2024 Macpherson Tournament Rules

By participating in the Tournament, you agree to abide by the Official Tournament Rules. The most frequently asked-about rules are:

• Dugout Assignments – team listed first gets 3rd base dugout; team listed second gets 1st base dugout. If your scheduled dugout is occupied by a team playing the game prior, then assume the opposite dugout. For bracket games, the higher seed takes the 3rd base dugout.
• Home Team – decided by coin toss for pool play. Higher seed will be the home team on Sunday during bracket play.
• Game Duration –
  • 10U, 12U:  In pool play, no new inning after 75 minutes of play. In bracket play, no new inning after 80 minutes of play. Championship game time limit is 90 minutes (or 7 innings for 12U and 6 innings for 10U).  
  • 8U:  In pool play, no new inning after 65 minutes of play.  In bracket play, no new inning after 70 minutes of play. Championship game time limit is 75 minutes (or 6 innings).  
  • Ties are permitted in pool play
  • USA Softball international tie-breaker rules are in effect for all bracket matchups should time expire or a game be completed with the score tied
• Game Score Reporting – The manager of the home team turns in a scorecard to the tournament Field Rep at the Field Desk at each venue. 
• Seeding – During pool play, a Win = 3 points, Tie = 1, and Loss = 0. Seeding is determined by 1) total points, 2) total # of wins, 3) head-to-head (for ties between three teams or less), 4) Runs Allowed, 5) Runs Differential (max of 15 run differential per game), and 6) coin flip.
• USA softball field dimensions (see diagram):
  • Base Lines – 60 feet for all age groups and divisions
  • Pitcher's Rubber – from front of the rubber to the back of home plate: 30 feet for 8U, 35 feet for 10U, and 40 feet for 12U
• SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS
  • Highlands Park – by city ordinance and permit, nobody is allowed on the field before 7am (violators may be fined and ejected from the tournament). No metal cleats, sunflower seeds or eating on the artificial turf.  No amplified sound systems allowed at Highlands or Stadium fields.
  • At all field locations, teams can warm up beyond the cone/fence perimeters while previous games are being played. To allow for field prep, no teams can warm up on the infield dirt (fair or foul) prior to the start of their game. Warming up on outfield grass is allowed.
  • All Venues – No Alcohol or Personal BBQ Equipment on the premises, including fields or parking lots. Sorry, this is required by our permits. 
• Conduct – any person displaying unsportsmanlike behavior, on or off the fields, may be ejected from the premises by the umpires or Tournament staff. Teams with fans/parents that act in an unsporting manner are subject to penalty and such behavior could impact a program’s participation in future years.
• Protests – all protests and disputes will be referred to one of the Tournament Directors, whose decision will be final.

2024 Jan Macpherson Tournament Rules

Rules for All Games:

1. All teams must be registered with USA Softball and be a Class 'B' or Class 'C' team as defined by the current Pacific Coast JO Handbook.
2. All teams must provide proof of insurance covering all players that will participate in the Tournament. While approved USA Softball rosters are preferred, it is understood that paperwork may not be finalized prior to the games. Under no circumstances shall a team use players not covered by their insurance or in violation of the age level for their respective division.
3. Players' proof of age is required. The burden of proof lies with the manager if challenged by an official protest. We recommend that all teams carry proof of age to all games.
4. All games will be governed by the current year's official Norcal USA Fastpitch Softball tournament rules, except as modified by the local Jan Macpherson Tournament Rules, as stated herein. 
5. Each team is responsible for knowing where and when their games are played. Game time is forfeit time. Should the prior game end early, games may start up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. So, please arrive early and be ready to play once the field is prepared. 
6. Teams listed first on the schedule will occupy the 3rd base dugout. For pool games on Friday and Saturday, the home team will be decided by coin flip.  During Sunday bracket matchups, the home team will be the higher seed and occupy the 3rd base dugout.
7. Each manager must be prepared to submit a line-up card to the umpire and opposing team 10 minutes prior to the start of the game.
8. A team consists of 9 players however a team may start and finish a game with 8 players. Should a team start a game with 9 (or more) players in the batting order with no substitutes and lose a player due to injury, that spot in the order will be skipped with no penalty. The injured player may not return to the game. Should a team not have any substitutes and a player needs to leave a contest early AND that is disclosed to the opposing coach and umpire prior to the game, when the player leaves they will be removed from the lineup without penalty. If prior notice is not given, then a substitute must be used or an out will be recorded in that spot each time it comes to bat.

Exceptions to the player limits are noted below by age level:

8U Rec & Comp:

1. A team may elect to field 10 players (4 outfielders).
2. Continuous batting and free defensive substitutions are permitted throughout all games.  All players present and in the dugout must be listed in the batting order (i.e. bat everyone). Defensive substitutes need not be reported to the umpire except for changes to pitchers and catchers.  
3. Courtesy runners are allowed for pitchers and catchers and can be any player from the line-up. If a courtesy runner is used and their spot in the batting order comes up while they are on base, the runner will be declared out in order to make them available to hit. The courtesy runner shall be for the pitcher or catcher of record. If the team intends to change the pitcher or catcher in the following inning and notifies the umpire as such, then a courtesy runner may be used for that new pitcher/catcher. The player, however, MUST pitch/catch the following inning (a minimum of 3 batters) as communicated to the umpire. This will help speed the game up and should not be abused.

10U:

1. In the 10U division, a team can field 10 defensive players (4 outfielders).
2. Continuous batting and free defensive substitutions are permitted throughout all games. A team shall start a game with at least 9 players in the batting line-up and can choose to bat as many additional “extra hitters” as desired. Extra hitters can be placed anywhere in the batting order. Any player present and not in the batting order shall be listed as a substitute. Only substitutes in the batting order need to be reported to the umpire and opposing team and normal player replacement rules apply for batting order purposes (i.e. a starter can come out and return to the batting order once). Any player, including a substitute or replaced starter in the batting order, can play defense at any time. 
3. Courtesy runners are allowed for pitchers and catchers and can be any player from the bench or line-up if no bench is available. If a team has substitutes or players not in the batting order, then they shall use these players as their courtesy runner(s). If a substitute/bench player is not available and a courtesy runner from the line-up is used and their spot in the batting order comes up while they are on base, the runner will be declared out in order to make them available to hit. The courtesy runner shall be for the pitcher or catcher of record. If the team intends to change the pitcher or catcher in the following inning and notifies the umpire as such, then a courtesy runner may be used for that player. The player, however, MUST pitch/catch the following inning (a minimum of 3 batters) as communicated to the umpire. This will help speed the game up and should not be abused.
4. DP/Flex rule is NOT in effect throughout the tournament. With free defensive substitutions, the DP/Flex is not necessary. .

12U:

1. A team can only field 9 defensive players throughout the event.
2. Continuous batting and free defensive substitutions are permitted throughout all games. A team shall start a game with at least 9 players in the batting line-up and can choose to bat as many additional “extra hitters” as desired. Extra hitters can be placed anywhere in the batting order. Any player present and not in the batting order shall be listed as a substitute. Only substitutes in the batting order need to be reported to the umpire and opposing team and normal player replacement rules apply (i.e. a starter can come out and return to the batting order once).  Any player, including a substitute or replaced starter in the batting order, can play defense at any time.
3. Courtesy runners are allowed for pitchers and catchers and can be any player from the bench or line-up if no bench is available. If a team has substitutes or players not in the batting order, then they shall use these players as their courtesy runner(s). If a substitute/bench player is not available and a courtesy runner from the line-up is used and their spot in the batting order comes up while they are on base, the runner will be declared out in order to make them available to hit. The courtesy runner shall be for the pitcher or catcher of record. If the team intends to change the pitcher or catcher in the following inning and notifies the umpire as such, then a courtesy runner may be used for that player. The player, however, MUST pitch/catch the following inning (minimum 3 batters) as communicated to the umpire. This will help speed the game up and should not be abused.
4. DP/Flex rule is NOT in effect throughout the tournament. With free defensive substitutions, the DP/Flex is not necessary. 
5. 8U will follow the current NorCal USA Tournament Rules, with the following exceptions/notes:

For the 8U Comp Division:

1. A team can score 4 runs per half inning. If a team enters their at-bat trailing by 4 or more runs, then they can score enough runs such that they go up by one run. There is NO CONTINUATION beyond the run limit stated herein. 
2. Player pitch only; pitch at 30 ft distance. Bases will be set at 60 feet.
3. No innings limits for player pitchers.
4. After the count of four balls, the batter will walk to first base.  
5. Batters will be awarded a base on a Hit by Pitch from the player pitcher.
6. Stealing will follow USA Softball rules for 8C: players may steal one base per pitch. No stealing of home plate. Stealing is defined as advancing a base on a non-batted pitch. Players attempting to advance beyond one base per pitch may be put out. Should they advance more than one base and reach safely, the umpire will return the runner to the appropriate base. Similarly, the batter-runner shall not be permitted to continue to 2nd base after a walk. Batter-runners that attempt to do so (at risk of being put out) and reach the next base safely, will be returned to first base.
7. Bunting is allowed.
8. This division will use the 10” Dudley Protector Level 1 softball for all games
9. Overthrow rules will follow NorCal USA Softball rules:
   1. On a throw to first base the following occurs: No batter-runner can advance to second base as a result of the errant throw to first base. All other runners may only advance one base past the base they are going to at the time of the errant throw to first base, with liability of being put out if the ball stays in live ball territory. And subsequent errant throws after the overthrow to first shall be treated as a new situation and follow rule 9.2 from this section.
   2. On a throw to any other base or position (including subsequent throws after an errant throw to first base): If, on a throw to any other base an errant throw occurs, all runners and the batter-runner may advance one base past the base they are going to at the time of the throw with liability of being put out.
   3. At the conclusion of a play, the umpire shall return all runners not put out and advancing beyond the base they were entitled per the overthrow rules.
10. Junior umpires will be used for all 8U Comp Division games (pool and bracket play). Under no circumstances are judgment calls to be argued by coaches. The head coach is solely responsible for controlling the behavior of all players, assistant coaches, and spectators. Any abuse of the junior umpires will not be tolerated and can result in the ejection/removal of the offending person (player, assistant coach, spectator, head coach). Should the head coach fail to help control the situation, they too can be ejected/removed from the contest. Any individual removed is not permitted to remain within the visual confines of the field for the remainder of the DAY. Should a question arise regarding the appropriate application of a rule (not a judgment call), then the game time shall be paused and the Site Director or Tournament Director will be called in to resolve the rule application in question. The decision of the Director shall be final.

For the 8U Rec Division:

1. A team can score 4 runs per half inning. If a team enters their at-bat trailing by 4 or more runs, then they can score enough runs such that they go up by one run. There is NO CONTINUATION beyond the run limit stated herein.
2. Player pitcher to start each batter and coach to take over as noted below; pitch at 30 ft distance. Bases will be set at 60 feet.
3. 2 inning limit per pitcher. A single pitch in an inning constitutes an inning. 1 additional inning is allowed per pitcher for games going longer than 4 innings.
4. Batters will be awarded a base on a Hit by Pitch from the player pitcher only.
5. No stealing of bases in 8Rec. Players may lead off on the release of a pitch (at their own risk), but may not advance unless the ball is put in play via a batted ball. Should a runner advance and reach the next base safely, the umpire will return the runner to the proper base at the conclusion of the play.
6. Bunting allowed on player pitch only. Batters may not bunt off of coach pitch.
7. We will use player/coach pitch rather than player only pitch. The following rules will be applied:

 - A coach from the batting team will enter to pitch when the count has reached 4 balls called by the umpire during player pitch

- The coach will pitch from within the pitcher's circle on or near the pitcher’s plate and must throw "legal" pitches from within the circle.

- The coach will inherit the strike count on the batter and be allowed 1 pitch for each remaining strike in the count. Each coach pitch thrown is deemed a strike, regardless of pitch location or if the batter swings.

- If the ball is not put in play by the last coach pitch, the batter is out. Exception: if the last pitch is a foul ball, pitching continues until the ball is hit and put in play or the batter is called out on pitches.

- If a coach interferes with the play (as judged by the umpire) the batter will be called out and runners will return to their prior occupied base(s). A batted ball hitting the coach does not constitute interference unless the coach makes no attempt to avoid contact or intentionally moves into the path of the ball. If the ball contacts a coach and interference is not ruled by the umpire, then the ball is dead and the pitch will be replayed with no strike being counted on that pitch. The coach may not provide coaching assistance during play and must remain in the circle until the play has completed.

- Bunting and hit batters are not in effect during coach pitch and are in effect during player pitch as described above

1. This division will use the 10” Dudley Protector Level 1 softball for all games
2. Junior umpires will be used for all 8U Rec Division games (pool and bracket play). Under no circumstances are judgment calls to be argued by coaches. The head coach is solely responsible for controlling the behavior of all players, assistant coaches, and spectators. Any abuse of the junior umpires will not be tolerated and can result in the ejection/removal of the offending person (player, assistant coach, spectator, head coach). Should the head coach fail to help control the situation, they too can be ejected/removed from the contest. Any individual removed is not permitted to remain within the visual confines of the field for the remainder of the DAY. Should a question arise regarding the appropriate application of a rule (not a judgment call), then the game time shall be paused and the Site Director or Tournament Director will be called in to resolve the rule application in question. The decision of the Director shall be final.
3. The home team will be responsible for keeping the official score and reporting it to the Field Desk at their venue, immediately following the conclusion of the game.
4. A complete game will be 6 innings in 8U & 10U or 7 innings in the older divisions.
5. Game time limits:

8U Rec & Comp:

1. No new inning after 65 minutes during pool play
2. Ties are permitted during pool play
3. No new innings after 70 minutes during bracket play
4. Championship game time limit will be 75 minutes (or 6 innings)
5. USA Softball international tie-breaker rules will be used for bracket games only

10U & 12U:

1. No new inning after 75 minutes during pool play
2. Ties are permitted during pool play
3. No new inning after 80 minutes during bracket play
4. Championship game time limit will be 90 minutes
5. USA Softball international tie-breaker rules will be used for bracket games only
6. On fields where there is a fence marking the outfield boundary, a batted ball going over the fence without touching the ground is a home run. Any ball bouncing over, getting lodged in, or rolling under the fence will be a ground rule double. On fields where cones are used to mark the outfield boundary, a batted ball flying past the boundary without touching the ground is a home run. A ball bouncing or rolling past the fence boundary is a ground rule double. Cones will be set at a longer distance than normal to reduce the occurrence of balls rolling through.
7. Mercy rules of 15 runs ahead after 3 complete innings, 10 runs ahead after 4 complete innings, or 8 runs after 5 or more complete innings will be used for all games. If the home team is trailing and coming up to bat, they will always be given the opportunity to bat and bring the run differential inside of the Mercy rule limit. Mercy rule applies in all bracket games including the championship.
8. Points will be used to determine standings during pool play with a Win = 3 pts, Tie = 1 pts, and Loss = 0 pts. Order of finish will be determined by the number of points earned. To determine seeding for bracket games, ties will be broken using the following breakers: 1) total standings points, 2) total # of wins, 3) Head to Head (for a tie of 3 teams or less) 4) Runs Allowed 5) Run Differential with a cap of 15 run difference for a single game 6) Coin Flip.
9. Managers and Coaches will be responsible for the conduct of their respective teams and spectators. Any player, coach, manager, or spectator displaying unsportsmanlike behavior (particularly toward players or umpires), on or off the field, may be ejected from the premises by the umpires or tournament staff. Teams with fans/parents that act in an unsporting manner are subject to penalty and such behavior could impact a program’s participation in future years.
10. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises, including the parking areas. No BBQ equipment of any kind can be used at any of the locations. 
11. Nobody is allowed on the turf fields at Highlands before 7 am.  No metal cleats, sunflower seeds, or eating are permitted on the artificial turf fields at Highlands.  No amplified sound systems of any kind are allowed at Highlands and Stadium fields.
12. All protests or disputes regarding equipment, rules, or any other matter will be referred to one of the tournament directors, whose decision will be final.

(Revised 5/14/2024)