Standard Tournament Format

• NHPA tournaments primarily use round-robin play.
• Pitchers are seeded into classes using their current ringer percentage from eShoe.
• Each pitcher plays every opponent in their class.
• Court assignments and game schedules are provided at check-in.

Determining Winners & Breaking Ties

• Class winners are decided by win/loss record, ringer percentage, or total points (count-all scoring).
• Ties may be broken by:
  • Playoff games
  • Overall ringer percentage
  • Head-to-head results
  • Comparison to entering average
• Major events (State, Regional, National, World): All ties for first place must be broken by a playoff game.

Ringer Percentages

• Ringer % = Total Ringers ÷ Total Shoes Pitched.
• Includes playoff shoes and extra innings.
• All shoes pitched under a sanction number count toward event totals.

Seeding Pitchers

• Seeding is based on current eShoe averages at the entry deadline.
• No current average? Pitchers must complete a 100-shoe qualifying score on a sanctioned court.
• With fewer than 3 sanctioned events, averages are based on the events pitched.
• Physically challenged pitchers may request a revised average through their charter.

Forfeits

• A forfeiting pitcher receives a loss, and their game stats are removed.
• The opponent keeps all earned stats and receives a win.
• Players may return after forfeiting for approved reasons (illness, injury, emergencies).
• Unapproved forfeits result in:
  • Last-place finish
  • Loss of awards/prize money
  • Possible one-year suspension

Tournament Director Responsibilities

Before the Event

• Publicize event details (date, location, fees, divisions, deadlines).
• Seed classes using eShoe averages.
• Notify pitchers of pitching times.

During the Event

• Verify NHPA membership at sign-in.
• Provide scorekeepers and judges.
• Announce:
  • Game format (cancellation or count-all)
  • Game length (shoes or points)
  • Tie-breaking procedures
• Provide schedules and court assignments.
• Maintain accurate scoring and statistics.
• Handle protests, weather delays, and emergencies.
• Present awards after class play.

After the Event

• Record all results in eShoe within two weeks.

Division Size & Fees

• Entry fees are set by tournament officials.
• Divisions with fewer than 4 entries may be canceled, but pitchers must be offered a class to compete in.

Tournament Credit

To receive eShoe credit:

• Pitchers must throw 100 shoes in singles or doubles.
• Team event members must pitch 100 shoes to receive credit.
• Elimination tournaments also require 100 shoes.

Result Reporting

• All sanctioned tournament results must be entered into eShoe promptly.
• Errors should be corrected immediately.