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Insurance verification - All teams must submit proof of insurance for each team participating in this tournament. This is the responsibility of the head coach or team manager. No team will play without proof of insurance.

Each team is required to stay at a Buckeye Elite Sponsoring Hotel. The hotels can be found under "Elite Hotels" on the Buckeye Elite website or by clicking this link: Buckeye Elite Hotels. Each team must be registered and confirmed at a sponsoring hotel and rooms picked up as a prerequisite to play in the tournament. Local teams are not required to stay when playing in the tournament.

Please contact hotel coordinator at 2016BuckeyeElitehousing@gmail.com or (740) 618-8000 for assistance with hotel reservations if you have problems booking a hotel.

Right to modify and amend - Buckeye Elite retains exclusive right to modify and/or amend these Rules and Regulations for Buckeye Elite Tournament. Each team is required to review the Rules and Regulations prior and during this tournament.

Team Name Change - The Buckeye Elite Will NOT change a teams name on the web site unless these following things happen. First: the head coach must reregister the team's new name on the application page of the Buckeye Elite web site. Second: we will need to receive a letter ( US POSTMASTER POST MARKED ) requesting the change with the new signed application. We will not change a teams name from a fax or e-mail. If this is not done within 20 days of the tournament all mailings, tournament information, and T-shirts will reflect the original name that was posted by the teams manager or coach. There are NO exceptions!

Acknowledgement of rules and policies - Your electronic signature on your applications acknowledges that you have reviewed and accepted The Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament Inc. Rules and Policies as posted on the website.

Rules and Tournament Schedule. - In the event there are any changes and/or modifications to the Rules and/or Schedule, said changes/modifications will be posted on the website (Buckeyeelite.com) and it is the responsibility of all coaches to regularly check for any changes and/or modifications.

Change in tournament format - Due to any last minute changes in teams, weather or any other reasons, the Buckeye Elite Tournament Directors reserves the right to modify the format of this event. Any changes of the format will be posted as soon as possible on-line, announced to the teams during the tournament.

Outside food and beverage - No outside food and/or beverage is permitted within the ball park Please request that your fans comply with this rule.

NOTE - If a facility does not have concessions, then you may bring in outside food and/or beverages. Please check with the facility.

NO ALCOHOL PERMITTED in the parking lots or fields at any time!

Field Use: If you have a team in the Central Ohio area that has access to a local high school or college field and would like to participate in the Buckeye Elite Tournament for free, you may donate your field, free of charge, to the Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament for use during the tournament. If you would like to do so, just sign and mail in your application indicating your wish to donate your field and your tournament fee will be waived.

Teams that do not meet deadlines for required Hotel information, Rosters, Insurance forms will not be eligible to participate in the Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament! Teams that are removed from the tournament, because of their inability to meet the set deadlines will not receive a refund of their fee's. The deadlines are as follows:
Insurance forms dealine: June 15th
Roster forms deadline: June 10th

The Buckeye Elite tournament directors will make every possible effort to have all scheduled games played during the tournament. Due to inclement weather, we reserve the right to change the format of the tournament

Refund Policy: -Withdrawal more than 45 days prior to the tournament- In all cases, a team must provide written notice to Buckeye Elite about their intent to withdraw from the tournament. If this notice is received at least 46 days prior to the tournament, Buckeye Elite will refund the entry fee less a One hundred and Fifty Dollars ($ 150.00) administrative fee. Withdrawal less than 45 days prior to the tournament - There are NO refunds for any withdrawal within forty five (45) days of the Buckeye Elite Tournament.

Deposit Policy The Buckeye Elite will take a deposit to hold a spot for your team until April 30th. You must complete and sign the tournament application then mail the application with your $200.00 deposit. We will place your team on the confirmed list once signed application and deposit is received. The Buckeye Elite will hold your teams spot open until May 1st if total fee's are not received by this date we will open your spot to other teams. Your team will forfeit the whole deposit once your team is removed from conformed list.

The Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament Inc and it's agents and affiliates are not responsible for any information collected through the Buckeye Elite website.

Pool play standings will be decided by head to head play and then by runs allowed. Once all pool play games are completed, the 1st place team will play in the Platinum bracket, the 2nd place team will play in the Gold bracket, the 3rd place team will play in the Silver bracket and the 4th place team will play in the Bronze bracket. Once bracket play begins, it's a "win or go home" format.

By participating in the Buckeye Elite Showcase and/or Tournament, each organization agrees to the following:

("I" or "me" representative of entire organization including, coaches, players, parent and spectators associated with organization) in favor of Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio and its officers and agents (collectively, the "Organization").

I understand that the Activities may include, but are not limited to, participating in Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament games, as well as play-related travel and overnight travel trips.

In exchange for being allowed to participate in the Activities and for other goods, services and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I acknowledge, I hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress execute this Release and agree to the following terms:

1. Assumption of Risk. I am aware and understand that the Activities may be inherently dangerous and may expose our organization to a variety of foreseen and unforeseen hazards and risks. I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in the Activities and have considered those risks. I hereby expressly and specifically assume such risks, including any and all risk of injury, harm, or loss that I may incur as a result of my participation in the Activities.

2. Medical Treatment. I hereby give consent and authority to the Organization to obtain medical treatment on my behalf if I am injured or require medical attention during my participation in the Activities. I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for all costs related to such medical treatment, medical transportation, and/or evacuation. I hereby release, forever discharge, and hold harmless the Organization from any claim whatsoever in connection with such treatment or other medical services.

3. Release and Waiver. I hereby fully and forever release and discharge the Organization from, and expressly waive, any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity that may arise from my participation in the Activities. I covenant not to make or bring any such claim or demand against the Organization, and fully and forever release and discharge the Organization from liability under such claims or demands.

4. COVID-19 Pandemic. The Organization has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the Organization cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, participating in the Organization's activities, including the Buckeye Elite Showcase and Tournament, could increase your risk and your child(ren)'s risk of contracting COVID-19. By participating in these events, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that my child(ren) and I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in the Organization's activities, including the Buckeye Elite Showcase and Tournament, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, the Organization's volunteers, owners, players, and other program participants and their families. I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to my child(ren) or myself (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I or my child(ren) may experience or incur in connection with my child(ren)'s participation in the Organization's activities, including the Buckeye Elite Showcase and Tournament Activities (“Claims”). On my behalf, and on behalf of my children, I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless the Organization, its owners, agents, and representatives, of and from the Claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. I understand and agree that this release includes any Claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of the Organization, its owners, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any Organization program.

5. I understand that this release discharges the organization from any liability or claim that I may have against the Organization with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, property damage, or property loss that may result from the activities, whether caused by negligence of the organization or otherwise.

6. Indemnification. I hereby agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Organization from any and all liability, losses, damages, judgments, or expenses, including attorneys' fees, that it may incur or sustain as a result of my negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct in connection with my participation in the Activities, arising out of any third-party claim.

7. Photographic Release. I understand and agree that during the Activities, I may be photographed and/or videotaped by the Organization for internal and/or promotional use. I hereby grant and convey to the Organization all right, title, and interest, including but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits, in any and all such photographs or recordings, and consent to the Organization's use of my name, image, likeness, and voice in perpetuity, in any medium or format, for any publicity without further compensation or permission.

8. Miscellaneous. I hereby agree that this Release represents the full understanding between the Organization and me and supersedes all other prior agreements, understandings, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, between us, with respect to the subject matter hereof. If any term or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that term or provision shall be deemed modified so as to be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted. The invalidity of any such term or provision shall not otherwise affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions. This Release is binding on and inures to the benefit of the Organization and me and our respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. Section headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not define, modify, expand, or limit any of the terms of this Release.

9. Governing Law. I hereby agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without reference to any choice of law doctrine. By participating in the Buckeye Elite Showcase and/or Tournament, I acknowledge that I have read and understood all of the terms of this release and that I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Organization.

Tryout Dates: Posted on the Buckeye Elite website just send your organizations tryout link to Dutielbaseball@aol.com we will attach it to our site link within a couple days. If you have questions please attach it to the email.

FLYING OBJECTS: As with all other sporting events, all participants, spectators, coaches, players, volunteers and all others assume full personal risk of harm or death from flying objects. It's everyone's responsibility to be aware at all times of the danger of flying objects (bats, balls or any other projectile objects). This remains in affect for the entirety of the Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament INC. If you choose to participate in any form in the Buckeye Elite Showcase tournament, you have waived all legal rights towards action or claims against The Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament Inc. its officers, staff or volunteers if injured during the tournament by a flying object.

Hotel Cancellation: Teams on waiting list are responsible for canceling rooms 7 days from start date of tournament. This is to avoid hotel charging to your account for rooms not used. If rooms are not canceled in this time frame The Buckeye Elite can not be held responsible for cost.

For Olentangy Liberty, Olentangy Berlin (pitching mound), Watterson, Union County Sports Complex, Grove City, Mount Vernon Nazarene, Veterans Memorial Stadium, Bill Davis Stadium, Beaver Stadium and St. Charles fields there will be no metal cleats allowed since the fields are turf, all players and coaches must wear either molded cleats or turf shoes

By submitting the electronic tournament application, you are accepting and agreeing to abide by all rules and policies, created by the tournament directors, which are listed on this form. Your electronic signature will be applied to your application upon submission of your form on The Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament website.

The Buckeye Elite Tournament may remove an organization from future events. If your team or organization has a history of verbal and/or physical abuse toward umpires, players, fans, coaches, high school volunteers or tournament employees or a history of players, fans or coaches being ejected from games on a regular basis, your team or organization will not be invited to play in our tournament. The final decision will be up to the tournament directors. All decisions are final. No exceptions. No appeals. No refunds.

Teams must try to be at the field 45 minutes prior to the start of their game. If the previous game ends early, the next game will begin 15 minutes early.

Home team will be determined by coin flip only during the Pool Play games. During the Championship and/or Elimination Rounds, the "home" team will always be the higher seed. If both teams are the same seed, then a coin flip will take place. If the teams have previously played, a "head-to-head" tie-breaker will be used to determine the "home team”. The umpires do not need to be present for the coin flip.

Games suspended by rain will be handled by the umpire.

Emergency contact number - Each team must have, at least, one (1) emergency contact number where they can be easily reached during the tournament.

Tie game after two hour time limit (Shoot- Out Rule): After the two hour time limit, if the teams are tied, a “Shoot Out will occur. The visiting team will place the player who made the last out on second base. Each batter will begin with a pitch count of 3 balls and 2 strikes. Both teams will bat until a winner is determined. At that point, the game is completed. Treat this like extra innings in a game. The home team cannot run up the score once they advance. There are no ties. A winner must be determined at the end of the inning and game! "Note if an inning starts before the 2 hour time limit ends, that inning must be completed before "the shoot-out".

Exception: there is no time limit on championship and semifinal games.

All Teams will play 3 pool play games. These teams may or may not be in your pool. Your team's win / loss record will determine the championship pool division in which you play.

The tournament will follow the 'Ohio High School Rules' with exceptions list in Buckeye Elite tournament rules.

Exception: A two (2) hour time limit will be in effect. If an inning starts and the home team is behind, the inning will be completed.

There is a 2 hour or 7 inning limit which starts on the delivery of first pitch. If after 7 innings the game is tied and it's still under the 2 hour time limit, teams may play up to 9 total innings to break the tie. If the game is still tied at the 2 hour time limit or the end of 9 innings, the teams would play a shootout to decide the game. Exception: there is no time limit on championship and semifinal games.

Exception Run Rule: The Run Rule is as follows: 15 runs after 3 innings, 12 runs after 4 innings, and 8 runs after 5 innings. These parameters are in place and active in all games throughout the Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament.

Exception: DH and EH may be used. However, if you choose to use an EH, you must have 10 players bat the entire game. If you lose a player and only have 9 players left in the batting order, the 10th batter will be an out or you may replace that player with another player that has not yet played in the game.

Exception: Game Speed up Rule - A runner may be used for the pitcher and catcher upon reaching base (mandatory with 2 outs). This player must be someone not in the game or the team's last batted out.

Each team will be required to check the website daily for updates on standings during the tournament. On Friday, after 8:00 PM, each team will be required to check website for Saturday's championship bracket schedule.

Legion teams only will be allowed to play one player over the age 19. No player at this age will be allowed to pitch.

Keep the games moving, on deck batters must retrieve all balls at backstop.

In the event of rain or other matters beyond the control of the Tournament Director, the Tournament Director reserves the right to change the tournament format as he sees fit in order to complete the tournament in the scheduled time period.

Baseballs - All teams must provide two (2) new baseballs to the home plate umpire prior to the start of the game. The baseballs should be of high school baseball quality. Each team must provide used baseballs as needed during the course of the game. Coaches, please see that each team retrieves foul balls on their respective sides.

No pre game warm up is allowed on the in field.

Physical confrontation - This tournament has "zero tolerance" for any physical confrontations by players, coaches, fans or anyone else. Upon the first violation, the violating party shall be removed from the facility and the tournament. Once again, absolutely no physical confrontations will be tolerated.

Team using an illegal bat at home plate will receive an out

Teams may not share players. A shared player will result in an out for each at bat. Additionally, if this happens more than once, both the player and the teams will be removed from the tournament

Score Verification during Game - It is the responsibility of the home team to maintain the score book. At the end of each inning, the home team is required to provide the score to the umpire. Any score disputes should be resolved at this time. Once the next inning starts, the score for the previous inning is final.

All teams need to be prepared to play Thursday morning

Pool Play will be completed by Friday night, weather permitting. All teams will advance to championship play depending on pool positions. Check tie breaking rules in the event of a tie in pool play. Note all teams are required to check the web site after 8:00 on Friday to locate their game schedule for Saturday. The higher seeded team will be home team during championship games.

In the event of a tie in pool play to determine a pool winner or wild card team, (1st) tie-breaker is head to head, (2nd) lowest runs allowed, (3rd) Run differential, (4th) Flip of a coin. In the case of a three-way tie, head to head will be eliminated.

No Jewelry - Exception Phiten Necklaces

BBCORE Bats THIS APPLIES TO 14U DIVISION ONLY: We understand that Ohio High School rules require teams to use BBCORE -3 bats. We also understand that many summer leagues/tournaments allow 14U teams to use BBCORE -5 bats during the summer. If both teams can agree before the game, with the umpire as a witness, the use of BBCORE -5 bats will be acceptable for that game. If the teams cannot BOTH agree before the game, BBCORE -3 bats must be used. This is only for the 14U division.

Pinch Runner - A runner can be used for the pitcher and catcher upon reaching base (mandatory with 2 outs). This player must be someone not in the game or the team's last batted out.

All decisions made by the umpire are final. Any player, coach or fan who verbally abuses an umpire will be ejected from that game and the next game. A second ejection of a player, coach or fan means removal from the tournament! If a coach, player or fan physically assaults an umpire, the team and its fans will be removed from the tournament and the local authorities will be contacted to file charges. Team forfeiture: in the event an ejection is made and the ejected party refuses to leave the playing facility, the Tournament Director, at his sole discretion, may elect to declare a forfeiture of the game and/or tournament. The tournament director shall have final decision on all tournament ejections.

Coaches must wear tennis shoes or cleats on field. (No Sandals) Coaches must also wear team shirt with logo or team jersey.

* For Olentangy Liberty, Mount Vernon Nazarene, Bill Davis Stadium, Berlin, Union County fields and St. Charles fields there will be no metal cleats allowed since the fields are turf, all players and coaches must wear either molded cleats or turf shoes

Final Score Verification: A tournament site manual will be located inside the concession stand. In the absence of a concession stand, it will be inside one of the dugouts or inside the information tent at the site. At the end of each game both teams are required to record their score in the site manual and sign it. After scores are posted on the website, teams have up to four hours to dispute the posted score. After four hours the posted score is final.

All forfeits result in a 7 to 0 victory in the score book.