1. Game time is one hour. We need the fields clear in that hour. So, you should end the game 5 minutes early so that you have time to shake hands and clear the dugout for the next game. One hour is the “drop dead” time. The game stops regardless of where you are in the game when the hour has ended. We have 7 to 8 games scheduled on the fields every Saturday so we must keep to the one hour limit.
2. With 12 players on some teams, it may be difficult to finish in one hour. For the first 3 games of the season, if you have a player that is not able to hit pitches in practice, then you may want to start them with the tee in a game (Coach’s decision). If you have a player that is able to hit pitches in practice, then give them 6 pitches to hit in the game. Use your best judgment for time etc… Let your players know that it is okay to hit off the tee. After the 3rd game, players will be called out after three strikes.
3. The machine will pitch to the players during the game. Coaches may be at first and third base only. No outfield or infield coaches. You may coach from the dugout area.
4. It is recommended to teach the kids to hit pitched balls in your practice. You should pitch to them at every practice so that they master this skill. Also, it is recommended to have a separate station at your practice for hitting off the tee so that the kids develop an even and strong swing without worrying about a moving ball.
5. For all games of the season, we will play with 3 outs or 5 runs per inning.
6. Starting with the 1st game of the season, we will call outs on the bases. If a player is called out, then have them return to the dugout. On balls hit to the outfield (on the fly or rolling past all players and making to the outfield grass), the runner can advance 2 or 3 bases. We will play for 3 outs an inning or 5 runs an inning. There are no umpires so coaches will call the outs on the bases. We want to use “outs” as a teaching tool and prepare them for Pinto. The kids learn that it is important to run fast if they may get called out. And, they learn that they get to hit again if they try to get the other team out.
7. We are introducing players to wear gear and play catcher this year. This will allow coach’s and players to practice with the gear and get used to it. Starting with the 1st game of the season all teams will have a player field the catcher position. Whenever there is player playing catcher, still have a coach play behind the catcher to field balls. Don’t have the catcher get up and retrieve every pitched ball as this will be too time consuming.
8. No score is kept for the entire season except to note that a team scores 5 in an inning.
Local rules are exceptions to the official PONY rules and apply to all home games. Download the 2012 Shetland Local Rules
