I-20 FIRST RESPONDER TRIBUTE
Thank you for choosing to play Grand Slam!
ALL turf fields at the phenomenal Ruston Sports Complex!
Grand Slam Louisiana Tournament Rules & Information:
Age Control
• Home-schooled players are eligible as grade exemption players. (Grand Slam Louisiana rule only).
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Pitching Guidelines
• We track innings, not pitch counts.
• Recommended to follow MLB Pitch Smart guidelines.
• 9U–12U: 8 innings per weekend (max 6/day)
• 13U & older: 10 innings per weekend (max 7/day)
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All-Tournament Team
• Released the Tuesday after each event.
• Top 3 finishing teams receive nomination votes:
• 1st Place – 5 players
• 2nd Place – 3 players
• 3rd Place – 2 players
• Selected players earn automatic invitations to the Summer All-Star Games (July 24-26 / Ruston, LA).
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Wall of Homers
• Every player who hits a home run will:
• Have their photo taken and featured on social media.
• Be eligible for the Home Run Derby at the Summer All-Star Games.
• Medallion recognition is in development.
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Tournament Information
• Grand Slam provides 2 game balls per game. Teams must help retrieve foul balls.
• Be prepared to start 15 minutes prior to scheduled game times.
• Gate Fee: $10/day (non-refundable).
• Bat Restrictions: 13U may only use -5 or -3.
• Time Limits:
• 8uCP – 70 min
• 9U–13U – 90 min
• Umpire Pay-at-Plate (PAP):
• 8U – $40/game
• 9U–13U – $60/game
• Run Rules: 15 after 2, 12 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5.
• Extra Innings (ITB): Last batted out starts on 2nd base, no outs.
• Head-first slides: Allowed unless wearing a face mask, jaw flap, or chin strap. (1st offense = warning, 2nd offense = out.)
• NFHS rules apply with Grand Slam Louisiana exceptions (see scorecard/website). State Directors may modify corporate rules.
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Game & Scorecard Procedures
• Confirm final score and pitchers’ innings before signing game cards.
• Any time-limit disputes: stop the clock and request a director/UIC immediately. Must be resolved before leaving the field.
• Protests: $300 cash (refunded if upheld). Must be filed during the game between the 1st and last pitch.
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Coaches & Staff
• Teams receive 3 coach passes. Submit names in advance—no substitutions at the gate.
• Coaches must sign in Saturday & Sunday.
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Site & Conduct
• A site director is available at every location—request assistance during the game, not after.
• Be respectful to gate workers.
• Boom boxes allowed at respectful volume not disrupting other fields.
9u Modified Rules (A & AA Only)
Pitching
• Pitching Limit: Pitchers are limited to 6 innings per weekend, counted by thirds (one out = ⅓ inning).
• Mound Distance: Set at 46 feet.
• No Balks: Balk rules do not apply.
Batting
• No Infield Fly Rule.
• No Drop Third Strike Rule.
Base Running & Stealing
• Stealing Allowed: Runners may steal, but must stay on the base until the ball reaches home plate.
• Scoring Restriction: Once a runner reaches 3rd base, the only way to score is:
• Being batted in, OR
• Forced home on a bases-loaded walk.
• Advancing Bases:
• A runner who steals 2nd may advance to 3rd on the same play (at their own risk).
• If runners are on 1st and 3rd, the runner on 1st may only advance to 2nd (since the runner on 3rd cannot advance home until the ball is hit).
• Ball in Play: The ball is always live unless the umpire calls time.
• Leaving Early: If a runner leaves the base before the ball reaches the plate:
• Dead ball immediately
• No pitch is declared
• Runners return to their previous base
• Count on the batter remains the same
