Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
School Sports Division
PALARONG PAMBANSA

TECHNICAL GUIDELINES OF SPORTS COMPETITION

SOFTBALL

1. RULES OF THE GAME

The latest Rules of the Game contained in the WBSC-SOFTBALL Rulebook shall govern the
competition supported by relevant ground rules not covered by the aforementioned guidelines or the need
to modify due to circumstance presented in the actual palaro situation.

2. ELIGIBILITY
The latest DepEd National Screening and Accreditation Committee (NSAC) rules on Palarong
Pambansa and School Sports athletes and coaches participation shall apply.

Only athletes and coaches in the approved gallery of delegates per category shall be allowed to
participate and compete.

3. COMPOSITION OF CONTINGENT:

• ELEMENTARY and SECONDARY SOFTBALL

►The screened players, entered as official member of the team, their Head
Coach and the Assistant Coach are the only persons allowed to occupy their
bench/dug out for the duration of the game.
There shall be fifteen (15) persons on the bench of each softball team for the
duration of the game, with, twelve (12) players, one (1) Manager/Head Coach and
Two ( 2 ) assistant coach ( note: one of the coaching staff at least should be
Female).
No trainer shall be allowed to sit on the bench of each softball team. Only
the official coach and assistant coach of the team can direct play during the
progress of the game. Teams may should two (2) adult as base coaches and one of
the coach should stay in the dug out to secure the safety of the remaining players
on the bench.

4. DISQUALIFICATION

1. NSAC Rules of disqualification;

2. WBSC-Softball Rules regarding other rules of disqualifications applies.

5. SPORTS EVENTS/DISCIPLINES:

SOFTBALL
6. CATEGORIES:

6.1 ELEMENTARY SOFTBALL

6.2 SECONDARY SOFTBALL

7. PLAYING AREA AND EQUIPMENT

7.1 THE PLAYING FIELD

A. Layout of the Field

The infield shall be a 60-foot square. The outfield shall be the area
between two foul lines formed by extending two sides of the square.

The entire softball field is surrounded by a fence of about four to five

feet high from the end of the back staff around the twenty five foot line and
the home run fence, stand or other obstruction on fair territory shall be
220 feet. The infield shall be graded so that the base lines and home plate
are level, preferably skinny so that the ball can be very visibly during the
game.

The pitcher’s plate distance from the Home plate shall be 40 feet for
Elementary Division and 42 feet for the secondary division.

The infield and outfield, including the boundary lines, are fair
territory and all other area is foul territory. It is desirable that the line from
home base through the pitcher’s plate to second base shall run East-
Northeast.
 It is recommended that the distance from home base to the
backstop, and from the base lines to the nearest fence, stand or other
obstruction on foul territory shall be 60 feet or more. When location of
home base is determined, with a steel tape measure 127 feet, 33⁄8 inches in
desired direction to establish second base.

From home base, measure 60 feet toward first base; from second
base, measure 60 feet toward first base; the intersection of these lines
establishes first base. From home base, measure 60 feet toward third base;
from second base, measure 60 feet toward third base; the intersection of
these lines establishes third base.

The catcher’s box, the batters’ boxes, the coaches’ boxes, the three
foot first base lines and the next batter’s boxes shall be laid out.

The foul lines and all other playing lines indicated in the diagrams
by solid black lines shall be marked with paint or non-toxic and non-
burning chalk or other white material. The grass lines and dimensions
shown on the diagrams are those used in many fields, but they are not
mandatory and each Club shall determine the size and shape of the
grassed and bare areas of its playing field.
Bases
a. Home plate to first/third18.29m (60 ft) from the back part
of home plate to the back of the base
b. Home plate to second 25.86m (84 ft 10 ¼ in) from back
point of home plate to the middle of the base

Batters boxes
One on each side of home plate, shall measure 0.91m (3 ft) by
2.13m (7 ft). The inside lines of the batter's box shall be 15.2cm (6
in) from home plate. The front line of the box shall be 1.22m (4 ft) in
front of a line drawn through the center of home plate. The lines are
considered as being within the batter's box.
Catcher’s box 3.05m (10 ft) in length from the rear outside
corners of the batters' boxes and shall be 2.57m (8 ft 5 in) wide.
Coaches’ boxes Behind a line 4.57m (15 ft) long drawn outside
the diamond. The line is parallel to and 3.65m (12 ft) from the first
and third baselines, extended from the bases toward home plate.
Fences Refer to Appendix 2
Home plate It shall be a five-sided figure 43.2cm (17 in) wide,
across the edge facing the pitcher. The sides shall be parallel to the
inside lines of the batter's box and shall be 21.6cm (8 1/2 in) long.
The sides of the point facing the catcher shall be 30.5cm (12 in) long.
Infield -
Skinned portion 18.29m (60 ft) arc from the front center of the
pitchers plate
Lines 50mm to 100 mm (2 to 4 in) wide
On-deck circle 1.52m (5 ft) circle 0.76m (2 1/2 ft) radius
placed adjacent to the end of players' bench or dugout area closest
to home plate
One Meter Line Drawn parallel to and 0.91 m (3 ft) from the
baseline, starting at a point halfway between home plate and first
base
 Pitcher’s circle 4.88m (16 ft) circle drawn from center of the
front edge of the pitcher's plate 2.44m (8 ft) in radius.
Pitcher’s plate Made of rubber 61cm (24 in) long and 15.2cm
(6 in) wide and the top of the plate shall be level with the ground
(14.02m (46 ft) for men and 13.11m (43 ft) for women from the back
point of home plate.
Sideline Shall have an unobstructed area of not less than
7.62m (25 ft), nor more than 9.14m (30 ft) in width, outside the foul
lines and between home plate and the backstop
Warning track Minimum of 3.65m (12 ft) to a maximum of
4.57m (15 ft) from the outfield and/or side fences

8. EQUIPMENTS

An official ball for each WBSC Softball World Championship will be

designated not less than one (1) year prior to the commencement of the World
Championship. Manufacturers will be contacted to send sample balls to WBSC
Office for review and testing. The WBSC Office shall determine through a testing
procedure whether the balls meet the WBSC specifications as set out in the
WBSC Playing Rules.
BALL.
The Ball The ball shall be a sphere formed by yarn wound around a
small core of cork, rubber or similar material, covered with two strips of
white horsehide or cowhide, tightly stitched together. It shall weigh not less
than five nor more than 5¼ ounces avoirdupois and measure not less than
nine nor more than 9¼ inches in circumference.

Softball Ball Color Thread Color Min. Size Max. Size Min. Wt.
Max. Wt. Marking
(12" FP) Yellow Optic red stitch (11-7/8") (12-1/8") (6 1/4
oz.) (7 oz.)
ISF LOGO

A supply of balls will be turned over to the TC’s prior to the start of
the tournament and they will be responsible to see that only those balls
designated Official Tournament Balls are used during the tournament
games.
BATS
All bats to be used must be approved by WBSC. Notification of the
approval shall be made by adding the bat name and model number to the
list of approved maintained on the WBSC website. Once the bat is added to
the list, it is certified for use in Championship play. All bats to be used
must conform to the specifications as set out in the WBSC Rules. Once a
bat manufacturer withdraws from the bat certification program, all bats
currently listed as certified
8. OFFICIALS

The Technical Officials of the tournament shall be an accredited technical

Official and highly recommended by their respective Regional Sports Officers and
approved by the selection committee of the Technical Management Team of the
Palarong Pambansa.

9. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

THE BREAKDOWN OF THE CREW AS WELL AS THE SPECIFIC JOB

DESCRIPTION FOR SOFTBALL OFFICIATING OFFICIALS

POSITION NO. DESCRIPTION

1 TOURNMENT MANAGER 1 Over all accountability for managing
and running the tournament.
2 TECHNICAL 1 Represents the national Sports
CONSULTANT ( NSA ) Association and serves as the
oversight for the tournament
3 UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF 1 Serves as the head of the umpiring
crew which has the primary
responsibility of providing
leadership and technical knowledge
to the group. Conduct post games
evaluation to Ensure high level of
officiating during the tournament
Conduct post game evaluation .
submit overall individual umpires
performants report.
4 DEPUTY UIC 0 Assist the UIC in leading the
umpiring crew. Evaluates officiating
 performance and provide feed backs
or conduct post game evaluation.
Helps the UIC in the overall
individuals umpires performance
assessment report.
5 TECHNICAL 0 Responsible in the arrangements
COMMISSIONER before the game, team practices,
submission of line up card for both
teams, manages and insure game
time will be strictly followed,
materials needed in the game is
available, venue is ok and will be
responsible in submitting the game
report to the Tournament Manager.
They will also be delegated as the
Health and safety Officer
responsible in insuring that the
health and safety Protocol shall be
followed at all time
6 TOURNAMENT 1 Serves as the link Palarong
SECRETARY Pambansa Secretariat. In-charge in
the requisition of equipment and
supplies, processing of TEV’s,
Allowances and documents and
other requirement required by
Department of Education
7 EQUIPMENT MANAGER 0 Task to supervise the materials and
equipment vital to the staging of the
tournament.
8 CHIEF SORER 1 Serves as the head of the scoring
crew which has the primary
responsibility of providing
leadership and technical knowledge
to the group. Conduct post games
evaluation to Ensure high level of
officiating during the tournament.
submit overall individual score
keeper performance report.
Supervise collection, checking,
recording, collating, and
presentation of statistical
information about softball players
and games.
 Responsible for the selection
of score keeper who will be
assigned in the tournament
 Assist in training of score
keepers to national fixtures
 Ensure score cards are
received for all Palarong
Pamnasa fixtures.
 Supervise the collection and
printing of game data and
statistics for the daily report.
9 SCORERS 8 Has the primary task of collecting,
 checking, recording and presenting
statistical information about softball
10players and the game. Insure all
records of the game is valid and
intact.
10 STATISTITIAN 0 Responsible for collecting, checking,
recording, validating and presenting
statistical report of individual
players and teams in the game.
11 CHIEF SECRETARIAT 0 Serves as the head of the secretariat
group. Task to supervise the
collecting, processing and proper
storage and safe keeping of data’s
or documentation of the PALARO.
12 SECRETARIAT 0 In-charge in the collection,
processing and safe keeping of
data’s or documentation of the
Palarong.
13 UMPIRES 32 Serves as the representative if
WBSC in the tournament that has
the primary task of insuring that all
the games shall be played in
accordance with the WBSC-
SOFTBALL Rules and Regulations.
TOTAL 45

10. PROTEST, PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS

10.1 PROTEST
A. Protest should be in written form duly signed by the coach and noted by
the Regional Sports Officer and must be handed over to the Tournament
Manager within two (2) hours after the match.
B. Protest regarding eligibility of players shall be noted during the game.
The contesting team should write a formal letter address to the NSAC
within 24 hours after the game played.
C. No protest will be entertained regarding judgment calls of the referee.
Only technicalities of the game may be protested.
D. Respect: respect decision of the referee as stated in the New changes in
the Laws of the Game IFAB 2019-2020
10.2 PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS

a. Walk-Over/Non-Appearance of the Team:

A fifteen (15) minutes grace period on the scheduled match shall be given,
otherwise the team shall be declared loser via walk-over.
Non-appearance of the team after of fifteen (15) minutes grace period for
the scheduled playing time forfeit its game. The team did not appear will
lose to a score of 3-0 (3 points) in favor of the opposing team of the match
and will be given further sanctions.

b. Abandonment
 a. Team/s that abandon the match is disqualified from the tournament.

c. In any case of a “ free for all” where the referee cannot identify the
players who started the fight, this rule shall take effect:
Any match concerned, both teams will lose the game and will be banned
from participating for the rest of the tournament.
d. The competition rules/ground rules of the tournament shall be followed
by all participating players, coaches and officials , in case of violations:
1. Expulsions
2. Expelled coach is suspended for the next match of the team, in case of
expulsion is given to the head coach, the assistant coach will take place
of the role of the head coach.
3. A coach with an expelled coach can continue play in the presence of
assistant coach and in case the assistant coach are expelled, the
presence of the team captain.
4. Players, coaches including identified team supporter, pointing dirty
fingers, use of profane language or any derogatory remarks addressed to
the officiating officials shall be warned and repetition of the same
offense warrants SANCTION in such case the offender may be thrown
out of the vicinity of the playing venue.

11. CONDUCT OF THE COMPETITION

XV. METHOD OF COMPETITION/ TOURNAMENT FORMAT

A. GROUPING / BRACKET
Teams will be distributed in 4 Groups/Brackets following the International Rule.
CLUSTERED COMPETITION (ELIMINATION PHASE) instead of Clustered sports
Cluster Area Region Responsible Regional Athletic Associations (RAA)

1 North Luzon CAR CARAA

Region I R1AA
Region II CAVRAA
Region III CLRAA
2 South Luzon NCR NCRAA
IV-A STCAA
IV-B MIMAROPAA
V BRAA
3 Visayas VI WVRAA
VII CVRAA
VIII EVRAA
XIII/X CARAGAA/NMRAA
4 Mindanao IX ZPRAA
X NMRAA
XI DAVRAA
XII CRAA
BARMM BARMMAA

8 – QUALIFIERS for the NATIONAL LEVEL

 LUZON 1 – TOP 2 TEAMS
LUZON 2 – TOP 2 TEAMS
VISAYAS – TOP 2 TEAMS
MINDANAO – TOP 2 TEAMS

PLAYING DAYS
(It can be played in a 4-day actual competition)

PLAYING FORMAT

Straight Single Round Robin

• The competition shall be supervised by the concerned SMs together with their respective
Technical Head/International Referee/top TO’s from the clustered regions
III. NATIONAL LEVEL/ MAIN PALARONG PAMBANSA COMPETITION
a. GROUPINGS (8-QUALIFIED TEAMS)
GROUP A GROUP B
North Luzon - 1 North Luzon –2
South Luzon - 2 South Luzon –1
Visayas -1 Visayas - 2
Mindanao -2 Mindanao - 1

SCHEDULE OF GAMES (QUARTERFINALS/SEMIFINALS/FINALS)

Day Game no. Teams Vs Teams

1 G1-QtrFinals NorLu1 Vs Minda2
G2-QtrFinals NorLu2 Vs Minda1
G3-QtrFinals SouLu1 Vs Vis2
G4-QtrFinals SouLu2 Vs Vis2
2 G5-Placement LG1-QF Vs LG4-QF
G6-Placement LG2-QF Vs LG3-QF
G7-Placement LG5-Plmnt Vs LG6-Plmnt For 7/8th Places
G8-Placement WG5-Plmnt Vs WG6-Plmnt For 5/6th Places
3 G9-SemiFinals1 WG1-QF Vs WG4-QF
G10-SemiFinals2 WG2-QF Vs WG3-QF
4 G11-Finals1 LG9-SF1 Vs LG10-SF2 For 3/4th Places
G12-Finals2 WG9-SF1 Vs WG10-SF2 Championship

IV. REQUIRED NUMBER OF COMPETITION DAYS/Playing Areas

• Four (4) days is needed
• Number of playing areas needed:

For Volleyball/Basketball – 2 standard courts if properly lighted; 3/4 courts if regular

For Batted games - 4 diamonds
For Football – 2 pitches
For Futsal – 1 standard basketball court
V. APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:
• CLUSTERED COMPETITION: 868pax/cluster (7 Teams- four regions except Mindanao
cluster)
• Pre-QUALIFYING Level: No. of Technical officials = 45pax (10 each from the
participating regions, 5 c/o SMs), except Futsal- 21pax (4 from each participating region, 5 c/o SM)
• National LEVEL: Substantial reduction (more than half) in the number of delegates
considering only 8-regions/teams competing in the Team Events.
• National LEVEL: No. of Technical Officials = 45pax (4 each from the 8-competing regions,
13 c/o SMs to include Management)
Note: The Basis of the Ranking will be the previous Palarong Pambansa.
Single Round Robin in every group in the Elimination Round.

I.CHOICE OF INNINGS AND DUGOUT

Opening Round Home and Away games are decided by WBSC once all
a)
participating countries are known. An attempt is made to insure the
number of Home and Away games are as equal as possible.
1. The highest placed team in the round robin has choice of home or
away in the play-off round.
2. When two equally placed teams play (i.e. they both finished first in the
pool) there will be a coin toss for home and away.
b) The home team will be assigned the third base dugout and the visiting
team, who will bat first, will be assigned the first base dugout.
c) In the page system final where the winning team from the final plays back
to back in the Grand Final, the winning team may keep the dugout utilized
in the previous game
II.REPORTING TO PLAYING SITE

a) Teams preparing to play must report to the TC at least one (1) hour before
scheduled to play and submit at that time, the completed line-up card.
b) When the completed line-up card is submitted to the TC, the completed
line-up card must be signed by the Head Coach/Manager.
c) Once submitted to the TC, the line-up will be official.
d) It shall be the host organizing committee’s responsibility to see that teams
are picked up and delivered to the playing site on time.

III. TEAM MEMBERS ON PLAYING FIELD OR IN DUGOUT

No one, other than team members in uniform, coaches and managers, will
be permitted on the playing field except by permission of the Technical
Commissioners. Access to the dugouts is restricted to the team members (Max
15) listed on the team Roster.

IV.COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

a) No communication equipment is allowed between:

1. The coaches on the field;

2. The coaches and the dugout;
3. The coaches and any player; or
4. The spectator area and the field, including the dugout, coaches and
players.

NOTE: If such equipment is continued to be used after a warning, the Head

Coach will be ejected from the game.
 b) Videotaping will be allowed in designated areas not less than 25’ to the left
and right of center field plus at any location at the venue approved by
WBSC. Each team is allowed video cameras with a tripod and may video
games for training purposes, with the following requirements:

1. The cameras need to be set up in designated areas not less than 25’ to
the left and right of center field plus at any location at the venue
approved by WBSC but cannot interfere with the spectators, or games
in progress; and
2. Computers and other electronic equipment can be used except for
immediate transmission of information to the playing teams.
3. No videotaping will be allowed behind home plate between 1 st to 3rd
base.

IV. COMPLETION OF GAME

a) All games must go at least seven (7) innings, except if forfeited or ended by
the Run Ahead Rule.
b) COMMENCEMENT/DELAY/SUSPENSION/DEFERMENT/RESUMPTION
OF GAME

1. In the advent of adverse weather conditions, the Technical

Commissioners in conjunction with the Home Plate Umpire shall
decide whether a game shall be:
A. In the case of a game that has not started –
i. Commenced, with particular attention being given to an
impending storm and for both teams to have equal innings of
playing conditions, or ii. Delayed, with any such game being
rescheduled at a later time and/or date.
B. In the case of a game that has commenced –
i. Suspended for a short period of time (up to a maximum of
three (3) hours), or ii. Deferred for a long period of time (in excess
of three (3) hours), with particular attention being given for both
teams to have equal innings of playing conditions

A game will be resumed after a suspension or deferral at the exact

point where the game was interrupted as long as the event schedule
and time remaining allow.
When a game is suspended it shall be rescheduled. If this affects more
than one game, all games shall be rescheduled barring any issues of
special consideration. Rescheduling decisions will be made in
conjunction by Technical Commission (Tournament Manager and
Umpire in Chief)
For the final game of the Championship, if after a delay it is
determined that a competition field cannot be made playable, the
Technical Commission may award the game.
V.TEAM UNIFORM

a) All players must be uniformed alike on a given team. The players must
have the name of their country on the front of the uniform or an emblem
 depicting national origin. The same number must be on the back of
uniform shirts, both light and dark, and be six inches in height; this will
serve to identify each eligible player. These mandatory provisions shall not
preclude display on the uniform, the names and or logos of sponsors (up to
and not to exceed 5) provided that such display shall have a maximum size
of 3.1” 2 / 20cm2 when worn. (2.6” 2 / 16.8cm2 on the batting helmet).
(Where the logo mark appears as a rectangle or square, the mathematical
rules used to calculate the surface area of the shape will be applied)
Sponsorship cannot be in direct conflict with any sponsorship in place and
team uniforms designs/sponsorship placement must be sent for review to
the secretariat in advance of a World Championship. The WBSC Softball
Division does reserve the right to place a sponsorship logo on a team
uniform if such agreement is secured. A miniature flag or emblem of the
country may be placed in front of the cap (men), one (1) inch above the
visor is recommended.

NOTE: Please refer to addendum 6.2 for placement norms.

b) Two (2) teams shall not in any games wear the same or similar colour
uniforms. Each team shall be required to have a white/light colour shirt,
and also a contrast colour/dark colour shirt. The home team will wear a
contrast colour/dark colour shirt and the visiting team will wear a
white/light colour shirt. See 6.3 A. to determine which is the home and
visiting team.
c) Players must have their number displayed on the front of their uniform
shirt, 7.62cm (3”) high. Shall a team and or player not have the number on
the front of the uniform the team will lose their right to home team status.
d) Shoes – Must comply with Rule 3. Section 5. Metal Cleats not allowed in
the Elementary and Secondary Girls.

12.DETERMINATION OF WINNERS

12.1 GAME
Teams with the most number of RUNS after the regulation game shall be
declared winner.

12.2 15/10/7 RUN AHEAD RULE (FAST PITCH and MODIFIED ONLY)

A game must be called a regulation game if one team leads the other by
fifteen (15) runs or more after three (3) innings, ten (10) runs or more after
four (4) innings, or seven (7) runs or more after five (5) innings have been
played. Both the visiting team and the home team must complete the same
number of innings at bat unless the home team leads by the required
number of runs and the game is called at that point.
13 RESOLUTION OF TIES

13.1 A tie exists within one (1) section, or across two (2) or four (4)
sections, when two (2) or more teams have the same win-loss record.

13.2 A tie shall be resolved by following, in order, the procedure set out
below:
 a) Within Section Round Robins

1. With two teams tied on wins/losses, rank them by the results of their
game in the round robin; the winner is placed ahead of the loser.
2. With more than two teams tied on wins/losses, rank them in order:

A. By the results of their games among themselves in the round robin

games. With two teams tied on wins/losses, rank them by the
results of their games in the round robin; the winner is placed
ahead of the loser.
If still tied on wins/losses, by their runs against record in the games
among themselves; the team with the lowest runs against is placed
ahead of the others, the team with the second lowest runs against is
placed ahead of the others, etc., until two team remain and then rank
them by the results of their game(s) in the round robin; the winner is
placed ahead of the loser. B. If any teams tied by their runs against
record in the games amongst themselves:
i. two teams – by the results of their games amongst themselves in
the round robin games; ii. more than two teams – by their runs
against record in all the round robin games; the team with the
lowest runs against is placed ahead of the others, the team with
the second lowest runs against is placed ahead of the others, etc.,
until two team remain and then rank them by the results of their
game(s) in the round robin; the winner is placed ahead of the loser.

13.3. Across Section Round Robins

With two or more teams tied on wins/losses, rank them in order:

1. By their runs against record in all round robin games; the team with
the lowest runs against is placed ahead of the others, the team with
the second lowest runs against is placed ahead of the others, etc.
2. If any teams still tied on runs against, by random selection; the first
team selected is placed ahead of the others.

13.4 For a tied team “runs against” is the total number of runs scored
by the specified opponents of that team.

EXCEPTION: Where teams are tied for a place in a Page System the
Technical Commission may decide that such tie may be resolved by a
playoff provided the Technical Commission agree that conditions are
satisfactory for such playoff.

14. MEDALS TO BE CONTESTED

15. NUMBER OF MEDALS TO BE AWARDED

16. HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

19.1 General Hygiene Recommendation

 Hand washing before and after training.
 Wearing of face masks before and after training.
Wearing of facemask during training may cause problem in the oxygen intake of the student-
athletes. Require them to adhere to the social distancing instead.
 Observe personal hygiene protocols. Engineering and safety protocols.
 Cleaning and disinfection of equipment after use.
  Provide hand washing or sanitizing station.
 Safety control officers will be assigned
 Use of communal facilities such as changing rooms and locker rooms are not allowed.

➢ Pre-Tournament:
o Any meetings necessary shall respect physical distance;
o The pre-tournament technical meeting with teams set up shall respect physical distance;
o Press conferences set up shall respect physical distance;
o No access of Media representatives to Team zones (i.e. dugout, clubhouse, etc.) should be
allowed. Specific interview zones and protocols may be set up on a case by case basis;
o Officials involved in athlete’s ID control shall wear protective gear and wash hands
thoroughly after finishing each team control.

➢ Pre-game:
o Only one team shall be on the field at a time for warm-ups, BP, and Infield practice;
o If possible, avoid pre-game ceremonies (i.e. anthems, first pitch ceremonies, etc.);
o No handshakes, no friendly gift exchange, no autograph signatures;
o Minimum physical distance of 1-metre at Home Plate meeting;
o If possible, avoid line-up exchange at home plate.

➢ In-Game
o No chewing tobacco, seeds or spitting at any time.;
o Athletes shall not lick their fingers;
o Minimum physical distance of 1 metre shall always be kept in dugout. If there is not
sufficient room, an alternate space may be assigned for non-essential personnel and/or
inactive players;
o Balls:
▪ Ball prep (mud rubbing) to be done by one appointed personnel with
protective rubber gloves;
▪ Use of different set of official balls for home and visitor teams while on
defence;
▪ Ball in-play taken out for appropriate cleaning/disinfection after play is
finished;
▪ Ball handlers shall wear protective gloves and apply hand sanitizer every
half inning.
o Bats:
▪ No bat boys/girls shall be allowed
▪ If batter is not able to retrieve his/her own bat, team representative shall
pick-up wearing rubber gloves. Team representative shall apply hand sanitizer
and/or wash hands upon conclusion of the half inning.
o Team meetings, including pitching visits, should maintain physical distance of
minimum 1 metre;
o Coaches may always approach umpire keeping a minimum distance of two metres;
o Base coaches must always stay within their box; o Bases shall be cleaned every half
inning;
o Pitchers, catchers, and bullpen coach must always maintain a physical distance of 1
metre.
➢ Tournament Officials:
o Shall avoid any kind of handshakes / fist bumps between them or while interacting
with team representatives;
o Shall keep physical distance between them and/or while interacting with other
event participants;
o Shall wear mask while in the venue; o Umpires:
▪ Umpires shall wear masks and gloves;
▪ If ball is touched, use of hand sanitizer every half inning is recommended;
▪ Home Plate Umpire shall avoid coming in contact with catcher;
▪ Exclusive Sanitation & Hydration station with personal bottles to be set up
near the field.

o Technical Commissioners:
▪ Shall wear masks and gloves at all times;
▪ Should always work from restricted area and maintain physical distances;
▪ Shall not share phone or tablet;
▪ Tablet shall be thoroughly clean before and after use.

o Scorers:
▪ Should always work from a restricted area and keep security distance;
▪ Shall not share personal phone or tablet;
▪ Avoid paper scoring when possible. Prioritize electronic scoring programs as alternative;
Scoring tablet shall be thoroughly clean before and after use.

19.2 DURING TRAINING

1. Handwashing or use of dis infect ant should be an important part before and after
training
2. Wearing of face mask is required before and after training. Even encourage the Muslim
Participants to wear traditional head gear.
3. As much as possible, no sharing of training equipment or Dis infect team equipment
before and after each training.
4. Checking of student-athletes, coaches and trainers body temperature is a must.
Anybody who have 37.8 and above temperature must not be allowed to attend the
training..
5. Monitor student-athletes temperature during the training season.
6. Social or physical distancing must be observed.
7. Training venues should be ready upon the arrival of the Student-Athletes (minimize
need to use/gather in change rooms, bathrooms). Minimize use of communal facilities.
8. The approach of training should be “Get In, Train, Get Out” thus, minimizing the
unnecessary contact between athletes in the bathroom, waiting area and training
venues.
9. No sharing of drinking bottles and towels among student-athletes.
10. Spitting or clearing of nasal/ respiratory secretion must be prohibited.

Hand hygiene (hand sanitizers) on entry and exit to venues, as well as pre, post and
during training. Thorough full body shower with soap before and after training (preferably at
home). Where possible maintain distance of at least 1 - 1.5m while training
19.3 Before the Game

1. Only teams scheduled to play next will be allowed in the Warm up area
2. Social or physical distancing must be observed.
3. Batting order must be submitted to the TC 45 minutes before game time. If possible,
avoid line-up exchange at home plate.

19.4 During the Game

1. Handwashing or use of dis infect ant should be an important part before and after
training
2. Wearing of facemask is required. Even encourage the Muslim Participants to wear
traditional head gear.
3. As much as possible, no sharing of game equipment or Dis infect team equipment
before and after each use.

Avoid sharing of competition equipment. Each player should have his/her own
bat, helmet, glove, batting gloves, rosin bags, etc. the tournament will not provide
tournament equipment.

Note: or at the very list, teams may not barrow equipment from the opposing
team.

Batters shall retrieve their own bat when possible

4. Checking of student-athletes, coaches and trainers body temperature is a must.

Anybody who have 37.8 and above temperature must not be allowed to attend the
training..
5. Monitor student-athletes temperature during the training season.
6. Social or physical distancing must be observed.
7. Dis infect the equipment frequently.
- Dis infect Balls every half inning.
8. No tournament equipment will be provided. Teams must bring their own equipment
9. Only the member of the team in the roster will be allowed on the bench/dug out
during the game.
10. Highly discourage High Five or handshake. Bowing, Finger Heart and waiving is
encourage.
11. Wearing of facemask is required. Even encourage the Muslim Participants to wear
traditional head gear.
12. No chewing tobacco, seeds among coaches and expectators or spitting of everyone
at any time
13. No sharing of drinking bottles and towels among student-athletes.
14. Spitting or clearing of nasal/ respiratory secretion must be prohibited.
15. Hand hygiene (hand sanitizer’s) on entry and exit to venues, as well as pre, post and
during training. Thorough full body shower with soap before and after training
(preferably at home). Where possible maintain distance of at least 1 - 1.5m while
training.
16. Ball prep (mud rubbing) to be done by one appointed personnel with protective
rubber gloves
 17. Different set of official balls for home and visiting teams while on defense
18. Minimum physical distance of one meter shall always be kept in dugout
19. Bases shall be cleaned every half inning
20. No bat boys/girls shall be allowed
21. Coaches may always approach umpire keeping a minimum distance of two meters
22. Umpires shall wear masks and gloves
23. Home Plate umpire shall avoid coming in contact with catcher
24. Posting of this return to play guideline on every venue is also a must.

20.3 After the Game

1. Head coach must sign the official score sheet using his/her own pen.
2. Follow the Get In, Play, Get out Protocol to minimize unnecessary contact and give the
organizer ample time the re arrange and dis infect the venue for the next game.

SCOUTING

1. Teams will not be allowed to watch the game or be present in the playing venue
except during their scheduled game
2. Only the coaching staff will be allowed to watch the games for scouting purposes.

GAME SCHEDULE

1. With window but only encourage the teams with games to be present in the venue.
- Allow only the coaches do the Scouting
2. Without window but with specific game time schedule.
- Tournament will be allowed to deviate from using the window but encourage only the
teams scheduled to play to be there on specific game time.

20.4 inside the Bubble Billeting Area

* players and Coaches who has no scheduled game or is waiting for
their scheduled game must stay inside their respective quarters at all time.
 The Tournament Committee will notify them when it is safe to go to the
warm up are for their game preliminaries.

20.5 SPECTATORS AND ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL

o Only one accompanying person is allowed, if athlete is a minor –properly protected and
distanced.
o Essential personnel is limited to players/coaching and management staff–all observing
quarantine protocols.

17. RECOMMENDATIONS

20.1 MEDALS TO BE CONTESTED

ELEMANTARY 9 GOLDS
SECONDARY 9 GOLDS

20.2 UNIFORM
Must have 2 sets of jersey uniform
Home Team Light
Visiting Team Dark

Note: no uniform resembling the color of the official ball

20.3 HELMET WITH FACE GUARD

20.4 Re-Inclusion of Boys Softball

Elementary
Secondary

BERNARD GONZALES
Tournament Manager