2009 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.

2009 Official Tournament Rules Major League Rules with these modifications click here for a printable copy of the 2009 Official Tournament Rules 10 & UNDER Players may not turn 11 before May 1, 2009 12 & UNDER Players may not turn 13 before May 1, 2009 Teams must have a minimum roster size of 11 players and 2 coaches SIX inning games ……… 12 run mercy rule after 4 complete 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. 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. All players on the Cooperstown Dreams Park official team roster will be allowed to participate in all official games. Prior to each game field umpires will review the rules and official line up cards with both head coaches. The home team book is the official game book. 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, 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 pre-game 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 Players and coaches must wear official CDP uniforms and apparel for all games. 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, windbreaker or jacket and CDP hat during games. Coaches CAN NOT wear denim shorts or jeans. 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 the following 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. Pre-game: 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 2/16/09)

2009 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 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. 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 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Umpire Orientation at 1 p.m. (Field #15) All teams report to Baseball Village Dining Pavilion for Orientation at 2 p.m. 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. 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 Tuesday *Tournament Play - Teams play scheduled games daily (weather permitting). Final Championship Tournament Seedings are posted approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the last 7:00 p.m. game. The single-elimination Championship Tournament begins Wednesday at 10:00 a.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 apparel 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 Operations booths.) Lights Out by 10:30 p.m. NIGHTLY! (Please respect other teams.) Wednesday Wednesday playoff game schedule: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 3:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.* 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.). 5:30 p.m.* All teams must assemble in the Baseball Village Dining Pavilion for Procession of Athletes, Closing Ceremony and Hall of Fame Ring Presentation dressed in Cooperstown Dreams Park uniforms. 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. *All 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

2009 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).

2009 Daily Itinerary MEALS 6:30 - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 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. Championship Tournament Seedings are posted approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the last 7:00 p.m. game on Tuesday. The single-elimination Championship Tournament begins Wednesday at 10:00 a.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 apparel 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 Operations 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 childhood dreams. We trust you will agree this is an opportunity of a lifetime. If you love baseball and kids, Cooperstown Dreams Park is the place to be. It is a must for America's Youth.

 

2009 Rules of Dreams Park Violations will result in suspension of play and/or revocation of tournament invitation 1. Coaches/counselors must be in visual and verbal contact with their team members at all times. The New York State Department of Health mandates that no team or individual shall be left alone at any time. 2. Teams must stay together as a unit. Individuals are not to wander around the park. 3. Each Coach/Counselor on the roster is responsible for the safety of campers and must know their whereabouts at all times. Any camper leaving Dreams Park must sign in/out with his/her Coach/Counselor and Security personnel. Any authorized guardian removing campers, including their own child, will be required to complete a Sign-Out form (Forms are available at Security or Baseball Information booths). 4. Cooperstown Dreams Park is a vehicular drive-in facility only for safety and security, no persons will be permitted to enter or leave the facility on foot. Guests attempting to walk into or out of the Dreams Park will be turned away. Repeat offenders will be barred from entering the grounds for the entire week. Note: This policy is strictly enforced. Cooperstown Dreams Park is a controlled environment in accordance with New York State Department of Health (Chapter I State Sanitary Code, Subpart 7-2, Children's Camps) and for the safety of all guests. 5. No Pets are allowed on the Dreams Park property. 6. No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, Heelys (wheeled sneakers) or motorized personal transportation devices (segway) are allowed on the Dreams Park property. 7. Restricted Area signs are posted throughout Dreams Park. Do not enter restricted area. 8. No standing on Cooperstown Dreams Park stone walls. 9. Vehicles may be driven over the bridge into the Baseball Village area ONLY during the registration period from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., SATURDAY. Plenty of parking is available for guests. Please park in the designated parking areas. Violators will be towed! 10. There are specific designated practice areas located next to the batting cages. No ball playing in the Baseball Village area. 11. Safety comes first at all times. Bathhouses and clubhouses are to be kept clean. No horseplay or roughhousing of any kind. Do not jump on bunk beds. Footlockers are not to be used as step stools or seats! 12. No bare feet at any time. Use shower shoes for protection; keep articles of clothing out of shower area. No team or individual is permitted to shower without supervision. 13. All team members must eat at the same table and clean up their dining area when finished. 14. Each clubhouse has been equipped with brooms, a dustpan, mattress covers, and footlockers, which must remain in the clubhouse. DO NOT take any of these items when you leave. Teams are responsible for daily cleanup (sweep floor, empty trash and make beds). CLUBHOUSES ARE INSPECTED DAILY. 15. Smoking will be allowed in designated areas ONLY. NO SMOKING INSIDE OF BALL FIELDS OR IN THE BASEBALL VILLAGE. This rule is strictly enforced! 16. No profanity, no fighting. 17. No standing or sitting on stadium walls, running or crossing through grassy areas. Stay on the asphalt walkways! We ask all campers to respect Cooperstown Dreams Park property and facilities as they would their own home. 18. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all times and will be confiscated. Anyone possessing alcoholic beverages will be asked to leave the facility. 19. Outside food or beverages of any kind (except for bottled water) are not permitted on Dreams Park property, in accordance with the NYS Department of Health. 20. Lost and found items: Please bring all items to the security booth at the upper bridge. (Cooperstown Dreams Park is not responsible for lost items!) 21. Teams and individuals will be held responsible for damage to Dreams Park property. 22. Game balls are provided by Cooperstown Dreams Park. All foul balls must be returned to the umpire. 23. In the event of severe weather, teams will be directed to return to their clubhouses and parents/guests will be directed to their vehicles until further notification. 24. NO Recreational Vehicles (RV)/Campers are permitted to park overnight on Cooperstown Dreams Park property. Parents and family guests of Cooperstown Dreams Park assume all risk and danger of personal injury, losses, damages to person or property and all hazards arising from or related in any way to, the events at Cooperstown Dreams Park that they are attending. Cooperstown Dreams Park is private property with 24-hour surveillance and management reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person whose conduct is deemed by management to be disorderly or who fails to comply with the rules and regulations of Cooperstown Dreams Park. Please Note: These rules are not all-inclusive. Common sense should be used at all times. Violations of these rules may lead to team or individual suspension from tournament play and/or Dreams Park activities.

Cooperstown Dreams Park and the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame are independent of, and are not sponsored by or affiliated with, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum of Cooperstown, New York.

IMPORTANT PIN TRADING INFORMATION Pin Trading has become a tradition for teams, umpires and parents at Cooperstown Dreams Park. Many teams have custom-made lapel pins, while others utilize pins from their communities that are provided by sponsors. The trading of pins provides all campers an extra opportunity to interact. Enjoy the fun of pin trading! For more information on pin design and purchasing contact Cooperstown Pins, the official pin supplier of Cooperstown Dreams Park at: 866-815-7467 info@cooperstownpins.com