Five Tool Youth Tournament Rules

Events in Ohio may follow different rules than those outlined here. Please refer to your specific event page or contact your tournament director for the most accurate information.

THESE ARE THE PITCHING RULES PER AGE

pitching fules 2023 edit Five Tool Youth

If a player pitches in game 1, they can pitch the daily max minus pitches thrown in game 1 in game 2. No player may pitch in 3 games in a day or 3 days in a row.

Specific Pitch Limit Rules:

A pitcher can finish the day with more than 30 pitches but cannot start a new batter once they exceed the 30-pitch limit (In order to be eligible to throw the next day)
Coaches must confirm with the umpire whether a pitcher was marked as ‘Frozen’ or reached the ‘Threshold.’ This should be done during the game if announced, or when signing the game card after the game, as pitch counts and pitchers are reviewed at that time.
The terms “Frozen” or “Threshold” refer to the points where the pitcher has reached a certain number of pitches but is allowed to complete the current batter without starting a new one.
After the game, the coach must confirm with the umpire that the rules were followed properly regarding pitch count and eligibility for future games.
Penalty:
- In accordance with the pitch limitations and rest requirements outlined above, if a player is found to have exceeded the allowable pitch count or violated pitching rules, the pitcher must be removed from the game immediately upon discovery of the infraction. Additionally, the head coach may be subject to ejection if the violation is deemed blatant and obvious at the discretion of the director.

Common Rules in Question

1. First and Third (Yo-Yo)

With runners on first and third, a pitcher may disengage the rubber by stepping toward third base. After this move, the pitcher can attempt to put out the runner advancing to second or the runner at third but is not required to make a throw, provided the disengagement is properly executed. (NFHS 6-2-4)

2. Double Plays

A runner may not hinder a fielder’s ability to complete the play in the case of a potential double play. (NFHS 8-4-1.h / NFHS 8-4-2.b)

For safety reasons, runners must either slide into second base or veer out of the base path early to avoid injury or contact during the play.

Note: Contact is not required.

3. Batter Interference

A batter may not interfere with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, stepping out of the batter’s box, or making any movement that hinders the catcher’s play. (NFHS 7-3-5)

Note: Contact is not required.

4. Incomplete / Delayed Games

If 3 or more innings have been completed at the time of delay and it is determined by the tournament director that the game cannot be completed, the score will revert to the last completed inning.

If 3 innings have not been completed, the winner will be decided by seed.

5. Balks (9U and Up)

Balks are enforced at 9U and older—no warning is required, and we follow the Official Baseball Rules (OBR) for balks.

Under OBR, a balk is an illegal motion by the pitcher with runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base. It is a delayed-dead-ball situation: if the ball is put into play and all runners—including the batter-runner—advance at least one base, the balk is nullified; otherwise, after action ends, each runner is awarded one base. (OBR 6.02(a)

Run Rules

6U-8U: 15 after 3, 10 after 4

9U-12U: 15 after 2, 10 after 3, 8 after 4

13U-14U: 15 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5

The NFHS rulebook will serve as the default for any rules not previously mentioned.

Seeding Tie Breakers

Record
Head-to-Head
Runs Allowed
Run Differential (8 max per game)
Runs Scored
Coin Flip

Time Limits

6U-8U: 1 Hour and 10 mins or 6 Innings

9U-12U: 1 Hour and 30 mins or 6 Innings

13U-14U: 1 Hour and 40 mins or 7 Innings

Note: The game will continue until the allotted time expires, with the current inning being completed if necessary. Coaches are advised to confirm the start time and game duration with the umpire during the plate meeting prior to the game.

Ties: If the score is tied at the end of a completed inning after the time limit has expired or the inning limit has been reached, the game will end in a tie during pool play.

In bracket play, a winner will be determined using the Texas Tie-Breaker format. Each team will begin its half-inning with the bases loaded, using the three previous batters in the lineup as baserunners, and with one out.

For example, if the 10th hitter is at bat, the 7th hitter will occupy third base, the 8th hitter will occupy second base, and the 9th hitter will occupy first base.

Play will continue until the end of a completed inning in which the score is no longer tied.

Age Group	Bat Type and Rules
6U-12U	Metal, Composite, or Wood No bat restrictions, but must have a proper USSSA certification stamp USABat, BBCOR, and Wood bats are also allowed
13U	Metal, Composite, or Wood Must use -5 or -3 bats, properly stamped and labeled USABat, BBCOR, and Wood bats are also allowed
14U-18U	Metal, Composite, or Wood Must be a -3 stamped BBCOR bat Wood bats must be composed of a single piece of wood Check specific event home page for bat type rules

BANNED BAT LIST

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 – Balanced (-5)
2017 Demarini CF Insane – Endloaded (-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)

Currently All Black Emerald Bats will be illegal until the company receives proper USSSA / USABat Certification

(Easton) Ghost X (30/20 only – USA Baseball Marked)

7U–14U Player Eligibility

Born on or after May 1, 2018
Up to 3 grade exemptions (1st grade; born on/after January 1, 2018)
Cannot turn 8 before May 1, 2025

Born on or after May 1, 2017
Up to 3 grade exemptions (2nd grade; born on/after January 1, 2017)
Cannot turn 9 before May 1, 2025

Born on or after May 1, 2016
Up to 3 grade exemptions (3rd grade; born on/after January 1, 2016)
Cannot turn 10 before May 1, 2025

10U

Born on or after May 1, 2015
Up to 3 grade exemptions (4th grade; born on/after January 1, 2015)
Cannot turn 11 before May 1, 2025

11U

Born on or after May 1, 2014
Up to 3 grade exemptions (5th grade; born on/after January 1, 2014)
Cannot turn 12 before May 1, 2025

12U

Born on or after May 1, 2013
Up to 3 grade exemptions (6th grade; born on/after January 1, 2013)
Cannot turn 13 before May 1, 2025

13U

Born on or after May 1, 2012
Up to 3 grade exemptions (7th grade; born on/after January 1, 2012)
Cannot turn 14 before May 1, 2025

14U

Born on or after May 1, 2011
Up to 3 grade exemptions (8th grade; born on/after January 1, 2011)
Cannot turn 15 before May 1, 2025

Notes:

Each team may roster a maximum of three (3) grade-based exemptions.
Exempt players must meet both grade and birthdate requirements.

Noise Makers and Music: The use of artificial noise makers (such as air horns, cowbells, or similar items) and loud music is restricted and subject to the discretion of the Tournament or Site Director.