Senior Slowpitch Rules
NCS SOFTBALL FOR SENIORS - RULES
PLEASE PRACTICE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP... WE TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY!
SANDBAGGERS BEWARE! We will kick you out if not playing in the proper division. Read our Rankings Page and come legal.
Make sure the team you created in our playncs.com website has a valid email address and a cell phone number as we will also email and/or text updates from time to time.
When entering our events you are agreeing to the rules and policies.
Some tournaments and tournament directors require upfront payment so make sure your team shows as "confirmed" after you have paid. If you are not showing confirmed, please contact the listed Director ASAP!
DO NOT spend money on flights, hotels rooms, and car rentals before paying your ENTRY FEE and before confirming you have an official spot in the tournament. Please check the tournament website's EVENT INFO page or with the tournament director of the event you are playing in to confirm entry.
FYI - There are certain NCS directors and tournaments that will have special events with different rules, policy and awards depending on the region/location and type of tournament these events may also include a stay to play hotel policy.
Please check the tournament website/ EVENT INFO PAGE or directly with the tournament director for event specific rules.
Some of our special events include but are not limited to:
States, Nationals, Las Vegas Worlds, Toys-4-Tots,
Most of these events sell out fast so get payment in before we are sold out or you may not make it into the tournament.
Always check the EVENT INFO page regularly for tournament updates. Always double check brackets regularly for any changes for the event you enter.
*** COED SENIORS ***
Women must be 35 & over
Men must be 40 & over
Must play with either an equal amount of women as men or more women than men
(3) Home runs per game plus equalizer. Home team can’t go ahead in the open inning
This new division is per the player's request and is designed for recreational purposes.
THIS IS NOT WIN AT ALL COST! At any time, to balance the playing field, NCS reserves the right to add a run spot at any event at any time.
We want this to be a safe and fun option for all of our teams and players.
Pitchers must wear protective helmet, not just a mask, and we strongly encourage wearing shin guards and a chest protector.
Women will not be allowed to pitch but can play any other position on the field.
If playing infield, women players must wear protective mask and we strongly encourage wearing shin guards and a chest protector.
We will use the 11" 44/375 Stamped NCS Dudley or Onyx ball for the women and a 12" 44/375 Stamped NCS Dudley or Onyxball for the mens.
https://elitesportsusa.net/collections/balls
40 & Over Women's
Women's 40 & Over teams are allowed 2 players max that are 38 or 39 years old all other players must be 40 or older.
This division we will mix levels of play to help the event happen (Only if Needed) and do a run spot to help balance the competition.
RANKINGS SYSTEM
Make sure your team is legal! Read all of of ranking information here and email or call us if you have questions (jay.zetz@playncs.com)
https://www.playncs.com/slowpitch/rankings
Manager/Coach: You are responsible to follow our website and read our rules and EVENT INFO page in case of changes to the events you have entered.
Make sure the team you created in our playncs.com website has valid email address and cell phone as we also will email and/or text updates from time to time.
Some tournaments and tournament directors require upfront payment. Make sure your team shows as confirmed after you have paid. If you are not showing confirmed, please contact listed Director ASAP!
Please check the tournament website EVENT INFO page or with the tournament director of the event you are playing.
FYI - There are certain NCS directors and tournaments that will have special or different rules and awards depending on the region/location and type of tournament.
Please check the tournament website EVENT INFO page or with the tournament director of the event you are playing.
RANKINGS System - Make sure your team is legal - Read info here and email me back if you have questions https://www.playncs.com/slowpitch/rankings
NCS has the right to bump any team are player at anytime if we see your team is entered into the wrong division or your players rankings are not updated properley.
PRE-TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES
TEAM REGISTRATION
Teams must register annually here at our website. Once you are registered, you as the manager can create and edit your team(s). The annual $65 registration fee is non-refundable.
ROSTER
Teams must add an online roster before they play in their first event.Players have issues getting email to accept being on your roster. = If the team invite email is blocked by firewalls or other security settings players can go to www.playncs.com and create a profile.The invite will be in their profile as long as they use the same email you used to send it to them. If a player is not on your roster, your team is illegal
TOURNAMENT WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES
- Any cancellation/withdrawal (for any reason what-so-ever) must occur prior to the tournament being SOLD OUT or prior to 4pm the Tuesday before the event, whichever comes first. We will do our best to let teams know when a tournament is sold out but this might not happen for every event due to our workload.
- Please send us an email to let us know of your team's withdrawal before the above drop dead dates. When you do, you still must get a confirmation email back still from the respective tournament director in order for you to be off the hook for your entry fee. If you don't get a confirmation email back the same day as your request, please make a call to the listed tournament director on the website to make sure they received your withdrawal request.
- Should your team cancel AFTER the specified drop dead dates listed above, your team is still responsible for the entire entry fee of the tournament unless a replacement team can be found. If a replacement team is found, the team will only be responsible for a $50 administration charge if replacment team pays in full. Again, if a replacement team is not found, the team will have to pay their entire entry fee.
- Unpaid entry fees will result in the team and each individual player being placed on our associations’ Suspended Lists until payment is made in full. Manager is responsible for payment. If a player wants to be removed from suspension, they can pay their share of 10% of total amount owed.
***SPECIAL NOTE***
***BE AWARE*** In the case of State, Regional, National, NIT, All Nighters, Toys-4-Tots, and/or World events, the SOLD OUT date can be up to 4 weeks in advance so the deadline to withdraw your team from these events could be a month before the start of the tournament.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation by notifying all tournament directors well in advance should your team withdraw from a tournament.
PAYMENTS
NCS may require a deposit or full payment in advance for some of our specialty events. These payments are non-refundable unless you withdraw from the event well before the deadline, we cannot get you in the tournament or an agreement is made to refund your money. This procedure will not only protect NCS but will also protect those teams that are ready to play but have to take a forfeit due to teams no-showing. We have found that teams are more likely to be serious about showing up when they put down a deposit upfront (have “skin-in-the-game”) versus teams that sign up with no deposit with the “hopes” of getting enough players. Thanks for your understanding and we’ll see you at the fields.
- Standard Tournament: All teams must pay any balance owed IN CASH along with having an on-line roster before taking the field.
- If we do not receive full payment at game time or deadline, you will forfeit… PERIOD! If your roster is not online by the cut-off date, you will owe a $50 fee for us having to add your roster ourselves.
- If you need roster help, please contact Customer Support at jay.zetz@playncs.com or jp.morgan.aws@gmail.com or smootncs@gmail.com.
- If you have a credit from a previous event or season: You must enter event of choice and email proper director to apply credit before event deadline or when event of choice is sold out. Don't assume you are automatically confirmed for any tournaments
WHO'S COMING LIST:
Available Spots Example:
12 available spots, that is just an ideal amount of teams for that division. This DOES NOT guarantee we will end up with 12 teams in that division.
If other divisions are filling faster, we won’t turn teams down in hopes your 12 team division fills. If you get calls, texts or emails warnings to pay or confirm; please take them seriously if you want to play.
(Confirming teams)
· If we reach out to teams and you do not get back to us in a timely manner, we reserve the right to pull you out of any event that you have not made payment for. Please make sure we have your proper email and cell phone.
Practice Good Sportsmanship with NCS - We take this seriously!
NCS Softball 4 Seniors rules are for players, by players. We welcome your suggestions.
HOME RUN LIMITS
(ALL HOMERUNS HIT OVER THE FENCE THAT ARE OVER THE ALLOTTED AMOUNT FOR THE DIVISION ARE COUNTED AS OUTS! WHEN MIXINF LEVELS WE USUALLY WILL USE LOWER LEVEL HR RULE)
AAA - 5
MAJOR - 8
MAJOR PLUS - 12
SENIOR/MASTERS Player Rankings: (If player has more than one NCS profile ranking, we will go by highest ranking)
*If a player is not listed on our NCS ranking’s list, we use the current year’s HIGHEST SSUSA or NCS team roster a player has played on to determine ranking.
New teams to our program: You must enter our highest division unless you can supply documentation supporting players ranking (ie a nationally recognized senior program rating, a tournament roster, etc.)
If not on a current SSUSA roster we will revert to previous years highest SSUSA team roster a player has played on.
AAA: 3 Major players max allowed on team roster (No MAJOR PLUS players, USSSA conference or B or higher ranked/rostered players allowed)
MAJOR: 3 is the Max for MAJOR PLUS players, Conference or B or higher ranked/rostered players allowed on roster. If you have any AA or Major Conference player you can only have 2 chips
MAJOR PLUS: No roster restrictions (Bring Your Best) We may not allow 55 MP teams to play Majors in our World Series/National events. (If we do, you can't pick up players under 55)
*Protest and illegal players are not always cut and dry - We will also use common sense rule (As things do fall through the cracks sometimes -Tournament Directors decision will be final)
Determining your team level of play:
Any Conference Players in a national program may not play below the Major Plus division without counting as a Major Plus player.
Any players ranked B or higher per our NCS adult rules/ranking system will be considered Major Plus.
55 & Over MAJOR PLUS players can play as a 40 & Over MAJOR Player but can’t play AAA – 50 & Over MAJOR PLUS players may still count as MAJOR PLUS for 40 & Over teams - Check ahead of time for approval.
supply documentation supporting players ranking (ie a nationally recognized senior program rating, a tournament roster, etc.)New teams to our program: You must enter our highest division unless you can
No Sandbagging - We do not need to wait for a protest before removing illegal teams or players from our events!
ROSTER: Just because your on-line roster may show approved, this just means you have at least 10 people added. This does not mean your team is 100% legal. You still have to follow our rankings system!
All rosters must be on-line with NCS to play in our program. Reach out if you feel your team may not be meeting our rankings matrix @ jay.zetz@playncs.com.
NO TEAM JUMPING - Players can only play on one team per age division per weekend.
Example: You can play 40's and 50's - You Can't Play 40 AAA and 40 Majors the same tournament.
If on multiple rosters the team you start with per tourney is only team you can play on per division etc.
INJURED PLAYERS COMING OUT OF THE GAME
- If a player gets injured and needs to come out of the game, their next at bat will be considered an out and all subsequent at bats will be skipped with no out taken.
ROSTER PROTESTS REQUIRE $150 CASH AND MUST BE REQUESTED BEFORE THE END OF THE 3RD INNING
- These are the types of protests that we allow:
*Protests and illegal players are not always cut and dry. We will also use common sense when making a ruling (As things do fall through the cracks sometimes. Tournament Directors decision will be final. If you don;t agree with the TD's decision, you can call into the NCS National Office starting Tuesday following the event.
- Only the manager/coach can make a protest and they still have to be in the tournament to make a protest. No team or player can make a protest once they have been eliminated or ejected from the tournament.
· Full roster ID check to see if all players are listed on the roster before the first game (this is NOT an online player ranking protest) (i.e., a protest to prove a player playing in the game is not on the roster that is posted on-line at playncs.com. We would pull the roster and ask for all the ID’s for the players on the opposing team to make sure they are all listed on the roster)
SENIORS:
1. General
1.1 These rules are specific to Senior play. Directors may need to amend a specific rule due to requirements outside their control, if this is needed amended rules will be posted prior to the start of the tournament and distributed to managers prior to the first game of the event. Rules will not be changed during a tournament unless it is a health, safety or government directive.
1.2 These are general rules of play. For Specific rules for Masters (35+), Women’s and Co-ed f(See above).
1.3 We will not charge individual player fees. A yearly team registration of $65 is required for play.
1.4 Teams will be required to submit an on-line roster prior to the first tournament played yearly. Teams may be required to supply documentation supporting players ranking (i.e. a nationally recognized senior program rating, a tournament roster, etc)
2. Age Divisions & Classifications
2.1 Age Divisions. A valid government picture ID will serve as proof. Players must have ID available at games if questioned by tournament officials.
A. Masters - 35 & 40 plus.
B. Seniors - 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 & 85 plus.
C. Exceptions -
- 70 Rec/AA are allowed four 69 year olds, AAA two 68 year olds
- 75 Rec AA are allowed four 74 & two 73 year olds. AAA are allowed four 74 year olds
- 80 & 85 All classifications are allowed four 79 & two 78 year olds
*** The new player / age cutoff is October 1st ***
FOR EXAMPLE: A 49 year old can start his 2025 season as a 50 & Over player after October 1st, 2024
3. Equipment
3.1 Bats
Any legal adult or senior stamped slowpitch bat is allowed
3.2 Balls
A. The NCS STAMPED DUDLEY BALL will be used. If we have enough balls, we will supply each team with 2-4 balls. If not, be prepared to bring your own NCS STAMPED DUDLEY BALLS.
NCS IS NOW ALSO ALLOWING ONYX/ENERGY SLOWPITCH BALLS
https://elitesportsusa.net/collections/balls
Teams must provide 2 legal balls and give to home plate umpire before each game starts and make sure the umpire has 2 of your balls at all times throughout each game.
Teams please write your team name on all your balls.
- Additional balls may be purchased from the director based on stock on hand.
- If a tournament uses a different ball, than what is listed above it will be listed at event page.
3.3 Protective equipment
A. Pitchers - Must wear a protective helmet not just face mask!. Pitchers are strongly encouraged to also wear full, shin guards, wrist guard and chest/heart protection.
B. Infielders - Highly recommended to wear the same as a pitcher and encouraged to play deep in the infield.
C. No Metal Cleats
3.4 Playing Field - (see diagram)
A. Base Distance shall be 70’
B. Home Plate strike zone mat shall be used 21’ x 36’ at a minimum (plan on a big mat with NCS Seniors)
C. Scoring line shall be in line with the first base line and shall begin 6 inches from outside edge of home plate towards back stop. A player shall be out if they cross thru batters box unless avoid a collision at home.
D. Pitching box shall begin fifty feet from home and extend eight feet towards second base the width of pitching rubber.
E. Home plate and the pitching mat are both considered in fair territory
F. *** Pitching Screen (safety option) *** - May be used (team supplied) for all senior divisions. The screen shall be limited to 4’ by 7‘and must be touching any part of the pitching rubber going towards first or third. Pitchers must also be wearing a pitchers mask and helmet even while using the screen.
*RULE CHANGE 1/1/2025* - Once a pitching screen is used by a particular team, it can be removed once during the game but any pitchers that may come in after that will not have access to the pitching screen.
If a pitching screen is used, the pitcher can toe the rubber or can start up to 3 feet behind the rubber and must retreat behind the screen and does not have the option to field the batted ball except for the following exception.. the pitcher can catch any pop-up in the infield.
Also of note... the pitcher
can not pitch over the screen.
- If the pitcher does touch the batted ball first, the batter will be awarded first base and all other runners will advance one base as well.
- A batted ball hitting the screen shall be deemed a foul ball strike. A ball hitting the screen from a defensive player shall be considered “live”.
- Once a ball is hit past the pitching screen, a pitcher has the right to move the pitching screen anywhere on the field.
G. Batters Box shall be 3’x 7’. Batter must have one foot in the box prior to pitch & one foot must be in the box when striking the ball or the player will be called out.
H. Commitment Line shall be 30 feet from scoring line towards third base.
4.0 Game Play
4.1 Mixing Ages /Divisions If more than one upper level team is entered into the tournament, they will usually be seeded into their own championship / playoff bracket after pool play. If not, we may use a run spot throughout the event. Division with less than six teams at Director's discretion receive a prorated prize package. Teams CAN'T turn down the run spot without our on site directors approval.
4.2 Batters will start with a 1 & 1 count with no waste foul up to 50 and over division. 55 and overs and older divisions will be granted a waste foul.
4.3 Caught foul balls in the field of play shall be considered live and players may advance after catch.
4.4.1 Runs must stay within 3 feet of baseline or be called out.
4.4.2 Players may only retreat to a base on a caught ball or in a run down. Players retreating in a force out situation will be called out.
4.4.3 Retouch rule is in effect. Runners at first or third can stay off the the bag as far away as they see fit, as long as they are equal or behind the base when the ball is hit. Runners must re-touch the base before advancing.
4.4.4 COURTESY RUNNERS - There will be a limit of (3) courtesy runners allowed per inning. A courtesy runner can be any player on the roster. The pitcher can use a courtesy runner when they reach base and this does not count against the (3) max per inning. In the event the player that is due to bat is out on the bases due to him being a courtesy runner, he will be called out at the plate unless the team has a sub that can come in for the player the courtesy runner ran for and therefore would free up the courtesy runner to bat in his proper spot in the lineup.
4.5 Infield fly rule. Catchable ball at umpire’s discretion.
4.6 Sun in pitcher’s eye, umpire’s discretion. Pitchers may move up to 3 feet with the side of the box. Must pitch the entire inning from that position only.
4.7 Designated Home Run Hitter. WE DO Not Use This Rule for NCS.
4.8 All plays at the plate will be force outs only. (NO TAG PLAYS)
4.9 Pitch/Batter Rules - No intentional infield hits / poopies allowed
If both feet are in front of home plate on contact it is an out!.
MOUND VISITS
- There will be a maximum of three mound visits per game which included visits from the coach/manager/player from the dugout or from a coach/manager/player from a position in the field.
- A counted "mound visit" is a visit to the pitcher from the dugout that lasts any length of time or from a player in the field which stops play for more than 10 seconds or so.
- After the second mound visit of an inning, the pitcher must be removed for at least one batter.
- If a team executes a fourth mound visit per our above rules for a game, the game will be forfeited.
PITCHING RULES
A. Pitching arch will be a minimum of six feet and a maximum of twelve feet from the ground. Pitchers have 8 Feet behind rubber to pitch from.
B. Pitchers must present the ball then in one underhand continuous motion deliver the ball to the plate. Pitchers can pitch from no more than 8 ft behind rubber
C. Once batter is set in the box the pitcher has 5 seconds to deliver. Batter has 5 seconds to get set in the box!
D. Pitcher/Batter will have a ball/strike called if exceeding rule C.
D. Each teams will get a maximum of 3 offensive and 3 defensive timeouts per game of up to thirty seconds.
E. Pitchers must face forward while delivering pitch.
F. Batters will start with a 1 & 1. No foul to waste on third strike for 35/40/50's with Waste foul for 55 & Overs.
G. If a screen is used it cannot be moved/removed once pitch is delivered. A new pitcher may remove the screen.
4.10 Managers time out. 3 per game on offense and defense no more than 30 seconds in length.
4.11 Catchers must have at least one foot within the width of the plate and stand no closer than one foot behind the batter's box.
4.12 Defensive Players
- 35's to 65's can play up to 10 players. 70/75's can play up to 11 players. 80 and up can play up to 12 players
- Teams may start a game with at least 8 players
- Teams may not compete with less than eight players at any time
4.13 Teams may bat up to any amount of players on roster.
4.14 A player will be deemed illegal if not on an official roster and be called out when challenged by the opposing team. Team may also forfeit the game.
4.15 If a player in batting order leaves the game and there is no replacement his next at bat only will be an out.
4.16 Batting out of order must be challenged prior to the first pitch of the next batter. Penalty batter will be called out.
4.17 Pinch Runner - Any player on a game roster may pinch run
4.18 Sliding: No sliding at first base or scoring line unless the player is trying to avoid contact. Umpires discretion.
4.19 Safety bag at first base must be used unless they are trying to avoid collision. Umpires discretion. The player is out if it's determined that the safety bag should have been touched..
4.20 Reentry Rule - A starting player removed from the lineup may reenter the game one time. A substitute may not reenter the game after being removed.
4.21 Flip Flop Rule: Will be invoked in game when there is a 12-run differential in favor of the visiting team at the start of the “open inning.” If the visiting team is ahead by ten or more runs, the home team will remain at bat. It will be an open inning. If the home team fails to tie or go ahead of the visiting team, the game ends and the visiting team wins. If the home team ties or goes ahead, the visiting team takes its turn at bat. Flip Flop is not used in Pool Play when playing for seedings.
4.22 Run Rule - 15 runs after 5 inning – does not need to reach open inning
4.23 Tie Game - will begin the extra inning(s) using the International Tie Breaker (ITB) until a winner is determined. When using the ITB a courtesy runner cannot be used for the runner placed on 2 base until the runner has advanced to 3base.
4.B
ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL
- Occurs when a ball is hit fair or foul when both feet of the batter are in contact with the ground COMPLETELY outside the lines of the batter’s box, or when his foot is in contact with home plate, or when the ball is batted with an illegal bat. Also of note: No Intentional infield hits/poopies/bunts. This will result in a called out!
5. Uniforms: Players and coaches wear a shirt or jersey so they are easily identified as a team. Any decision on uniforms is handled by the tournament officials and is not subject to team protest. If event is in the cold season this rule may not be mandatory.
6. Line-ups: Tournament officials will provide line-up cards if needed. Official line-ups must be submitted to the opposing team and scorekeeper (if available) prior to the last inning of the preceding game and given to the umpire prior to game.
7. Bench area:
A. Only rostered players and official NCS coaches are allowed in the dugout. All players must stay in dugout or out of play area. Only one on-deck hitter allowed out of the dugout.
B. No alcohol, sunflower seeds, or smoking/vaping/chewing tabacco of any kind in the dugout or field of play
C. No disruptive music allowed including being too loud, vulgar, etc. The director may ask you to turn off, turn down, or change the music at any time. Failure to comply will result in ejection from park or team forfeit.
D. If defensive team has a player or bat outside dugout and gets hit by thrown ball, the ball is dead and all runners advance one base
E. If offensive teams batter or bat gets hit by a thrown ball the closest runner to Homeplate is out
F. Teams must clean up the dugout after each game (remove garbage etc.)
G. Poor Sportsmanship will not be allowed! NO F Bombs, NO Throwing the Bat, NO Taunting, etc
8. Forfeit Time: Game time is forfeit time. Teams should be prepared to immediately start a game once the preceding game is completed and teams clear the dugout. Teams are required to be ready to play up to 15 minutes early.
9. Game Length:
A. Bracket play is 60 minutes plus the open inning / Playoffs game will be 65 minutes to open
B. Championship game will be 70 minutes or 7 innings plus the open inning
- Exceptions may be required due to unforeseen events (ie weather, field restrictions, time constraints, emergencies, etc).
10. Infield Practice: No infield practice will be permitted once the game starts. Warm-up is allowed in designated areas only. Teams may warm-up in the outfield grass if time permits.
12. Seeding - In a bracket-only type event, a COIN FLIP will determine the home team throughout the event until the Championship Game. The undefeated team will always have the choice to take visitor or home but if the bracket goes to an "if" game, there will be a coin flip to determine the home team.
If a division starts with POOL PLAY, the pool play portion of the event will have a coin flip to determine the home team in each game. Once the division gets into the bracket portion, the higher seed in the WINNER'S BRACKET will be the home team. Once teams lose and enter the LOSER'S BRACKET, they lose their seed and a coin flip will always determine the home team. The undefeated team in the Championship Game will always have the choice to be visitor or home. If the game goes into the "if" game, a coin flip would then determine the home team.
13. Roster residency:
A. Teams are allowed to draw players from other states.
14. Run Spotting (In national or world events this rule may not apply ( if lower division team chooses to play up) LOCAL EVENTS WE MAY USE RUN SPOT
- 5 runs per level or age is the norm (In tournaments where we have to combine levels) special cases run spot may be more or less at Directors Discretion.
- Run Spotting is mandatory for all teams that are due runs. There is no option for coaches to not take the runs if their team is playing a higher level team
- A run spot will be given at start of the game not per inning
15. FORMAT / 3 GAME GUARANTEE: ALL scheduled pool play games count towards seeding in Championship play unless stated otherwise. Ties in the standings in preliminary pool play will be broken by
- Best record
- Head-to-head
- Run differential (MAX of 15 runs per game)
- Runs allowed
- Runs scored
- Coin Flip
- 3GG: We may use pool play followed by double elim, or our new 3gg bracket with Gold Bracket / Silver for 0-2 and some 1-2 teams. We may rarely also use play 2 pool play + single elim - depending on time constraints.
- SUPREME Single Elimination Playoff Rule: Example 4 teams:If a team backs out do to injury etc. the highest remaining seed after pool play will get the bye and the 2 lower seeds will play with the winner advancing.
17. Ejection Rule: Managers are responsible for team conduct. Players, managers and spectators will receive one warning to stop unsportsmanlike behavior (ie questioning calls, pitch, language, etc.). Second occurrence of unsportsmanlike behavior will result in the offending party being ejected from the game. Third occurrence will result in manager and offending party being removed from the game and team will be accessed an out for offensive team, defensive team will be accessed an out at next at bat. Once a team or player is ejected or eliminated, they no longer have the option to file protests.
18. Score Keeping: Home team and umpire are responsible for keeping score (If visitors have full book kept and home team does not, we will use visitor’s book and umpire for official scoring)
19. Determining your team level of play:
A. Players may play down one age or classification, their rating will remain the same.
B. Players playing down two age levels will count as one classification lower. (example 55 Major plus may play in the 40 Major division but can't play AAA).
C. NCS Player Rankings trump all other promoters Roster Rankings
D. If not rated by NCS, we may go by what your ranking is from any National organization
E. If you are not ranked in any association, you will be considered a Major Plus player in your age group until we have evidence showing otherwise.
F. You may be required to supply a roster from a national promotor confirming players ratings.
G. Players can petition for Re-Class at anytime before October 15th by filling out this form. Player Reclass Petition Form
H. Any former B or higher players are automatically considered Major Plus players when starting with NCS.
I. If your team wins our World Series, the following year all players on the team will be classified one level up - AAA World Champs will be Major players and Major Champs will be Major Plus etc.
20. Tournament Delay
A. If any event of delay or suspension of play by an occurrence outside of Directors control (ie weather, disaster, field condition, etc) the game may be resumed at the exact point where it was stopped. It is the manager's responsibility to contact the Tournament Representative at the field for rescheduled game information.
B. We will do everything we can to complete the event due to a delay including modifying game time length, pitch count, format, etc.
C. Once the umpire physically starts the clock or verbally announces the clock has started, the home team must take the field within two minutes and the visiting team must be ready to bat once the pitcher is ready to throw the first pitch. Any team caught delaying the start of the game for any reason will be docked in the following way: (1) run will be docked against the team delaying the start of the game after the 3rd minute (this run does not count against the max five runs for the team receiving the run), an additional run will be docked against the team delaying the start of the game after the 4th minute (this run shall also not count against the max five runs for the team receiving the run), and a forfeit will be called against the team delaying the start of the game at the end of the 5th minute. Also, any team not having at least 8 players to start the game (once the clock starts or once the umpire verbally announces that the clock has started) will be forced to forfeit the game. NCS, our directors, and our officials appreciate your help in helping us keep the games on time so we can provide our players with the best possible playing experience.
21. Team Entries and Cancellations
A. Teams are encouraged to register early. Promoters are encouraged to offer a pay now, pay later or deposit option. Your spot is not guaranteed until payment in full is received. You will be notified if a tournament is nearing a SELL OUT for payment in options above.
B. Should a team withdraw for any reason from our tournament once the team has been entered, the cancellation/withdrawal must occur prior to the tournament deadline, being “SOLD OUT” and prior to the brackets/game times being posted on the association’s website or no later than 5:00pm on the Wednesday prior to the tournament, whatever comes first.
C. Cancellation email must be sent and be confirmed by the tournament promoter.
D. If a team withdraws after the specifications listed above, the team maybe responsible for the entire entry fee unless a fully paid replacement team can be found.
E. Refunds for withdraws listed above will be subject to a $50 fee plus any direct costs of refund or a full credit will be issued for future events by that promoter.
D. Annual team registration fees are NON REFUNDABLE!
.
22.Team Names
Any team name that is explicit or offensive will be modified by site admin.
We believe in free speech and will allow for an appeal but also run a business that does not want to alienate anyone based on race, sex, gender or religion.
Please consider that team names are on publicly posted schedules and must meet reasonable guidelines.
23. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
NCS Directors have the right to suspend any players or teams from play at anytime for abuse or any unsportsmanlike conduct!
STALLING (NEVER ALLOWED)
- Once the umpire physically starts the clock or verbally announces the clock has started, the home team must take the field within two minutes and the visiting team must be ready to bat once the pitcher is ready to throw the first pitch. Any team caught delaying the start of the game for any reason, will be docked in the following way: (1) run will be docked against the team delaying the start of the game after the end of the 3rd minute, an additional run will be docked against the team delaying the start of the game after the 4th minute, and a forfeit will be called against the team delaying the start of the game after the 5th minute. Also, any team not having at least 8 players to start the game (once the clock starts or once the umpire verbally announces the clock has started) will be forced to forfeit the game. NCS, our directors, and our officials appreciate your help in helping us keep the games on time so we can provide our players with the best possible playing experience. Pitchers and batters must be ready to hit / pitch in a timley manner.
BATTER ABANDONMENT - DESERTION (Umpires Discretion)
Routine groundball, flyball, pop-up, etc. If batter clearly gives up and heads towards his or her dugout and then decides to head to first base after a dropped ball or error, the batter will be deemed out by the umpire for desertion.
- Any rain out, Acts of God, or Global crisis that causes us to have to cancel an event before or during tournament play will result in a CREDIT based on the games played (i.e. if playing in a $400 4GG tournament and only (1) game gets played, a $300 credit will be issued for a future tournament. If (2) games were played, a $200 credit, and so on. The credit is only good for tournaments run by the same director group and will expire if not used within (2) years of original entry date).
- If the full game guarantee is met for the tournament, no credits or refunds will be given.
PLAYERS/TEAMS BUMPED AFTER WORLD SERIES IN DECEMBER
Rostered players on the 1st Place World Championship Teams in the AAA and MAJOR divisions will be automatically bumped for the following season.
- In the "AAA" division, approximately 10%-15% of the top finishing team's players will be bumped
- In the "MAJOR" division, approximately 5% -10% of the top finishing team's players will be bumped
- Keep in mind, even teams or players that don't play in our World Series are subject to being reclassed at any time if NCS feels you are a strong enough team to compete in a higher division
- A team retains its rating unless it falls below three (3) players from the original team. The new team rating is then determined based on the playing history of the current team members.
(Once a game starts, it is considered a played game)
- If the cancellation occurs during the pool play portion of a tournament, no awards will be handed out.
- If a cancellation occurs during the bracket play portion of the tournament, awards will be handled as follows:
- Awards will be awarded if there is a clear-cut winner of the tournament (i.e., If there is an undefeated team playing a team from the loser’s bracket in the Championship game, the awards will be given as 1 for the undefeated team and 2 to the loser’s bracket team, etc.)
- Awards will not be awarded if there is no clear-cut winner of the tournament (i.e., If the bracket has just started and there are multiple games remaining with no clear-cut winner)