Throwdown before Showdown

---NTSS Official Rules

**Article I: Game Structure**

1. Each game shall consist of innings with a maximum of five (5) runs per inning.

2. The pitch height shall be between six (6) to ten (10) feet from the ground level.

3. The duration of each game shall be fifty (50) minutes, followed by a buffet.

4. For AA category games, the duration shall extend to three (3) home runs, and for AAA category games, to five (5) home runs.

5. The game shall conclude once the prescribed number of outs is reached.

**Article II: Resolution of Ties**

1. In the event of a tie, the last out shall take position at second base, the inning shall commence with one (1) out, and a five (5) run inning limit shall be imposed.

2. The tiebreaker shall not involve a buffet or a single pitch rule.

**Article III: Pitching Regulations**

1. **With Screen**: The screen must be in contact with the rubber, and the pitcher is required to toe the rubber. The pitcher is permitted to field pop-ups only. Contact by the pitcher with a ground ball or line drive shall result in a dead ball; all runners shall advance, and the batter shall proceed to first base.

2. **Without Screen**: The pitcher is allowed to field all batted balls and may position up to six (6) feet behind the first rubber. Wearing a protective mask is mandatory.

3. Pitchers are prohibited from executing a pump fake. The pitching motion must be smooth and continuous, with the ball presented back and forth.

4. **Pitcher/Screen Switch**: Teams are permitted to add or remove the screen once during the game. If the change occurs during an inning, it necessitates a pitching change. If prior to the start of an inning, the same pitcher may continue. This rule is limited to one (1) instance only.

**Article IV: Umpire Instructions**

1. Umpires shall not commence a new inning if less than one (1) minute remains on the clock.

2. A maximum of three (3) pinch runners are allowed per inning, with the same runner eligible for multiple instances.

3. In the case of a broken bat, the umpire shall retain the bat for inspection by the director. Should there be a refusal to surrender the bat, the umpire must contact the director immediately.

**Article V: Conduct and Communication**

1. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the game while maintaining control of the field.

2. Umpires unsure of a rule must refrain from creating ad hoc rules and are instructed to contact the director for clarification.

3. Runners crossing the scoring line must have their foot down before the catcher secures the ball.

4. Runners are prohibited from traversing the batter's box, with violations resulting in an automatic out.

5. Umpires must adjust their positioning on the field for plays at the plate.

6. Umpires are required to communicate the number of outs and the location of the fifth run on the bases or at the plate during the inning. Between innings, teams should be informed of the remaining home runs.

7. The score must be updated on the scoreboard as events occur. If the scoreboard is non-functional, teams must be frequently informed of the score.

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Flip Flop Rule

10 runs after time has expired. 

Visitors become home if winning by 10 or more runs. BUFFET must be played. 

See director for pitcher rules (nothing new) 

Protests must be made before the end of 3rd inning(No exceptions) $100 if you win the protest your money is returned. Director will always work to compromise and continue play and have game settled on the field. If that cannot be achieved, then we will go by the book. 

Teams caught using underage players will be suspended indefinitely. Every player on illegal team's roster. Cheating will not be tolerated. 

Date of birth must be 1984 or earlier. 

Illegal Bats- any player hurt due to a batted ball, the bat used for that at bat will be visually checked for tampering. If bat is found to be altered in any way, player will be suspended indefinitely. 

Bump Rules

AA- 3 bumps (AAA)

AAA- 3 Bumps (Major)

Major- 3 Bumps (Major Plus)

If your player hasn't been classified by NCS with a senior classification, we will use the players highest classification we can find using other associations as reference. 

Play Legal, Play Hard, Play NCS

Best of luck,

Matt McGee