In general, the rules of PONY Girls Softball will govern the Mustang Softball league. These rules are to be followed and adhered to except as noted below. Local rules as outlined will take precedence over the otherwise accepted rules of the game.
Pre/Post Game Duties
Before the Game: Home team should chalk the lines, the batters box, base coaches box and on-deck circles as needed in preparation for game play. The visiting team should rake and water the fields prior to the game if necessary.
After the Game: Home team to ensure that the field lights are turned off after night games.
FIELD LIGHTS are to be turned off at 9:30 p.m., NO Exceptions.
League Guidelines
1. The Head Coach is responsible for the behavior of coaches, players and spectators.
2. The Home team shall occupy the 3rd base dugout, be responsible for keeping the official scorebook and must rake and chalk the field prior to the start of the game.
3. The home or visiting team is responsible for the scoreboard.
4. 75 minute games; finish the inning.
Offense
1. There will be a 4-run limit per inning.
2. Teams must bat the full lineup. If a player arrives late, she is placed at the bottom of the line up.
3. A team may play with as few as seven (7) players but outs are taken at spots #8 and #9. With eight (8) players, an out is taken at spot #9.
4. No head first sliding. A player sliding head first will be called out. Diving back to a base head first is allowed.
5. Leading Off is allowed once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. "Look Back" rule is in effect.
Defense
1. Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm-up pitches or 60 seconds before each inning (this includes the first inning). All new pitchers will be allowed (5) warm-up pitches or 60 seconds. If no catcher is in place to start the warm up, a coach or player should be provided.
2. Pitchers (starter or reliever) may re-enter the game at any time. The team must field at least 2 pitchers by the 3rd inning.
3. Each player must play a minimum of one (1) full inning at any position by the end of the 3rd inning and at least two (2) full innings at any position by the end of the 4th inning UNLESS A PLAYER ARRIVES TO THE GAME LATE.
Coach Pitch Rule
1. No walks are awarded . During Player Pitch, all other batter rules (e.g. hit by pitch) are still in force.
2. Coach pitcher will pitch to own team after the 3rd or 4th batter in a row receives four (4) balls.
3. Batter will receive 2 pitches from the coach, regardless of pitch count, foul ball rules apply on 2nd pitch during Coach Pitch.
4. Coach Pitch at bat ends with either: legal ball in play or 2nd pitch swinging strike.
5. Hit by Pitch rule does not apply in Coach Pitch.
6. No stealing during Coach Pitch, including on passed balls.
7. No leading off during Coach Pitch.
8. Dropped third strike does not apply during Coach Pitch.
9. No bunting during Coach Pitch.
10. The Coach Pitch rule is in effect for the first half of the season. In the second half, coach pitch is eliminated and walks will be awarded.