TGE Rules

REVISED 03/01/2026

Governing Rules

All games will be played under NFHS (Federation) rules, with the following exceptions and additions.

Pitching Rules

Note: All pitching must comply with NCAA Rule 10: Pitching.

• Stride Foot Positioning

  • The stride (non-pivot) foot may be placed on or behind the plate as far back as
    desired. Once set, the toe of the stride foot may not move backward by stepping,
    dragging, or sliding.

• Step/Stride

  • The pivot foot may lift off the pitching plate with one push but may not replant or
    push off a second point, which would move the pitcher farther from the plate.

  • A replant or second push-off is not allowed.

Electronic Equipment

Note: All equipment must comply with NCAA Rule 5.9.9.

• Players and team personnel may NOT carry or wear devices capable of
  transmitting information on the field (e.g., cell phones, smart watches). Use of
  cell phone cameras in team areas is prohibited from the pregame meeting until
  the game ends.

Exceptions:

• One-way electronic communication devices may be used by players to relay calls from the dugout.

• Digital signal devices (e.g., wristbands) are permitted.

• In-ear, hat, or helmet audio devices may be used by the catcher only.

Batting Restrictions

Roster & Lineup

• Teams may start with 8 players.

• If more players arrive, the 9th may be added; extras become substitutes.

Pool Play

• Teams may use any number of batters. Players not in the lineup must be listed
  as substitutes. NOTE: Unlimited Re-Entires are allowed in pool play only.

• Teams must submit lineup format to officials before the game.

Bracket Play

• Only a traditional 9-player lineup is allowed (with or without DP/FLEX).

• Roster batting is not permitted.

• Courtesy runners:

  • Bracket Play: Must be a legal substitute not yet entered. Same runner may not run for both pitcher and catcher.

  • Pool Play: Courtesy runners may be the Last Completed At Bat (LCAB) or an eligible substitute.

Ejections

• Umpires may eject players or personnel for violations, misconduct, or unsporting conduct.

• An ejected player with no substitute = automatic out.

• Non-playing personnel ejected must leave team areas and may not communicate further.

• Exception: An ejected coach may assist injured/ill players.

• Teams allowed one automatic out per game due to ejection. More than one = forfeit.

Player & Age Eligibility

• Age rules follow sanctioning bodies (PGF, USA Softball, USSSA, Alliance).

• A player may not compete on more than one team in the same tournament.

Time Limits, Run Rules & Equipment

• Home team is official scorekeeper.

• Pregame conference & coin toss: 15 minutes before game start.

• Time limit: 90 minutes from conference start (adjustable for delays).

• Teams must be ready up to 15 minutes early.

• No organized infield before games. Warmups allowed in foul territory or beyond baselines. No live BP on field/complex. Batting nets allowed.

Illegal Bats

• Pool Play: One warning; bat replaced.

• Bracket Play: Batter out + ejection of batter and head coach.

• Must have 2000, 2004, or USA Softball Certification mark and not appear on “Not Approved” list.

• Blue Ghost bats: LEGAL

• Yellow Ghost bats: ILLEGAL

Game Length

• Pool Play: 7 innings or time limit; ties stand.

• Bracket Play: 7 innings or time limit; ties use International Tie Breaker (ITB).

Run Rules:

• 10 after 4

• 8 after 5

Conduct & Other Rules

• Only team managers may discuss calls with umpires.

• No smoking/tobacco use in field or dugouts.

Tournament Seeding & Tiebreakers

Seeding

• Head-to-head not used in 3+ team ties.

• Once a tiebreaker level is applied, do not revert back.

Tiebreakers (in order)

1. Highest Winning Percentage

2. Most Wins

3. Head-to-Head Results

4. Runs Allowed per Game

5. Run Differential (+/- capped at 8 per game)

6. Coin Flip

Notes:

• Extra pool games do not count toward runs allowed or win/loss record but do count for head-to-head.

• Weather-shortened games: official after 2.5 innings (home team leads) or 45 minutes.

• If cancellations occur, procedures may be adjusted.

Home Team Designation

• Pool Play: Coin toss before each game.

• Single Elimination: Higher seed = home team.

• Double Elimination: Higher seed = home until championship.

• Championship Game: Winner’s bracket team = home. “If” game decided by coin toss.

• Equal Seeds (e.g., Pool winners): Coin flip decides.