The Tournament

A backyard-style wiffle ball tournament for Waldwick boys ages 9–12, with small teams, themed fields, and pure summer chaos. Open to all skill levels. The tournament is all about fun, creativity, and hitting dingers with your friends. Plus, there will be open play fields for siblings, parents, and anyone who just wants to swing a bat and hang out picnic-style.

Wiffle Tournament Master Rule List

Requirements

  • All players must sign a release form when they arrive and check-in

  • There will be no refunds if players do not show up

  • Boys must be 9-12 years old on July 20, 2025

  • All players, parents, and spectators are expected to show respect and keep the tournament fun for everyone

  • Heckling, bullying, arguing calls, or any negative behavior will result in ejection for the game and/or the tournament

Team Structure

  • Each team has 5 players

  • 1 Pitcher and 4 fielders

  • Teams can compete with 4 if a player does not show up, but not 3

  • All 5 players bat in a fixed order for duration of the game

Game Format

  • Games are 3 innings or 30 minutes, whichever comes first

  • 30 minute clock ends the game at the buzzer, if ball is mid-air pitch the game continues until strike/ball/or hit concludes

  • Fielding/batting switches after 2 outs

  • 3 strikes is an out, 4 balls is a walk

  • No stealing or lead-offs

  • No pegging allowed

  • Tagging and force outs are permitted

  • No headfirst sliding

  • Sneakers only, no cleats

  • Strikezone “catcher” while offense is running home from third, hit the zone before player touches home is an out

Pitching and Strike Zone

  • Relaxed toss, umpires will intervene if necessary

  • Pitchers may throw overhand, sidearm or underhand

  • Breaking, knuckleball and all junk is encouraged

  • Each field will use a standing strike zone

  • If the ball hits the zone on the fly, it counts as a strike no matter what

  • Foul tips into the strike zone after 2 strikes is an out

  • Balls and strikes are decided by the strike zone only & confirmed by umpires

  • No arguing calls

Umpires

  • Each field will have an assigned adult umpire

  • All calls are final, no arguing!

Tournament Structure

  • Each team will play multiple short games across different fields

  • Format includes round robin or pool play depending on turn out

  • Top teams advance to a playoff round

  • Ties are allowed in early rounds

  • Playoff ties are settled with a one-inning sudden death

Homerun Derby

  • The derby field is open to all for fun, but only registered tournament players can compete officially

  • All players that register for the homerun derby will each get 3 official rounds

  • Each participant gets 10 swings per round

  • Your total points across all rounds will determine the final playoff bracket

  • The top hitters will advance to a single-elimination playoff to crown the derby champions by age group

FAQs

Who is this for?

Tournament play is open to Waldwick boys ages 9–12 as of July 20, 2025. Two additional fields will be available for open play—perfect for siblings, parents, and anyone wanting to join the fun. The Homerun Derby field is open to all, though only registered players can compete and will take priority when it is their time to bat.

What happens if enough people don’t register?

We will likely need 20-30 kids for each division (9-10 year olds and 11-12 year olds) in order for the tournament to work. If we do not receive enough registrations the tournament will be cancelled and registration fees will be refunded.

What happens if it rains?

Our rain date is July 13, 2025. If both dates are rained out, we’ll refund $15 of the $30 registration fee to help cover upfront costs. Fingers crossed for sunshine!

What will be provided?

There will be an adult umpire for each tournament field, refreshments, first aid, unlimited sunscreen and water, and of course bathrooms. Every player receives an official 2025 tournament t-shirt. There will be prizes for winners. Music and open play for family and friends and a refreshment stand. We are hoping to partner with food truck/ice cream trucks. We are currently working with the town/schools to see what our limits are for the field we can rent.

Where is the tournament?

We are currently working with local town and school officials for a location. We are targeting Veterans Park, Hopper Field or Traphagen School, where smaller fields will be constructed for play. If these locations are not approved you will receive a full refund of your registration fee. Once a location is booked you will be notified. The start time will be 1pm for player registration regardless of where we are able to have the tournament with games beginning at 1:30.

What do we get for our registration fee?

We are hoping to cover the costs of equipment, field rental, insurance, prizes and refreshments. We will also be providing an official Waldwick Wiffle Classic Commemerative T-Shirt to all registered players. We are not trying to make a profit.

Field 1 - Classic Wiffle

The purest form of the game. Yellow bat, white ball, standard stikezone. Backyard dimensions. No gimmicks, just wiffle.

Field 2 - Blitzball

For pitchers who want to show off filthy movement. Standard zone, expanded field dimensions, and the nastiest breaking balls of the day.

Field 3 - The Yolo Grounds

Tiny porches in left and right, deep center, oversized strike zone. Bat and ball wheel of fortune, goofy rules, and total chaos. Anything can happen.

Field 4 - The Derby

All power, no defense. Swing for the fences in open sessions or enter the official derby to win your age group.

Field 5 - Open Play

No teams, no rules, just wiffle. For siblings, parents, and anyone who wants to swing a bat and join the fun between games.

Field 6 - Open Play

No teams, no rules, just wiffle. For siblings, parents, and anyone who wants to swing a bat and join the fun between games.