Playing Rules - Mustang Division (Ages 7-8)

Updated Monday March 28, 2019 by Raymond Almeida Jr..

1: Games are played on a field on which the bases are separated by a distance of 55 feet. The pitcher’s mound is situated 42 feet from home plate. The regulation length of games is 6 innings.

2: The first three innings of every game are played with a team manager or coach pitching to their own players from the pitchers rubber. Each batter is allowed to receive FIVE pitches unless the fifth pitch was a foul ball. In this instance, the batter will receive one additional pitch. The remaining innings of all games are played with players performing the pitching duties.

3: A rotating batting order is used in all games. Players arriving at the playing field following the start of a game must be inserted into the batting order at its close, but are not required to play in the field in said game.

4: The infield fly rule is not in effect.

5: Batters may not advance to first base when a catcher does not cleanly catch a third strike.

6: Pitchers in all innings of all games are required to work from the pitching rubber. Failure to do so will empower the umpire to call “No Pitch”.

7: An umpire shall be permitted to call “Time Out” during any game in which the defensive team possesses the ball in the infield area (Which is defined as within the Diamond) and no base runners are attempting to advance.

8: Pitchers are permitted to pitch in no more than 3 innings in a game. Additionally, a pitcher cannot return to pitch once they have previously been removed as a pitcher. After pitching 3 innings in one game, pitchers shall not be permitted to pitch during the following calendar day.

9: During a calendar week in which teams are scheduled to play 2 games, pitchers shall be permitted to pitch in no more that 4 innings in that week. During a calendar week in which teams are scheduled to play 3 games, pitchers shall be permitted to pitch in no more than 5 innings in that week.

10: During the first three innings of all games, base runners are not permitted to take leads off bases nor steal. During the remaining innings of all games, base runners are still prohibited from taking leads off bases, but may attempt to advance one base at their peril or steal, only after the pitched ball has reached and crossed home plate or passed the catcher. The base runner can’t advance to home plate on a pass ball nor steal home. Runs must be scored by either a hit ball or walk. Base runners are restricted to one base advance per pitch (steal). This includes plays in which the throw is not cleanly fielded by the infielder on the throw from the catcher.

11: A base runner leaving the base prior to the pitched ball reaching or passing the catcher shall be warned once, on each subsequent occurrence the runner shall be declared out. Only one warning per team, per game will be given.

12: During the first three innings of all games, the player occupying the Pitcher’s defensive position must remain on the mound area until the ball is hit. Said player must position at least one foot on the pitching mound area. The pitching area shall be defined as the area within a ten foot diameter of the pitching rubber.

13: Bunting shall be NOT permitted at any time during games.

15: During the first three innings of play, batters are permitted to receive no more than five pitches. Foul balls struck on the fifth pitch entitle the batter to another pitch. A batter striking out prior to the fifth pitch or failing to swing at the final pitch is automatically out.

16: Teams are limited to scoring no more than FOUR runs in any inning through the first five innings of play (Unless specified otherwise in these Rules). In the sixth inning and all subsequent innings, the visiting team is restricted to scoring no more than four runs if leading, or if the score is tied (unless otherwise specified in these Rules). If trailing at this point, the visiting team is permitted to score as many runs as necessary to assume a lead of up to four runs (unless specified otherwise in these Rules). In any instance, the home team shall be permitted in the sixth inning and all subsequent innings to score as many runs as necessary to win the game.

17: In games when a pitcher hits two batters in the same inning, the manager of the defensive team shall be required to immediately confer with the pitcher. The Chief Umpire shall not charge an official trip to any team affected by this rule. Only one such trip will be granted without charge in games.

18: In instances when a batter is struck by a pitch thrown by a non-player, “No Pitch” shall be declared by the chief Umpire. The batter shall not be charged with a pitch in such instances.

19: In instances when a non player is struck by a batted ball prior to a defensive player touching the ball or provided with the opportunity to make a play on the ball, the chief Umpire shall declare a “No Pitch”. The batter shall not be charged with a pitch in such instances.

20: All players present at any game that extends to its regulation length or beyond, shall be required to play one complete inning in an infield position. The catcher shall be defined as an infielder at the beginning of the fourth inning. Team managers shall not be obligated to enforce this regulation for one game per each player absence from a team activity (Practices or games) during the season. Failure to adhere to this regulation shall result in game forfeiture upon proper protest by an opposing team.

21: The player occupying the pitchers mound during the first three innings of all games shall be considered an infielder and not a pitcher.

22: In legal games during which one or both teams filed 8 players, the third out of an inning which will occur when the ninth batting position is due shall be officially recorded when the lead base runner’s progress has been stopped by the defensive team.

23: No runner can advance past third base while an infielder, in the infield (Stone-dust area inside the outfield grass), has possession of the ball, unless the defensive team attempts to make a play at any base. If a play is being made, runners are permitted to advance.