Rules & Policies
Everything you need to know about competing in the Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament.
Tournament Overview
The Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament is committed to providing a first-class experience for players, coaches, families, and college recruiters. Our goal is to maximize the number of games played, provide exceptional facilities, and maintain a competitive and sportsmanlike environment.
Participation in the tournament constitutes acceptance of all tournament rules and policies.
Tournament Format
- Every team is guaranteed three (3) pool play games (weather permitting).
- All teams advance to championship bracket play.
- Bracket placement is determined by pool play finish.
- Tournament Directors reserve the right to modify the tournament format due to weather, facility issues, or unforeseen circumstances.
Game Rules
Unless otherwise noted, all games will be played under current Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA/NFHS) Baseball Rules.
Time Limits
Mercy Rule
Games will end if a team leads by:
- 15 runs after 3 innings
- 12 runs after 4 innings
- 8 runs after 5 innings
Extra Innings (Shootout Rule)
If a game remains tied after the time limit:
- Last recorded out begins on second base.
- Batter begins with a 3-ball, 2-strike count.
- Play continues until a winner is determined.
Home Team
Baseballs
Each team must provide:
- Two (2) new NFHS-quality baseballs prior to each game.
- Additional used baseballs during play as needed.
Lineups
Buckeye Elite permits:
- Designated Hitter (DH)
- Extra Hitter (EH)
- Courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers (mandatory with two outs).
Equipment
- Teams must use legal NFHS-approved bats.
- Illegal bats result in an out and removal of the bat from play.
- 14U BBCOR -5 bats may only be used if BOTH coaches agree before the game.
Game Baseballs
Buckeye Elite will provide four (4) new game baseballs at the start of each game throughout the tournament.
Additional playable baseballs from previous games will remain at each field and will be rotated back into play throughout the day. As the tournament progresses, each field should develop an additional supply of game-ready baseballs to supplement the four new baseballs provided for each game.
Teams are asked to assist with retrieving foul balls and returning them to the field whenever possible so they can remain in circulation.
While Buckeye Elite will make every effort to maintain an adequate supply of game baseballs at each field, the number of balls lost or taken out of play can vary significantly by facility and game. Teams should therefore be prepared to provide additional game-quality baseballs if the tournament-provided supply becomes depleted during their game.
Tournament staff and/or umpires will determine whether recovered baseballs remain suitable for game use.
Tournament Standings
Pool standings will be determined in the following order:
- Head-to-head
- Fewest runs allowed
- Run differential
- Coin flip
⚠️ For three-way ties, head-to-head will not apply.
Weather Policy
Buckeye Elite will make every reasonable effort to complete all scheduled games.
Weather may require delayed starts, reduced time limits, schedule changes, field changes, or modified tournament formats.
Tournament Director decisions regarding weather are final.
Official tournament updates will be communicated through:
- Tourney Machine
- BuckeyeElite.com
- Buckeye Elite social media
- Tournament email notifications
Team Responsibilities
Each team must:
- Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled game time.
- Be prepared to start early if the previous game ends ahead of schedule.
- Carry valid team insurance.
- Comply with all tournament policies.
- Verify scores following each game.
Stay-to-Play Policy
Buckeye Elite is a Stay-to-Play event.
Teams outside the local exemption area must reserve accommodations through the Official Tournament Housing Program.
Failure to comply may result in removal from the tournament.
Sportsmanship
Buckeye Elite maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward:
- Fighting
- Threats
- Profanity directed toward officials
- Abuse of volunteers
- Abuse of tournament staff
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
Penalties may include ejection, suspension, tournament removal, or future event disqualification. Tournament Director decisions are final.
Spectator Expectations
Parents and spectators are expected to:
- Respect officials.
- Respect players.
- Respect coaches.
- Respect volunteers.
- Follow facility rules.
Buckeye Elite reserves the right to remove any spectator whose behavior negatively impacts the event.
Spectator Admission / Gate Fees
Buckeye Elite does not charge spectator gate or admission fees at tournament-operated venues. Parents, family members, and other spectators may attend games without purchasing daily or weekend tournament admission passes.
Our goal is to provide teams and families with a more transparent, all-inclusive tournament experience without the additional per-person, per-day gate fees commonly charged at showcase events.
Please note that any independently operated facility or special venue that requires parking or other facility-specific charges outside of Buckeye Elite's control may assess those charges separately.
Facility Rules
- No alcohol permitted.
- No smoking or vaping on tournament fields.
- Outside food permitted only where allowed by the facility.
- No pregame infield practice.
- Metal cleats prohibited at designated turf facilities.
- Teams are responsible for cleaning their dugouts following each game.