Elite Draft Series

Official Rules

Tournament format, equipment rules, player conduct, refunds, and event policies.

Player Eligibility

  • All players must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Players register individually and are assigned through the Elite Draft Series draft process.
  • Players may only compete for the team they are assigned to.
  • Elite Draft Series may refuse participation for misconduct, safety concerns, or rule violations.

Team Formation

  • Teams are created through the Elite Draft Series player draft.
  • Team assignments are final once rosters are released unless approved by tournament staff.
  • Roster adjustments may be made when necessary to maintain competitive balance.

Tournament Format

  • Teams will play two pool play games.
  • Pool play results determine bracket seeding.
  • All teams advance to the championship bracket.
  • Bracket play is double elimination.
  • Teams must lose twice before being eliminated.
  • An “If Necessary” Championship Game will be played if the undefeated team loses the first championship game.
  • Events are designed as a four-game guarantee.

Game Rules

  • Games will have a 55-minute time limit.
  • No new inning may begin after time expires.
  • The inning in progress will be completed unless tournament staff determines otherwise.
  • Pool play games may end in a tie unless otherwise announced.
  • Home team in pool play will be determined by coin flip.
  • Higher seeded team will be home team during bracket play when applicable.

Run Rule

  • 20 runs after 3 innings.
  • 15 runs after 4 innings.
  • 10 runs after 5 innings.

Courtesy Runners

  • One courtesy runner is allowed for the pitcher, plus one courtesy runner per gender.
  • A courtesy runner may not be on base when it becomes their turn to bat.

Pitching

  • Pitch height must be between 6 and 12 feet from release to the highest point of the pitch.
  • Illegal pitches will be ruled according to tournament standards.

Official Softballs

  • Men will hit a 12-inch .44 COR / 375 Compression softball.
  • Women will hit an 11-inch .44 COR / 400 Compression softball.
  • Only tournament-approved game balls may be used during competition.

Approved Bats

  • All bats must display a valid 240 Compression Stamp.
  • Bats without a 240 stamp are not permitted.
  • Altered, shaved, rolled, repainted, modified, or damaged bats are prohibited.
  • Tournament officials may inspect any bat at any time.
  • Any player using an illegal bat may be ejected and subject to additional disciplinary action.
  • Elite Draft Series may remove any bat deemed unsafe or non-compliant.

Footwear & Gear

  • Molded cleats and turf shoes are permitted.
  • Metal cleats are prohibited.
  • Players may wear protective equipment that does not create an unfair competitive advantage.
  • Pitchers are strongly encouraged to wear protective gear.
  • Tournament staff may prohibit equipment deemed unsafe.

Home Run Rule

  • Home run limits, if any, will be announced prior to each event.
  • Excess home runs may be recorded as outs depending on the event format.
  • Event-specific home run rules will be communicated before the first game.

Sportsmanship

  • Fighting or threatening behavior is not allowed.
  • Excessive profanity directed toward players, umpires, staff, or spectators is not allowed.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in removal.
  • Intentional damage to facilities is prohibited.
  • Harassment of players, officials, or event staff is prohibited.
  • Players must follow tournament staff instructions.

Park & Facility Rules

  • All participants must follow park regulations and facility policies.
  • Teams are responsible for keeping dugouts and player areas clean.
  • Players and spectators must respect all park property.
  • Violations of park rules may result in removal from the event without refund.

Weather Policy

  • Elite Draft Series will make every effort to complete scheduled games.
  • Weather delays may require adjusted game lengths.
  • Schedules, game guarantees, or bracket structure may be modified due to weather.
  • Tournament staff decisions regarding weather are final.

Refund Policy

  • Players who withdraw before draft night are eligible for a 70% refund.
  • Players who withdraw after being drafted are eligible for a 30% refund.
  • No refunds will be issued after tournament play begins.
  • Weather-related refunds will be determined on an event-by-event basis.

Final Authority

  • Elite Draft Series may interpret, modify, and enforce tournament rules as needed.
  • Rules may be adjusted for fair competition, player safety, or event operations.
  • All decisions made by Elite Draft Series tournament staff are final.

Rules are subject to change. Event-specific rules will be communicated before the first game.