EASTON BLACK WIFFLE BALL BAT
All bats are to be the Easton black wiffle ball bat.
OFFICIAL 2026 TOURNAMENT POLICY
RULES &
CODE OF CONDUCT
3GAMES PER TEAM
5INNING GAMES
2OUTS EACH HALF INNING
01 / STAY ON SCHEDULE
TIMING
All 24 games must fit inside the 8:00 AM–2:00 PM tournament window.
- 01
Each game in the tournament has a set time window. 8am-2pm to get all 24 games in. We cannot fall behind like in years past.
- 02
We have implemented new rules this year to ensure that all games begin and end in their allotted time slot.
- 03
A new mercy rule is laid out below to ensure blowouts end in a reasonable fashion.
- 04
Time penalties will be enforced to ensure games begin promptly.
- 05
If a team has less than 5 players at the beginning of a time slot, the game can either begin shorthanded-or- be suspended until the team shows up.
- 06
If the shorthanded team elects to wait, every 5 minutes they delay the game will cost the shorthanded team an out.
- 07
If the game hasn’t started after 20 minutes, the shorthanded team will forfeit.
- 08
A forfeit results in a 5-0 loss for the team that forfeits.
02 / BETWEEN THE LINES
GAME RULES
NEW FOR 2026
Home or away decisions will be made by whichever team has raised more funds.
- 01
Only 5 players can take the field (including pitcher) but you may bat as many as you’d like in the lineup.
- 02
5 Inning games. Extra innings if tied after 5.
- 03
2 outs per inning.
- 04
There is running of the bases. (Be smart about this, we don’t want anyone getting hurt)
- 05
No stealing or leading.
- 06
Tag outs and beaming also result in an out.
- 07
Tie goes to the FIELDER.
- 08
If a live ball goes out of bounds, runners advance one extra base.
- 09
If a ball touches something out of bounds, it is immediately a dead ball. (Foul ball or Homerun)
- 10
If a ball from another game enters your field of play, play on.
- 11
There is a line around 10 feet from the plate that the ball must go past to be in play (to discourage bunting)
- 12
No intentional dropping of the ball. If a ball is intentionally dropped, the batter will be out, the ball will be dead, and any runners on base will return to their original base. (Brady Holding Rule)
03 / APPROVED GEAR
EQUIPMENT
NEW FOR 2026HANDLE ONLY
Bat grips are allowed but not permitted anywhere other than the handle of the bat.
NO CLEATS
No cleats.
04 / ENDING A BLOWOUT
MERCY RULES
If the mercy rule comes into effect the game will end.
COME FIND PETER/VAL WITH QUESTIONS ON THIS
AFTER FOUR INNINGS
If a team is up by 10 runs or more after 4 innings of play, the game is over.
AT ANY POINT
If a team is up by 15 runs or more at ANY point in the game, the losing team will immediately begin taking “rebuttle” at bats trying to get the score back within 10 runs.
- The losing team will have the remainder of their “outs” to try and come back without switching sides.
- After each set of 2 outs, the bases clear and we continue to the next “inning”.
- If the lead shrinks to 9 or less runs, the game resumes normally.
- If the score isn’t within 10 runs at the end of 4 innings, the 10 run mercy rule comes into effect and the game is over.
05 / FROM THE MOUND
PITCHING
WHIPPING RULES
Gentleman's rule to start each game.
If a team is being accused of whipping, a warning will be assessed to both teams.
The first call will result in an automatic ball
The second call will result in an automatic 2nd count/ reset 2nd count.
The third call and all subsequent calls result in an automatic walk.
- 01
Each player gets a max. of 5 innings to pitch throughout the regular season.
- 02
Once a pitcher throws a single pitch in an inning, this counts as a full inning used.
- 03
A chair will be used for a strike zone. Any direct contact to the chair counts as a strike.
- 04
4 balls result in a new count. After 4 additional balls, it results in a walk.
- 05
A hit batter is a ball.
- 06
Throw to the pitcher's mound (anywhere within the circle) results in a force out. A force out always applies to the lead runner.
- 07
Pitchers must pitch from the mound. (No stepping to side or closer)
- 08
Pitchers can re-enter the game at any point if they haven’t reached their inning limit.
06 / ROAD TO THE TITLE
PLAYOFF RULES
- 01
Top 2 teams from each division after the regular season will make the playoffs.
- 02
Re-seeding 1-8 for the playoffs based on record, head to head, and run differential.
- 03
Tie-breakers go by head to head then run differential.
- 04
Quarterfinals on Sunday will consist of 1, 5 inning game with each pitcher on your roster having 3 innings.
- 05
Semi-finals will consist of 1, 5 inning game with each pitcher on your roster having 3 innings.
- 06
The Championship will consist of one 8 inning game. Each pitcher gets 4 innings.
07 / THE STANDARD
CODE OF CONDUCT
Violations of the Code of Conduct could result in penalties such as forfeiting runs, games, dismissal from the tournament, and not be asked to participate in future events.
Failure to Fundraise
First and foremost, this tournament is a charity event. Each team, upon registering, has agreed to raise at least $350 for Theresa Street. Failure to raise the minimum amount is not allowed.
Respect
Please remember that this is a charity tournament. Although it is competitive, please be mindful of language and actions throughout the weekends events. This is not limited to just players in the game, but spectators as well.
Mind the Rules
We encourage captains to share the list of rules with their entire team before the tournament so there will be as few problems as possible once games begin. This tournament has been going on for 17 years and although some rules have evolved, some have remained since the start and are the essence of the game that we love to play. Please adhere by the rules—cheating will not be permitted.
Sportsmanship
Similar to respecting the tournament, please respect your opponents. There is no prize for winning so although playing hard is encouraged, please win and lose with some pride and remember the cause that this tournament is being played for.
Prohibited Conduct
Substance abuse during play, aggressive and disruptive behavior, harassment, inappropriate and unsportsmanlike conduct will NOT be tolerated and can result in penalty.