Roseville Pony Baseball

==Article XII – General Rules for League Play==

Unless otherwise noted in the RPB By-laws or in the current Pony Baseball Rules and Regulations, Major League Baseball rules shall apply.

1. In the event of an injury or ejection, occurring to a player and a replacement player must be placed in the batting order of a team that used all of his her players, the courtesy rule shall go into effect. The courtesy rule means that a starting player may re-enter the game provided that he/she has not been ejected from that game. A pitcher may never return to the mound once he/she has been removed. (Bronco/Pony see Special Rules#46).

2. Every player available for play in the Shetland, Pinto Mustang and Bronco divisions must be placed in the official batting order. If a player arrives late for a game, after the official batting order has been turned into the official scorekeeper, the player shall be placed at the end of the batting order.

3. It is mandatory that all players use a protective cup and/or appropriate protection and support in all League practices and games. All players warming up a pitcher must wear a protective cup and support, and a catcher’s mask with a throat protector, all divisions. Shetland and Pinto Divisions are required to wear full cage facial protected batting helmets. Mustang Division is required to wear at minimum a c-flap type cheek/jaw protected batting helmet, although the league suggests the use of full cage facial protected batting helmets. Standard batting helmet requirements for Bronco and Pony Divisions, although the league suggests the use of full cage facial protected batting helmets. Any player performing base coaching duties must comply with their Divisional batting helmet requirements.

4. Each team is allowed one (1) manager and two (2) coaches. Only authorized managers, game coaches, and players are permitted on the playing field in all divisions, excluding the Shetland and Pinto division. (Information regarding Assist. Coaches. (see Article XIII, (6).

5. Once removed from the mound, no pitcher, starting or otherwise, may return to the mound in the same game. (All Divisions)

6. For pitchers in Mustang-Pony, the 40 hours rest rule is computed from the scheduled starting time of the game in which the pitching occurred, or, in games which begin more than two hours after the scheduled starting time, the actual starting time of the game shall be used to interpret this rule. As soon as a pitcher delivers one pitch to a batter, the pitcher shall be considered as having pitched in one inning.

7. In all divisions, opposing team members (during the game) shall not make references to each other. This includes opposing team managers, coaches, and spectators. Teach the ball players to chatter to each other (for their own team) but not to the opposing team members. Negative chatter will not be tolerated.

8. Managers and coaches are required to wear only their team’s appropriate attire. Appropriate attire is a team jersey and team hat. No tank tops or sandals are permitted at any time. Shorts are permitted, but the pant leg must be hemmed and not shorter than mid thigh.

9. All players available for League play must be dressed in an official team uniform, as provided by RPB. All team uniforms shall be numbered and such numbers shall be recorded and maintained on file

10. Any rules adopted for Interlock League play shall take precedence, but in no case will any rule give minimum playing time for players to be less than outlined in these by-laws.

11. In as much as RPB, places the safety and welfare of its players above all else, in case of debilitating injury to a player during play, a manager or coach shall have the ability to call “time” immediately, independent of play on the field. The umpire shall have the discretion to advance the runner(s) to the correct base(s) on his judgment. It is important that managers and coaches do not interfere with play if the nature of a minor injury allows for “time” to be called in the normal course of the game.

12. Unintentional throwing the bat is extremely dangerous and prohibited after the swing. If it occurs, the player shall be warned. The player shall be called out on the second occurrence. On the third occurrence of throwing the bat, the player shall be barred from batting for the remainder of the game, causing his rotation at bat to be a forced out. Players barred shall be allowed to take their regular turn on defense. The umpire shall notify both scorekeepers and managers when players are warned for throwing the bat so the proper penalties shall be levied.

13. To prevent injuries to players, base runners may be called out when they do not attempt to avoid a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag, or who maliciously runs into the fielder. This is subject to the umpire’s discretion. Base runners are to be instructed to slide for all bases except for first base and avoid making intentional contact with the defensive player.

14. Shetland Pinto and Mustang: When the ball is in the possession of an infielder and, in the umpire's judgment, all play on the runner or runners has ceased, the umpire shall call "Time". The ball is dead.

15. No League trophies shall be given out for placement of teams in the Shetland and Pinto divisions. There are no win-loss records. The objective is to teach the fundamentals of baseball, good sportsmanship, working together as a team, and to enjoy the game.

16. Metal Cleats are not allowed in Shetland, Pinto or Mustang.

17. No purposeful distractions not normally occurring during the course of a baseball game and meant solely to distract the opposing team. i.e. base coaches slapping their legs to distract pitcher, yelling or shouting as the pitcher delivers the ball.

==Article XIII – Division Playing Rules==

Unless otherwise noted in the RPB By-laws, or in the current Pony Baseball Rules and Regulations, Major League Baseball rules shall apply.

===Special Rules “Only” for: Shetland Division (5 & 6 year olds):===

1. During the playing of the Shetland season, the ball shall be hit off of a batting tee. The tee shall be placed on home plate. A batter shall swing the bat until the ball is hit into play.

2. If the ball and hose (from the batting tee) are hit at the same time, the ball shall be considered fair if it has traveled at least ten (10) feet.

3. Players may attempt to hit a pitched ball during the second half of the season. If the ball is not hit after 3-pitches, the batter will then hit off of the batting tee. Balls thrown that are clearly unable to be hit, requires another pitch.

4. Shetland teams shall bat their entire order each inning and every player shall play defense.

5. No new inning shall be started after one (1) hour and thirty (30) minutes.

6. Shetland coaches may be allowed on the field with their players while on defense and may provide verbal instructions during play. Managers and coaches may call time out in order to provide additional instructions to their players at bat or in the field.

===Special Rules “Only” for: Pinto Division (7 & 8 year olds):===

1. Pinto teams shall score no more than five (5) runs in one (1) inning. An inning shall end when either three (3) outs have been made or five (5) runs have been scored.

2. Once an inning begins, it is to be completed. No new inning shall be started after one (1) hour and thirty (30) minutes.

3. The batting lineup shall consist of all players on the team that are present at the game. Players not present shall be listed in the score book and their status noted. Managers should begin the practice of exchanging batting lineups at the beginning of the game.

4. Sliding between home and first base is “prohibited. Should this occur, coaches shall immediately instruct the player on this safety issue.

5. Each player must play at least three (3) full innings per game.
:a. Free substitution of players is allowed.
:b. No player shall sit out two (2) consecutive innings.
:c. All players shall sit out one inning before any player sits out a second inning.
:d. No player shall play the same position more than two (2) consecutive innings in the same game.

6. All players must rotate to at least two (2) different fielding positions with at least one (1) inning in the outfield and one (1) inning in the infield, by the end of the fourth inning. No player shall play the same position twice within the same game except for the Pitcher and Catcher Positions
2008

7. Pinto managers shall provide the umpire-in-chief (Home Plate Umpire), if available, and the opposing team manager with their lineup, first and last names, numbers and position for the first full five (5) innings of play in writing before all games.

8. If a play is made on a runner as he advances to a base on a hit ball and the ball is overthrown and goes out of play, the runner or runners are allowed to advance to the next base only.

9. A maximum of two (2) coaches may be allowed in the outfield with their players while on defense and may provide verbal instructions during play. Managers and coaches may call time out in order to provide additional instructions to their players at bat or in the field. Interference with a ball in play by either manager or coach shall allow an additional base to each base runner and the ball shall be declared dead. A coach/parent may be near the backstop to speed play up, but must be silent and still.
Pinto 1st. Half of the Season Special Rules:

10. Manager and coaches shall feed the pitching machine to their players while batting, at a distance no closer than the pitching rubber for the first half of the season (which is thirty-eight (38) feet). All pitching shall be overhand during the season.

11. The offensive team coach shall make every effort to avoid the batted ball to permit the defensive team pitcher, or other players, to make a play on the ball. If the batted ball strikes the offensive coach or pitching machine, the ball is dead and the batter and/or runner(s) will advance one base.

12. In the first half of the season, the batter will be given three (3) pitches (malfunctions of the machine shall constitute another pitch). No balls or strikes shall be called. A batter shall either hit the ball or strike out. If the third pitch, or beyond, is fouled off, the batter shall continue to bat.

13. The catcher shall be fully equipped and shall take his/her position behind home plate. If the manager of the team feels that the catcher does not have the ability to field the position safely, the catcher, in full equipment, shall stand to the rear of the batter and make defensive plays after the ball has been batted into play.

14. A defensive team can consist of ten (10) players. The 10th player shall play on defense in the outfield.

18. A catcher in proper position shall be mandatory during the second half of the season.

19. A 9 player defense shall be deployed in the second half of the season, with outfielders beginning play on the outfield grass.

===Mustang, Bronco and Pony Division’s – General Rules:===

20. The home team is responsible for the keeping of official game score. It is suggested the visiting team keep a secondary game book. Score-books shall be signed by umpire(s) immediately after each completed game. Scorebooks shall be available for review on request.

21. 10-Run Rule: At the end of 5 innings (4 1/2 if home team is ahead) if a team is leading its opponent by at least ten (10) runs, the game shall be considered complete and the team with the most runs scored will be declared the winner.

22. If the 10 run rule has forced an early conclusion of a game and there is still time remaining under the game time limit rules, play can continue without keeping score until time runs out. Managers can make any player changes they wish during this period of play. (Except for pitchers see Article XII 5-6)

23. Games called early due to darkness, rain or time, that have finished four complete innings of play are considered “completed” games and are not to be rescheduled. Games called earlier than four completed innings are to be re-scheduled by the Director of Scheduling and will resume where they left off, including players and outs. A batter at the plate when play is called shall be the first batter up with no pitches against him. Players not available to resume their position may be substituted in accordance with regular game rules (any eligible substitute player). Games scheduled and never started are considered a make up game and will be rescheduled by the Director of Scheduling.

24. In case of a tie at the end of a season, the Director of Scheduling, at the discretion of the Board, may schedule a play off to determine the champion of that division.

25. Absent a playoff game being played, ties (same win loss record) shall be broken in the following order:
:a. Head to head play
:b. Runs allowed vs. the opposing team.
:c. Runs scored vs. the opposing team.

===Special Rules “Only” for: Mustang Division (9 & 10 year olds):===

26. No team shall score more than five (5) runs in one inning. This 5-run rule will only apply to the first 4 innings of the game and does not apply to the fifth or sixth inning. In the 5th inning, a team may score up to 10 runs. The 6th inning a team may score unlimited runs.

27. Runners at third base can only advance home when the ball reaches home plate.

28. Runners may lead off all bases and may steal at any time at their option.

29. Runners may lead off only up to the 12ft. hash mark between third base and home plate.

30. All players present shall be listed in the batting line-up.

31. All players must sit out at least one (1) inning before any player sits out two (2) innings. All players must sit out at least two (2) innings before any player sits out three (3) innings.

32. No player shall sit out two (2) consecutive innings, unless for injury or disciplinary reasons. Report all injuries see article (IX 11).

33. All players must play one (1) inning in the infield by the end of the fifth inning. Three 3 outs (or 5-run rule) shall constitute an inning.

34. A pitcher who pitches any three (3) consecutive innings must sit out the next inning, unless there are only nine (9) ball players, then the pitcher must play the next inning in an outfield position.

35. Mustang pitchers shall not pitch in more than 3 innings on the same calendar day. When pitching in more than one game on the same calendar day, pitchers may pitch any combination of innings in those games provided they do not exceed the above maximum number of innings in a calendar day. Mustang pitchers shall be allowed to pitch in no more than eight innings in any one calendar week. A calendar week is from 12:01 a.m. Monday to 12 midnight the following Sunday. Mustang pitchers shall have at least 40 hours rest after pitching in three innings on the same calendar day.

36. No inning shall begin after 2 hours. No game shall go beyond 2-hours and 15-minutes.

37. Innings begun prior to the 2 hour time limit shall be completed but shall not last longer than 2 -hours and 30-minutes. The final score shall be determined by the last complete inning.

38. If a tie exists at the end of the 2-hour time limit, one (1) extra inning shall be played or play will continue until the 2 -hours and 15 -minutes has been reached which ever comes first. At the end of that inning, if a tie exists, the game shall be recorded as a tie. Should the inning reach 2-hours and 15 -minutes and the innings has not concluded, the game shall revert to the last complete inning and recorded as such.

39. Mustang managers shall provide the umpire-in-chief (Home Plate Umpire) and the opposing team manager with their lineup, first and last names, numbers and position.

===Special Rules “Only” for: Bronco (11 & 12) and Pony (13 & 14) Division’s:===

The official playing rules, with the exceptions and variations contained in these By-laws and the current Pony Baseball Rules and Regulations, shall be ‘‘Official Rules of Major League Baseball’’ completely revised, as released through the office of the Commissioner of Baseball

40. No inning shall begin after 2 hours and 15- minutes (Bronco). No Bronco game shall go beyond 2-hours and 30-minutes

41. No inning shall begin 2 hours 15 minutes (Pony). No Pony game shall go beyond 2 hours 30 minutes.

42. Innings begun prior to the 2 hours and 15- minutes (Bronco) 2 hours 15- minutes (Pony) shall be completed but shall not last longer than 2 -hours and 30 minutes (Bronco) and 2 hours 30 minutes (Pony). The final score shall be determined by the last complete inning.

43. If a tie exists at the end of regulation, one (1) extra inning shall be played or play will continue until the 2 -hours and 30-minutes (Bronco) or 2 hours 30 minutes (Pony) time limit has been reached which ever comes first. At the end of that inning, if a tie exists, the game shall be recorded as a tie. Should the game reach their maximum time limit in the middle of an inning, the game shall revert to the last complete inning and recorded as such

44. Bronco and Pony Division shall bat all players present and have free defensive substitution. At no time shall the substitution of players change the batting order. Pitchers cannot return to the mound once they have been removed. Bronco players shall play at least three innings in the field every game.

45. Games shall be called at the end of a regulation at 2-hrs and 15-min. (Bronco) or 2-hrs and 30-min. (Pony), regardless of how many innings have been played. (Ties see #41). Players not playing their minimum number of innings shall start the next game. A manager failing to comply with (42) above, upon the first offense, shall forfeit that game in which the player did not meet the minimum playing requirement.

46. Any player in the starting lineup who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game one time. (NOTE: This rule applies to STARTERS ONLY.)

47. Players shall return to the line-up in their original place in the batting order. While more than one substitute may be used in that position before the starting player is returned, no substitutions shall be made that shall alter the original batting rotation of any of the starting or substitute players. (See exception in #46 below.) (2) Once removed from the lineup a pitcher may return to the lineup but shall not pitch again in the same game.

48. Bronco, Pony: In any instance in which a team does not have an eligible substitute for a player who becomes ill, is injured, or ejected from the game by the umpire, the player last removed from the lineup by the manager or coach, who is otherwise eligible to play, shall be used as a substitute. (a) When a team’s last available substitute enters the game as part of a multiple substitution, the manager shall advise the umpire and official scorekeeper which player is to be considered “the last player removed from the line-up.” (b) In this instance only, the substitute player shall take the batting position of the player they replace, even though it may be a different batting position than the one he or she previously occupied. (3) This rule applies to all players, including starters

49. Bronco and Pony age pitchers shall not pitch in more than seven innings on the same calendar day.

50. When pitching in more than one game on the same calendar day, pitchers may pitch any combination of innings in those games provided they do not exceed the above maximum number of innings in a calendar day.

51. Bronco and Pony age pitchers shall be allowed to pitch in no more than 10 innings in any one calendar week. A calendar week is from 12:01 a.m. Monday to 12 midnight the following Sunday.

52. Bronco and Pony pitchers shall have at least 40 hours rest after pitching 4 or more innings on the same calendar day. 40 hours shall be calculated form the last games starting time.