SHETLAND 5-6

Boys and girls who are 5 and 6 years of age can participate in this league for beginners. The easiest way to teach the game of baseball or softball is to let the kids play. At this level, coaches will pitch to the player. If the player needs additional assistance to hit the ball, a batting tee may be used. This league is set up for games to be played without any scorekeeping. Emphasis is placed on teaching skills and learning the game. All players bat and play a defensive position each inning. Bases are set at 50 feet. A softer baseball is used to help protect players from injury.
Shetland players receive a Major League Baseball (TM) replica cap, T-shirt and socks as part of their registration fee. Practice sessions and games will typically be at one of the local elementary schools. Games will be played twice per week, with one game during the week and one on the weekend. Practice sessions are at the discretion of the coaches and parents.

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 "2004 PONY Baseball, Rules & Regulations".

PLAYING FIELDS
• Pitching distance: feet (Coach pitch)
• Base path distance: 50 feet.

EQUIPMENT
• No metal cleats. Players with metal cleats will not be allowed to play.
• All male players should wear protective cups during practices and games.

PLAYING RULES
• Bat entire lineup.
• Three (3) pitches by Coach and then hit from Tee if player has not hit a fair ball.
• Free defensive substitutions. Play 4 outfielders unless there are only 9 players available that day.
• All players play on defense.
• No on deck batter.
• The ball is considered dead once the pitcher or infielder has the ball under control. Do not wave players around the bases simply for the sake of scoring runs. Teach the kids to hit the runners across.

LENGTH OF GAMES
• Maximum time limit: 1 hour & 30 minutes.
• An inning will consist of one time through the batting order. If the teams are not equal in number of players, the team with the fewer players will bat the needed number of additional players to make up the difference.

COACHES
• Defensive coaches are allowed on the field to ensure all players are positioned properly and paying attention.