Local Rules

Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball shall establish local rules appropriate to the age group, consistent with the player’s advancement through the various division of play and as allowed by the official rules of PONY Baseball, Inc.

1. No part of this policy shall be interpreted as superseding the Constitution or Bylaws of Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball.
2. Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball may establish rules specifically for use during League play (“local rules”), which supersedes the official PONY and Major League rulebooks. The official PONY and Major League rulebooks shall take precedence unless otherwise stated in the following document. These rules shall be approved by the Board and stated in this document.

1. Throughout the season injuries, no-shows, and confirmed dropped players do occur. Replacement players will be assigned to teams requiring additional players up until a predefined point made by the Board of Directors.
2. A player that misses two games due to any reason must be reported to the Player Agent and Division Director within 24 hours of the second game missed.
3. Throughout the season Division Directors will be making routine dugout checks to validate team rosters.
4. A manager that fails to disclose an injured, no-show, or dropped player will be subject to disciplinary action by the league in the form of possible multiple game suspensions or permanent removal from managing in our league.
5. The Player Agent will confirm all legitimate drops and act accordingly to place a new player if time allows.

1. Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball utilizes Discord and Email as our primary source of information and communication. It is highly recommended that all managers and coaches check your emails and Discord daily for any correspondence that may have been sent by the Division Directors or MVPB officials.
2. Our website www.mvpb.org contains up to date information such as upcoming events, schedules, standings, scores, makeup information, rainouts, general notices, etc. Please make it a point to check the website on a regular basis for updated information. It is also suggested that all managers inform their parents to check the website regularly and especially on days where weather may be a factor.

1. A player may be warned or ejected from the game for play deemed by the umpire(s) to be unsportsmanlike, unsafe, or intended to harm an opposing player. Such instances of malicious play may be unnecessary contact by a runner on an attempted putout, intentionally throwing at a batter, swearing, throwing of equipment, etc. It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure that their players maintain good sportsmanship throughout the entire game.
2. MVPB “DOES NOT” have a slide or avoid rule and any player that demonstrates intent to harm or injure another player, while in the process of running the bases, will be ejected from the game if the umpire deems necessary. At the time of the violation the runner will be considered an automatic out, the ball will become dead, and no other runners can advance.

Sportsmanship

1. Intentionally throwing or slamming the bat; the player is ejected and is to be removed from the game. That spot in the order will be an automatic out every time it comes up to the plate, repeat offenders of this action will be given disciple including suspensions and up to expulsion from the league.
2. Any player, ejected from a game by the umpire, shall be suspended from play for the rest of the game. The ejected player may be automatically suspended from the next scheduled game or games. The ejected party must immediately leave the field of play or else the game is subject to forfeit. Any subsequent ejections may result in multiple game suspension or permanent suspension for the remainder of the season, including post-season and all-star play. The Board of Directors may impose further penalties based upon the severity of the offense
3. Any manager, coach, or spectator ejected from a game by the umpire shall be suspended from play for the rest of the game from which they were ejected. The ejected individual may be automatically suspended from the next two scheduled games. The ejected party must immediately leave the field of play or else the game is subject to forfeit. Any subsequent ejections may result in multiple game suspension or permanent suspension for the remainder of the season, including post-season and all- star play. The Board of Directors may impose further penalties based upon the severity of the offense

Pinto & Below

1. Player rotation is highly important in our league. Managers are instructed and encouraged to rotate players between infield and outfield to the furthest extent possible. This aspect of player development is especially important in the lower divisions where we are trying to build up players. It is acknowledged that some children are unprepared to protect themselves at various defensive positions (i.e. pitcher, first base) and our utmost concern must be the safety and doing our best to make sure no child gets hurt. The manager should use their best judgment in placing players in defensive positions, but at no time can the manager limit a player to the outfield only.
2. No player shall sit a second inning until all players have sat one inning for the first six innings of a regulation game. If the game is forced into a 7th inning or more then no player can sit two consecutive innings will be in effect.
   • NOTE: Any bench player, that enters the game in the middle of an inning, will not be considered as having sat one inning and must sit out another inning before any other player sits a second inning.
3. Both teams are responsible for annotating the bench players in their scorebooks to ensure that this rule is followed
4. All players are required to play at least one position in the infield for one complete inning and within the first four innings of a game.
   • NOTE: Any player, positioned in the infield, that is moved to the outfield or the bench in the middle of an inning, will not be considered as having played in the infield. Conversely, a player positioned in the outfield, that is moved to the infield in the middle of an inning, will not be considered as having played in the infield. Therefore, such player must play an “entire” inning in the infield.
5. A manager, in violation of the minimum play time, may be subject to immediate disciplinary action from the league and be subject to the following penalty:
   • The manager is suspended from the next scheduled game and/or games.
   • The Board of Directors may further sanction repeat offenders.
6. The manager has the authority prior to a game to decrease a player’s playing time if he or she feels that it is warranted for disciplinary reasons. The manager must contact their Division Director prior to limiting a player’s time and explain the circumstances. In instances, which may occur during a game, the opposing manager shall be informed immediately, and the Division Director shall be notified in writing with 24 hours to explain the circumstances.
7. A manager must notify the umpire and opposing manager if one of their players sits out two consecutive innings for any reason. Minimum play rules will change for the end of season tournament. Refer to end of season tournament section in the sections below.

Mustang & Above

1. Player rotation is highly important in our league. Managers are instructed and encouraged to rotate players between infield and outfield to the furthest extent possible.
2. All Players must sit once prior to another player sitting a second inning.
3. A team with 11 or more available players will be required to sit no player more than two innings in an official 7- inning game and they cannot be consecutive (6 innings for Mustang). If the game is forced into an 8th inning or more then no player can sit two consecutive innings will be in effect. (7 innings for Mustang)
4. A team with 10 or less available players will be required to sit no player more than one innings in an official 7-inning game. If the game is forced into an 8th inning or more then no player can sit two consecutive innings will be in effect. (6 inning For Mustang)
5. Teams are responsible for annotating the bench players in their scorebooks to ensure that this rule is followed.
6. A manager, in violation of the minimum play time, may be subject to immediate disciplinary action from the league and be subject to the following penalty:
   • The manager is suspended from the next scheduled game and/or games.
   • The Board of Directors may further sanction repeat offenders.
7. The manager has the authority prior to a game to decrease a player’s playing time if he or she feels that it is
   warranted for disciplinary reasons. The manager must contact their Division Director prior to limiting a player’s
   time and explain the circumstances. In instances, which may occur during a game, the opposing manager shall
   be informed immediately. With DD Notified Via Phone.

1. All teams shall bat the entire roster every game and employ free substitutions subject to the minimum play rules defined in this document.
   • Exception: The pitcher may not return to pitch once removed from the pitching mound.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance will be allowed 5 minutes prior to every game. Participation is optional.
3. All Plate meetings will happen 5-10 minutes prior to first pitch.
4. Game Changer is the official scoring tool of MVPB. Each Team will be required to have an official Score Keeper, Score keeping will be completed on the official game in the official league on game changer. If the home team does not complete this process the visiting team will be expected to keep score. The entire game is to be scored in game changer, pitch by pitch, every at bat, every pitching change, the entire game. There is no reason to put in just the score after a game; the game must be scored on the official game and the official game only.
5. Coaching Staff will consist of 4 coaches including the manager and one official score keeper. (These positions come with snack bar exemption)
   • Teams will be capped at 5 coaches on the field during games, no caps for practice coaches.
   • League will provide jersey and hat for 4 coaches; any additional coaches will have to purchase their own jersey and hat and will be eligible for Snack Bar Exemption at conclusion of the season provided coach or board member approves this exception.
6. No Defensive Shifts are allowed.
7. Seeding and Tie Breakers will go as follows:
   • Win Percentage (Tie counts as half win and half loss)
   • Head-to-Head (Only with equal number of games played)
   • Runs Allowed
   • Run Differential (7 Runs Max Per Game)
   • Coin Toss
8. Reliever 3-batter minimum will NOT be observed for pitching divisions unless the pitcher has reached a threshold then the player can be removed at respective threshold.
9. MLB Rules Pitch Clock and Limit of Pick off attempts in not observed by MVPB
10. Only Manager who was at the plate meeting is allowed to speak to the umpire. Teams can send any one of their coaches to the plate meeting. However, that person will be the only person permitted to speak to the umpire during the game. Offenders of this rule will be asked to leave the playing field.
11. The official starting line-up shall include, at a minimum, the players number, first name, and last name. This line-up card (batting order) shall be given to the opposing team’s scorekeeper 10 minutes prior to the start of the game. Changes to the line-up can be made prior to the official start time as determined by the umpire. Once the game has started the line-up cannot be modified, except to add players that show up late.
12. A player placed in the official line-up and who misses their first at bat, will be considered an automatic out for their first plate appearance. The missing player will then be scratched from the line-up and may be placed at the end of the line-up card if they show up later in the game. Any player that shows up late will be placed at the end of the line-up card. It is recommended that any player, not present for the start of the game, be left off the official line-up to avoid the possible one out penalty.
13. A player who misses an at bat due to a game related injury (i.e. sprained ankle, pulled muscle) will be removed from the line-up and the team will not be penalized for this game related injury. The injured player, who is now officially removed from the game, will not be allowed to re-enter the game and he or she will be skipped in the batting order.
14. A player that becomes sick during a game does not constitute a game related injury and they will be considered an out the next time up to bat; one out penalty. Thereafter they will be scratched from the lineup with no further penalty. The player will be removed from the game.
15. A player missing an at bat due to an ejection will be considered an automatic out every time up to bat.
16. A player missing an at bat, other than a game related injury or ejection (i.e., restroom break), will be considered an automatic out and the next batter in the line-up shall proceed to bat. If that same player misses their second official at bat, they shall be removed from the line-up entirely, no out will be recorded, and the next batter in the lineup shall proceed to bat. Once removed that player will not be allowed to re-enter into the game.
17. Any player, unable to play defensively for three consecutive innings, shall be ineligible to play and will be removed from the batting lineup. The player will be considered an out the next time up to bat. one out penalty. Thereafter they will be scratched from the lineup with no further penalty. The player will be removed from the game, and they will not be allowed to re-enter the game.
18. Courtesy runners, for a player injured while in the process of running the bases, shall be allowed and can occur only once during the game for such player. The courtesy runner shall be the last official recorded out in the scorebook. Injuries to a player, unrelated to the game being played are not eligible for a courtesy runner and must run the bases (i.e., prior skateboard or bicycle accident).
19. Any player with a hard cast or splint is ineligible to play and must submit an official medical release form to the league in order to be eligible to play.
20. All managers, coaches, players, parents, and spectators are asked to support their team, as well as the opposing team. Negative comments including jeering, chanting, or making noise in an effort to distract the pitcher, batter, or other players from the other team are subject to disciplinary action by the umpire if deemed to be excessive. Violators will be warned, and the manager may be subject to an ejection for failure to maintain his/her players or spectators.
21. It is the obligation of the manager and coaches for each team to address any unacceptable behavior by their players or parents. This is necessary at the younger levels because it is often an unfair expectation of the umpires because of their age.
22. Only managers, coaches, scorekeepers, and players are permitted in the dugout (or designated dugout area). Home team uses the third base dugout.
23. Should an umpire fail to appear; the home team manager shall notify their Division Director immediately. The Division Director will make every attempt to get an umpire to the game. Do not wait for an umpire to start the game. The game must proceed utilizing the best available people as umpires. Agreed upon by both Managers.
24. In instances where a game has interfered with the start time of the next game both teams will leave the dugout immediately after the game has ended. A 20 Minute Warm Up Period will be in place for next scheduled game.
25. Games will be subject to a “No New Inning” policy, designated by the player’s age division. Although games are scheduled at specific start time, the umpire will announce the official start time of the game. The “No New Inning” time will be in affect from the official time” (IE. Game posted for 6:00pm but official call time is 6:05pm, the “No New Inning” will take affect from 6:05pm). If there is a failure to announce the start time, the “No New Inning” will take affect from the time posted on the Murrieta Valley Pony website.
26. Unnecessary stalling of any team (IE. Running the clock) and that is in the judgment of the umpire, will be subject to adding additional minutes to the game time. The umpire will use his discretion to determine how many minutes will be added to the clock.
    • Teams will have 3 minutes between innings to start play, the home team will be responsible for managing this clock, a team found to be breaking this rule will be subject to balls and strikes being counted by the umpire.
27. Noisemakers are not permitted at any time during a game, this includes cowbells, horns, mega phones or any tool deemed by the umpire to be a noisemaker.
28. The pitcher shall wear rubber cleats when a portable mound is being used.
29. Hit-A-Way swing trainers (including SKLZ Hurricane Category 4 Batting Tee) are not to be used on the playing field, while the game is in progress.
30. Game times, as specified for each division, may be subject to modifications. Division Directors will notify managers if game times change.
31. Managers and coaches are instructed to hustle their teams on and off the field. Coaches are encouraged to warm up the pitcher while the catcher puts their gear on. The umpires will be instructed to allow 3 minute between innings or five warm-up pitches between innings, whichever comes first.
32. A team failing to field 8 or more players within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time shall be forced to forfeit the game. No team shall play with 7 players except for the Foul or Shetland division. If any team, at any time during the game, cannot field eight uniformed players the game shall be a forfeit.
    • The score for the record books shall be:
      • 6 – 0 in Mustang and Below
      • 7 – 0 in Bronco and Above
33. A team that plays with only 8 players is subject to the following guidelines (Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, and Pony only):
    • The team shall bat the 8-man roster, leaving the 9th batter position open and unfilled.
    • Each time the 9th batter position is due up, an automatic out shall be charged to that team.
      • EXCEPTION: The third out of any inning must be an earned out and is not subject to the automatic out rule the team with eight players will start the next inning with one out.
    • Players who arrive late will fill the 9th batter position and play will resume normally.
    • A team that falls back down to eight or less players will be subject to the rules stated above.
    • Substitute players, from other teams, are not allowed.
    • This 8-player rule shall apply to regular season games only.
    • Managers are instructed to report 8-player games to their Division Directors.
34. For games with no new inning time limits the umpires shall publicly announce the official game start time, relative to his/her watch, prior to the first pitch of the game or when the catcher has thrown the ball down to second base. The managers and scorekeepers should make a note of the official start time. In situations where the official start time was not announced, and no one
    interjected to find out the official start time, the start time will revert automatically to the scheduled start time
35. The ensuing catcher or ensuing pitcher may be substituted with a courtesy runner with two outs in
    the inning. The courtesy runner shall be the player who made the last out. In situations where there will be no other inning, the courtesy runner cannot be used. The ensuing pitcher and ensuing catcher are defined as those players fielding that position in the “NEXT” half inning. Managers, in violation of manipulating this rule, will be ejected from the game and may be subject to further
    suspension from the league.
36. Any board member, who observes inappropriate behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of any player or adult, can remove person from the game.
37. Both teams are responsible for preparing the fields before the start of the game. Field preparation may include dragging the field, watering the field, chalking the field, setting the bases, and setting the portable pitching mound.
    • After the last game both teams are responsible for removing and storing the portable pitching mound, pitching machine, and all field preparation equipment.
    • All teams are responsible for guaranteeing that the storage bins are locked and secured
38. It is the responsibility of each team to clean out their dugouts, stands, and surrounding areas after each game.
    • Please dispose of all trash in the designated trashcans or dumpsters.
39. A batter will be notified by the umpire to remove only one foot from the batter’s box between pitches if it is felt that their time outside of the batter’s box is slowing down the progress of the game. Umpires shall, at their own discretion, enforce a strike or ball to the count.
40. Either team, prior to the start of the game, shall not be permitted to take infield practice. Grounders shall be in front of each dugout in foul territory.
41. No Team will have more than 5 coaches in the dugout on the playing surface. This does not include bullpens. Any changes to this rule or exceptions for personal on game day must be approved by the DD of that division.
42. Accidentally throwing their bat on to the field of play: Interference is called, and the play is dead. Batter is out.
43. Accidentally throwing their bat behind towards the umpire or catcher: play is live and the team at bat is issued a warning. Any other player to accidentally throw their bat behind again; play is dead, and the batter is out.
44. Pitcher Distractions: all cheering or noise by dugouts must stop when pitcher comes set. Teams found in violation of this rule will be subject to a warning first then ejection of manager if behavior continues.
45. Music
    • Home team controls music (pre game, in between innings).
    • Away team only plays walk up music for their team.
    • If the home team does not have music the visiting team is allowed to play music.
    • If music becomes a distraction to the game the umpires have every right to discontinue the use
      of music for this game.

Team Holds

1. Teams may hold up to 4 players.
2. Sibling players will count as 1 hold.

Evaluation Attendance

1. All held players must attend evaluations.
2. If a held player does not or cannot attend evaluations they will automatically count as a Round 1 Hold.
3. The league will attempt to provide a makeup evaluation for held players prior to the draft; however, this is not guaranteed. Managers should ensure their held players attend the scheduled evaluation.

Draft Rules

• Draft Order:
  1. The order of the draft will be determined by the total points of held players, from lowest to highest.

• Placement in Rounds:
  1. Players will be assigned to draft rounds based on their evaluation scores.
  2. Managers holding players assigned to a specific round will forfeit their pick for that round.
  3. If multiple held players fall into the same round, the extra player(s) will count toward the next available round.
  4. Hat picks will become available to managers once the corresponding number of available players remains.

• Holding Players in Early Rounds:
  1. Managers may hold a maximum of 2 players within the first two rounds without incurring penalties.
• Penalties for Additional Early-Round Holds:
  1. Third Held Player (in the first two rounds):
     • Penalty:
       • 1 round forfeited.
       • Forfeiture of hat picks.
       • The manager’s next pick will be locked in the 12th round or the last round of available players (whichever comes first).
  2. Fourth Held Player (in the first two rounds):
     • Penalty:
       • 2 rounds forfeited.
       • Forfeiture of hat picks.The managers next two available picks will be locked to the 11th and 10th rounds or the last round of available players (whichever comes first).
       • The manager will also be blocked from hat picks until all available players are depleted.
  3. Five or More Held Players (in the first two rounds):
     • Penalty:
       • The manager will forfeit all round picks and be locked into the last round of available players for the remainder of the draft.
       • Forfeiture of hat picks

Note: These rules aim to ensure fairness and competitive balance during the draft process. Managers are encouraged to plan their holds carefully to avoid penalties and maximize their team’s potential.

The times below will reflect each divisions individual game time during the spring season. These times do not reflect the end-of-season tournament time limitations

Regular Program

Division	No New Inning	Drop-Dead Time
Foal		2 full innings, everyone bats, or 1:00 (1 hour)
Shetland	1:15 (1 Hour, 15 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Pinto-Machine Pitch	1:45 (1 Hour, 45 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Mustang	1:45 (1 Hour, 45 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Bronco, Pony, HSP	1:45 (1 Hour, 45 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Colt	2:00 (2 Hours)	**See Rule Below

The times below will reflect each divisions individual game time during the fall season.

Division	No New Inning	Drop-Dead Time
Foal		2 full innings, everyone bats, or 1:00 (1 hour)
Shetland	1:15 (1 Hour, 15 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Pinto-Machine Pitch	1:30 (1 Hour, 30 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Mustang	1:30 (1 Hour, 30 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Bronco, Pony, HSP	1:30 (1 Hour, 30 Minutes)	**See Rule Below
Colt	2:00 (2 Hours)	**See Rule Below

Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball has adopted the new USA Baseball Licensing Stamp. With the exception of -3 (BBCOR certified) and wood bats (bamboo wood bats are not approved, multi-piece wood bats must have the USA Baseball mark), all other 2 1/4″ and 2 5/8″ barrel bats with a minus factor of (-5, -7, -9, etc.), must have the USA Baseball licensing stamp on the bat in order to be used for league and tournament play.

Procedure

During the pre-game Managers Meeting, the officiating umpire will be asking if all of your players are properly equipped. This question also applies to the bat. This also serves as your one and only warning regarding the bat rule. No further warnings will be given.

Bat Violation Consequence

In the event a player brings a bat that is not approved for play in PONY Baseball onto the field of play, both the player AND the manager shall be ejected from the game. No warning will be given. Continued violation will result in further game suspensions by the League.

Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball has incorporated a pitching guide in accordance with Pitch Smart Pitch Count Rules. This shall be in effect for the following age groups.

• Days rest are FULL days rest (i.e., if a 10-year-old pitches 66+ pitches on Monday, they are not eligible to pitch again until Saturday.
• Pitchers reaching their maximum number of pitches in a day while pitching to a batter, may finish pitching to that batter before being removed.
• Number of pitches shall be recorded on the League’s website.
• Recommend the use of electronic scoring devices at all levels to help ensure an accurate count.

GameChanger Pitch Count

Logging your team’s pitch count is MANDATORY during the game. Managers failing to log their pitch count will be subject to suspension for the next scheduled game. You are responsible for your team’s pitch count. In order to accurate pitch counts, each team’s scorekeepers should meet between half innings to discuss the pitch count. Any discrepancy will be SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE–No Exceptions!

Pitch Count Violation

Any player found in violation of the pitch count will be INELIGIBLE to pitch for 1 full week starting from the day of the violation. Example: Dodgers pitcher Johnny throws 55 pitches on Wednesday, making him eligible to pitch Sunday. The Angels manager notices that Johnny is pitching against him at their game Saturday. The Angels manager approaches the umpire regarding the ineligibility. Due to ineligibility, the following actions will take place:

Player in Violation:

• Johnny is removed from the mound but not the game.
• Johnny is ineligible to pitch for 1 week from the violation date.

Manager in Violation:

• The manager will be ejected from the game.
• The manager will be suspended from the next scheduled game.

Pitch Count Manipulation

Any Manager found in violation of purposefully manipulating their pitch count on the Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball website will be subject to immediate disciplinary action.

• First Offense – 1 game suspension
• Second Offense – 3 game suspension
• Third Offense – Possible expulsion from the league.

Foal Division Rules (League age 4)

1. Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball shall use the “baseball tee” style of play in its Foal division.
2. All players in attendance shall bat (“batting the roster”) and play defensively. Defensive alignment shall consist of all regular infield positions pitcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Catcher, and short stop.. All remaining players shall be designated as outfielders.
3. All players shall, at a minimum, play one time in the infield and one time in the outfield. No player shall play infield every inning.
4. The offensive team shall bat through the entire lineup. The last player to bat in the inning will be permitted to run the bases in their entirety for a homerun. Managers are encouraged to rotate their batting lineup throughout the season to give all batters the opportunity to hit a homerun.
5. The batting order may be altered each inning to prevent the same player from batting last the entire game, thus allowing multiple players to hit the end of inning “homerun.”
6. Each batter shall bat off the tee until the ball is put into play.
7. During the second half of the season the league may introduce live pitching or a mechanical pitching machine to the batters.
8. The manager or coach shall pitch to his or her own team. MVPB may introduce a mechanical pitching machine to pitch to the players. The coach pitcher can elect to pitch from their knee to provide the best opportunity for the batter if a machine is not available.
9. The coach shall deliver no more than five (5) pitches to each batter, after which the player shall bat off the tee until the ball is put into play.
10. No lead-offs or base stealing shall be allowed.
11. Play shall stop when a defensive player has possession of the ball in the infield. Once play is stopped, the base runner shall return to the nearest base without penalty.
12. The four infielders may not play closer than four feet in front of the base-paths until the ball is put in play.
13. The remaining players shall play in the outfield and be positioned twenty feet beyond the base- paths.
14. A maximum of three (3) offensive coaches and three (3) defensive coaches are allowed on the field during play.
15. Coaches shall umpire the game and no scores and standings shall be kept.
16. Game duration / time limit: Six (6) innings. Games shall end after 1 hour 15 minutes from the scheduled start time.

Shetland Division Rules (League Age 5/6)

Shetland games shall be played under official PONY Baseball Rules and Regulations and supplemented by the general League rules defined in this document. Any other rule not
mentioned will defer to the MLB rule book.

Mercy Rule:

1. 15 runs after 3 innings.
2. 10 runs after 4 innings.

Inning Run Limit:

1. A maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning for the first 4 innings.
2. The Fifth inning will be capped at 10 runs.
   • Exception: A home-run over the fence that puts the team over the 5-run limit will entitle
     the offense to all runs scored on that play.

Game Duration/Time Limit:

1. Five (5) innings total.
2. No new inning shall start after 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. Drop-dead time limit is 2 hours at which point the game reverts back to the last completed
   inning.
4. Extra innings are not allowed during the regular season; games that are tied at the end of
   regulation will remain as ties.
5. If the home team is winning and the “no new inning” time limit has been reached, the inning
   will finish, and the final score shall be recorded at that point.

Minimum Play Rule:

1. All players must sit out once before any player is permitted to sit out a second time.
2. All Players must play one inning in the in-field prior to the completion of the 4th inning
3. All minimum play rules are in place for parents to monitor their coach and not to be policed
   from team to team. Managers who fail to comply with minimum playtime rules face suspension and possible forfeiture of games.

Field Markings:

1. A 2-foot vertical line will be drawn halfway between each base to assist the umpire in
   determining runner placement when a batted ball is dead.

Pitcher’s Position:

1. Player fielding the pitcher’s position must stand 5 feet behind and 3 feet to the left or right of
   the pitching machine. A 2-foot line will be drawn to indicate this position.
2. At least one foot must remain on the line until the pitch starts.

Batted Ball Rules:

1. Ball hitting the coach pitcher: Dead ball, Batter gets first runners advance to next available
   base.
2. Ball hitting the pitching machine:
   • Remains fair: Live ball.
   • Deflected into foul territory: Dead ball, batter awarded first base, runners advance one
     base.

Coach and Manager Requirements:

1. Managers must wear league-supplied uniforms to be on the field.
2. A maximum of Five (5) Coaches are allowed on the field during a game. This number includes
   the manager.
3. Coaches may be in the outfield
4. Both the offensive and defensive team may have a coach positioned behind home plate.

Additional Rules:

1. The entire lineup will bat, no limit on defensive substitutions.
2. Infield Overthrow Rule: If an infielder makes a play resulting in an overthrow, the ball becomes dead immediately, and runners may not advance further than the base they were actively going to.
3. On a batted ball, runners may advance until an infielder has control of the ball in the infield, in
   fair territory, or at a base and holds the ball up. Once the ball becomes dead and in the
   judgment of the umpire the runner has not gone entirely beyond the halfway point between the bases, the runner will be required to return to the base in which they are coming from.
4. If a catcher is not in the crouched position at the time of the pitch, an out will not be recorded if a fly ball is caught by the catcher in foul territory.

Machine-Pitch Pinto Division Rules (League Age 7/8)

Pinto games shall be played under official PONY Baseball Rules and Regulations and supplemented by the general League rules defined in this document. Any other rule not mentioned will defer to the MLB rule book.

Mercy Rule:

1. 15 runs after 3 innings.
2. 10 runs after 4 innings.

Inning Run Limit:

1. A maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning for the first 5 innings.
2. The sixth inning will be capped at 10 runs.
   • Exception: A home-run over the fence that puts the team over the 5-run limit will entitle
     the offense to all runs scored on that play.

Game Duration/Time Limit:

1. Six (6) innings total.
2. No new inning shall start after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
3. Drop-dead time limit is 2 hours and 30 minutes, at which point the game reverts back to the
   last completed inning.
4. Extra innings are not allowed during the regular season; games that are tied at the end of
   regulation will remain as ties.
5. If the home team is winning and the “no new inning” time limit has been reached, the inning
   will finish, and the final score shall be recorded at that point.

Over Throw Rule:

1. In-Field Over throw Rule, player may advance one base on over throw. (Example if ball is
   thrown to second by infielder and runner is running to second and an over throw happens the
   runner can advance to third.)
2. Additional bases are not safe havens. (Example if over throw happens at 1st and runner is
   running to first the runner can advance to second, if they choose to keep running to third,
   third base will not be considered a safe and player can be tagged out) We encourage our
   offensive coaches to run their players but also stop them at the appropriate base. Do not
   send them expecting the umpire to send them back, this could result in an out if the runner is
   tagged.

Coach Operating the Pitching Machine:

1. An offensive coach will feed the pitching machine while their team is batting.
2. The coach feeding the machine may provide instructions to batters and base runners but
   must not interfere with defensive players.
3. If a batted ball hits the coach operating the machine, the ball is dead, batter gets first and
   runners advance to next available base
4. If a live ball hits the coach operating the machine, or the coach interferes with a fielder
   attempting a play, the ball is dead, and the lead runner is out. Intentional interference by the
   defense results in a dead ball, with all runners advancing one base

Base Running Rules:

1. Base runners are not permitted to steal bases and must remain in contact with the base until
   the ball is hit.
2. Penalty: If a runner leaves the base early and the ball is hit, the runner is out, and the ball is in
   play. If the ball is not hit, the runner must return to the base, and the ball is dead.
3. However, in the event that the ball passes the catcher and hits the backstop, runners may
   advance one base at their own peril; however, players may not score on a passed ball.

Pitchers Position:

1. The player fielding the pitcher’s position must be positioned five (5) feet behind the pitching
   machine and three (3) feet to either side.
2. A two-foot line will be drawn at this position, and the player must keep at least one foot on
   this line at the start of the pitch.

Minimum Play Rule:

1. All players must sit out once before any player is permitted to sit out a second time.
2. All Players must play one inning in the infield prior to the completion of the 4th inning
3. Players are capped at 3 innings at each infield position
4. All minimum play rules are in place for parents to monitor their coach and not to be policed
   from team to team Managers who fail to comply with minimum playtime rules face
   suspension and possible forfeiture of games.

Coach and Manager Requirements:

1. Managers must wear league-supplied uniforms to be on the field.
2. A maximum of five (5) Coaches are allowed on the field during a game. This number includes
   the manager.
3. One Coach may be in the outfield during regular season games only but must stand on
   warning track during play.

Additional Rules:

1. Overthrow Rule
2. No Metal Cleats Allowed.
3. The entire lineup will bat, no limit on defensive substitutions.

Player-Pitch Pinto Division Rules (League Age 7/8)

1. No Walks, at ball 4 the coach of the offensive team will pitch and take over the strike count. If the ball is not hit the batter is out.
2. There are No Balks
3. No Metal Cleats
4. 10 Defensive players allowed ( 6 In-Fielders, 4 Outfielders)
5. No Drop Third Strike Rule
6. One Defensive Coach allowed in the outfield
7. No In-Field Fly Rule
8. Batters can Bunt
9. Base Stealing is allowed; the runner cannot leave the base until the pitch crosses the Plate. No Lead offs and No Stealing when coach is pitching at the mound.
10. Runners cannot advance more than the 1 base on a passed ball, even if the catcher makes an “overthrow” error.

Mustang Division Rules (League Age 9/10)

Mustang games shall be played under official PONY Baseball Rules and Regulations and supplemented by the general League rules defined in this document. Any other rule not
mentioned will defer to the MLB rule book.

Mercy Rule:

1. 15 runs after 3 innings.
2. 10 runs after 4 innings.

Inning Run Limit:

1. A maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning for the first 5 innings.
2. The sixth inning will be capped at 10 runs.
   • Exception: A home-run over the fence that puts the team over the 5-run limit will entitle
     the offense to all runs scored on that play.

Game Duration/Time Limit:

1. Six (6) innings total.
2. No new inning shall start after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
3. Drop-dead time limit is 2 hours and 30 minutes, at which point the game reverts back to the
   last completed inning.
4. Extra innings are not allowed during the regular season; games that are tied at the end of
   regulation will remain as ties.
5. If the home team is winning and the “no new inning” time limit has been reached, the inning
   will finish, and the final score shall be recorded at that point.

Pitching Regulations:

1. Pitch Smart Pitch Count Rules must be adhered to (refer to the PONY rulebook for detailed
   pitching regulations and penalties, including the Pitch Smart Pitch Count Rules grid)
2. Balks will be called at the umpire’s discretion. Each pitcher will receive one warning per game
   before Balk is enforced.

Pitching Regulations – Please refer to the Pitch Smart Pitch Count Rules grid below:

Base Running and Stealing:

1. MLB Rules for Lead off and stealing with the exception of a straight steal of home

Minimum Play Rule:

1. All players must sit out once before any player is permitted to sit out a second time.
   • Exception – Starting Pitcher does not observe this rule however, the Starting Pitcher must
     sit the inning after they are removed from the game.
2. All minimum play rules are in place for parents to monitor their coach and not to be policed
   from team to team Managers who fail to comply with minimum playtime rules face
   suspension and possible forfeiture of games.

Coach and Manager Requirements:

1. Managers must wear league-supplied uniforms to be on the field.
2. A maximum of four (4) Coaches are allowed on the field during a game. This number includes
   the manager.
3. One Coach may be in the outfield during regular season games only but must stand on
   warning track during play

Additional Rules:

1. Drop Third Strike Rule not in effect
2. Intentional Walks must be executed by throwing 4 pitches
3. No Metal Cleats

Bronco Division Rules

Bronco games shall be played under official PONY Baseball Rules and Regulations and supplemented by the general League rules defined in this document. Any other rule not
mentioned will defer to the MLB rule book.

Mercy Rule:

1. 15 runs after 3 innings.
2. 10 runs after 4 innings.

Inning Run Limit:

1. A maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning for the first 5 innings.
2. The Sixth and seventh inning will be capped at 10 runs.
   • Exception: A home-run over the fence that puts the team over the 5-run limit will entitle
     the offense to all runs scored on that play.

Game Duration/Time Limit:

1. Seven (7) innings total.
2. No new inning shall start after 1 hour. 45 Minutes.
3. Drop-dead time limit is 2 hours and 30 minutes, at which point the game reverts back to the
   last completed inning.
4. Extra innings are not allowed during the regular season; games that are tied at the end of
   regulation will remain as ties.
5. If the home team is winning and the “no new inning” time limit has been reached, the inning
   will finish, and the final score shall be recorded at that point.

Pitching Regulations:

1. Pitch Smart Pitch Count Rules must be adhered to (refer to the PONY rulebook for detailed
   pitching regulations and penalties, including the Pitch Smart Pitch Count Rules grid)
2. Balks will be called at the umpire’s discretion. Each pitcher will receive one warning per game
   before Balk is enforced.

Pitching Regulations – Please Refer to the Pitch Smart Pitch Count Rules grid below:

Minimum Play Rule:

1. All players must sit out once before any player is permitted to sit out a second time. Partial
   innings do not count toward this rule.
   • Exception – Starting Pitcher does not observe this rule however, the Starting Pitcher must
     sit the inning after they are removed from the game.
2. All minimum play rules are in place for parents to monitor their coach and not to be policed
   from team to team Managers who fail to comply with minimum playtime rules face
   suspension and possible forfeiture of games.

Coach and Manager Requirements:

1. Managers must wear league-supplied uniforms to be on the field.
2. A maximum of four (4) Coaches are allowed on the field during a game. This number includes
   the manager.

Additional Rules:

1. Drop 3rd Strike Rule: In effect.
2. Intentional Walks: Must be executed by throwing 4 pitches.
3. Metal Cleats are allowed however cannot be used on artificial mound
4. The entire lineup will bat, no limit on defensive substitutions.
5. Mound Visits limit to 1 per pitcher, second visit requires pitcher change
6. Courtesy Runner Pitcher or Catcher only 2 Outs and must be last out
7. Courtesy Runner for injured player can be used once, second time would require removal of
   the injured player from the game.

Pony Divisions Rules

Pony games shall be played under official PONY Baseball Rules and Regulations, subject to the general League rules defined in this document:

1. There will be a maximum of 6 runs allowed per inning for the first 4 innings. The fifth inning & beyond will be subject to unlimited runs. The only exception to the 6-run limit is in the case of a homerun over the fence that puts the team over the 6-run limit. The offense will be entitled to all runs scored.

Game Duration/Time Limit:

1. 7 innings. No new inning or extra innings shall start after 1 hour and 30 minutes.
2. Extra innings are allowed within the official PONY rules subject to time limitations (ties are
   allowed).
3. If the home team is winning and the no new inning time limit has been reached, then the game shall be stopped, and the final score shall be recorded from that specific point.

Pitching Regulations – Please refer to the Pitch Smart Pint Count Rules grid below:

Additional Rules:

General Tournament Rules for all Divisions

The regular season minimum play rules, as defined in the previous sections, do not apply for the tournament.

1. Each player shall be required to play at least every other inning defensively. No player shall sit out two consecutive defensive innings.
2. Home team shall occupy the third base dugout.
3. CA tiebreaker will be in effect when the game has completed their regulation inning. All single or double elimination tournaments will always have a winner and a loser (there is not a drop-dead time in the tournament).
4. CA tiebreaker is in effect for the “first overtime inning”; place the last out on 2nd base with no outs and play out the inning.
5. Second and subsequent overtimes will require the offensive team to place the last two outs on 2nd and 3rd, and play out the inning until a winner is determined. Start the inning with no outs.
6. Number of runs per inning and the mercy rule are in effect for all divisions.
7. Games can be played with 8 players, but they will be subject to our 8-player local rule penalty.
8. One offensive time out per inning and 180 seconds in between innings.
9. Hustle players on and off the field.
10. Batters will be expected to keep one foot in the batter’s box when taking signs.
11. Home team is the official book. Official scoring must be completed in GAME Changer
12. Championship game will be played to the full inning limit of their division.
13. Unnecessary stalling of any team that is in the judgment of the umpire, will be subject to adding additional minutes to the game time. The umpire will use their discretion to determine how many minutes will be added to the clock.
14. Regular season pitching rules still apply.

Tournament Rules

Shetland Tournament Rules:

1. 1:15 no new inning. No drop dead. No ties.
2. 15-run Mercy Rule after 4 innings; 10-run Mercy Rule after 5+ innings.
3. No player shall sit two consecutive innings defensively.

Machine Pinto Tournament Rules:

1. 1:30 No New innings played. No drop dead. No ties.
2. 15-run Mercy Rule after 4 innings; 10-run Mercy Rule after 5+ innings
3. 5-run limit (unless continuation) for innings 1 thru 5 only. Innings 6 will be played at 10 run cap
4. No player shall sit two consecutive innings defensively.

Mustang Tournament Rules:

1. Home team is the determined by the regular season results.
2. 1:30 no new inning. No drop dead. No ties.
3. 5-run limit (unless continuation) for innings 1 thru 5 only. Inning 6 will be played at 10 run cap
4. 15-run Mercy Rule after 3 innings; 10-run Mercy Rule after 4+ innings.
5. No player shall sit two consecutive innings defensively.
6. Home Plate Rules Remain the same as regular season No Straight Steals.

Bronco Tournament Rules:

1. Home team is the determined by the regular season results.
2. 1:30 no new inning. No drop dead. No ties.
3. 15-run Mercy Rule after 3 innings; 13-run Mercy Rule after 4+ innings; 10-run Mercy Rule after
   5+ innings.
4. 6-run limit (unless continuation) for innings 1 thru 5 only. Innings 6 and 7 will be played at 10 run cap
5. No player shall sit two consecutive innings defensively.

Pony Tournament Rules:

1. Home team is the determined by the regular season results.
2. 1:30 no new inning. No drop dead. No ties.
3. 6-run limit (unless continuation) for innings 1 thru 3 only. Thereafter it is unlimited.
4. 15-run Mercy Rule after 3 innings; 13-run Mercy Rule after 4 innings; 10-run Mercy Rule after 5+ innings.
5. No player shall sit two consecutive innings defensives.