No player may sit out two innings until every other player has sat out at least one inning.
Each player will play at least one inning in the infield (pitcher, first, second, shortstop, third or catcher) in each game.
Each player will play at least one inning in the outfield in each game.
A player can play 3 maximum innings at any position each game.
10 players may be used defensively (4 in the outfield equidistant apart and no closer than 15 feet from the edge of the infield prior to the ball being hit).
A team must field at least 8 players in uniform and able to play at the start of the game (and at any time during the game) or they forfeit the game. The defensive team must field a catcher at all times. When playing with 8 or 9 players, the "open" positions can be determined by the defensive team (other than catcher), and can be changed between innings but not during an inning (no mid-inning switches).
With the exception of pitching changes, no player may switch defensive positions in the middle of any inning unless a player gets injured or the opposing team manager agrees with the switch (ie player safety concerns).
Hitting and Baserunning
It is strongly encouraged with 2 outs that a pinch runner is allowed for catchers.
All Players while in route to home plate must slide or avoid contact if there is any reasonable chance that a play will be attempted at the plate. Failure to do so in the umpire’s judgment will be an out.
If in the umpire’s judgment, the batter throws the bat, the batter will be given a warning for the first offense and will be called out for any subsequent offenses, and the ball is dead. All runners will return to their previous bases.
Runners may lead off and steal bases, with the following exceptions: -During the 1st half of the season: 1. no stealing home -During the 2nd half of the season:
no stealing home on a pitch (unless on a wild pitch or passed ball); and
no stealing home on a throw from the catcher back to the pitcher (unless a wild or missed ball back to the pitcher). -----During the entire season: 1. if the catcher or pitcher otherwise throws the ball to 1st, 2nd or 3rd base, the runners can advance at their own risk.
Head-first slides are not allowed, except in the occasion of a player returning to a base to avoid a pickoff.
Pitching
Pitchers may pitch a maximum of 2 innings per game, which must be consecutive, with a maximum of 6 innings per week.
In the post season tournament only, pitchers may pitch a maximum of 2 innings per game, which must be consecutive, with a maximum of 8 innings per week.
Pitching week begins on Monday at 12:01am and ends on Sunday at 12 midnight.
Pitchers must follow the pitch count recommendations set forth in the Pitch Smart Guidelines established by Pony Baseball.
Daily Maximum: 50 pitches
Required Rest: 1-20 pitches, 0 days rest
21-35 pitches, 1 day rest
36-50 pitches, 2 days rest
Rest is calculated as per calendar day.
Pitchers reaching their maximum number of pitches in a day (50 pitches) while pitching to a batter may finish pitching to that batter before being removed.
A pitcher must record 3 outs or face 3 batters to qualify as a pitching appearance.
If a pitcher comes in and faces only one batter or pitches only one pitch that is still considered an inning for that pitcher, although the pitcher must face at least 3 batters or record three outs for it to be considered an official appearance.
A minimum of 4 pitchers must be used in each game and each of the 4 pitchers must record three outs or face at least three batters.
The dropped third strike rule will be enforced as per MLB rules. As of the 2020 season, this rule is no longer enforced at the Mustang level.
It is strongly encouraged that all players be allowed to pitch at least one inning during the season.
Inning and Game Duration
No new inning begins after 1 hour and 45 minute. Game drop-dead at 2 hours when a game precedes another game, except in the Playoffs when there is no time limit. If this time limit ends a game in the middle of an inning, the final score will be determined by the score at the end of the last completed inning.
Weekday games have no time limits, except when a game is called due to darkness.
4-Run Rule per Inning until the 6th inning which will allow unlimited runs, or unless due to time constraints, both coaches and the umpire agree to an alternate last inning. This rule will apply during the first-half of the season. When the games count for the actual standings in the second-half of the season, and during the playoffs, the 4-Run Rule per inning will be increased to 5.
No 10-run (mercy) rule.
Rule on Managing and Coaching
A team may have up to four adults assisting for each game.
On offense, each team may have a first and third base coach on the field.
Coaches are not allowed on the field while their team is on defense, except for visits to the pitcher.
The Home team will provide the umpire with three new game balls at the start of each game. If more balls are needed, both managers can select the best available balls from their used game balls.
The Home team manager is responsible for pre-game field maintenance, keeping the official score, and field clean up after the game. Both managers are responsible for cleanliness of their respective dugouts, especially after the last game of the day.
The winning Manager of each game is responsible for timely recording the score on the league’s website and/or notifying the league president of the score so that he can update the website.
Safety and Regulations
No batting practice nor infield work on the field before games.
All players must be registered with the Mustang Division in La Jolla Youth Baseball.
All players must be in compliance with the specified age requirements set forth by PONY Baseball.
A player who quits, or due to injury is unable to continue the season shall be reported immediately to the League President by the manager in the form of a written report. Players on the waiting list, if any, will have priority.
No extra player rule.
Metal spikes are not allowed on the Mustang Field.
Personal Conduct
Conduct should always emphasize setting the best example for the kids.
Only the manager may discuss or dispute umpire calls. Under no circumstances shall a coach, player or parent do this.
Any manager, coach, parent or player who yells at an umpire or otherwise engages in verbally abusive or inappropriate behavior will be immediately asked for his name and recorded in the scorekeeper's book and reported to the League President. The first occurrence will be:
If player, manager or coach, that person will leave the game and will miss the next game.
If parent, the umpire will request the manager to control the parent. If the parent fails to respond, the parent will be ejected from the premises. If the parent fails to leave, the game will be forfeited. The League President may take further action including excluding the parent (or parent's guest) from the premises for the remainder of the season.
The penalty for player ejection must be served in the dugout and the player must be in uniform.
The manager/coach must serve their penalty by not being on the field during the game, but must be at the game.
In the event a manager/coach is ejected a second time, he/she will be suspended from coaching for the remainder of the season, pending review of the League Officers and Board of Directors.
The Official playing rules, with the exceptions and variations contained in this document, shall be set forth in the PONY Rule Book.
