2008 SKILLS COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS The Skills Competition will be held immediately following the Cooperstown Dreams Park Opening Ceremony.   ROADRUNNER FASTEST TIME WINS One player from each team is timed running the bases from home to home. EACH MISSED BASE WILL RESULT IN A 5 SECOND PENALTY. (Top qualifiers from preliminary round will participate on Field 3 for the trophy.) GOLDEN ARM MOST POINTS WINS One player from each team gets 3 throws from the centerfield area, approximately 125 feet, to home plate. Each throw will receive a score based upon accuracy and distance. (Top qualifiers from preliminary round will participate on Field 3 for the trophy.) KING OF SWAT MOST HOME RUNS WINS One player from each team gets to face the single-wheel JUGGS pitching machine. Each player gets five swings (ten in the finals). (Top qualifiers from preliminary round will participate on Field 3 for the trophy.) Cooperstown Dreams Park will provide bat for both preliminary and final.   A SPECIAL COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK TROPHY WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNING PARTICIPANT AT THE END OF EACH OF THE ABOVE INDIVIDUAL CONTESTS. AROUND THE HORN PLUS FASTEST TIME WINS Eight (8) or nine (9) players will compete from each team in this contest (pitcher optional). Each base must be tagged. Teams will compete in alphabetical order. No passing will be allowed. (Players may tag base with glove or any part of the body!) The PITCHER throws the baseball to the CATCHER. (The team's time begins when the CATCHER tags home plate and releases the baseball.) If the catcher misses home plate, time begins when the baseball is released + a 5 second penalty is assessed. The CATCHER must throw the ball to the THIRD BASEMAN tagging third base. The THIRD BASEMAN must throw the ball to the SECOND BASEMAN tagging second base. The SECOND BASEMAN must throw the ball to the FIRST BASEMAN tagging first base. The FIRST BASEMAN must throw the ball to the CATCHER tagging home plate. The CATCHER must throw the ball to the SHORTSTOP tagging second base. THE SHORTSTOP must throw the ball to the RIGHT FIELDER tagging the outfield spot in right field and throwing the ball to the SECOND BASEMAN tagging second base. THE SECOND BASEMAN must throw the ball to the CENTER FIELDER who must tag the outfield spot in centerfield and throw the ball to the THIRD BASEMAN tagging third base. THE THIRD BASEMAN must throw the ball to the LEFT FIELDER who must tag the outfield spot in leftfield and throw the ball to the CATCHER covering home plate. (The team's time ends when the CATCHER tags home plate.) A five second penalty will be assessed for each umpire-assisted overthrow and each missed base including home plate. A SPECIAL COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK TROPHY WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE TEAM THAT WINS THE "AROUND THE HORN PLUS" CONTEST. EACH HEAD COACH MUST SELECT ONE DIFFERENT PLAYER FOR EACH OF THE INDIVIDUAL EVENTS AND ANY NINE (9) MEMBERS OF HIS/HER TEAM FOR THE "AROUND THE HORN PLUS" CONTEST.

2008 Official Tournament Rules Major League Rules with these modifications click here for a printable copy of the 2008 Official Tournament Rules 10 & UNDER Players may not turn 11 before May 1, 2008 12 & UNDER Players may not turn 13 before May 1, 2008 Teams must have a minimum roster size of 11 players and 2 coaches SIX inning games ……… 12 run mercy rule after 4 innings 12 & under uses 50 foot pitching distance & 70 foot bases -200 foot fences-8' high 10 & under uses 47 foot pitching distance & 70 foot bases -200 foot fences-8' high Lead off for all ages No use of Designated Hitter No one player in a game can assume more than one offensive position Extra Hitter - (coach's discretion: 0, 1 or 2) - If using an extra hitter(s), you may use one or two players. The extra hitter(s) MUST hit in the TENTH and ELEVENTH POSITION and CANNOT enter the game defensively to play a position during the entire game. Only one (1) player may occupy each EH position per game. You may remove your EH(s) for the duration of the game at any time, without penalty. You must notify the plate umpire prior to removal. Extra Hitters must be announced prior to the start of the game; no mid-game entry is permitted. Re-entry rule: Starters may re-enter in the same offensive spot once. Substitutes cannot re-enter the game once they have been removed. Extra Hitter(s) cannot enter the game defensively, except as outlined below. Exception to the re-entry rule when a player is injured and all legal substitutions have been used. The following is an allowable option: If using an EH (extra hitter), the EH may enter the game defensively (this is the only time an EH may ever enter the game defensively). The injured player's spot in the batting order will be skipped with no penalty. This change must be announced to the opposing team and to the plate umpire at the time of injury. Any pitcher can re-enter as pitcher as long as he/she stays in the game. Once removed from the game, the pitcher can re-enter the game defensively, but not as a pitcher No pitching restrictions (coach's discretion). Balks will be called following Major League rules. There will be one warning per pitcher per game up until the single elimination tournament begins on Wednesday. The warning will be an immediate dead ball. All balk calls after the warning will be delayed dead balls. Courtesy runner - A courtesy runner can be used for the CATCHER and PITCHER of RECORD ONLY at any time. This is not a substitution and is optional. Courtesy runners may not be in the current lineup. Must slide /avoid contact rule. A player must slide or attempt to avoid contact on all close plays (umpire discretion). Headfirst sliding is permitted only into first, second, or third base. Headfirst sliding IS NOT allowed into home plate. Teams provide their own bats for game play (no size or weight restrictions) (NO WOODEN BATS). Coaches have the right, at any time, to call a Director to a field for a rules interpretation (Director Call). This does not include JUDGMENT CALLS made by the umpires. This action is to be taken in lieu of protests. In order to properly handle each Director Call, play must be stopped and the Director must be called BEFORE the next pitch. If the disputed call involves the last play of the game, the protesting team must appeal before the umpires leave the confines of the field. Ground Rules Infield/outfield practice is not permitted on Fields 1-22 at any time. Teams may begin pregame warm-ups 15 minutes prior to game time. Team equipment or chairs are not permitted outside the dugouts. All areas within the walls of the fields, aside from the dugouts and spectators areas, are in play. A ball striking any part of the backstop netting and all netting extensions is an immediate dead ball (dead ball rules apply). ALL Pitchers MUST warm up outside of each field. In the event an umpire signals a rain delay, each team must remain in its designated dugout until otherwise notified by a Cooperstown Dreams Park Director. Dress Code NO METAL SPIKES. NO jewelry-earrings, necklaces, rings, etc. Players must have jerseys tucked in at all times, pant legs must be worn at the knee. Blue jersey, blue socks & red jersey, red socks (jersey and sock colors must match). Home Team wears RED, Away Team wears BLUE. Players must have plain white baseball pants (no pinstripes or striping down the side), and plastic or rubber cleats. Coaches must wear their CDP coach's navy polo shirt or windbreaker and CDP hat during games. Coaches and Players Conduct Sportsmanship code: Promote good sportsmanship both on and off the field and encourage lifelong friendships. Any player ejected from a game will be suspended from two consecutive games. Any coach ejected from a game will be removed from Dreams Park premises for the remainder of the tournament and closing ceremonies, and may not return as a spectator or parent. Coaches, please remind your players to respect the upkeep of the baseball fields and replace all divots and refrain from digging cleats into the infield and outfield grass areas. Scheduling Coaches will receive their game schedule during registration. Pregame: The grass practice field adjacent to the Baseball Village must be used for infield/outfield practice. Batting practice must be held inside the batting cages. All coaches must abide by batting cage/practice field schedules and ensure that all participants wear proper safety equipment. Game time: Teams must be at their assigned field ready to play fifteen minutes before game time. Equipment All teams must supply helmets, practice baseballs, bats, catching gear, pants and safety equipment. Game balls are provided by Cooperstown Dreams Park. All foul balls must be returned to the umpire. All meals will be served at scheduled times. Plan your day around the scheduled meal times. Team representatives can be issued and fill out a Late Team Meal Request Form at the Baseball Information Table in the Parents Pavilion. Meals are saved only for teams in a game that finishes past a scheduled meal time. All team members must eat at the same table and clean up their dining area when finished. (updated 2/11/08)

2008 Tournament Week Itinerary Friday: After 6:00 p.m. For your travel convenience, all teams are encouraged to take advantage of early check-in on Friday evening beginning at 6 p.m. under the Baseball Village Dining Pavilion. Services include: check-in at Medical Infirmary, submission of team medical forms and birth certificates, team accommodations, Concessions and Pin Trading. Saturday morning continental breakfast tickets will be available for purchase. Official registration will begin Saturday at 8:30 a.m. (ALL teams must officially register Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.). First team meal will be served Saturday afternoon following Orientation. Saturday: Between 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. We highly recommend that you plan to attend our Saturday morning breakfast and pin trading session from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at the Parents' Pavilion. Your participation will help the Cooperstown Dreams Park staff with traffic and safety issues that arise during the extremely busy registration period on Saturday morning. There is a nominal fee for each person and the breakfast will include: bagel (cream cheese and jelly), cereal and milk, choice of fruit (banana or orange), juice, milk and condiments. Between 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Check into Clubhouses. Parents and family members may enter the Baseball Village between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (Saturday only) to help unload campers and equipment. This will be the only time vehicles will be allowed to enter the Baseball Village. FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CAMPERS, YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO UNLOAD YOUR VECHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY MOVE IT TO A PARKING LOT. SAFETY! SAFETY! SAFETY! Only the team contact is needed at registration to submit the team's Agreement to Participate with Waiver and Release of Liability Forms, Camp Health History and Examination Forms, official certified birth certificates from all players, Parental Authorization and Consent (Coaches/Counselors) Forms and the Parental Authorization and Consent (Child with Other Parent/s) Forms. To ensure participation all forms must be completed and signed. The team contact must submit the required forms in a standard notebook/binder. Coaches/Counselors must complete their Camp Health History and Examination Forms but a doctor's signature is not required. Sign-up for the Uniform Laundry service takes place during registration. At registration you will sign-up for your individual and team picture session in the Photography Studio. Teams change into a choice of red or blue Dreams Park Uniforms (sock color must match uniform color and the whole team must wear the same color). Pant legs must be worn at the knee. Coach/Counselor … READ and REVIEW the "Rules of Dreams Park" with all campers and parents! Parents and family members must exit the Baseball Village by 11:00 a.m. Parents may return to the field side (Parents' Pavilion and Concession Area). (See Map) Chicken Barbecue dinners for parents and family members are available for a nominal cost in the Parents' Pavilion Saturday (11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and Thursday afternoon (11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) Between 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. All teams report to Baseball Village Dining Pavilion for Orientation. Address by Dreams Park Directors. Dinner: Teams must eat as a team unit. The first meal served by Cooperstown Dreams Park will begin at 3:00 p.m. Umpire instructional clinic at 1:00 p.m. (Field #15). 4:30 p.m. Family Orientation, Opening Ceremony and Skills Competitions in Field #3. 5:00 p.m. to Finish All teams must assemble in the Baseball Village Dining Pavilion for Procession of Athletes, Opening Ceremony and Skills Competitions dressed in Cooperstown Dreams Park uniforms. 9:00 p.m. or 15 Minutes following Skills Competitions Head Coach and Umpire meeting in the Baseball Village Dining Pavilion. (This meeting is mandatory for all head coaches, failure to attend and sign-in will result in a one-game suspension assigned by the Tournament Director.) Sunday through Wednesday *Tournament Play - Teams play scheduled games daily (weather permitting). Wednesday games begin at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Final Championship Tournament Seedings are posted approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the last 10:00 a.m. game. The single-elimination Championship Tournament begins Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Visit the Cooperstown area and the National Baseball Hall of Fame during your free time at the coaches'/counselors' discretion. (Coaches/Counselors, campers and umpires MUST wear their Cooperstown Dreams Park jersey/coaches polo/pullover into Cooperstown). Free daily bus service for parents, families and teams is provided at the designated area in Parking Lot B (bus schedule will be posted). Train ride on the Scenic & Historic Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad provided by the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society (nominal cost). Check train schedule for days and times. Each Coach/Counselor on the roster is responsible for the safety and whereabouts of campers at all times. Any camper leaving Dreams Park must sign in/out with his/her Coach/Counselor and security personnel upon exiting Dreams Park. Any authorized guardian removing campers, including their child, are required to complete a Dreams Park Sign-Out Form. (Forms are available at Security and Baseball Information booths.) Lights Out by 10:30 p.m. NIGHTLY! (Please respect other teams.) Thursday Playoffs continue at 8:30 a.m.* Chicken barbecue dinners for parents and family members are available for a nominal fee in the Parents' Pavilion Thursday afternoon (11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.). 6:00 p.m.* Procession of Athletes (in full Cooperstown Dreams Park uniform), Closing Ceremony, Ring Presentation and Induction into the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame. Fireworks follow the ceremony at dusk Championship Game following fireworks. Friday Morning Checkout and depart no later than 9:00 a.m. There will be no meal served on Friday. *Times are subject to change based upon completion of tournament play and inclement weather.

Security and 24-hour medical staff on Dreams Park property

EARLY CHECK-IN MUST REPORT TO THE INFIRMARY

2008 TOURNAMENT SERVICES 24-Hour medical and first aid staff. 24-Hour security. Free admission to all games. Free family and guest parking. On-site nightly movies and arcade for teams, located in Baseball Village. Cooperstown Dreams Park Clothing and Souvenir Shop. Group and family photos are available at the CDP Photo Center. Food is available at all Cooperstown Dreams Park concession stands. Chicken barbecues on Saturdays and Thursdays. Train ride on the Scenic & Historic Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad provided by the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society (tickets are available (for a nominal cost) in the Clothing and Souvenir Shop). Free shuttle bus from Dreams Park to downtown Cooperstown. Uniform Laundry service is provided for teams and umpires (sign-up required).

Shuttle Bus is provided to Downtown Cooperstown for coaches, players and family members Sunday - Thursday

2008 Daily Itinerary MEALS 6:30 - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast *Wednesday Breakfast 6:00 - 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lunch 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner *Thursday Dinner 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. ALL MEALS ARE SERVED IN THE BASEBALL VILLAGE DINING PAVILION. GAME TIMES 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday morning games begin at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Final Championship Tournament Seedings are posted approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the last 10:00 a.m. game on Wednesday. The single-elimination Championship Tournament begins Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. NIGHTLY ACTIVITIES Pin trading, movies, etc. Sunday - Tuesday 8:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. in the Baseball Village Dining Pavilion 10:30 p.m. Lights Out COACHES DISCRETION Team warm-up and practice Trips into Cooperstown and surrounding Leatherstocking Area attractions Train ride on Scenic and Historic Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad. Teams and umpires MUST wear their Cooperstown Dreams Park jersey into Cooperstown. All meals will be served at scheduled times. Plan your day around the scheduled meal times. Team representatives can be issued and fill out a Late Team Meal Request Form at the Baseball Information Table in the Parents Pavilion. Meals are saved only for teams in a game that finishes past a scheduled meal time. All team members must eat at the same table and clean up their dining area when finished.   *This schedule is subject to change!

THE DREAMS PARK EXPERIENCE ... While promoting a high caliber of play, our goal is to have young players experience the purity of baseball as it was meant to be. By stepping up to the plate, regardless of outcome, all players leave with a sense of pride, dignity and accomplishment. THE MISSION OF COOPERSTOWN DREAMS PARK ...is to provide a cultural and life enriching experience for young boys and girls who love the game. By visiting the Village of Cooperstown and playing in the legendary home of baseball. By meeting and playing against their peers from around the country and the world. By reaching within themselves to fulfill their ultimate dream. "A Place in Time where they are their own heroes"™    Just Imagine ... Being a part of History! Each player and coach will be immortalized by being inducted into the prestigious American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame where they will be enshrined. As a part of the Cooperstown Dreams Park experience, your team members will be awarded the coveted American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame ring - like the champions before them - and granted membership into this distinguished baseball club. All Cooperstown Dreams Park participants share this great honor.    Just Imagine ... In the town where baseball began ... your place in history with baseball's greats. At no other time in the history of youth baseball has there ever been an invitational tournament quite like Cooperstown Dreams Park, with its unique baseball atmosphere ... where baseball present meets the traditional values of baseball past. Take a step back in time ... with barnstormers of baseball past. Fields cut from the same pastures that have given life to the magical myth of Abner Doubleday. Teams travel far and wide to play on these sacred fields.  Dreams Really Do Come True Cooperstown Dreams Park offers today's youth a chance to fulfill chil