2023 PONY RULES
rev 3/19
GAME:
- Game days and times: Wednesday @ 5:30 PM &
Saturday @ 10:00 AM
- Umpire’s must be PONY patched to umpire
behind the plate, and at least 16 years old for the bases.
- It is the umpire’s decision to call a game
at any time due to darkness. Player safety is always the main concern.
- A game can be started with only 8 players
on a team but, 1 out will be taken each time the 9th batting position is
reached (unless both coaches agree not to take the out).
- Make up games are to be re-scheduled as
soon as possible and are the responsibility of the HOME team. If efforts
to re-schedule are made but not reached, contact Jamie Wilkey as soon as
possible 815-791-6599
- If a game is called for any reason, it
shall be a complete game if four innings have been completed, or it the
home team has scored more runs in three innings or three and a fraction
innings, than the visiting team has scored in four completed innings.
- If a game is called for any reason before
it is a complete game, as described above, or when the score is tied, it
shall be considered a suspended game and shall be resumed from the point
of curtailment at the time scheduled by league officials.
- If a game is called for any reason in an
uncompleted inning, after having reached complete-game length as
described above and the visiting team ties the score or takes the lead
in the uncompleted inning, and the home team does not tie the score or
retake the lead in its portion of the uncompleted inning, the game shall
be considered a suspended game and shall be continued from the point of
curtailment at the time scheduled by league officials.
- Ten run rule is in effect. 15 runs after 4
innings or 10 runs after 5 innings.
- Game length is 7 innings. Extra innings
are allowed.
- There is NO time limit concerning game
length.
- Team enthusiasm is encouraged. All player
chatter must be positive and directed only towards their team and their
teammates. At no point can a team chant towards their opponent. Examples
include "hey batter-batter swing", "slaughter rule", "yeap", etc. If a
team communicates negatively towards their opponent, the team Manager
will be warned. If the issue occurs again, the team will forfeit the
game and the League Director will address accordingly with the team
Manager.
- Any player in the starting lineup who has
been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game one-time (starters
only). Players shall return to their original place in the batting order
only.
- All other rules not
addressed above are governed by
Pony rules.
BASERUNNING:
- In a play at the plate the runner must
slide, or can be called out. The umpire has sole judgment on the play.
- A courtesy runner can and should be used
for the catcher only, with 2 outs but is not required.
HITTING:
- Continuous batting order can be used but
is not required. If you start the game with a continuous order you must
finish that way. Each team can decide before the game and instruct the
opposing coach.
PITCHING:
- The pitching distance is 54 feet.
- Pitching limits are 7 innings per day and
10 innings per week. The week starts on Monday. 40 hours rest is
required after 4 or more innings on the same day. Time is computed from
the start of the game.
- Drop 3rd strike is in effect.
- One pitch consists of an inning pitched.
- Once a starting pitcher is removed from
the mound and a new pitcher is inserted, he may not re-enter.
- On an intentional walk, the pitcher can
throw 4 balls – or – the defensive coach can motion 4 fingers up to the
plate umpire and direct the batter to be walked without a pitch being
thrown.
- A pitcher cannot wear wrist bands or
batting gloves.
- If a pitcher hits 5 batters in a game, he
must be removed from the mound and cannot return as a pitcher for the
remainder of the game.
FIELD/DEFENSE:
- Infield fly rule is in effect and must be
called by the umpire’s judgment.
- A safety base must be used at First Base.
Both sides of the base are in play for the runner and defender. If there
is no safety base in place before the first pitch is thrown, the home
team will forfeit the game.
- A defender cannot fake as if they have
received the ball in an attempt to fool the baserunner. This could make
the runner slide and possibly get injured. This rule is intended to be
enforced on plays originating from a batted ball put into play or an
overthrow coming back in from the outfield. Pick off plays are not
covered by this rule and therefore completely legal.
EQUIPMENT/BATS/MISC:
Bat Rule:
The following bats are legal for use in 2018
Tri-County Baseball contests:
- Any non-wood bat containing a silkscreened
or permanently marked BBCOR label as detailed in section 1-3-2 of the
NFHS baseball rules book or;
- Any bat 30 inches and under that has a
greater than minus three drop provided the bat barrel diameter does not
exceed 2 1/4 inches or;
- Any bat 30 inches and under that has a
greater than minus three drop and a barrel diameter no larger than 2 5/8
inches provide that bat contains the USA Baseball logo or;
- Any wood bat that meets the NFHS standards
as detailed in section 1-3-2 and 1-3-3 of the NFHS baseball rules book.
NOTE 1: Any bat 31 inches and over must meet
the NFHS bat guidelines and contain the BBCOR label.
NOTE 2: Any bat 31 inches and over and has a
greater than a minus 3 drop with the USA Baseball logo is an illegal bat.
NOTE 3: Any non-wood bat with a barrel diameter
greater than 2 5/8" is illegal.**NOTE 4: Effective with the 2019 season, no
bat with a 2 1/4" barrel will be legal.*

TOURNAMENT RULES:
REMEMBER NOT TO INJURE A PITCHER JUST TO WIN!!!
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