Tournament Rules
General Triple Crown Fastpitch Tournament Rules*:
Triple Crown is not a sanctioning body, but in several events will follow basic National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball rules with a few modifications that are listed below..
PITCHING MODIFICATION:
While the pitcher takes the signal, her stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired. Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride foot, she CANNOT move it to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate. In addition, the pitcher must take or appear to take a signal while in the pitching and signal-taking positions.
ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION:
All defensive players may have digital one-way communication from the dugout using wristbands showing pitch, shift etc, the use of a smart watch is illegal and subject to the penalty listed below. Audio one way communication can go from the dugout to the catcher ONLY. The communication device cannot be used for two-way communication and will carry the same penalty.
PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.
ALL COMMUNICATION IS FOR DEFENSE ONLY AND CANNOT BE USED ON OFFENSE.
INTENTIONAL WALKS:
All pitches including a pitchout must be legally pitched to the catcher and ball is live.
COURTESY RUNNER: We will be using the written NFHS courtesy runner rule, which states the courtesy runner must be an eligible sub that has not been in the game at any capacity.
LINEUP MODIFICATIONS:
Any option listed below may be used:
Option 1: Straight nine- Those nine can play any position on defense without reporting to the umpire.
Option 2: DP/Flex- 10 players are listed on the line-up, but only 9 bat. The DP can bat for any player that you designate prior to the start of the game. That player is designated as the Flex and should be listed in the 10th spot on the line-up card. Any of the 10 players can play on defense. Option 3: EH/EP- This gives you the option to bat 10 players and any 9 can play defense. This player can be placed anywhere in the line-up.
Option 4: DP/Flex and the EP/EH- This allows you to have 11 players listed on the lineup, only 10 will bat any 9 of these players can play defensively. The Flex is listed at the bottom of the lineup.
RUN RULES and GAME TIMES:
Run Rule for all age groups is 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
Bracket play tie breaker - International tie breaker
Game Time Limits: 1 hour 30 minute, finish the inning
Triple Crown allows the use of an EP/EH and the DP/Flex in the same lineup, if your team chooses to use this option.
Click here for a sample of lineups you can use during a game, if applicable.
(*Please note that each tournament and/or event may have its own set of rules, exceptions and variations. Please see specific tournament details and rules below.)
Triple Crown Pool Play Rules:
Pool play can end in a tie.
Two-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Win/Loss Record, 2. Head to Head, 3. Total Run Differential, 4. Least Runs Allowed, 5. Most Runs Scored, 6. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD) 7. Coin Flip.
Three-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Total Run Differential, 2. Least Runs Allowed, 3. Most Runs Scored, 4. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD), 5. Coin Flip.
IMPORTANT: Maximum run spread per game is 7, regardless of score; forfeits scored 7-0.
It is NOT free substitution or bat your roster during any game. Each team will need to turn in a lineup at the home plate meeting.
ALL GAMES will flip for home team for pool play and bracket play.
Game balls will be provided
Umpires will have ONE scorecard at the beginning of each game given to them by the TC site director. Coaches are to verify the score after the game. TC site directors will enter the score provided to them from the scorecard from the game umpire.
NO PROTEST TOURNAMENT
Teams can protest a roster, but it must be accompanied by a $300 cash fee, be made at the TC Site Director the game will not be stopped during the protest. The protest will need to be done by the coach or team’s manager only and presented before the final out has been recorded, the game will not be stopped while the protest is occurring. Triple Crown will provide due diligence in regards to the player’s eligibility and return the fee in the event of a successful protest. An ineligible player will be removed and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game and suspended a minimum of the next game played in the event and up to one year with discretion of TCS.
Teams listed first or on top of the bracket will occupy third base unless playing back-to-back.
Scorecards used for all games.
Players can only play on one roster during the tournament. Any player who has played on a college roster (JUCO, NAIA, NCAA) or has completed college coursework after high school, is NOT eligible to play in this event.
No player can play on two rosters during this event. If this is brought to the attention of the event director in a timely manner, the event director has the right to remove the team from the event. No player can play once they have entered college.
If you would like to order a NFHS Softball rule book you may do so by going to https://nfhs.com and selecting the 2022 Softball Rules Book. Triple Crown Sports DOES NOT receive any portion of the cost of the NFHS rule book, all proceeds go to NFHS.
*Disclaimer: In case of inclement weather, TC tournament games will take precedence over any WCWS games or tickets you may have purchased from TC or other vendors. Per the NCAA there are no refunds, exchanges or transfer of tickets. TC reserves the right to change or modify your playing schedule based on field conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Please remain patient should this occur.
Triple Crown is not a sanctioning body, but in several events will follow basic National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball rules with a few modifications that are listed below..
PITCHING MODIFICATION:
While the pitcher takes the signal, her stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired. Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride foot, she CANNOT move it to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate. In addition, the pitcher must take or appear to take a signal while in the pitching and signal-taking positions.
ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION:
All defensive players may have digital one-way communication from the dugout using wristbands showing pitch, shift etc, the use of a smart watch is illegal and subject to the penalty listed below. Audio one way communication can go from the dugout to the catcher ONLY. The communication device cannot be used for two-way communication and will carry the same penalty.
PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.
ALL COMMUNICATION IS FOR DEFENSE ONLY AND CANNOT BE USED ON OFFENSE.
INTENTIONAL WALKS:
All pitches including a pitchout must be legally pitched to the catcher and ball is live.
COURTESY RUNNER: We will be using the written NFHS courtesy runner rule, which states the courtesy runner must be an eligible sub that has not been in the game at any capacity.
LINEUP MODIFICATIONS:
Any option listed below may be used:
Option 1: Straight nine- Those nine can play any position on defense without reporting to the umpire.
Option 2: DP/Flex- 10 players are listed on the line-up, but only 9 bat. The DP can bat for any player that you designate prior to the start of the game. That player is designated as the Flex and should be listed in the 10th spot on the line-up card. Any of the 10 players can play on defense. Option 3: EH/EP- This gives you the option to bat 10 players and any 9 can play defense. This player can be placed anywhere in the line-up.
Option 4: DP/Flex and the EP/EH- This allows you to have 11 players listed on the lineup, only 10 will bat any 9 of these players can play defensively. The Flex is listed at the bottom of the lineup.
RUN RULES and GAME TIMES:
Run Rule for all age groups is 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings.
Bracket play tie breaker - International tie breaker
Game Time Limits: 1 hour 30 minute, finish the inning
Triple Crown allows the use of an EP/EH and the DP/Flex in the same lineup, if your team chooses to use this option.
Click here for a sample of lineups you can use during a game, if applicable.
(*Please note that each tournament and/or event may have its own set of rules, exceptions and variations. Please see specific tournament details and rules below.)
Triple Crown Pool Play Rules:
Pool play can end in a tie.
Two-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Win/Loss Record, 2. Head to Head, 3. Total Run Differential, 4. Least Runs Allowed, 5. Most Runs Scored, 6. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD) 7. Coin Flip.
Three-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Total Run Differential, 2. Least Runs Allowed, 3. Most Runs Scored, 4. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD), 5. Coin Flip.
IMPORTANT: Maximum run spread per game is 7, regardless of score; forfeits scored 7-0.
It is NOT free substitution or bat your roster during any game. Each team will need to turn in a lineup at the home plate meeting.
ALL GAMES will flip for home team for pool play and bracket play.
Game balls will be provided
Umpires will have ONE scorecard at the beginning of each game given to them by the TC site director. Coaches are to verify the score after the game. TC site directors will enter the score provided to them from the scorecard from the game umpire.
NO PROTEST TOURNAMENT
Teams can protest a roster, but it must be accompanied by a $300 cash fee, be made at the TC Site Director the game will not be stopped during the protest. The protest will need to be done by the coach or team’s manager only and presented before the final out has been recorded, the game will not be stopped while the protest is occurring. Triple Crown will provide due diligence in regards to the player’s eligibility and return the fee in the event of a successful protest. An ineligible player will be removed and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game and suspended a minimum of the next game played in the event and up to one year with discretion of TCS.
Teams listed first or on top of the bracket will occupy third base unless playing back-to-back.
Scorecards used for all games.
- In pool play and bracket, it is NOT free substitution and it is NOT bat your roster.
- If you are forced to play with eight players in pool play, it will not be an out for the 9th position. If at any point during bracket play you start or finish with eight, the ninth position will be considered an out.
Players can only play on one roster during the tournament. Any player who has played on a college roster (JUCO, NAIA, NCAA) or has completed college coursework after high school, is NOT eligible to play in this event.
No player can play on two rosters during this event. If this is brought to the attention of the event director in a timely manner, the event director has the right to remove the team from the event. No player can play once they have entered college.
If you would like to order a NFHS Softball rule book you may do so by going to https://nfhs.com and selecting the 2022 Softball Rules Book. Triple Crown Sports DOES NOT receive any portion of the cost of the NFHS rule book, all proceeds go to NFHS.
*Disclaimer: In case of inclement weather, TC tournament games will take precedence over any WCWS games or tickets you may have purchased from TC or other vendors. Per the NCAA there are no refunds, exchanges or transfer of tickets. TC reserves the right to change or modify your playing schedule based on field conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Please remain patient should this occur.
