We’re thrilled to introduce this community event in support of the Highfill Police Department. All proceeds will benefit National Night Out, a special event designed to build stronger community connections, increase public safety awareness, and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and residents.
The Chicago Ball Tournament, hosted by the City of Highfill, will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Highfill City Park (180 NW Main St, Highfill, AR 72761) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event is open to only 6 teams, with a registration fee of $10 per team. Downtown Dawgs will be offering food and drinks for purchase. We hope many of you will join us, whether by participating as a player, umpire, or volunteer, or simply as a spectator.
Chicago-Style Rules Overview
Equipment & Gameplay Format
No lead-offs or stealing. Runners can leave the base only after the ball is hit.
Games are played with a 16” “smush” ball – larger and softer than a regular softball.
No gloves allowed. Players catch with bare hands due to the soft, slow-traveling nature of the ball.
A “strike mat” will be used. Any pitch that touches the mat or home plate within a legal 6’–12’ arc is considered a strike.
All batters start with a 1 ball / 1 strike count.
No metal spikes allowed.
Team Composition & Batting Rules
Fielding
- 10 players on the field, minimum 3 must be female.
- No positional requirements.
- Teams may play with as few as 7 players (minimum 2 females).
- If only 2 females are present, an automatic out is taken when the 10th batter spot is reached.
- Team player limits by number:
- 7 players: 5 men / 2 women (minimum)
- 8 players: max 6 men
- 9+ players: max 7 men
Batting Order
Players may bat without playing defense.
Must follow a 2:1 gender ratio – for every two male batters, the third must be female.
Women may rotate through multiple female slots to maintain the ratio.
All players in the field must be in the batting lineup.
General Gameplay Rules
Strikes, Balls & Outs
- Courtesy foul: With two strikes, a batter is allowed one foul ball. A second foul = out.
- Walk Rule: If a male is walked on 3 straight balls with 2 outs and a female follows in the lineup, she may choose to walk or bat.
- Umpires must be alerted in advance that a female is on deck.
Game Length
- 7 innings or 45-minute time limit (whichever comes first).
- Mercy Rule: 12-run lead after 5 innings (losing team’s option).
- Run Limit: Max 5 runs/inning for innings 1–4 (unless declared final). Unlimited runs in innings 5–7.
Start & Forfeit Policy
Forfeit occurs 10 minutes after scheduled start if minimum team count (7 players, 2 females) is not met.
Games start on time.
Playoff Eligibility & Equipment Notes
City provides bases and game balls.
Teams should bring their own bats; at least one approved bat will be available.
During playoffs:
No subs allowed.
Only rostered players may participate.
Teams with 2+ forfeits in regular play are ineligible for playoffs.
Game Play & Field Rules
Out-of-Play Rules
A thrown ball is considered out of play if it:
- Goes over or beyond the fence, road, or designated boundary.
- Crosses the imaginary line extending from the backstop.
- Note: Balls hitting the fence along the base lines are not out of play – runners may advance at their own risk.
Overthrows out of play result in:
- Base the runner was going to + 1 additional base.
Outfield Encroachment Line
Line will be marked with cones and enforced by the umpire.
Outfielders must stay 150 feet from home plate.
Base Running & Contact
Commit Line & Home Plate Rules
- A commit line will be established halfway between 3rd base and home.
- Once crossed, runners must go home.
- Defensive players tag a designated defensive plate 5 ft in front of home plate.
- Runners score by crossing the offensive home plate.
- Touching the wrong plate = automatic out.
- No physical contact between runners and defenders, especially at home. Violations = outs/ejections.
Other Key Running Rules
Force plays between home and first. No contact allowed.
Sliding is allowed.
Infield fly rule is in effect (with <2 outs and runners on 1st & 2nd or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd).
Pitching
Pitches must have a 6–12 ft arc to be legal.
No bunting allowed.
Game Day Schedule
Saturday, May 2, 2026
| Game | Time |
| Game 1 | TBD |
| Game 2 | TBD |
| Game 3 | TBD |
Playoffs
| Match | Time |
| Semi-Final | TBD |
| Championship | TBD |
Join the Fun!
We’re excited to launch this community event benefiting the Highfill Police Department, with all proceeds supporting National Night Out.