FAST PLASTIC INFO FOR TEAMS

OFFICIAL RULES
We strongly advise that each player on your team carefully review the Fast Plastic Rulebook. In addition, we recommend that you bring a printed copy of the rules to the tournament. FAST PLASTIC will NOT supply copies of the rulebook.

 

UNIFORMS
Team uniform standards will be strictly enforced.  Each player must wear a matching shirts, shorts, and hats for the '08 NCT.  Any player not abiding by the team uniform policy will be asked to leave the playing field.  This year's NCT could host as many as four documentary crews giving Fast Plastic the highest amount of media exposure in years.  Violations of the Uniform Rule will not be tolerated.

 

NO SMOKING

Smoking will be permitted in designated areas only. Absolutely no smoking permitted on the softball fields.

 

NO GLASS BOTTLES / CONTAINERS

All glass containers have been banned from the NCT.  DO NOT BRING BOTTLES INTO THE PARK.  All coolers will be checked prior to entering the NCT.

WIFFLEBALLS
Quality, like-new balls, are required. We will be on the look out for "mush" balls or anything that looks abnormal such as mis-shaped, disfigured, excessively dark or discolored balls.

Remember only "lightly scuffing or sanding" the ball is allowed --- You may not alter the "sphereness" or overall quality of the ball.  This means no biting, mashing, stepping on , pounding w/ a mallet or hammer, squishing, soldering, etc.

Any ball in question generally means it is illegal and will be removed from the game.  Do not bring these type balls to the NCT.

CLEATS
No cleats will be allowed. Cleats will destroy our equipment. Turf shoes are acceptable but NO CLEATS.  All players must wear soes.

KEEPING SCORE
Each team must keep a scorebook of each game and turn it in to the Tournament Director at the conclusion of their game. Scoresheets and pencils will be provided.

PITCHERS
Keep a good supply of game balls ready to go. The tournament will rely upon your cooperation and time efficiency. We will be strictly enforcing Rule V, section 1 (pitcher's warm ups). Fast Plastic will have officials on hand to monitor activity and to keep games moving along at a desired pace. If unnecessary delays are occurring due to excessive warm-ups, a decision to shorten the game may be made.

A pitcher will get ten (10) warm-up pitches before the start of the game once he takes the mound, seven (7) between innings and three (3) after a ball has been declared illegal or lost. Pitchers may not throw any warm ups when they switch balls on their own during an inning. A relief pitcher will receive seven (7) warm-up pitches unless he has previously pitched during the game. If a relief pitcher comes into the game due to a result of an injury to the active pitcher, a reasonable amount of time will be allowed for the relief pitcher to warm-up.

POOL DRAWING & TEAM CHECK-IN
We require all teams to check in Friday evening at the fields during the Homerun Derby. If your team cannot make Friday's check in time please call 714-392-7170 upon your arrival to the Austin area.

Please note the Pool Drawing will take place during or after the Homerun Derby Friday evening at the NCT Field Complex.

NCT FORMAT
Click here for format information.

SATURDAY MORNING
Final check in, field assignments, and game time Saturday morning will be 8:00am sharp.

 

2008 NCT T-SHIRTS

All players wishing to purchase the official 2008 t-shirt must pre-order.  Shirts will not be available for purchase at the NCT.

DIRECTIONS
The field address is 3005 County Road 175 Leander, TX 78641. Click here to get directions.

INCLEMENT WEATHER
It's highly recommended that each player comes prepared for inclement weather. Four years ago we experienced about 4 hours of mild showers. The rain did slow down play but the tourney rolled on through out. Two years ago temps were in the 50's with rain on Friday but cleared for Saturday.  In 2007 temperatures hovered near 95 degrees.  In case of lightning all game play will stop. Once the "All Clear" has been given it is possible games maybe shortened in order to make up lost time.

 

LEAVING THE TOURNAMENT
If taking off to get food, drinks, etc., please check-in with the tournament director before leaving the tournament. He may have your team slated for the next game.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Please remember there will be non-players in attendance throughout the day...children, wives, girlfriends, town officials. We ask that you maintain a professional manner. Also, several film crews willbe present and your team being filmed is very likely.  Please convey your image to the public in a positive fashion.

 

NCT DIRECTOR
Tim Dean, the National Championship Tournament Director for the sixth season, is in complete charge of this tournament.