Mustang Division Playing Rules

1. Teams & Fields

   • Players drafted per MPBL procedure.

   • Field dimensions follow PONY standards; pitching distance 46 ft.

2. Equipment

   • No USABat restrictions.

   • Batters, runners, and on-deck players must wear helmets. No “hit sticks” in on-deck area.

   • Catchers must wear full protective gear.

3. Batting & Lineups

   • Entire roster bats. Late arrivals go last; cannot join after lineup has batted once unless both coaches agree.

   • Free defensive substitution except pitchers.

   • No player sits more than 2 innings until all have.

   • 10 defensive players (4 OF).

4. Game Play

   • No dropped 3rd strike.

   • Infield fly rule in effect.

   • Bunting allowed; fake bunt/swing = out.

   • Throwing bat: warning, then out.

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

   • Obstruction and baseline rules enforced.

5. Pitching

   • Follow Pitch Smart rules. No pitching 4 consecutive days.

   • Pitcher may finish batter after pitch limit.

   • One free mound visit/inning; second = removal.

   • 6 warmup pitches for new pitcher.

   • Intentional walk requires pitches thrown.

   • Remove pitcher after 3 HBPs in an inning.

6. Base Running

   • No lead-offs; runners hold until ball crosses plate.

   • No stealing with 10+ run lead.

   • Steals allowed (incl. home); no delayed steals from 3rd.

   • Overthrows: runners advance at own risk.

7. Game Requirements

   • Must start with 8 players; 9th spot = automatic out.

   • 6 innings regulation (max 9).

   • 5-run limit/inning (except 6th+ which are open).

   • 10-run rule after 4 innings.

   • Time limit: 1 hr 50 min; finish current inning. No limit in playoffs.

   • Suspended game rules apply for weather/ties.

8. Conduct

   • Coaches: max 3 on field/dugout. None behind backstop.

   • Players, coaches, and managers stay in dugout unless coaching bases.

   • No arguing with umpires; profanity or equipment thrown = ejection.

   • Unsportsmanlike “chatter” prohibited; disputes handled coach-to-coach or by board.

   • Ejected coach/player = suspended next game.

   • Rule violations may result in suspensions or forfeits.

9. Uniforms

   • Only MPBL-issued uniforms allowed (exceptions if both coaches agree).