All participants are expected to uphold the integrity of the event, respect fellow players, and represent Diamond Draft Weekend and Warrior Suicide Prevention in a positive manner.

GAME FORMAT

• Games are 50 minutes in length.
• No new inning begins after the time limit expires.
• The inning in progress will be completed unless the mercy rule is in effect.
• Championship games may have modified time limits at the Tournament Director's discretion.
• Teams should be ready to play at least 15 minutes before their scheduled game.

EQUIPMENT

Softballs

• Official tournament softballs will be provided or designated by the Tournament Director.
• Only approved game balls may be used.

Bats

• USSSA and USA approved slowpitch bats are permitted.
• Altered, shaved, rolled, cracked, or damaged bats are prohibited.
• Altered, shaved, rolled, cracked, or damaged bats are prohibited.

Footwear

• Rubber or molded plastic cleats are permitted.
• Turf shoes and athletic shoes are permitted.
• Metal cleats are prohibited.

Protective Equipment

• Pitchers are required to wear an approved safety helmet or mask.
• Defensive masks are allowed for all players.
• Any unsafe equipment may be removed at the umpire's discretion.

PITCHING RULES

• Pitch must be delivered underhand.
• Pitch must have an arc between 4 and 10 feet.
• Pitchers may pitch up to 6 feet behind the pitching rubber.
• The pitcher has 5 seconds to deliver the pitch after becoming set.
• Quick pitching is prohibited.
• Any plays at home after the ball is hit into play must be fielded by the catcher first.

BATTING RULES

• Each batter begins with a 1 ball and 1 strike count.
• One courtesy foul ball is allowed with two strikes.
• A second foul ball after two strikes is an out.
• Bunting is not allowed.
• Deliberately hitting the pitcher may result in an out or ejection if judged intentional.

BASE RUNNING

• Courtesy runners are allowed once per inning for any player.
• The last recorded out will be the courtesy runner.
• Runners must avoid unnecessary contact.
• Malicious contact results in an automatic ejection.
• Sliding is legal but not required.
• Courtesy Runner Speed-Up: Courtesy runners should be ready immediately to minimize delays.
• All Courtesy Runners must be male for male or female for female.
• Safety Base: Double first base will be used whenever available. The defensive player must touch the inside bag. Not the safety bag. The runner must touch the outside bag when running through the base. Not the inside bag. (Not required when rounding 1st base)
• Commit Line: Commitment lines at home plate and half way to home will be used to reduce collisions.

HOME RUN RULE

• Home run limits will be announced before the tournament.
• Home runs beyond the division limit will count as outs unless otherwise specified by tournament format.

MERCY RULE

A game will end early if a team leads by:

• 20 runs after 3 innings
• 15 runs after 4 innings
• 10 runs after 5 innings
• Flip-Flop Rule: May be used in mercy-rule situations to speed up play.

EXTRA INNINGS

If elimination games are tied:

• The last completed out begins the inning on second base.
• International Tiebreaker rules apply until a winner is determined.

DEAD BALL / LIVE BALL

The ball becomes dead when:

• Time is called by the umpire.
• A home run leaves the field of play.
• A lodged ball is declared dead.

All other plays remain live until the umpire calls time.

INTERFERENCE & OBSTRUCTION

• Offensive interference results in the offending runner being called out.
• Defensive obstruction awards bases as determined by the umpire.
• Intentional interference may result in ejection.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Players, coaches, and spectators must:

• Respect umpires.
• Respect opponents.
• Avoid abusive language.
• Avoid unsportsmanlike conduct.

The following may result in ejection:

• Fighting
• Threatening behavior
• Throwing equipment
• Excessive arguing
• Intentionally attempting to injure another player

Please visit Player Conduct & Event Policies for further information.

UMPIRE AUTHORITY

• Umpire judgment calls are final.
• Rule interpretations may be discussed with the Tournament Director.
• The Tournament Director has final authority on all tournament matters.

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AUTHORITY

The Tournament Director may modify:

• Game times
• Field assignments
• Weather delays
• Tournament format
• Home run limits
• Time limits

when necessary for safety, weather, or tournament completion.

SAFETY RULES

• No intentionally throwing equipment.
• No fake tags without possession of the ball.
• No collisions initiated by runners.
• Pitchers may wear any approved protective equipment.
• Any dangerous conduct may result in immediate removal.

WEATHER POLICY

• Play may be suspended for lightning, unsafe field conditions, or severe weather.
• The Tournament Director will determine delays, postponements, or cancellations.

CONTACT

For questions, please contact:

info@diamonddraftweekend.com