the first time that player's spot comes up in the batting order, however, in the case of a player ejection, the ejected player's spot will be an out every time that player's spot comes up in the batting order. A minimum of 8 players shall be required to start a game and teams cannot finish with less than 8 players with the 9th spot being an automatic out every time up. The 9th player can be added to line up in the 9th spot in the batting order at any time during the game as long as that player is legally rostered on the team. Starters may re-enter one time only in their original batting order. NOTE: In the event of a player being injured during the course of a game and an injured player cannot continue and the team has no more players with eligibility (subs have been used) the last declared substitute used by the respective team then will be allowed to sub for the injured player. No outs are declared at this point. This exception is used to promote player safety and in the spirit of fair play.
Designated Hitter
(DH), may be used in the 9U-14U divisions. Normal substitution rules apply for the Designated Hitter (DH).
Extra Hitter
A team may use the EH, (extra hitter) if desired in any (Ages 9 thru 14) game. The manager must declare the use of an EH prior to the start of the game. The EH position shall be considered the same as any other position. Normal substitution rules apply. However, any team that begins play using an EH, must maintain a 10-player line-up throughout the game. If, due to injury, a team shall fail to field nine players, an out shall be recorded each time the EH was to have come to bat. Note: The extra hitter listed on the original line-up is considered the extra hitter for the entire game no matter what defensive position he assumes during the game. The extra hitter may occupy any position in the batting order. Once the game has commenced, the position of the EH in the batting line-up cannot change during the game.
Slash Bunts
Not allowed in ages 9U-13U. Penalty for slash bunt will result in an out & head coach ejection. No contact with the ball is required for an out to be called. 14U may use slash bunt on 60/90 field only.
Courtesy Runners
For the pitcher & catcher once they reach first base.
A courtesy runner will not be allowed if a pitch has been made to the next batter.
The courtesy runner must be a legal substitute currently not in the game, which includes starters that have been substituted for, but are eligible for re-entry.
If you are batting your entire roster, the courtesy runner must be the last batted out.
If a team only has one substitute or only 1-out has been recorded, the courtesy runner will revert back to the last batted out if the substitute is on base or the last batter in the lineup that batted out is on base.
Slide Rule
A. Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and / or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire. Penalty: The runner shall be called out and may be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpires.
B. A runner who jumps over a player will be called out whether or not contact is made with the defensive player.
C. A dead ball appeal can be appealed directly to the umpire, without the Pitcher throwing to the appealed base. Only one dead ball appeal is allowed on any play.
Pitching Rules
There are no pitching limits for STS. We do encourage all coaches to monitor pitch counts and keep the players best interest in mind.
Pitching Mound Visits
Visits will remain 2 per inning, with a second visit to the same pitcher in the same inning resulting in a pitching change.
INTENTIONAL WALK
A team may choose to intentionally walk a batter anytime by just instructing the umpire to just “put them on” (no pitches are required).
Balks
Balks will be delayed dead ball.
BASE AND PITCHING DISTANCES – GAME LENGTHS
| Age | Bases | Pitching Distance |
| 6U, 7U, 8U | 55' or 60' |
38' or 40'
|
| 9U, 10U | 60' or 65' |
44' or 46'
|
| 11U, 12U | 70' |
48' or 50'
|
| 13U | 80' |
54'
|
| 14U | 90' |
60'
|
A. In ALL games, the Official game time starts when UIC announces the game time.
B. The local tournament director may impose game times as deemed necessary. These times are recommended and
may be changed with no prior notice. No new inning may start after time or innings have expired, except when a
game is tied. In all tournaments, to help keep the event on schedule, pool play games may end in a tie. Pool play is
used for seeding purposes only.
| Age | Pool | Bracket | Innings |
| 6U, 7U, 8U | 60min | 75min | 6 |
| 9U, 10U | 75min | 90min | 6 |
| 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U | 90min | 105min | 7 |
A. Overtime/ extra innings begin once the maximum time limit or innings have been reached and the score is still tied.
B. Last two batters on 2nd and 3rd base with one out; No count on the batter. Continue this format until a winner is
determined
Bracket Seeding Procedure
20 Anytime
12 after 3 innings
10 after 4 innings
8 after 5 innings
Defensive team may have 2 time outs per ½ inning
• Pitching change must occur on 2nd timeout of the inning
Offensive team may have 1 time out per ½ innings
8U Kid Pitch Rules
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 another force play.
Walks are a deadball situation
No Bunting
No dropped 3rd strike rule
No balks
No infield fly rule
7 run limit per inning
Bases 60’
Coach Pitch (7U-8U)
PLAYING FIELD:
A. A 10-foot circle shall be drawn around the pitcher’s mound. The circle shall have a 5-foot radius from the center of the pitcher’s rubber.
B. The pitcher’s rubber shall be in the center of the circle.
PITCHING REGULATIONS:
A. The adult coach pitcher, from the team at bat, must be stationed standing with one foot on the pitcher’s rubber when he delivers the ball.
B. The adult coach pitcher shall pitch overhand to his own team.
C. A batter shall bat until they have received a maximum of 6 pitches, or 3 swinging strikes, or hits the ball. If the batter fouls off the 6th (or last) pitch, or fouls the 3rd strike, the batter shall remain at bat. The batter is not out by fouling off his final pitch. A 3rd strike foul tip caught by the catcher, or any foul pop-up caught by a defensive player, will remain an out.
D. A player may only be intentionally walked ONCE per game. Only the opposing manager may request that a player is intentionally walked.
E. The adult coach pitcher is to make certain that they get out of the way of any batted ball and does not interfere with the players' access to the ball. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the adult coach pitcher interferes with a fielder’s access to a batted ball, the batter is automatically out and the runners may not advance. If a batted ball, in the judgment of the
umpire, accidently hits the adult coach pitcher, it shall be ruled a dead ball. All runners return to base.
E. The adult pitcher may not talk to, or coach, any runners or batter while he is on the field. He is only permitted to pitch. If in the umpire’s judgment, the adult coach pitcher does talk, or coach, the batter or runner will be declared out.
Batting, Line-Up & Offense Rules
Teams may elect to bat the following in a lineup in Coach Pitch Divisions- Lineup format must be declared at beginning of game. The format a team chooses to start a game with, they must finish with. Teams batting 9 players will only be allowed 9 players on the field defensively. Teams choosing to bat 10 may play with 10 defensive players in the field. Teams choosing to roster bat will have free substitutions, however; if for any reason a player can not bat an out will be taken by that team using the roster bat format.
- Straight 9 with a least 1 substitute
- 9 with a DH with at least 1 substitute
- 10 with an DH (if desired) and EH with at least 1 substitute
- Entire rostered players present at the field (entire lineup)
DEFENSE:
A. Ten (10) defensive players can play in the field. 4 of these players must play in the outfield and may not cross over into infield. Teams can choose to play 9 players in the field.
the infield until the ball is hit.
B. Defensive coaches are not permitted on the field of play.
C. The infield fly rule does not apply.
PLAYING RULES:
A. An inning is considered over once a team scores seven (7) runs or three (3) outs are achieved.
B. Lead offs and stolen bases are not permitted.
C. Base-runners may not leave the base until the ball is hit or the ball has crossed the plate. PENALTY: The runner is called out.
D. Base stealing is NOT permitted unless a defensive player (including pitcher) makes a play to the base occupied by a player.
E. Any defensive throw to any base permits all runners to advance at their own risk.
A runner on third base may not advance to home on a passed ball or wild pitch.
F. The batter is out on the third strike, regardless of whether the catcher holds onto the ball or not.
G. The batter is automatically out (not ejected) if he throws the bat. One warning will be given per team per game.
H. No Bunting
I. Defensive coaches are not permitted on the field of play.
J. A COURTESY RUNNER is allowed for the catcher of record only, from the previous inning.
K. Umpires shall call “time” after every play has concluded and declare the ball “dead.” Time should be called when all runners are no longer attempting to advance.
L. Run (mercy) rules remain in effect
M. Base runners may not head first slide into home plate Penalty: Dead Ball and Runner is Out.
N. Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder.
6U ( MODIFIED COAH PITCH)
GENERAL PLAYING RULES:
A. An inning is considered over once a team scores seven (7) runs or three (3) outs are achieved with the exception of the 6th or final inning when unlimited runs may be scored.
B. Umpires shall call “Time” after every play has concluded and declare the ball “Dead”. Time should be called when all runners are no longer attempting to advance. A runner standing off the bag attempting to “juke” back and forth is not considered an attempt to advance.
C. Run (mercy) rules remain in effect.
PLAYING FIELD:
A. A 10-foot circle shall be drawn around the pitcher’s mound. The circle shall have a 5-foot radius from the center of the pitcher’s rubber.
B. The pitcher’s rubber shall be in the center of the circle.
DEFENSE:
A. Ten (10) defensive players can play in the field. Four (4) of these players must play in the outfield and may not cross over into the infield until the ball is hit.
B. Defensive coaches are not permitted on the field of play.
C. The pitcher must remain on the rubber until the ball has been hit. If the pitcher fails to do so, then the offensive team may choose the result of the play or consider it a no pitch.
D. The infield fly rule does not apply.
BASE RUNNERS:
A. Lead offs and stolen bases are not permitted.
B. Base runners must remain on the base until the ball has been hit. PENALTY: Runner is called out.
C. A COURTESY RUNNER is permitted for catcher of record only.
BATTERS:
A. Each batter will receive 5 pitches to put ball in play.
B. Batter can swing and miss at all 5 pitches without being out.
C. If a batter fails to put a ball in play after the 5th pitch, the batter will then get ONE chance to put a ball in play off the Tee.
D. If a batter fails to hit a fair ball off the Tee the batter will be called out.
E. If a batter puts a ball in play off the Tee, then the batter and all other base runners are only allowed to advance one base.
F. Bunting is not permitted. If a player bunts, ball is dead and is considered an official swing
1. Any Ejections of coaches, players, and fans, based upon unsportsmanlike conduct, malicious contact, verbally
abusing tournament officials, or throwing anything at another individual or onto the playing field, will result in an
immediate ejection, AND ADDITIONAL SUSPENSION. A team can incur a maximum of three ejections total in any
tournament. Upon the 3rd cumulative ejection to any team (including ejections to the manager, coaches, players,
parents, or fans) the team is disqualified from the event.
2. Within any tournament, upon the first ejection (for unsportsmanlike conduct or malicious contact) for any player,
manager, coach or fan of the team, the person ejected is required to immediately leave the park premises, and will
also be ineligible for attendance or participation in the team’s next tournament game
ejected be required to immediately leave the park premises, and shall also be ineligible for attendance or participation
in the team’s next TWO tournament games.
4. Within any tournament, upon the third ejection of any player, manager, coach or fan of the team, the entire team
is immediately disqualified from further participation in that tournament. All members of the team are also
prohibited from attending any remaining games in the event as fans or spectators. The team is also subject to
permanent disqualification, or suspension, from future STS participation, at the discretion of STS.
5. If any individual is ejected for a second time at any event, he or she will not be permitted into the park for the
remainder of the tournament. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate disqualification of the team.
The person is also subject to possible permanent suspension from STS
6. If it becomes necessary, by an umpire or tournament director, to call security, due to an unruly coach, player, parent,
or fan; or if a person refuses to leave the park after being ejected, the entire team is immediately disqualified
effective when the call for assistance is initiated. No fees, admissions, nor travel expenses will be refunded.
7. Post-Game Misconduct: If any team, or any member of a team, (including manager, coach, player, parent, or fan)
displays misconduct or poor sportsmanship AFTER a game has concluded, or issues verbal assaults, trashes or
damages park property, or physically threatens, or makes a physical assault against another person, the team will be
permanently disqualified from further participation within STS, and all guilty parties will be subject to arrest and
prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
8. Use of profanity by coaches, players, parents or fans is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and may result in
ejection, upon the decision of the STS official or event director. Our events are for children, and STS does not believe
profanity is appropriate, nor acceptable, whatsoever, in our environment.
9. A manager or coach may not remove his team from the field, or refuse to continue play, due to a dispute with
game officials. PENALTY: The game is immediately forfeited, and the team is disqualified from further
participation in the tournament. The manager or coach is subject to indefinite suspension by STS.
are instructed to call time, and eject the fan or spectator. If a team’s fan or spectator is ejected, the team manager is
also ejected and will serve an additional game suspension.
A. All calls regarding malicious contact shall be judgment calls of the umpires.
B. All malicious contact, will result in the runner being declared out, and ejected from the game, plus (1) one additional (next) game.
A. Metal cleats are only permitted in 13U-14U.
B. Some tournaments may require portable mounds. Metal cleats are prohibited on ALL portable mounds. Please
plan accordingly as there will be no exception to this rule.
1 and 2 Day Tournaments
0 games played = Full Refund
1 game played = 1/2 refund
2 games played = No refund
No individual gate refunds at any time