TGE Rules

REVISED 09/01/2026

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

• Pitcher’s 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.
• Pitcher’s 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.

Electronic Equipment

NOTE: All Electronic 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 offensive & defensive players to relay pitch or play calls from the dugout.
• Digital signal devices (e.g., wristbands) are allowed for any offensive & defensive player.
• In-ear, hat, or helmet audio devices may be used only by the catcher.

Batting Restrictions

Roster & Lineup:

• Teams may start with 8 players. If more players arrive later, the 9th player may be added to the lineup; additional players 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 and announce their 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 for pitcher and catcher are allowed:
  • Bracket Play: Must have a legal substitute that has not entered into the game. The same runner may not be used 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 rule violations, unsporting conduct, or misconduct.
• An ejected player in the batting order results in an automatic out if no substitute is available.
• Ejected non-playing personnel must leave the field, dugout, and team areas, remaining out of sight and sound until the game ends. They may not communicate further with teams or umpires.

Exception:

• An ejected coach may attend to an injured/ill player or ensure player safety during the game.
• Teams are allowed only one automatic out per game due to ejection. More than one results in forfeit. The automatic out is assessed at the batter’s spot in the lineup.

Player & Age Eligibility

• Age requirements follow recognized sanctioning bodies (e.g., PGF, USA Softball, USSSA, Alliance).
• A player may not compete on more than one team within the same tournament.

Time Limits, Run Rules & Equipment

• Home team is the official scorekeeper.
• Pre-game conference and coin toss happen 15 minutes before game start.
• Time Limit: 90 minutes from pre-game conference start. May adjust for tournament delays. Teams should be ready up to 15 minutes early to keep the schedule on track.
• No organized infield practice before games. Warm-ups allowed beyond baselines or in foul territory only. No live batting practice on the field or complex; batting nets allowed.

Illegal Bats:

• Pool Play: One warning allowed if an illegal bat is brought to the plate; bat must be replaced.
• Bracket Play: Use of illegal bat results in batter out and ejection of batter and head coach.
• Bats must have the 2000, 2004, or USA Softball Certification mark and not appear on the USA Softball “Not Approved” list.

Game Length:

• Pool Play: 7 innings or time limit. Ties after 7 innings stand as ties.
• Bracket Play: 7 innings or time limit. If tied, the International Tie Breaker (ITB) applies.
• Run Rules:
  • 12 runs after 3 innings
  • 10 runs after 4 innings
  • 8 runs after 5 innings
• Blue Ghost bats are LEGAL; Yellow Ghost bats are ILLEGAL.

Conduct & Other Rules

• Only team managers may discuss calls with umpires. Players, sponsors, and assistant coaches must not interfere.
• No smoking or tobacco use on the field or in dugouts.

Tournament Seeding & Tiebreakers

Seeding after Pool Play:

• Three or more team ties may not use head-to-head to break ties.
• Once a tiebreaker level is applied, do not revert back to previous steps. Continue down the list until all ties are resolved.

Tiebreakers:

1. Highest Winning Percentage (wins/games with results)
2. Most Wins
3. Head-to-Head Results
4. Runs Allowed per Game
5. Runs Differential (+/- capped at 8 runs per game)
6. Coin Flip

• Extra pool games do not count toward runs allowed or wins/losses but do count for head-to-head tiebreakers.
• Pool games shortened by weather are official after 2.5 innings (if home team leads) or 45 minutes.
• If weather causes cancellations, tiebreaker procedures may be adjusted.

Home Team Designation

• Pool Play: Coin toss before each game.
• Single Elimination Bracket: Highest seed is the home team.
• Double Elimination Bracket: Highest seed home team until championship.
• Championship Game: Winner’s bracket team is home; coin toss for “if” game.
• If equal seeds face off (e.g., 1st Pool A vs 1st Pool B), the home team decided by coin flip.