2023 Gulf Coast Championships

We are rapidly approaching the end of our summer.  This weekend we have the Gulf Coast Championships.  Next weekend, the South State Tournament.  Then I get a life back… It’s been a great year in many respects.  But also one of the hardest years on record.  We get through next weekend, there will be time to reflect and figure out how we do it all better next year.

Below are brackets for this weekends 2023 Gulf Coast Championships.  Tee Ball and 16U will just play Saturday.  But it’s a Saturday/Sunday affair for most.  The tournament will be held at the Woolmarket Sports Complex, 16520 Switzer Park Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532. Tournament Entry Fees are TB $150, CP $225 and FP $250.

This is a rostered event.  Attached is a roster form that each team will need to complete and turn-in at registration.  We’ve had such a bad time with accusations of teams picking up players that didn’t participate in league play that we are requiring the respective league president certify that all the rostered players are eligible for All Star play.  Teams should start collecting birth certificates and pictures.  If there is an age eligibility protest, then I’ll need to verify birth age.  There will be a 100% birth certificate check next week.

As a reminder, here’s some basics:

• This is All-Stars. If they player did not play in at least 7 (50%) of league games for a team in your league, they are not eligible for All-Stars.
• If a player played on middle school or high school, then wanted to pickup on All-Star team so they can play. They cannot be on an All-Star team unless they meet the minimum game criteria. This mostly affects 12U and 16U.
• A player can only play on one team per weekend. They can play 12u one weekend, then 16u the next weekend, and then go back to 12u if they are age eligible. But they are locked into the team they first played with on a weekend.
• No pickups even from your own league are allowed once the first game has started.

Tee Ball and Coach Pitch will play no new inning after 55 minutes.  Fast Pitch will be no new inning after 65 mins.  10U will play 3 outs or 7 runs.  All tie games at the end of regulation will use the international tie break rule.  Any If Games will be a two inning shootout.

Also below is a copy of the Zero Tolerance Policy. There is no need to have a policy if it’s not going to be enforced.  Umpire abuse is a national epidemic and our member leagues have taken a strong stance on coach misconduct.  Head coaches should be aware they are responsible for their players, coaches and fans.

Let’s all work to make this a great weekend for the kids.  Please have them start hydrating on Friday night.  It’s going to be a hot one.  Also watch out for grandpa’s and grandma’s this week as they can be quickly effected by the heat.

Thank you for Playing USA Softball!