Shetland Division Playing Rules - Schedule
1. Any child who has attained the age of five prior to May 1st of that particular year or who has not reached the age of seven by May 1st of that particular year will be eligible for Shetland league as per Pony Baseball.
2. The league will supply uniform tops and baseball hats (these are not returned to the park – the kids keep). Parents supply baseball pants, baseball gloves and shoes. No separate stirrups are allowed. One-piece sock & stirrups are allowed. Plain white socks are also allowed if desired. Athletic cup is mandatory.
3. The number of players assigned to each team will not be less than ten, or more than twelve.
4. The ball shall be a “safety” or “more compliant” type of ball marketed by various manufacturers for use by beginning players.
5. The batter on deck, batting area and all base runners will use a helmet.
6. The baseball hats are to be worn when on the field defensively.
7. No jewelry shall be worn at games or practices by players.
8. No gum chewing allowed at games or practices.
9. The entire roster of players shall bat in each half inning.
10. All players will be used defensively spread out evenly in the field.
11. One coach shall pitch (down on one knee in front of pitchers mound). One coach shall catch. The batter will be thrown a maximum of 8 pitches prior to using the tee. If a player hits a ball to the outfield, the coaches are not to stop the ball for the outfielders. Allow the batter to get a double if earned.
12. Batters are not allowed to bunt or intentionally swing lightly.
13. Base runners are not allowed to lead off or steal.
14. In every half inning, each player on the offensive team is required to bat.
15. The last batter will run all of the bases. Make sure three different kids hit a homerun each inning.
16. Regulation game is three innings in duration or one hour and thirty minutes. No inning shall start after on hour and twenty minutes. The game is officially over at the end of the time limit.
17. After the game is over, both teams will line up on the baseline and proceed to congratulate each other.
18. The second half of the season, outs will be introduced in the games. Every player on the offensive team still bats each half inning, but players who are out return to their respective dugout.
19. For the first game on Saturdays, both coaches are responsible for preparing the field. (Lining the field, bases, raking, etc.).
20. Each team will clean up their dugout and their side of the field after each game.
21. No smoking will be allowed on the playing field or in the dugouts.
22. At the conclusion of each game, both teams are responsible to pack the pitchers mound and batters box if needed.
23. Managers and coaches are expected to conduct themselves with respect toward their players, fellow coaches, umpires and fans. Repeated misconduct in this regard may result in dismissal from coach’s duties by the Board of Directors/League Conference Commissioner. Note: All games are for instructional purposes only. No score will ever be kept. Batting orders are all that will be monitored by the coaches to insure everyone bats in each inning.
Note: Please encourage the kids to buy their post game treats from the concession stand instead of bringing treats from home to be passed out.