2024 ALS Wiffleball Tournament Rules
The ALS Wiffleball Tournament will use the same rules as Major League Baseball with the following exceptions:
Base Running: Players will run the bases. Ghost runners will be used if a team does not have enough players to cover all the bases. The ghost runner will always be placed at first base and will advance the same number of bases as the batter. Players may not lead off or steal bases. A player’s foot must remain on the base until the batter makes contact with the ball. A player does not have to run the bases after a home run if they don’t want to.
Batting: There will be no called strikes, balls, or walks. Batters can strike out swinging, 3 strikes. A batter is not automatically out if they foul on a 3rd strike, but any combination of 5 fouls will also be an out. Batters must be prepared to swing.
Batting Order: The batting order must not change during the game. If the order is mixed up an automatic out will be called. All players on a team must bat each game.
Bunting: No bunting is allowed.
Conduct: Any unruly behavior, especially alcohol related will not be tolerated. Penalties include, but are not limited to: ejection from game, forfeiture of game, or ejection from the tournament.
Defensive Alignment: Only 3 fielders may field at a time (1 pitcher, 2 fielders). Fielders may position themselves as they please as long as they do not obstruct the view of the batter.
Defensive Substitutions: Defensive substitutions are allowed at after each out is made. Pitchers may be removed from a game and re-enter later on. There is no pitcher rotation required.
Equipment: Only Official Wiffle® Balls and Bats will be allowed. Bats and Balls will be supplied, so leave those fancy corked bats at home. Each team will receive their own bat to customize will tape and markers on tournament morning. Tape may not exceed the molded handle. Baseball gloves are not allowed, as well as cleats, rubber or metal.
Game: Games are 5 innings long. 3 outs per inning. No new inning may start after 45 minutes. Ties are allowed in pool play. Championship bracket games will be played to determine a winner. In extra innings, the inning will begin with the bases loaded.
Home Runs: Any fair ball hit over the outfield fence will be ruled a home run. A fair ball is one which is hit in between the foul poles. EXCEPTION: There may be certain fields that will not have foul poles. In these circumstances, ANY BALL hit over the fence will be ruled a home run, whether technically fair or foul.
Infield Fly: There will be no infield fly rule.
Pegging: Fielders may throw the ball at runners to record an out. Base runners struck anywhere by a thrown ball will be ruled out. Additionally, base runners in fair territory, but not in contact with a base, will be ruled out if hit by any batted ball. The ball remains live after a pegging attempt, successful or not.
Pitching: This is a slow pitch, or “pitch to hit,” tournament. Pitchers must have at least one foot on the pitching rubber (or designated pitching line) when releasing the ball. There are no balks. If the batter feels the pitcher is throwing too hard, he or she may ask for them to slow it down.
Pitcher’s Hand: All force plays on the batter going to first base may be made to the pitcher, who may be anywhere in fair or foul territory. The runner may also be put out by force at first base. All other force plays must be made to the bases or to home plate.
Roster: Teams will consist of 3-5 players. Players may not switch teams after being eliminated.
Special Ground Rules: Certain fields may have special ground rules, which will be made clear by the Tournament Director and agreed upon by team captains.
Umpiring: Teams will umpire their own games. Any disputes shall be settled by team captains. Any questions regarding rules shall be directed to the Tournament Director. If an agreement cannot be reached, a “do-over” play is allowed.
Weather: In event of rain, games will continue as scheduled, but may be delayed due to lightning or thunder.
The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify these rules as the tournament is played if it becomes clear a change should be made.
Base Running: Players will run the bases. Ghost runners will be used if a team does not have enough players to cover all the bases. The ghost runner will always be placed at first base and will advance the same number of bases as the batter. Players may not lead off or steal bases. A player’s foot must remain on the base until the batter makes contact with the ball. A player does not have to run the bases after a home run if they don’t want to.
Batting: There will be no called strikes, balls, or walks. Batters can strike out swinging, 3 strikes. A batter is not automatically out if they foul on a 3rd strike, but any combination of 5 fouls will also be an out. Batters must be prepared to swing.
Batting Order: The batting order must not change during the game. If the order is mixed up an automatic out will be called. All players on a team must bat each game.
Bunting: No bunting is allowed.
Conduct: Any unruly behavior, especially alcohol related will not be tolerated. Penalties include, but are not limited to: ejection from game, forfeiture of game, or ejection from the tournament.
Defensive Alignment: Only 3 fielders may field at a time (1 pitcher, 2 fielders). Fielders may position themselves as they please as long as they do not obstruct the view of the batter.
Defensive Substitutions: Defensive substitutions are allowed at after each out is made. Pitchers may be removed from a game and re-enter later on. There is no pitcher rotation required.
Equipment: Only Official Wiffle® Balls and Bats will be allowed. Bats and Balls will be supplied, so leave those fancy corked bats at home. Each team will receive their own bat to customize will tape and markers on tournament morning. Tape may not exceed the molded handle. Baseball gloves are not allowed, as well as cleats, rubber or metal.
Game: Games are 5 innings long. 3 outs per inning. No new inning may start after 45 minutes. Ties are allowed in pool play. Championship bracket games will be played to determine a winner. In extra innings, the inning will begin with the bases loaded.
Home Runs: Any fair ball hit over the outfield fence will be ruled a home run. A fair ball is one which is hit in between the foul poles. EXCEPTION: There may be certain fields that will not have foul poles. In these circumstances, ANY BALL hit over the fence will be ruled a home run, whether technically fair or foul.
Infield Fly: There will be no infield fly rule.
Pegging: Fielders may throw the ball at runners to record an out. Base runners struck anywhere by a thrown ball will be ruled out. Additionally, base runners in fair territory, but not in contact with a base, will be ruled out if hit by any batted ball. The ball remains live after a pegging attempt, successful or not.
Pitching: This is a slow pitch, or “pitch to hit,” tournament. Pitchers must have at least one foot on the pitching rubber (or designated pitching line) when releasing the ball. There are no balks. If the batter feels the pitcher is throwing too hard, he or she may ask for them to slow it down.
Pitcher’s Hand: All force plays on the batter going to first base may be made to the pitcher, who may be anywhere in fair or foul territory. The runner may also be put out by force at first base. All other force plays must be made to the bases or to home plate.
Roster: Teams will consist of 3-5 players. Players may not switch teams after being eliminated.
Special Ground Rules: Certain fields may have special ground rules, which will be made clear by the Tournament Director and agreed upon by team captains.
Umpiring: Teams will umpire their own games. Any disputes shall be settled by team captains. Any questions regarding rules shall be directed to the Tournament Director. If an agreement cannot be reached, a “do-over” play is allowed.
Weather: In event of rain, games will continue as scheduled, but may be delayed due to lightning or thunder.
The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify these rules as the tournament is played if it becomes clear a change should be made.
