2. Teams must have Eight (8) players to start the game. If a team doesn't have Eight (8) starters within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time, the game will be forfeited.

3. Substituting: All active players (eligible to play in game) must play at least twelve (12) consecutive outs and have at least one physical time at bat during each game. All active players must be officially entered in the line-up before the start of play in the top of the fourth (4th) inning.

4. Re-entering of Players: Only starting players may re-enter a game (except in case of injury) and cannot appear at bat sooner than they would have, had they not been removed. Thus, a starting player who began the game batting in the eighth position may re-enter the game in only the eighth or ninth batting position. The original substitute must have completed all minimum play requirements (see 3 above). A starter must fulfill his/her minimum play requirement before leaving the game this includes (12) consecutive outs and have at least one physical time at bat during each game (except in case of injury).

5. Base Stealing: Runners at first and second bases may lead off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules, but runners at third base shall remain in contact with the base from the time the pitcher steps on the rubber with possession of the ball until the pitched ball has been hit or has reached, or has passed the batter. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber, in possession of the ball, runners at third base who leave the base before the pitched ball reaches or passes the batter shall be called out and the pitch shall be considered as a dead ball. (Same as Pony Rules 9N(2)).

6. Third Strike Rule: Same as official baseball rules. See rule # 6.05

7. Pitching: Pitchers after pitching in three (3) innings on the same calendar day must have forty-eight (48) hours of rest before pitching again. The hours of rest will begin at 12:01 a.m. of the day following the day pitched. A max of six (6) innings pitched per calendar week max. Pitchers are not allowed to pitch more than 60 pitches in one game except to finish the batter that he/she is pitching to at the time he/she reaches 60 pitches. Penalty: Pitcher will be removed as soon as opposing manager proves the pitcher has reached the limit.

8. Breaking Pitches are Illegal: The pitcher will not snap, roll, rotate, or break their wrist or elbow during the pitch. Upon observing the snap, roll, rotate, or breaking of the wrist or elbow the umpire will discretely warn the pitcher and his/her manager after the first such illegal pitch. A second illegal pitch will result in the removal of that player from the pitchers position for the duration of the game. NOTE: If the pitcher has a natural wrist break it is not necessarily an illegal pitch, if deemed by the umpire that it is his natural motion. If a trip to the mound is made as a consequence of the umpire calling an illegal pitch and for the purpose of explaining the call to the pitcher, the "TRIP" will not be counted as an official "TRIP" to the mound. "BALKS" will be called from the beginning of the season. Managers, coaches, and umpires will agree on what constitutes a balk at the pre-game conference. Balks are called at the umpire's discretion.

9. Slow-Ball or Change-Up Pitch: Which permits to vary the velocity of their pitches is a legal pitch so long as the pitchers do not snap, roll, rotate or break their wrist or elbow during the act of delivering the pitch.

10. Max Runs Per Inning: Teams are limited to six (6) runs scored per inning except the last inning, which has unlimited runs.

11. Official Game: Four (4) innings shall constitute an official game. Three and one-half (3-1/2) innings if the home team is ahead.

12. Games called due to weather: If a game is called before three and one-half (3-1/2) innings for the home team or four (4) innings for the visiting team, the game will be rescheduled and start as a new game. All pitching stats from the called game will remain in affect for the remainder of that week.

13. Ten (10) Run Rule Extension: Should a game be decided by the Pony ten (10) run rule, it will be considered over after three and a half (3 ½) innings for the home team and four (4) for the visiting team. If the visiting team is 10 runs or more behind, the last inning rule will be in effect (unlimited runs). Home team will be unlimited runs also (see example). After completion of game, the game will continue through to the completion of six (6) innings. Unlimited substitutions and a three (3) run maximum per inning rule will go into effect. The purpose of this rule is to provide the player more game time in which to practice their skills, when the conditions allow. Example: If visiting team, after 4 complete innings is less than 9 runs behind, the 5th inning will revert back to the 6 run rule. After 5 innings, the game is over if a team is ahead by 10 or more runs

14. Lineup Cards/Scorebooks:

A) All managers must insure that lineup cards are filled out completely specifying the following: All players on active team rosters specifying any player who is absent or reason not eligible to play. All pitchers names, date and how many innings last pitched and eligible for game. All managers are required to insure that each game proceeding is accurately represented in the team scorebook. Any manager has the right to inspect the opposing team manager's scorebook to verify pitching eligibility. All pitching changes and any changes to lineup must be reported to the home plate umpire and home team scorekeeper.B) Managers are to sign the umpire's scorecard at the end of six (6) innings or if the game is called early due to weather or darkness only. If the umpire leaves before the game is completed, he/she will not receive payment for that game.

15. Pre-Game: Prior to the start of the game, each team should have 8-10 minutes of field warm ups. Visiting Team first, Home Team stays on field after warm-up period.

16. Managers Responsibilities: All managers are responsible for the conduct of their players, coaches, and fans. Any misconduct by the players, coaches, or fans that requires the umpire to eject them from the game will result in the manager being suspended for one game and players and coaches for two games. Fans will be ejected for four (4) games. All incidents will be subjected to board review.

Example for Ejection:

• SWEARING
• THROWING EQUIPMENT
• FIGHTING
• TRYING TO HURT ANOTHER PLAYER
• UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

17. Time Limits: In the Mustang Division there will be no time limits on any games.

Last Updated: 11/08