2026 Tournament Rules
Review all tournament policies below. These rules apply to all Champions Cup Elite divisions.
USA Softball Rules & Modifications
USA Softball Rules Apply
All games follow USA Softball Official Rules unless otherwise noted.
Modifications for Pool Play
The following apply in Pool Play only:
– Unlimited re-entry (batting order must stay intact).
– Courtesy runners allowed for any player.
– Free defensive substitutions.
Bracket Play follows standard USA Softball rules.
Weather, Field Conditions & Scoring
Weather & Field Conditions
– Games resume when weather/field conditions permit.
– Pool play games unable to be played will not be rescheduled.
– For scoring/seeding: each team will be given a 0-0 tie.
– In bracket play, the Tournament Director may shorten games, revise schedules, or cancel games.
Scoring Requirements
– Home team supplies the official scorekeeper.
– Both teams must scan the provided QR code and score each game.
– Teams failing to turn in scores within 30 minutes will receive a 7-0 forfeit.
Protests, Equipment, & Ejections
Protests
– All protests must be decided before the next pitch.
– UIC may consult any information they choose; all decisions final.
Equipment
– All equipment must meet current USA Softball certification standards.
– Any non-compliant equipment will be removed fo rthe duration of the event.
– Unclaimed items will be disposed after the tournament.
Ejections
– Any coach, player, parent, or spectator ejection results in a 1-game suspension.
– Suspension may be appealed to the Site Director + UIC who must unanimously agree.
Game Timing, Dugouts, & Field Protocol
Game Timing
-New inning may not start after 1 hour 30 minutes (pool & bracket).
-Bracket play will use the tiebreaker at the start of the 8th inning or time limit expiration.
-No tiebreaker in pool play.
-During pool play, after time expires, the inning will be completed.
-Pool games may end in a tie.
-No time limit in the championship game.
-Home team will be decided by coin flip before each game.
Dugout & Field Protocol
-Team listed first (or top of bracket) takes 1st base dugout unless still occupied.
-No infield practice before or between games.
Pool Seeding Order
Tiebreakers for Pool Play
1. Record
2. Head-to-head
3. Least runs allowed
4. Most runs scored
5. Coin Flip
Scheduling Notes
– Pool play order is final as posted on the website and TourneyMachine.
– Teams are responsibile for verifying game times and locations.
– Updates may occur before the first bracket game is played.