PIONEER PONY BASEBALL -...

PIONEER PONY BASEBALL 2011 RULE AMENDMENTS

THESE RULE AMENDMENTS APPLY TO LEAGUE AND LEAGUE TOURNAMENT PLAY UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. In order of precedence, the rules shall be applied as follows: 1. Pioneer PONY 2011 Rule Amendments 2. National PONY Rule Book including Rule changes for 2011 3. Major League Baseball Rules

of 13 2011 Rule Amendements As amended 2/17/11

League Rules

1.1. Mustang and Bronco Teams shall consist of not more than 15 players and not less than 12, the names of these players will be registered with the league player agent.

1.2. PBC will be taking a zero tolerance position on incidences of misconduct. Any participant, parent, spectator, coach, manager, employee and volunteer whom exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct towards umpires, players, coaches, spectators or board members will be asked to leave the field immediately. All incidents will be reported to and reviewed by the PBC Rules and Ethics Committee. Upon a determination that misconduct has occurred, an appropriate penalty, up to and including suspension from the program may be imposed.

1.3. All incidents of injury must be reported to PBC, use the incident form supplied in the Team Manual and turn in to a PBC Board member within 24 hours of the injury.

1.4. Abuse of players, coaches, umpires, Board Members and other PBC employees and/or volunteers will not be tolerated. All incidents of abuse should be reported to the the League Supervisor and the Board Member on Duty for further investigation. Anyone violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action by the PBC Rules and Ethics Committee.

1.5. Alcohol is not permitted at the PBC field complex. Anyone violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action by the PBC Rules and Ethics Committee.

1.6. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at the PBC field complex. Individuals in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the premises. Repeat violators will be subject to disciplinary action by the PBC Rules and Ethics Committee.

1.7. Tobacco of any type is prohibited on the playing fields, dugouts and in the areas immediately adjacent there to and including the spectator bleachers. Individuals in violation of this policy will be asked to extinguish and/or properly discard their smoking materials or retire to an area away from the field of play if they wish to continue their use. Repeat violators will asked to leave the premises and may be subject to disciplinary action by the PBC Rules and Ethics Committee.


Field Rules Rainout Procedure Practices that are rained out- team must e-mail a day and time request to scheduler, all efforts will be made to make up rained out practices. Games- PBC website (pioneerbaseballclub.com) will be updated at 4pm on day of game to indicate whether fields are open. After 4pm on day of game the game will be called. Playing Fields The height of the pitcher’s mound above the level of home plate and the base paths, raised by a gradual slope shall be: Mustang- 6” Bronco- 6” Field Usage The third-base dugout is assigned to the home team. The home team is determined by the schedule during the regular season. 1. Teams may officially begin practice 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of

the game. 2. Both teams will be given 10 minutes to ‘warm up’ in the outfield; head

coaches/managers from both teams should meet with the umpires during this time. 3. The Visiting team will then be given 10 minutes to have a warm up with their team

on the entire field. 4. The Home team will then be given 10 minutes to warm up with their team on the

entire field and will remain on the field for the beginning of play. 5. If there is not enough time between games to accommodate proper warm ups, the

team warm up time will be forfeited and 10 minutes will be given for players to warm up in the outfield.

6. No live batting practice will be permitted on the field with 60 minutes of the scheduled starting time of a game, with the exception of whiffle balls.

7. There will be no “soft toss” batting practice into any fences. 8. The use of hitting sticks is prohibited during games. The use of hitting sticks is

permissible during pre-game warm-ups and team practices provided that a coach handles the hitting stick at all times and that any use is in a clearly designated safety zone, such as the batter’s box.

9. The Home team will be responsible for appropriate post game field maintenance, including putting away any equipment, sweeping dugouts, empty garbage cans, trash patrol around field, raking, leveling the fields and returning mound to designated storage area. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the manager’s suspension from the next scheduled game without further due process.

10. BOTH TEAMS are responsible for the cleanliness of the FIELD, DUGOUTS and BLEACHERS after the game. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the manager’s suspension from the next scheduled game without further due process.


Dugouts 1. A Manager or Coach with PBC issued badge must be in the dugout at all times. Only

players, managers and coaches are permitted in the dugout at any time during a game.

2. Players and substitutes shall sit on their team's bench or otherwise remain in the dugout unless participating in the game or preparing to enter the game. When batters or base runners are retired, they must return to the bench/dugout at once.

3. Other than the current batter, the on-deck batter, any base runners, or players coaching bases, no player on the batting team may enter the playing field while the ball is live. If the on-deck batter or other player interferes with a play, the runner closest to home plate will be called out.

4. No managers, coaches, players or spectators are allowed to stand behind the backstop in the area directly behind home plate.

5. Players shall remain in their respective dugouts when they are not batting or playing in the field. Equipment shall remain in the dugout when not in use. Players in the dugout shall not hold bats in their hands. Climbing of chain link fences is strictly prohibited.

6. All players on the batting team who are out of the dugout at any time must wear league-approved batting helmets. This includes the current batter, all baserunners, players waiting their turn at bat, and players used as base coaches.

7. Players may take positions outside the dugout when they are not batting or playing in the field under the following conditions:

a.On-deck batters may take practice swings near the fence and away from other players and coaches. On-deck batters must wear league-approved batting helmets. On-deck batters shall be positioned on the third-base side when the current batter is right-handed and on the first- base side when the current batter is left-handed. b.Relief pitchers may warm up with a catcher in designated bullpen areas. Catchers must be dressed in full catchers equipment. 8. No player may perform on field/between inning warm-up for a pitcher without

wearing a catcher’s mask.


Thrown Equipment 1. Upon the first occurrence of a thrown bat during the game, the umpire shall issue a

warning to the batter and indicate to the keeper of the official scorebook that the player has been warned. On the second occurrence, the player is immediately called out, whether or not the action was intentional. On the third thrown-bat infraction, intentional or not, the player is immediately called out and ejected from the game. Each thrown-bat infraction is a judgment call by the umpire.

2. Any player throwing in anger or frustration a helmet, bat, or any other league equipment, will be ejected from the current game and will serve a one game suspension for the following game.

Balls The home team is responsible for providing two new league issued baseballs for each game. Balls shall be given to the chief umpire at or before the Pre-Game Conference. Pre-Game Conference 1. Before the game, the umpire and head coaches shall meet to review rules, time

limits as applicable, and the extent of the strike zone. 2. Any player, manager, coach or team parent ejected from a game shall appear before

the Rules and Ethics committee before their next regularly scheduled game for the purpose of determining whether further disciplinary action is necessary.

3. PHYSICAL OR VERBAL ABUSE OF UMPIRES by managers, coaches, players, team parents or spectators WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Violations of this rule may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from all league participation.

Judgment Calls Final 1. Judgment calls by umpires shall be final and may not be contested. This includes

but is not restricted to ball/strike calls and safe/out decisions. If a question arises in relation to the rules, the head coach of a team may respectfully request a clarification.

2. Argumentative behavior is not allowed. The head coach is allowed on the field with the umpire's permission. No other coach, parent, player or spectator may approach the umpire to discuss a decision in any way.

3. Spectators, coaches, and players shall not stand behind the backstop or position themselves in any other way with the purpose of reviewing and/or challenging umpires' decisions. Spectators must move to a different position upon request of the umpire.


Equipment 1. No jewelry (watches, earrings, necklaces, wrist and ankle bracelets (including rubber

“Live Strong” type bracelets), chains and rings, etc.) will be worn during warm-ups and during games with the exception of medical identification paraphernalia.

2. Any player who refuses to remove his or her jewelry upon request will be ejected from the game.

3. Metal Cleats are not allowed. Rubber soled or rubber cleated shoes are permitted. 4. Wearing of athletic supporter and protective cup are required for all players. 5. Mouth guards are recommended, but not required by PBC. 6. Mustang and Bronco: Conventional baseball uniforms are required in league and

tournament play and will include shirt, pants, cap, and socks used by teams in the Major Leagues and shall by worn by all players.

a. This rule prohibits the wearing of shorts (defined as trousers which do not cover the knee of the wearer) or full length slacks by the players. b. Any exception to the uniform rule shall have the specific written approval of the Headquarters office. Managers and Coaches 1. Adult coaches must be properly dressed in a full baseball uniform, or in a uniform

specified by the league, may be used in either or both first and third base coaching boxes.

2. Only players in baseball uniform and wearing full helmets shall be used as first base coaches when adult coaches are not used.

3. Players may only be used as the first base coach, and may only be used as a first base coach when less than 3 adult coaches are present.

4. All on field coaches must have a badge issued by PBC, one adult coach must remain in the dugout at all times.

5. Coaches for the batting team may coach and/or instruct their players only from the dugout or from the first- and third-base coaching boxes. Exception: a coach may instruct a relief pitcher warming up in outfield foul territory or bullpen area.

6. Coaches for the defensive team may coach and/or instruct players only from inside the dugout.


Playing Rules Length of Game and Cancellation Policy Rainout Procedure 1. Practices that are rained out- team must e-mail a day and time request to

scheduler, all efforts will be made to make up rained out practices. 2. Games- PBC website (pioneerbaseballclub.com) will be updated at 4pm on day

of game to indicate whether fields are open. After 4pm on day of game the game will be called at the field. Please make all efforts to check the website and do not call Board Members for rainout information prior to 4pm.

3. Games can be cancelled due to weather before play commences by the individual in charge of facilities maintenance; however, said individual must receive approval before making said decision by either the President or Vice President or Board Member on Duty. If the individual in charge of facilities maintenance is unavailable, then the Board Member on Duty can cancel the games due to weather before play commences. The umpire in chief on the field may suspend games upon commencement. The umpire in chief shall not cancel a game without the authority of the President or Vice President or Board Member on Duty.

4. Subject to operating agreements with affiliate organizations, rained out games will be made up in accordance with the following schedule.

Rainout No. 1 – will be played at 5:00 p.m. on the first available Sunday. Rainout No. 2 – will be played at 5:30 p.m. on the first available Weekday. 5. PBC reserves the right to modify the make-up schedule where and when necessary.

All rainout make-ups will be posted on the web site. Due to the limited number of opportunities to make up rainouts, make-ups will not be rescheduled absent further inclement weather.

6. A Mustang (10U) game will consist of six (6) innings. Three (3) innings (2 ½ if the home team is ahead) constitutes an official game. Unofficial games stopped for weather will be replayed.

7. A Bronco game shall consist of seven (7) innings. Four (4) innings (3 ½ if the home team is ahead) constitutes an official game. Unofficial games stopped for weather will be replay.

8. Weekday games on Monday nights, Tuesday nights, Wednesday nights, Thursday nights, Saturday and Sundays.

These games shall end 2 hours after first pitch and no play after 2 1/4 hours. If the score is tied at that time, the score will revert back to the last complete inning played. If the score is still tied at that point a tie will be recorded and the game will be considered a suspended game. The suspended game will only be completed with the same lineups and positions in place, if the league determines the game is necessary for league standings.


9. Weekday games on Friday nights shall end at 1 3/4 hours after first pitch and no play after 2 hours after first pitch.

If the score is tied at that time, the score will revert back to the last complete inning played. If the score is still tied at that point a tie will be recorded and the game will be considered a suspended game. The suspended game will only be completed with the same lineups and positions in place, if the league determines the game is necessary for league standings. 10. The umpire in chief (behind the plate) on each playing field, in conjunction with the

Board Member on Duty, shall call the game for darkness or as a result of inclement weather or at any other time if, in their judgment, conditions dictate such action.

11. In the event that lightning is detected, the PBC lightning policy will dictate that games be delayed until no lightning is in the area for a full 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. Players, coaches and spectators must leave the fields and seek appropriate shelter; no one should leave the PBC complex unless specifically informed their games have been cancelled.

12. A game called for darkness qualifies as a complete game under the PBC playing rules and it will not be suspended or otherwise made up.

13. Coaches do not have authority to cancel or reschedule games. League Supervisors shall have the sole authority and responsibility for determining whether a game may be cancelled and when it may be made up. Make up games for weather related cancellations will be played in accordance with the PBC make-up policy on the first available date on the first available field, subject to confirmation by the League Supervisors. Refusal of a team to accept the first available make up slot will result in automatic forfeiture to the opposing team.

Number of players 1. Eight is the minimum number of players necessary to start a game. Failure of a team

to have the minimum number of players necessary to start a game within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time will result in forfeiture of the game. In the event of a forfeit, the teams shall conduct a practice game.

Mercy Rule 1. 10U Mustang- 7 runs maximum per inning except last inning which has no limit. 10

run rule after 4 innings. 2. 12U Bronco- no run limit per inning, 10 run rule after 5 innings. Baserunning 1. A defensive player shall not obstruct or otherwise interfere with a runner (i.e., fake

tag) if the player does not have the ball in his possession. If, in the judgment of the umpire, this has occurred, the base runner will be awarded an extra base.

2. In the event that a player is injured, the player will be entitled to a courtesy runner. The runner will be the player who made the last recorded out.

3. Due to free substitution and a continuous batting order, in the event that a player has left the game or is otherwise unable to hit due to an injury or has otherwise left the premises, the team will not be penalized for batting out of order.


4. All players must attempt to slide and avoid any body-to-body contact when approaching a base. There is no head first sliding allowed; players are allowed to return to a base already gained head first from a pick off attempt. Players, who do not avoid body-to-body contact or who slide headfirst even with no contact, will be called out.

Speed-Up Rule: Courtesy Runners 1. Regardless of outs, with the NEXT pitcher or catcher on base, that individual may be

replaced by a pinch runner. The player who made the last recorded out or a player currently not playing in the field may be the runner.

Stealing 1. 10U Mustang: Runners may steal bases, but shall not leave the base they are occupying at the time of the pitch until the pitched ball has reached or passed the catcher. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber with possession of the ball, runners who leave base before the pitched ball reaches or passes home plate shall be called out and the pitch shall be considered a dead ball. There is no stealing of home plate. Batters may not advance to first base on a dropped third strike. 2. 12U Bronco: Major league baseball rules. Overthrows 1. When a thrown ball leaves the field of play, each base runner shall be awarded one

base in addition to the base to which he or she was advancing at the time the ball was thrown, unless that is impossible because of the status of the runner(s) ahead of him or her.

2. If the ball is thrown out of play on a pick off attempt, the base runner shall be awarded the additional base, even if he or she was returning to the base already gained when the ball was thrown.

3. When the ball is overthrown but remains in the field of play, the ball is live and the runners may advance any number of bases at their own risk.


Batting Order 1. 12U Bronco: Coaches will choose one of the following methods and inform the other

team at the coaches meeting prior to each game. Once a game is started with one method, that method will be used for the entire game. Each team may use their own method for that game. 1. Bat 9-see Field Rotation below 2. Bat 10-see Field Rotation below 3. Bat Entire Team

2. 10U Mustang: 1. All players present and able at a game shall be included in the batting order and

shall bat when their turn comes, whether or not they are currently assigned a fielding position.

2. Players batting out of order. An improper batter is considered to be at bat as soon as he is in the batter’s box and the ball is alive. When improper batter’s infraction is first discovered, time may be requested and the improper batter replaced with the proper batter with the improper batter’s ball and strike count still in effect, provided the infraction is detected before improper batter is put out, or scores a run.

3. 10U or 12U: A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when he fails to bat in his proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in his place; provided the appeal is made prior to the first pitch, legal or illegal, to the next batter.

Field Rotation 1. 10U Mustang and 12U Bronco:

1. It is required that each player on the team play the field and be in the batting lineup in at least two innings of each game. Failure to do so will result in forfeit of that game.(Bronco, this rule applies no matter which method of batting order is chosen).

2. 12U Bronco: (Applies to teams who choose to bat 9 or bat 10)

1. Any player in the starting lineup who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game one time. (NOTE: this rule applies to starters only)

2. Players shall return to the lineup in the original place in the batting order. While more than one substitute may be used in that position before the starting player is returned, no substitutions shall be made that shall alter the original batting rotation of any of the starting or substitute players (see exception 9L(2) of the PONY rulebook).(NOTE: remember all players must play 2 innings in the field)

3. 10U and 12U: Once removed from the lineup a pitcher may return to the lineup but shall not catch again in the same game if the pitcher has thrown more than 35 pitches.


Pitching Rules 1. Pitchers who have been removed from the pitching position shall not return to the

pitching position in the same game. 2. Pitchers who have been removed from the pitching position shall not catch in the

same game after pitching. 3. Pitchers may not wear wristbands or white three quarter or long sleeve t-shirts when

they are pitching 4. Any pitcher who hits a total of three batters in one game shall be removed from the

game as a pitcher. This ruling does not affect his or her ability to continue on at another position.

5. Relief pitchers may warm up with a catcher in designated bullpen areas. Catchers must be dressed in full catchers equipment.

6. No player may perform on field between inning warm-up for a pitcher without wearing a catcher’s mask.

7. Mustang (10U) 1. Five warm-up pitches are allowed between innings (ten for new pitchers). In the

discretion of the Umpire, the number of warm-up pitches allowed will be extended if playing conditions dictate the necessity of additional warm-up time.

2. Each pitcher gets two visits per inning from a coach. On the third visit of the inning the pitcher will have to be removed – unless a visit is due to an injury.

8. Bronco (12U) 1. Five (5) warm-up pitches are allowed between innings. Ten warm-up pitches are

allowed for new pitchers entering a game. In the discretion of the umpire, the number of warm-up pitches allowed will be increased if playing conditions dictate the necessity of additional warm-up

2. A coach may visit a pitcher once per inning. A second visit will result in removal or the pitcher, unless the visit is due to an injury.

9. Mustang- During the regular season there are no intentional walks. 10. Bronco-Intentional walks are allowed, pitcher must execute all 4 pitches that will

count towards pitcher’s pitch count. Pitch Count 1. 12U Bronco- Maximum pitches per game 85 2. 10U Mustang- Maximum pitches per game 70 Number of pitches Full Days of Rest 66 or more 4 days 51-65 3 days 36-50 2 days 21-35 1 day 1-20 0 days example: Johnny pitches 36 pitches on Thursday night, he must rest (no pitching) Friday and Saturday (may not pitch Saturday night). Johnny is eligible to pitch on Sunday. Example: Jimmy pitches 21 pitches on Friday night, he must rest (no pitching) on Saturday, Jimmy is eligible to pitch on Sunday.


Game Schedule Time of Game 1. Weekday games on Monday nights, Tuesday nights, Wednesday nights, Thursday

nights, Saturday and Sundays.These games shall end 2 hours after first pitch and no play after 2 1/4 hours. 1. If the score is tied at that time, the score will revert back to the last complete

inning played. If the score is still tied at that point a tie will be recorded and the game will be considered a suspended game. The suspended game will only be completed with the same lineups and positions in place, if the league determines the game is necessary for league standings.

2. Weekday games on Friday nights shall end at 1 3/4 hours after first pitch and no play after 2 hours after first pitch. 1. If the score is tied at that time, the score will revert back to the last complete

inning played. If the score is still tied at that point a tie will be recorded and the game will be considered a suspended game. The suspended game will only be completed with the same lineups and positions in place, if the league determines the game is necessary for league standings.

3. The umpire in chief (behind the plate) on each playing field, in conjunction with the Board Member on Duty, shall call the game for darkness or as a result of inclement weather or at any other time if, in their judgment, conditions dictate such action.

4. In the event that lightning is detected, the PBC lightning policy will dictate that games be delayed until no lightning is in the area for a full 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. Players, coaches and spectators must leave the fields and seek appropriate shelter; no one should leave the PBC complex unless specifically informed their games have been cancelled.

5. A game called for darkness qualifies as a complete game under the PBC playing rules and it will not be suspended or otherwise made up.

6. Coaches do not have authority to cancel or reschedule games. League Supervisors shall have the sole authority and responsibility for determining whether a game may be cancelled and when it may be made up. Make up games for weather related cancellations will be played in accordance with the PBC make-up policy on the first available date on the first available field, subject to confirmation by the League Supervisors. Refusal of a team to accept the first available make up slot will result in automatic forfeiture to the opposing team.


Confirmation to League 1. The umpire in chief will be responsible for verifying the score and advising the

coaches after each one half (½) inning. At the conclusion of the game, the umpire in chief shall certify the final score on the umpire comment card.

2. Home team (not the winning team) must keep the official book and will report scores, and pitch counts to the league within 24 hours of game completion. The book must be signed by the Visiting team Coach and by the Home Plate Umpire prior to leaving the field.

3. If scorebook is not signed and scores and pitch counts are not reported to league within 24 hours, all pitchers that threw any number of pitches will be subject to 4 days of rest before pitching again, this applies to both teams.

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