Pony Division Local Rules

In addition to the following local divisional rules, please also review the following:

Pony Division Interlock governs the games between the teams from LA-MV, Sunnyvale-Cupertino, and Saratoga that comprise the Pony Division South Bay Interlock.
LA-MV League-Wide Rules are designed to help maintain the condition of our playing fields, to help ensure everyone’s safety, and to supplement the League’s Good Neighbor Policy. Enforcing these general rules, at games and practices, is everybody’s responsibility.

All other playing rules are governed by the PONY Baseball Rules & Regulations and the Official Rules of Major League Baseball.

Players: Each player must play 3 defensive innings and bat at least once each game, except in the case of an injured player. If the playing time is not met in a game, that player must start the next game. Only the 9 starting players bat. Substitute players bat when replacing a starting player. A starting player may re-enter the game only once after being replaced. Once removed, a substitute may not re-enter the game. No more than two players can be used in the same batting order slot during a game.
Length of Games: All games are 7 innings with no time limit, except for the 10-run rule.
To expedite play, a batter must keep one foot in the batters’ box between pitches, except after a foul ball.
10-Run Rule: If the home team is leading by 10 or more runs after 4-¹/₂ innings or the visiting team is leading by 10 or more runs after 5 innings, the game is automatically over and the leading team wins.
Pitching: All types of pitches are legal. All pitchers may pitch a maximum of 7 innings in a single game and a total of 10 innings per week. Pitchers must rest 40 hours after pitching four consecutive innings in a single game. A single pitch is considered an inning. The week runs from 12:00am Monday to 11:59pm Sunday.
Balks: Balks are governed by Major League rules.
Sliding: There is no mandatory slide rule.
Conduct: Generally the same as the Bronco Division, however, rules pertaining to safety and conduct are closely monitored and strictly enforced by professional association umpires.
Coaches: Same as the Bronco Division, home team has 3rd base dugout.
Protests of Umpire’s Calls: No protests of judgment calls are allowed. This rule is strictly enforced.
Umpires: The Pony Division uses professional umpires from the Santa Clara County Federation of Umpires. These umpires also work high school and college games.
Field Preparation: The home team is responsible for preparing the field before the game and for removing bases and raking the field after the game. Both teams cleanup their own dugouts after the games. The last team using Covington or Rosita as a practice field on any given day must properly drag and water the field.
Equipment: Metal cleats are allowed for the first time at the Pony Division level and are generally preferred by most players.