Rule Books.

The MLB rules are on line at MLB.com. You could download them and print them out.

2004 NCAA Baseball Rules

Thanks guys!

Are there any MAJOR rule differences between College and Major League baseball that I should know about?

If you are planning a youth tournament, I would stick to OBR (Official Baseball Rules). Most youth organizations use a form of OBR with modifications. It would cause less confusion if you stuck with that. OBR rulebooks are easily available through bookstores and Leagues. PONY Baseball sends the Sporting News edition out to every registered Umpire each year. Costs on a OBR rule book are low.....$4-$5

For definitive answers on rules differences the following books are the best, but they are pricey. I have them and speaking as an Umpire, they are worth every penny. Again there are MANY differences between OBR, NCAA and FED (High School) rules. The best books for seeing the differences are:

1. "Baseball Rules Differences"- by Carl Childress. This is issued every year. The 2005 edition should be available in mid January

2. "Rules of Professional Baseball" by Jaksa/Roder- You would want the rules differences edition.

If you are using MLB rules you will need some supplimental rules to limit innings pitched, as well as safety rules to prohibit intentional contact on the bases.

Also, most youth tournaments have variations on substitution rules, and being able to bat more than 9 players.

You may want to look into sanctioning your tournament with a national organization such as USSSA, AAU, AAYBA, Super Series, or others. If its a state or national qualifyer you may get more/better teams, if thats what you want.

As others have already said, stick with OBR. It is simpler and most youth umpires already know them. FED and NCAA have too many differences to use effectively. Go to any online bookstore and get "The Sporting News" version. It is the best to try to use. As was suggested above try to associate with AAu, USSSA or other group and you will less problems with age appropriate exceptions.

Thanks for all the responses.

We have decided to sanction the tournament USSSA, so we will be using their rule book.

I may get one of the others just to have around.

Take care.