Pool games begin on day 1 at 8:00 a.m. All teams must be available to play at this time.

• Pool games: 14U/16U/18U 80 min finish the batter - the final batter of a game can not be the result of a walk.

• Bracket games will be 7 innings, or 80 min finish the inning.

• ITB in bracket if the game is tied at the end of 7 innings or 80 min.

1. Team/Coach Check-in: Each team must have one coach or representative check-in at the registration tent at the designated area prior to their first game of the showcase/tournament.

2. Team Insurance: All teams must upload a current copy of their team insurance 14 days prior to the start of the event.

3. Turf Fields: METAL CLEATS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON TURF FIELDS! Players must wear plastic cleats, turf shoes or tennis shoes.

***NO SUNFLOWER SEEDS are allowed on turf fields. Those who do not abide will be subject to dismissal, as they compromise the integrity of the fields.***

4. College Coaches Designated Areas: No Players, Parents or Spectators will be allowed in the "College Coaches Only” designated areas. This also includes the Observation towers, Hospitality area (Administration Building) and Umpires tent.

5. Pitching Mounds: The pitching mounds are set at 43 Feet for 14u/16u/18u. Set 40 Feet 12u. Set 35 Feet 10U.

6. Age Restrictions: SUMMER SHOWCASES: See the 2025 DC Elite Softball Age Chart above on this page.

FALL SHOWCASES: See the 2026 DC Elite Softball Age Chart above on this page.

7. Playing Rules: Team may bat up to their entire roster for the entirety of the event and may use unlimited defensive substitution during the showcase portion. The batting order will not change unless you are subbing in a player. If you change the batting order, please inform the opposing team’s manager. Any player can courtesy run for any player in pool play, but in bracket play, courtesy runner is for pitcher/catcher only and must be an unused sub that has not entered the game or the last completed at bat.

8. Walks and HBP: Any batter that walks or is HBP during pool play has the option of staying in the box and assuming a 3-2 count. If opting to stay, the batter must take the result of the at bat. In bracket play, the batter must proceed to 1st base.

9. Protests: All teams must have their roster uploaded to their team page 48 hours prior to their first game. If a team DOES NOT and a team protests a player(s) in the bracket play, the team will have to forfeit the game. If the tournament director deems the player is eligible but the error is of a clerical nature the protest will not result in a forfeit and the protest fee will be returned.

10. Rosters: DC Elite Softball age restrictions are for the 2025 season run from Sept 1st, 2024 - Aug 31st, 2025. (example: if a player is 12 on August 31st they can still play 12U, if they are 13 on August 31st they must move up to play 14U) Please see the 2025 DC Elite Softball Age Chart above on this page.

All teams must have their roster uploaded to their team page 48 (forty-eight) hours prior to their first game. If a team DOES NOT and a team protests a player(s) in the bracket play, the team will have to forfeit the game. If the tournament director deems the player is eligible but the error is of a clerical nature the protest will not result in a forfeit and the protest fee will be returned.

Players may only play on one roster during the event. Ineligible players will be removed at the time of discovery and suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The head coach will be removed from the game, suspended a minimum of one additional game and UP TO one year at the discretion of DC Elite Softball. Any roster protests must be accompanied by a $125.00 fee, be made at the plate by the opposing team’s manager only and presented before the final out has been recorded. DC Elite Softball will provide due diligence in regard to the player’s eligibility and return the fee in the event of a successful protest.

11. Run Rules: 12 after 3, 10 after 4, and 8 after 5.

12. TIE BREAKERS: Tie breakers are progressive. First overtime inning, last recorded out at 2nd base. Second overtime inning last recorded out at 2nd base, then preceding base runner at 3rd base. Third and all other over time innings bases are loaded until we have a winner last recorded out at 1st base and 2 preceding runners on 2nd base and 3rd base.

13. Coin Flip: Coin flip will be held before the game to determine the home team. The Official Scorekeeper will be designated by the home team.

14. The use of the Gold Ghost bat is prohibited.

15. Pitchers are allowed to use the step back rule and the start back rule.

For each athlete’s optimal chance to be recruited, please fill out your player's profile sheets by the deadline date at the link below. This information is emailed ahead of time as well as given to all the college coaches upon their arrival. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOLLOWING THE DEADLINE.

Game balls will be provided by the tournament director. THREE (3) game balls are to be turned into the umpires on each field following the completion of each game.

DC Elite Productions, LLC will provide game balls that meet the specifications required by NFHS.

Teams are expected to have their players retrieve foul balls and return them to the umpires at the field they are playing on during each game. This will keep the flow of the game moving and ensure everyone is playing with a quality game ball.

Home run balls may be kept. However, the team must throw in a ball for replacement purposes.

Along with the DC Elite Softball’s internal communication system in EventConnect, we may also use social media and/or a dedicated weather line.

In the event of weather contingencies of uncontrollable circumstances or interruptions due to weather, the tournament director/DCEP ownership reserves the right to alter the tournament format in any way necessary to reach its conclusion. This can include, but may not be limited to, shortened game times, fewer games guaranteed, or playing rule changes. Games interrupted might not be resumed. Everything possible will be done to get the players on the field as soon as possible. It is ultimately the responsibility of the team managers and coaches to verify their schedule daily to make sure that no changes have been made. Refunds will be at the discretion of the DCEP ownership.

Weather protocols are to be determined by each individual park and are strictly followed. Lightning strike/ inclement weather/safety threats are at the discretion of each park, TD/Site Director/UIC and athletic trainer. We will work together to make the best decision for all. We will communicate through an internal system we may also use social media and/or a dedicated weather line.

Certified athletic trainers and/or medical personnel trained in CPR/first aid may be available at all locations for minor medical injuries. Please notify our staff or someone to contact appropriate personnel. For all serious injuries out of scope, 911 will be called at the discretion of DCEP staff. In the event that there is not a trainer or medical staff on site at the event, 911 should be called immediately.

We will be adhering to safe practices as per state mandates. We ask that you adhere to these standards and safety as well for the health and well-being of all.​

DC Elite Productions is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury, including but not limited to any property damage or bodily harm, to any person in attendance at any DC Elite Productions event. While DC Elite Productions has taken every precaution to ensure the safety of the event facilities and the production of the sport, all persons, including but not limited to participants, volunteers, coaches, workers, and spectators, are hereby advised and put on notice that (1) softball is a sport with the potential for injury, (2) events are frequently held on areas of natural and potentially uneven ground and with uneven seating, (3) the occurrence of moving or flying objects (softballs, bats, golf carts, vehicles, equipment) is inevitable and can be dangerous, (4) Weather threats including but not limited to lightning may occur or other Acts Of God. Attendance at any DC Elite Productions event is at your own risk. All persons in attendance at a DC Elite Productions event should use caution and diligence to keep themselves and their property safe, be attentive to their surroundings, and avoid engaging in any activity outside of one’s reasonable physical capability. All individuals shall assume all risks and liabilities associated with attendance at any DC Elite Productions event. All individuals shall waive, release, and hold harmless DC Elite Productions from all liability relating to any loss, property damage, or bodily injury that may occur at a DC Elite Productions event, by virtue of their attendance at the DC Elite Productions event. Adults are responsible for any minors in their care at any event. The attendance or participation of any minor at any DC Elite Productions event shall necessarily imply agreement to these terms, release of liability, and assumption of risk, by the parent or legal guardian of the minor child.

I. Purpose

DC Elite Productions is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants, staff, and volunteers. This policy outlines our stance against sexual assault and provides clear procedures for reporting and responding to incidents. It is applicable to all forms of sexual assault, including those involving minors.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, participants, and visitors of DC Elite Productions, including but not limited to staff, coaches, athletes, and their families.

III. Definitions

1. Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual act or behavior, including but not limited to rape, attempted rape, molestation, sexual harassment, and any form of sexual contact or communication that is unwanted and inappropriate.

2. Minor: Any individual under the age of 18.

IV. Policy

1. Zero Tolerance: DC Elite Productions has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault. Any form of sexual assault is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate action, including but not limited to termination and legal prosecution.

2. Mandatory Reporting: All incidents or suspicions of sexual assault must be reported to the appropriate legal and police authorities immediately. Failure to report may result in disciplinary action, including termination.

V. Procedures

1. Prevention and Training

   • Training: All staff and volunteers must undergo mandatory training on recognizing, preventing, and reporting sexual assault.

   • Code of Conduct: All staff, volunteers, and participants must adhere to a strict code of conduct that promotes respectful and appropriate behavior.

2. Reporting

   • Immediate Action: Any employee, volunteer, participant, or visitor who becomes aware of or suspects sexual assault must report it immediately to the designated Safeguarding Officer.

   • Confidentiality: Reports should be handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy of all parties involved.

   • Contact Information:

     • Safeguarding Officer: Lauren Leach, Vice President

     • Local Police Department: Per location

     • Child Protective Services: Per location

3. Response

   • Initial Response: The Safeguarding Officer will take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the victim and secure the area if necessary.

   • Investigation: An internal investigation will be conducted in coordination with legal and law enforcement authorities. All relevant parties will be interviewed, and evidence will be collected.

   • Support Services: The victim will be provided with appropriate support services, including medical care, counseling, and legal assistance.

   • Disciplinary Action: Based on the findings of the investigation, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the perpetrator, which may include suspension, termination, and legal action.

4. Documentation and Follow-Up

   • Record Keeping: All reports, investigations, and actions taken will be thoroughly documented and stored securely.

   • Follow-Up: The Safeguarding Officer will follow up with the victim to ensure they receive ongoing support and to assess any further needs.

VI. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements.

VII. Contact Information

For questions or concerns about this policy, please contact:

• Safeguarding Officer

  • Name: Lauren Leach, APRN, MSN

  • Title: Vice President

  • Contact Information: lleach@dceliteproductions.com