Tournament Rules
Any player who has played on a college roster (JUCO, NAIA, NCAA) or has completed college coursework after high school, is NOT eligible to play in this event.
No player is allowed to play on more than one roster in the Sparkler, Fireworks or Sparkler Juniors or any combination of the events.
We do not play bat your lineup/free substitutions in pool play. Follow all line up rules throughout the entire event.
2023 Triple Crown Sports Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks Invitational Rules NFHS Rules apply with the following exceptions:
PITCHING MODIFICATION:
While the pitcher takes the signal, her stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired. Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride foot, she CANNOT move it to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate. In addition, the pitcher must take or appear to take a signal while in the pitching and signal-taking positions.
ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION:
A coach may use a one-way electronic communication device to communicate to the catcher for the purpose of calling pitches. Coaches may not use electronic communication device(s) to communicate with any other team member while on defense or any team member while on offense. When using the electronic communication device, the coach cannot be outside the dugout/bench area. The communication device cannot be used for two-way communication and will carry the same penalty.
PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.
INTENTIONAL WALKS:
All pitches including a pitch-out must be legally pitched to the catcher and ball is live.
COURTESY RUNNER: We will be using the written NFHS courtesy runner rule, which states the courtesy runner must be an eligible sub that has not been in the game at any capacity.
LINEUP MODIFICATIONS:
Any option listed below may be used:
Option 1: Straight nine- Those nine can play any position on defense without reporting to the umpire.
Option 2: DP/Flex- 10 players are listed on the line-up, but only 9 bat. The DP can bat for any player that you designate prior to the start of the game. That player is designated as the Flex and should be listed in the 10th spot on the line-up card. Any of the 10 players can play on defense.
Option 3: EH/EP- This gives you the option to bat 10 players and any 9 can play defense. This player can be placed anywhere in the lineup.
Option 4: DP/Flex and the EP/EH- This allows you to have 11 players listed on the lineup, only 10 will bat any 9 of these players can play defensively. The Flex is listed at the bottom of the lineup.
If you would like to order a NFHS Softball rule book you may do so by going to https://nfhs.com and selecting the 2020 Softball Rules Book. Triple Crown Sports DOES NOT receive any portion of the cost of the NFHS rule book, all proceeds go to NFHS.
Click here for a sample of lineups you can use during a game, if applicable.
(*Please note that each tournament and/or event may have its’ own set of rules, exceptions, and variations. Please see specific tournament details and rules below)
Triple Crown Pool Play Rules- Two-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Win/Loss Record, 2. Head to Heat, 3. Total Run Differential, 4. Least Runs Allowed, 5. Most Runs Scored, 6. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD) 7. Coin Flip. Three-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Total Run Differential, 2. Least Runs Allowed, 3. Most Runs Scored, 4. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD), 5. Coin Flip. IMPORTANT: 1. Maximum Run Spread per game is 7, regardless of score, 2. Forfeits will be scored 7-0.
TIME LIMIT – Clock starts at the end of the pre-game meeting at home plate between coaches and umpires. No new inning after 1:45 finish the inning or 7 innings. (12U 1:30 finish the inning). Game time kept by field umpires. A new inning starts with the 3rd out of the previous inning. Umpires will keep games moving to help get 7 innings in when possible. Please cooperate and keep the players moving. This is key for us to stay on time.
RUN RULE – 18U/16U run-rule will be 8 runs after 5 innings. 14U/12U run-rule will be 10/8/6 after 3/4/5.
INTERNATIONAL TIE-BREAKER- For elimination games and box bracket pool: games that are tied at the end of the time limit or 7 innings, the batter who bats last in the inning will be placed at 2nd base.
WARM-UPS (a) Pitchers warming up for games in action should go down the outfield fence past the 200’ outfield fence (home run fence). DO NOT warm up outside the perimeter fence behind the dugouts, where spectators gather. (b) Catchers (players) must wear a mask when warming up pitchers at all times. (c) Infield warm-up IS NOT ALLOWED. (d) Teams warming up for the next game MUST warm up behind the green (home run) fence and be ready to start the next game immediately at the conclusion of the present games, regardless of the scheduled time. Maximum early start will be 15 minutes.
HOME TEAM- Coin flip at the home plate conference will decide the home team. The team listed first in pool play or on the top of the bracket will occupy the 3rd base dugout (unless a back-to-back team already occupies a dugout). At the home plate conference a copy of the lineup will be given to the plate umpire (this is the official copy). Home team is the official scorer. Plate umpire will hold the one score card. Each coach/score keeper must sign off on the scorecard after each game. This score will be marked as final.
PROTESTS- Any rule protests must be accompanied by a $300 fee, be made at the plate by the opposing team's manager only and presented before the the officials have left the playing field. Triple Crown will provide due diligence in regards to the correct ruling and return the fee in the event of a successful protest. Rule protests only, there are no protests regarding judgment calls.
FORMAT- the TD reserves the right to change the format and the guaranteed number of games, if necessary. All efforts will be made to finish the tournament. After playing four games there will be no refunds. In case of changes the team has the responsibility to find out what changes have been made. Sign up for updates on Exposure Events to receive up to date information on schedule changes.
FORFEIT TIME- Game time is forfeit time unless a team is held up by a late running game. Then the team will have 10 minutes to change fields. Note: Rule #4, game time may start 15 minutes early.
DUGOUTS- Please leave immediately as there is another team waiting to get in. No smoking in the dugouts. Only players, coaches, scorekeepers and bat-girls are allowed in the dugout.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIORS- Any player or coach ejected any time during the tournament will also be ejected for the next game. Any player, coach or fan displaying said behavior will subject themselves and/or their team to suspension from the game and/or forfeit the game/tournament. This could also prevent the team from future participation in the tournament.
SOFTBALLS- The tournament will provide balls. We will use a ball rotation system. Please help us return balls at the end of each game.
SAFETY- No glass containers and no alcohol are allowed at the tournament. Dogs are not allowed in the complex by city ordinance. No person/s other than teams are permitted anywhere inside the fenced field area or behind the white fence. NO EXCEPTIONS!
PARTICIPATION- You participate in or attend this event at your own risk and will not hold Triple Crown Sports, city parks, the umpires or anyone else responsible for injury. All teams have indicated they have insurance for these situations and have signed a release of liability.
Rosters: Rosters are frozen once play begins. No player is allowed to play on more than one roster in Sparkler, Fireworks or Sparkler Juniors or any combination of the above. Ineligible players will be removed at the time of the discovery and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game, suspended a minimum of one additional game and UP TO one year at the discretion of TCS.
We adhere to all City/Municipality Parks and Recreation rules.
No player is allowed to play on more than one roster in the Sparkler, Fireworks or Sparkler Juniors or any combination of the events.
- Ineligible players will be removed at the time of the discovery and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game, suspended a minimum of one additional game and UP TO one year at the discretion of TCS.
- Any roster protests must be accompanied by a $300 fee, be made at the plate by the opposing team's manager only and presented before the final out has been recorded. Triple Crown will provide due diligence in regards to the player's eligibility and return the fee in the event of a successful protest.
We do not play bat your lineup/free substitutions in pool play. Follow all line up rules throughout the entire event.
2023 Triple Crown Sports Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks Invitational Rules NFHS Rules apply with the following exceptions:
PITCHING MODIFICATION:
While the pitcher takes the signal, her stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired. Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride foot, she CANNOT move it to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate. In addition, the pitcher must take or appear to take a signal while in the pitching and signal-taking positions.
ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION:
A coach may use a one-way electronic communication device to communicate to the catcher for the purpose of calling pitches. Coaches may not use electronic communication device(s) to communicate with any other team member while on defense or any team member while on offense. When using the electronic communication device, the coach cannot be outside the dugout/bench area. The communication device cannot be used for two-way communication and will carry the same penalty.
PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.
INTENTIONAL WALKS:
All pitches including a pitch-out must be legally pitched to the catcher and ball is live.
COURTESY RUNNER: We will be using the written NFHS courtesy runner rule, which states the courtesy runner must be an eligible sub that has not been in the game at any capacity.
LINEUP MODIFICATIONS:
Any option listed below may be used:
Option 1: Straight nine- Those nine can play any position on defense without reporting to the umpire.
Option 2: DP/Flex- 10 players are listed on the line-up, but only 9 bat. The DP can bat for any player that you designate prior to the start of the game. That player is designated as the Flex and should be listed in the 10th spot on the line-up card. Any of the 10 players can play on defense.
Option 3: EH/EP- This gives you the option to bat 10 players and any 9 can play defense. This player can be placed anywhere in the lineup.
Option 4: DP/Flex and the EP/EH- This allows you to have 11 players listed on the lineup, only 10 will bat any 9 of these players can play defensively. The Flex is listed at the bottom of the lineup.
If you would like to order a NFHS Softball rule book you may do so by going to https://nfhs.com and selecting the 2020 Softball Rules Book. Triple Crown Sports DOES NOT receive any portion of the cost of the NFHS rule book, all proceeds go to NFHS.
Click here for a sample of lineups you can use during a game, if applicable.
(*Please note that each tournament and/or event may have its’ own set of rules, exceptions, and variations. Please see specific tournament details and rules below)
Triple Crown Pool Play Rules- Two-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Win/Loss Record, 2. Head to Heat, 3. Total Run Differential, 4. Least Runs Allowed, 5. Most Runs Scored, 6. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD) 7. Coin Flip. Three-Way tie (Same Pool): 1. Total Run Differential, 2. Least Runs Allowed, 3. Most Runs Scored, 4. Last Actual Run Differential (LAD), 5. Coin Flip. IMPORTANT: 1. Maximum Run Spread per game is 7, regardless of score, 2. Forfeits will be scored 7-0.
TIME LIMIT – Clock starts at the end of the pre-game meeting at home plate between coaches and umpires. No new inning after 1:45 finish the inning or 7 innings. (12U 1:30 finish the inning). Game time kept by field umpires. A new inning starts with the 3rd out of the previous inning. Umpires will keep games moving to help get 7 innings in when possible. Please cooperate and keep the players moving. This is key for us to stay on time.
RUN RULE – 18U/16U run-rule will be 8 runs after 5 innings. 14U/12U run-rule will be 10/8/6 after 3/4/5.
INTERNATIONAL TIE-BREAKER- For elimination games and box bracket pool: games that are tied at the end of the time limit or 7 innings, the batter who bats last in the inning will be placed at 2nd base.
WARM-UPS (a) Pitchers warming up for games in action should go down the outfield fence past the 200’ outfield fence (home run fence). DO NOT warm up outside the perimeter fence behind the dugouts, where spectators gather. (b) Catchers (players) must wear a mask when warming up pitchers at all times. (c) Infield warm-up IS NOT ALLOWED. (d) Teams warming up for the next game MUST warm up behind the green (home run) fence and be ready to start the next game immediately at the conclusion of the present games, regardless of the scheduled time. Maximum early start will be 15 minutes.
HOME TEAM- Coin flip at the home plate conference will decide the home team. The team listed first in pool play or on the top of the bracket will occupy the 3rd base dugout (unless a back-to-back team already occupies a dugout). At the home plate conference a copy of the lineup will be given to the plate umpire (this is the official copy). Home team is the official scorer. Plate umpire will hold the one score card. Each coach/score keeper must sign off on the scorecard after each game. This score will be marked as final.
PROTESTS- Any rule protests must be accompanied by a $300 fee, be made at the plate by the opposing team's manager only and presented before the the officials have left the playing field. Triple Crown will provide due diligence in regards to the correct ruling and return the fee in the event of a successful protest. Rule protests only, there are no protests regarding judgment calls.
FORMAT- the TD reserves the right to change the format and the guaranteed number of games, if necessary. All efforts will be made to finish the tournament. After playing four games there will be no refunds. In case of changes the team has the responsibility to find out what changes have been made. Sign up for updates on Exposure Events to receive up to date information on schedule changes.
FORFEIT TIME- Game time is forfeit time unless a team is held up by a late running game. Then the team will have 10 minutes to change fields. Note: Rule #4, game time may start 15 minutes early.
DUGOUTS- Please leave immediately as there is another team waiting to get in. No smoking in the dugouts. Only players, coaches, scorekeepers and bat-girls are allowed in the dugout.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIORS- Any player or coach ejected any time during the tournament will also be ejected for the next game. Any player, coach or fan displaying said behavior will subject themselves and/or their team to suspension from the game and/or forfeit the game/tournament. This could also prevent the team from future participation in the tournament.
SOFTBALLS- The tournament will provide balls. We will use a ball rotation system. Please help us return balls at the end of each game.
SAFETY- No glass containers and no alcohol are allowed at the tournament. Dogs are not allowed in the complex by city ordinance. No person/s other than teams are permitted anywhere inside the fenced field area or behind the white fence. NO EXCEPTIONS!
PARTICIPATION- You participate in or attend this event at your own risk and will not hold Triple Crown Sports, city parks, the umpires or anyone else responsible for injury. All teams have indicated they have insurance for these situations and have signed a release of liability.
Rosters: Rosters are frozen once play begins. No player is allowed to play on more than one roster in Sparkler, Fireworks or Sparkler Juniors or any combination of the above. Ineligible players will be removed at the time of the discovery and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game, suspended a minimum of one additional game and UP TO one year at the discretion of TCS.
We adhere to all City/Municipality Parks and Recreation rules.
