Bronco players receive a Major League Baseball (TM) replica cap, jersey and socks as part of their registration fee. The season consists of 3 - 4 weeks of practice prior to the playing of games. Two games per week are typically scheduled for each team, and practices are at the discretion of the coaches. Games are played during the week and on the weekend, depending on the number of players registered and the number of teams formed.
The "local rules" have been identified for the League based on our local field and playing conditions. These rules will take precedent throughout the season. For rules not identified as "local rules" please see the current edition of "2005 PONY Baseball, Rules & Regulations".
PLAYING FIELDS
• Pitching Distance: 48 feet
• Base path distance: 70 feet
EQUIPMENT
• No metal cleats. Players with metal cleats will not be allowed to play.
• Bat diameter is 2 ¼” maximum.
• All male players must wear protective cups during practices and games.
PLAYING RULES
• Bat entire lineup.
• Free defensive substitutions.
• All players required to play at least 3 defensive innings in a game lasting more than 5 innings (5 1/2 to 7)
• Players are required to play at least 2 defensive innings per game in a game lasting 5 innings or less. This is still a requirement during a 10 run rule game.
• Runners may lead off and steal.
• No on deck batter.
PITCHING RULES
• A calendar week is Monday through Sunday.
• No player shall pitch more than 7 innings per calendar week.
• No player shall pitch more than 7 innings in a 3 game set between the same two teams.
• 40 hours rest is required if a player pitches 4 or more innings during a spring season game.
• One pitch to a batter is considered an inning.
• Two visits to the mound per inning, a total of three per game. The pitcher must be removed on the second visit in an inning or the third visit during the game. Once removed from pitching, a pitcher can not re-enter the game as a pitcher.
• Nine warm-up pitches for a new pitcher. No more than six warm-up pitches for same pitcher between innings. A 3-minute maximum time period is allowed.
• Coaches are allowed to warm up pitchers.
• Pitchers will be warned of balk movements by the umpire. Balk movement must be eliminated. Runners will not be penalized.
• The umpire will report all pitching changes to the official scorekeeper.
LENGTH OF GAMES
• League game - 7 innings.
• No new innings after 1 hour & 45 minutes. Game over at the 2 hour mark. If the game is tied at this point with the home team batting, a tie-game is recorded. If the game is not tied at the 2 hour mark, the score shall revert back to the score at the beginning of the inning.
• 10 run rule after 5 or more complete innings (4 1/2 if home team ahead).
• The game is considered a complete game after 4 innings of play (3 1/2 if home team 10 run rule).
COACHES
• 2 coaches are allowed on the field as base coaches.
• 3 coaches maximum with one remaining in dugout.
OFFICIAL SCOREBOOK
• The home team must keep the official scorebook for games. After the game, the home plate umpire will sign the scorebook thus verifying the score and innings pitched by each pitcher. The umpire returns the scorebook to the concession stand after the last game of the night.
RESCHEDULED GAMES
• A game that is rescheduled will carry forward all pitching conditions, rules and limitations from the week or the 3 game set that the game was originally scheduled. The league director must approve any rescheduling request.
