GMB Rules

2024 GMB Rules

Team Registration

  • All Teams must be GMB sanctioned to be eligible to participate in our 2024 GMB Tournaments
  • GMB Sanctioning Fees Are Non Refundable
  • All Teams must submit their team roster online prior to weekend tournament play
  • All GMB Tournaments will follow the Major League Baseball Rulebook (except as noted)
  • All Refunds Take 8 to 10 Weeks To Process

Tournament Check-in

  • Please check-in 45 minutes prior to your first game – your team should be ready to play 30 minutes prior to scheduled game time
  • A GMB Representative will be at each ball park to facilitate team checkin
  • Tournament Brackets will be posted at all weekend tournament locations
  • Official brackets and game times are posted on our website 

GMB Must Have a Copy of the Following Items Before Play Starts

  1. Online copy of your GMB Tournament Roster with Parent Liability Approvals
  2. Rosters / Waivers can be loaded at www.playgmb.com
  3. Secondary Team Insurance Certificate
  4. Birth Certificates for each player if challenged by opposing team – GMB only collects these if a player is challenged by Official Protest
  • Teams will absolutely not play without the above noted check in item
  • Some facilities may charge gate/parking fees – GMB reserves the right to charge daily gate fees at any park
  • Any Tournament Fees That Are Paid Less Than One Week Prior To Start Date Will Be Assessed a $100.00 Late Charge Fee and Promotional Discounts Do Not Apply

GMB Tournament Withdrawal Policy

  • GMB will provide a full refund minus a $300 withdrawal fee for any team withdrawing from tournaments up to 60 days prior to scheduled start of the event
  • Tournament Withdrawals Inside of 60 Days From Tournament Start Date Forfeit All Tournament Fees
  • GMB Does, If Needed Mix Ages/Divisions To Form Brackets – Tournaments Are 4 Teams
  • No Withdrawal Refunds Are Eligible for the GMB World Series Events, GMB National Events (The Nationals & Music City Nationals) and GMB All Star Events

Rainout Policy

  • 0 games played= full refund minus $100 of tournament fees
  • 1 game played= 50% refund
  • 2 Games Played = No Refund.
  • All Refunds (Withdrawal and Rainout) Take 8 to 10 Weeks To Process
  • In The Event of Rain and Cancellations, Trophies and Plaques Are Awarded Based On Seeding and Only If Championship Game Teams Have Been Established
  • Awards Are Only Awarded at Park

The Following GMB Rules Apply, All Other Rules Follow Major League Baseball

  • In pool play, a coin flip will determine the home team – teams that forfeit pool play games, regardless of reason, do not advance to bracket play
  • The coin flip will be conducted by the umpiring crew at ground rules 
  • During the bracket play, the higher seeded team will be the home team in all games
  • Pitchers must be removed after 2nd Mound Visit During Same Inning To Same Pitcher – GMB Does Not Follow MLB Total Mound Visit Rule
  • Inclement weather could force GMB to modify tournament game times and/or facilities on any given weekend
  • Four baseballs per game provided – each team should provide two slightly used ball at ground rules – all teams should chase foul balls or provide replacement baseballs
  • Both teams should keep score books and should report the game score to the home plate umpire between innings. Umpires will maintain  game card for all games.
  • Home team will maintain official game book and start time.  Game start time will be announced immediately after ground rules and confirmed with Home Team.

Coaches Have The Following Lineup Batting Options

  1. Bat the Roster and be allowed free defensive substitutions
  2. Play 9 Bat 9 or Play 9 Bat 10 with Free Defensive Rotations with these 9/10 Players
  3. Play 9 with DH for any Defensive Player Position

  • Starters  in Options 2 and 3 may re-enter one time in their ORIGINAL batting position. Substitutes removed from a game are ineligible to return. Teams should report all substitutions to the home plate umpire and opposing score keeper.
  • If At Anytime A Player Does Not Make His Turn At Bat Due To Injury, Sickness and No Sub Is Available, That Turn At Bat is Recorded As An Out. Opposing Coach May Waive This Rule If Approached Prior To That At Bat
  • Teams May Play A Game With 7 Players – The 8th and 9th Batters In The Order Would Be Recorded As An Out With Each Flip Of The Lineup
  • Courtesy Runner at anytime for Pitcher and Catcher. Runner must be last out if batting roster and sub if batting 9 or 10 or last batted out if batting roster. Courtesy Runner can only run once per inning and only for pitcher or catcher.

Game Procedures – Pool and Championship Play

  • Pool games will end in ties after allotted time has expired or full innings have been completed
  • If elimination games are tied after time expires, GMB Tie-Breaker Rules Are Played – Each team will start with the previous innings last batted on 2nd base with one out
  • The following Pool Play Tie Breakers will be used for seeding in the championship rounds
    1. Head to Head Play
      (If Only Two Teams With Same Record)
    2. Total Runs Allowed
      (Used When More Than 2 Teams Have Same Record)
      (There Is No Head To Head At This Point)
    3. Total Runs Scored
    4. Coin Flip – Done Virtually With The GMB Scoring System.
  • ½ Point Rule Established For Ties In Pool Play Games
  • All Forfeits, All Ages Will Be Recorded As 6 – 0 – Any Team That Forfeits A Pool Game Is Not Eligible For Bracket Play
  • Team Managers are required to verify Game Scores and Game Cards of all games immediately following completion of game. Signed game cards are the official scoring for each game played. Failure to sign Completed Game Card assumes acceptance @ 10 minutes after completion of game.

9U Pitch Rules

  • Dropped 3rd Strike Rule Does Not Apply
  • No Stealing Or Advancing To Home On Past Ball By Catcher
  • 3rd Base Runner Can Advance To Home If Play Is Made At Any Base
  • 5 Runs / Inning – Unlimited In 6th Inning Only

7U and 8U Machine

  • Max 5 Runs / Inning / Innings 1 thru 5
  • Max 10 Runs / 6th Inning
  • 1:10 Game Times Finish The Inning
  • 5 Pitches max to each batter unless umpire deems pitch as not hittable – 3 strikes and out
  • No stealing and no lead offs until ball is hit by batter into play – the runner can leave the base once the ball is hit by the batter
  • Runners can advance on live ball until one infielder has control of baseball inside of dirt infield area within the playing field. Runners Awarded Closet Base On Umpires Judgment
  • Pitchers must start to side of machine  or coach and prior to pitch
  • 9 or 10 Fielders Including Pitcher – Teams Have The Option To Play 4 Outfielders
  • Batted balls that hit machine are ruled as a dead ball with each runner, including batter, advancing one base
  • No Dropped 3rd Strike / No Infield Fly Rule / No Bunting Allowed
  • Bases 60 ft – Mound 40 ft / 6 Inning Game / 1 Hour 10 Minute Time Limit
  • Innings Will Still Be Played If Time Allows  Even If One Team Can Not Match Runs Allowed
  • Run Rule – 20 After 4 Innings / 15 After 5 Innings

7U and 8U Coach Pitch

  • Max 5 Runs/Inning – 6th Inning Unlimited
  • 5 Pitches max to each batter unless umpire deems 6th pitch as not hittable
  • 3 Strikes and Out
  • No stealing and no lead offs until ball is hit by batter into play – the runner can leave the base once the ball is hit by the batter
  • Runners can advance on live ball until one infielder has control of baseball inside of dirt infield area within the playing field. Runners Awarded Closet Base On Umpires Judgment
  • Pitchers must start to side of coach and prior to pitch
  • 7U and 8U Coach Pitch 9 or 10 Fielders – Coaches Choice
  • No Dropped 3rd Strike / No Infield Fly Rule / No Bunting Allowed
  • Bases 60 ft – Mound 40 ft / 6 Inning Game / 1 Hour 20 Minute Time Limit
  • Coach must maintain 1 foot inside pitchers circle (12 ft around rubber) and must leave field of play once ball is hit by batter
  • Innings Will Still Be Played If Time Allows  Even If One Team Can Not Match Runs Allowed
  • Run Rule – 20 After 4 Innings / 15 After 5 Innings
  • Wilson A1030 or Equivalent

8U Kid Pitch Rules

  • Maximum of 5 runs scored per inning – all innings
    Innings Will Still Be Played If Time Allows  Even If One Team Can Not Match Runs Allowed
  • No Stealing 3rd Base or Home – Stealing Only To 2nd Base (Can Advance Only On a Defensive Play)
  • No Dropped 3rd Strike / No Infield Fly Rule / No Bat Restrictions
  • Bases 60 ft – Mound 40 ft / 6 Inning Game / 1 Hour 30 Minute Time Limit

Balks and Intentional Walks

  • In  8U and  9U, one warning per pitcher will be given before a balk is called.
  • In 10U-18U all balks will be called. All balks will be called according to Major League Rules.
  • Intentional Walk’s Will Follow MLB Rules and Policies
  • GMB will not use a time clock to track time between pitches – this major league rule will not apply

Schedule Game Time Starts

  • All Teams Should Be Prepared To Start Games 30 Minutes Prior To Scheduled Start Time As This Allows GMB To Keep Pace With The Over All Scheduled Tournament

Mercy Game Run Rules

  • 20 After 1 Inning
  • 15 After 2 Innings
  • 12 After 3 Innings
  • 10 After 4 Innings
  • 8 After 5 Innings

Complete Game Rain Rules, All Games Complete After

  • All Games, All Ages – 2 ½ Innings If Home Team In Lead
    or
  • 1 Hour In Time Limit Played – Score Reverts To Previous Finished Inning
  • In the event rain and if games are incomplete – games will be started over if moved to the next day due to rain and weather
  • No new inning may start after the time limit has elapsed. A new inning automatically begins after the 3rd out is recorded in the bottom half of the previous inning.
  • The official game time starts after Ground Rules Are Completed – Umpires Will Confirm Official Game Start Time With Home Book ScoreKeeper
  • 1:30 Time Limit Games will have 1:45 Championship
  • 1:40 Time Limit Games will have 2 hour championships

GMB Pitch Limits and Recommendations

GMB Tournament Directors will not be involved in counting pitches or innings pitched during GMB Tournaments and Events.

The responsibility of managing pitch counts and innings rests with each team’s Head Coach.

GMB endorses the Pitch Smart program, developed by USA Baseball and Major League Baseball. This program is a series of practical, age appropriate guidelines to help parents, players and coaches avoid overuse.

Pitch Smart

“Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the coach, parent and the athlete to ensure that the player follows the guidelines for his age group over the course of a year”

Cleats

  • Metal cleats are allowed in the 13U-18U divisions – No metal cleats on portable mounds or Turf Fields.
  • No Metal Cleats, Gum or Seeds are to be used on Turf Fields or Turf – Portable Mounds – Zero Tolerance – Players Will Be Ejected For That Game if Caught Using Metal Cleats and/or Chewing Gum or Seeds on Turf Fields

Line-Up Cards

  • Each team should prepare a written line-up, listing first and last names and numbers of all players/subs prior to each game. Line-ups must be given to the plate umpire at ground rules. Line-up cards will be provided to each team at check-in.
  • Subs not listed on GMB Game Card are not eligible for that game

Slide Rules

  • GMB does not enforce a Mandatory Slide Rule at any base. If a player does not slide to avoid contact and if it is determined by an umpire that the play is ruled malicious with the intent to hurt, the player will be ruled out and ejected for the game in progress

Bat Restrictions

  • 13U & Under must be stamped USSSA 1.15 BPF Stamoed or USA Stamped or BBCOR or WOOD
  • 14U Must Use -5  1.15 Stamped Bats or USA Stamped – BBCOR Bats  Are Allowed
  • 15U and Above Must Use BBCOR or Wood Bats with -3 Drop Ratio
  • 14U Teams Must Use BBCOR  -3 when playing up at 14U/15U Mixed Brackets

Game and Roster Protest

  • Protests shall follow major league procedures on the field and stop play to file a protest
  • No protest of a judgment call or game outcome, and only an incorrect rule interpretation can be protested that impacts the natural course of the game. 
  • Umpire must sign both scorebooks and site the game situation. The manager then has 5 minutes to present his protest, citing the specific baseball or GMB rule to justify his protest to the Tournament Director along with submission of a $250  forfeit fee – cash.  If the manager does not file his protest within the 5 Minute time frame, the protest will be considered as dropped and no action will be taken by GMB or the GMB Site Director.
  • If the protest is won, the Protest Fee is returned. 
  • If the protest is lost, the fee will be forfeited.
  • Game clock does not stop during protest situations
  • 2022 GMB Online Rosters

    Your team was required to sanction when registering for your GMB 2023 Tournament(s).
    You will need to add your 2023 Players to our GMB Online Roster System and follow all roster instructions from that point. All player
    parents will need to complete the roster registration form and will need to agree to the liability waiver before you can
    complete and submit your 2023 GMB Roster.  Completed rosters are required in order to play and will be transparent on the GMB site. 

  • Each Team Should Maintain A 2023 GMB Roster – all 2023 GMB Team Rosters are Maintained Online. Teams must  first present a online copy of their team roster and hard copy player birth certificates prior to protesting a opponent’s roster.
  • Non rostered (online) players are considered ineligible. Any team using an ineligible player will be assessed a 6-0 forfeit for game in question when roster is protested and protest awarded.
  • GMB 2023 GMB Online Roster Protest must be made in game. Roster protest are not valid after completion of game.

Age Chart - PROOF OF AGE

GMB Does Not Collect Birth Certificates Prior To Tournament Events

  • It is the Managers responsibility to have his players birth certificates or accepted proof of age identification in the case of any question regarding the age of his players – failure to produce birth certificates and sanctioned GMB Roster will result in a forfeit if roster is protested by opposing team
  • At times and at certain parks, GMB will adjust base distances to adapt to park setups and field constraints
  • In rain shortened timed games, GMB does run hard stop time limits – game is stopped at designated game length (determined at ground rules), at that time score reverts to previous finished inning’s score. If you have entered the bottom half of an inning and the home team moves ahead in the game, that score will be recorded as official score
AgeBirth DateFieldGame TimeInningsMax Runs Per Inning
18UBorn On or After May 1st, 200560′-6″ x 90′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes7 InningsUnlimited
17UBorn On or After May 1st, 200660′-6″ x 90′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes7 InningsUnlimited
16UBorn On or After May 1st, 200760′-6″ x 90′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes7 InningsUnlimited
15UBorn On or After May 1st, 200860′-6″ x 90′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes7 InningsUnlimited
14UBorn On or After May 1st, 200960′-6″ x 90′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes7 InningsUnlimited
13UBorn On or After May 1st, 201054′ x 80′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes7 InningsUnlimited
12UBorn On or After May 1st, 201150′ x 70′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes6 InningsUnlimited
11UBorn On or After May 1st, 201250′ x 70′ 1 Hour 40 Minutes6 InningsUnlimited
10UBorn On or After May 1st, 201346′ x 65′ 1 Hour 30 Minutes6 InningsUnlimited
9UBorn On or After May 1st, 201446′ x 65′ 1 Hour 30 Minutes6 InningsSee Rules Section
8UBorn On or After May 1st, 201540′ x 60′ 1 Hour 10 Minutes6 InningsSee Rules Section
7UBorn On or After May 1st, 201640′ x 60′ 1 Hour 10 Minutes6 InningsSee Rules Section

** Time Limits For Nashville Area GMB Tournaments at 12U and Below are 1:30

GMB Grade Exception Rules

  • 9U Division – Players who turn 10 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 3rd grade. Also, any player turning 12 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 10U Division – Players who turn 11 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 4th grade. Also, any player turning 12 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 11U Division – Players who turn 12 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 5th grade. Also, any player turning 13 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 12U Division – Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 13U Division – Players who turn 14 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 7th grade. Also, any player turning 15 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 14U Division – Players who turn 15 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 8th grade. Also, any player turning 16 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 15U Division – Players who turn 16 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 9th grade. Also, any player turning 17 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 16U Division – Players who turn 17 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 10th grade. Also, any player turning 18 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 17U Division – Players who turn 18 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 11th grade. Also, any player turning 19 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
  • 18U Division – Players who turn 19 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 12th grade. Also, any player turning 20 prior to September 1st will not be eligible.
All grade level exception players must have a photocopy of their birth certificate and their current report card, or official school ID with grade, or an official government document stating their grade.

General GMB Roster Rules

All Teams Must Provide A Sanctioned GMB Roster Prior To Game Time and At Tournament Check In

Teams Should Keep A Copy Of Their GMB Roster and Be Prepared To Present During Game If Opposing Coach Questions A Player. Opposing Coach Should File Official Roster Protest With GMB Prior To Observing Roster. Game Clock Will Not Be Stopped During Protests Of Any Type

Failure To Produce A GMB Roster and Player Birth Certificates During Game, if protested, Will Result In Immediate Forfeit Of Game In Play

Players Can Be Added and Dropped From Teams Until 1st Pool Game of Tournament Weekend

A Player Can Not Reside on Two Different Rosters – Players Can Be Released and Added To Rosters At Coaches Discretion

A Player Can Not Play On Two Different Teams In Same Tournament Regardless Of Age

Teams That Win GMB Tournaments After 6/12/2023 Will Play Under A Frozen Roster Scenario. At That Time  Winning Roster  Players Are Frozen To That Winning Team. These Winning Teams May Still Add Players But Said Players  Are Ineligible For Other Teams

Teams Found Using Ineligible Players Will Immediately Forfeit The Game Being Protested. Score Will Result In 6-0 Loss

Rules of Conduct – Disruptive Behavior

  • GMB strives to provide a great baseball and family atmosphere for its tournament participants and guests.  No unsportsmanlike conduct by participants or fans will be tolerated, and penalty for such behavior will be removal from the grounds for the remainder of the tournament.
  • Coaches are responsible for themselves, their players, and families at all times.  Any suspension/ejection  imposed by umpires or GMB officials will be served during the game in progress and the next tournament game and/or  tournament weekend. Applies for Coaches and Parents. Players are eligible for next game. Ejected Coaches or Parents will need to be outside the park or near the foul line and foul poles during the game of which they are suspended.
  • Ejected coaches and players should leave playing field and report to Tournament Check In. At the time the Tournament Site Director will escort Player or Coach Outside the Park and Playing Area. Game clock continues during ejections and all time associated with the ejection. Failure to leave the field and park in a timely manner could result in a Game Forfeit. Forfeit would result in a 6 – 0 loss.
  • Game Umpires do not have the authority to call a game forfeit.
  • Max 3 Coaches and Score Keeper Allowed In Dugout – Head Coach, Two Assistants and Score Keeper
  • Defensive Coaches Are Not Allowed On Playing Field During Your Respective Teams Defensive 1/2 Inning – Defensive Coaches Should Remain In Dugout

GMB Park Rules

  • Please remove all items, including trash, from your dugout promptly at the completion of your game.  Tournament schedules are always tight, so we ask that you clear the dugout first before talking with your team after the game.
  • Food and beverages cannot to be brought into any ballparks.  Water coolers may be brought for your team’s consumption during your game, but we ask that all other items be left at home. Coolers must be placed in team dugout.
  • Failure to comply with park Food and Beverage rules may lead to games being forfeited.
  • Some parks at their discretion to charge gate fees and/or parking fees
  • No pets of any kind are allowed in any ballpark leased by GMB regardless of park rules.  Please help us insure the safety of our participants and the cleanliness of our facility by leaving your pets at home.
  • No Metal Spikes – No Seeds – No Gum @ Turf Facilities – Players and Coaches can be ejected for using these items

GMB Photo Policy

GMB may use film, voice or photographic records of GMB Tournament Participation in the activities for its promotional and/or commercial purposes. This includes (but is not limited to) social, media, and other means of marketing via photography, video, live stream, etc.