PG Youth Baseball Rules

Baseball, PG Midwest

Coaches, 

Be sure you are aware of all rules and rule changes. Perfect Game reserves the right to amend these rules at any time for specific tournament play.  National High School Federation Baseball Rules will be enforced with the following exceptions.

If there is a contradiction with language found in any printed copy of this addendum and the version most recently updated online, the online version shall supersede. 

 

1. Youth Bat Specifications:

Penalties for illegal bats will be assessed as per the NFHS rule book. 1st violation – Batter is pronounced out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) & head coach is restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. 2nd violation (Same Game) – Batter is pronounced out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach is ejected. Subsequent violations: batter is pronounced out (if discovered before a pitch to next batter) and head coach is ejected. When a batter is pronounced out for violation of bat rules, the defense may take the penalty or result of the play. The head coach penalties apply in either case.

7U-12U

  • Metal bat
  • All bats must have a branding, label, or stamp proving BPF 1.15.
  • USABat, BBCOR and Wood bats are also allowed.

13U

  • Metal bat
  • All bats must have a branding, label, or stamp proving BPF 1.15, and length/weight ratio vary by division.
    • 13U Major & 13U Open: -5 or -3
    • 13U AAA/AA: -8 or -5 
  • USABat, BBCOR and Wood bats are also allowed.

14U-18U

  • Metal/Composite or Wood bat
  • Please double check your events specific bat restrictions as some events have stricter bat restrictions.
  • Length/weight ratio must be the following:
    • 14U Major & Open: -3 and stamped BBCOR.
    • 14U AAA/AA:-5 or -3
  • Wood bats must be composed of a single piece of wood. 
  • Please see the specific event home page for the bat type being used.

The following are the only wood composite bats allowed:

Rawlings

  • 5150 Composite Pro Wood WC5150
  • Big Stick R243CH
  • Big Stick R243CS
  • VELO Composite Wood R110CV
  • VELO Composite Wood R110CH
  • VELO Composite Wood R110CR
  • VELO Composite Wood Y151CV
  • Rawlings Composite 243MBS
  • Rawlings Composite 243CUS
  • Rawlings Composite 110CMB
  • Rawlings CompositeY151CB
  • Rawlings Maple/Bamboo Composite 271 MBC
  • Rawlings Maple/Bamboo Composite SL151G

Baum

  • AAA Pro Baum Bat

DeMarini

  • Models: D243, D271, I13, D110

MacDougall

  • PowerWood

Marucci

  • AP5 Hybrid Pro Model

 

Safety and integrity of the game are two major factors at Perfect Game events, and with the implementation of the following changes, we are taking the next steps in providing an updated and premier experience on the baseball field. While these bats are currently still certified by their manufacturers, performance of these bats over the extended life span continues to become increasingly unsafe for our participants.

 

Effective January 1, 2021, the following bats may not be used in Perfect Game events:

  • 2015 Demarini CF7 (-5)
  • 2015 Easton XL1 (-5)
  • 2016 Demarini CF8 (-5)
  • 2016 Demarini CF8 (-8)
  • 2016 Demarini CF8 (-10)
  • 2017 Demarini CF Zen Balanced (-8)**
  • 2017 Demarini CF Zen SL 2 3/4″ (-10)**
  • 2017 Demarini CF Zen Zero Dark 2 3/4″ (-10)**
  • 2017 Demarini CF Zen (-5)
  • Louisville Slugger Blue Meta Composite (33/30 model only)
  • 2018 Dirty South Kamo BB KA 8 (30/22, 31/21, 32/22, 31/23, 32/24 only)
  • (Easton) Ghost X (30/20 only – USA Baseball Marked)

**Re-tooled models of these bats may be used in Perfect Game play. Once returned from the manufacturer, these bats will have updated model numbers and new orange end cap and stickers indicating the corrected performance standards.**

Spring/Summer of 2021:

  • 14 Open or Major: -3 BBCOR ONLY
  • 14 AAA/AA: -5 or -3

 

ALTERED BATS: 

DEFINITION OF AN ALTERTED BAT 

“A bat which has been subjected to change in its physical makeup outside the original manufacturers product”

At any point, a Perfect Game Director or UIC may request to inspect a bat that is at a Perfect Game sanctioned event. If the owner/user refuses to allow the requesting body to inspect the bat the owner/user accepts an automatic three-year suspension from Perfect Game sanctioned events. Alternatively, the owner/user can allow the bat to be inspected so a conclusion can be formed as to whether the bat was altered.

The owner/user of the bat have the responsibility of having knowledge whether a bat is altered.

 

DAMAGED, WORN, OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE ON BATS: 

Bats that are damaged in any way, including but not limited to cracked, warped, missing a knob/cap, having a rattle, etc. are not legal for Perfect Game sanctioned events.

Bats may not have any certifying markings or graphics worn off the bat. Bats that have certifying or identifying markings worn off the bat shall be removed from play.

No substance shall be added to the bat barrel. The barrel of the bat and all identifying marks or graphics shall be free of any foreign obstruction. If a foreign substance is discovered as being used or identifying marks on the bat are not visible the bat shall be removed from play.

 

2. Youth Pitching Regulations: 

The MLB balk rule will be enforced.  When a balk is called it is NOT a dead ball.  The 3B to 1B pickoff move is not legal and is a Balk.  Also, in the windup position, a pitcher is permitted to have his “free” foot on the rubber, in front of the rubber, behind the rubber, or off to the side of the rubber.

  • Daily Limits
    • 7U-8U: Daily max is 15 outs OR 50 pitches.
    • 9U-10U: Daily max is 18 outs OR 75 pitches.
    • 11U-12U: Daily max is 18 outs OR 85 pitches.
    • 13U-14U: Daily max is 21 outs OR 95 pitches.
  • Event Limits
    • 7U-14U: Each Player is allowed 24 outs over a 3-day period. 
    • If a player records more than 9 outs in a day, they are required 2 days rest.
    • 100 Pitch maximum over 3 days.
    • Players can pitch in more than one game in a day if they do not exceed daily limits.

The definition to be utilized for the purpose of the pitching restrictions for end of a day shall be any time of night or day that the facility is closed and teams have a break in playing prior to the next days games. 

Pitchers who record outs or pitch in a game that is forfeited will still have those outs/pitches counted toward their limitations.

 

3. Pitching Violations:

The pitcher must be replaced on the mound immediately upon notice of a violation, not a forfeit.

 

4. Game Procedure: 

TEAMS DEPARTING BEFORE THE END OF THE TOURNAMENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO COMPETE IN THE PLAYOFFS!  

If this happens, the second-place team out of the pool or the next best team.  The Tournament Director will rule in the fairest possible way.

 

Pool Play: 

  • Game times may vary by state or region. Directors reserve the right to adjust game lengths to benefit the event. Directors will rule in the fairest way possible.
  • 14u Games are 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 11-13u Games are 1 hour 40 minutes
  • 9-10u Games are 1 hour 30 minutes; 6-8u games are 70 minutes.  
  • No inning can start after the time limit.  
  • Time will be kept by the PG Field Director.  
  • For each team’s pool games the home team will be predetermined. 
  • A tie is equal to a ½ win and ½ loss for each team.

Championship Round/Playoffs: 

  • Applicable to Red Events only: No two teams from the same organization will match-up in their first playoff game unless the game is affected by a bye (Applicable to brackets with 9+ teams).  
  • Championship Games are no Time Limit if time allows.  
  • IF Championship game is in middle of day, you will add 10 minutes to regular game time.  
  • This rule is subject to change.  
  • The home team in Championship Play will be the higher seed except when there is no seeding. When there is no seeding, the home team will be determined by a coin flip.  This is the case even if the schedule says otherwise.

Extra Innings

  • Texas Tie Breaker, last 3 hitters on base with 1 out.
  • Balk is the MLB ruling (NOT a dead ball)
  • The base runners will be placed as follows:
    • Last hitter from previous inning @ 1st Base
    • Hitter before him in the lineup @ 2nd Base
    • Hitter before that in the lineup @ 3rd Base
    • Normal substitution rules apply to these runners.
    • The hitting team will start the inning with one out.
    • Play continues until one team is ahead at the end of an inning.

13U-14U:

Championship games will be played with regular extra innings through the 9th inning.  Starting in the 10th inning the last three hitters from the previous inning will load the bases with 1 out.

9U-12U: 

Games will be played with regular extra innings through the time limit.  If time has expired, the last three hitters from previous inning will load the base with 1 out.

EFFECTIVE 3/9/2020: Time limits will apply for Semi-final games respective to each age group.

5. Forfeits: 

A team should do everything within their power to start the game with 9 eligible players. Should a team not be able to begin with 9 players a game may begin with 8 players with the 9th lineup spot being an automatic out. All games must be started with at least 9 players.  A game can be finished with 8 players.  If there are no eligible subs the player leaving the original lineup will be recorded as an out until he is able to return.  Any intentional forfeit could result in the forfeiting team being eliminated from the tournament.  The tournament committee will rule on all forfeits.  No team should benefit from the result of a forfeit in an unfair manner.  This rule could result in a dispute and the tournament committee reserves the right to look at and rule in the fairest possible way.  The committee’s decision will be final! A forfeit score will be the average runs scored for the winning team to 0 for the losing team.  Only the Head Director can call a forfeit.

6. Taking Infield: 

No infield will be allowed during the tournaments.

7. Mercy Rules: 

9U-12U 

  • 15 after 2
  • 12 after 3
  • 8 after 4 

13U-14U 

  • 15 after 3
  • 12 after 4
  • 8 after 5

8. Equipment: 

Metal cleats cannot be worn for divisions 12U and younger. Metal spikes may be worn in divisions 13U and older.

Any player catching must wear all necessary protective gear including a catcher’s helmet with a facemask, throat guard (separately attached or built in), chest protector, chin/leg guards, and an athletic supporter. Note: Players in 12U and younger divisions must wear a catcher’s helmet that fully covers both ears.

9. Trips to the mound: 

The members of the coaching staff (including the manager) can make one mound visit per pitcher per inning without needing to remove the pitcher from the game.  If the same pitcher is visited twice in one inning, the pitcher must be removed from the contest.

10.  Lineups:

Hitting lineup: 

  • You may bat 9,10,11 players or your roster.  
  • You must declare at the start of the game.
  • May start game with 8 players, 9th player spot is an out when he comes up in lineup.
  • Team can bat its entire lineup.

Roster Batting Rules

  • Injury
    • Batter: If a batter cannot fulfill his time at bat due to injury or illness, that player will be eliminated from that entire game. His spot in the batting order will be an automatic out each time. 
    • Runner: If a runner cannot continue his time on the bases, that player will be substituted under the Courtesy Runner rule for Roster Batting.  He will not be allowed to participate in the remainder of the game.  His spot will be an automatic out.
  • Ejection
    • A player ejected while roster batting will result in the team losing that player for the entire game.  His spot in the batting order WILL BE AN AUTOMATIC OUT EACH TIME.
  • Courtesy Runner – Roster Batting
    • The last batter not on base.  If the last batter not on base is unavailable (i.e., he is the catcher or pitcher), the designated runner will roll back until such time as a possible substitute can be found.

11. In Case of Rain: 

All rain out games may not be made up depending on time constraints.  In case of scheduling changes, it is the team’s responsibility, not the tournament committee, to make sure they are aware of the new schedule or any scheduling changes.  This information will be posted on the tournament website when it becomes available.  Note: No special requests will be honored if rescheduling becomes necessary.  Tournament format is subject to change at any time if deemed necessary and will be determined based on the fairest outcome for all teams.  All coaches should make sure the tournament committee has current contact info.  If games are cancelled, pool winners and championship qualification will be determined by the tie breaking procedures (listed below).

12. Stop in Play: 

If a game is stopped, the game must start within 1 hour of the stop in play.  If games are not resumed, they will become suspended or called official.  Games called by umpires that cannot be resumed within 1 hour will be considered an official game, if 4 innings have been completed, or 3 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead (13U-14U: after 5 innings or 4 1/2 if the home team is ahead).  After 4 complete innings, a tie score will be recorded a tie in pool play.  The tournament director can extend the 1 hour if there are extenuating circumstances, i.e. lightning detector, working on fields, etc.  A suspended game will resume where the game was halted.  In the event play is stopped for any reason before or during the Championship round, first place, second place, third place, etc. will be awarded based on PG Seeding and Tie Breaker Rules.

13. Protests: 

Judgment calls are not eligible for protest.  Protests for pitching limitations are permissible for non-DiamondKast events only. Protests will be heard and ruled on by a tournament committee.  The team protesting must make cash payment of $100 at the time of the protest.  If the protest is ruled in the protesting team’s favor the $100 will be refunded. The ruling made by the committee will be final.  Protests must be filed and ruled on before the next pitch if during game, or before umpires leave field if after a game.

14. Roster and Roster changes:

All players should be listed on the official roster.  If a player is listed on more than one roster, the player listed will make a decision as to which roster he is legally on.  This decision is up to the individual player.  No player can appear in a tournament game for more than one team.  If there are multiple events going on at one time players are permitted to play for one team in each event if so desired; pitching limitations still apply to the player.  Age divisions within a tournament count as separate events.

  • The team’s manager is responsible for all aspects of the eligibility of the players on his team and that they meet the requirements.
  • A player who is in violation of the age eligibility shall be considered an illegal player.
  • If anytime during a tournament game, a player is discovered illegal due to an age violation or participating on more than one team in the same tournament, the team is subject to forfeit.  The first team a player participates for is their official team. *This does not apply to Pitch Smart violations.
  • Participating players shall have photocopies of their original birth certificates (US) or passports (International) in the possession of their team manager.  Electronic copies of ID documents are accepted.  Failure to have a copy of a birth certificate, in the event of a protest, could result in suspension for the remainder of the event until such document can be produced.  Driver’s License is permitted.  For events classified by graduation year or grade level, transcripts/report card from a players most recent academic semester shall be in the possession of their team manager.

15. Scoring: 

We recommend that all teams (home and visitor) keep a scorebook.  The official scorebook and lineup card for the game will be kept by tournament staff, in case of emergency where staff cannot keep book the home team will be the official scorer.  In a situation in which tournament staff and the home team are unable to score the visitor would become the official book.  All subs should be reported to the umpires.  To eliminate scoring disputes scorekeepers should check with the official scorer during and after the game.

  • Line up cards must be fully filled out with players first name, last name, position, and accurate jersey numbers.  All substitutes should be listed with accurate jerseys numbers.  Failure to produce a complete lineup card can result in games not starting on time.  Line up cards are to be given to the official scorekeeper before the home plate meeting.

16. Sportsmanship:

In the interest of maintaining a quality event, the tournament committee reserves the right to eject any person from the site for unruly or unsportsmanlike behavior.  Such behavior shall include but not limited to:

  • Physical attack on an umpire, tournament official, associate director, associate officer, and/or any player or fan prior, during, or immediately following a game played under the authority of Perfect Game. Assault on an official is a felony in some states.
  • Players, coaches, managers, fans, spectators, or sponsors threatening an umpire, tournament official, associate director, or associate officer with physical harm.
  • Any player, coach, manager, sponsor, fan, spectator, director, or officer who engages in physical fighting.
  • Using unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive language, symbol tactics, or derogatory or unbecoming acts.
  • Destruction of property or abuse or failure to pay.
  • Competing under an assumed, false and/or altered name.
  • Tournament hosts have the authority to eject a player, fans, or team anytime during a tournament of committing any of the above listed offenses.
  • A player, spectator, fan or coach ejection carries removal from that game only.
  • Any spectator, coach, manager, or player who is ejected for the second time during the tournament will be eliminated from participating for the remainder of the tournament.
  • Any event that results in physical altercation (before, during or after a game) could result in a forfeit for both teams.  Tournament committee reserves the right to remove teams from playoff contention.
  • Any participant that is ejected by an umpire after a contest is completed must sit the next scheduled game.  If it is the last game of the tournament the offender may be required to sit the first game of the next tournament that the team plays in.

17. Courtesy Runners: 

Courtesy runners can be used for the Pitcher and Catcher at any time but must be a VALID SUBSTITUTE.  In addition, the same substitute CANNOT run for more than one position (Pitcher or Catcher) in the same game.  Additionally, if a team is batting their entire lineup, the courtesy runner will br the last batter not on base.  If the last batter not on base is unavailable (i.e., he is the catcher or pitcher), the designated runner will roll back until such time as a possible substitute can be found.

18. Legal Slide: 

A legal slide can be either feet first or head first.  If a runner slides feet first, at least one leg and buttock shall be on the ground prior to contact with the fielder.  If a runner slides head first, the runner’s arm/arms and torso must be on the ground prior to contact with the fielder.

19. Jumping Over A Fielder: 

A runner leaving his feet to avoid a fielder that is either in possession of the ball or in the act of fielding is illegal.  The ball is dead and the runner is called out.  No runners may advance from the last base legally occupied at the time of the illegal act.  The runner does not have to contact the fielder and the fielder does not have to control the ball for this to be considered an illegal act.

20. OFFICIALS:

Perfect Game shall utilize officials who are registered with Perfect Game and administer the contest in accordance with Perfect Game rules and expectations.

21. Not covered in the Rules: 

In the event any item is not covered in these rules or NFHS rules, the tournament committee will make the fairest possible ruling and that ruling will be final!

 

7-8U Tournament Rules:

Perfect Game Machine Pitch Specific Rules, Field Set Up and Guidelines

Field Set up

  • Pitching Machine: The front leg shall be set at a distance with the FRONT LEG of forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.  This will make the machine at 44 feet
  • Recommended pitching machine speeds:  38 M.P.H. – 44 M.P.H. 
  • Bases: Bases will be set at 60 feet
  • Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. Infielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit.

Playing Rules

  1. Time limit for all games is 1 hour and 20 minutes. Time begins after the 1st pitch. Time limit could change in case of tournament interruptions. All teams should be prepared to start their game up to 10 minutes early in case we are ahead of schedule. (This will help the tournament keep on time)
  2. Run spreads for all games:  12 runs after 3 innings; 8 runs after 4 innings.
  3. Roster Batting will be required during the ENTIRE tournament.  Regardless of the number of players you have.  
  4. Teams may start and end a game with no less than 8 players. A team will take an out in the absent 9th and 10th position each time they are due at bat.
  5. For all Pool Play games- Home team will be determined by coin flip.  In Bracket Play games, the higher seeded team will be home. In the event during bracket play that both teams are seeded the same, we will have coin flip.  Dugouts are not assigned.
  6. Each batter will receive a max of six pitches or three swinging strikes.  Pitches that are deemed unhittable by the umpire will not be counted. If a player fouls off the 6th pitch or beyond, the at bat will remain alive until the batter swings and misses or the ball is put in play.
  7. Team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning, including the last inning or record three (3) outs.
  8. The infield fly rule and dropped third strike rule shall not be enforced.
  9. Teams may play with 10 players on defense, 4 outfielders. The outfielders must remain behind the baseline until the ball is put into play.
  10. Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the lead runner is not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule.  When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “fakes” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
  11. A player may only be Intentionally Walked once per game by announcement from the defensive team.
  12. No runner may leave base until the ball has been hit.  Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.
  13. Teams may bunt a maximum of two (2) times per inning. Fake bunts shall be prohibited. A batter that “shows” bunt is committed to an attempt to bunt or take the pitch. A batter who swings after showing bunt shall be called out and no runners may advance.
  14. A courtesy runner for catcher may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base.
  15. When a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded one base, with each runner advancing one base.
  16. The defensive player listed as the pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit.  First Offense: Warning— Second Offense:  Removal of the player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game

Youth Age Restrictions:

8U Division 

Players who turn 9 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 2nd grade. Also, any player turning 10 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 8u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

9U Division 

Players who turn 10 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 3rd grade. Also, any player turning 11 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 9u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

10U Division 

Players who turn 11 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 4th grade. Also, any player turning 12 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 10u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

11U Division 

Players who turn 12 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 5th grade. Also, any player turning 13 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 11u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

12U Division 

Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to May 1 will not be eligible. Players who are 12u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.