The 2023 season starts on Aug. 15, 2022. The age of your oldest player on April 30th, 2023 will determine your 2022 team age (USSSA Baseball Age Calculator). All teams need to re-register for 2022 beginning August 1, 2022. You can register your team at www.usssa.com and for assistance check out (Team Information).
All teams participating in USSSA Leagues and tournaments must have a team insurance policy.
For 2 day tournaments, we need at least 4 teams and for 3 day tournaments we need at least 5 teams in each classification (AA, AAA, MJ) to keep them separate from one another. When those numbers aren’t reached, we combine the classifications into an “open” division. Usually, the AA’s are able to be kept separate from the others and the AAA’s and Majors are combined.
Please Note: Our tournaments sometimes begin play as early as 7:45 AM on all days of the tournament and may go as late 9:00 PM starts. Teams are to be prepared to play at any time during the day. No entries will be taken contingent on playing only at a certain times and no changes will be made to posted schedules because you are playing later or earlier than you would like.
For all tournaments, any team may register, regardless of the # of registrations. Registration will get you listed in our “Who’s Playing” section. Only those teams who submit payment and are marked in GREEN are guaranteed a spot on the schedule. We will look at our field space to determine the amount of teams we can take per division. Once that number has been reached, we will close down the division and start a waiting list.
When entering a tournament you need to know that no refunds will be given to a team that drops out of the tournament after the brackets are published. There will be a $200 drop out penalty for any team dropping out within 14 days of the tournament.
Every effort will be made to complete the tournament, but in the event the tournament cannot be completed we will refund on the following criteria. A full rainout and no game has started, a full refund; 1 game played a 1/2 of entry fee refund will be issued; 2 games played no refund will be given. The tournament director has the right to alter schedules, adjust time limits, or adjust the number of playoff participants in order to complete the tournament. The tournament director also has the right to alter the amount of the refund.
Registering for a tournament does not guarantee that you will play your games at Big League Dreams Park (BLD). Field restrictions and size of various age groups make it impossible to schedule all games at BLD.
The Director reserves that right to change sites/locations without notice due to field availability. Also, tournaments may play Sunday games at alternate locations due to field restrictions. If a tournament is cancelled for any reason, USSSA and Vegas Valley Baseball have no financial responsibility other than to refund the entry fee for the cancelled tournament.
Players may play up in age but may not play down.
Players may only play on one team during a weekend tournament, regardless of age group.
Any manager knowingly or NOT KNOWINGLY using illegal players will be ejected from the tournament, the team will forfeit all games the illegal player(s) participated and shall not advance into bracket play. Upon further investigations the manager and player may be suspended from all USSSA sanctioned leagues and tournaments for up to a one year period.
Teams are to have non-duplicating numbers on their jerseys at least 4 inches in size.
All teams are to report to their fields or registration desk one hour before their scheduled game times. When circumstances arise, we will start games early throughout the day of the tournament. Teams are to be prepared to start at least one half hour before their scheduled game time.
Managers and coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and fans.
Absolutely no pre-game infield on any of the fields. Warm-up may only be conducted in foul territory and the outfield!!!
All conversations with an umpire should be conducted after time out has been called and be held in a calm and professional manner. Verbal abuse of an umpire will not be tolerated and may result in ejection from the game.
NO METAL CLEATS ARE TO BE WORN ON BLD MOUNDS, ARROYO GRANDE 5-8 MOUNDS, OR DESERT BREEZE MOUNDS, AND NO METAL CLEATS WILL BE ALLOWED IN DIVISIONS 12U AND BELOW.
No mechanical noise makers are allowed at USSSA tournaments.
Home team is determined by a coin flip in pool play. In playoffs, highest seeded team will be the home team. Each team will provide a scorekeeper with all changes going through the home plate umpire.
Seeding will be determined by:
1. Winning Percentage (Desc) 2. Number of Wins (Desc) 3. Number of Loses (Asc) 4. Tied Teams (vs each other) Winning Pct. (Desc) (Not valid if all tied teams have not played each other) 5. Avg Points Allowed (Asc) 6. Avg Run Differential with a max of 8 (Desc) 7. USSSA Points (Desc) 8. Date Team Entered USSSA Database (Once advanced past one tie breaker, you don’t go back to a previous tie breaker.) 9. Coin Flip
Any manager or coach ejected from a game is subject to a one game suspension at the tournament director’s discretion. An ejected manager or coach must not be in the area of the field after being ejected or during the pre-game or play of the suspended game. Any manager or coach caught continuing to coach after being ejected or suspended will be suspended for an additional period of time. Any player ejected from a game is subject to a one game suspension at the tournament director’s discretion.
All protests will be ruled on immediately and all decisions are final and once the next pitch is thrown, team loses the right to protest.
Any team forfeiting a game may not advance to playoff rounds if it is determined that it is beneficial to that team with regards to that team with regards top Runs Allowed / Run Differential / Pitching etc.
Teams that win a “AAA” Division 3-Day Tournament owe a play-up tournament at the major level. A team that wins a “AA” Division 3-Day Tournament must play a tournament at the AAA level. The play up should be in the next available tournament that the higher division is offered.
Any team winning a tournament from Veteran’s Day 2022 to May 1, 2023, will receive a World Series berth. Team rosters and players are not frozen until May 1. The only exception to this is players and teams with Elite World Series berths. Note that players frozen to a major team can be released, but they must go to another major team. They cannot drop down in class to a AAA or AA team.
GAMES
- 7 innings with no new inning after 2:00. Exception: In pool play, if game is tied at the end of 7 innings and there is still time on the clock, extra innings are played until time expires.
- If a game is called due to rain, Weather, light failure, or other acts of Nature and cannot be resumed it is a regulation game if:
- For a seven (7) inning game, if four (4) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after three and one half (3 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
- All games that for any reason cannot be declared a regulation game pursuant to USSSA Rule 7.03.C shall be a suspended game. A suspended game when resumed, shall resume from the exact point of suspension.
- Mercy Rule 15 after 3 innings, 12 after 4 innings and 8 after 5 innings.
- Tie Breakers: 1. Winning Percentage (Desc) 2. Number of Wins (Desc) 3. Number of Loses (Asc) 4. Tied Teams (vs each other) Winning Percentage (Desc) (Not valid if all teams have not played each other) 5. Avg Points Allowed (Asc) 6. Avg Run Differential with a max of 8 (Desc) 7. USSSA Points Desc) 8. Date Team Entered USSSA Database. (Once advanced past on tie breaker, you don’t go back to a previous tie breaker).
- Championship Day: For all playoff and championship games. If a game is still tied at the end of regulation innings, or any inning starting after time has expired, the last batter to complete their at-bat, will be placed on second base to start the following inning(s) until there is a winner. Also, there is no time limit in the championship game.
- There will only be 1 Manager and 3 coaches allowed in the dugout at SoNV USSSA games. All assistant coaches must be listed on your team’s online roster on www.usssa.com under the “Coaches Listing” option. In addition, no one other than official coaches and players are allowed in the dugout at any time.
PITCHING
- There are no pitching restrictions.
Batting
- Teams may play an official game with an eight (8) player line-up. If a team plays with an eight (8) player line-up, an out shall be declared for the ninth (9th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat.
- Any player(s) arriving after the start of the game, shall be added to the bottom of the line-up.
- A team that must shorten their line-up do to the lack of eligible players, an out shall be recorded every time that spot in the line-up comes up.
- Teams may elect to bat nine (9) players, or nine (9) players with a DH, or nine (9) players with an EH, or nine (9) players with an EH and DH, or a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players. The use of the EH, DH or a continuous line-up must be declared before the start of the game and used the entire game.
- Starters may re-enter one time only in their original spot.
- The DH may bat for any defensive player.
- A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the DH
- A DH for said player shall be selected prior to the start of the game, and his name shall be included on the line-up cards presented to the umpire-in-chief and to the official scorer.
- The DH that bats for a defensive player or any of that player’s substitutes are locked into that batting slot. No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting order.
- The player who was the DH may re-enter as the DH under the re-entry rule.
- If a pinch hitter or pinch runner for the DH is used, that player becomes the new DH.
- A subbed DH can re-enter the game one time since he was considered a starter. The defensive player being hit for can also re-enter the game one time if subbed for. Both must always stay in the same batting spot.
- The role of the DH is terminated for the remainder of the game when: (1) The defensive player, or any previous defensive player for whom the DH batted, subsequently bats, pinch hits, or runs for the DH; (2) The DH or any previous designated DH assumes a defensive position.
Runner
- A runner who jumps over a player will be called out whether or not contact is made with the defensive player.
- The Force Slide Rule: A runner may legally slide directly into a base or in any direction away from the fielder to avoid contact or altering the play of the fielder or avoid by peeling off away from the player making the play. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. Legal Slide means a head first sliide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground before the base. If contact is made on either side of the bag or behind the bag, the ball is immediately dead. The runner is out, inerference is called and the batter runner is also called out.
- A.R. – If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play atttempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.
EQUIPMENT
- All bats for 15u – 18u divisions must be a BBCOR bat limitations including a length to weight ratio no greater than negative three (-3) ounces.
GAMES
- 9u/12u No new inning after 1:45 or 6 innings whichever comes first. Exception: In pool play, if game is tied at the end of 6 innings and there is still time on the clock, extra innings are played until time expires.
- 13u+ No new inning after 2:00 or 7 innings whichever comes first. Exception: In pool play, if game is tied at the end of 7 innings and there is still time on the clock, extra innings are played until time expires.
- Mercy rule: 6 inning game – 15 after 3 innings & 8 after 4 innings
Mercy rule: 7 inning game – 15 after 3 innings & 12 after 4 innings & 8 after 5 innings - If a game is called due to rain, Weather, light failure, or other acts of Nature and cannot be resumed it is a regulation game if:
- For a six (6) inning game, if three (3) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after two and one half (2 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
- For a seven (7) inning game, if four (4) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after three and one half (3 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
- All games that for any reason cannot be declared a regulation game pursuant to USSSA Rule 7.03.C shall be a suspended
- game. A suspended game when resumed, shall resume from the exact point of suspension.
- Tie Breakers: 1. Winning Percentage (Desc) 2. Number of Wins (Desc) 3. Number of Loses (Asc) 4. Tied Teams (vs each other) Winning Percentage (Desc) (Not valid if all teams have not played each other) 5. Avg Points Allowed (Asc) 6. Avg Run Differential with a max of 8 (Desc) 7. USSSA Points (Desc) 8. Date Team Entered USSSA Database. (Once advanced past on tie breaker, you don’t go back to a previous tie breaker).
- Championship Day: For all playoff and championship games. If a game is still tied at the end of regulation innings, or any inning starting after time has expired, the last batter to complete their at-bat, will be placed on second base to start the following inning(s) until there is a winner. Also, there is no time limit in the championship game.
- There will only be 1 manager and 3 coaches allowed in the dugout at SoNV USSSA games. All assistant coaches must be listed on your team’s online roster on USSSA Bylaws under the “Coaches Listing” option. In addition, no one other than official coaches and players are allowed in the dugout at any time.
| Distances | Mound | Bases |
|---|---|---|
| 9U & 10U | 46′ | 65′ |
| 11U & 12U | 50′ | 70′ |
| 13U | 54′ | 80′ |
| 14U | 60.6′ | 90′ |
PITCHING
PITCHING LIMITATIONS:
- 7U-12U = 6 innings in a day and 8 in the tournament
- 13U-14U = 7 innings in a day and 8 in the tournament.
*One pitch or one play equals 1 inning
*A player that pitches more than three (3) innings in one day MUST rest the next day
*Once a pitcher is removd from the mound, they may not pitch again in that game.
*Leniency on balks in 9u.
*On a one weekend tournament, pitching does not recycle for the playoffs. Violation of pitching restrictions will result in automatic ejection of offending Manager and player.
Note: These pitching rules pertain only to regular season tournaments. World Series pitching rules are governed by the USSSA Bylaws.
BATTING
- Teams may play an official game with an eight (8) player line-up. If a team plays with an eight (8) player line-up, an out shall be declared for the ninth (9th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat.
- Any player(s) arriving after the start of the game, shall be added to the bottom of the line-up.
- A team that must shorten their line-up do to the lack of eligible players, an out shall be recorded every time that spot in the line-up comes up.
- Teams may bat nine (9) players, or nine (9) players with a DH, or nine (9) players with an EH, or nine (9) players with an EH and DH, or a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players. A continuous line-up must be declared before the start of the game and used the entire game.
- Starters may re-enter one time only in their original spot.
- The DH may bat for any defensive player.
- A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the DH.
- A DH for said player shall be selected prior to the start of the game, and his name shall be included on the line-up card presented to the umpire-in-chief and the official scorer.
- The DH may only bat for one player or any of that player’s substitutes on defense.
- The DH that bats for a defensive player or any of that player’s substitutes is locked into that battting slot. No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting order.
- If a pinch hitter or pinch runner for the DH is used, that player becomes the new DH.
- The DH may only bat for one player or any of that player’s substitutes on defense.
- A starting DH can re-enter the game one time since he was considered a starter. The starting defensive player being hit for can also re-enter the game one time if subbed for. Both must always stay in the same batting spot.
- The DH role for a team is terminated for the rest of the game if: (1) The defensive player, or any previous defensive player for whom the DH batted, subsequently bats, pinch-hits, or runs for the DH, (2) The DH or any previous designated DH assumes a defensive position.
RUNNER
- A runner who jumps over a player will called out whether or not contact is made with the defensive player.
- The Force Play Slide Rule: A runner may legally slide directly into a base or in any direction away from the fielder to avoid contact or altering the play of the fielder or avoid by peeling off away from the player making the play. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. Legal Slide means a head first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground before the base. If interference is called and the batter/runner is also called out.
- Courtesy Runner – At any time, the offensive team may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher of record from the previous inning on defense. The courtesy runner must be a player not presently in the line-up. If no players not presently in the line-up are available, the courtesy runner shall be the player making the last batted out. The re-entry status of the courstesy runner, pitcher, and catcher shall not be affected by this rule. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligble, a proper replacement pursuant to these rules (if available) shall be used without penalty.
- A.R. – If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.
EQUIPMENT
- NO METAL CLEATS will be allowed in divisions 12u and below.
- The catcher shall wear all appropriate protective gear including a catcher’s helmet with facemask and either a built in extended throat guard or a separately attached throat guard, chest protector, shin and / or leg guards, and protective cup. In age divisions 9u – 12u, the catcher’s helmet shall fully cover both ears.
- Max barrel in ages 9u-14u is 2 3/4.
- All regular 14u tournaments the only bats allowed will be BBCOR or wood bats. This will not apply to Super NIT’S or World Series events. If you are traveling to an out of state tournament, you should check with the tournament director to see what bats are allowed.
- The max drop allowed in all 13u tournaments is -8.
GAMES
- 7 innings with no new inning after 2:00. Exception: In pool play, if game is tied at the end of 7 innings and there is still time on the clock, extra innings are played until time expires.
- If a game is called due to rain, Weather, light failure, or other acts of Nature and cannot be resumed it is a regulation game if:
- For a seven (7) inning game, if four (4) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after three and one half (3 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
- All games that for any reason cannot be declared a regulation game pursuant to USSSA Rule 7.03.C shall be a suspended game. A suspended game when resumed, shall resume from the exact point of suspension.
- Mercy Rule 15 after 3 innings, 12 after 4 innings and 8 after 5 innings.
- Tie Breakers: 1. Winning Percentage (Desc) 2. Number of Wins (Desc) 3. Number of Loses (Asc) 4. Tied Teams (vs each other) Winning Percentage (Desc) (Not valid if all teams have not played each other) 5. Avg Points Allowed (Asc) 6. Avg Run Differential with a max of 8 (Desc) 7. USSSA Points Desc) 8. Date Team Entered USSSA Database. (Once advanced past on tie breaker, you don’t go back to a previous tie breaker).
- Championship Day: For all playoff and championship games. If a game is still tied at the end of regulation innings, or any inning starting after time has expired, the last batter to complete their at-bat, will be placed on second base to start the following inning(s) until there is a winner. Also, there is no time limit in the championship game.
- There will only be 1 Manager and 3 coaches allowed in the dugout at SoNV USSSA games. All assistant coaches must be listed on your team’s online roster on www.usssa.com under the “Coaches Listing” option. In addition, no one other than official coaches and players are allowed in the dugout at any time.
PITCHING
There are no pitching restrictions.
Batting
- Teams may play an official game with an eight (8) player line-up. If a team plays with an eight (8) player line-up, an out shall be declared for the ninth (9th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat.
- Any player(s) arriving after the start of the game, shall be added to the bottom of the line-up.
- A team that must shorten their line-up do to the lack of eligible players, an out shall be recorded every time that spot in the line-up comes up.
- Teams may elect to bat nine (9) players, or nine (9) players with a DH, or nine (9) players with an EH, or nine (9) players with an EH and DH, or a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players. The use of the EH, DH or a continuous line-up must be declared before the start of the game and used the entire game.
- Starters may re-enter one time only in their original spot.
- The DH may bat for any defensive player.
- A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the DH
- A DH for said player shall be selected prior to the start of the game, and his name shall be included on the line-up cards presented to the umpire-in-chief and to the official scorer.
- The DH that bats for a defensive player or any of that player’s substitutes are locked into that batting slot. No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting order.
- The player who was the DH may re-enter as the DH under the re-entry rule.
- If a pinch hitter or pinch runner for the DH is used, that player becomes the new DH.
- A subbed DH can re-enter the game one time since he was considered a starter. The defensive player being hit for can also re-enter the game one time if subbed for. Both must always stay in the same batting spot.
- The role of the DH is terminated for the remainder of the game when: (1) The defensive player, or any previous defensive player for whom the DH batted, subsequently bats, pinch hits, or runs for the DH; (2) The DH or any previous designated DH assumes a defensive position.
Runner
- A runner who jumps over a player will be called out whether or not contact is made with the defensive player.
- The Force Slide Rule: A runner may legally slide directly into a base or in any direction away from the fielder to avoid contact or altering the play of the fielder or avoid by peeling off away from the player making the play. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. Legal Slide means a head first sliide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground before the base. If contact is made on either side of the bag or behind the bag, the ball is immediately dead. The runner is out, inerference is called and the batter runner is also called out.
- A.R. – If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play atttempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.
EQUIPMENT
- All bats for 15u – 18u divisions must be a BBCOR bat limitations including a length to weight ratio no greater than negative three (-3) ounces.
*Effective January 1, 2019: Any bat permanently stamped with the official USA Baseball logo is legal to use in any USSSA baseball event, except where BBCOR is required.
*Effective January 1, 2020: Our 13U division will have a new bat limit. A maximum of drop 8 (-8) will be the new bat restriction for the 13U age group. This will only apply to 13u events and teams playing in 13U events.
**14U-18U DIVISIONS MUST SWING BBCOR or WOOD
Rule 7.01.C Penalty: (First Offense) –If the Umpire discovers that a bat does not conform to USSSA Rule 7.01.C until a time during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the batter out and/or ejection from the game. If the Umpire discovers that a bat has been used to put a ball in play and before the next legal pitch, the defensive team shall have the choice of the result of play or the batter being called out and all runners returning to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. (Second Offense)–If a team is found in violation of this rule a second time, then the manager shall be ejected in addition to the First Offense penalty.
Entrance Fees:
- PATRONS 13 AND OLDER: $6.00 upon entry and will receive a token worth $1.00
- PATRONS 12 YEARS AND YOUNGER: ARE ADMITTED FREE
- PLAYERS PARTICIPATING: $1.00 upon entry and will receive a token worth $1.00
TOKENS ARE REDEEMABLE FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE AT THE RESTAURANTS OR CONCESSION STAND
Guidelines:
- If you leave the park, and plan to return the same day, please get a hand stamp for re-entry.
- NO FOOD, BEVERAGES, or ICE CHESTS are allowed .
- NO Overnight Recreational Vehicle parking is allowed at Big League Dreams Park.
- Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted to be consumed in the parking lot area at any time.
- NO METAL CLEATS on Big League Dreams fields.
- When warming up between games all players swinging bats must be standing on the dirt.
Big League Dreams is a privately-owned company and as a private facility, some things will be different than what you are used to. Enforcing these policies is what makes it possible to offer a sports experience that is unmatched anywhere