Rules

Showtime Tournaments (ST) Baseball Rules

Age Divisions & Player Eligibility

ST will allow two grade exceptions per age division. Proof of eligibility requires original birth certificate or official school/government documentation. Failure to provide = player & coach ejection.

Rosters

Rosters are frozen prior to each event. Players not on roster cannot participate. All names must match official documents exactly (no nicknames). Managers & coaches must be listed to be eligible to coach.

Roster Classifications / Guidelines

Majors teams must play up in Majors or AAA. Guest player limits apply by classification. Sandbagging strictly prohibited. Illegal players = removal & coach ejection.

Classifications

Majors – Most competitive, national-level teams. AAA – Strong regional teams not yet at Majors level. AA – Local travel teams.

Participation Requirements

Teams must be sanctioned by ST and carry liability insurance listing Showtime Tournaments as additionally insured. Managers are responsible for player eligibility.

Rankings & Seeding

Wins, semifinal wins, and championships award points (different by classification). Event stature multiplies points (up to 5x for ST Nationals). Seeding is based on record, runs allowed, runs scored, run differential, ranking, coin flip.

Sportsmanship

Unruly behavior, threats, fighting, or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Ejections carry suspension penalties. Ejected parties must leave within 45 seconds.
Batting & Lineups

Teams may bat straight 9, with DH/EH, or full roster. Slash bunts not allowed in 6U–13U AA. Courtesy runners allowed for pitcher/catcher.

Field & Equipment

Field dimensions vary by age (40x60 for 6U–8U, up to 60x90 for 14U+). Bats must meet ST standards (BBCOR/USABat/1.15). Altered or damaged bats = illegal.

Pitching

Pitch count and out limits by age division apply. Event limits & rest requirements enforced. Violation = immediate pitcher removal.

Pool Play

Time limits vary by age division (75 min – 1 hr 45 min). No new inning after time expires. Ties count as half-win, half-loss.

Playoffs & Championships

No same-organization matchups in first round (if 9+ teams). Championship games may have no time limit if time allows.

Extra Innings

Texas Tie-Breaker: Last 3 hitters on base with 1 out.

Forfeits

Games may start with 8 players. Intentional forfeits may result in event removal.

Mercy Rules

20 after 2, 15 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5 innings.

Protests
Judgment calls not protestable. Roster violations reviewed by director. Protests must be filed before next pitch/time expiration.

Scoring

Home team keeps official score in Playbook app. Lineup cards must include names, numbers, positions.

8U Rules (Kid Pitch)

No lead-offs or stealing home. 1 bunt per inning. 7-run cap per inning. No dropped 3rd strike, no infield fly rule.

7U–8U Coach Pitch

20 ft fair ball arc, 30 ft safety arc. Max 6 pitches or 3 strikes. 10 defensive players. Entire roster bats. 7-run cap per inning.

6U Modified T-Ball

3 pitches then tee. Max 2 bases on tee-hit. Entire roster bats. 7-run cap per inning. Mercy rules apply (15 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5).