LTYA Softball follows the PONY rules and the specific rules for the Pony League as addressed in the PONY rulebook. These rules are available on the PONY website at:
PONY Softball Rules.
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 score book and must rake and chalk the field prior to the start of the game.
3. The Visiting team is responsible for the scoreboard.
4. 75 minute games; finish the inning
5. There will be a 4-run limit per 1/2 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 (or per PONY rules as noted by umpire.
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. 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 coming in the middle of an inning 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. No player may sit two consecutive innings unless due to injury, by mutual agreement between player's parents and coach, or as a disciplinary issue.
3. Unless a player arrives after a game has started, no player can sit out defensively more than any other player on the roster. For example, a player cannot sit out two innings if another player has not sat out at least one inning.
**An exception to the above rules are during tournaments. Tournament play prioritizes competitive performance. Coaches have the discretion to assign positions based on team needs and player performance. Players may sit out when necessary for team strategy.