The Dugout Round Robin is a one-day, two-game baseball event in Sanford, FL focused on player development and coaching flexibility. Each age group features 3 teams, 90-minute games, certified umpires, and no gate fees. Held on turf fields, it’s a low-stress, high-rep alternative to traditional tournaments.
ROund robin info
The Dugout Round Robin offers a unique and refreshing baseball experience built around player development, flexibility, and convenience. Designed as a one-day, two-game format, each event hosts just 3 teams per age group, providing a structured but low-pressure environment for athletes and coaches.
Every team plays two 90-minute games on our premium turf fields with 15-minute transitions between matchups. Coaches are encouraged to pause play for teachable moments, step onto the field for guidance, and use each game as an opportunity to grow their team. It's a great way to compete while keeping the focus on development and fun.
With no gate fees, a shorter time commitment, and more room for interaction, the Dugout Round Robin is perfect for teams looking for quality reps without the full tournament schedule. Space is limited to just 3 teams per age group per event, so early registration is highly encouraged.
ROUND ROBIN FAQS
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2 structured games on turf fields
Game balls provided
Certified umpires
No gate fee for families
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Each team plays 2 games against the other two teams in their age group. It’s a round robin format with 3 teams per division.
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Games are 1 hour and 30 minutes with a hard drop-dead time. No new inning can begin after 1 hour and 15 minutes. There is a 15-minute transition period between games.
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Yes. This is a development-friendly environment. Coaches are allowed on the field during play to guide and instruct players, especially at the younger levels.
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Full payment is due the Monday before the scheduled Round Robin event. This is a first come, first served event. Team spots are not guaranteed until payment is received.
If a team cancels before the Monday payment deadline, a $100 cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations made after Monday (up to game day Saturday) are non-refundable. -
We follow standard USSSA baseball age cutoffs based on the calendar year. If you’re unsure which age group your team qualifies for, please check on https://www.usssa.com/BASEBALL/AGECALCULATOR
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Registration and payment are completed directly on The Dugout website. Teams will select their age group, complete the form, and pay online. We will follow up via email to receive your proof of insurance
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In the event of a full rainout, we will issue a refund or credit your team toward a future Round Robin date. Partial rainouts will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
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For right now, no. This is a team-based event. If you are an individual looking to play, we will consider pick up play events in the future.
Complex Rules
Players & Equipment
Metal spike cleats are NOT allowed. Players must wear molded cleats or turf shoes.
1st Offense: Player is removed from the game.
2nd Offense (or if a second player is caught): Team will forfeit the game.
Further violations may result in dismissal from the tournament.
Food & Drinks
No outside coolers, food, or drinks are allowed.
Team coolers are permitted but must remain in the dugout area.
No sunflower seeds, gum, tobacco, or food on the fields or in the dugouts.
Complex Conduct
No violence or foul language will be tolerated.
Violators will be asked to leave the complex.
No climbing fences, nets, poles, or dugouts for safety reasons.
Do not cross onto neighboring properties for any reason that is not an emergency.
Bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards are NOT allowed.
1st Offense: Warning and equipment must be removed.
2nd Offense: Dismissal from the complex.
No airhorns, cowbells, or other noisemakers are permitted.
No soliciting is allowed.
Shirt and shoes are required at all times.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed by the fields and in the parking lot. There is little provided shade out there so come prepared. Pets are not permitted in the indoor and covered areas of the facility unless they are a certified service animal.
Pets must remain on a leash at all times.
Smoking Policy
No smoking inside the facility or on complex grounds.
Lost & Found
Found items should be returned to the counter inside the main office building.
Cleanliness
Please help keep the park clean by picking up trash after your game, including the dugout area. Make it a goal to leave the complex cleaner than you found it.
Fan Behavior Expectations
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests:
No profanity or abusive language.
No appearing in a drunken or intoxicated state.
No interfering with balls in play or players on the field.
Any offensive or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the park.
Fans disturbed by inappropriate behavior should report it to the nearest park employee.
Need Assistance?
Fans with questions or concerns should find an employee. You can also call 407-321-3838.
General Tournament Rules
Round Robins at The Dugout will follow NFHS rules with modifications. See modifications below:
Bat Rules
Swing what you bring but no modified or damaged bats are allowed.
Pitching Rules
Pitching limits are left to each team’s head coach, but we strongly encourage responsible management. We recommend no more than 18 outs per pitcher per day.
It is the coach, manager, and parents' responsibility to monitor player health and safety.
Time limit
All games have a hard 1 hour and 30 minute time limit.
Mercy rule
There is no mercy rule to end a game. Teams are allowed five (5) runs max per inning.
Cleats
Metal cleats are not allowed for any age division at The Dugout. Rubber molded cleats or turf shoes must be worn.
8U machine pitch rules
8.07.D Pitching Machine: The front leg(s) shall be set at a distance of forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.
8.07.E.3 When using the Blue Flame manual machine, it should remain at a setting of 9 at all times.
8.07.F Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baselines.
8.07.G The defensive player listed as pitcher shall not leave the pitching area until the ball is hit.
8.07.I The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
8.07.J The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
8.07.J.1 Teams may start a game with eight (8) players. The ninth (9th) position in the batting order will be declared an out each turn at bat. There is no penalty for not having a 10th player.
Rule 8.07.J.1 Approved Ruling: A ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
8.07.K Teams may use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same.
8.07.L Teams may bunt a maximum of two (2) times per inning.
8.07.L.1 Fake bunts shall be prohibited. A batter that “shows” bunt is committed to an attempt to bunt or take the pitch.
Rule 8.07.L.1 Penalty: A batter who swings after “showing” bunt shall be called out and no runners may advance.
8.07.M The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes.
Rule 8.07.M Comment: A batter that has received less than six (6) pitches and has a count of two (2) swinging strikes shall have his turn at bat extended on foul balls up to the six (6) pitch limit.
8.07.O Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches homeplate.
8.07.P A courtesy runner for catcher of record only the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base.
A team may score a maximum of Five (5) runs per inning, including the last inning or record three (3) outs.
8.07.R Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the lead runner is not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule.
Rule 8.07.R Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
8.07.S When a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first (1st) base and all runners shall advance one (1) base.