Eligibility to Play
1. Payments: Registration and gate payments must be made in full.
2. Upload team insurance to the event team page on EventConnect.
3. Complete team roster on EventConnect.
4. Complete submission of the "Rules/Guidelines and Participation Waiver Acknowledgement for STAR TOURNAMENTS" at the time of registration on EventConnect.

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Housing

With our partners at EventConnect, we are pleased to offer discounted and team-friendly hotel options for our teams. Upon registering, you will have the opportunity to view, courtesy block and book your hotel room nights right through the software and share your team link with your team. For additional support or questions, you are welcome to contact EventConnect at 1-888-723-2064 or support@eventconnect.io.

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RULES AND GUIDELINES

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Game Times
Pool games begin on day 1 at 8:00 a.m. All teams must be available to play at this time.
 

Tournament Format

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• Pool games 10u/12U 65 minutes finish inning. 14U/HSO 70 minutes finish the inning.

• Bracket games will be 7 innings or 10u/12U 65 minutes finish the inning. 14U/HSO 70 minutes finish the inning.

• Pool games can end in ties. Tiebreakers in bracket are progressive. First overtime inning, last recorded out at 2nd base. Second overtime inning last recorded out at 2nd base, then preceding base runner at 3rd base. Third and all other over time innings bases are loaded until we have a winner last recorded out at 1st base and 2 preceding runners on 2nd base and 3rd base.

1. Check-in: Each team must have one coach or representative check-in at the registration tent at the designated area prior to their first game of the showcase/tournament.

2. Insurance: All teams must upload a current copy of their team insurance 14 days prior to the start of the event.

3. Turf Rule: Where applicable, METAL CLEATS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON TURF FIELDS! Players must wear plastic cleats, turf shoes or tennis shoes.

4. Pitching Mounds: Pitching mounds set at 43 Feet for 14u/16u/18u Set 40 Feet 12u. Set 35 Feet 10U

5. Age Restrictions: Please see the DC Elite Softball Age Chart above.

6. Protests: All teams must have their roster uploaded to their team page 48 (forty eight) hours prior to their first game. If a team DOES NOT and a team protests a player(s), the team will have to forfeit the game. If the tournament director deems the player is eligible but the error is of a clerical nature the protest will not result in a forfeit and the protest fee will be returned. The protest fee is $125. The fee will be returned if the protest is upheld.

7. Rosters: Age Restrictions: DC Elite Softball age restrictions are for the 2025 season run from Sept 1st, 2024-Aug 31st, 2025. (example: if a player is 12 on August 31st they can still play 12U, if they are 13 on August 31st they must move up to play 14U) Please see the DC Elite Softball Age Chart above.

 

Players may only play on one roster during the event. Ineligible players will be removed at the time of discovery and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game, suspended a minimum of one additional game and UP TO one year at the discretion of DC Elite Softball. Any roster protests must be accompanied by a $125.00 fee, be made at the plate by the opposing team’s manager only and presented before the final out has been recorded. DC Elite Softball will provide due diligence in regard to the player’s eligibility and return the fee in the event of a successful protest.

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8. Run Rules: 12 after 3, 10 after 4, and 8 after 5.

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9. Teams can bat up to their entire roster and utilize the DP/flex. Any additional players would be listed as AP on the lineup card.

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10. Courtesy Runner: Courtesy runner is the choice of an unused sub off the bench or the last completed at bat. Courtesy runners are for the pitchers and catchers only.

11. Coin Flip: Coin flip for pool play only will be held before the game to determine the home team. The Official Scorekeeper will be designated by the home team.

12. Prohibited Bat: The use of the Gold Ghost bat is prohibited.

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13. Pitchers are allowed to use the step back rule and the start back rule.

 

Weather
Along with the DC Elite Softball’s internal communication system we may also use social media and/or a dedicated weather line. Weather Contingencies of uncontrollable circumstances or interruptions due to weather, the tournament director/DCEP ownership reserves the right to alter the tournament format in any way necessary to reach its conclusion. This can include, but may not be limited to, shortened game times, fewer games guaranteed, or playing rule changes. Games interrupted might not be resumed. Everything possible will be done to get the players on the field as soon as possible. It is ultimately the responsibility of the team managers and coaches to verify their schedule daily to make sure that no changes have been made. Refunds will be at the discretion of the DCEP ownership. Weather Protocols are to be determined by each individual park and is strictly followed. Lightning strike/ inclement weather/safety threats are at the discretion of each park, TD/Site Director/UIC and athletic trainer. We will work together to make the best decision for all.
 

Game Balls
Game balls will be provided by the tournament director. THREE (3) game balls are to be turned into the umpires on each field following the completion of each game. Teams are expected to have their players retrieve foul balls and return them to the umpires at the field they are playing on during each game. This will keep the flow of the game moving and ensure everyone is playing with a quality game ball. Home run balls may be kept. However, the team must thrown in a ball for replacement purposes.
 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

​Registration deposits are nonrefundable.
Until March 27, 2025 at 12am CST: Receive a non-transferable one-year credit (for the amount paid) to any DC Elite Productions event. After March 27, 2025 at 12am CST: - NO REFUNDS, NO CREDITS, NO EXCEPTIONS regardless of reason.

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Medical Information
Trainers will NOT be available during the event. Each participant (players, coaches, team personnel and spectators) is/are responsible for their own safety while at the event. For all serious injuries out of our scope, 911 will be called at the discretion of DCEP staff. DC Elite Softball is not responsible for any injuries sustained before, during or after the tournament.
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Health Practices
We will be adhering to safe practices as per state mandates. We ask that you adhere to these standards and safety as well for the health and well-being of all.
 

Participation Liability Statement

Click HERE to review.

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Sexual Assault Policy & Procedure

Click HERE to review.

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Sportsmanship/Code of Conduct
Team managers, coaches, players, and spectators are responsible for their own conduct. This is including but not limited to before, during or after any DC Elite Softball event. Cyberbullying, discrimination, harassment, abusive language or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. DC Elite Productions reserves the right to eject/dismiss anyone or any team present from the event at any time if necessary. Team managers and coaches will be held responsible for any unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, parent/family, or fan.