D52 Tournament Guide

The Little League All-Star Tournament is an international tournament for the top players in each league at each age. We run tournaments for ages 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16. 

The D52 Superbowl is a Little League tournament for the top players in each league who were unable to participate in the All-Star tournament. We run a tournament for the Majors division, one for the Minors division and one for minors players ages 9 and under. All players who participated in these divisions in their regular season and who are not on the all-star rosters are eligible to play. Minors players called up to Majors may play in the Minors Superbowl provided the majority of their season was played in Minors.

Leagues select their teams as they see fit. 

This document contains information on how the tournaments are run.

GAME PLAY RULES

All All-Star Tournament rules are clearly outlined in the tournament section of the official Little League rule book, and will not be repeated here. There are no local rules or local options in this tournament. It must be played directly by the book.

Double First Base: The use of the double first base will be determined by the host site in 2026. It ill be mandatory for all tournaments in 2027. (Rule 1.06)

Minors/9u Superbowls plays using the 10s Tournament rules and the Majors Suprbowl follows the 11s/12s rules, with the following changes:

1. All players present at the start of the game must play two innings of defense unless the game is shortened by Mercy Rule and then they must play one.

2. Coaches may warm up pitchers.

3. Minors Only: There is a 5 run cap in each of the first 5 half innings.

PITCH COUNTING

Tournament pitching rules are covered in Tournament Playing Rules 4 and 5. As these are important safety rules, all Manager, Umpires, and all Tournament Staff will see the they are followed properly. Violation of pitching rules is protest-able after the game is over, and Managers who violate these rules may be removed from all tournament play by Little League.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

The following Schedule of Activities shall be followed for all District 52 sponsored Tournaments. If the Tournament is running behind schedule, the Tournament Director has the discretion to shorten the length of the infield practices or cancel it outright.

1. Arrival and Coin Toss. (60 minutes prior to game start)

2. Lineup Cards (40 minutes)

3. Visiting Infield (30 minutes)

4. Home infield (20 minutes)

5. Pregame Ceremony (10 minutes)

6. Managers Meeting (5 minutes)

7. First Pitch (0 minutes prior to game start time)

ARRIVAL AND COIN TOSS (T-60)

Both teams arrive at the field to commence warm-ups 60 minutes prior to the scheduled game time.

From the time a team first arrives at the field for warm-ups until the team leaves the field at the conclusion of the game, a maximum of three (3) adults are allowed on the field during pre-game warm-ups and the game. Only players on the roster are allowed on the field. Injured players not participating in the game may sit in the dugout. Injured players should wear their uniform.

Each manager shall report to the Tournament Director for the pregame coin toss. The winner of the coin toss has the option to select either home/away or the choice of dugout. Once the winner selects their option, the other team’s manager shall select one of the remaining options. The Tournament Director should make a note of the result in case there are questions later. The Tournament Director will give the Managers the blank roster cards provided by D52. No other lineup card will be accepted. For All-Star tournaments, the tournament director will take the team's binders.

Teams may use the outfield on their respective sides for warm-up as soon as the prior game is over. The tournament director may also provide additional off-field warm-up locations.

LINEUP CARDS (T-40)

Each manager shall submit their Official Lineup Card to the Tournament Director by 40 minutes prior to the game time. Lineup Cards shall be clearly legible and include:

• The Manager's and Coaches' First and Last name

• League name

• The players’ first and last names AND uniform numbers

• Indicate the starting pitcher and starting catcher.

• Players ineligible to pitch should be noted with an asterisk (*) by the ineligible player's name).

The Tournament Director will verify the eligibility of every player that has pitched in the Tournament by reviewing each team's pitch count form.  If any players are found to be ineligible to pitch on that day and not noted by the manager, the Tournament Director shall notify the manager of his error.

The Tournament Director will bring the Lineup Cards (un-separated) to the pregame plate meeting and will be validated by the Plate Umpire.  Managers may make changes or correct errors right up to that point.

Managers can also help the announcers by providing a printed roster listing players and coaches along with the lineup cards, with a pronunciation guide if needed. This is optional.

VISITING INFIELD (T-30)

30 minutes prior to the game start, the visiting team will be given the option to take infield practice for 10 minutes.

HOME INFIELD (T-20)

20 minutes prior to the game start, the visiting team will be given the option to take infield practice for 10 minutes.

PRE-GAME CEREMONY (T-10)

The announcer will begin the announcements at 10 minutes prior to the game start. This will include the introduction of the complete player roster, coaches, and managers. The Visiting Team will be announced first, then the Home Team. On hearing their names, players should run out of the dugouts and form a line along the nearest foul line, starting near home plate (beyond the batter’s box) and heading towards 1st or 3rd base. 

Next the umpires will be announced by position.  Umpires will take their position behind home plate facing the teams.  

The ceremony ends with the National Anthem. Tournament Directors may play any version they like, but please don’t pick one which is too long.

MANAGERS MEETING (T-5)

After the pre-game ceremony, players will retreat to their respective dugout.  The Managers will meet with the Umpires and Tournament Director at home plate to exchange lineup  cards and review the ground rules.

The Home Team should not take the field until after the Managers Meeting is complete.

The Tournament Director will attend the pre-game plate meeting to give the plate umpire the lineup cards, go over any ground rules, go over the restroom escort procedure and go over the bullpen procedures if needed.

FIRST PITCH (T-0)

Play ball!

POST-GAME

1. If this is an elimination game, immediately after the game, each team will line up on their respective baselines so the eliminated team may receive their Tournament pins.

2. Both teams should clean trash from their dugouts.

3. If there is a game scheduled after your game, vacate the dugout quickly so the next team can put their equipment in the dugout. You may need to do this prior to your post-game meeting, and that meeting may need to be off the field.

4. The Tournament Director or Official Scorekeeper will fill out and sign each team's pitch count forms in ink. Managers must be sure to review and resolve any discrepancies through the Tournament Director before leaving the game site.

5. Managers will take their binders and/or pitch count forms with them.

CONDUCT EXPECTED FOR ALL MANAGERS AND COACHES

Managers and coaches shall always conduct themselves in an exemplary manner.  Profanity and unsportsmanlike conduct shall not be tolerated.

Managers and coaches shall remind parents and relatives that the players, managers, and coaches are not permitted to talk with the spectators during the game. 

Managers and coaches not serving as base coaches  shall remain in the dugout during the inning. This means completely in the dugout with no part of the body in live ball territory.

Managers and coaches shall not use electronic communication devices, other than those used for scorekeeping purposes or for one-way communication with the catcher, on the field or in the dugouts. First Responders may use their phones as required by the role as a first responder. They should inform the umpires before the game that they are First Responders and might have to make or take phone calls during the game.

Managers and coaches are expected to follow the NorCal All-Stars Dress Code, but no coach shall be removed for minor violations.

CONDUCT EXPECTED OF PLAYERS

Players should always conduct themselves in an exemplary manner.  Profanity and unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.

Players should remain in the dugout.  No player may leave the field or dugout without the permission of an umpire or Tournament Director after the game has started.

Players should not make any exhibitions or demonstrations (including throwing equipment) in response to any judgment calls by the umpires (e.g., balls or strikes, safe or out, and fair or foul balls).

Food is not allowed in the dugouts. You may bring water and sports drinks.

Players should comply with all provisions of the Little League Baseball Rulebook regarding uniforms and equipment. All players should have their jerseys tucked in while on the field of play or in the dugout.

WATER

Tournaments will provide water for Umpires and Tournament Staff. Players are expected to bring their own water bottles for use during the game. We will not be providing water in the dugouts.

INJURIES

In the event of an injury to a player during a play, no one may enter the playing field until the umpire calls “Time”, or the ball has become dead from other legal causes.  No parent is allowed on the field unless called for by the personnel attending to the injured player.

CHEERING AND NOISE

All in attendance are encouraged to cheer positively. Taunting or verbal comments directed towards the opponent, or other acts of poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.

This does not imply that the dugouts need to be silent during the pitcher’s delivery, but there should not be an increased volume to a crescendo (screaming, whistling, etc.), to distract the pitcher.  This is a baseball game – there will be some noise and players will need to deal with it.

Generating artificial noise is NOT permitted during the game (e.g., banging on the dugout fences or benches, clanking bats, etc.).

PROTESTS

No protest shall be considered on a decision involving an umpire's judgment, this includes balls/strikes, fair/foul, or safe/out. Protests involving playing rules not resolved before the next pitch or play shall not be considered. Protests involving use of an ineligible pitcher or player may be made after the game, but must be made prior to the next game by either team.

If a protest is made, it must be resolved immediately, using the following procedure:

1. A formal (verbal) Protest must be made to the Umpire-In-Chief at once by the manager or coach.

2. The Umpire-In-Chief must immediately call a conference with all umpires working the game.

3. If the problem cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the managers, the Umpire-In-Chief shall be required to consult with the Tournament Director.

4. If the managers do not accept the decision of the Tournament Director, either manager may elect (without penalty) to refer the issue to Little League (All-Stars) or the assigned D52 board member (Superbowl). If this happens the Umpire-In-Chief will put the player in the dugouts, and the Tournament Director will call the Little League hotline. Expect this process to take around 20 minutes.

If the District Administrator or an Assistant District Administrator is on site the Tournament Director may consult with them at any time during this process.

See the "Conditions of Tournament Play" section in the Tournament Section of the Little League Official Rulebook for more.

NO-SHOWS

If a team does not show up for their game and the game is unable to be rescheduled, the tournament directory will contact Little League (All-Stars) or the D52 DA (Superbowl) about a forfeit. 

EJECTIONS AND REMOVAL FROM PLAY

Ejections of managers, coaches and players are permitted as outlined in Rule 9.01. The umpires will manage warnings and/or ejections due to on-field behavior during the game.

When a manager, coach, or player is ejected, that individual shall leave the playing field and the host league's premises immediately. If a player is ejected and there is no parent or guardian in attendance, that player must remain in the dugout in the custody of their manager or coach.

Those ejected may not participate in or attend the team's next game.

All ejections must be reported to the Tournament Director and the District Administrator.

TOURNAMENT DRESS CODE

The following dress code for Manager and Coachers was approved by the NorCal DAs starting with the 2024 season. The dress code is officially in effect for all Northern California district, sectional and state tournaments.  D52 asks that Managers and Coaches follow the spirit of the rules, but will not be strictly enforcing this during district tournaments. It could be strictly enforced in sectionals and above.

1. Docker-type pants, slacks, hemmed shorts, or skorts are required for managers and coaches.

2. Denim pants/shorts/skorts, camo pants/shorts/skorts, leggings, or "basketball" shorts are not allowed.

3. The pants, slacks, shorts or skorts must be the same or similar color for the manager and coaches.

4. Collared shirts or team jerseys/tee shirts are required. The manager and coach shirts must be the same style and same or similar color. No tank tops are allowed.

5. Intermediate/Junior/Senior League – Managers and coaches may wear full uniforms. If not in full uniform, the Little League dress code will apply.

6. No open toe shoes or sandals will be allowed.

7. Team baseball hats or visors are required for the manager and coaches.

Any manager or coach who does not conform to the dress code may not be allowed onvthe field and must be in compliance with the dress code by the next game.

The purpose of the dress code is to ensure an acceptable uniform appearance of all participants and to promote a positive role model for the players and spectators at the tournament sites. The host District Administrator, or his/her designee (e.g., ADA or Tournament Director) at the tournament site, will use their discretion in determining what is appropriate within the guidelines of the dress code and their determination is final for their tournament site.

FIELD PREP

The District Administrator must approve all fields for tournament play, and must approve any deviations from these guidelines. Any fixed structures have been approved during the field selection process, so the following guidelines are specifically concerned with decisions leagues will be making when preparing the field for tournament play. 

Additional details on the field selection process can be found in the Little League Rule Book (Tournament Organization - Selection of Fields and Rule 1.04).

1. Field Sizes should match the above table.

2. Batter's Eye (Recommended): Twenty-four (24) feet wide minimum at center field.  There should be no items (e.g., sponsor banners, signs, bunting) with large white areas in the batter's eye area.

3. Pitcher's Mound: If you have a dirt mound, it has likely taken a beating during the regular season. Please make sure the mound height is correct before the tournament begins.

4. Foul Lines: The Foul Lines shall be drawn from the top edge of each Batter’s Box, along the outside edge of both first and third base and extend to the outfield foul poles.  When drawing the Foul Lines, a string shall be attached from the back point of home plate, along the outer edge of the respective base and to the foul pole.  The outer edge of the chalk or paint line shall correspond directly with the string line.  No paint or chalk shall be located on the foul side of first or third base.

5. Batter's Boxes (46/60): The Batter's Boxes on the 46/60 field are rectangles six (6) feet long by three (3) feet wide.  The outside edge of the inside line of each Batter’s Box is located four (4) inches from the edge of home plate and centered on the middle of home plate so that three (3) feet of the Batter’s Box is in front of the middle of home plate and three (3) feet of the Batter's Box is behind the middle of home plate.  Both Batter's Boxes shall be square to the pitcher’s plate and parallel to each other.

6. Batter's Boxes (50/70 and above): The Batter's Boxes on the fields 50/70 and above are rectangles six (6) feet long by four (4) feet wide.  The outside edge of the inside line of each Batter’s Box is located six (6) inches from the edge of home plate and centered on the middle of home plate so that three (3) feet of the Batter’s Box is in front of the middle of home plate and three (3) feet of the Batter's Box is behind the middle of home plate.  Both Batter's Boxes shall be square to the pitcher’s plate and parallel to each other.

7. Catcher’s Box (46/60): The Catcher’s Box on the 46/60 is a trapezoid shaped area defined by extending each foul line behind home plate nine (9) feet from the back point of home plate and then connecting the extended lines with a line parallel to the front of home plate.

8. Catcher’s Box (50/70 and above): The Catcher’s Box on the field 50/70 and above is a rectangular box. Forty-three (43) inches wide by eight (8) deep from the point of plate to the end of the box.

9. First Base Runner's Lane: The First Base Runner's Lane shall be drawn beginning at the midpoint between home plate and first base and be located two (2) feet, six (6) inches off of the first base foul line and run parallel to the baseline in foul territory ending at the back edge (right field side) of first base. (Note: On fields 50/70 and larger, the lane should be 3’ 6” off the first base line.) This is NOT an optional marking.

10. Coach's Boxes: The Coach's Box on a Little League 60 foot diamond is an eight (8) foot by four (4) foot rectangle located six (6) feet from the first and third foul lines in foul territory.  The back edge of the Coach’s Box is aligned with and abeam to the back edge of the respective base.

TOURNAMENT LOCATIONS

Tournamnet locations are chosen by the D52 DA based on which leagues volunteered to run tournaments. Sectional tournaments rotate between the 4 districts in Section 3. State tournaments are rotated between sections. When our section hosts a State tournament, the 4 DAs vote on which district will host it.