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2012 Bensalem Spring
Invitational
9U – 11U Baseball
Tournament
March 23rd – 25th, 2012

Information Packet
1
GENERAL INFORMATION
&
POLICIES

Our goal is to give each and every team an experience to remember. From
the moment your team tournament experience begins, until the last inning is
played, we will make sure that your team has had a rewarding baseball
weekend.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us anytime.
Al Costello – Tournament Coordinator 267-918-6501, Costelloal@comcast.net

Tom Fossile – Tournament Director 267-597-7592, TomFoss@verizon.net

Ed Bagnarelli – Asst. Tournament Director 267-992-4560, Edbagnarelli@yahoo.com

Website address – BensalemRamblers.org

2
TOURNAMENT POLICIES

Inclement Weather Policy
Bensalem Tournament contact numbers are listed at the top of the game schedule. In the
event of rain we will do everything within our power to make up games and stay as close
to the original game schedule as possible. However, there may be circumstances in which
we will need to deviate from the printed schedule. If and when this occurs, we will use
the following procedures as a guide:
• Our first priority will always be the safety of each individual at the facilities.
• If inclement weather forces a cancellation of game slots during pool play rounds;
we may have to alter the brackets to complete the tournament. If a pool play game
cannot be played, the team with the higher seed will advance.
• If the play-off rounds are unable to be played due to inclement weather, we will
do everything possible to name a champion. If no games are played in the play-
off rounds, the number one seed from the pool play games will be declared the
champion (if all pool play games were completed). If there are play-off games
completed at the time the tournament is postponed, the remaining play-off games
/ rounds will be decided by coin flip up to the Championship game. At that point,
we will negotiate a date with the two teams to play the Championship game.
• The Tournament Director can cancel or not complete any pool game that will
have no bearing on advancement to play in the next round.
• The Tournament Director may change the tournament format in order to complete
the tournament in the scheduled time due to inclement weather or other situations
beyond his control.

Suspended Games
Games that do not make it to regulation (4 complete innings for a 6 inning game) due to
weather / darkness will be considered a suspended game and will be resumed (if possible)
from the point of suspension at the earliest time available. If there is not time to resume
the game, it will be considered a complete game at the end of the last complete inning
and the team that is winning at that point will be the winner.

Weather Related Refund Policy
• Play No Games – Receive entry fee refund less $100.
• Play 1 Game - Receive a refund of tournament fee paid less $150.
• Play 2 Games - Receive a refund of tournament fee paid less $250.
• Play 3 Games- No refund.

Insurance Requirement
Each team is required to carry its own insurance and submit a certificate of insurance, to
Bensalem Baseball prior to the beginning of the tournament.

3
Tournament Information
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
Format will be determined with schedule and we will use several different formats
depending upon number of teams registered. Teams will be guaranteed a minimum
of four (4) games. It’s very important to know and understand the format before the
start of the tournament. The top 8 teams from each age bracket will advance to the
play-off rounds. The teams that do not advance will play a consolation game as their
4th game on Sunday the 25th of March.

ROSTERS & WAIVERS RELEASE FORM
Teams must submit the roster form with no more than 15 players and 3 adult coaches.
Rosters need to be submitted No Later than March 16th, 2012. A waiver form must
be signed by a parent of each player and forwarded along with the roster. Roster and
Waiver form can be scanned and email to Bensalem_Ramblers@comcast.net or
mailed to Bensalem Spring Invitational C/o Al Costello 3634 Newberry Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154. (Please note Birth Certificate policy later in document)

AWARDS
A team and individual awards will be presented to each age division champion and
runner up. There will be one Tournament MVP chosen from each age division as
well.

During Pool Play games, a player of the game will be chosen from each team. After
the teams shake hands, each team will select a player from the opposing team as the
player of the game and award them with a MVP award.

UMPIRES
The 9 and 10U age groups (46’ / 60’) will have one umpire for all pool play games
and two umpires for all playoff games. The 11U age group (50’/70’) will have two
umpires for all games.

SCHEDULES
An official Game Schedule will be posted on the web site
www.Bensalemramblers.org no later than Monday March 19th, 2012. We will make
every effort not to change your schedule, but cancellations & circumstances may
cause a change in the schedule. Please keep an eye on the schedule for any changes
after it’s posted. Please note if you have any special requests they must be received
with your registration and no later than March 9th, 2012.

SMOKING
Smoking is authorized in designated areas only.

4
BASEBALLS / EQUIPMENT
Baseballs will be provided by the tournament. Teams are to bring their own practice
balls. All other baseball and safety equipment is the responsibility of each team. The
use of the batting cages will be provided on a first come first serve basis. Teams are
allowed to bring portable tents to provide further shade to dugouts during the games.

CONCESSIONS
A concession stand will be open throughout the tournament for refreshments and
souvenirs.

CELL PHONES
Managers and coaches are not permitted to use cell phones during the games unless it
is an emergency.

PLAYER DRESS CODE
Players are required to be in uniform during all games. Uniforms must be consistent
in style and color. Shirts, pants, socks and hats must be consistent and uniform unless
permission is received from the tournament director or umpiring staff. Each player
should have their own individual number on their uniform. If there are duplicate
numbers, the opposing team should be informed upon exchange of line-up cards.

CLEANLINESS OF THE FACILITIES
We would greatly appreciate your team’s assistance in keeping the parks clean. After
the game is completed, players and coaches are required to police the dugout and
spectator areas for any trash and discard of it accordingly.

MANAGERS MEETING
Details on the Managers meeting will be sent out to all managers / coaches by email.

5
2012 Bensalem Spring Invitational Tournament Rules
Unless otherwise noted, the 2012 Bensalem Spring Invitational Baseball Tournament will
be governed by Little League rules for the 9U and 10U divisions and standard 50’ / 70’
rules will apply for the 11U division.
The following rules are the exceptions to Little League Rules:

1. The tournament director reserves the right to amend any rule, schedule, Field
location, format due to weather situations or any other unforeseen situation to
accommodate time constraints etc.

2. All participants are competing at their own risk and by participating agree to hold the
Bensalem Ramblers Organization, Bensalem Township, tournament officials, all facilities
and umpires, harmless from any liability resulting from participating in the tournament.

3. BIRTH CERTIFICATES: Copies of birth certificates or age verification of all
players will not need to be submitted with your roster. All managers must be able to
provide proof of age documentation for their players at every game. If a situation arises
and one of their players is challenged, proof of age is required. The request must be
made with the field coordinator before the start of the game. The tournament director or
field coordinator will determine the validity of the age verification documentation to
determine the player’s eligibility. Failure to provide the proper age verification
documentation will result in the challenged player (s) disqualification from tournament
play until proper verification can be obtained. If documentation is not provided prior to
the completion of the tournament, all games that the challenged player participated in will
be deemed forfeits.

4. BASE PATH AND PITCHING DISTANCES: The 9 year old and under and 10 year
old and under division will have a standard pitching distance of 46 feet from the mound
rubber to home plate and the base path distances will be the standard 60 feet from base to
base. The 11 year old and under division will have a standard pitching distance of 50 feet
from the mound rubber to home plate and the base path distances will be the standard 70
feet from base to base.

5. GAME TIME: Teams must be at their assigned field ready to play 30 minutes
prior to game time. All games, including pool play and elimination contests will be 6 full
innings.

Please be advised that we may start some games early if time allows.

6. FORFEIT TIME: Is 10 minutes after the official scheduled game time, unless the
delay is caused by the tournament. Umpires may use their judgment and discretion to
extend the forfeit time an additional 10 minutes if it is warranted.

6
7. TIME LIMIT (Games): For all Pool Play games only, no new inning may start after
1 hour and 45 minutes. There is a Drop Dead rule at 2 hours. If the drop dead rule is
enforced, the game will revert back to the score at the END of the last COMPLETED
inning.
The official start time of the game is based on the first pitch and the official no new
inning time will be based on the time the third out is recorded to end the inning. The
umpire is the official time keeper. Time limits apply to All Pool Play games Only! The
Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Finals will play the full six (6) innings with no time limit.
The mercy rule will be in effect during all rounds of the play-offs.

8. HOME /VISITING TEAM: A Coin flip will determine home team for all pool
play games. In all play-off rounds, the team with the highest seed will have the option to
select if they want to be the home or visiting team.

9. DUG OUTS: Teams that travel the furthest distance to the tournament will
occupy the Third Base Dug-out.

10. INFIELD WARM-UP: There will be no-pre-game warm up or practice on the full
infield. Teams may use the dirt areas behind shortstop and second base to do some
infield work (coaches can hit grounders from behind third of first) outfield grass may also
be used.

11. MERCY RULE: All age groups will invoke a mercy rule if after 4 full innings of
play are completed and winning team is up by 10 runs. If the home team is up by ten in
the fourth inning, they will not bat. Mercy rule will be in effect for all games, including
the championship games.

12. BATTING ORDER: We want to let the Coach of each team play as many players as
he/she wants. The "BATTING ORDER" is the number of batters being used. To start the
game, teams must bat at least 9 players, their entire lineup or in-between. Every player
listed on the lineup card, including subs, must have at least one plate appearance.
Once the minimum number of batters is determined, it must remain for the entire game.
An injury or ejection may result in an out if a substitute is not available. A substitute is
anyone not placed in the batting order to begin the game. Once a substitution bats or runs
for a player, the sub and the original starter are locked into that batting position and either
one may bat or run in that position ONLY. No one player in a game can assume more
than one offensive position. Lineup cards consisting of all starting players and subs must
be submitted to the opposing team and the home plate umpire before a tournament game
can proceed.

13. DEFENSE: Free Substitution, defensive changes do not need to be reported to
the umpire or opposing team, With the exception of pitchers.

14. INFIELD FLY RULE: There will be no infield fly rule in effect for the 9U age
division. The infield fly rule will be in effect for the 10U and 11U age divisions.

15. BATS: The only bat restrictions for tournament play are No Big Barrels, the
maximum barrel diameter for a metal or wood bat is 2 ¼ inches. Bats with a barrel
7
diameter greater than 2 ¼ inches are not authorized for use in tournament play in any age
division.

16. TIME IN-BETWEEN INNINGS: Teams will take 2 minutes in between innings
to come on and off the field and warm up. Pitchers are permitted to throw 8
warm-up pitches in their first inning of work or 5 warm-up pitches every other
inning that they pitch in the game. If a catcher is still getting dressed, a coach or
another player should be ready to warm-up the pitcher. By following these
guidelines, we expect more games to go to completion instead of being cut short
due to the time limit.

18. INTENTIONAL DELAYS: Intentionally delaying a game to achieve a victory
through the time limit is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will not be
tolerated. The umpires and/or tournament officials at the game reserve the right to
eject a coach or player for intentionally delaying a game and possibly declare a
forfeit to that team.

19. TIE GAME :
If a pool play game is tied after 6 innings of play, and it is after the 1 hour and 45 minute
no new inning time limit, the game will end in a tie. But, if it is prior to 1 hour and 45
minutes the teams will play extra innings. If a winner is not declared prior to the 2 hour
drop dead time limit, the game score will revert back to the score at the end of six innings
and be considered a tie game.

19a. PLAY-OFF TIE GAMES:
The traditional baseball extra-inning rules will be used in the 7th inning, but all games
that are tied after 7 innings will compete under International Tie-Breaker rules.
Beginning with the 8th inning and each inning needed thereafter, the player that made the
last out in the previous inning will start the inning on second base.

20. COURTESY RUNNERS: Team may use a courtesy runner for the Catchers at
any time. Only a player not in the batting order can run for the Catcher, unless all players
are inserted in the lineup, then the last “Recorded” out will be the runner.

21. LEADS/STEALING: No leads will be permitted for the 9U and 10U age divisions.
Stealing will be allowed after the ball crosses home plate. There will be an immediate
dead ball call by the umpire if a player leaves the base too early. The runner will be
directed by the umpire to return to the previous occupied base (1st offense per team –
warning / 2 offense – runner is out) Leads and stealing are permitted and standard
nd

rules apply for the 11U age division.

22. ADVANCING ON DROPPED 3RD STRIKE: Runners attempting to advance on a
dropped third strike will not be permitted in the 9U and 10U divisions. Runners are
permitted to advance in the 11U division.

23. LINE-UP CARDS: Lineup cards must be submitted to the opposing team and the
home plate umpire during the ground rules. The lineup cards must have the batting order
8
and all subs listed that are not in the batting order. Subs entering the batting order must be
reported to the umpire and opposing team prior to batting.

24. OFFICIAL SCORE BOOK: The home team will keep the official score book. This
information will be verified by the field coordinator and signed off on by the coaches of
the two participating teams.

25. ON-DECK BATTER: No on-deck batter can be on the field at any time!! The on
deck batter must remain in the dugout, until his turn to bat in the game.

26. NUMBER OF PLAYERS: You must have nine players to start a game. Teams will
be permitted to continue a game and play with 8 players due to ejection and/or injury
situations only. Every player listed on the lineup card, must have at least one plate
appearance and play defensively for one inning.

27. POST GAME REPORTS: The Filed Coordinator is responsible to complete the
Post Game Report for each game with both manager’s signatures and provide it to the
tournament field representative immediately upon completion of game.

28. EJECTIONS: The tournament Director reserves the right to handout stiffer
penalties for extraordinary circumstances. Ie. fighting, contact with umpires etc.
If a parent or fan is abusive and does not heed the warnings of the umpire to stop, they
will be asked to leave the area. Failure to do so could result in the team having to forfeit
the game.

29.SEEDING TIE BREAKERS After Pool Play games:
1. Best won/loss record
2. Head to Head
3. If three teams are tied--- If one team has defeated both of the other teams, that team
will advance. If not, go to #4.
4. Fewest Runs Allowed (All Pool Play Games)
5. 1st fewest runs allowed in a single pool play game.
6. 2nd fewest runs allowed in a single pool play game.
7. Coin Flip

(Note: If all pool play games were not completed due to weather or any other unforeseen
situation, there is a possibility that some teams may have more games played than others.
In this case, we will use the highest equal number of games that each has played.
Example; If team “A” is 3 and 0 and team “B” is 2 and 0, the third game for team “A”
will not be counted for the against tie breaker. If team “A” is 1 and 1 and team “B” is 2
and 1, but team “B” was 1 and 1 after their first two games, they will start at number two
in tie breaker format. If a game is removed from the standing for the purpose of a tie
breaker, those innings pitched will be removed from the official tournament records and
added back to the pitchers remaining innings. The Tournament Director will have the
final decision in all situations of this nature. Let’s hope for great weather!)

9
30. PROTESTS: Are permitted at time of incident only and must be presented and
accepted by the home plate umpire. The game will not continue under protest. The
tournament director and the umpiring crew will consult and will rule immediately on all
protests. Roster challenges will not be treated as a protest. The tournament director’s
decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

31. SLIDING: We at the Bensalem Ramblers Organization strongly encourage all
players to slide feet first into every base including home plate, at all age levels. In
the 9U and 10U age divisions, the slide or surrender rule will be enforced. If a player
does not slide and there is a play, he / she can be ruled out. In the 11U age division a
runner can attempt to avoid being tagged out by the defensive player with-out making
contact. (See rule #32)

32. AVOIDING CONTACT: Players must attempt to avoid contact with other
players in a tag-out situation. If, in an umpires’ judgment, there is intentional
contact, that umpire may call the runner out on that play. If the contact is judged
as intentional and malicious, that umpire may also eject the player from the game.
If a player is ejected for this reason, they will automatically be suspended for their
Team’s next game with the possibility of further sanctions as well.

33. ROSTER: A maximum of (15) fifteen players are allowed per team. There can be
no change to the supplied roster after the first game has commenced. Players may
not be on more than one roster per age division.

34. TOURNAMENT PLAYER AGE: There will be three (3) divisions/age groups. A
9U, 10U, and 11U age division. To be eligible to play in the age division, players must
be the division age or younger on April 30th, 2012. (See age chart attached in the
package)

35. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:
A. Any player warming up the pitcher must wear a catcher’s mask.
B. In the event any item is not cover in the rules, the Tournament Director will make the
fairest possible ruling and that ruling will be final!
C. A pitcher cannot have white or bright colored clothing or objects on the sleeves or
wrists. Pitchers may wear the Baseball type necklace.
D. All team players must be in complete uniform.
E. One offensive time out per inning only.
F. Injury time outs do not count towards either.
G. No batting practice allowed on game fields
H. No soft toss into any fences.
I. No pepper games near dugouts.
J. A player cannot be on more than one roster per age group.
K. On appeal plays you must ask the umpire for permission to appeal the missed base.
Your pitcher must have the ball in play, step off the mound and deliver the ball to the
base you are appealing.
L. For the safety of all players on surrounding fields, no noise makers of any sort are
permitted to be used at any Bensalem Tournament game. (This rule includes Fans,
Players and Coaches).
10
36. PITCHING:
A. Each pitcher may pitch a maximum of 8 innings over the 3 days of the tournament (All
ages). One pitch in an inning will constitute as an inning pitched. Managers must verify
their pitcher’s innings with the field coordinator before this information is submitted in
the post-game report.
B. Once a pitcher leaves the game as a pitcher he cannot return to the mound in that
same game (No exceptions).
C. A pitcher must throw to a batter during an intentional walk situation.
D. Pitcher must be removed on second mound visit in same inning or third visit for
the same pitcher in a game. (All Ages)
E. Balks will be enforced for the 11U age group with one warning per team per game.
Balks will not be enforced for the 9U and 10U age groups and game stoppages by the
umpire will be for educational purposes only.

37. PICK UP YOUR GARBAGE: We would greatly appreciate your teams
assistance in keeping the parks clean. Please pick up garbage in your dugout and
spectator’s area after your games.

*The Tournament Directors shall have final decisions on
all tournament questions.

**The Tournament committee interpretation of the
Aforementioned rules and regulations shall be final.

11
2012 Bensalem Spring Invitational

2012 Age Eligibility Chart for 9U – 11U

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
January 7 8 9 10 11 12 N/A
February 7 8 9 10 11 12 N/A
March 7 8 9 10 11 12 N/A
April 7 8 9 10 11 12 N/A
May 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
June 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
July 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
August 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
September 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
October 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
November 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
December 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Eligibility 8U 8U 8U/9U 9U/10U 10U/11U 11U/12U 12U

All player ages are determined by the age eligibility chart above. May 1st in any year will be the deciding date.

12
The Bensalem Ramblers Little League Organization
Parental Waiver, Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement

The Bensalem Ramblers Little League Organization and the Bensalem Spring Invitational Baseball Tournament are not
responsible for any injury or loss of property suffered by any individual while playing, practicing, or engaging in any
activity whatsoever at the Bensalem Spring Invitational Baseball Tournament, and both the Bensalem Ramblers
Baseball Complex located in Bensalem Township PA and the Bensalem Community Park Complex located in Bensalem
Township PA. This includes any negligence on the part of the Bensalem Ramblers Little League Organization,
Bensalem Township, their agents, employees, sponsors, volunteers, owners, lessors of the premises and any other
individuals that are affiliated with the tournament.

As consideration for my child being permitted to participate in the Bensalem Spring Invitational, and its related
events and activities, I hereby release and covenant not to sue the Bensalem Ramblers Little League Organization,
Bensalem Township, or any of their employees, agents and volunteers, for any and all present and future claims
resulting from any negligence on the part of Bensalem Ramblers Little League Organization, or others affiliated with
the Bensalem Spring Invitational, for any property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death, arising as a result of
my participating in or receiving instruction at, The Bensalem Spring Invitational, and all of the activities incidental
there to, wherever, whenever or however same may occur. I hereby voluntarily waive any and all claims that may be
made by me, my family, estate, heirs or assigns resulting from any negligence, both present and future.

Further, I am aware that baseball is, at times, a strenuous team sport that may, at times, involve severe
cardiovascular stress and violent physical contact to both a player’s head and body. I understand that playing the
game of baseball creates certain risks, that may include, but are not limited to death, serious neck and spinal cord
injuries, which may result in complete or partial paralysis, brain damage, and injury to virtually all bones, joints,
muscles and internal organs, and that equipment provided for my protection may be inadequate to prevent any such
serious injuries. I further understand that baseball involves a particularly high risk of arm, shoulder, elbow, ankle and
knee injuries.

Despite the foregoing, I voluntarily agree to have my child participate in the activities associated with the Bensalem
Spring Invitational Baseball Tournament with full knowledge of the possible risks and dangers involved, and hereby
agree to accept any and all inherent risks of property damage, personal injury, and/or death.

I understand that this waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, and agree that, if any portion of this waiver is deemed to be invalid, the remainder of this Waiver
and Agreement will continue to be in full force and effect. I further agree that the venues for any legal proceeding
concerning the subject Waiver and Agreement, and the provisions contained therein, shall be in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.

For parents / legal guardians of participants of minority age
This is to certify that I, as the parent/legal guardian with legal responsibilities for this participant, have indeed read the Parental Waiver, Release
of Liability and Indemnification Agreement above, and I agree, for myself, my heirs, assigns, and next of kin, to release indemnify and hold
harmless, and waive subrogation to The Bensalem Ramblers Little League organization and the volunteers, participants and sponsors of The
Bensalem Spring Invitational Baseball Tournament, and all others, from any and all liabilities incident to my minor child’s involvement or
participation in these outlined activities or programs as provided above, even if arising from negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
13
I affirm that I have read and fully understand the content of The Bensalem Ramblers Parental Waiver and Release of Liability and Indemnification
Agreement, and materials associated with the 2012 Bensalem Spring invitational Baseball Tournament, and its related events and activities, and I
am freely signing this Waiver and Agreement. By signing this document, I am voluntarily giving up my legal rights and/or remedies which may be
available to me and the participant for whom I am signing this Waiver and Agreement for any negligence on the part of Bensalem Ramblers Little
League Organization and the Bensalem Township, and the volunteers, participants and sponsors of The 2012 Bensalem Spring Invitational or any
of the parties listed above.
___________________________________ ____________________________
Team Name Date of Tournament
__________________ _________________ _______________________ _____
Print Name of Player Print Name of Parent/Guardian SIGNATURE of Name of Parent/Guardian Date

__________________ _________________ _______________________ _____
Print Name of Player Print Name of Parent/Guardian SIGNATURE of Name of Parent/Guardian Date