COYBL
Last updated August 6, 2026
The rules on this page are COYBL's own summary. These are the sheets handed out at the tournament, hosted here so the links keep working.
Tournament play differs from league play in a few ways that cost teams games every year. Read this page before your first pool game.
Everything else follows OHSAA rules unless it is noted on this page.
Teams must be at their assigned field and ready to play 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in case the game before them finishes early. Failure to do so could result in a forfeit.
Both teams and the umpires agree on the official start time at the home plate meeting and record it. The home team is the official scorer and the official timekeeper.
The official start time must also be written at the bottom of the score card at the start of the game, and agreed upon by both head coaches and the home plate umpire.
Doug's standing advice: as the time limit approaches, both teams and the umpires should communicate so there are no surprises.
Who is home team
| Game type | Home team |
|---|---|
| Pool play | Coin flip between the two teams |
| Bracket play | Highest seed |
| Championship | Coin flip |
Every game card must have:
| Age | Run rule |
|---|---|
| 7U and 8U | 15 after 4 |
| 9U to 12U | 15 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5 |
| 13U and 14U | 15 after 4, 10 after 5, 8 after 6 |
| Age | Time limit | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 7U and 8U | 1 hour 15 minutes | No new inning starts after 1:15 |
| 9U to 12U | 1 hour 45 minutes | No new inning starts after 1:45 |
| 13U and up | 2 hours | No new inning starts after 2:00 |
These limits apply to all pool games and all bracket games except the semi-finals and the championship game.
WE DO NOT PLAY DROP DEAD. When the limit is reached, the inning already in progress is played out. No new inning starts.
Championship games have no time limit.
The game clock stops for an injury to a player on the field, and for any stoppage to sort out a rules interpretation.
Pool play: any game tied at the end of regulation innings or at the end of the time limit is recorded as a tie in the standings. No extra innings are played in the pool rounds.
Bracket play: every bracket game is played until there is a winner. If the game is tied at the end of regulation or at the time limit:
This applies to all bracket games, including the semi-finals.
The last two batters of record in the batting order from the previous inning are placed on the bases in order:
Tournaments and the COYBL league tournament use pitch counts, under the same USA Baseball Pitch Smart rules as the regular season. Outs recorded are no longer used.
Once a pitcher is removed from the mound in a game, he cannot return to pitch in that game.
Daily maximum: 9U and 10U = 75 · 11U and 12U = 85 · 13U and 14U = 95.
| Pitches in a day | Rest required |
|---|---|
| 1 to 20 | None |
| 21 to 35 | 1 calendar day |
| 36 to 50 | 2 calendar days |
| 51 to 65 | 3 calendar days |
| 66 or more | 4 calendar days |
Pitch counts are written on the game card for every pitcher, and each team enters them on the site so the pitcher eligibility tracker stays current.
If there is a rule interpretation issue, and not a judgment call, play stops, the game clock stops, and the UIC and tournament director are contacted to make a ruling.
If an umpire deviates from the posted rules, do not wait until the game is over and complain. Get it taken care of at that time.
The protest fee is $200, paid in cash, before the protest will be heard.
Umpires have the UIC number.
Doug Hare: 614-778-1391
These are current COYBL rules and they still apply at tournaments:
Weather updates and other tournament announcements come by text or call from (833) 491-4721. This number is used for tournaments only.
That number cannot receive texts or calls back. Replies and callbacks sent to it do not reach anyone at the league. Use your age group director for anything you need answered.