All Official Major League Rules and Pony Baseball Rules shall be observed with the following exceptions which shall either override or add to those rules. This supplement is for the Baseball League play at Oak Hill Youth Sports Association only.
PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT THE USE OF TOBACCO IS PROHIBITED ON THE FIELD OF PLAY AND IN THE DUGOUTS. PROFANE LANGUAGE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IS NOT PERMITTED ANYWHERE ON THE OAK HILL YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION FACILITY. ANY OAK HILL OFFICIAL, INCLUDING UMPIRES, SHALL WARN THE OFFENDER TO CEASE THE ACTIVITY AND THAT ANY FURTHER VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY WILL RESULT IN AN EJECTION FROM THE GAME, THE FIELD AND/OR THE PARK AS THE SITUATION WARRANTS.
THE RULES SHOULD BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO BY ALL OAK HILL YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION COACHING STAFFS. UNAUTHORIZED TEAM MEETINGS, NONCOMPLIANCE OF FIELD PREPARATION AND CONTINUED NEGLECT OF EQUIPMENT WILL BE TAKEN UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE BASEBALL COMMITTEE WHEN DECIDING UPON FUTURE COACHING POSITIONS.
EQUIPMENT RULES
1) There will be no restrictions on the types of bats used by players.
2) Only rubber soled shoes are to be worn by participants. Metal cleated shoes will not be allowed.
3) ABSOLUTELY no jewelry is to be worn by players during the game. This includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches.
1) MANDATORY TWO (2) INNING PLAY RULE: Each team member must play at least two (2) defensive innings of each game unless he is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach. If the team member did not receive two (2) defensive innings of playing time due to uncontrollable circumstances, then that team member will start the next game and play for at least two (2) consecutive defensive innings. All substitutes must enter the game every other inning so that the player's interest is maintained. In addition, each team member must play an infield position (pitcher, first base, second base, third base, or shortstop) at least one (1) inning of each game by the third inning unless he is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach, or the player or player's parents have requested that the player not play an infield position. If the team member did not play an infield position at least one (1) inning due to uncontrollable circumstances, then that team member will start the next game at an infield position. FAILURE OF A HEAD COACH TO COMPLY WITH THESE PLAYING REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN A SUSPENSION OF THAT HEAD COACH FROM THE NEXT GAME.
2) A team may start a game with fewer than ten (10) players; however, each vacant batting order position, in a lineup of less than ten (10) players, is an automatic out when the vacant batting position comes up. No substitute player(s) may be picked up during the spring season and tournament.
3) There will be unlimited substitution. Substitutions can be made during an inning; however, the subs must come from the dugout and must go to the same position as the player they are substituting.
4) Players not wishing to participate during the game may remain in the dugout and can enter the game at any time, at the Head Coach’s discretion.
5) Ten (10) players shall be used defensively. Four (4) outfielders, four (4) infielders, one (1) pitcher, and one (1) catcher. Players must play in their respective defensive positions shifting and players switching positions during a defensive inning (unless due to injury) is not allowed. A rover cannot be used in the outfield and the outfield or infield cannot be shifted to one side during an inning.
6) Infield players must remain behind an imaginary line between first (1st) and third (3rd) base until the batter has hit the ball into play.
7) Outfield players must remain five (5) feet behind the back edge of the infield until the batter has hit the ball into play. The “back edge of the infield” is defined as the curved dirt/grass transition beyond the base path.
8) All players are in the batting lineup. Players arriving late for a game may be inserted at the end of the batting order.
9) A batter will be allowed a maximum of six (6) swings to hit the ball, regardless of whether or not contact has been made.
10) Runners may not leadoff or steal bases. Runners must have contact with the base until the ball is hit.
1) "Baiting" by runners to induce a throw from an infielder is not considered advancing and will not be permitted. Once the ball is in the possession of an infielder in the infield and in the opinion of the Umpire, all advancing by all runners or play on the base paths has ceased, the Umpire shall call "Time".
2) An "Overthrow" is defined as any ball thrown into foul territory at first (1st) base or third (3rd) base, before the base runner has reached the base. If an "overthrow" is made, then the Umpire shall call time and no further advancement shall be made by the base runner(s). Runners may advance at their own risk when a ball is thrown into fair territory at first (1st) base, second (2nd) base, or third (3rd) base.
1) Regulation games will be a maximum of four (4) innings, but no regulation inning (one through four) may be started after fifty (50) minutes. The game will have a kill time of one (1) hour and five (5) minutes. There is a School Night Curfew (no inning may start after 9:00 PM).
2) No team can score more than five (5) runs in each inning.
1) There is a mandatory slide rule at Home Plate when the player covering Home Plate has the ball in his/her possession. The Umpire shall make the call as to whether the runner is safe or out (regardless of whether an attempt to slide was made by the runner); however, failure of the runner to attempt a slide may result in a warning or an ejection of that player from the remainder of the game, based on the severity of the violation. If the player is ejected due to the severity of the violation then he is automatically called out on the play.
2) A batter’s unintentionally “throwing” the bat outside the circle surrounding home plate, shall be given a foul ball. A bat may “roll” past the circle without consequence. The batter should not be called out, unless the throwing was intentional.
3) If the Umpire sees a base runner miss a base, the Umpire will call the base runner out. A Head Coach’s appeal will not be required or warranted.
4) Abusive language, excessive force or any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct by any coach, player or spectator will not be tolerated. Based on the intent or severity of the infraction, the Umpire may warn and/or eject the offender from the game, from the field area or the ball park. Coaches ejected from a game shall serve a one game suspension (the next game).
A second ejection during the same season (including that season’s End of Season Tournament) shall be cause for suspension for the duration of the season or tournament. The suspension penalty is immediate and not subject to appeal. A suspended coach may request a review of the incident or file a complaint via the infractions Committee process, but in no event is the suspension subject to appeal. Ejections of a player or spectator or conduct which warrants ejection from the ball park will be reviewed by the OHYSA Board for possible additional sanctions.
5) There will be no protest committee the Umpire's final decision will stand.
1) Umpiring of regular season games will be done by the Shetland League coaches. The Shetland League Commissioner shall prepare and distribute an umpire schedule.
2) Each team will be allowed a maximum of five (5) coaches. Two (2) coaches may be in the outfield during a team’s defensive half inning.
3) All Coaches who participate on the field must wear an official OHYSA coach’s jersey. Failure to do so may result in removal from the game.
4) A team will only be allowed one time out per each offensive and defensive half inning.
5) Only the Head Coach may discuss a call (rules question only) with the Umpire after he has called and received time out. Under no circumstances should more than one Head Coach from either team discuss a call with the Umpire at any given time.
EQUIPMENT RULES
1) Only rubber soled shoes are to be worn by participants. Metal cleated shoes will not be allowed.
2) ABSOLUTELY no jewelry is to be worn by players during the game. This includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches.
1) MANDATORY TWO (2) INNING PLAY RULE: Each team member must play at least two (2) defensive innings of each game unless he is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach. All subs must complete two (2) defensive innings by the end of the fourth (4th) inning. If the team member did not receive two (2) defensive innings of playing time due to uncontrollable circumstances, although he entered the game by the start of the third (3rd) inning, then that team member will start the next game and play for at least two (2) consecutive defensive innings. In addition, each team member must play an infield position (pitcher, first base, second base, third base, or shortstop) at least one (1) inning of each game unless he is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach, or the player or player's parents have requested that the player not play an infield position. If the team member did not play an infield position at least one (1) inning due to uncontrollable circumstances, then that team member will start the next game at an infield position. FAILURE OF A HEAD COACH TO COMPLY WITH THESE PLAYING REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN A SUSPENSION OF THAT HEAD COACH FROM THE NEXT GAME.
2) A team may start a game with fewer than ten (10) players, however, each vacant batting order position, in a lineup of less than ten (10) players, is an automatic out when the vacant batting position comes up. No substitute players may be picked up during the spring season.
3) There will be unlimited substitution. However, a defensive player (either a starter or a substitute) cannot be removed until that defensive portion of the inning is completed, unless due to discipline, injury or illness.
4) Ten (10) players shall be used defensively. Four (4) outfielders, four (4) infielders, one (1) pitcher, and one (1) catcher. Players must play in their respective defensive positions, shifting and players switching positions during a defensive inning (unless due to injury or if the coach is disciplining a player) is not allowed. A rover cannot be used in the outfield and the outfield or infield cannot be shifted to one side during an inning.
5) All players are in the batting lineup. Players arriving late for a game may be inserted at the end of the batting order.
6) A batter will be allowed a total of six (6) pitches to hit a fair ball unless, during that at bat, three (3) strikes are charged; at which time the batter will be out. A hit ball that strikes the Pitching Coach will be a dead foul ball
th
and count as a pitch; if it is the 6pitch, the batter will be out (runners may not advance).
7) Runners may not leadoff or steal bases. Runners must have contact with the base until the ball is hit, or the runner is out.
8) The Head Coach may provide a courtesy runner (the last batted out) for the catcher with two outs. That runner replaced on the base path must put on the catcher’s gear quickly and without delay go out to catch the next half inning.
9) The Home Team shall keep the official score. The Official Scorekeeper shall record the name of the teams, identify home and visitor, field played, day and date played, game start time, runs per inning and final score. Also recorded should be any warnings and/or ejections and the offender’s name, number and capacity with the team. At the conclusion of the game, the Umpire will review and sign the official score sheet. Failure by the Head Coach to review the game record will result in automatic approval of the record. The official score sheet shall be returned to the Morgan Building and placed into the Pinto League Commissioner’s box.
1) “Baiting” by runners to induce a throw from an infielder is not considered advancing and will not be permitted. Once the ball is in the possession of an infielder in the infield and in the opinion of the Umpire all advancing by all runners or play on the base paths has ceased, the Umpire shall call “Time.”
1) Regulation games will be a maximum of six (6) innings, but no regulation inning (one through six) may be started after one (1) hour and fifteen (15) minutes. Should the game be tied after six (6) innings and there is time remaining, an extra five (5) run inning may be played.
2) If after four (4) complete innings, or three and a half (3 ½) innings when the home team is ahead, the next inning cannot begin due to the one (1) hour and fifteen (15) minute time limit, play will stop, the Umpire will declare a complete game and declare either a winner or tie game. In the event of a tie game, each team will receive a onehalf (½) win and onehalf (½) loss. This rule also applies when calling a game for any reason by rule before the time limit expires and when the next inning cannot begin due to the School Night Curfew (no new inning begins after 9:00 p.m.).
3) No team can score more than five (5) runs in a regulation inning unless the Umpire has declared an "open inning".
4) The "open inning" (10 run limit) will be the sixth (6th) inning or the first inning to begin after one (1) hour in which the Umpire has declared an open inning.
th
If an “open inning” is completed before the beginning of the sixth (6) inning and before time expires, another five (5) run inning should be declared and started by the Home Plate Umpire.
5) An Official Game can end without an "open inning" ever being played.
1) There is a mandatory slide rule at Home Plate when the player covering Home Plate has the ball in his possession. The Umpire shall make the call as to whether the runner is safe or out (regardless of whether an attempt to slide was made by the runner); however, failure of the runner to attempt a slide may result in a warning or an ejection of that player from the remainder of the game, based on the severity of the violation. If the player is ejected due to the severity of the violation then he/she is automatically called out on the play.
2) Abusive language, excessive force or any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct by any coach, player or spectator will not be tolerated. Based on the intent or severity of the infraction, the Umpire may warn and/or eject the offender from the game, from the field area or the ball park. Coaches ejected from a game shall serve a one game suspension (the next game).
A second ejection during the same season (including that season’s End of Season Tournament) shall be cause for suspension for the duration of the season or tournament. The suspension penalty is immediate and not subject to appeal. A suspended coach may request a review of the incident or file a complaint via the infractions Committee process, but in no event is the suspension subject to appeal. Ejections of a player or spectator or conduct which warrants ejection from the ball park will be reviewed by the OHYSA Board for possible additional sanctions.
3) There will be no protest committee the Umpire's final decision will stand.
1) Each team will be allowed a maximum of five (5) coaches. Two coaches may stand in foul territory, one on either side of the outfield.
2) All Coaches who participate on the field must wear an official OHYSA coach’s jersey. Failure to do so may result in removal from the game.
3) A team will only be allowed one time out per each offensive and defensive half inning.
4) Only the Head Coach may discuss a call (rules question only) with the Umpire after he has called and received time out. Under no circumstances should more than one Head Coach from either team discuss a call with the Umpire at any given time.
RUN RULES
If a team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after 4 or more complete innings have been played or after 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead by at least 10 runs, the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner, regardless of the open inning rule.
EQUIPMENT RULES
1) Only rubber soled shoes are to be worn by participants. Metal cleated shoes will not be allowed.
2) ABSOLUTELY no jewelry is to be worn by players during the game. This includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches.
1) MANDATORY TWO (2) INNING PLAY RULE: Each team member must play at least two (2) defensive innings of each game unless he is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach. All subs must complete two (2) defensive innings by the end of the fourth (4th) inning. If the team member did not receive two (2) defensive innings of playing time due to uncontrollable circumstances, although he/she entered the game by the start of the third (3rd) inning, then that team member will start the next game and play for at least two (2) consecutive defensive innings. In addition, each team member must play an infield position (pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, or shortstop) at least one (1) inning of each game unless he is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach, or the player or player's parents have requested that the player not play an infield position. If the team member did not play an infield position at least one (1) inning due to uncontrollable circumstances, then that team member will start the next game at an infield position. FAILURE OF A HEAD COACH TO COMPLY WITH THESE PLAYING REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN A SUSPENSION OF THAT HEAD COACH FROM THE NEXT GAME.
2) A team may start a game with fewer than nine (9) players; however, each vacant batting order position, in a lineup of less than nine (9) players, is an automatic out when the vacant batting position comes up. No substitute players may be picked up during the spring season.
3) There will be unlimited substitution. However, if a player has been removed as a pitcher, then that player cannot return to pitch during the remainder of the game. Other than the pitcher, a defensive player (either a starter or a substitute) cannot be removed until that defensive portion of the inning is completed, unless due to discipline, injury or illness.
4) All players are in the batting lineup. Players arriving late for a game may be inserted at the end of the batting order. A batter must keep at least one foot in the batter’s box between pitches.
| 5) | The Mustang League will adopt playing rule Section 9.N.(1) of the Pony |
| Baseball Mustang Rules & Regulations: "Runners may leadoff and steal | |
| bases, as in Official Baseball Rules." | |
| 6) | The Head Coach may provide a courtesy runner (the last batted out) for |
| the catcher with two (2) outs. That runner replaced on the base path must | |
| put on the catcher’s gear quickly and without delay go out to catch the | |
| next half inning. |
7) Balks will be called, but not enforced until the half way point of the season. The halfway point of the season will be determined by the Baseball Commissioner.
8) The Home Team shall keep the Official Score. The Official Scorekeeper shall record the name of the teams, identify the home and visitor, field played, day and date played, game start time, the runs per inning and final score, the pitchers names and numbers, the specific innings each pitcher pitched in and the number of pitches each pitcher pitched on the official score sheet. Also recorded should be any warnings and/or ejections and the offender’s name, number and capacity within the team. At the conclusion of the game, both Head Coaches and the Home Plate Umpire will review and approve the pitching record and score of the game. Failure to review and signoff on the game record results in automatic approval of the record. The Official Score Sheet shall be returned to the Morgan Building and placed in the Mustang League Commissioner’s box.
1) Regulation games will be a maximum of six (6) innings, but no regulation inning (one through six) may be started after one (1) hour and fifty (50) minutes. Should the game be tied after six (6) innings and there is time remaining, an extra five (5) run inning may be played.
2) If after four (4) complete innings, or three and a half (3 ½) innings when the home team is ahead, the next inning cannot begin due to the one (1) hour and fifty (50) minute time limit, play will stop, the Umpire will declare a complete game and declare either a winner or tie game. In the event of a tie game, each team will receive a onehalf (½) win and onehalf (½) loss. This rule also applies when calling a game for any reason by rule before the time limit expires and when the next inning cannot begin due to the School Night Curfew (no new inning begins after 9:00 PM).
3) No team can score more than five (5) runs in a regulation inning unless the Home Plate Umpire has declared an "open inning".
4) The "open inning" (10 run limit) will be the sixth (6th) inning or the first inning to begin after one (1) hour and thirty (30) minutes in which the Umpire has declared an open inning. If an “open inning” is completed before the
th
beginning of the sixth (6) inning and before time expires, another five (5) run inning should be declared and started by the Home Plate Umpire.
5) An Official Game can end without an "open inning" ever being played.
1) Mustang Pitchers are limited to 60 maximum pitches per day per pitcher. If a pitcher pitches 21–40 pitches, he can not pitch the next one (1) calendar day; 4160 pitches, he can not pitch the next two (2) calendar days; 61 or more pitches, he can not pitch the next three (3) calendar days. A pitcher may finish pitching to a batter if he reaches his count limit in the middle of an atbat. Warmup pitches do not count.
2) The Head Coach is responsible for knowing and following the pitching rules. The Home Plate Umpire is responsible only for enforcing the violations of those rules. Once a protest has been lodged by an opposing Head Coach involving an ineligible pitcher, the Home Plate Umpire must determine if the protest is appropriate and if so, shall require the Head Coach of the pitcher in question to confirm or produce evidence that the pitcher is or is not ineligible (pitching records of the previous game and all games that week must be carried by the Head Coach). If the pitcher is ineligible, the pitcher and the Head Coach will be ejected from the game and shall be suspended for the next game. If the Head Coach refuses to remove the pitcher or refuses to remove himself, the game shall be a forfeit. If it is undetermined, the game shall be played under protest. If it is subsequently determined that the pitcher was ineligible, the game shall be a forfeit and the Head Coach and pitcher shall be suspended for the next game after the rendered decision. If the Head Coach is found to have violated this rule more than once in a season, including the End of Season Tournament, it will be grounds for removal.
1) There is a mandatory slide rule at Home Plate when the player covering Home Plate has the ball in his possession. The Umpire shall make the call as to whether the runner is safe or out (regardless of whether an attempt to slide was made by the runner); however, failure of the runner to attempt a slide may result in a warning or an ejection of that player from the remainder of the game, based on the severity of the violation. If the player is ejected due to the severity of the violation then he is automatically called out on the play.
2) Suicide squeeze plays and outright stealing of home without a pause or break before the ball crosses home plate, shall be illegal. The runner shall be called out and the runner and Head Coach shall be ejected; it will be a dead ball and the runners may not advance. A safety squeeze or delayed steal is a legal play.
3) Abusive language, excessive force or any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct by any coach, player or spectator will not be tolerated. Based on the intent or severity of the infraction, the Umpire may warn and/or eject the offender from the game, from the field area or the ball park. Coaches ejected from a game shall serve a one game suspension (the next game).
A second ejection during the same season (including that season’s End of Season Tournament) shall be cause for suspension for the duration of the season or tournament. The suspension penalty is immediate and not subject to appeal. A suspended coach may request a review of the incident or file a complaint via the infractions Committee process, but in no event is the suspension subject to appeal. Ejections of a player or spectator or conduct which warrants ejection from the ball park will be reviewed by the OHYSA Board for possible additional sanctions.
4) Fake tags will not be permitted by a defensive player without the ball in his/her possession. For the first offense, the affected base runner will be awarded two additional bases and the player and Head Coach warned. For the second offense by the same team in the same game, the affected base runner will be awarded two additional bases and the offending defensive player and Head Coach will be removed from the game.
5) There will be no protest committee the Umpire's final decision will stand.
1) Each team will be allowed a maximum of four (4) coaches.
2) All Coaches who participate on the field must wear an official OHYSA coach’s jersey. Failure to do so may result in removal from the game.
3) A team will only be allowed one time out per each offensive and defensive half inning.
4) Only the Head Coach may discuss a call (rule question only) with the Umpire after he has called and received time out. Under no circumstances should more than one Head Coach from either team discuss a call with the Umpire at any given time.
RUN RULES
If a team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after 4 or more complete innings have been played or after 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead by at least 10 runs, the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner, regardless of the open inning rule.
EQUIPMENT RULES
1) Only rubber soled shoes are to be worn by participants. Metal cleated shoes will not be allowed.
2) ABSOLUTELY no jewelry is to be worn by players during the game. This includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches.
1) MANDATORY TWO (2) INNING PLAY RULE: Each team member must play at least two (2) defensive innings of each game unless he/she is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach. All subs must complete two (2) defensive innings by the end of the fifth (5th) inning. If the team member did not receive two (2) defensive innings of playing time due to uncontrollable circumstances, although he/she entered the game by the start of the fourth (4th) inning, then that team member will start the next game and play for at least two (2) consecutive defensive innings. FAILURE OF A HEAD COACH TO ENTER SUBS BY THE START OF THE FOURTH (4TH) INNING OR NOT ALLOW A TEAM MEMBER TWO
2) A team may start a game with fewer than nine (9) players; however, each vacant batting order position in a lineup of less than nine (9) players, is an automatic out when the vacant batting position comes up. No substitute players may be picked up during the spring season.
3) There will be unlimited substitution. However, if a player has been removed as a pitcher, then that player cannot return to pitch during the remainder of the game. Other than the pitcher, a defensive player (either a starter or a substitute) cannot be removed until that defensive portion of the inning is completed, unless due to discipline, injury or illness.
4) All players are in the batting lineup. Players arriving late for a game may be inserted at the end of the batting order. A batter must keep at least one foot in the batter’s box between pitches.
5) The Bronco League will adopt playing rule Section 9.N. (1) of the Pony Baseball Mustang Rules & Regulations: "Runners may leadoff and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules."
6) The Head Coach may provide a courtesy runner (the last batted out) for the catcher with two (2) outs. That runner replaced on the base path must put on the catcher’s gear quickly and without delay, go out and catch the next half inning.
7) Balks will be called and enforced.
8) The Home Team shall keep the Official Score. The Official Scorekeeper shall record the name of the teams, identify the home and visitor, field played, day and date played, game start time, the runs per inning and final score, the pitchers names and numbers, the specific innings each pitcher pitched in and the number of pitches each pitcher pitched on the official score sheet. Also recorded should be any warnings and/or ejections and the offender’s name, number and capacity within the team. At the conclusion of the game, both Head Coaches and the Home Plate Umpire will review and approve the pitching record and score of the game. Failure to review and signoff on the game record results in automatic approval of the record. The Official Score Sheet shall be returned to the Morgan Building and placed in the Bronco League Commissioner’s box.
1) Regulation games will be a maximum of seven (7) innings, but no regulation inning (one through seven) may be started after two (2) hours. Should the game be tied after 7 innings and there is time remaining, an extra three (3) run inning may be played.
2) If after five (5) complete innings, or four and a half (4 ½) innings when the home team is ahead, the next inning cannot begin due to the two (2) hour time limit, play will stop, the Umpire will declare a complete game and declare either a winner or tie game. In the event of a tie game, each team will receive a onehalf (½) win and onehalf (½) loss. This rule also applies when calling a game for any reason by rule before the time limit expires and when the next inning cannot begin due to the School Night Curfew (no new inning begins after 9:00 PM).
3) There is no run limit per inning or open inning.
1) Bronco pitchers are limited to 80 maximum pitches per day per pitcher. If a pitcher pitches 31–55 pitches, he can not pitch the next one (1) calendar day; 5680 pitches, he can not pitch the next two (2) calendar days; 81 or more pitches, he can not pitch the next three (3) calendar days. A pitcher may finish pitching to a batter if he reaches his count limit in the middle of an atbat. Warmup pitches do not count.
2) The Head Coach is responsible for knowing and following the pitching rules. The Home Plate Umpire is responsible only for enforcing the violations of those rules. Once a protest has been lodged by an opposing Head Coach involving an ineligible pitcher, the Home Plate Umpire must determine if the protest is appropriate and if so shall require the Head Coach of the pitcher in question to confirm or produce evidence that the pitcher is or is not ineligible (pitching records of the previous game and all games that week must be carried by the Head Coach). If the pitcher is ineligible, the pitcher and the Head Coach will be ejected from the game and shall be suspended for the next game. If the Head Coach refuses to remove the pitcher or refuses to remove himself, the game shall be a forfeit. If it is undetermined, the game shall be played under protest. If it is subsequently determined that the pitcher was ineligible, the game shall be a forfeit and the Head Coach and pitcher shall be suspended for the next game after the rendered decision. If the Head Coach is found to have violated this rule more than once in a season, including the End of Season Tournament, it will be grounds for removal.
1) There is a mandatory slide rule at Home Plate when the player covering Home Plate has the ball in his possession. The Umpire shall make the call as to whether the runner is safe or out (regardless of whether an attempt to slide was made by the runner), however, failure of the runner to attempt a slide may result in a warning or an ejection of that player from the remainder of the game, based on the severity of the violation. If the player is ejected due to the severity of the violation then he is automatically called out on the play.
2) Suicide squeeze plays and outright stealing of home without a pause or break before the ball crosses home plate shall be illegal. The runner shall be called out and the runner and Head Coach shall be ejected; it will be a dead ball and the runners may not advance. A safety squeeze or delayed steal is a legal play.
3) Abusive language, excessive force or any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct by any coach, player or spectator will not be tolerated. Based on the intent or severity of the infraction, the Umpire may warn and/or eject the offender from the game, from the field area or the ball park. Coaches ejected from a game shall serve a one game suspension (the next game). A second ejection during the same season (including that season’s End of Season Tournament) shall be cause for suspension for the duration of the season or tournament. The suspension penalty is immediate and not subject to appeal. A suspended coach may request a review of the incident or file a complaint via the infractions Committee process, but in no event is the suspension subject to appeal. Ejections of a player or spectator or conduct which warrants ejection from the ball park will be reviewed by the OHYSA Board for possible additional sanctions.
4) Fake tags will not be permitted by a defensive player without the ball in his/her possession. For the first offense, the affected base runner will be awarded two additional bases and the player and Head Coach warned. For the second offense by the same team in the same game, the affected base runner will be awarded two additional bases and the offending defensive player and Head Coach will be removed from the game.
5) There will be no protest committee the Umpire's final decision will stand.
1) Each team will be allowed a maximum of three (3) coaches.
2) All Coaches who participate on the field must wear an official OHYSA coach’s jersey. Failure to do so may result in removal from the game.
3) A coach is allowed only one offensive timeout per half inning.
4) Only the Head Coach may discuss a call (rule question only ) with the Umpire after he has called and received time out. Under no circumstances should more than one Head Coach from either team discuss a call with the Umpire at any given time.
RUN RULES
20 If a team is leading an opponent by at least 20 runs after 3 complete innings have been played the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.
15 If a team is leading an opponent by at least 15 runs after 4 complete innings have been played the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.
10 If a team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after 5 or more complete innings have been played or after 4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead by at least 10 runs, the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.
If Oak Hill Youth Sports Association Pony teams participate in an interlocking schedule with other youth sports organizations, a rules supplement jointly adopted by the participating organizations may apply instead of this supplement.
EQUIPMENT RULES
| 1) | Metal cleated shoes are allowed. |
| 2) | ABSOLUTELY no jewelry is to be worn by players during the game. This |
| includes earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches. |
1) MANDATORY TWO (2) INNING PLAY RULE: Each team member must play at least two (2) defensive innings of each game unless he is injured or being disciplined by the Head Coach. All subs must complete two (2) defensive innings by the end of the sixth (6th) inning. If the team member did not receive two (2) defensive innings of playing time due to uncontrollable circumstances, although he entered the game by the start of the fifth (5th) inning, then that team member will start the next game and play for at least two (2) consecutive defensive innings. FAILURE OF A HEAD COACH TO ENTER SUBS BY THE START OF THE FIFTH (5TH) INNING OR NOT ALLOW A TEAM MEMBER TWO (2) DEFENSIVE INNINGS OF PLAYING TIME, WILL RESULT IN A SUSPENSION OF THAT HEAD COACH FROM THE NEXT GAME.
2) A team may start a game with fewer than nine (9) players; however, each vacant batting order position in a lineup of less than nine (9) players, is an automatic out when the vacant batting position comes up. No substitute players may be picked up during the spring season.
3) There will be unlimited substitution. However, if a player has been removed as a pitcher, then that player cannot return to pitch during the remainder of the game. Other than the pitcher, a defensive player (either a starter or a substitute) cannot be removed until that defensive portion of the inning is completed, unless due to discipline, injury or illness.
4) All players are in the batting lineup. Players arriving late for a game may be inserted at the end of the batting order. A batter must keep at least one foot in the batter’s box at all times. An offensive coach will be allowed only
one (1) time out per half inning.
5) The Pony League will adopt playing rule Section 9.N (1) of the Pony Baseball Mustang Rules & Regulations: “Runners may leadoff and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules.”
6) The Head Coach may provide a courtesy runner (the last batted out) for the catcher with two (2) outs. That runner replaced on the base path must quickly put on the catcher’s gear and without delay go out and catch the next half inning.
7) Balks will be called and enforced.
8) The Home Team shall keep the Official Score. The Official Scorekeeper shall record the name of the teams, identify the home and visitor, field played, day and date played, game start time, the runs per inning and final score, the official pitchers names and numbers, the specific innings each pitcher pitched in and the number of pitches each pitcher pitched on the official score sheet. Also recorded should be any warnings and/or ejections and the offender’s name, number and capacity within the team. At the conclusion of the game, both Head Coaches and the Home Plate Umpire will review and approve the pitching record and score of the game. Failure to review and signoff on the game record results in automatic approval of the record. The Official Score Sheet shall be returned to the Morgan Building and placed in the Pony League Commissioner’s box.
1) Regulation games will be a maximum of seven (7) innings, but no regulation inning (one through seven) may be started after two (2) hours. Should the game be tied after 7 innings and there is time remaining, an extra three (3) run inning may be played.
2) If after five (5) complete innings, or four and a half (4 ½) innings when the home team is ahead, the next inning cannot begin due to the two (2) hour time limit, play will stop, the Umpire will declare a complete game and declare either a winner or tie game. In the event of a tie game, each team will receive a onehalf (½) win and onehalf (½) loss. This rule also applies when calling a game for any reason before the time limit has expired.
3) There is no run limit per inning or open inning.
PITCHING RULES
1) Pony pitchers are limited to 90 maximum pitches per day per pitcher. If a pitcher pitches 3050 pitches, he can not pitch the next one (1) calendar day; 5175 pitches, he can not pitch the next two (2) calendar days; 76 or more pitches, he can not pitch the next three (3) calendar days. A pitcher may finish pitching to a batter if he reaches his count limit in the middle of an atbat. A calendar day rest is one full day. Warmup pitches do not count.
2) The Head Coach is responsible for knowing and following the pitching rules. The Home Plate Umpire is responsible only for enforcing the violations of those rules. Once a protest has been lodged by an opposing Head Coach involving an ineligible pitcher, the Home Plate Umpire must determine if the protest is appropriate and if so shall require the Head Coach of the pitcher in question to confirm or produce evidence that the pitcher is or is not ineligible (pitching records of the previous game and all games that week must be carried by the Head Coach). If the pitcher is ineligible, the pitcher and the Head Coach will be ejected from the game and shall be suspended for the next game. If the Head Coach refuses to remove the pitcher or refuses to remove himself, the game shall be a forfeit. If it is undetermined, the game shall be played under protest. If it is subsequently determined that the pitcher was ineligible, the game shall be a forfeit and the Head Coach and pitcher shall be suspended for the next game after the rendered decision. If the Head Coach is found to have violated this rule more than once in a season, including End of Season Tournament, it will be grounds for removal.
1) There is a mandatory slide rule at Home Plate when the player covering Home Plate has the ball in his possession. The Umpire shall make the call as to whether the runner is safe or out (regardless of whether an attempt to slide was made by the runner); however, failure of the runner to attempt a slide may result in a warning or an ejection of that player from the remainder of the game, based on the severity of the violation. If the player is ejected due to the severity of the violation then he is automatically called out on the play.
2) Suicide squeeze plays and outright stealing of home without a pause or break before the ball crosses home plate shall be illegal. The runner shall be called out and the runner and Head Coach shall be ejected; it will be a dead ball and the runners may not advance. A safety squeeze or delayed steal is a legal play.
3) Abusive language, excessive force or any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct by any coach, player or spectator will not be tolerated. Based on the intent or severity of the infraction, the Umpire may warn and/or eject the offender from the game, from the field area or the ball park. Coaches ejected from a game shall serve a one game suspension (the next game). A second ejection during the same season (including that season’s End
of Season Tournament) shall be cause for suspension for the duration of the season or tournament. The suspension penalty is immediate and not subject to appeal. A suspended coach may request a review of the incident or file a complaint via the infractions Committee process, but in no event is the suspension subject to appeal. Ejections of a player or spectator or conduct which warrants ejection from the ball park will be reviewed by the OHYSA Board for possible additional sanctions.
| 4) | Fake tags will not be permitted by a defensive player without the ball in |
| his/her possession. For the first offense, the affected base runner will be | |
| awarded two additional bases and the player and Head Coach warned. For | |
| the second offense by the same team in the same game, the affected base | |
| runner will be awarded two additional bases and the offending defensive | |
| player and Head Coach will be removed from the game. | |
| 5) | There will be no protest committee the Umpire's final decision will stand. |
1) Each team will be allowed a maximum of three (3) coaches.
2) All Head Coaches who participate on the field must wear an official OHYSA coach’s jersey. Failure to do so may result in removal from the game.
3) An offensive coach will be allowed only one (1) time out per half inning.
4) Only the Head Coach may discuss a call (rule question only) with the Umpire after he has called and received time out. Under no circumstances should more than one Head Coach from either team discuss a call with the Umpire at any given time.
RUN RULES
20 If a team is leading an opponent by at least 20 runs after 3 complete innings have been played the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.
15 If a team is leading an opponent by at least 15 runs after 4 complete innings have been played the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.
10 If a team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after 5 or more complete innings have been played or after 4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead by at least 10 runs, the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.
All Oak Hill Regular Season Rules shall be observed with the following exceptions which shall either override or add to those rules. This supplement is for the Spring Baseball End of Season Tournament at Oak Hill Youth Sports Association only.
1) There will be a coin flip to determine the home team, unless otherwise specified by the Commissioner.
2) The infield playing rule for Shetland, Pinto and Mustang does not apply.
1) Once play has begun in a tournament game, the game shall be played to regulation length or time limit. The length or time limit of games shall be determined by the regular season rules for that particular league. If there is a tie at the end of regulation time or innings, the game shall continue until there is a winner (that league’s Commissioner may determine how the game should be continued). The exception would be the Championship Game which will be played to regulation length (number of innings), Shetland, Pinto and Mustang 6 innings, Bronco and Pony 7 innings until there is a winner. For any tournament game that is called before the time limit or regulation number of innings, but meets the requirements for an official/complete game, the game is final. Games stopped for any other reason shall be continued as suspended games at the next possible scheduled time, as determined by that League’s Commissioner.
1) End of Season Tournament pitching will follow regular season pitching rules.
2) Names and numbers of all pitchers actually appearing in the game, along with the number of pitches they pitched/number of innings in which they pitched, shall be recorded on the Official Score Sheet for each game maintained by the home team. This record shall be signed by the Head Coach of both teams and the Home Plate Umpire.
3) Balks will be called and enforced in all leagues.
RUN RULES
10 – For Pinto or Mustang: if team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after 4 or more complete innings have been played or after 3 ½ innings or if the home team is ahead by at least 10 runs, the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner. Regardless of the open inning rule.
10 For Bronco and Pony: if team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after five (5) or more complete innings have been played or if after 4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead by at least 10 runs, the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner
15 For Bronco and Pony: if a team is leading an opponent by at least 15 runs after 4 complete innings have been played the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.
20 For Bronco and Pony Leagues: if a team is leading an opponent by at least 20 runs after 3 complete innings have been played the game shall be terminated and the team in the lead shall be declared the winner.