Pinto Division Rules

1. Teams & Draft

   • Players evaluated/drafted per MPBL procedure.

   • Coaches may protect up to 3 (combo of assistants/sponsor).

   • Protected players must be drafted according to evaluation rank.

   • Late sign-ups require unanimous coach approval.

   • Draft order based on evaluation scores, re-ranked each round.

2. Fields & Equipment

   • Bases: 60 ft. Mound: 39 ft. with 10 ft. circle.

   • Bats ≤ 2 ¾" (no T-ball bats).

   • Helmets required for batters, runners, on-deck.

   • Catchers must wear full protective gear.

   • MPBL uniforms only.

3. Lineups & Participation

   • Entire roster bats. Late arrivals bat last.

   • No player sits more than 1 inning until all have.

   • No player may play the same defensive position more than 2 innings.

   • 10 defensive players (coach pitches, player pitcher stands beside).

   • Min. 8 players to start/finish (absent spot = out unless injury).

   • If <10 players, remove OF first; with 8, remove catcher.

4. Gameplay Rules

   • No bunting/soft swings. Ball must pass 10 ft. arc.

   • 6 pitches max per at-bat; 3 strikes = out.

   • No dropped 3rd strike; no infield fly rule.

   • No stealing; must stay on base until ball is hit.

   • Overthrows: runners advance 1 base max.

   • Dead ball if coach-pitcher is hit.

   • Throwing bat: warning, then out.

   • Runners must slide to avoid contact. No head-first slides (except returning).

   • Obstruction and baseline rules enforced.

   • Coaches must pitch overhand; no kneeling; avoid distractions (white sleeves, jewelry, etc.).

   • Players cannot pitch.

   • Play is ruled dead once pitcher has possesion of ball in the circle. 

5. Game Timing & Scoring

   • 6 innings regulation (max 9).

   • 5-run limit per inning, except 6th+ which are open.

   • Mercy rule: 15 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5.

   • Complete game = 4 innings (3.5 if home team leads).

   • Suspended game rules apply for ties/weather.

   • Lightning delay: 30 min; teams must leave field.

6. Coaches & Umpires

   • 1 timeout per half-inning.

   • 1B, 3B, and coach-pitcher allowed when batting.

   • Parent helper may return balls behind catcher (no coaching).

   • 2 defensive coaches allowed in OF for instruction.

   • Arguing/profanity = removal.

   • Bat/helmet thrown in anger = ejection.

   • Ejected coach/player suspended next game (incl. tournaments).

   • Violations may result in suspension or forfeit.

7. All-Stars

   • Players must try out and be evaluated.

   • Director selects head coach(es).

   • If enough interest, A & B teams formed (min. 12 players each).

   • Extra fees/fundraising may be required.

   • Practices begin before season ends and run through tournaments.

8. Other

   • Unaddressed rules default to Pony Baseball handbook.

   • Pinto Director may implement reasonable measures with board approval.

r the fair and efficient administration of these rules with the consultation of the division head coaches and the Board of Directors. Minor deviations from the rules are acceptable as long as those deviations are not materially harmful to the purpose of the rules.