STLL - STLL Rookie/Pony League Local Rules

2007 STLL Rookie/Pony League Local Rules

The Rookie/Pony Leagues are an instructional program for 6 and 7-year-old players. The leagues are operated under the authority of the South Tonka Little League (STLL) Board and coordinated by the Rookie/Pony League Director(s). The Rookie/Pony League coaches stress baseball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The players are introduced to throwing, catching, fielding, positions, and hitting.

1. Teams

a. A team shall consist of registered players of league age 6 (Rookie) or 7 (Pony) as of April 30.

b. Teams will be formed by the league director based on player geographic location, school attended, and player requests. The STLL Board must approve the teams.

c. Each team shall have a coach and an assistant coach. The coaches are recommended by the league director and approved by the STLL Board.

2. Game Format

a. No inning shall start after 8:00pm, or 90 minutes after the start of the game, whichever is earlier.

b. Games should be played regardless of the number of players on either team.

c. The following options may be used to field a full team:

i. Recruit players from another STLL Rookie/Pony League team for that game.

ii. The opposing team may fill positions in the field for the team lacking players.

iii. In no instance shall a player be used that is older than the league age of 7 or that is not registered in the South Tonka Little League.

d. Games must be called if lightning is sighted. The home team should attempt to reschedule the game with the opposing coach at the earliest time available. Makeup games should also be coordinated with the league director.

3. Local Rules

a. The team designated as the Home team shall provide a new game ball and bases.

b. The home team coach should cancel the game in the event of rain. Games must be cancelled from the field that the game is to be played on. This gives the coach an opportunity to check field conditions. The opposing team�s coach should be notified if the game requires cancellation.

c. A coach from the team batting shall be the pitcher.

d. There are no called balls or strikes. Each batter shall be allowed four swings to put the ball in play. After four swings the ball shall be placed on a tee, or the coach may pitch from the side of the player.

e. The offensive team will bat around before retiring to the field. The bases shall be cleared after 3 outs, but the offensive team shall continue to bat until all players have batted. No game score shall be kept.

f. Play shall stop when the ball is returned to the coach (pitcher). Runners may advance to the next base if they are more than half way to the next base by the time the ball reaches the coach (pitcher).

g. The ball is dead on an overthrow to any base. The runner(s) may advance one base on an overthrow.

h. The base runner(s) must remain on the base until the ball is struck by the batter.

j. Players should alternate between infield and outfield. The following positions should be occupied first: Pitcher, Catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base and Shortstop. Any remaining players should be positioned along the outfield grass.

k. Base runners must slide on any close play at any base except first. Headfirst slides are not permitted and will result in the runner being out.

l. No on-deck batters are allowed. Coaches are asked to strictly enforce this policy. Do not allow players to handle/swing bats away from the home plate area during games. This includes bench areas, in/around dugouts, or outside the fenced areas of the playing field. NO EXCEPTIONS!

m. All batters and base runners are required to wear a helmet with a chin strap.

p. When the last batter has taken his or her at-bat in an inning, the play shall be completed as if this were a standard at-bat. To avoid the potential for injury, existing base runners should not continue around to home plate since the defensive team will be leaving the field.