The following rules amendments can be found in our league Policies, Procedures, & Rules document. These were last updated on February 15, 2023.

8.3.1 Each player on the team shall play at least two innings of each six inning game. No player may sit more than two consecutive innings, unless being disciplined by the manager, who
must inform the parents of the player of such action.

8.3.2 When a hitter unintentionally throws their bat, the hitter will be warned. On the second offense, the batter will be called out. On the third offense, the batter will be called out and ejected from the game. On the second and third offenses, the ball will be considered dead.

8.3.3 PITCHER/CATCHER RULES: A pitcher that throws more than 35 pitches in a game may not then play the catcher position in that game (Threshold Rule Applies). A player that plays the catcher position more than two innings in a game may not then pitch in that day. A player that plays catcher and then enters the game as pitcher, may not catch again in that game. The rules with respect to maximum number of pitches and required rest day are not impacted if a player that plays catcher for two or fewer innings in a game enters the game as pitcher

8.3.4 Balks are not enforced in Mustang division.

8.3.5 No new inning will begin after 2 hours from the game’s scheduled start time on a weeknight or if there is a following game scheduled that would be impacted. If no scheduled game
would be impacted, no new inning will begin after 2½ hours from the game’s scheduled start time. Games will drop dead after 2 hours, 15 minutes after the start of the game on a weeknight. During the league EOS tournament, time limits will not be in effect.

8.3.6 Scorekeepers should notify the manager concerned if an ineligible player or improper batter is about to be used in the game. If the scorekeeper fails to prevent the mistake, the normal
consequences follow according to the OBR and PONY rules.

8.3.7 Each team will supply a scorekeeper. The home team shall provide the official scorekeeper.

8.3.8 A principle of WSB is not to protest games. Discussions regarding interpretations of our rules will occur between the umpires on the field at the time of play and the head coach from each team. The final decision will be made by the plate umpire.

8.3.9 MEDIATION. When time has been called, a coach or manager may request that the umpire clarify a ruling or interpretation of the rules. The umpire may grant this request, but is not obligated to do so. If the umpire chooses to discuss the ruling with the manager, the umpire retains final authority and may end the discussion at any time. Judgment calls may not be
questioned or mediated.

8.3.10 Mustang division pitchers shall pitch from 46 feet, regardless of age.

8.3.11 STOLEN BASES. When the pitcher has control of the ball and is in contact with the pitcher’s plate, the runner may not leave the base they are occupying. Runners may leave base when a pitched ball crosses home plate. Runners who leave the base early will return to the base–the pitch will be considered a dead ball and the offending team will be warned. Upon subsequent violations of this rule, runners will be called out and the pitch shall be considered a dead ball.

8.3.12 Once a runner, coming off third base after a pitched ball, ceases advancing towards home plate, the runner is obligated to return to third base at his or her own risk. If the defensive team attempts to make a play on a runner or loses control of the ball (passed ball, dropped ball or overthrow, etc.) that runner may then proceed home, without retagging, at their own risk.

8.3.13 Base runners must “slide or avoid” when coming into a base where a defensive player is attempting to make a play on the runner. The slide must be directly into the base and must not go beyond the base and contact the fielder. A runner who fails to “slide or avoid” shall be given a warning on the first occurrence, and will be ruled “out” by the umpire on any subsequent instances.

8.3.14 HEAD-FIRST SLIDING is not allowed except when diving back to a base. Players sliding head first will be called out.

8.3.15 Defensive players must not obstruct the base path or otherwise interfere with base runners if there is not a play to be made. If a defensive player presents a fake tag in an attempt to cause the offensive player to slide, the runner will be awarded the base and the offending team will be warned. Upon subsequent violations the defensive player will be ejected from the game.

8.3.16 The entire roster will be batted and there is free substitution in the field.

8.3.17 RUN LIMITS. If the Offensive team is tied with or ahead of the defensive team, the offensive team may score only five runs per inning. After five runs, that half of the inning will be considered complete. If the offensive team is behind, it may score until it goes ahead of the defensive team by five runs. More than five runs may be scored in an inning if the additional runs score due to a ground rule double or home run batted fairly over the outfield fence. In the sixth (final) inning, the run limit rule operates the same way except the limit is eight instead of five.

8.3.18 15-RUN MERCY RULE. If the home team is ahead by 15 runs after 3 1⁄2 innings, or the visiting team is ahead by 15 runs after 4 complete innings, it shall be considered a completed game. Play will stop unless both managers agree to continue play. After 4 1⁄2 innings a 10-run mercy rule is in effect.

8.3.19 In the event that the game is tied at the end of 6 innings and the time limit has not been exceeded and the umpire determines that it is light enough for play to continue, extra innings will be played in accordance with “California rules” where each half inning starts with the runner who earned the last out in the preceding inning placed on second base, and one out.

8.3.20 The DROPPED THIRD STRIKE RULE is NOT in effect for Mustang games.

8.3.21 The INFIELD FLY RULE is in effect for Mustang games.

8.3.22 Bat must adhere to the standard put forth by the league. *All bats must have a USA Bat stamp as of 2018 Spring season.

8.3.23 POST SEASON TOURNAMENT RULES.

8.3.23.1 A coin flip prior to each playoff game will decide the home and away teams.

8.3.23.2 Regular season rules apply to all playoff games (playing time, pitch counts, etc)

8.3.23.3 The Mustang bracket will be determined by random draw. In the event that there is an odd number of teams, one team will receive a first round bye.

8.3.23.4 Fill in players such as kids from a younger division or other teams are not allowed in the playoffs. Teams must field at least 8 players for an official game. Teams unable to field the required number of playoffs must forfeit. *If the coaches agree before the game to provide a player so the kids can play, the game is allowed BUT the team who needed help is still considered the losing team, regardless of outcome.

8.3.23.5 Coaches are REQUIRED to provide pitch counts for each pitcher used in every game following the game. The method for providing will be decided by the division commissioner before the playoffs.

8.3.23.6 The playoff tournament is double-elimination until the championship round. The championship game is considered the final game, even if the losing team suffers their first loss of the tournament in the final. The advantage of being undefeated is the additional rest days for your players and pitchers.

8.3.23.7 EXTRA INNINGS IN POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT. After one extra inning, the game will be decided by “California rules” where each half inning starts with the runner who earned the last out in the preceding inning placed on second base, and one out. In the event of darkness, the umpire will have the ability to stop the game. The game will revert back to the inning in which there was a clear winner where one team had the lead. In the event that the Championship game is called due to darkness, the game will be continued at a mutually agreed upon date until there is a clear winner.