Rules – Iconic

ICONIC highly encourages all parents, players, and coaches to read this document in its entirety.

Please take time to review this page to understand the reasoning behind decisions or changes during games. Additionally, these rules and guidelines outline the expectations ICONIC coaches, players, parents, and guests are required to follow throughout the event.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

These standards are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and fair environment for everyone involved. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, which may include a verbal warning, temporary or permanent removal from the event, disqualification of a participant or team, forfeiture of any associated fees, and potential suspension from future ICONIC access.

These consequences will be enforced at the sole discretion of the event host and/or ICONIC representatives. By participating in any ICONIC activity, all individuals acknowledge their responsibility to uphold these standards.

Performance Expectations (10U – 18U)

These guidelines are intended to support a competitive, positive, and enjoyable team environment while encouraging each player to reach their highest potential. Baseball and Fastpitch are both an individual and a team sport—We win together, but only if you are your best.

Infield/Outfield

Fielding: Players are expected to maintain consistent defensive performance. Committing 2 errors at a single position in an inning may result in a position change at the coach’s discretion.
Players are encouraged to attempt throws to first, second, and third base when appropriate. Missed throws are part of development, but 3 throwing errors that result in runs or extended innings may result in positional changes.
Outfield: If an outfielder is not in position to receive the ball directly, they should be actively moving on every hit ball. Anticipation and hustle are expected at all times.

Pitchers

Warm-Up & Recovery: Pitchers shall be given adequate time to warm up before taking the mound and shall also cool down after pitching to help prevent injury.
Walk Limit per Inning: (Bracket Play / +1 Pool Play)
- After 2 walks (3 in pool play) in a single inning: A mound visit will be made to give the pitcher a chance to reset.
- After 3 consecutive walks (4 in pool play): The pitcher should be considered for removal.
- After 5 walks (6 in pool play): The pitcher will be removed from the mound.
Pitch Count: A pitcher may not exceed the pitch threshold that requires 1 day of rest during pool play, unless absolutely necessary, to ensure eligibility for bracket play.

Catchers

Equipment: Catchers must be fully and properly equipped at all times when behind the plate. No exceptions will be made for safety reasons.
Errors allowed per inning:
- Dropped 3rd Strike: A maximum of 2 dropped 3rd strikes per inning that do not result in an out. After the second, the coach may evaluate a switch.
- Passed Balls: If a catcher allows 8 or more passed balls in a single inning leading to runner advancement, the coach should evaluate if a change or rest break is needed.
- Throwing to Bases: If 3 throwing errors lead to runs or prolong the inning, coaches may adjust positions or temporarily limit throw attempts.
Leadership: Catchers are expected to lead the field, maintain vocal communication, and demonstrate strong game awareness. It is a leadership role held to a higher standard of focus and attitude.

Attitude & Behavior (All Ages)

Disciplinary Action Overview

Depending on the severity and frequency of the violation, consequences may escalate from verbal warnings to game removal, event suspension, or full disqualification. All decisions are at the discretion of ICONIC staff. Refunds will not be provided for any decision or actions.

Please remind your players: everyone has an off day. It’s about how they focus that frustration to be stronger the next game. Encourage the team to uplift anyone struggling.

Throwing or Slamming Gear

This behavior will not be tolerated. A verbal warning will only be issued once per event. Subsequent violations will result in immediate escalation.

1st Violation: A single verbal warning will be issued. Only one warning is given per player for the entire event.
2nd Violation: The player will be benched for the remainder of the game and may only bat. The head coach must notify the player’s parent/guardian.
3rd Violation: The player will be benched for the remainder of the game and will not be allowed to bat (automatic out). The head coach must notify parents and ICONIC.
Continued Violations: ICONIC may suspend the player from future ICONIC teams and activities.

Dugout and Field Behavior

Foul Language: Use of profanity is not allowed at any time—whether directed at others or oneself.
Disrespectful Behavior: Includes eye-rolling, backtalk, or ignoring coaches, teammates, or officials.
Criticizing Teammates or Opponents: Players are expected to support one another and represent the team with integrity. Negative body language or verbal comments that undermine team unity will not be tolerated.
Distracting Behavior: Excessive joking or being off-task in the dugout takes away from focus. Players are expected to remain engaged in the game.
Respect for Officials: Players must not argue with umpires or display negative reactions to calls. If a player strongly disagrees, they may respectfully request their coach discuss the matter with the umpire.

Equipment and Gear

Modified or Illegal Equipment

The use of altered, doctored, or otherwise non-compliant bats and communication devices is strictly prohibited on all ICONIC teams.

Modified bats include (but are not limited to) bats that have been rolled, shaved, end-loaded, or had their manufacturer specifications altered.

All bats must comply with the official rules of the event host (e.g., USA Baseball, USSSA, BBCOR). Bats may be inspected at any time.

Penalties for use may include:

Immediate ejection of the player and forfeiture of the game.
Disqualification of the team from the event.
No refund of any kind and termination of ICONIC account.

Parent Expectations

To foster a positive, safe, and respectful environment, parents are expected to abide by the following guidelines:

GameChanger: Parents may be requested to run GameChanger. Please notify the coach in advance if you are willing to help.
Team Communication: Please respect coaching decisions. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the coach privately and only after a 24-hour cooling-off period.
Umpire Interaction: Parents must not approach or engage in direct conversations with umpires before, during, or after games.
Negative Behavior: Negative comments or actions directed at any participant will not be tolerated. Parents should model composure at all times.
Sideline Coaching: Parents should avoid coaching from the stands (shouting instructions, correcting players). This disrupts team dynamics and undermines coaching authority.
Substance Use: The use of alcohol or drugs at youth sporting events is strictly prohibited, unless explicitly permitted by the event host.
Attendance & Punctuality: Guardians are responsible for ensuring players arrive on time and properly equipped.
Support for Development: Encourage positive reinforcement, focusing on effort and growth rather than just winning.
Social Media Conduct: Guardians should refrain from posting negative or inflammatory comments about any participant on social media.
Emergency Procedures: A guardian or designated adult must be physically present during all team activities.

Coach Responsibilities

Player Safety & Boundaries

The safety and well-being of every player is our top priority.

One-on-One Interactions: At no time should a coach and child be alone together without the knowledge and permission of the parent/guardian. Interactions must be observable and interruptible.
Digital Communication: Coaches must not communicate privately with players through text or social media. All communication should be through group messages that include parents.
Zero Tolerance: ICONIC has a zero tolerance policy for violations of these boundaries, resulting in immediate removal and potential referral to authorities.
Reporting: Any suspected, observed, or disclosed inappropriate behavior involving a minor must be reported immediately to local law enforcement or child protection authorities followed by notification to ICONIC of any reports.

Conduct & Leadership

Leadership: Coaches set the tone for behavior and sportsmanship. They are expected to lead with composure and professionalism at all times.
Event Preparation: Coaches are required to confirm attendance with their roster at least four days before the event and promptly communicate schedule details.
Game Preparation: Coaches are responsible for ensuring players are warmed up, organizing game plans, and monitoring pitch counts for safety.
Playing Time: While equal time is not guaranteed, coaches are expected to manage rosters with fairness. Lineups are set based on performance and strategy.
Encouragement: Coaches must focus on building confidence. Criticism should be constructive. Public humiliation is strictly prohibited.
In-Game Behavior: Arguing with umpires or engaging in aggressive confrontations will not be tolerated.
Injury Protocols: Under no circumstances should a player return to play if they exhibit signs of injury without medical, parent, or guardian clearance. Coaches must prioritize safety over the game.
Substance Use: Any coach found under the influence during team events will be banned from ICONIC services.
Reporting: The head coach is required to report any suspensions or ejections to ICONIC within 48 hours via the Misconduct Form.

Background Checks

To ensure safety, ICONIC requires all coaches and staff to undergo background checks prior to beginning responsibilities. Continued participation is contingent upon successful completion. Any individual with disqualifying findings will be prohibited from coaching roles.

Event Hosts Details

Event hosts establish specific rules based on the event and age division. Coaches are advised to consult the event host’s official page directly for the most accurate information.