Legends Classic  50+ Tournament Rules - 2026

Legends Classic 50+ Tournament - Official Rules

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1. General Structure

• The tournament will consist of two brackets (A and B).

• Each bracket will have four teams.

• Each bracket will follow a double-elimination format.

• The final game of the tournament will be single elimination, regardless of whether a team arrives undefeated or with one loss.

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2. Double Elimination Details

• A team is eliminated after two losses.

• Necessary games will be played to determine the winner of each bracket, including a bracket final if needed (if the final team comes from the loser’s bracket).

• The bracket winner is the last team standing with zero or one loss.

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3. Tournament Final

• The winners of Bracket A and Bracket B will face off in a single championship game.

  • No advantage for undefeated teams.

  • Winner of this game is the tournament champion.

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4. Tiebreakers & General Rules

• Games suspended due to rain or other issues will resume from where they left off.

• Standard Softball Chata rules will apply (game length, substitutions, innings, etc.).

• All decisions by the tournament committee are final and unappealable.

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Official Rules – Legends Classic 50+

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1. Game Format

1.1. The count starts at 0 balls, 0 strikes.
1.2. Games consist of 6 innings.
1.3. All games will be played with 4 outfielders.
1.4. The tournament will provide official bats.

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2. Special Lineups

2.1. Up to two Extra Hitters (EH) are allowed.
2.2. One Designated Hitter (DH) may bat for a defensive player and only replace that player.
2.3. EHs may switch positions with a defensive player once per game.

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3. Courtesy Runners

3.1. Each team may designate two courtesy runners per game.
3.2. These may be:

• The previous out, or

• A pre-assigned bench player.
  3.3. If used as a substitute for a missing player, that runner loses courtesy status.
  3.4. Courtesy runners may only enter from the corresponding base.

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4. Mercy Rule

• If a team leads by:

  • 12 runs after 3 innings, or

  • 10 runs after 4 innings,
    the game ends.

• Home team always gets their last at-bat.

• All games are official after 4 full innings.

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5. Illegal Pitching

5.1. With runners on base, an illegal pitch advances runners one base.
5.2. Max 2 illegal pitches per pitcher per game.
5.3. On the third illegal pitch:

• Pitcher is removed immediately and

• Cannot pitch again in the tournament.
  5.4. Illegal pitch count resets each game.

• Pitchers must wear face masks. If not, a waiver must be signed accepting all risk.
  5.5. If a pitcher uses an illegal style (e.g., windmill, slingshot), and the umpire doesn’t act:

• Tournament officials may intervene with visible evidence.

• Umpire still has the final say on the field, but officials can enforce removal.

• Only standard Chata pitching is allowed—no windmill or slingshot.

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6. Manager Visits

6.1. Managers have up to 4 visits to a pitcher.

• On the 4th visit or more, the pitcher must be removed.

• If visiting twice in the same inning, removal is immediate.
  6.2. Any visit after the 4th requires automatic removal.
  6.3. If tied after 6 innings, sudden death applies:

• Last out from previous inning starts at second base.

• This applies equally to both teams.

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7. Discipline, Rosters & Eligibility

7.1. Any player ejected for misconduct is suspended for the next game.

• Applies to players, managers, and coaches.

• If a player or coach assaults an umpire, their team automatically forfeits the game—even if leading.
  7.2. Official rosters are limited to 24 individuals, including coaches.
  7.3. Only players on the official roster may play.
  7.4. Using an ineligible player results in automatic game forfeit.

• No appeals allowed.

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8. Administrative & Safety Policies

8.1. To protest a game:

• Inform the umpire before the game ends.

• Pay $100 immediately.

• If upheld, refund is given. If denied, fee is retained.
  8.2. Teams that pay the registration fee waive the right to refunds.
  8.3. Teams have 15 minutes to appear on the field before a forfeit.
  8.4. Teams must pre-pay 50% of registration to secure their spot.
  8.5. Official lineups must include first and last names, as on the roster. No nicknames.

• Minor spelling errors are accepted if the player can be identified.

• Major name changes (e.g., José instead of Juan) are not accepted.
  8.6. Tournament will provide metal bats only, which must be used by all teams.

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9. Base Running Rules

9.1. Catcher Throws: If throwing to a base with runners on, only need to touch the base, not the runner, for an out.
9.2. Dropped Ball by Catcher: Runners must re-tag before advancing.

• All base-running is at own risk.

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10. Major Interruptions & Official Games

10.1. If tournament is suspended (e.g., weather, lights), then:

• Cash prize is split equally among remaining teams.

• Trophy goes to team with best record at time of suspension.

• Score at suspension becomes official.

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11. Outfield Rules & Tag-Ups

11.1. Tag-Ups only allowed from third base.

• Runners on 1st/2nd must stay unless there is an error.
  11.2. Outfielder Errors:

• If ball enters dugout/dead zone, runners advance.

• If ball stays in play, only runner on third may advance.
  11.3. Example:

• Runners on 2nd & 3rd. Fly ball is caught.

• Runner on 3rd tags and scores.

• Ball thrown into dugout → runner from 2nd also scores.

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12. Supplementary Regulations

12.1. Any situation not covered by these rules will default to USA Softball official rules.

• Ensures consistency, fairness, and national standards.

Note for Managers:
This is a 50+ tournament.
No player under age 50 is allowed.
Penalty: Forfeit all games where the underage player participated.
The team will be expelled and publicly exposed on social media for cheating.

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13. Official Prizes

13.1. Champion Team Will Receive:
🏆 Championship Trophy
🥇 Medals for all players and staff
💵 Cash Prize
⭐ Tournament MVP
🥎 Best Hitter
🔥 Best Pitcher

13.2. Individual awards will be selected by the tournament committee based on:

• Stats, impact, and performance.

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14. Fees

14.1. Registration Fee: $500 per team
14.2. Umpire Fee: $30 per team per game

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Best of luck to all teams—and may the best one win!