Ripken Baseball Tournaments

General Tournament Questions

What is the age cut-off date?

Spring & Summer tournaments are based off of the April 30 age determination date. All teams competing in our Fall tournament series must move up in age group and use the April 30 age determination date of the following year.

Is proof of age required?

Yes. We need to verify the age of every player prior to the beginning of the tournament. Teams must submit birth certificates to our office prior to the tournament. No player will be allowed to participate in the tournament until proof of age is presented.

Do the birth certificates need to be originals or copies?

Either is acceptable.

When will the tournament schedule be available?

The schedule will be posted on our website when it is complete, (approximately 5 days prior to the tournament). Each schedule is subject to change, so check back often to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. You can find the schedule under the 'Tournament Calendar' section online.

Is there a dress code for the coaches?

Not specifically. Coaches are not required to wear a uniform/polo during the games, but are expected to be dressed appropriately.

How many people are allowed in the dugout?

Each team is allowed to have an unlimited player roster; however, no more than 4 adults (3 coaches and 1 scorekeeper), and one "batboy." The "batboy" must be listed on the roster as such and wear a helmet when on the field. (Although the player roster is unlimited, the final roster must be submitted before the event and will remain as the final roster through the tournament)

Do we need to bring baseballs?

Game balls are provided by Ripken Baseball. Teams should bring their own practice balls.

What size bats are legal for our age group?

9u/10u age groups - 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches in diameter with no weight restrictions - Must have either the BPF 1.15 or BBCOR designation displayed on the bat
11u/12u age groups - 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches in diameter with no weight restrictions - Must have either the BPF 1.15 or BBCOR designation displayed on the bat
13u/14u age group - 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches in diameter with no weight restrictions - Must have either the BPF 1.15 or BBCOR designation displayed on the bat
15u and older age groups - No 2 3/4 inches in diameter allowed; use BBCOR rules with a -3 weight differential

What rules will the tournaments go by?

All 9u and 10u teams will play on 46/60 diamonds, all 11u and 12u teams will play on 50/70 diamonds, and all teams 13u and older will play on 60/90 diamonds. Both will play by standard American League Rules. Please see the rules summary sheet for more specific information.

What happens if it rains?

Our first priority is the safety of everyone at the facility. If the fields are judged unsafe, we will suspend, postpone, reschedule, or cancel games as needed. There are numerous factors in deciding when games are allowed to continue and we weigh each of those before making a decision.

In the event of rain we will do everything within our power to stay as close to the game schedule as possible. However, because of limited field availability we may have to deviate from the printed schedule. If and when we need to alter the schedule, we will use the following procedures/priorities as our guide:

Our first priority will always be to make sure each teams playes it's minimum number of games - we will try to maintain the original schedule as much as possible.
We will attempt to have a championship game.
We will never name a champion of a tournament without a championship game.
We may eliminate the quarter-final or semi-final round to ensure a championship game.

Does the time limit apply if we are the last game of the day?

Yes. We must treat each game fairly. Early games may have ended due to the time limit so that later games could be played on time. It would be unfair to allow the last game of the day to play beyond the time limit if earlier games were restricted by time.

Are you affiliated with Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Baseball?

No. Cal Ripken Baseball is part of the Babe Ruth Baseball organization. Ripken Baseball is a separate entity and not affiliated with any specific organization.

Aberdeen Tournament Questions

What is the maximum number of players we can have on a roster?

The player roster will be unlimited with 3 coaches and 1 score keeper on the roster.

How many umpires are there for each game?

All age groups will have two umpires for every game.

When will the game results be posted?

We will post standings and results on the tournament board soon after each game ends. All of the tournament information (including a line score for each game) will be posted on the tournament website the day after each tournament ends.

Does Ripken Baseball keep individual stats for tournaments?

No, Ripken Baseball will not keep individual stats for any tournament.

What happens if there is a tie?

Pool play games can end in a tie. A tie game in pool play equals ½ of a win and ½ of a loss for both teams toward their overall record and/or winning percentage. Therefore, a team that is 2-0-1 would have a winning percentage of .833 and a team that is 2-1-0 would have a winning percentage of .667. In other words, the 2-0-1 record is better than the 2-1-0 record.

Games can end in a tie during pool (divisional) play only. Please see our Tournament Rules and Information packet for the Tie Breaker system that will be used if a tie exists between two or more teams either for advancement to the elimination round or for seeding purposes.

A game featuring teams that are the same seed from different divisions will use a coin flip to determine home team.

Please note that total runs scored has no value in our tie breaker system. This is done to discourage teams from running up the score on their opponent.

How will I know which seed my team is for the elimination round?

All information regarding results, standings, and seeding will be centrally located on the tournament board at The Ripken Experience - Aberdeen, MD. There will be extra copies there for coaches to take with them.

Are there pitching limits for the tournament?

Ripken Baseball does not have specific pitching limitations at our tournaments. We do, however, provide recommendations for coaches and parents to follow not only for your time at our tournament, but for your entire season. The responsibility ultimately lies with coaches and parents to ensure that each player's health and development is maintained properly. One rule that we do employ at our tournaments is as follows: Once a pitcher leaves the mound, he cannot return to pitch in that game. For further recommendations on pitching limitations, we have compiled an information sheet to help educate those who monitor the players which is available at The Ripken Experience and in our rules.

Are all of the dugouts covered?

No. All of the fields at The Ripken Experience feature covered dugouts, but not all off-site fields feature covered dugouts. Teams may bring portable tents to cover the open dugouts if they wish.

Do we need to bring water for the dugouts?

No. Ripken Baseball will provide ice water and cups in each dugout for all of the tournaments.

Are tournament t-shirts and other Ripken Baseball merchandise available at the tournaments?

Yes. We will have merchandise set up at The Ripken Experience throughout the tournament. The merchandise stand will open up 1 hour after the start of games on each individual day, and will close at 3:00pm.

Will there be concessions available?

Yes. We will have a concessions stand at The Ripken Experience each day that a tournaments is ran. The concessions stand will open up at the start of the first game of the day and will stay open till around 4:00pm each day of the tournament. The concession stands in Ripken Stadium will not be open for our tournaments. Generally speaking, the satellite facilities will not have concessions.

Are players and their families allowed to bring food and coolers to the complex?

Yes. Although we do ask that everyone make sure their trash is disposed of properly.

Are there restaurants near the complex?

There are several dining options near The Ripken Experience and other satellite fields including fast food and sit-down style restaurants. Ripken Baseball has partnered with several local restaurants that will provide discounts to all tournament teams and their families. Please make sure to pick up a Ripken Baseball Community Card to receive these discounts.

Where is the best place to stay?

Ripken Baseball has partnered with several of the area hotels to assure that your stay with us is a quality stay both on and off the field. Hotel partners include:

Marriott Courtyard: 410.272.0440
Holiday Inn: 410.272.8100
Wingate Inn: 410.272.2929
Clarion Aberdeen: 410.273.6300

What is there to do for fun in the area?

There are numerous options within easy driving distance of the hotels and our complex. First of all, we are approximately 25 miles away from Baltimore, which offers a wide variety of familiy entertainment options. Also, the White Marsh area features many dining, shopping, and entertainment options. More locally, there is a movie theatre, two different miniature golf/batting cage facilities, and a shopping mall.

What is the admission to the facility?

Admission at The Ripken Experience, Ripken Stadium, and all satellite field locations is free for all of our tournaments.

Is there a place to sit at The Ripken Experience for parents and fans?

Each field at The Ripken Experience features grass berm seating. There are some bleachers and picnic tables around the Academy, but we do recommend teams bring portable chairs or blankets to sit on.

Is there handicap accessible parking?

Yes. At our facility and all other satellite facilities, there is plenty of handicap accessible parking.

Can we bring pets to the tournament?

No. We unfortunately had a few incidents with pets at our facility which has forced us to adopt our current policy.

What is the Payment Structure for Two or Three Day and Week-Long Tournaments?

For two or three day events, teams must submit a $300 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit upon registration to secure their spot in the tournament. No later than 30 days prior to the start of the event date, teams must submit their final payment.

For week-long tournaments, teams will submit a $1,500 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit upon registration. The remaining balance will be paid according to the payment structure below.

December 14th, 2012: $2,000
February 1st, 2013: $1,500
May 1st, 2013: Remaining Balance

*Any team cancellation will result in the loss of ALL MONEY PAID.

Myrtle Beach Tournament Questions

How many fields are there at the complex?

The 8 turf fields at The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach, SC aren't your typical youth baseball fields. All fields are constructed with a synthetic turf infield and outfield, used to ensure the consistency and playability of the fields and eliminate rainouts. No matter what weather, we play 99.99% of our games! Each field is equipped with lights for night games and features covered dugouts. The fields are each designed symmetrically after a legendary professional ballpark. The complex features a Training Island that has 2 Ripken designed infield training circles, 12 bullpen mounds, 17 batting cages, and bunting stations, which will be used for pre-game practices.

Play on state of the art fields that replicate historic professional ballparks: Griffith Field, Navin FIeld, Duncan Field, Ebbets Field, Westside Grounds, Huntington Park, Shibe Park and The Polo Grounds

Are there lights on the fields?

Yes, each diamond is equipped with lights for night games.

Is there an admission cost to the facility?

No, admission to The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach is free. Parking is also free.

Is there handicap accessible parking?

Yes. At our facility and all other satellite facilities, there is plenty of handicap accessible parking. There will also be golf carts and other means of transportation to be sure our guests fave full access to the complex.

Can we bring pets to the tournament?

No. For liability purposes we do not allow any pets inside the complex. Boarding kennels are conveniently located nearby.

Will teams have practice time during the week?

Teams will be allocated practice and warm-up times in the training island designed by Cal & Bill Ripken. There are training infields, batting cages, and other unique traning amenities.

Where can my team warm-up before the game?

Teams may warm-up on the training island before their games.

What is the playing surface?

Are the fields designed after any specific fields?

Yes, each team will play on state of the art fields that replicate historic professional ballparks: Griffith Field, Navin FIeld, Duncan Field, Ebbets Field, Westside Grounds, Huntington Park, Shibe Park and The Polo Grounds

Is smoking allowed at the facility?

No, The Ripken Experience is a tobacco free facility.

Is there a place to sit at The Ripken Experience for parents and fans?

Yes. Each field at The Ripken Experience features bleacher seating for your convenience.

Does every field have dugouts?

Yes - there are two types of dugouts in Myrtle Beach; There are professional dugouts and chain-link dugouts. Both are built in such a way to maximize air flow and cut down on the heat.

Is there transportation from the entrance to the fields?

Yes, carts will be provided to assist teams with equipment and those who need assistance.

Is water provided to teams or do we have to bring our own coolers?

Water and cups will be provided for each team in their dugout.

Where can my team warm up prior to our game?

The complex features a Training Island that has 2 Ripken-designed infield training circles, 12 bullpen mounds, 17 batting cages, and bunting stations, which will be used for pre-game practices.

Will each field have a scoreboard?

Yes, each field will be equipped with a scoreboard and line scores/standings of all games will be kept.

Are tournament t-shirts and other Ripken Experience and Ripken Baseball merchandise available at the tournaments?

Yes. Our main pro shop is located inside the Welcome Center right next to main entrance of The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach, SC. Renovated in 2012, this store will certainly have what you're looking for from tournament novelty items to select baseball equipment.

Will there be concessions available?

Yes. The Big League Grill is our featured air conditioned dining facility that offers teams a variety of menu options. There are also 2 other satellite concessions stands around the complex for your convenience.

Is there first aid or medical staff at the facility?

Yes, a full service first aid facility will be on-site to handle any emergency situations or routine medical needs.

Are there restaurants near the complex?

There are several dining options near The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach, SC including fast food and sit-down style restaurants at the Broadway at the Beach shopping, dining and entertainment complex.

How many umpires will there be per game?

11u and older age groups will have two umpires during pool play and elimination rounds and three during the championship game.

What age groups do you have?

The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach has tournaments for teams ages 10u, 11u, 12u, 13u, 14u, and 15u-16u. Please visit the event calendar for more details.

Do teams bring their own uniforms?

Yes, teams should bring their own uniforms. Many teams have professional style uniforms that represent their hometown and/or their specific team. We encourage teams to bring these and proudly wear them at The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach, SC tournaments.

How many coaches are allowed?

Teams must have two (2) coaches who will also serve as chaperones.

How many players can I have on my roster?

Teams must have a minimum of 11 players.

How many teams will there be in each age group?

Most older age group tournaments (13u-16u) can accommodate 26 teams per week, while the younger age group can accommodate up to 40 teams per week.

How many games do we play?

For all summer tournaments each team will play a minimum of 6 games (weather permitting). Teams who advance to the championship will play 9 games.

Teams will play a minimum of 3 games during standard weekend tournaments and 4 games during holiday weekend tournaments.

How many games will we play per day?

Teams will play at least one game a day, some days playing two.

Summer Weeklong Tournaments: Younger Age Group Teams (10u-12u): 5 scheduled pool play games Monday through Wednesday. Elimination games begin on Thursday. Teams may play up to one game at a high quality off-site field located in Myrtle Beach (teams participating in Beach Blast, Tidal Wave, Surfsf Up or Big Kahuna Tournaments).
Summer Weeklong Tournaments: Older Age Group Teams (13u-16u): Teams will play up to two pool play games at off-site, high quality satellite complexes. Past satellite facilities include: BB&T Coastal Field - home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans; Coastal Carolina University; and Myrtle Beach High School.

Is there a skills competition?

Yes. Participants enjoy an unforgettable Opening Ceremony and Skills Competition, following check-in on Sunday evening. A detailed copy of the Sunday schedule of events will be made available 1 week prior to your teams arrival to Myrtle Beach.

Is there pin trading?

Yes, teams are encouraged to bring pins and exchange with one another. Part of the experience of tournament play is to interact with other players and coaches.

What is the level of competition?

The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach, SC attracts teams from all across the country. Teams come from all types of affiliation to include both tournament only and recreation all-star.

Does our team need its own insurance?

Yes. Each team must send us their Insurance Certificate prior to the tournament. We must have "Extra Bases, LLC", "Burroughs and Chapin Company, Inc.", and "Ripken Myrtle Beach Academy, LLC" listed as an 'additional insured' in the certificate holder section of the standard certificate of liability form. This can be obtained by simply calling your insurance company and asking them to list that on the certificate. Please note: we are not requesting to be added as an 'named insured' on your policy.

Does The Ripken Experience keep individual stats for the tournaments?

No. We do not keep individual statistics of any kind as we believe in championing a team concept and environment. However, both standings and game results can be found by visiting: http://www.ripkentournaments.com/myrtlebeachresults.cfm.

How will I know which seed my team is for the elimination round?

All information regarding results, standings, and seeding will be disseminated at a central location. There will be extra copies there for coaches to take with them.

You may also view tournament standings and game results by visiting: http://www.ripkentournaments.com/myrtlebeachresults.cfm

What happens if there is a tie?

Games can end in a tie during pool (divisional) play only. If a tie exists between two or more teams either for advancement to the elimination round or for seeding purposes, the following tie-breaker system will be used:

Head to Head results
Record
Average runs allowed per games played
Lowest single game runs allowed
Coin flip

A game featuring teams that are the same seed from different divisions will us a coin flip to determine home team.

Please note that total runs scored has no value in our tie breaker system. This is done to discourage teams from running up the score on their opponent.

When will the game results be posted?

We will post standings and results on the tournament board and online soon after each game ends. All of the tournament information (including a line score for each game) will be posted on our tournament website throughout the tournament.

What is there to do for fun in the area?

The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach, SC gives players, coaches and families a unique opportunity to enjoy tournament baseball while visiting a top vacation destination. Now families can enjoy baseball and summer vacation all at the same time; with the beach only two miles away, and so many entertainment options available, there is always something fun to do in Myrtle Beach!

There are numerous options within easy driving distance of the hotels and our complex. Visit our travel and accommodations page on the website for a full list of our partner restaurants, hotels and attractions. Go to Travel & Accommodations Page

Please feel free to check out property details, rates and availability by visiting www.ripkenhotels.com.

How far is the baseball complex from the beach?

The Ripken Experience is less than 1 mile from the beach.

Is there a discount for families to stay at the housing or any other accommodations?

The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach, SC is poised to make your trip to the beach the most enjoyable baseball trip your team has experienced! Our hospitality services go beyond planning for your baseball event. Your team members, families and fans has the opportunity to make their lodging reservations with us by visiting: www.ripkenhotels.com. Not only do our customers receive the lowest available rates, but we also provide a wide variety of lodging choices ranging from hotel efficiencies to condominiums, ocean front to golf course options.

Where should my team stay?

What do I need to do to secure a spot in a tournament?

You need to call the toll free number at 888.RIPKEN.1 (888.745.7361) and speak to a sales representative or log onto www.ripkentournaments.com and identify the week you and your team wish to attend, then place a deposit and complete the registration information.

What is the deposit required to secure a spot in a tournament?

All teams who wish to attend a weeklong summer tournament are required to submit a non-refundable / non-transferable deposit of $1,500 upon registration. A 2nd installment of $2,000 is due December 15th, 3rd payment installment is of $1,500 is due on February 1st, and full payment is due May 1st. All monies are non-refundable and/or non-transferrable.

All teams who wish to attend a weekend or holiday weekend tournament are required to submit a $250 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit upon registration. Final payments for these tournaments are due 30 days prior to the start date of the event.

What are the payment options? When are payments due?

The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards and checks or money orders.

For summer week-long tournaments a $1,500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. A 2nd installment of $2,000 is due on December 15th and the 3rd payment installment of $1,500 is due on February 1st. The final balance on the account is due May 1st. All monies paid are non-refundable and non-transferable. Final payments for weekend tournaments are due 30 days prior to the start date of that event.

Is the cost per player or per team?

All weeklong summer tournaments are a per player and coach fee.

All weekend tournaments are a per team cost.

Do coaches have to pay?

Yes, each team must have a minimum of 2 coaches who pay the per person amount. They recieve all of the benefits of the package and will enjoy a wonderful vacation.

What does the cost include?

All weeklong summer tournament per player and coach costs include:

Teams play a minimum of 6 games with an opportunity to play up to 9 games
ALL-ACCESS PASS for each team member! All Access Pass for each team member - unlimited access to area attractions which in the past have included mini golf, Wild Water and Wheels water park which includes mini-golf, bumper boats and go-karts, The Carolina Opry and Good Vibrations show, par 3 golf , and Executive Golf package for each coach, AND MORE! *2013 All-Access package details to be announced by November 1, 2013.
Meal vouchers worth $100 for each player & coach to partner restaurants! *2013 meal package details to be announced by November 1, 2013.
Special gifts for players and coaches
Check-in, opening ceremonies, and skills competitions on Sunday
2 separate single elimination brackets starting on Thursday morning - Championship Bracket and Great 8 Bracket

Weekend tournament costs include tournament fees, gate & parking fees, baseballs and umpires.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

All deposits and subsequent payments for all tournaments are non-refundable / non-transferable. Any roster changes made after May 1st are non-refundable as well.