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.      6 balls is a walk. Hit batters do not take a base.

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

5.      From the 6^th inning on, both teams start with the bases loaded.

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
   may be bobbled, but must be caught before contacting the ground 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 each batter that they begin to face.

14.    Removed pitchers may re-enter to pitch.

15.    Maximum of 4 fielders, including pitcher.  Fielders may play anywhere in fair territory no
   closer than the singles line to home plate.

16.*  On a ground out, if there is a double play (force) situation, the fielder can attempt to
   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.

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

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

23.    All players must be between 11 and 15 years of age on the day of the tournament.

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