Official Tournament Rules
9U • Indoor • One-Day Format
9U • Indoor • One-Day Format
⚾ Game Format Core structure, scoring, time limits.
Game Length
Games are 1 hour 45 minutes.
Clock starts on first pitch.
8 warm-up pitches first inning for a pitcher, 5 pitches in subsequent innings.
No new inning may start after 1 hour 30 minutes.
An inning is considered to start immediately after the third out of the previous half-inning.
If the third out occurs at or after 1:30, a new inning will not begin.
Official time is kept by the umpire.
Clock starts on first pitch.
8 warm-up pitches first inning for a pitcher, 5 pitches in subsequent innings.
No new inning may start after 1 hour 30 minutes.
An inning is considered to start immediately after the third out of the previous half-inning.
If the third out occurs at or after 1:30, a new inning will not begin.
Official time is kept by the umpire.
Drop Dead Rule (1:45)
At 1 hour 45 minutes, the game will stop after the completion of the current play.
If time expires during an inning:
- If the home team is winning → game ends immediately.
- If the visiting team is winning → the home team will finish the inning.
- If the home team takes the lead in the bottom half → game ends immediately (walk-off).
If time expires during an inning:
- If the home team is winning → game ends immediately.
- If the visiting team is winning → the home team will finish the inning.
- If the home team takes the lead in the bottom half → game ends immediately (walk-off).
Innings
All games are 6 innings unless shortened by time limit or run rule.
Home Team
Pre-game coin flip.
Mercy Rule
10-run rule after 4 innings (or 3½ innings if the home team is ahead).
Max Runs per Inning
No max
Tie Games – Bracket Play
No ties. A winner must be determined.
If tied after regulation and time remains, one (1) extra inning will be played.
Extra inning format (International Tie-Breaker):
- Each team starts with a runner on 2nd base.
- The runner is the last recorded out from the previous inning.
If the game remains tied after the extra inning or time expires:
- The inning will be completed using time-limit rules.
- If still tied → coin flip determines the winner.
If tied after regulation and time remains, one (1) extra inning will be played.
Extra inning format (International Tie-Breaker):
- Each team starts with a runner on 2nd base.
- The runner is the last recorded out from the previous inning.
If the game remains tied after the extra inning or time expires:
- The inning will be completed using time-limit rules.
- If still tied → coin flip determines the winner.
Field Size
46x60.
🧢 Rosters & Lineups Eligibility, batting, substitutions.
Roster Size / Eligibility
Teams may expand roster with other 9U travel players from the same town/organization (if applicable),
if concerned about pitching limits. 10U players are strictly prohibited.
Pre-approval from league director required.
Lineup / Batting
Roster batting — all uniform players must bat. Late arrival goes to the bottom of the order.
Batting Out of Order
Batter is out after 1 pitch. No penalty for injury or early departure.
Defensive Substitutions
Standard rules apply. Unlimited re-entry.
Courtesy Runner
May be used for catcher or pitcher of record at any time. Runner must be the player who made the last batted out.
🎯 Pitching Limits, mound visits, safety.
Pitch Count Limit
Pitchers are limited to 75 total pitches for the day/tournament.
Strongly encouraged to not pitch the same pitcher in back-to-back games.
Mound Visits
2 per pitcher. Pitcher must be replaced on the 2nd visit.
🏃 Base Running Lead-offs, stealing, sliding.
Lead-Offs
No leading off until pitched ball has reached or passed the batter.
One warning per team; subsequent violations = runner is out.
Stealing / Pickoffs
All bases allowed. Pitcher pickoffs not allowed. Catcher pickoffs allowed.
Sliding
Feet first only.
⚖️ Special Rules Tournament exceptions & equipment.
Bunting
Allowed. No fake bunt slash hitting allowed.
Dropped Third Strike
NOT in effect.
Infield Fly Rule
Not in effect.
Bats
USA bats only. No USSSA or BBCOR allowed.
Cleats
Metal cleats are not permitted. Rubber cleats allowed.
Required Equipment
Protective cup and heart guard required.
Dome Rules
Local house rules — TBD.
🤝 Sportsmanship Conduct expectations.
Chanting
No chanting when pitcher is in windup.