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“SOUTH AFRICAN BASEBALL UNION OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT TECHNICAL / ORGANISATIONAL NORMS”
APPROVED: 11 MARCH 2016
SABU Tournament Norms March 2016 Revision 1.0 Page 2 of 34
Contents A. GENERAL NORMS .............................................................................................................. 3
A1. PLAYERS ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................ 3
A2. PROVISIONAL TEAM ROSTER - (PTR) ...................................................................................... 3
A3. FINAL TEAM ROSTER - (FTR) .................................................................................................... 4
A4. PRE-COMPETITION TECHNICAL/ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ............................................... 5
A5. DOPING CONTROL ................................................................................................................... 5
A6. AWARDS .................................................................................................................................. 5
A7. INFRACTIONS AND DISCIPLNE ACTION ................................................................................... 7
B. COMPETITION ADMINISTRATION ...................................................................................... 8
B1. COMPETITION OFFICIALS ........................................................................................................ 9
B2. OTHERS ................................................................................................................................. 12
B3. PROTESTS .............................................................................................................................. 12
B4. APPEALS ................................................................................................................................ 13
B5. DELIVERY OF NOTICES ........................................................................................................... 13
B6. GAME PROTOCOL.................................................................................................................. 13
B7. COMPETITION SYSTEM ......................................................................................................... 14
B8 CLASSIFICATION and TOURNAMENT SYSTEM....................................................................... 15
Six Examples of the application of the Tie Breaker Criteria. ............................................................. 16
C. TECHNICAL ASPECTS ........................................................................................................ 20
C1. UNIFORMS ............................................................................................................................ 20
C2. COMPETITION VENUES ......................................................................................................... 22
C3. GROUND RULES..................................................................................................................... 22
C4. DUGOUT ................................................................................................................................ 22
C5. STARTING LINE-UP ................................................................................................................ 23
C6. PLAYING RULES AND PACE OF PLAY...................................................................................... 23
C7. COMPETITION GAME SCHEDULE .......................................................................................... 29
C8. SUSPENDED GAMES .............................................................................................................. 30
C9. SEMIFINALS and FINALS ........................................................................................................ 31
C10. ALTERNATE DETERMINATION OF CHAMPION .................................................................. 31
D. LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC) OBLIGATIONS ..................................................... 31
D1. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS ...................................................................................................... 31
D2. OTHER OBLIGATIONS ............................................................................................................ 31
E. FINAL DISPOSITIONS ....................................................................................................... 34
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A. GENERAL NORMS
A1. PLAYERS ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility of Competitors
A1.1. Any player in any SABU official competition must be a resident of the districts of the Union that
is entering him/her.
A1.2. All disputes relating to the determination of the district/province which a competitor may
represent in SABU official competition shall be resolved by SABU Executive Committee.
A1.3. Should an eligibility violation occur, and a player be proven to be ineligible prior to any games
being played, the player is automatically removed from his team roster and will not be allowed
to participate in any game of the competition. The Technical Commission of the Competition
will notify SABU Executive Committee for further action.
A1.4. Should a violation be discovered during the competition and after the athlete has played in one
or more games, the player is automatically removed from the roster, and any game in which he
actually played shall be considered a forfeited game for his team. The team shall continue to
play in the competition, and the infraction shall be reported by the Technical Commission of
the Competition to SABU Executive Committee for further action.
A1.5. A player, removed for any eligibility violation, cannot be replaced by another player. A team
can be penalized for eligibility violation only if a player has actually played in a game.
A1.6. In any case, it is the obligation of the District or the Provincial Federation, officially protesting
the ineligibility of a player, to produce valid proof, the documentation and all the information
regarding the violation in writing at the moment when filing the protest.
A2. PROVISIONAL TEAM ROSTER - (PTR)
A2.1 All the teams participating in an SABU official competition shall ensure that a Provisional Team
Roster (PTR), which will include the full name (FAMILY NAME, GIVEN NAMES) of each of the
players, reaches SABU Vice President: Administration forty five (45) days before the start of
the competition. Changes can be made to the PTR until thirty (30) days before the start of the
competition.
A2.2 Every player included in the Final Team Roster (FTR) should have been included in the
Provisional Team Roster (PTR).
A2.3 All the players appearing on the Provisional Team Roster (PTR) may be requested by SABU to
undertake one or more doping controls at anytime and anywhere prior to the tournament.
Denial to undergo such controls would lead to the automatic disqualification of the player from
participating in the competition, in addition to a possible sanction in application of SABU Anti-
Doping Rules for a denial to undergo a doping control.
A2.4 The non-fulfilment of the deadline to submit the Provisional Team Roster (PTR) could lead to
the District/Province or specific team being omitted from the tournament.
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A3. FINAL TEAM ROSTER - (FTR)
A3.1. At least five (5) days prior to the beginning of the competition, all National Federations shall communicate to SABU / LOC the Final Team Roster (FTR).
A3.2. Following the team arrival at the district/province hosting the competition and before the
Pre-Competition Technical/Organizational Meeting, the Team Manager shall submit the
following to the Technical Commission:
Certified copies of all the participants’ birth certificates (only applicable for Youth
players and if not previously submitted)
Copy of the Final Team Roster
A3.3 A maximum of 5 (five) players are allowed to be replaced on the Final Team Roster (FTR) for
SABU official tournaments. Such 5 (five) players may come from PTR and outside of the PTR.
SABU/LOC must be informed of such changes at any moment up to and including the Pre-
Competition Technical/Organizational Meeting. These documents should be in the hands of
the Director of the Technical Commission at the time of the Pre-Competition
Technical/Organizational Meeting. If for whatever reason, previously known and accepted by
SABU a team arrives at the venue later, the team should make sure that the Director of the
Technical Commission gets these documents no later than upon the team’s arrival.
A3.4. The participating team’s official Delegations will be composed of:
12 and Under
Players: 12 Minimum and 20 Maximum
Coaches including Team Manager 4
Max. total: 24
15 and Under and 18 and Under
Players: 15 Minimum and 20 Maximum
Coaches including Team Manager 4
Max. total: 24
Seniors
Players: 15 Minimum and 20 Maximum
Coaches including Team Manager 4
Max. total: 24
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A3.5. The non-fulfilment of the deadline to submit the documents mentioned under point A3.1.,
the incomplete submission or lack of fulfilment of any of the sections shall give rise to the
team and/or district/province being disqualified from the tournament.
A3.6 Once the athletes’ verification is over, no changes of the FTR will be permitted for the duration
of the competition. Copies of the FTR shall be provided to each Delegation Leader,
Tournament Director, Technical Commissioners, Scorers, and Media before the start of the
competition.
A4. PRE-COMPETITION TECHNICAL/ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
A4.1. On the day before the start of the competition (or at most on the same day in the morning
when the competition starts), an information meeting will be held, to discuss all the technical
and organizational issues concerning the competition. Place, date and time of the meeting
will be made available to the teams as soon as possible.
A4.2. The Pre-Competition Technical/Organizational Meeting will be chaired by the Tournament
Director accompanied by the Director of Umpires (or Coordinator assigned for the
competition), the Scorers’ Director (or Coordinator), a representative of the Local Organizing
Committee (LOC) and a representative of SABU Tournaments Department. Note: Only the
Team Manager (or designated representative) may attend the meeting. All scorers and
Umpires must attend
The following items will be discussed in this meeting:
Relationships between the Tournament Director, Umpires, Team Managers, Coaches,
Delegates and LOC.
Conduct of the games.
Competition Norms.
Ground Rules (if necessary).
Speed-up rules.
Handling protests.
Handling ejections.
Fixtures.
General information (information provided by the LOC/Competition Director).
A5. DOPING CONTROL
A5.1. SABU will appoint an SABU Anti-Doping Commissioner to oversee the anti-doping program.
SABU Anti-Doping Commissioner may vary the test distribution in consultation with the
head Doping Control Officer (DCO).
A5.2 The Team Manager has to confirm to the TC that all players are at the game and if one is
missing (for injury, sickness, etc.) why and where the player is (for Doping test reason).
A6. AWARDS
A6.1 12 and Under
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First place: Team: Trophy Individuals: Gold Medal
Second place: Individuals: Silver Medal
The total number of Medals will be the number of the Official Delegation members (See A3.4. for
details).
A6.2. 15 and Under
First place: Team: Trophy Individuals: Gold Medal
Second place: Individuals: Silver Medal
A6. 2.1. Tournament Team (one for each position, unless noted):
Best Starting Pitcher Trophy/Certificate
Best Relief Pitcher Trophy/Certificate
Catcher Trophy/Certificate
First baseman Trophy/Certificate
Second baseman Trophy/Certificate
Third baseman Trophy/Certificate
Shortstop Trophy/Certificate
Outfielder (3) Trophy/Certificate
A6.3. 18 and Under and Senior
First place: Team: Trophy Individuals: Gold Medal
Second place: Individuals: Silver Medal
A6. 3.1. Tournament Team (one for each position, unless noted):
Best Starting Pitcher Trophy/Certificate
Best Relief Pitcher Trophy/Certificate
Catcher Trophy/Certificate
First baseman Trophy/Certificate
Second baseman Trophy/Certificate
Third baseman Trophy/Certificate
Shortstop Trophy/Certificate
Outfielder (3) Trophy/Certificate
Designated hitter Trophy/Certificate
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A6.3.2 The leading hitter of the tournament shall be determined by Official Baseball Rules.
Candidates for the batting title must be at bat 2.7 times multiplied by the total number of
games played by their team. In case of a tie, the decision shall be based on the slugging
average according to the Official Baseball Rules.
A6.3.3. The pitcher with the best earned run average and the pitcher with the best won and loss
record of the series shall be determined in accordance with Official Baseball Rules. Candidates
for the earned run title must have pitched at least as many innings as 80% of the number of
games played by their team. In case of a tie, the pitcher who has pitched more innings shall
win the award. If there is a tie for the title of most strikeouts by a pitcher, the ones with fewer
innings pitched will win the award.
A6.3.4. If there is a tie for the title of most home runs and/or most runs batted in, the one with fewest
number of plate appearances minus the number of BB minus the number of HBP will win the
award. That is: HR / RBI leader = PA-(BB+HBP).
A6.3.5. In case there is a tie for title of most runs scored and most stolen bases, the award shall go to
the player with the fewest plate appearances and the one with the best average based on the
times he tried to steal and the number of times he successfully stole (rule 10).
A6.3.6 Determination of the awards mentioned under A6.3 shall be based on the statistics at the end
of the day before the gold medals game. The name of the player and the assigned awards will
be delivered to the Local Organizing Committee during the Gold Medal Game to organize the
closing ceremony.
A7. INFRACTIONS AND DISCIPLNE ACTION
A7.1. Infraction of specific SABU Norms will automatically incur disciplinary actions. Any appeal of
a decision regarding disciplinary actions will be handled as per the section B4 of these Norms.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the District/Provincial Federations to ensure that these
disciplinary actions are implemented. Failure to do so will result in teams being unable to
participate in the next national event, as well as additional disciplinary actions being incurred.
A7.2. The following is the list of infraction levels.
A level infractions:
A level is infractions of rules that are considered crucial for competition success, those that
cause serious negative effects on international baseball.
The following are examples of A level infractions.
Foreign substance/doctored baseball
Physically aggressive activities against SABU official
Physically aggressive activities against a fan
Illegal/corked bat
Non presence of a team in the tournament after confirming the participation
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B level infractions:
B level is infractions of rules that are considered important for games operations and/or
also is a behaviour that is considered unsportsmanlike.
The following are examples of B level infractions.
Not leaving dugout after ejection
Contacting an umpire
Throwing equipment in umpire's direction
Fighting
Team personnel ejection
Intentional throwing at a batter in the head area
C level infractions:
C level is infractions of logistical and/or routine rules in nature.
The following are examples of C level infractions.
Delay or absence in technical meeting without prior notice
Failure to follow regulations concerning uniform colour and related regulations
Failure by the host to follow guidelines on stadium use and maintenance
Failure by the host to notify all participants regarding the ground rules at each
competition site
Failure by the host to meet the protection and security regulations of the players in
the playing field
Note: Tournament Director has the ability to make additional decisions at his discretion.
A7.3. In case any tournament participants are charged with conduct that requires stronger
sanctions than the above, the Director of the Technical Commission and the Competition
Director may impose a penalty and/or suspension they find appropriate and justified. Any
appeal of the decision will be taken up by the Jury of Appeal.
A7.4. Conduct on or off the field: damages caused by any member of a Delegation to the installation
where they are housed, the Baseball stadium or transport units, or to any other area, will be
the direct responsibility of the Federation they represent. The host district and/or Organizing
Committee shall not be responsible for the financial situation of any Delegation or team. The
Tournament Director may impose any penalty he finds appropriate and justified. Any appeal
of the decision will be taken up by the Jury of Appeal, which will make the final decision.
B. COMPETITION ADMINISTRATION
SABU is the governing body of national baseball and its official competitions.
In addition, SABU sanctions the national baseball competitions/events organized by its District/Provincial Federations. District/Provincial Federations seeking for SABU sanction must
provide the SABU office with the following documentation;
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Official application which includes the reason for the application and the details of the
competition/event to be organized - Composition of the organizing committee
Letter which includes a formal statement that it will cooperate with SABU in any areas
that are considered necessary and will not conduct any activities that will result in
damaging SABU image and reputation.
B1. COMPETITION OFFICIALS
Competition Director (Alternatively referred to as Tournament Director)
B1.1. The Tournament Director is SABU’s highest authority in all official competitions. The
Competition Director is designated by the Executive Committee 6 (six) months before the
competition.
B1.2. The Responsibilities of the Competition Director are:
Enforce all SABU regulations and all agreements between SABU, the
District/Provincial Federations and the LOC.
Review final arrangements with the LOC Chairperson for the organization of the
competition which include all logistical aspects such as accommodation,
transportation, protocol, etc. and all related aspects.
Harmonize the interests represented by the LOC, the national Federations and the
Technical Commission working in the competition.
Ensure that the LOC facilitates and enforces all matters related to the rights and
privileges of SABU sponsors regarding the competition.
Arbitrate and have final authority in making a decision regarding any disputes that
cannot be resolved by negotiations among any or all of the groups or organizations
involved in the competition.
Convene and chair along with the Tournament Director at the Organizational Meeting
before the competition.
Act, in the absence of SABU Executive Director, as the official SABU spokesperson to
all media.
In the absence of SABU President, or of his specifically designated representative for
this, represent SABU in all formal acts and presentations related to the competition.
Inform SABU Executive Committee about the matters regarding the competition
organization.
Prepare the final official report for its consideration by the Executive Committee.
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Jury of Appeal
B1.3. SABU will appoint a Jury of Appeal comprising of the chairman, and 2 other members.
B1.4. The Jury of Appeal will be the organ of appeal for judgments, or suspensions dictated by the
Technical Commission in the Competition. It will have no application in the judgments
dictated by the Technical Commission in cases related to the Official Baseball Rules. Only the
Technical Commission decisions that are not related to the Rules of the Game may be
appealed in front of the Jury of Appeal.
B1.5. A person having the same District and or provincial membership as the appealing
district/province may not act as a member of the Jury. If this incompatibility occurs, the
Competition Director will designate another member.
Umpires
B1.6. The panel of Umpires shall consist of at least one umpire from each team entered.
B1.7. The selection of umpires will come from the submission of names provided by each
participating team.
B1.8 The names of the team Umpires must be submitted with the Team Roster: Officials. Each
District/Province must supply an Umpire. In the event that an Umpire is not supplied, The Team manager, Coach or a suitably competent person assumes that positions for the duration
of the tournament. The name of the team’s elected competent person must be provided to
the Convenor of Umpires at the pre-tournament meeting.
Failing which the District/Province will receive a 2-point penalty, per category, levied against
the most senior team in their contingent proceeding down in order of seniority.
B1.9. Each Umpire must make the commitment to stay for the whole duration of the competition,
including the finals if needed. Failure to abide by this rule by an Umpire may result a
suspension of the individual from participation in SABU events.
B1.10. Two umpires of a same participating District/Province may work together in a game. An
Umpire shall be allowed to take part as Home-plate umpire in a game in which his District/ is
playing. However, every attempt will be made in order for umpires, even host team district
umpires, not to be assigned to work as a Home Plate Umpires in games where his
district/province, if at all possible.
B1.11. The Umpire Director will have sole responsibility of umpire game assignments, subject to the
approval of the Director of the Technical Commission. These assignments must be submitted
at least 24 hours prior to next day’s game times if at all possible. Umpires will be notified no
less than 12 hours before game time of their assignments. No more than two days of
assignments will be distributed at any time during the competition.
B1.12. Each district/province shall assume full responsibility for the expenses incurred during the
tournament for all its Umpires.
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B1.13. During events the Umpire Director will complete Umpire Evaluation form. See form and elements in Umpire program. SABU Umpire Director will be in contact with Technical
Commissioners to seek their input on the umpires working their games.
B1.14. After the completion of the tournament, the Director of Umpires will submit a complete
report to the Competition Director.
Scorers
B1.15. The panel of Scorers shall consist of at least one Scorer from each team entered.
B1.16 The names of the team Scorers must be submitted with the Team Roster: Officials. Each
district/Province must supply a Scorer. In the event that a Scorer is not supplied, The Team manager, Coach or a suitably competent person assumes that positions for the duration of
the tournament. The name of the team’s elected competent person must be provided to the
Convenor of Scorers at the pre-tournament meeting. Failing which the District/Province will receive a 2-point penalty, per category, levied against
the most senior team in their contingent proceeding down in order of seniority.
B1.17. (to be established by SABU Scoring Director and appointed by SABU) to score and register each
game officially.
B1.18. No later than thirty minutes (30) before the start of the game, the Scorer(s) shall obtain from
each Team Manager a line-up.
B1.19. Each game shall be recorded by two or more Scorers. At the end of each game, the Scorer(s)
shall give game results (box-score) to each Delegation, the Competition Director, the
Technical Commission members, the members of the Jury of Appeal, and members of the
Media. It shall be the duty of the Scorer to compile the averages of defence and offense plays
for the players of each team and provide a day-by-day account and circulate these statistics
daily to all the above mentioned persons within 24 hours after the game. At the end of the
tournament, in accordance with what has been established; the Scorer(s) shall indicate the
name of the players who have excelled individually.
B1.20. Each district/province shall assume full responsibility for the expenses incurred during the
tournament for all its Scorers.
Anti-Doping Commissioner
B1.21. The Anti-Doping Commissioner appointed by SABU will oversee the anti-doping program at
the event. This will include ensuring that the facilities for doping control are appropriate,
overseeing the doping control process, including athlete selection, notification and the
sample collection process, and making decisions on any issues arising during this process.
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B2. OTHERS
Bat Boys/Girls
B2.1 For all the games the bat carriers shall be furnished by the host Organising Committee. The
bat carrier of each team shall be kept close to the dugout when the team is at bat. They
must wear uniforms and double-ear protective helmets. Infraction may result in ejection of
the bat carrier
TV Cameramen and Photographers
B2.2. No TV cameramen or photographers shall be allowed to enter the playing field when a game
is underway. TV cameramen or photographers are allowed to enter the playing ground only
when opening and closing ceremonies are held and before or after a game is played.
First Aid
B2.3. Medical and first aid attendance shall be available all the time during the competition and
practices. LOC is responsible to make sure adequate staff and facilities are assigned to the
competition. Adequate staff and facilities are defined as having present a certified first aid
attendant with ambulance and doctor on call. This shall be in compliance to the Safety at
Sports and Recreational Events Act.
B3. PROTESTS
B3.1. When protest is made by a Team Manager over a suspected misapplication or
misinterpretation of Official Baseball Rules, it shall be made to the Home plate Umpire
according to the Official Baseball Rules. When such protest is made, the Home plate Umpire
shall stop the game, inform the Team Manager of the opposing team, the Technical
Commissioner(s) assigned to work that game, and the audience that a protest has been filed.
B3.2. The protest shall be presented in written form within ten (10) minutes after it was
announced to the Head Umpire, indicating the number(s) of the Baseball Rule(s) involved
accompanied with R500.00 in cash to the Technical Commissioners assigned to the game
who must immediately take a decision. If the protest occurs on the game-ending play, the
desire to submit a protest must be announced by the Team Manager to the Technical
Commissioner(s) assigned to the game. They will inform the opposing team, the umpires,
and the other necessary parties that a protest has been filed. After consultation with the
Umpires, a decision will be taken immediately by the Technical Commissioner(s) assigned to
work that game. The opposing team must wait for the decision before they leave the playing
field.
B3.3. Any decision of the Technical Commissioner(s) regarding the playing rules is final and not
subject to appeal.
B3.4. When a participating District/Province protests the participation of any athlete; the protest
shall be presented to the Technical Commission of the Competition prior to the conclusion
of the competition.
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B3.5. If the protest does not refer to an action of the game, it must be submitted in writing to the
Technical Commission, together with the corresponding deposit, explaining the reasons that
state for it and the due dispositions that supposedly apply to it.
B4. APPEALS
B4.1. The appeal brief shall be forwarded to a member of the Jury of Appeal, accompanied by a
copy of the judgment being appealed, together with R250.00 cash deposit, quoting the rules
that the appellant believes have been violated or have not been applied.
B4.2. The time limit to present an appeal is three (3) hours after having received the notification of
the judgment to be appealed.
B4.3. Once the appeal has been presented to the Jury of Appeal, the Jury meet immediately after
receiving the appeal, and the decision will be made within 12 hours of receiving appeal,
knowing that the decision of the Jury could have a bearing on any subsequent games in the
competition.
B5. DELIVERY OF NOTICES
B5.1. The Director of Technical Commission in cooperation with LOC will deliver the fines or ruling
communications to the interested parties with acknowledgement of receipt within 24 hours after the incident occurred, making evident the time of delivery for the latter purposes of appealing. Official SABU sheet provided by the Director of Technical Commission shall be dully
signed by the parties involved and LOC. B6. GAME PROTOCOL
B6.1. Opening ceremony
B6.1.1 Opening ceremony will take place 45-60 minutes before the beginning of the first game as
follows:
a) Parade and presentation of all teams participating in the competition.
b) Parade and presentation (non-nominal) of the competition Officials.
c) Competition inaugural declaration. SABU President, and in his absence his representative, declares the competition opened with the following words:
d) Further to the inaugural declaration, the national anthem of the host country shall be
played and, at the end of which the Ceremony shall be over.
B6.1.2. If on the Organizing Committee’s side there is a plan to hold a first pitch ceremony before the first game of the competition, then the throw corresponds to SABU President or his representative according to the following protocol: SABU President or his representative, accompanied by the President of the Organizing Committee and the Head of Protocol of SABU
shall enter the field and proceed to the mound. Once there, SABU President shall receive from the hands of the Organizing Committee’s President, the glove and the ball to throw. The
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catcher of the local team and the chief umpire shall be standing at the home-plate, both in position. The chief umpire shall shout «play ball!» and SABU President shall throw the ball to
the catcher. When the latter receives the ball the chief umpire shall shout «strike!».
If a high authority of the host district or an invited guest takes part in this competition, and SABU President or his representative consider it convenient under such circumstances to invite him to throw the first pitch, the protocol previously defined shall be followed. SABU
President or his representative shall hand the glove and the ball to the personality to allow him to throw.
B 6.2. Closing ceremony
B 6.2.1 After the end of the gold medal finals closing ceremony will take place after the awards
preparations as follows:
a) Parade of the teams classified in the first two places of the competition (entire teams).
The players of the other teams who shall receive individual awards shall also parade in a
single group.
b) Then, the SABU President or to his representative shall make known the host district for
the next tournament.
c) Acknowledgements and competition closing statement. SABU President and in his
absence his representative, shall thank and declare the competition closed.
B 6.2.2 The Organizing Committee may plan to insert as a part of the Closing Ceremony a sports,
cultural or artistic show, which shall take place before the parade of participants for the awards. In any case this part shall not exceed more than thirty (30) minutes and shall first be approved by SABU as indicated in the Competitions General Rules.
B7. COMPETITION SYSTEM
The format will be established by SABU based on the participants. Example
Format 12 Teams
First Round
2 groups of 6 Teams (1, 2), will play all vs. all, with top 3 teams from each group advancing to the 2nd
round. In case of a tie, see tie-breaking system. Bottom 3 teams from each group will go to the
consolation round.
Second Round
The first 3 teams of each group (1, 2), will play all vs. all with the teams from the other group.
At the end of this round, the rankings for the final round will be determined based upon the results of 1st round between 3 qualified teams as well as the 2nd round games. (2 games from 1st round and 3 games of 2nd round) Ex: Team A, Team B and Team C qualified for 2nd round and D,
E, F eliminated after the first round
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For team A, the records of A vs B and A vs C will count as well as 3 games of 2nd round, however the
records of A vs D, A vs E and A vs F do not count
Consolation Round
The bottom 3 teams from each group after the first round will play one as follows;
• 4th of Group 1 vs 4th of Group 2 for 7th place
• 5th of Group 1 vs 5th of Group 2 for 9th place
• 6th of Group 1 vs 6th of Group 2 for 11th place
Finals
The teams will play the final round in the following manner:
• 1st and 2nd places after the 2nd round will play Gold medal game;
• 3rd and 4th places after the 2nd round will play Bronze medal game
• 5th and 6th places after the 2nd round will play 5th place game
B8 CLASSIFICATION and TOURNAMENT SYSTEM
If the teams are divided into divisions, SABU will use a system in which all groups are balanced.
Example: Twelve teams will be divided as follows:
Group 1: The teams seeded 1,4,5,8,9 and 12
Group 2: The teams seeded 2,3,6,7,10 and 11
Teams will be seeded on win-loss records during the last two years in official SABU tournaments.
B8.1 Tied Games – preliminary round
All ties after the preliminary round will be settled as follows (in order):
The ranking of the teams after the round robin shall be according to the win-loss record of all the
games played. All ties after the 1st round, 2nd round and finals shall be settled in the order of the
following list. That is, if criteria (a) does not break the tie, then it is no longer considered the criteria
capable of breaking the tie, and the next criteria (b) will be used. This logic continues through the
list, in order, until the tie is broken:
1. The team that won the game(s) between the teams tied shall be given the higher position.
2. The team that has the best Team's Quality Balance (TQB).
3. The team that has the best Earned Runs Team's Quality Balance (ER-TQB).
4. Highest batting average in games between the teams tied.
5. A coin flip.
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Six Examples of the application of the Tie Breaker Criteria.
Scenario 1:
Game 1: Team A - Team B 5 - 4
Game 2: Team D - Team E 9 - 1
Standings after single round robin:
Team A 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team B 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team C 2 Won, 2 Lost
Team D 1 Won, 3 Lost *
Team E 1 Won, 3 Lost **
* Criterion 1: Team A finishes higher than Team B, because of the result of game 1.
** Criterion 1: Team D finishes higher than Team E, because of the result of game 2.
Scenario 2:
Game 1: Team A - Team B 5 - 4 (8 ½ innings)
Game 2: Team C - Team A 2 - 0 (8 2/3 innings)
Game 3: Team B - Team C 8 - 2 (8 ½ innings)
Standings after single round robin:
Team A 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team B 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team C 3 Won, 1 Lost *
* Criterion 1: No decision between any of the teams A, B and C.
Criterion 2: Team B finishes higher than A, which finishes higher than C, because of the TQB in games
1, 2 and 3.
Team Runs
Scored Offens.
Innings Ratio
Runs
Allowed Def.
Innings Ratio
TQB
A
B
C
5
12
4
17
17
17.67
0.2941 6
7
8
17.67
17
17
0.3396 -0.0454
0.7059 0.4118 0.2941
0.2264 0.4706 -0.2442
Team B: 12 runs scored in 17 offensive innings = 0.706; 7 runs allowed in 17 defensive innings = 0.412
TQB = 0.294
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Team A: 5 runs scored in 17 offensive innings = 0.294; 6 runs allowed in 17.67 defensive innings =
0.339 TQB = -0.045
Team C: 4 runs scored in 17.67 offensive innings = 0.226; 8 runs allowed in 17 defensive innings =
0.471 TQB = -0.244
Scenario 3:
Game 1: Team A - Team B 6 - 4 (8 ½ innings)
Game 2: Team A - Team C 0 - 2 (9 innings)
Game 3: Team B - Team C 8 - 2 (8 ½ innings)
Standings after single round robin:
Team A 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team B 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team C 3 Won, 1 Lost *
* Criterion 1: No decision between any of the teams A, B and C.
Criterion 2: Team B finishes higher than A, which finishes higher than C, because of the TQB in
games 1, 2 and 3.
Team Runs
Scored Offens.
Innings Ratio
Runs
Allowed Def.
Innings Ratio
TQB
A
B
C
6
12
4
17
17
18
0.3529 6
8
8
18
17
17
0.3333 0.0196
0.7059 0.4706 0.2353
0.2222 0.4706 -0.2484
Team B: 12 runs scored in 17 offensive innings = 0.706; 8 runs allowed in 17 defensive innings = 0.471
TQB = 0.235
Team A: 6 runs scored in 17 offensive innings = 0.353; 6 runs allowed in 18 defensive innings = 0.333
TQB = 0.019 Team C: 4 runs scored in 18 offensive innings = 0.222; 8 runs allowed in 17 defensive
innings = 0.471 TQB = -0.248
Scenario 4
Game 1: Team A - Team B 3 - 4 (11 2/3 innings)
Game 2: Team A - Team C 8 - 5 (
9 2/3 innings) Game 3: Team B - Team C
3 - 7 (9 innings)
Standings after single round robin:
Team B 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team C 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team A 3 Won, 1 Lost *
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* Criterion 1: No decision between any of the teams A, B and C.
Criterion 2: Team C finishes higher than A, which finishes higher than B, because of the TQB in games
1, 2 and 3.
Team Runs
Scored Of.
Innings Ratio
Runs
Allowed Def.
Innings Ratio
TQB
A
B
C
11 21.67
7 20.67
12 19
0.5076 9 21.67
10 21
11 18.67
0.4153 0.0923
0.3387 0.4762 -0.1375
0.6316 0.5892 0.0424
Team A: 11 runs scored in 21.67 offensive innings = 0.507; 9 runs allowed in 21.67 defensive innings =
0.415 TQB = 0.092
Team C: 12 runs scored in 19 offensive innings = 0.632; 11 runs allowed in 18.67 defensive innings =
0.589 TQB = 0.042 Team B: 7 runs scored in 20.67 offensive innings = 0.338; 10 runs allowed in 21
defensive innings = 0.476 TQB = -0.137
Scenario 5:
Game 1: Team A - Team B 7 - 4 (8 ½ innings), in earned runs 3 - 4
Game 2: Team B - Team C 7 - 4 (8 ½ innings), in earned runs 5 - 2
Game 3: Team C - Team A
Standings after single round
robin:
7 - 4 (8 ½ innings), in earned runs 5 - 1
Team A 3 Won, 1 Lost *
Team B 3 Won, 1 Lost * **
Team C 3 Won, 1 Lost * **
* Criterion 1: No decision between any of the teams A, B and C. Criterion 2: No decision between any
of the teams A, B and C.
Team Runs
Scored Offens.
Innings Ratio
Runs
Allowed Def.
Innings Ratio
TQB
A 11 17 0.6471 11 17 0.6471 0.0000
B C 11
11
17
17
0.6471
11
11
17
17
0.6471
0.0000
0.6471 0.6471 0.0000
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Criterion 3: Team B finishes higher than Team C and Team A because of the TQB in games 1, 2 and 3.
Team Earned Runs
Scored
Of.
Innings Ratio
Earned Runs
Allowed
Def.
Innings Ratio
ER-TQB
A
B
C
4
9
7
17
17
17
0.2353 9
5
6
17
17
17
0.5294 -0.2941
0.5294 0.2941 0.2353
0.4118 0.3529 0.0588
Team B: 9 ERruns scored in 17 offensive innings = 0.529; 5 ERuns allowed in 17 defensive innings =
0.294 TQB = 0.235
Team C: 7 ERuns scored in 17 offensive innings = 0.412; 6 ERuns allowed in 17 defensive innings =
0.353 TQB = 0.059 Team A: 4 ERuns scored in 17 offensive innings = 0.235; 9 ERuns allowed in 17
defensive innings = 0.381 TQB = -0.294
Scenario 6:
Game 1: Team A - Team B 5 - 4 (9 innings)
Game 2: Team B - Team C 5 - 0 (8 ½ innings)
Game 3: Team C - Team D 8 - 4 (8 ½ innings)
Game 4: Team D - Team E 9 - 0 (8 ½ innings)
Game 5: Team E - Team A 5 - 2 (8 ½ innings)
Game 6: Team A - Team C 1 - 3 (9 innings)
Game 7: Team B - Team D 3 - 5 (9 innings)
Game 8: Team C - Team E 1 - 3 (9 innings)
Game 9: Team D - Team A 0 - 8 (9 innings)
Game 10: Team E - Team B
Standings after single round
robin:
3 - 7 (9 innings)
Team A 2 Won, 2 Lost *
Team B 2 Won, 2 Lost *
Team C 2 Won, 2 Lost * **
Team D 2 Won, 2 Lost * **
Team E 2 Won, 2 Lost *
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* Criterion 1: No decision between any of the teams A, B, C, D and E.
Criterion 2: Teams B finishes higher than Team A, C, D and E because of the TQB in games 1 thru 10.
Team Runs
Scored Of.
Innings Ratio
Runs
Allowed Def.
Innings Ratio
TQB
A
B
C
D
E
16
19
12
18
11
36
35
35
35
35
0.4444 12
13
13
19
19
35
36
35
35
35
0.3429 0.1016
0.5429 0.3611 0.1817
0.3429
0.5143
0.3714 -0.0286
-0.0286 0.5429
0.3143 0.5429 -0.2286
Team B: 19 Runs scored in 35 offensive innings = 0.542; 13 Runs allowed in 36 defensive innings =
0.361 TQB = 0.181
Team A: 16 Runs scored in 36 offensive innings = 0.444; 12 Runs allowed in 35 defensive innings =
0.342 TQB = 0.101
Team C: 12 Runs scored in 35 offensive innings = 0.342; 13 Runs allowed in 35 defensive innings =
0.371 TQB = -0.028
Team D: 18 Runs scored in 35 offensive innings = 0.514; 19 Runs allowed in 35 defensive innings =
0.542 TQB = -0.028 Team E: 11 Runs scored in 35 offensive innings = 0.314; 19 Runs allowed in 35
defensive innings = 0.542 TQB = -0.228
** Criterion 1: Team C finishes higher than Team D, because of the result of game 3.
Establishing home and visitors in play-off games shall be done by the drawing of lots, except where a
single round robin has been played, when the home side shall be the reverse of that in the first round.
The game schedule shall be proposed by the Technical Commission to SABU at least one month in
advance for its approval. The SABU office shall then circulate the approved schedule to the
membership, to all appropriate media outlets, and by certified mail to all participating teams, no later
than two weeks before the tournament.
With two or more games scheduled on the same day, on the same field, there should be at least 30
minute intervals between games, It is suggested that a minimum of a three hour time period be
scheduled for all tournament games. Whenever possible, no time limit shall be set on a game and
every game shall be played to a decision.
C. TECHNICAL ASPECTS
C1. UNIFORMS
C1.1. The Home Team shall have preference to wear the colours of their district uniform, and the
Visiting Team shall wear a colour that cannot get confused with the other one. Districts shall
only using the colours as indicated in their respective constitutions
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C1.2. All players must wear a specified and different number on the back of the uniform. Each
player will keep the same number during the competition. The numbers cannot be changed
during the competition unless exceptional circumstances justifying such changes arise. In any
case no numbers can be changed on the uniforms without the previous approval by the
Technical Commissioners of the game. Then Technical commissioners of the game will hand
in both teams in writing such notice prior to the start of the game.
C1.3. The participants shall fulfil the following regulations with regard to the trademark of the
manufacturers and the advertising on the uniforms and material. These items will be checked
by members of the Technical Commission upon arrival of that team in the host district. A
designated time and location will be determined to check all the following items:
Manufacturer trademark
The manufacturer trademark, i.e. indication of the name, a design, a mark, a logo or any
other distinguishing mark of the manufacturer of the item, may only appear once on each
item and should not exceed the following sizes:
- Uniform and any kind of clothing: 12 cm²
- Shoes: the usual distinguishing mark of the manufacturer. In addition the
manufacturer name or log can also appear up to a maximum of 6 cm²
- Equipment of play: the manufacturer trademark should not exceed 10% of the
total surface of the material visible during the competition and in any case up to
a maximum of 60 cm²
- Accessories (cap, helmet, glasses, batting glove, wrist band, etc.): 6 cm²
Advertising
Advertising is allowed on the uniforms, previously authorized by SABU, with the following
restrictions:
- Any kind of religious, political or racial advertising is banned, as well as any
other advertising which may be considered as contrary to the image of SABU.
- Just one and only the same designer or sponsor may appear in all the uniform
and accessories. The only exception will be the own SABU sponsor, if any.
- In any case the advertising should not exceed the following sizes:
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o Shirt: up to 120 cm² on the left sleeve. The right sleeve is reserved for SABU
advertising if any. No advertising is allowed either in the chest or in the
back.
o Jacket: up to 120cm² on the left sleeve. The right sleeve is reserved for
SABU advertising if any.
o Cap: up to 25 cm² on the left side. The right side is reserved for SABU
advertising if any.
o Helmet: up to 25 cm² on the left side. The right side is reserved for SABU
advertising if any.
o Bag (in the dugout): up to 300 cm²
Other clothing or items: not authorized.
The design and/or name of the advertising or sponsor to appear on the uniform, or any other
authorized accessory, should be reported to SABU at least forth thirty (30) days prior to the
beginning of the corresponding competition.
C2. COMPETITION VENUES
All competition facilities shall fulfil the requirements established by SABU and will be subject to
inspections by SABU representatives to verify their use during the official competitions.
C3. GROUND RULES
C3.1. Ground rules related to the stadium(s) will be proposed by the Local Organizing Committee
before the start of the competition and approved by the Director of the Technical
Commission. These rules shall be printed in English, and distributed to all Team Managers and
Umpires and discussed thoroughly at the Pre-competition Technical/Organizational Meeting.
Ground rules shall be prepared by the LOC prior to the arrival of the Director of Technical
Commission and Umpire Director and shall be completed after their site inspection before
the technical organizational meeting.
C4. DUGOUT
C4.1. At all the games the home team will be located at 3rd base dugout and the visiting team in
the 1ST base dugout.
C4.2. Only credentialed personnel (uniformed players, uniformed coaches and team manager) will
be allowed to stay in the dugout. A maximum of thirty (30) will be permitted. There are no
exceptions to this rule. It shall be the responsibility of the Technical Commissioners assigned
to the game to make sure that unauthorized persons do not occupy the dugout and that all
the authorized persons stay inside the dugout during the game. More than this number of
people in the dugout will not be permitted, and teams in violation of this rule subject
themselves to disciplinary actions from the Technical Commission.
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C5. STARTING LINE-UP
C5.1 Team Managers shall compulsorily present a line-up to the Scorer(s) at least 30 minutes
before the scheduled start of the game. This line-up shall include the name, uniform number,
and field position of each player in the starting batting order plus the pitcher. All other players
on the approved roster (FTR) will be considered as possible substitutes for all the games. The
official line-up will be given to the Home-plate Umpire at the meeting at home-plate
immediately prior to the start of the game. A copy of the official line-up shall be given to the
opposite Team Manager and Technical Commissioner(s) in charge of the game. If there are
changes, it must be announced directly to the Technical Commissioner in charge of the game
and to the opposing team. An injury or other extraordinary reason should be the only reason
for changes in the preliminary line-up. Abuses in this regard will not be viewed lightly and are
subject to disciplinary action from the Director of the Technical Commission.
C5.2. Teams will announce to the other teams whether they will be starting a right-handed or a left-
handed pitcher. Such information should be provided to the opposing Team Manager no later
than 30 minutes before the start of the game. However, it is recommended that such
information is shared with the opposing Team Manager as soon as the teams arrive at the
ballpark.
C6. PLAYING RULES AND PACE OF PLAY
Official Baseball Rules
C6.1. All games will be played under the event year of the Official Baseball Rules and Baseball
Umpire Manual Procedures and Interpretations unless noted in this section.
Designated Hitter
C6.2. The designated hitter shall only be accepted in the 18 and under and Senior tournaments.
Bat
C6.3. 12 and 15 Under: - The players can only use the aluminium bats which are included in the
current year official list approved by SABU which is distributed to all districts. Only BPL –
YL/SL approved bats are allowed
C6.4 18 and Under , and Seniors: The players can use the wood bats which are included in the
current year official list approved by SABU which is distributed to all districts.
C6.5. Use of composite bats is permitted. (Composite bats refer to wood bats wrapped with
fiberglass or other components or a combination of pieces rather than one solid piece of
wood - these bats will be permitted to be used)
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Protective Equipment
C6.6. Double ear-flap helmet is mandatory for the hitter, base-runners and it is also
recommended that base coaches wear the skull caps. For catchers including warm-up and
bullpen catchers, wearing protective gear is required. No metal cleats are allowed for 12U
and 15U.
Note: The skull cap for coaches is not required, only recommended.
Run difference Rule
C6.7. 12 U
If a team is losing by 15 or more runs after having batted at least in four (4) innings, the
game is ended at that point. If a team is losing by 10 or more runs after having batted at
least in five (5) innings, the game is ended at that point.
C6.8. 15U - Seniors
If a team is losing by 15 or more runs after having batted at least in five (5) innings, the game
is ended at that point. If a team is losing by 10 or more runs after having batted at least in
seven (7) innings, the game is ended at that point.
SABU Exceptions to the Official Rules of Baseball
Re-Entry Rule
C6.9. 12 U and 15U
A Catcher is not permitted to re-enter as pitcher, and neither is a pitcher permitted to re-
enter as catcher or pitcher. The re-entry of starting player is allowed as long as the
replacement player has played at least 6 outs and 1 time at bat
Pitch Rule
C 6.10 12U – Curveballs are not permitted to be thrown.
Pitch Count Rule
C6.11 12 Under
Each pitcher must observe a day(s) rest as follows:
1 - 30 no rest
31 - 45 1 day
46 - 60 2 days
61 - 75 3 days
max 85 4 days
Pitches are accumulative.
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The Technical Commissioner will ultimately determine the accurate pitch count by using all the
information gathered from the official scorers plus his own work and render any final decisions
on protests.
C6.12 15 Under
Pitch count Rule – each pitcher must observe a day(s) rest as follows:
1 - 35 no rest
36 - 50 1 day
51 - 65 2 days
66 - 80 3 days
max 95 4 days (no more than 95 pitches will be allowed)
C6.13 18 Under
Each pitcher must observe a day(s) rest as follows:
1 - 50 no rest
51 - 65 1 day
66 - 80 2 days
81 - 95 3 days
95 – 120 4 days rest
Example of pitch count
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Pitches are accumulative. Once the indicated rest period has been completed the pitch count resets to 0.
Note:
1. Pitch count is to be accurately recorded by official scorers and non-active players will be
listed in a daily report.
2. Pitch count thrown by the same pitchers in games on the same day will be added to
determine non-active pitchers.
3. Pitcher cannot pitch 3 consecutive days
4. Violating pitch count rules will cause the forfeit of the games.
5. If a pitcher reaches the max number of pitches, he is allowed to finish the same batter
Stealing 12 Under
C6.14 Stealing, leadoff and pickoffs are allowed, however no headfirst slides to home plate are
permitted
Speed Up Play
C6.15 The need to speed-up the play of national competition games must be constantly stressed
to the Umpires, Team Managers and Coaches, and the following rules must be constantly enforced
in an effort to keep the game moving quickly:
a) In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions, the Technical
Commissioners assigned to the game will have the responsibility of determining the start of
a game. (Note: exception to OBR 3.10).
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b) The 12-second rule for the pitcher must be enforced at all time during the game (without runners on base). Teams shall be directed to have a catcher ready to warm-up the pitcher as soon as an inning is completed. As stated in Official Baseball Rules 8:04, pitchers have 12
seconds to pitch with no runners on base.
c) The pitcher shall complete eight (8) warm-up pitches between innings and the Home-plate
Umpire shall ensure that the pitches are thrown without undue delay. If a team fails to
complete the warm-up pitches in a reasonable length of time, the Umpire may terminate
them and call “Play Ball”. If the game is televised live, the Umpire Director will confirm the
number of pitches and/or duration of warm-up pitches between innings.
d) When a batter hits a home run, members of his team shall not be allowed to touch the hitter until he has passed the home plate. Failure to observe this rule will result in a warning to the Team Manager and if it occurs again the Team will be fined and the Team Manager shall be
ejected from the game.
e) Only one infielder at a time can go to the pitcher’s mound, and only one such a trip per inning
shall be allowed. Failure to observe this rule will result in a warning to the Team Manager. If
it occurs again, the Team will be fined and the Team Manager shall be ejected from the
game. However visits by a catcher shall be considered exception to this rule.
f) Coaches shall be allowed three free trips to the mound during the game to talk with the
pitcher (free trip is one in which the pitcher is not removed from the mound). These
meetings shall be limited to 45 seconds from the moment the Umpire calls "Time". (Note:
the second base umpire will be carrying a stopwatch). After the third free trip, each
subsequent trip to the mound shall result in the removal of the pitcher from the game. If the
game goes into extra innings, trips not done during the game will not be accumulated and
only one additional free trip shall be allowed for each three (3) extra innings. Two trips to
the mound in the same inning to the same pitcher must result in the removal of the pitcher
from the game. Coaches that are going to make multiple changes involving the pitcher after
the two options mentioned above (after the three free trips or for the second visit in an
inning) must go to the home plate umpire to state their changes prior to going to the mound
or their moves are invalid and the pitcher must be removed from the game.
g) Teams are allowed a maximum of 3 "offensive meetings" per game. An "offensive meeting"
shall be charged any time a Coach delays the game for any length of time to talk with an
offensive player; whether it is the hitter, a base-runner, an on-deck batter going to the plate,
or to another Coach. If the game goes to the extra innings, "offensive meetings" not done
during the game will not be accumulated and only one additional “offensive meeting” shall
be permitted for each three (3) extra innings. Failure to observe this rule will result in a
warning to the Team Manager and if it occurs again the Team will be fined and the Team
Manager shall be ejected from the game. No offensive trip will be charged if the offense
discusses strategy during a delay for which they are not responsible (e.g. trip to the mound,
injury, player change, etc.) proving they cause no further delay.
h) The “between innings infield clean-up” that has become common for many stadiums in the
5th innings will be limited to a maximum of four (4) minutes during SABU competitions.
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Collision Rule.
C6.16 The IBAF is concerned about unnecessary and violent collisions primarily with the catcher at
home plate. The intent of this rule is to encourage base runners and defensive players to
avoid such collisions whenever possible.
• When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in possession of the
ball, the umpire shall judge:
I. Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner have
reached the plate without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner’s path to the
plate was blocked);
II. Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the plate or
attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder; or
III. Whether the runner was using flagrant contact to maliciously dislodge the
ball.
PENALTY:
If the runner attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner shall be declared out
even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base
runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.
If the fielder blocks the path of the base runner to the plate, the runner may
make contact, slide into, or collide with a fielder as long as the runner is making
a legitimate attempt to reach the plate.
If the flagrant or malicious contact by the runner was before the runner’s
touching the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the
contest. The ball shall be declared dead immediately. All other base runners shall
return to the bases they occupied at the time of the pitch.
If the contact was after a preceding runner had touched home plate, the
preceding runner will be ruled safe, the ball becomes dead immediately and all
other base runners will return to the base they had last touched prior to the
contact.
If the runner is safe and the collision is malicious, the runner shall be ruled safe
and ejected from the game.
• If the defensive player blocks the plate or base line clearly without possession of the ball,
obstruction shall be called. The umpire shall point and call, “That’s obstruction.” The umpire
shall let the play continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases that are
justified in Rule 2 of the Official Rules of Baseball. The obstructed runner is awarded at least
one base beyond the base last touched legally before the obstruction.
If the base runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on the
obstruction, but will be ejected from the contest. The ball is dead.
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The “between innings infield clean-up” will be limited to a maximum of four (4) minutes and will
take place in the 4th innings. (also the 7th innings if extra innings will be played, however this
clean up can be skipped at the sole discretion of Technical Commissioners)
Field Specifications
C6.17 All games shall be played on fields approved by the Director of Umpires or his designate. Inspection of fields shall be conducted at least 6 months prior to the tournament. Fields must be enclosed with an outfield fence or boundary markers. The distance should be as follows, from home plate:
Age Group Pitching Distance Base Distance Boundary Distance 12 UNDER: 15.54 m 22.86 m 67 m to 82 m 15 UNDER: 18.44 m 27.43 m 83 m to 91.5 m 18 UNDER: 18.44 m 27.43 m 91.5m PLUS SENIORS: 18.44 m 27.43 m 91.5m PLUS
Safe portable outfield fences are permissible. The Tournament Director or his sub-directors, or the Umpire-in-chief shall judge the fitness of the playing field before the game starts.
All fields should be clearly marked for easy identification and indicated on an orientation map, presented to team managers at the pre-tournament meeting
GAME DURATIONS
C6.18 18 UNDER - SENIORS The duration of a regulation game shall be 4.5 completed innings, or 2 hours 30 minutes. No new innings shall be commenced after 2 hour 20 minutes but any innings commenced
shall be completed. C6.19 15 UNDER
The duration of a regulation game shall be 3.5 completed innings, or 2 hours. No new innings shall be commenced after 1 hour 50 minutes but any innings commenced
shall be completed. C6.20 12 UNDER
The duration of a regulation game shall be 3.5 completed innings, or 1½ hours. No new innings shall be commenced after 1 hour 20 minutes but any innings commenced
shall be completed.
NOTE: MANAGERS/COACHES DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CARRY ON BATTING FOR STATS/QUALIFYING PURPOSES.
C7. COMPETITION GAME SCHEDULE
C7.1 Once the competition game schedule has been approved by SABU Executive Committee, it
becomes inviolable and can only be amended further to a new decision of the Executive
Committee itself. Nevertheless, if during the competition there are reasons unforeseen in
these norms and an amendment to the schedule would be necessary, changes to the game
schedule could be done through a joint proposal of the Competition’s Technical Commission
and the Local Organizing Committee to the Competition Director, who is the only person
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entitled to sanction an amendment. The new game schedule shall officially be approved in
writing by the Competition Director before being released to all participants.
C8. SUSPENDED GAMES
C8.1. In case a game is stopped because of weather, curfew or other reason, the following will
apply:
Before a contest becomes a regulation game, it is not an official game and shall be replayed
in its entirety.
C8.2. After it becomes a regulation game, it is ruled a complete game.
C8.3. When it is tied or when the visiting team takes the lead in an uncompleted inning, and after
it has become a regulation game, it shall be ruled a suspended game and shall be resumed at
the exact point of suspension and played to a completion. The scheduling of completion of
suspended game shall be given priority by Technical Commission in order to complete it as
soon as possible.
C8.4. All suspended, tied or games not played shall be re-scheduled by the Technical Commission
and the Organizing Committee in order to resume or start them following the suspension
order. The new schedule has to be officially approved in writing by the Competition Director
before being released to all participants.
C8.5. If there are difficulties concerning the closing date, only the games necessary to establish the
final positions of the first three teams will be re-scheduled. No team shall be asked to play
more than two games on the same day, unless the case warranted by exceptional
circumstances and agreed upon by both teams affected by this measure. Would the
exceptional circumstances persist and would any of the involved teams refuse to play two
games on the same day, the Competition Director has the authority officially to determine
whether they must play or not and the team or teams will be under the obligation to do it if
the decision of the Competition Director establishes it as to be so. If the team or teams do
not agree to play, they will lose the game by forfeit to appear.
C8.6 As per the Official Baseball Rules (Rule 4.10 to 4.11), a game is considered a regulation game
if five inning have been completed and the umpire calls the game. In all SABU sanctioned
events, the umpires must wait a minimum of 60 minutes – and no more than 2 hours --
before making a decision about whether to call the game and make it become a regulation
game.
C8.7. If a play is in progress at the moment of a failure of the field’s lighting system and an additional
action is impossible, the game is considered suspended. Whenever the lights are restored,
the game shall continue in the same situation that existed at the beginning of the play which
was interrupted due to lack of lighting.
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C9. SEMIFINALS and FINALS
C9.1. Establishing home and visitor teams in final round, and in 2nd round games shall be done by
the drawing of lots if the standings of the preliminary rounds are equal (ex: 1st from pool A
vs 1st from pool B). However teams with higher seed in the preliminary round should be given
home team (ex: 1st from A vs 2nd from B, then 1st from A will be home team)
C10. ALTERNATE DETERMINATION OF CHAMPION
C10.1. In case of rain during the championship round, the following will be made:
a) If rain prevents the playing of all the championship rounds, an extra day will be used to permit
the two highest finishers of the round robin(s) to play one game for the title.
b) If rain disrupts the championship round before completion, all efforts will be made to determine
a champion by playing only the game(s) which remain to determine the title. If a decision
regarding a medal must be made without playing a game, the tie breaking criteria from C-11 shall
apply. The same procedure will be followed for subsequent positions if necessary.
D. LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (LOC) OBLIGATIONS
D1. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
It is the responsibility of the HOST District to provide meals and refreshments, during the period of play, for the
A) Tournament Director, B) Convenor of Umpires,
C) Convenor of Scorekeepers D) National Selectors present at the tournament
Each District shall assume full responsibility for the expenses incurred during the tournament competition by ALL members of their team, namely, players, team management, umpires and
scorekeepers.
Trophies
D1.1. SABU will supply and hand over the competition trophies and awards as stipulated in these
norms.
D2. OTHER OBLIGATIONS
D2.1 PUBLICITY:
Obtain and make available to all the news media, the names of teams, the players. Fixtures and the results of the games and other information essential to news media in the interests of promoting the Tournament.
D2.2 PARKING
If deemed necessary, arrange for traffic control parking and related functions.
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D2.3 MEDICAL
Names and telephone numbers of Doctors, Nurses, Ambulance and Hospitals must be available and arrangements made for their services if required. A Doctor or Nurse or other qualified persons should be in attendance at all times.
D2.4 CEREMONIES
The arrangements for flag raising, welcomes and introductions etc. should be brief and meaningful.
D2.5 RADIO AND TELEVISION
The broadcasting of Tournament games is permitted with authorisation from the South African Baseball Union. Commercial sponsorship must be consistent with South African Baseball Policy. Fees or donations paid for the Broadcasting rights must accrue to South African Baseball Union.
D2.6 TOURNAMENT BROCHURE - The Host District is responsible for producing an appropriate
tournament brochure. The brochure should include fixtures, team rosters, field layouts, daily
programmes and other relevant tournament data. The brochure may be sold as a source of
revenue. All funds realised from advertising/sales must accrue to the Tournament Fund for
the hosting District.
D2.7 INSURANCE
The South African Baseball union is NOT responsible for any injury to persons, whether fatal or permanent, nor are they responsible for loss or damage in any way to participants, spectators, officials and equipment/property prior to, during, or after any Tournament/Baseball event.
Districts must arrange for Insurance Cover for players, officials and equipment to include practices, travel, and any events prior to, during and after any Tournament/Baseball event.
D2.8 FACILITIES
The LOC will provide a minimum of the following:
a) Scorer Room (lockable)
6 Computers 2 Printers [networked 2X3] 1 Photocopy machine 3 boxes Paper 40 Chairs and 10 tables Extension leads and multi-plugs
b) Umpires room (lockable)
40 Chairs and 2 tables
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c) Meeting Room
20 Chairs and 2 tables 1 proxima 1 screen 1 flip chart with markers Extension leads and multi-plugs
D2.9 Daily Report
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) should reasonably cooperate with SABU scorers in producing
and distributing the Daily Report during the competition. SABU recommends that the Daily Report
should include the following items:
All contacts (headquarters, phone and mobile number, e-mail) of LOC, SABU Staff, Officials,
Teams.
List of venues with address and phone number.
Official Team Roster - on the first day of competition, then only after any change.
Competition Technical Officials - on the first day of competition, then only after any change
Complete Results and Teams’ Ranking - during the entire tournament.
Game Summary (Box Score) - for all games that day.
Cumulative Statistics - starting from the second day of the tournament.
Rankings of the Players - starting from the second day of the tournament.
Daily Schedule and Official Appointments - for the following competition day.
Official Communication - as applicable SABU and LOC will define the distribution rules and
number of copies.
D2.10. Maintenance
The LOC is responsible for all costs for custodial care required to maintain cleanliness at the fields
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E. FINAL DISPOSITIONS
E1. The Agreement signed between SABU and the host Federation establishes the rules and the
general norms under which the competition shall be conducted, as well as the obligations and
responsibilities of each of the parties. These Norms serve as a non-restrictive complement to
said Agreement.
E2. During the course of a competition, SABU Competition Director, the Technical Commission
and the Local Organizing Committee shall have the authority to jointly make decisions on any
point not specifically covered in these Norms, according to each competition. In any aspects
where there is no mutual agreement, SABU Competition Director will be the final authority.
E3. Any unforeseen circumstances which arise and are not specified in SABU Norms, then the
Official Rules of Baseball will serve as the primary source of guidance for all SABU
tournament officials.