FAQs -
GENERAL
Updated: August 17, 2020
What are the eligibility requirements for the 2020 United Wiffle®Ball national championship tournament?
In 2020, the United Wiffle®Ball national championship will be an open tournament, meaning that any 3-5 person Wiffle®Ball team is eligible. There are no qualification requirements for the 2020 event nor are there are any restrictions as to roster construction.
For 2021 and beyond, a simple and non-intensive qualifying system which would utilize preexisting tournaments is under consideration. The intent of the proposed structure is to establish team rosters prior to the year-end event and to encourage year-round play.
What are the basic game play rules?
The general game play style is unrestricted pitch speed, no base running Wiffle®Ball. Ball preparation and big barreled bats – both of which are defined in the tournament rule book – are permissible. Please see the “Rules” section of this website for the full set of rules.
What is the format for the 2020 tournament?
The exact format of the tournament will depend on the number of participating teams. In general, United Wiffle®Ball is focused on the following areas when selecting a format:
A reasonably high minimum number of games played so that all participating teams have ample opportunity to compete;
A reasonable maximum number of games needed to win the tournament; and
Tangible and meaningful stakes to as many of the tournament games as possible.
The final format will be announced after registration closes.
What times does the tournament begin? What time does it end?
The tournament is scheduled to begin at no later than 9 AM on Saturday. The tournament will likely last late into the evening on Saturday night and could go well into the night. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, ending somewhere in the early evening.
Is there a cash prize for the tournament?
There will be a cash prize. The exact amount will depend on a number of factors, including the number of teams in the tournament and the length of the tournament. More concrete details on the cash purse will be announced as soon as they become available.
We have never played this style of Wiffle®Ball before but are interested in the tournament. Should we give it a shot?
Absolutely!
While there is often an adjustment period when trying out a new-to-you style of Wiffle®Ball, at the end of the day we truly believe that Wiffle®Ball is Wiffle®Ball and good players are good players. Some pitchers have experienced tremendous success exclusively throwing “clean” balls under similar sets of game play rules. Not every successful pitcher has been or is a flame thrower. Bat choices at these tournaments run the gambit. There is not one type of player that is automatically better positioned for success in this style over other types.
It is United Wiffle®Ball’s goal to have as many skilled and passionate players and teams as possible competing in the tournament. The success of the 2020 tournament and future tournaments will be measured on our ability to achieve that goal. We sincerely hope that you will give us a shot!
How might this year’s tournament be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
We wish that we knew.
October is a long time away and we are optimistic that events like this one will be able to take place safely come then. At this time, players should expect to adhere to the basic social distancing and hygiene protocols that have been recommended to fight against infection, including keeping a safe distance from others and regularly sanitizing hands and equipment. As the event draws closer, additional safety guidance might be provided. In the unfortunate situation that the event is canceled due to health concerns, full refunds will be issued.
FAQs - LOCATION
Updated: August 17, 2020
Is there a reason that the 2020 tournament will take place in the northeast rather than a more geographically central location?
There are several factors which make holding this year’s tournament in the northeast a logistical necessity. It is United Wiffle®Ball’s goal to host a national championship tournament with participation from a diverse geographic population. We understand that the location of this year’s event might make it more difficult for teams from certain areas of the country to attend. However, we believe the tournament will be well worth the travel from any part of the country. A location that is convenient for as many of the players as possible is one of the several important factors that went into choosing this year’s location and one that will also go into choosing the location of future events.
I am flying in for the tournament. What is the closest/most convenient airport?
For those flying in, there are several convenient options with three international airports within a 2-hour drive of PeoplesBank Park.
Harrisburg International Airport is the closest and just a 40-minute drive south to the ballpark. Baltimore-Washington International Airport is approximately a one hour drive north to the Park. As a third option, players may choose to fly into Philadelphia Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive west to reach the venue.
How many Wiffle®Ball fields will be constructed within PeoplesBank Park?
Current plans call for 8 Wiffle®Ball fields within PeoplesBank Park. The exact number of fields will be determined closer to the event, but the goal is to maximize the number fields while also leaving enough room for players to move around the venue.
For participating players, are there any rules for entering and exiting PeoplesBank Park? What can I bring into the Park?
Final details are forthcoming, but players will be allowed to enter and exit the Park through the main gate located behind home plate (Brooks Robinson Plaza entrance). The main parking lot is also located directly in front of this gate. Players can exit and enter the Park at any time during the day as needed.
Players can bring their own coolers with water and sports drinks. Outside alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted within PeoplesBank Park. Currently, PeoplesBank Park plans on having in-stadium beer sales during the event. Players may order food from local restaurants using any available food delivery service. The delivery person should be instructed to meet at the gate behind home plate and players should coordinate to pick up their food from there.
Are guests (families, friends, fans) allowed in the Park to watch the tournament?
Pennsylvania state law currently limits outdoor events and gatherings to 250 people. As a result of the overwhelming interest in the tournament, close to 200 players will be participating in the event. UW has a responsibility to follow the state laws and provide an environment where all involved can safely socially distance. As as a result - and in the interest of fairness - we are limited the event at this time to rostered players and individuals that will be working at the tournament as either York Revolution staff members or UW staff members. We provide immediate updates if this situation changes.