FAQ/Rules

Rules/FAQ's

What are the RULES for the Father and Son Baseball Classic? (All players must be in uniform, wood bat only, min. age 14 y/o.)

1. Minimum age 14 years old by the end of the year.

2. All Players must be in uniform with numbered jersey. NO shorts or sweat pants.

3. Continuous batting order. If you’re in uniform, you bat. If you can’t bat because of injury, then it’s an out.

4. Minimum 4 “Dads” in the field defensively. Penalty is 1 less out for offending team the following inning.

5. Pitching Limitations. In a 9-inning game, “dads” pitch a minimum of 5 innings and “sons” pitch a maximum of 4 innings. 5 innings maximum for any one dad pitcher. All dads can pitch the entire game. Son can only pitch four innings. 1 pitch equals 1 inning. A “Dad” must pitch any “extra” innings.

Examples. 1 dad pitches 5 innings and 1 son pitches 4 innings, or any combination.

1 dad pitches 5 innings and a 2nd dad pitches the remaining 4 innings.

If a son throws one pitch in relief, this counts as 1 inning towards the sons limit.

6. The inning will end after 3 outs or 4 runs have been scored, whichever comes first. Innings 7 thru 9+, unlimited runs allowed. An out of the park home run scores all runs above 4.

7. A pitcher will be removed if he hits 2 batters in a game or walks 4 batters in one inning.

8. Courtesy Runner for the catcher with 2 outs. Runner will be player who made the last out.

9. No intentional walks.

10. Collision Rule. All runners must avoid an intentional collision with a fielder or catcher. No Decoy tags.

11. All other rules, if not specifically stated above, will follow MLB baseball rules and regulations or decided with a “gentlemen’s agreement” between managers. Waivers agreed upon by both managers are allowed.

12. WOOD BAT ONLY!

FAQ'S

1. Can a any family or non family member join a team, not just a son or daughter?

Absolutely, join as a pool player or on a team. This is a "family ties" event. Our goal is to include as many family players as possible. We even have an "adoption" option. You can "adopt" a son or a father ( or any other player). Our only requirement is there is a twenty(20) year difference between the "father" and the "son". Email your request to our staff and we will let you know. Limited to 2 per team.

2. Do you use wood or metal bats?

All games will use wood bats! It's "vintage" baseball. Composite bats are OK if approved by umpire and opposing manager before the start of the game.

3. Who provides the equipment? Helmets, bats and jersey, etc?

All managers will be required to bring their own team bag with wood bats, helmets, catchers equipment and provide two baseballs per game. REMEMBER.....ALL players are required to be in uniform. NO Shorts allowed.

4. Can you explain a bit more about your pitching rules?

Normally, you'll need a minimum of two pitchers to get thru a regular 9 inning game. A "dad(s)" must account for a minimum of 5 innings and a "son(s)" for a maximum 4 innings. A "dad" must pitch any extra innings. Also, 1 pitch equals 1 inning. So you have to be careful with inning count when replacing your pitchers. Ex. If you replaced a "son" for a "dad" pitcher, each would be charged an inning.

5. Why is the tournament over two weekends? 3-5 and 10-12 Aug.

Flexibility.... If you're from out of town you can play one weekend and still have time to visit some of the site in the area. Some local teams will play on Friday. The idea is to play some baseball, have some fun, raise some money for charity, yet add some flexibility for you and your teams schedule. Games at the University of Maryland will be 10-12 Aug 2007

6. Can sons or daughters manage or coach? Absolutely! This is an excellent opportunity for a younger player to get involved with the managing or coaching side of baseball. We want to encourage as much involvement from both the fathers and the son and what a great event to try his or her hand at coaching.

7. What equipment is a team/manager expected to bring to his game? Team jerseys, helmets, wood bats, catchers equipment. FSB will provide baseballs. Due to the fact games will be played on 6-8 different area fields makes it cost prohibitive to furnish equipment.

Weather cancellation and OTHER issues.

1. Refund Policy: If you call 15 business days before the tournament start date, a full refund will be given. If you call 10 to 14 business days before, 50 percent of your fee will be returned. If you call 9 or fewer business days before, no refund will be given.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS: There is a chance this tournament could be rained out. All games will be made up during the course of the weekend or the following weekend. Please be aware that $150 of the entry fee will be kept to cover administrative costs if the tournament is cancelled.

2. Family Ties or the Adoption Option. Our goal at Father Son Baseball Foundation is to have as many players play as possible but avoid "stacking" teams. Our "Adoption" option allows player pair combos without family ties. A 20 year difference between players is required. Please contact event director if you have any questions and use this rule on a limited basis. Limited to 2 per team.

3. Tournament Scheduling: Father Son Baseball will try to match teams with like competition, based on field bids/requests. If you have other scheduling inputs, please include them with your registration application.

4. Reserve Spot: Your team will not be confirmed into tournament until team roster is received by 25 July. However, you can "hold" a spot for a min. of $100 until you finalize your full roster. You then have 5 business days to pay in full for the tournament. If your entry is not at the Father Son Baseball offices in 5 business days, you will be erased and your spot may be given to another team.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST TOURNAMENT: Please print your roster off this site, get a signature from each player's parent or guardian, and bring the completed roster to the tournament. Any player without an authorized signature on the roster has no Father Son Baseball rights and assumes full personal liability for any action at a Father Son Baseball sponsored event.

NOTE: Father Son Baseball reserves the right to review individual situations and make final decisions on the roster rules. Father Son Baseball also reserves the right to review player transfers and issue decisions on roster moves.

5. Game Times and Field Assignments: Will be given out one week prior to the tournament after 7:00 PM. You may get schedule information by reviewing game times on our web site.

6. Rules: For insurance purposes..this is a Wood bat only event! Please be aware of the time limit restrictions, innings played, run rules, and pitching limitations. (See FAQ/ Rules Link)

7. SCHEDULING. FSB will do its best to schedule games per your request, but due to the volume of teams and player there is no way to guarantee the perfect schedule for each team.) The schedule is final by 25 July!