Basic Play

1.       Strike zone is determined by target 18”x27” in size and 15” above the ground.
          A pitch that hits the border or within the target is a called strike.

2.      Any combination of 2 missed swings, called strikes and/or foul balls is an out.

3.      4 balls is a walk. Hit batters do not take a base.

4.      3 outs per inning.  5 innings per game.

5.*    In extra innings, teams start the 7th inning (and onward) with runners on 2nd and
   3rd base.

6.      No base running. Imaginary runners only.

7.      On a walk, runners only advance when forced.  On a hit, all runners advance the same
   number of bases as the hit.  A hit ball must reach the pitcher’s mound to be a fair ball.

8.      A ball reaching the ground on or past the singles line is single, landing on or past the
   doubles line in  the air is a double, hitting the wall in the air is a triple, and landing over
   the wall before hitting the ground is a home run.

9.      The batting order must include everyone on the team and remain constant all game.

10.   A 10-run mercy rule is in effect after each full inning.

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Pitching & Fielding 

11.  The pitcher’s mound is 41’ from the plate (44’ from the target) with a 38 mph speed
  limit.  If the opposing pitcher is throwing too fast, the team should first inform the
  pitcher.  If the pitcher continues to throw too fast, the team may request a speed
  check.  Once a speed check has been requested, pitches clocked over the limit are
  penalized as follows:
 
  1st time - Ball
  2nd time - Walk
*3rd time - Pitcher is suspended from pitching for the remainder of the game plus the
                   the next game.

12.    Fielders are allowed 1 step in from the singles line to field a ground ball.  Ground balls
   must be fielded without any bobbling to be an out, or it is ruled a single.  A ground ball
   not reaching the singles line nor within 1 step reach is a foul ball.  Fly balls may be
   bobbled, but must be caught before contacting the ground or wall, to be an out.

13.    A pitcher must finish pitching to any batter they begin to face.

14.    Removed pitchers may re-enter to pitch.

15.    Maximum of 3 fielders, including pitcher.  Fielders may play anywhere in fair territory no
   closer than the singles line to home plate.

16.*  On any ground out, the fielder can throw and hit the strike zone in the air for a double   
   play. Any runners remain on base.  The attempt must be made immediately after the
   ball has been clearly fielded cleanly. (without bobbling).

17.*  On a fly out, caught with both feet behind the singles line (extended), the fielder can  
   throw to hit the strike zone in the air for a double play.  Any runners remain on base. 
   The attempt must be made immediately after the ball has been caught.

18.*  If there is a runner on 3^rd base and the batter hits a fly ball (anywhere), the batting
   team can call out “Tag” while the ball is still in the air.  After making the catch, the
   fielder can throw to hit the strike zone in the air for a double play.  If successful, the 
   runner on 3^rd is out.  Otherwise, the runner tags and scores.  In both cases, any other
   runners hold.   If the batting team does not yell “Tag”, the runner remains at 3^rd base
   on a successful fly ball double play.

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Equipment

19.    Only regulation WIFFLE^® plastic bats and balls may be used.  NEWA will provide bats and
   balls for all teams.  Only those balls provided by NEWA may be used for tournament play

20.    No altering balls or bats.  Intentionally-scuffed balls are strictly prohibited.  Balls found
   in such condition will be confiscated at the staff's discretion.  Teams found attempting
   to use or create an intentionally-scuffed ball are subject to forfeit.

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General 

21.    Possession or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

22.    NEWA staff has the final decision on all matters.  Arguing with NEWA staff is grounds
   for forfeit and ejection from the tournament.

23.    Teams more than 15 minutes late to arrive at the field to play, following the
   announcement of the game, are subject to forfeit.

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