These are the local rules for the Santa Ynez Valley Pony League. Use the links below to view other local division rules.    Shetland    Pinto    Mustang    Pony

The game will be played under the 'OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES" Sporting News Edition as modified by the Pony League Bronco rule book and as further modified by the following local rules:

1. In the case of darkness, the head umpire will call the game, and all play will stop and the score will revert to the last complete inning.
   
2. Base runner must slide at home if a play on the runner is made and if runner has contact with the fielder. (Intent is to avoid accidents by runner taking out the catcher.) Penalty: Runner is out. This is a judgment call by the umpire and may not be appealed.
   
3. No runner may purposely collide with a fielder to attempt to dislodge the ball or take a fielder out of play. Penalty: Runner out.
   
4. Pitcher may not throw curve ball.
   
5. Intentional walks are allowed.
   
6. The dropped third strike rule will be in effect.
   
7. Ten run rule after 5 innings. Rule 11.H Pony Baseball.
   
8. Infield fly rule will be in effect.
   
9. We will use recreational batting order. All players must bat in assigned order.
   
10. Home team will be responsible for keeping score.
    
11. There is no limit as to how many batters may go to the plate in any inning.
    
12. Both teams must have a minimum of 8 players at game time to start a game. If one team does not have 8 players ten minutes after official game time, they will forfeit.
    
13. No fungo or hitting balls against dug-out fence or field fence.
    
14. Note Section 15, items C & D regarding the number of times coaches are allowed on a field. Unless in the first or third base coaches box, no coach may be on the playing field by more than an arms length of the dugout gate.
    
15. A player may not be added to the line up after the team has gone through the batting order.
    
16. No more than 3 players, or players/coaches shall huddle on the field in front of their dug-out. DO NOT DELAY THE GAME.
    
17. Players must play a minimum of 3 innings.
    
18. All players must play 1 inning by the third inning.
    
19. Disciplinary actions imposed on any player must be reported to
    
    A. The player's parents.
    B. The opposing team's coach.
    C. The head umpire
    
20. Throwing the bat for any reason will be called as an out and the ball will be called dead. No runners may advance on a thrown bat.
    
21. The home team will have the 3rd base dugout.
    
22. All players must be dressed in full uniforms (hat, pants, shirts, socks). All shirts must be tucked in pants, no exceptions. Penalty: Player will not be allowed on the field.
    
23. No metal spikes shall be used.
    
24. Pitchers shall not be allowed to pitch more than a total of 4 innings over two consecutive calendar days.  Pitchers shall have at least 40 hours rest after pitching those 4 innings, whether is is in one or two calendar days.  The 40 hour rest rule is computed per the official Pony rules.
    
25. Pitching restrictions are as follows: Four innings per day and 10 innings per week.  (Note: For the Bronco Division, the innings-per-week rule is waived if a team has more than 2 games in a week.  The 40 hour rest rule is still in effect.)
    
26. Umpires will supply two official game balls before the games starts.