TOURNAMENT RULES / GUIDELINES

PRACTICE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP WITH NCS — WE TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY. NO STALLING.

SANDBAGGERS BEWARE: NCS will remove teams or players who are not competing in the proper division. Read our Rankings Page and make sure your team is legal before entering an event.

Illegal Roster Notice

If your NCS roster includes players who are rated too high or your team has more than the maximum number of chips allowed, your roster is illegal — regardless of whether those players actually played.

All rostered players must meet division eligibility and chip limits at all times.

Manager/Coach Responsibility: You are responsible for following the NCS website, entering a legal team, reading these rules, and reviewing the EVENT INFO page for any changes or special rules for the event you entered.

Make sure the team you create on PlayNCS.com has a valid email address and cell phone number. NCS may send important tournament updates by email and/or text.

Some tournaments and Tournament Directors require advance payment. Make sure your team shows as CONFIRMED after payment. If you are not confirmed, contact the listed Tournament Director as soon as possible.

DO NOT spend money on flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, or other travel expenses until you have paid your entry fee and confirmed that your team has an official spot in the tournament.

Special Event Rules

Certain NCS directors, regions, and tournaments may use special rules, policies, formats, or awards. Always review the tournament's EVENT INFO page and contact the Tournament Director with questions before entering.

Special events may include Memorial Events, Overnighters, Las Vegas Worlds, Boneyard Blast, Dublin Dirty, Toys-4-Tots, The BIG 3, AZ Winter Worlds, and others. Many of these events sell out quickly, so teams should pay early to secure their spot.

Online payment may be turned off several days before an event, or earlier if the event sells out. If online payment is unavailable and a balance remains, the balance must be paid as directed by the Tournament Director before your first game.

SPORTSMANSHIP & CODE OF CONDUCT

NCS is committed to providing a safe, competitive, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all players, coaches, officials, staff, and spectators.

Participation in NCS events is a privilege, not a right. NCS reserves the right to refuse participation to any individual or team whose conduct or presence may negatively impact the safety, integrity, or overall experience of an NCS event.

Players or coaches with a history of serious misconduct, including fighting, threats, abusive behavior, or suspensions, expulsions, or bans from other sports organizations, may be denied entry into NCS events at our discretion.

IF YOU ARE ALLOWED TO PLAY — CONSIDER THIS YOUR WARNING

You are expected to be on your best behavior at all times. Fighting, threats, harassment, abusive behavior, excessive profanity directed at officials or staff, or other serious unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.

Violations may result in immediate ejection, game forfeiture, suspension, removal from the tournament, and/or a permanent ban from future NCS events without refund.

Compete hard. Respect the game. Respect each other. Help us keep NCS events safe, competitive, and first-class for everyone involved.

RANKINGS SYSTEM

Make sure your team is legal. Being new to NCS does not mean your team can play in any division it chooses. Teams and players are expected to compete at the appropriate skill level.

Read the NCS ranking information at:

https://www.playncs.com/slowpitch/rankings

Questions: NCS.DAVIDGRAHAM@GMAIL.COM

PRE-TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES

Team Registration

• Teams must register annually through the NCS website.
• Once registered, the manager can create and edit team(s).
• The annual $75 registration fee is non-refundable.

Rosters

All teams must complete and submit their online roster within the required timeframe before participating in an NCS event.

Roster Deadlines:

Standard NCS Events: At least one (1) week before the team's first NCS event.

• Large Specialty Events: At least one (1) month before the event.
• Failure to submit a roster by the applicable deadline may result in removal from the tournament, especially when NCS cannot verify team strength, player eligibility, or proper division placement.

Team managers are responsible for making sure their roster is accurate, complete, legal, and submitted on time.

• Players having trouble receiving a roster invitation due to firewalls or security settings may create their own profile at www.playncs.com. The roster invitation should appear in their profile as long as they use the same email address the manager used for the invitation.
• If a player participates in a game and is not on your online roster, your team is illegal and will forfeit.
• If rosters are not locked and you add a player after the start of your first game without Tournament Director approval, your team will forfeit.
• An online roster showing approved does not automatically mean the team is legal. Approval simply means the roster has at least 10 players. Managers must still verify that every player meets the ranking and division requirements.

Who's Coming List / Available Spots

The number of available spots shown for a division is a pre-tournament target and does not guarantee NCS will accept that exact number of teams in the division.

If other divisions fill more quickly, NCS may move available spots from one division to another. If you receive calls, texts, or emails advising that an event is filling up, take them seriously and secure your spot as soon as possible.

Payments

NCS may require a deposit or full payment in advance for certain events. Payments are non-refundable unless the team withdraws before the applicable deadline, NCS cannot accommodate the team, or another refund arrangement is approved.

A standard administration fee may apply when withdrawing after making payment: $50 for smaller events and $100 for larger events.

• All teams must pay any balance owed and have an online roster completed before taking the field.
• Failure to pay the required balance by game time or the applicable deadline will result in a forfeit.
• If you have a credit from a previous event or season, you must enter the event you wish to play and contact the appropriate director to apply the credit before the deadline or before the event sells out. Do not assume a credit automatically confirms your team.

Confirming Teams

If NCS contacts a team and does not receive a timely response, NCS reserves the right to remove the team from any event for which payment has not been made. Make sure your team profile contains a valid email address and cell phone number.

Team Names

Team names that are explicit or offensive may be modified by the NCS site administrator.

• Teams may appeal a modification, but NCS reserves the right to establish reasonable standards for names displayed publicly on NCS websites and tournament materials.

TEAM MATRICES & PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

NCS Coed Chip Rule

All NCS Coed teams may roster up to three (3) Men's Chips AND up to three (3) Women's Chips on the same team.

A chip applies only to a player who is one (1) level higher than the team's classification. Players two (2) or more levels higher are not eligible to chip down.

Exceptions:

Coed Rec: Maximum of three (3) total chips remains in effect.

• Coed Open: No chip restrictions. Teams may roster any number of upper-level players.

Men's, Women's & Coed Divisions

Make sure your roster is legal before arriving at an NCS event. If a team is found to have illegal players or to be competing in an improper division, NCS may remove the team from the tournament and/or apply run spotting where appropriate.

Women can't play on Men's teams and Men can't play on Womens teams.

• Open: No player restrictions.
• C Division: Maximum three (3) B players. No A or higher-ranked players.
• Men's D Division: Maximum three (3) C players. No B or higher-ranked players.
• Coed D: B-ranked women may be used as one of the three allowed chips.
• E Division: Maximum three (3) D players. No C or higher-ranked players.
• Rec Division: Maximum three (3) E players. No D or higher-ranked players.
• Rec is intended for recreational players, not teams or players with multiple tournament victories who clearly belong at a higher level.

Player Identification

 Legal ID / Driver’s License is what we use for determining Men's or Women's eligibility - If DL states male or nonbinary, player is only allowed to play as a man for our events, If DL states female, player is only allowed to play as a woman for our events etc.

All players must be at least 18 years old. Your ID must be on your person, in your bat bag, or on the park/complex property. In limited circumstances, NCS may allow a player approximately three minutes to retrieve identification from a vehicle.

Rostered names and dates of birth must match the player's identification. 

    

BE PREPARED TO SHOW YOUR ID AT ANY TIME. BE LEGAL FOR YOUR DIVISION. CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. ILLEGAL PLAYERS, ILLEGAL TEAMS, AND TEAMS REMOVED FROM AN EVENT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND.

Manager Responsibility for Player Rankings

It is the manager's responsibility to know the ranking of every player on the team. Managers should research players before adding them to the roster.

If you have any doubt about a player's ranking, contact ncs.davidgraham@gmail.com for assistance before the event.

No Sandbagging / No Cheating

If NCS determines that a team is classified at a higher level in another association and intentionally entered a lower NCS division, NCS may remove the team at any time.

Teams should generally play at the equivalent level they regularly compete at in other associations. Teams that believe they should be reclassified may submit a reclassification request.

Players may petition for reclassification before October 15 using the NCS Player Re-Class Petition Form:

https://form.jotform.com/212715517872964

NCS reserves the right to bump or reclassify any team or player at any time when rankings are outdated or the team is entered in an inappropriate division.

For team, new-player, or reclassification information, contact ncs.davidgraham@gmail.com or 916-923-8130.

Player Reclassification Reminder

NCS wants every division to remain fair and competitive. Players already competing successfully at a higher level in another association should not attempt to reclassify multiple levels lower. Those requests may be denied.

Play where you belong, challenge yourself, and help protect the integrity of every division.

TOURNAMENT WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES — BASIC LOCAL EVENTS

Any cancellation or withdrawal must occur before the tournament is sold out or before 4:00 PM on the Monday before the event, whichever occurs first.

• Withdrawal requests must be sent to the appropriate Tournament Director. The team must receive confirmation from the director for the withdrawal to be considered complete.
• If you do not receive confirmation the same day, contact the Tournament Director directly.
• Teams cancelling after the applicable deadline, after brackets are completed, or after game times are posted remain responsible for the full tournament entry fee unless a replacement team is found.
• If a replacement team is found and pays in full, the withdrawing team will generally be responsible only for the applicable $50-$100 administration fee.
• Unpaid entry fees may result in the team and individual players being placed on the NCS Suspended List until the balance is paid. The manager is responsible for payment. A player seeking individual removal from suspension may pay their applicable share of the outstanding balance.

Special Event Withdrawal Notice

For State, Regional, National, NIT, All-Nighter, Toys-4-Tots, World, and other major events, the sold-out date may occur up to four weeks before the tournament. Therefore, the withdrawal deadline for these events may be approximately one month before play begins.

PLAYERS/TEAMS BUMPED AFTER WORLD SERIES

Rostered players on first-place World Championship teams may be bumped for the following season.

Larger divisions we may bump the top 3-6 placing teams etc.

• Teams and players may also be reclassified at any time, even if they did not participate in the World Series, when NCS determines they are strong enough to compete at a higher level.

EQUIPMENT RULES

Official Ball

ONYX is the official NCS ball.

• Men use 12-inch ONYX balls, except where the BOOM Senior Ball applies.
• Women use 11-inch balls.
• Senior divisions may use any legal ONYX ball.
• When available, NCS may supply teams with 2-4 balls. Teams should always be prepared to bring or purchase their own legal ONYX balls.

If a team is caught introducing an illegal ball into play:

First offense: Warning.

1. Second offense: Batter is out.
2. Third offense: Game forfeited.

Teams must provide two legal balls to the umpire at the plate meeting and make sure the umpire has two legal balls available throughout the game.

Write your team name on your balls so foul balls can be returned properly.

Umpires and Tournament Directors may remove any ball from play at any time. They may also require teams to share balls or introduce NCS balls when necessary to maintain fair play.

Altered Balls — Illegal for NCS Play

Any ball whose original manufactured physical structure has been changed is illegal. This includes balls that have been frozen, microwaved, heated, melted, cooled, re-stitched, or modified to make the surface rougher, softer, or otherwise different from its manufactured condition.

Bat Guidelines

All bats must have a 220 or 240 thumbprint/stamp. USA-stamped bats are also allowed.

• Senior, baseball, and fastpitch bats are not allowed unless specifically authorized for an event.
• Bats that are badly worn, abused, damaged, altered, shaved, or otherwise unsafe are illegal.
• Excessive foreign substances such as pine tar or stick-em products are prohibited on the barrel or taper.
• NCS Umpires and Directors may remove any bat believed to be altered, damaged, unsafe, or modified to enhance performance.
• A removed bat may be held for the game or tournament and returned afterward as determined by NCS.
• If a removed bat is used again, the player may be ejected from the tournament and required to leave the complex.
• Refusal to surrender a bat when directed may result in removal from the tournament and complex.
• Coaches of teams with repeated bat violations may be suspended for failing to ensure compliance with NCS rules.

Uniforms

Matching uniforms are recommended but not mandatory.

• Players on the same team must have different numbers.
• Matching uniforms do not provide an automatic home-team advantage.

Footwear

Metal spikes are prohibited.

• Tennis shoes, rubber/plastic cleats, and turf shoes are allowed.
• Flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are not allowed during play for safety reasons.

Protective Equipment Policy

ALL PITCHERS MUST WEAR A PROTECTIVE HELMET — NOT JUST A FACE MASK.

Pitchers are strongly encouraged to wear additional protective equipment, including shin guards, wrist guards, and chest/heart protection.

Other players may wear protective masks or helmets and are strongly encouraged to do so. Infielders are encouraged to use protective equipment and position themselves appropriately for safety.

Jewelry

Exposed jewelry or other items judged by the umpire or director to be hazardous may not be worn during play.

Electronic Equipment

For safety reasons, cameras, audio devices, or video devices may not be worn or held by an umpire, player, or coach on the field of play unless approved by the NCS National Office.

Glove Rule

Players may use a first baseman's mitt at any defensive position.

PLAYING RULES

All teams agree to NCS rules upon entering an NCS tournament.

Always review the EVENT INFO page and brackets for tournament-specific updates. Certain events may use run spotting when divisions have fewer than four teams.

Standard Game Times / Start of Play / Game Guarantee

Standard games are 60 minutes.

• Championship Games are generally 70 minutes.
• Certain events may use longer or shorter game times. Check the specific EVENT INFO page.
• In rare situations involving severe time constraints, NCS may bypass an "if" game and use a winner-take-all Championship Game.
• Teams must be ready to play 15 minutes before the scheduled game time.
• If the umpire and opposing team are ready and your team is not, a forfeit may be issued.
• A 3GG format may use pool play followed by double elimination, an NCS 3GG bracket, or, when necessary, two pool games followed by single elimination.
• Larger brackets may include a Silver Bracket for teams starting 0-2.
• Large divisions may be divided into Red and Blue Brackets. The winner of each bracket may meet in a one-game, winner-take-all Championship Game.
• The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify game times, locations, or tournament structure due to field conditions, time constraints, safety issues, team count, or inclement weather.

Stalling — Never Allowed

Once the umpire starts the clock or announces that the clock has started, the home team must take the field within two minutes and the visiting team must be ready to bat when the pitcher is ready.

Penalties for intentionally delaying the start of the game:

• After the third minute: One (1) run penalty.
• After the fourth minute: An additional one (1) run penalty.
• After the fifth minute: Forfeit.

A team must have at least eight players ready to begin when the clock starts. Batters must enter the box and be ready to hit in a timely manner.

Mound Visits — Three Total Per Game

A pitcher must be removed from the pitching position after either:

Two (2) visits in the same inning; or

• Three (3) visits during the game.

A mound visit includes a visit from the dugout of any length or a player in the field stopping play to confer with the pitcher for approximately 10 seconds or longer.

Once removed for reaching the mound-visit limit, the pitcher may not return to pitch in that game.

A team may voluntarily remove a pitcher before reaching the limit and later return that pitcher to the pitching position. The removal counts as one mound visit.

A fourth mound visit in the same game will result in a forfeit.

Regulation Game

A regulation game consists of seven innings, the expiration of the time limit, or the advertised inning limit for the event.

In bracket-only events, a coin flip determines the home team until the Championship Game. The undefeated team has the choice of home or visitor in the Championship Game. If an "if" game is played, a coin flip determines the home team.

When an event begins with pool play, pool games use a coin flip for home team. In the winner's bracket, the higher seed is home. Once a team enters the loser's bracket, seeding no longer determines home team and a coin flip is used. The undefeated team chooses home or visitor in the Championship Game; an "if" game uses a coin flip.

Run Spotting

NCS may run spot or combine divisions at State, Regional, National, and World events.

• Run spotting is mandatory when assigned. Coaches may not decline the runs.
• When a lower-level team plays a higher-ranked team, the home run rule will be leveled.
• The full run spot is awarded at the start of the game rather than by inning.
• The typical spot is 5-7 runs per division, but the Tournament Director may adjust the amount.
• Teams two or more divisions higher will not be matched against E or Rec teams.

NCS generally attempts to avoid combining divisions. When divisions are combined, separate championships may be played when time and team counts permit. In some cases, divisions may play through using run spotting.

If only one team remains in a particular division, that team may be limited to pool play and may not be eligible for championship awards.

Team Jumping

Players may not jump teams within the same tournament and gender division.

• Men may play on one Men's Division team and one Coed team and may also participate in an eligible 40+ division.
• Women may play on one Women's Division team and one Coed team and may also participate in an eligible 40+ division.
• 40+ players may play on one senior team and one adult team at the same event.
• A player listed on multiple rosters must choose one team within the same gender division and remain with the team they first play for.

Players caught jumping teams may be ejected, the game may be forfeited, and the team may also be removed from the tournament.

Home Runs

Always check the tournament EVENT INFO page for event-specific home run rules.

Four-Base Error

When a fair fly ball is touched by a defensive player and then goes over the fence without first touching the ground, the batter is awarded four bases. This does not count against the team's home run total. All runners on base score.

Home Run Matrix

All home runs hit over the fence beyond the allotted division limit are outs.

• Men's Open — 10
• Men's C — 8
• Men's D — 4
• Men's E — 2
• Men's Rec — 1
• Women's Open — 5
• Women's C — 3
• Women's D — 1
• Women's E — 0
• Coed Open — 7
• Coed C — 8
• Coed D — 4
• Coed E — 2
• Coed Rec — 1
• Protectors B — 8
• Protectors A — 12

Run / Mercy Rule

20 runs after 3 innings.

• 15 runs after 4 innings.
• 10 runs after 5 innings.
• C Division and above: 12 runs after 5 innings instead of 10.
• Flip-Flop Rule is in effect beginning with the third inning.
• Pool play seeding uses a maximum run differential of 15 runs per game.

Tie-Breaker Rule — Seeding

Ties are broken in the following order:

1. Total record
2. Head-to-head, when only two teams are tied
3. Run differential — maximum 15 runs per game
4. Runs allowed
5. Runs scored
6. NCS Points ranking
7. Automated coin flip

Pool-play games tied at the end of the time limit or allotted innings will end in a tie.

Extra Innings / International Tie-Breaker

The last batted out starts at second base. A courtesy runner may be used when otherwise permitted by NCS rules.

Keeping Score

The home team and umpire are responsible for working together to maintain an accurate score.

• If the home team does not have a complete scorebook but the visiting team does, the umpire may coordinate with the visiting team.
• The umpire has final authority regarding the official score.

Shorthanded Rules

Teams must have at least eight players to start a game.

• In Coed, at least half of the starting lineup must be women.
• A late player may be listed in the starting lineup, but an out must be taken if that player's turn comes before arrival.
• Additional players may be added to the lineup only if they arrive before their position in the lineup is reached and are properly rostered.
• Once the lineup has batted through once, late players may enter only as substitutes and cannot be added as additional hitters.
• If a team must continue shorthanded, no automatic out is required except where another specific rule requires one.

Extra Hitters (E.H.)

Teams may bat as many rostered players as they choose.

• A team must finish with the same number of hitters it started with or take an out for players who cannot finish, subject to the injured-player rules below.
• The opposing team and umpire must be informed of how many players are batting.

Courtesy Runners

Men's and Women's Teams: One courtesy runner per inning. The pitcher may also use a courtesy runner without it counting against the team's one-runner limit so the pitcher can put on protective equipment.

The courtesy runner may be any rostered player and does not count as a substitution. If the courtesy runner remains on base when it is their turn to bat, the team must either take an out at the plate or remove the runner from the base and take an out there so the player can bat. A substitute cannot be used to avoid this rule.

Coed Teams: One courtesy runner per inning, per gender. Men must run for men and women must run for women. The same pitcher exception and lineup restrictions described above apply.

Batter Abandonment / Desertion

On a routine ground ball, fly ball, pop-up, or similar play, if the batter clearly abandons the play and heads toward the dugout and the defense subsequently drops or misplays the ball, the umpire may call the batter out for desertion if the batter then attempts to advance to first base.

COED-SPECIFIC RULES — 5/5

Coed teams must play at least an equal number of women and men: 4M/4W, 5M/5W, 6M/6W, etc.

• Teams may play more women than men, but never more men than women.
• If a woman leaves the game because of injury, ejection, or another reason, the team must remove the male player next in the lineup to maintain the required gender balance. Applicable outs will be taken as required by the original lineup and ejection rules.
• No waterfalling lineups. When batting more women than men, the lineup may begin with either gender, but after the final man in the lineup bats, all remaining women must bat before returning to the top of the order.
• Women hit the small ball.

PITCHING & CATCHING RULES

The pitching area is generally the width of the pitcher's mound, extending up to six feet behind the back edge of the mound.

• Pitchers must wear a protective helmet, not just a face mask.
• Before the first pitch, the batter has an automatic timeout until set in the box. This applies to one pitch only.
• Pitchers have five seconds to release the ball after presenting it.
• Pitchers may pitch from up to six feet behind the rubber but must come set before release.
• Each at-bat begins with a 1-1 count with no extra foul.
• NCS uses a strike zone with no mat.
• Pitch height is a minimum of 4 feet and maximum of 10 feet from the ground.
• Pumping/juking is allowed except in the Rec Division.
• A caught foul ball on the third strike is live and runners may advance.
• A pitcher may not use tape, a glove, or another substance on the pitching hand or fingers.
• No foreign substance may be applied to the ball.
• At the start of a game or when a relief pitcher enters, no more than one minute and three practice pitches are allowed.

Legal Pitching Motions

After assuming the pitching position, the pitcher must present the ball in front of the body for at least one second in one or both hands before beginning the delivery.

• The pitcher may hold or grip the ball in any manner before delivery.
• The pitch must use a definite underhand motion.
• The pitcher may release the ball in any manner during the legal underhand delivery.
• After presenting the ball, the pitcher may use windups, arm motions, stops, or pauses in front of, above, or behind the body.
• The pitch must be released within five seconds after the batter is in position.
• The pitcher must face home plate during delivery.

Type of Pitch Permitted

The ball must be delivered underhand at slow speed.

• The pitch must have an arc of at least 4 feet and no more than 10 feet from the ground before passing any part of home plate.
• Pitch speed and height are determined by the umpire's judgment.
• Repeated excessive-speed pitches may result in removal of the pitcher from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
• A pitch below the required 4-foot arc may be ruled an unfairly delivered pitch without necessarily being considered excessive speed.
• The catcher must remain within the catcher's box until the pitch reaches or passes home plate or is batted.

Catcher's Verbal Conduct Rule

A catcher may not intentionally make distracting noises during the pitcher's delivery to disrupt the hitter. The umpire or Tournament Director determines whether the conduct is intentional.

Penalties:

First offense — Warning

1. Second offense — Automatic ball
2. Third offense — Automatic walk
3. Fourth offense — Catcher ejected from the game

Bases

Standard base distance is 70 feet. NCS may use 65-foot bases at the Tournament Director's or facility's discretion.

Batter's Box

A batter is considered in the batter's box when at least one foot remains in the box from anticipation of the pitch through contact. When the box is not clearly visible, at least one foot must remain behind the front of home plate at contact.

Walk Rules

Men's and Women's Divisions: One base on a walk.

• Coed Divisions: Men receive two bases and women receive one base. When a male batter is walked, the woman batting behind him has the option to take a walk each time.

Batted Ball Hitting a Runner

If a batted ball hits a runner who is not touching a base, the batter is out and runners return to their previous bases. If a batted ball hits a runner while the runner is touching a base, the ball remains live.

Re-Touch Rule — Safety

A runner on first or third base with a pull hitter at bat may, with umpire approval, stand off the base during delivery until the batter makes contact. Once contact is made, the runner must re-touch the base before advancing.

If the runner is tagged before re-touching the base, the runner is out.

Ball Thrown by a Defensive Player

If a defensive throw inadvertently hits an offensive player or bat located outside the dugout, the offensive runner closest to home plate is out. The on-deck batter and legally positioned on-deck bat are live and excluded from this rule.

Players or Equipment Hit Outside the Dugout

If a defensive player or bat outside the dugout is struck by a thrown ball, the ball is dead and all runners advance one base.

• If an offensive team's batter or bat outside the proper area is struck by a thrown ball, the runner closest to home plate is out.

Illegally Batted Ball

An illegally batted ball occurs when a fair or foul ball is hit while both of the batter's feet are completely outside the batter's box, when a foot is in contact with home plate, or when an illegal bat is used.

Intentional infield hits, "poopies," bunts, or intentionally chopping the ball straight into the ground are not allowed and will result in an out.

Illegally Caught Ball

An illegally caught ball occurs when a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball using a mask, cap, or detached piece of clothing. On a batted ball, the ball remains live. On a thrown ball, each runner advances one base.

Fake Tag

Making the motion of a tag without possession of the ball may be ruled obstruction and may result in ejection.

Foul Tip

A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat and does not travel higher than the batter's head. It is an out only on the third strike.

DUGOUT & BEHAVIOR RULES

Players must remain in the dugout or designated out-of-play area. One on-deck hitter may be outside the dugout.

• Alcohol, smoking, and vaping are prohibited in the dugout and on the field of play.
• Loud or vulgar music is prohibited. A Tournament Director may require music to be changed, lowered, or turned off. Failure to comply may result in a game or subsequent-game forfeit.

Poor Sportsmanship & Cheating Will Not Be Tolerated

The complete NCS Sportsmanship & Code of Conduct above applies throughout every event. This includes, but is not limited to:

• No fighting or threats.
• No verbal or physical abuse.
• No harassment or taunting.
• No profanity directed at officials, staff, opponents, or spectators.
• No throwing bats or equipment in anger.
• No loud or vulgar music inside the parks.
• No cheating, sandbagging, or deliberate attempts to circumvent NCS rules.

NCS Directors have the authority to remove or suspend any player or team for conduct that violates NCS rules, policies, safety standards, or event culture.

Ejection Rule

If three (3) players from the same team are ejected during the same game, the entire team will be removed from the tournament.

Forfeits

Pool Play: Forfeits are scored 15-0 in Open divisions and 10-0 in D, E, and Rec divisions.

• Bracket Play: Forfeits are scored 7-0 in all divisions.
• Teams are not entitled to refunds because they encounter a forfeit.

Disputes or Problems

Only managers may discuss game-related disputes with the umpire or onsite Tournament Director.

If a manager questions an umpire ruling, contact the Tournament Director immediately. Do not wait until the game ends, because it may be too late to correct the situation.

The Tournament Director's decision is final onsite. NCS does not need to wait for a formal protest before removing an illegal team or player.

Accusations Against Staff or Officials

Players or coaches who make serious accusations against NCS umpires or staff — in person, by email, text, social media, or another public forum — that question their integrity or allege cheating may be subject to disciplinary action, including ejection or suspension, at NCS's discretion.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

NCS Directors may suspend players or teams at any time for abuse, threats, fighting, harassment, or other serious unsportsmanlike conduct consistent with the Sportsmanship & Code of Conduct above.

HITTING THE MIDDLE & PITCHER SAFETY POLICY

Hitting up the middle is part of the game, but player safety is a top priority at all NCS Slowpitch events.

• If a batted ball strikes the pitcher above the knees, NCS reserves the right to confiscate the bat for testing.
• Refusal to surrender the bat will result in immediate ejection and may result in suspension from future NCS play.
• If the bat passes inspection, it will be returned within a reasonable timeframe.
• If an umpire or NCS staff member determines that a player intentionally hit the pitcher, the bat may be confiscated regardless of where the ball strikes the pitcher.
• Celebrating after hitting a pitcher or verbally admitting or declaring an intent to hit the pitcher may result in immediate ejection and additional disciplinary action.

NCS is committed to maintaining a competitive but safe playing environment.

LINEUP, INJURY & SUBSTITUTION RULES

Lineup Submissions

If an opposing team requests a copy of its opponent's lineup before the game, a copy must be provided.

Injured Players and Substitutes

A player, substitute, manager, coach, trainer, team member, or umpire who is bleeding or has an open wound may not continue participating until the bleeding is stopped and the wound is properly covered.

If treatment can be completed within a reasonable amount of time, as determined by the umpire, the individual may remain in the game. Excessive blood on a uniform or a blood-soaked bandage must be addressed before participation continues.

A player exhibiting signs or symptoms consistent with a concussion, including loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems, should be removed from play and evaluated by an appropriate medical professional.

Injured Players Leaving the Game

If a player is injured and must leave the game, the player's next scheduled at-bat is an out. Subsequent at-bats are skipped without additional outs.

Ejected Players Leaving the Game

When a player is ejected and no substitute is available, all subsequent at-bats for that lineup position are outs.

Re-Entry

There is no penalty for an unannounced legal re-entry or substitution.

Improper Re-Entry

Improper re-entry is handled as a protest after a pitch has been made. Examples include:

• A starter re-entering in an incorrect batting position.
• A starter re-entering a second time.
• A substitute improperly re-entering the game.

If improper re-entry is discovered while the player is on offense:

• If discovered while at bat, the player is ejected and a proper substitute assumes the existing count.
• If discovered after completing the at-bat but before a pitch to the next batter, the player is called out and ejected, and runners return as required.
• If discovered after a pitch to the next batter or after entering as a substitute runner, the player is ejected and completed play stands.

If improper re-entry is discovered while the player is on defense:

• If discovered after the improper player makes a play on a fair-batted ball or foul fly before the next pitch, play may revert to the previous pitch, the batter and runners may be advanced one base, and the improper player is ejected.
• If discovered after a pitch on which the improper player did not make a play, the improper player is ejected. This includes an improper pitcher.

ROSTER PROTESTS

See LasVegasWorlds.com FAQ page for 2026 World Series protest information.

• Protest fee: $200.
• The protest fee is returned if the protest is upheld.
• Roster protests must be initiated before the final out of the third inning unless there is proof that an illegal player entered after the third inning.
• Only the team's manager may initiate a protest, and the manager/team must still be participating in the game.
• Once a team or player has been eliminated or removed from the tournament, they may no longer initiate a protest.

Protests and illegal-player situations are not always clear-cut. NCS will use reasonable judgment when making rulings. The onsite Tournament Director's decision is final during the event. A manager who believes the ruling was incorrect may contact the NCS National Office beginning the Tuesday following the event.

If you have credible information that a team is intentionally sandbagging into a division where it clearly does not belong, contact NCS before the tournament whenever possible. Early reporting helps NCS investigate the situation before games begin and may eliminate the need for a paid protest.

Permitted Roster Protest

The roster protest allowed by NCS is checking a player believed not to be on the opponent's roster.

The manager requests the Tournament Director and submits the $200 protest fee. The director will verify the player's identification and roster status.

• If the player is properly listed on the roster, the protest is denied and the $200 fee is forfeited.
• If the player is not properly rostered, the game is forfeited and the $200 protest fee is returned.

RAINOUTS, ACTS OF GOD & GLOBAL CRISIS

If an event is cancelled before or during tournament play because of rain, an Act of God, global crisis, or similar circumstance outside NCS's control, teams will generally receive a credit based on the number of guaranteed games already played.

Example: In a $400 4GG tournament, if one game is played, a $300 credit would be issued; if two games are played, a $200 credit would be issued, and so on.

Credits are valid only for tournaments operated by the same director group and expire two years from the original entry date.

If the full game guarantee is met, including forfeits, no credit or refund will be issued.

Once a game starts, it is considered a played game.

Team Travel Issues

NCS is not responsible for a team's inability to attend an event because of circumstances outside NCS's control. This includes airline cancellations or delays, transportation problems, road closures, severe weather affecting travel, vehicle problems, missed flights, personal emergencies, or other travel-related issues.

Once a team commits to an event and the applicable payment/cancellation deadline has passed, all entry fees and outstanding balances remain due even if the team is unable to attend.

NCS incurs substantial advance expenses based on committed teams, including facilities, staffing, officials, awards, equipment, supplies, and travel. A team's inability to travel or participate therefore does not automatically qualify the team for a refund or credit.

Awards When an Event Is Cancelled

If cancellation occurs during pool play, no awards will be distributed.

• If cancellation occurs during bracket play and there is a clear-cut winner, awards may be distributed based on the tournament's status at the time of cancellation.
• If there is no clear-cut winner, awards will not be distributed.

AWARDS

Standard award guidelines may vary by event:

• 2-4 teams in a division: Top finishing team receives awards.
• 5 or more teams: Top two finishing teams receive awards.
• 20 or more teams: Top three finishing teams receive awards.
• 40 or more teams: Top four finishing teams receive awards.

For a standard softball event, NCS generally provides 13 sets of the designated team award, such as jerseys or hats. World events generally provide 15 sets because World rosters are typically larger.

PARK RULES

Standard NCS park rules include, but are not limited to:

• No alcohol.
• No smoking or vaping where prohibited.
• No glass containers.
• No loud or vulgar music.
• No noisemakers such as cowbells, whistles, or loud banging devices.

Individual parks and cities may have additional rules. Check the facility's rules before arriving. Depending on the location, restrictions may include dogs, scooters, bicycles, skateboards, sunflower seeds, and other items.

IMPORTANT LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

NCS Player Rankings: https://www.playncs.com/slowpitch/rankings

Player Re-Class Request Form: https://form.jotform.com/212715517872964

Ranking / Reclassification Questions: ncs.davidgraham@gmail.com | 916-923-8130

REMEMBER: COMPETE HARD. PLAY LEGAL. RESPECT THE GAME. RESPECT EACH OTHER.