TGE Rules

Revised: 08/01/2025

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.

  • 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 (e.g., cell phones, smart watches).

• Cell phone cameras are prohibited in team areas from 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

• Any number of batters may be used.

• Players not in lineup must be listed as substitutes.

• Free defensive substitution allowed.

• 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.