TOLUCA BASEBALL LOCAL RULES
(Approved December 16, 2008)
RULES COMMON TO ALL DIVISIONS
1. Each team shall have a maximum of twelve (12) players, when possible.
2. All players must be in proper league issued uniforms for games.
3. In all divisions, no player shall sit out for a second time (inning) until every player on their team has sat out for
one full inning. The Manager shall be responsible for ensuring that this rule is enforced. Failure to comply
with the above ÒMinimum Play RuleÓ will result in the forfeiture of the game and suspension of the offending
manager for one game. Flagrant abuse of this ÒMinimum Play RuleÓ shall be brought to the attention of the
Disciplinary Committee for action.
4. Bat-a-round is in effect in all divisions. Bat-a-round is defined as putting the entire roster into the batting
order and batting accordingly, from the first at bat to the last.
5. A player arriving late to a game (after the scheduled start time) and who is not in the original line-up, shall be
inserted at the end of the batting order.
6. No defensive pre-inning instructional meeting is permitted on the mound.
7. Any player, who in the judgment of the umpire, is observed abusing equipment may be ejected from the
game and is subject to suspension, or other discipline.
8. A team shall not be allowed more than four coaches collectively on the field and/or in the dugout during any
game.
When a team is at bat, a maximum of two coaches are allowed on the field. The coaches must be stationed
in the first base and third base coaching boxes.
When a team is on defense, no more than two coaches are allowed immediately in front of their teamÕs
dugout. All other coaches must remain in the dugout.
If a coach is in violation of any of these rules, the umpire shall stop the game until the coach is in compliance.
The umpire maintains discretion to eject a coach for continued non-compliance.
For Pinto only, during Coach-Pitch innings, a third coach is allowed on the field as appropriate to pitch.
This rule does not apply to Shetland
9. There is no mercy rule in effect.
10. When playing an inter-locking schedule with another league, the local rules of the "host" league shall apply.
11. In all divisions where score is kept and in all seasons when standings are kept, points are assigned as
follows:
A win equals two (2) points.
A tie equals one (1) point. (Ties will not be replayed.)
A loss equals zero (0) points.
12. If a game ends in a tie (the amount of innings that constitutes a game has been played) and there is still time
remaining, the game shall go into extra innings, provided no new inning starts after time for a new inning
expires.
13. Except in Bronco, a minimum of eight (8) players present at the scheduled game time is necessary for a team
to play. If only eight (8) players are playing, the ninth spot in the batting order shall constitute an automatic
out only on the first occurrence. (This rule does not apply to Shetland)
14. The loss of a player during a game due to injury, illness or any other reason, shall result in an automatic out
only on the first occurrence of that player's turn at bat. If the player leaves the game prior to having an at bat,
no automatic out will be imposed. (This rule does apply to Shetland)
15. In Shetland and Bronco, teams may play a scheduled game with at least seven (7) players in attendance. In
all other divisions, seven (7) players or less in attendance at the scheduled game time shall constitute a
forfeit. However, the game may be played as a practice game.
16. Games in all divisions are subject to time limits. No new inning may start after time has expired. A new inning
begins as soon as the third out of the bottom of the previous inning is recorded.
17. Any player who, in the judgment of the umpire, throws their bat as part of their swing, may be called "out."
18. No official, player, manager, coach, spectator, or fan shall lay a hand upon, push, shove, strike, threaten,
verbally abuse, or otherwise endanger the safety of any other official, player, manager, coach, spectator, or
fan. Any such conduct must be reported to a member of the Executive Committee of the League within 48
hours of the alleged offense. The offending party or parties may be subject to disciplinary action to be taken
by the Disciplinary Committee and/or the Board of Directors, in accordance with the By-laws of this
organization.
19. If any player, manager, coach, spectator, or fan is ejected from a game, an automatic and mandatory one
game suspension shall be imposed against that individual following that individual's ejection from any league,
travel or tournament game. The mandatory one game suspension is the minimum discipline to be imposed.
Imposition of the mandatory suspension does not substitute for, limit, or restrict the Disciplinary Committee's
authority to review and investigate all allegations of misconduct and, when appropriate, recommend
additional disciplinary action to be taken by the Board of Directors, in accordance with the By-laws.
Managers are required to report an ejection of any party from their game to the President of the League
within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game. Failure of a manager to report an ejection may result in
additional disciplinary action against the manager.
20. Notwithstanding any other rule, a manager may bench a player for any number of innings the manager
deems necessary to address a disciplinary issue with that player. Any manager who benches a player must
notify the umpire and the manager of the opposing team at the time he imposes the discipline. If a manager
benches a player and that player's turn at bat comes up, the manager can elect to have the player re-enter
the game to bat or take an out for each at bat the benched player misses.
21. All ties in the standings between teams in each division will be determined using the following tie breakers in
the order they are listed:
First - Head to head results for that half;
Second - Number of wins (does not include ties) for that half;
Third - Results against the 3rd place team for that half;
Fourth - Head to head results for the whole season;
Fifth - Number of wins (does not include ties) for the whole season;
Sixth - Coin toss.
22. Use of an athletic protector (cup) is required for all male players in all [hard ball] divisions except Shetland.
Players without protection will be removed from the game immediately by the umpire.
DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES
SHETLAND DIVISION
1. Five (5) innings constitutes a game.
2. A seventy-five (75) minute time limit is in effect. No new inning shall begin after seventy-five minutes has
elapsed from the actual start time of the game.
3. No scores or standings shall be kept during the regular season.
4. An inning is defined as a bat-a-round (no less than eight (8) batters) or three (3) outs.
5. No player shall be positioned at catcher. There shall be a maximum of nine (9) defensive players on the field
and the ninth player shall serves as a fourth outfielder. No player shall sit out more than one consecutive
inning per game. No player shall sit out a second inning in a game until each player has sat out at least one
inning in that game.
6. No player may play the same infield position for more than two (2) innings per game.
7. The pitcher must wear a protective helmet
8. Two (2) defensive coaches may be in foul territory beyond first and third base.
9. One (1) offensive coach may assist in helping with the batting tee. One (1) offensive coach shall serve as a
pitcher.
10. If a batted ball strikes the coach-pitcher, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded a single. All runners may
advance one (1) base.
11. There shall be "coach pitch" for the entire season. Each batter shall get three (3) pitches from the coach. If
the batter has not put a ball in play, the batter gets three (3) swings at the ball placed on the batting tee. If the
batter has not put a ball in play, the coach can go to home plate and physically assist the batter to put the ball
into play from the batting tee or it will be called a strike out. Exception: If the last coach pitched ball is a foul
tip by the batter, then the batter gets a another coach pitched ball before using the batting tee.
12. Sliding is allowed at any base or at home plate.
13. A runner may advance only one (1) base at the runner's own risk on any overthrown ball to any base or the
pitcher. If the runner does advance one (1) base, the ball will be considered dead and play will be stopped.
14. The ball is dead when in controlled possession of an infielder who is in the infield area within the baselines.
The player in controlled possession of the ball has to request time.
15. Runners at least 2/3 of the way in each base path toward the next base may advance to the next base,
subject to defensive play being called dead.
16. There are no tag plays within the home plate circle.
17. Only wood bats are permitted.
PINTO DIVISION
1. Six (6) innings shall constitute a game.
2. A ninety (90) minute time limit is in effect. No new inning may begin after ninety minutes has elapsed from
the actual start time of a game.
3. An inning is defined as three (3) outs or five (5) runs. The five (5) run rule shall be lifted in the 6th inning.
4. The Pinto Division shall be comprised of two sub-divisions: The American League and the National League.
The American League shall be comprised of league age seven (7) year-olds and the National League shall
be comprised of league age eight (8) year-olds. For Fall Seasons, the Board of Directors may elect to
combine the seven (7) and eight (8) year olds and in that event the Pinto Divisions rules for the National
League shall be utilized.
5. Bases in the American League shall be 55Õ apart and the pitching distance shall be 38Õ.
6. Bases in the National League shall be 60Õ apart and the pitching distance shall be 38Õ.
7. A league-registered coach from the team that is at bat shall pitch during the 1st, 5th, 6th innings and any extra
innings for the entire season. Said coach shall also pitch during the 2nd inning for the first one-half of the
scheduled season.
8. Rules in Effect During Coach-Pitch at bats:
a. Each batter shall receive up to five pitches except the batter shall receive an additional pitch each time
the batter fouls off the previous pitch.
b. No base-on-balls (walks) allowed.
c. A batter is out after three strikes unless the third strike is a foul ball or after receiving the fifth (5th) pitch
unless the fifth pitch is a foul ball.
d. If a batted ball hits the coach it will be a dead ball and the batter shall be awarded first base. All
runners shall advance one base. If, however, in the UmpireÕs sole discretion, the Umpire determines
that the Coach Pitcher intentionally interfered with the batted ball the batter shall be ruled out and all
runners shall return to the base at which they began prior to the ball being put in play.
e. Once the ball is put in play by the batter, the coach shall make his/her best effort to exit the playing
area.
f. A coach who is pitching MAY NOT instruct the batter or any base runner or coach in any manner. The
team shall receive a warning for the first offense. The second and any subsequent offense will result
in an out being recorded against the team at bat but no player shall be put out.
g. A batter who is hit by a pitch will not be awarded first base and will continue batting. That pitch will not
count against the batter. For example, a batter struck with the third pitch will receive three additional
pitches.
h. A runner shall not advance except upon a batted ball. There is no base stealing while a coach is
pitching.
i. The pitching coach shall deliver the pitch, overhand, while standing and shall begin the delivery of the
pitch from the pitching rubber. If, in the umpireÕs opinion, the coach does not adhere to this rule 8.h,
the umpire will call "no pitch".
j. One player shall serve as the defensive pitcher and shall be positioned with one foot in contact with
the pitcher's circle
9. During KID Pitch innings:
a. No base-on-balls (walks) allowed. Batters can strike out.
b. When a batter receives ball four during Kid pitch, the coach will pitch to the batter up to an additional 4
pitches. If the ball is not put into play after the 4th pitch, the batter is out unless the last pitch is a foul
ball in which case the batter receives an additional pitch.
c. Batter hit by KID pitch shall be awarded first base.
d. Pitchers are allowed to throw a maximum of thirty (30) pitches per game or one inning whichever
comes first. If a pitcher throws one pitch in an inning, then it constitutes an inning of work.
e. Pitchers may complete pitching to a batter when the maximum count is reached. When the pitch
count is reached, another KID pitcher must complete the KID pitch inning.
f. Pitchers who hit more than one (1) batter in their inning of work shall be removed from the mound and
replaced with another KID pitcher.
g. Pitchers may throw on consecutive days.
h. Each team shall designate an official scorekeeper prior to the start of the game. Each scorekeeper
shall record the number of pitches thrown by KID pitchers for both teams. In the event of a
discrepancy between scorekeepers, the home teamÕs scorekeeperÕs record shall be considered the
official record of the game.
10. There is no infield fly rule in effect.
11. Bunting is permitted.
12. When the ball is in controlled possession of the infielder and, in the umpire's judgment all play on the runners has ceased, the umpire may call time.
13. Free defensive substitutions for all players, including the pitcher, subject to rule 9.d above. However, no
player may play the same defensive position for more than 4 innings in any one game.
14. When the runner's point of origin is on first, second or third base at the time a pitch is made, the runner may
only score on a batted ball. The pitch must cross home plate before the runner attempts to steal second or
third base. The runner can be called out for leaving the base early. Runners may not advance once the
catcher has possession of the ball and, in the opinion of the umpire, the play on the runner is dead and the
catcher has started to return the ball to the pitcher. Furthermore, a base runner whose point of origin is first or
second base cannot advance more than one base on anything other than a batted ball.
15. If a base runner who is at 3rd base attempts to advance to home on a non-batted ball, there will be no play on
that base runner and the base runner must return to 3rd base.
16. All batters shall be required to wear a batting helmet with some form of protective face guard. The league
shall provide helmets with face guards to each team. Once on base a runner may not replace his/her helmet
with one that does not include a protective face guard.
17. Only wood bats are permitted.
MUSTANG, BRONCO & PONY DIVISIONS
1. Each division shall have the following number of innings or stated time limit per game: Mustang - six (6)
innings or a 105 minute time limit; Bronco - seven (7) innings or a 120 minute time limit; Pony - seven (7)
innings or a 135 minute time limit. No new inning shall begin after the stated number of minutes has elapsed
from the actual start of the game.
2. An inning in Mustang is defined as three (3) outs or five (5) runs. The five (5) run rule shall be lifted in the 6th
inning. In Bronco an inning is defined as three (3) outs or seven (7) runs. The seven (7) run rule shall be
lifted in the 7th inning. In Pony, an inning is defined as three (3) outs.
3. Except for the pitcher, free defensive substitutions shall be allowed.
4. There are no stealing restrictions.
5. Balks will be called. In Mustang, each pitcher will be issued one (1) warning per game during the regular
season. In Bronco and Pony, no warnings will be issued.
6. Pitching Rules:
Mustang: A pitcher may pitch a maximum of two (2) innings in any one (1) Spring season game, or in
any one (1) Fall season game, for a maximum of five (5) innings in any one (1) week.
Bronco: A pitcher may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings in any one (1) Spring season game, or two
(2) innings in any one (1) Fall season game, for a maximum of six (6) innings in any one (1) week.
Pony: A pitcher may pitch a maximum of four (4) innings in any one (1) Spring season game, or three (3)
innings in any one (1) Fall season game, for a maximum of eight (8) innings in any one (1) week. If a Pony
team must play three (3) games in any week, the one (1) week maximum innings shall be increased from
eight (8) to ten (10) innings for that week.
A week shall be defined as Monday through Sunday. One (1) pitched ball constitutes an inning.
7. Bronco and Pony players may wear metal cleats. Mustang players may not.
8. Mustang Division: Only wood bats are permitted.
9. Bronco players may use Aluminum bats provided the barrel diameter does not exceed 2-5/8Ó. If a batter
steps into the batters box with an illegal bat, the umpire shall call the batter out. The use of wood bats is
permitted.
10. Pony players may use Aluminum bats. The use of wood bats is permitted.
11. There shall be no Dropped Third Strike rule for the Mustang Division.
12. Mustang Division: A runner is eligible to score from third base only one time per inning on anything other
than a batted ball, balk, failed pick-off attempt at third base, bases-loaded walk, bases-loaded hit-by-pitch or
bases loaded catcherÕs interference. In the event an ineligible runner advances home and scores, the umpire
shall send the runner back to third base. Any runner at third base that is either eligible or ineligible to score
under the above rule can be put out at anytime.
Any situation not covered specifically in these local rules is governed by PONY Baseball Rules.
Any situation not dealt with in either place is governed by the rules of Major League Baseball.