Edison By-Laws
EDISON CENTRAL LEAGUE
BY-LAWS AND RULES

PREAMBLE:
The purpose of the Edison Central League (ECL) is to provide a means for boys and girls to learn the games of baseball and softball, teamwork and sportsmanship. To provide an organized activity for the boys and girls to participate in during the March through August time period.

ARTICLE I LEAGUE OFFICERS
The offices of the ECL shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Softball Coordinator, and Umpire Coordinator.

ARTICLE I, SECTION 1 DUTIES OF OFFICERS
President:

1. Oversees all league activities.
2. Appoints all special committees.
3. Assists in scheduling for the ECL.
4. Schedules all league meetings.
5. Chairs the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
6. Appoints Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Softball Coordinator, and Umpire Coordinator if the office is vacant before the end of the officers term.
7. Ex-Officio and member of all committees.

Vice President:

1. Succeeds President if President leaves office before the end of his/her term.
2. In the Presidents absence, acts in his/her behalf.
3. Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
4. Acts as League Insurance Coordinator, distributes forms and handles all insurance claims.

Secretary/Treasurer:

1. Takes minutes at all League meetings.
2. Assists in contacting members for meetings.
3. Handles all League correspondence, including but not limited to, letters of business for donations and thank you notes.
4. Handles all finances for the ECL in conjunction with the ECL President.
5. Provides a financial report at all League meetings.
6. Maintains a Treasurers log showing in detail all funds received and all funds paid out.
7. Pays all bills.

Umpire Coordinator:

1. Obtains and trains all umpires in accordance to Edison Central League and PONY rules.
2. Schedules umpires for all games.
3.Meets with umpires to distribute assignments and straighten out problems, rule interpretations, and complaints.

ARTICLE I, SECTION 2 TERMS OF OFFICE

1. All officers serve two year terms.
2. Candidates for office will be nominated and voted on at the September meeting. Nominees who are not present, will be contacted by the President to confirm their nomination.
3. All officers may be re-elected.
4. The President and Vice president shall be elected in even numbered years and all other officers in odd numbered years

ARTICLE II STANDING COMMITTEES

The Chair and members of all or any standing committees shall be appointed by the President.

ARTICLE II, SECTION 1 NAMES OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing Committees of the ECL are any or all of the following:

1. Board of Directors
2. Executive Committee

ARTICLE II, SECTION 2 MAKE UP AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

1. Board of Directors:

A. Shall consist of the officers of the ECL, Head coaches of the teams in the ECL, and the Executive Committee.
B. Handles league matters of the ECL which directly affect the development, growth, and/or welfare of the ECL.
C. Shall attend all meetings.
D. Chaired by the president of the ECL.

2. Executive Committee:

A. Consists of the officers of the ECL and the presidents of each local organization participating in the ECL.
B. Each member shall represent the majority view of their corresponding organizations on all internal matters of the ECL.
C. Shall investigate and act upon all grievances filed with the ECL.
D. Shall coordinate the activities which are necessary to the running of the ECL, including but not limited to the following:

1. Roster development
2. Scheduling
3. Insurance
4. Umpires
5. League Fees
E. Shall be chaired by the president of the ECL who votes only in case of a tie.

ARTICLE III VOTING

ARTICLE III, SECTION 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Each member shall have one vote. If the president of the ECL is also a manager, he/she may appoint a representative to represent his/her team, who shall have the right to one vote. The president will cast the tie breaking vote only.

2. Majority vote will be needed to pass any motion on to the Executive Committee for final approval.

ARTICLE III, SECTION 2 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Each local league shall have one vote. The ECL president shall cast the tie breaking vote only.

2. Majority vote, with more than 50% of all members present, will be needed to pass any motion

3. Executive Committee has the right to veto any motion passed and brought forth by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV MEETINGS

1. Meetings of the ECL shall be held at least once a month beginning in September at a place and time designated by the ECL president.

2. Each member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee shall be required to attend all meetings or have an adult representative present.

3. If a member misses Two meetings in a year the local President shall talk to the member to see if problem exists . If a member misses 3 meetings in a year ( September-August) the team shall lose its voting rights for the remainder of that year. If an extenuating circumstance exists, The Executive committee shall consider this in a final decision.

ARTICLE V BY-LAWS

The ECL By-laws and the official rules of PONY Baseball/Softball shall be the official governing documents of the ECL.

ARTICLE V, SECTION 1 BY-LAW CHANGES AND/OR ADDITIONS

1. By-laws can only be changed or added with two meetings. The first for the reading of the changed or added By-law, the second for the reading and vote on said law.

2. Each league shall have one vote on any changes or additions to the By-laws as forwarded from the Board of Directors.

3. All By-law changes or additions must be completed by the end of February of each year.

4. All changes to the By-laws must be voted on and entered into the By-laws in the same year in which they were passed or they shall not be considered law.

ARTICLE V, SECTION 2 ABUSING THE BY-LAWS

Anyone who violates, misuses, or abuses the By-laws of the ECL shall have a grievance filed against them with the Executive Committee. All reprimands shall be handed down by the Executive Committee.

1. A grievance will only be recognized if the following procedural order is followed:

A. Discuss the problem with the team manager.
B. Discuss the problem with the local league president.
C. File a written grievance with the ECL president.

2. Anyone associated with the ECL who is accused of abusing the By-laws shall be investigated and if necessary, reprimanded by the Executive Committee. The following format shall be used as a guide:

A. Investigation into said abuse.
B. Executive hearing for person accused of said abuse.
C. Vote by Executive Committee regarding innocence or guilt.
D. Should the Executive Committee find it necessary to reprimand the guilty party, the following outline shall be used as a guide, but each case should be looked at and punishment rendered as to the severity of the abuse.

1st offense- verbal reprimand
2nd offense- written reprimand with 2 game suspension
3rd offense- dismissal from league for one calendar year
4th offense- permanent dismissal from the ECL

E. The guilty parties record of offense shall remain with him/her throughout their time in the ECL.

F. Any Manager, Coach, scorekeeper, or player who is ejected from a game for any reason shall receive a 2 game suspension with that team beginning with his/her teams next game. Should the suspended person coach on two or more teams he/she shall not be permitted to coach on any of those teams until his/her original suspension has been served. Multiple ejections throughout the year by the same coach shall be handled by the Executive Committee and could result in a longer suspension.



ARTICLE VI COACHING

Each team in the ECL, with the exception of T-Ball Teams, shall have a maximum of one manager, one first assistant coach, one second assistant coach, and one scorekeeper during games. Each T-Ball team may have a maximum of 5 coaches on the field or in the dugout area during games.

(Executive Addendum 2/17/2019) All Boys teams shall be permitted to have 5 coaches on the field and bench area during games. This includes, score keeper and pitch count keeper.

ARTICLE VI, SECTION 1 QUALIFICATIONS

Anyone holding a managers position must be at least 18 years of age.

ARTICLE VI, SECTION 2 RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coaching is a big responsibility. Any coach who cannot handle that responsibility as
defined in these By-laws should not coach.
2. Each coach is obligated to attend each meeting. If it is not possible for a coach to attend a meeting, he/she should make arrangements to send an adult representative from his/her team in his/her place.
3. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team is covered with adequate coaching staff in his/her absence.
4. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team has adequate practices.
5. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team leaves the field at the conclusion of each practice or game, and for the welfare of each player until they are picked up at the field. no player shall be left unattended at the ball field
6. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team knows about league projects, and encourages his/her team to participate.
7. Each coach is to see that the field is properly lined before each game.
8. Coaches shall not harass the umpires, spectators, opposing players, or opposing coaches.
9. All coaches shall attempt to control his/her bench, team, and fan conduct.
10. All coaches and players are to refrain from using profanity.
11. No coach or player shall smoke, chew, or rub snuff inside the dugout area or on the field at any time.
12. No alcoholic beverages shall be used in the presence of the players at a practice or a game, nor before a practice or game.
13. No coach shall physically manhandle, or verbally abuse any boy or girl.
14. All coaches will dress neat for games. No obscene apparel shall be worn at any time.
15. Sportsmanship shall be shown at all times.
16. Each team shall always shake hands with the opposing team, even following a loss.

ARTICLE VII TEAM AND LEAGUE PARTICIPATION

1. The number of teams and leagues that make up the ECL shall be at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee.

2. All leagues shall participate to the fullest extent possible in Championship Day. A participation log shall be kept and reviewed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall make the determination on participation and reprimands for non participation.

ARTICLE VII, SECTION 1 LEAGUE ADMISSIONS

1. Any local league wishing to join the ECL shall supply the following information to the Executive Committee for review before a decision to grant admission is made:

A. Leagues organizational structure
B. Number of teams participating
C. Field availability
D. A copy of the local league By-laws
E. The names and phone numbers of the president and vice president
F. Name of the previous league participated in

2. After review by the Executive Committee, a vote will be taken for admittance to the ECL.

ARTICLE VII, SECTION 2 DISMISSAL FROM THE ECL

Any local league failing to comply with the rules and By-laws as set forth by the ECL shall be reprimanded by the following procedures:

A. Investigation by the Executive Committee
B. Hearing before the Executive Committee
C. Vote by the Executive Committee to determine if a problem exists and if so the reprimand handed down.

ARTICLE VIII SPECIAL RULES
All rules will be governed by the PONY rule books and the Official Baseball and Softball rule books, except those items listed in this Article.

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 1 GENERAL LEAGUE RULES

1. Inning Requirement- Each player must play 12 consecutive outs or 2 completed innings, and must bat if his/her place in the batting order comes up during the 12 out period. A player shall not miss batting in two consecutive games.

2. If a manager fails to meet the minimum requirements for playing players, the penalty as set forth in Article V, Section 2.... Abusing the By-laws, shall be followed, and the Executive Committee shall determine if the game should be replayed from the beginning.

3. Rain outs- All rained out games shall be reported to the ECL President on the day of cancellation. All games will be rescheduled by the ECL President after consultation with the umpire coordinator. All games will be scheduled as quickly and as fairly to both teams as possible.

4. Drinks- Each local league shall furnish a free drink for each teams players following each game.

5. Player Transfers- A player who has never played in the ECL may sign up in any local league. If they have played in the ECL and want to move to another league within the ECL, a waiver must be signed by the presidents of both leagues in order for them to move. A player can only move once and must stay in the league, to which he/she moved, for the remainder of his/her ECL career. A written request must be submitted by the parents with a reason for the move.

Exception to this rule:

A. If a league does not have a team for the players age group. Those players may play in any other league for that year and then be able to move back. Players who have used a transfer may move to any league that creates a new age group within that league.

B. If a Player sits out an entire season, that player will be eligible to move to any team in the ECL upon his/her return to the league.

6. Player Held Back- A player may be held back to a lower league by written request from the parents. Only players with an obvious physical or mental handicap as verified by the schools or a doctor will be considered for holding back. Players will be held back by a vote of the Executive Committee. Any player held back, must play the first three innings of the game in the outfield and may be moved to the infield for the remainder of the game, but may not pitch or catch. Managers must disclose the names of the players held back to the opposing manager and the umpire before each game. At mid-season, the Executive Committee will re-evaluate all players held back to determine placement. A player cannot be held back in each age division for more than one year.

7. Draft Ups- Any player drafted up may play unlimited games per week in the level drafted in to and must have written permission from his/her parents and manager. The player drafted up must be one year from the level drafted in to and can play any position except for pitcher. The drafted up player will wear his/her original teams uniform. The manager must disclose the name of the drafted up player to the opposing manager and the umpire before the game begins. No players may be drafted up after a game begins.
(See Explanation on Addendum Page)

8. Player Discipline- Any manager who finds it necessary to discipline a player or players, shall notify the local league president as soon as possible and submit a written statement to the league president of such discipline. Local league presidents shall inform the ECL president of the disciplinary action. Managers must inform the opposing manager and umpire of any such disciplinary action. Warranted discipline shall supersede Article VIII, Section 5, Item 2 in the ECL By-laws.

9. Base Umpires- Base umpires must be at least 16 years of age and approved by both managers as well as with the Home Plate Umpire. Base umpires can be requested from the ECL to be paid at the current Umpire rate of pay.

10. Uniforms- All players must wear uniform shirts or jerseys identical in color, trim, and style. these shirts or jerseys must include a number on the back.

11.No Travel or Tournament Teams

If at any time an executive member has been informed or determines that a local league has rostered a travel or tournament team within the Edison Central league, an executive meeting shall be held to investigate and make a determination as to the status of that team. If it is determined the team is in fact a majority travel/tournament team, that team shall be excluded from further play in the ECL. Any fees paid by that team for participation shall be forfeited. The offending league shall also forfeit their right to the use of any fees held by that league within the ECL for a period of one year from the date of dismissal of the team

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 2 PLAYING RULES PERTAINING TO ALL TEAMS


1. In Major Boys, 14U Girls, and 18U Girls, Any pitcher who hits 3 batters in a game will be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game. In 10U girls and Minor Boys Any pitcher who hits 5 batters in a game will be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game.

2. Avoid Contact- No player shall intentionally collide with any other player while running the bases or fielding the ball. If a close play exists at any base, the runner coming into that base must make an attempt to avoid contact or be called out. If in the umpire’s opinion, blatant contact with the intent to hurt or disrupt play by either the runner or fielder shall result in immediate ejection from the game.

3. 8 Player Rule- A team may finish a game with 8 players if the 9th player is removed due to an injury or Illness. An out must be taken when the injured players turn at bat comes up. This rule will not apply if the 9th player is ejected from the game. This will result in an immediate forfeit by the offending team.

4. Game Run Rule-  In All age groups, the run rule shall be as follows. If the home team leads by 12 or more runs after 3 1/2 innings or the visiting team after 4 innings, or the home team leads by 10 or more runs after 4 1/2 or the visiting team 5 innings, the game is officially over. The two inning participation rule shall be waived for that game, but in the next game, those players not playing the required number of innings in the called game, shall play at least three innings.

5. 5-8 Runs Per Inning- In all age groups except for T-Ball, runs per inning will fall under the 5-8 run rule. If there are 4 runs scored with runners on base and the batter hits the ball, all runs may score up to 8. If a player hits the ball and the 5th run crosses the plate, the inning is not over until the lead runner is out, stops, or retreats back to a base. A team may score a maximum of 8 runs per inning. After the 6Th inning there shall be unlimited runs in all age groups except T-Ball and Minor Boys.

6. Obvious intention to walk a batter to end a five run inning will not be allowed. This will be a judgment call for the umpire. If this happens, the pitcher will have to pitch to the next batter to end the inning. The eight run rule also applies here.

7. International Tie Breaker- All teams (with the exception of T-Ball) tied at the end of regulation shall continue the game under the international tie breaker rule. In each half inning of an extra inning game, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in the respective half inning being placed on second base. Example: if the number 5 batter is scheduled to lead off the half inning, the number 4 batter will be placed at second base.

8. Metal Spikes- Metal Cleats or spikes shall not be permitted to worn by any player participating in the Edison Central League in the T-Ball, minor boys, major boys, 10-u girls, 14-u girls, and 18-u girls, divisions.

9. EP & DH- The EP nor DH shall be used by any team in the ECL

10. Courtesy Runner- The team at bat may use courtesy runners for the pitcher and/or catcher ONLY. A team that has extra players on the bench must use those players from the bench as courtesy runners. Teams that have only enough players to play shall use the previous player in the batting order who is not on base. The same runner may not be used for both positions. During the entire game, neither the pitcher nor the catcher will be required to leave the game under such circumstances.

Players who have participated in the game in any other playing capacity and been replaced by a substitute are eligible to serve as courtesy runners.

Once the courtesy runner is designated for that half inning, no other courtesy runner may return to run for the original courtesy runner. Exception: Should an injury occur, another courtesy runner or the catcher or the pitcher may run until the player scores or is put out.

11. In all Boys and Girls Age Groups, all batters and baserunners must not only wear facemasks on their helmets, but must also wear chin straps.

12. Prior to a game starting when both teams are present, both managers shall be in agreement as to whether a field is playable due to inclement weather conditions. If a field is considered to be unplayable, the teams shall be given an option of a maximum of 30 minutes to get the field in agreeable playing condition. Once a game has reached game time or the 30 minute work period ends, the final determination of the field being playable shall be determined by the umpire.

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 3 MAJOR LEAGUE BOYS RULES

1. 

2. Pitch Count- The pitch count shall be played according to the rules of the PONY Rule Book. a pitch count shall be implemented for pitchers in the Minor and Major League boys divisions. Once the pitch count has been reached, the pitcher may finish pitching to the current batter but must then be removed from the mound as pitcher for the remainder of that game. 

3. Pitching Cards- Teams requiring pitching cards shall have them provided by the ECL. Pitching cards must be presented at each game and must be signed by the opposing manager at the time of the pitching change. If a team fails to present a pitching card, the game will be played under protest.

4. Balk Rule- The balk rule will be played by the PONY rule book with the exception of 4 balks per inning by one pitcher and that pitcher will be removed from the mound.

5. Draft Up Players- Major Boys teams shall be permitted to draft up League Age 9 Year old players from any Minor League team participating in the ECL. Any player drafted up may play in unlimited games per week in the level drafted in to and must have written permission from his/her parents and manager. The player drafted up  can play any position except for pitcher. The drafted up player will wear his/her original teams uniform. The manager must disclose the name of the drafted up player to the opposing manager and the umpire before the game begins. No players may be drafted up after a game begins.

6. In all Boys baseball, all pitchers are required to wear a heart guard.

7. In Major Boys, Any pitcher who hits 3 batters in a game will be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game.

8. The Major Boys shall play under a 2 ½ hour time limit. No new inning shall start 5 minutes prior to the end of the time limit and any inning in progress at the time limit shall be played in its entirety. Games ending in a tie shall be recorded in the standings as a tie. The time limit shall start with the first pitch of the game. The time shall be stopped and restarted in the case of a major injury or a weather delay. 

9.MAJOR BOYS: Fake Bunt/Slash Bunt: A batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes or shows bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball. Penalty: The batter shall be called out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.

10. All baseball bats must must contain the USA baseball stamp. All bats without the USA Baseball stamp, including the BBcore -3 bats, will be considered illegal baseball bats.

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 4 MINOR LEAGUE BOYS RULES


1. Third Base Rule- No player will be permitted to steal home or harass the catcher from third base as long as the catcher has possession of the ball and is within the catcher’s box area or the batters boxes. Any steal of home must be done at the time of the pitch once the ball crosses the plate, on a passed ball, or on an errant throw.

2. Number of Players- A team must have 8 players present at game time to start a game. A game that is started with 8 players must finish with 8 players.  A team with 10 players present at game time shall have the option to play either 9 or 10 players. Should a team have 11 or more players present at game time, that team must play 10 players. In all situations where 10 players are used, there shall be 4 outfielders. Once a game has started, extra players cannot be added to the lineup. Teams may finish a game with 8 players if the 9th, or 9th and 10th players are removed due to illness or injury and there are no subs.

5. Infield Fly- There shall be NO infield fly in minor league baseball.

6. Dropped 3rd Strike- Batters shall not be permitted to advance to first base when a third strike is not legally caught by the catcher. That batter shall be immediately and automatically out.

7. Pitch Count- The pitch count shall be played according to the rules of the PONY Rule Book. a pitch count shall be implemented for pitchers in the Minor and Major League boys divisions. Once the pitch count has been reached, the pitcher may finish pitching to the current batter but must then be removed from the mound as pitcher for the remainder of that game. 

8. Pitching Cards- Teams requiring pitching cards shall have them provided by the ECL. Pitching cards must be presented at each game and must be signed by the opposing manager at the time of the pitching change. If a team fails to present a pitching card, the game will be played under protest.

9. Balk Rule- The balk rule will be played by the PONY rule book with the exception of 4 balks per inning by one pitcher and that pitcher will be removed from the mound.

10. Time Limit- Minor League boys baseball shall play under a 2 hour time limit which shall begin with the first pitch of the game. Any inning which is in progress at the end of the time limit shall be played to it's completion. Any game that is tied at the end of the time limit shall be recorded in the standings as a tie.

11. Draft Up Players- Minor League boys teams shall not be permitted to draft players up from the T-Ball league nor to draft players across from other Minor Boys Teams.

12. All Minor League Boys teams shall use a double bag at first base.

13. In all Boys baseball, all pitchers are required to wear a heart guard.

14. In Minor Boys Any pitcher who hits 5 batters in a game will be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game.

15.MINOR BOYS: Fake Bunt/Slash Bunt: A batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes or shows bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball. Penalty: The batter shall be called out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.

16. All baseball bats must contain the USA baseball stamp. All bats without the USA Baseball stamp, including the BBcore -3 bats, will be considered illegal baseball bats.

17. The pitching distance for minor boys shall be 43’. (Executive Addendum 2021)

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 5 10U GIRLS SOFTBALL RULES


1. Infield Fly- In 10-under softball, there shall be no infield fly rule.


2. Number of Players- In girls softball, any team with 9 or 10 players available at game time shall have the option of playing only 9 players. Players who arrive after the game has started shall be used only as substitutes. Teams that start a game with 9 players must field only 9 players the entire game and must finish with 9 players. Teams with more than 10 players available at game time must field 10 players.


3. Stealing Bases- In 10-Under girls softball,base runners shall not be permitted to steal until the pitched ball has crossed the plate. Balls that hit the ground before crossing the plate are live balls and the runner is permitted to run as soon as the ball touches the ground.

4. Dropped 3rd Strike- In 10-under girls, batters shall not be permitted to advance to first base when a third strike is not legally caught by the catcher. The batter shall be immediately and automatically out.

5. Third Base Rule- In 10-Under Softball, No player shall be permitted to steal home or harass the catcher from third base as long as the catcher has possession of the ball within the catcher’s box or batters box area. Any steal of home must be done at the time of the pitch once the ball crosses the plate or hits the ground, on a passed ball, or on an errant throw. Any runner who steals home in any other fashion shall be sent back to third base.

6.  Time Limit- 10-Under girls softball shall play under a 2 hour time limit which shall begin with the first pitch of the game. Any inning which is in progress at the end of the time limit shall be played to it's completion. Any game that is tied at the end of the time limit shall be recorded in the standings as a tie.

7. Draft Up Players- 10U Girls teams shall not be permitted to draft players up from the T-Ball league nor to draft players across from other 10U Teams.

8. Fielders Masks- In 10-Under and 14-Under Girls softball, all players playing an infield position must wear a protective Facemask. It is Recommended that all 18-Under Girls playing an infield position wear a protective facemask. It is also recommended that in All girls softball, all defensive players, excluding infielders, wear mouth protection.

9. In all Girls Softball,All Pitchers are Required to wear a heartguard and a protective facemask.

10. In 10U girls, Any pitcher who hits 5 batters in a game will be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game.

11. 10U Girls: Fake Bunt/Slash Bunt: A batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes or shows bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball. Penalty: The batter shall be called out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 6 14U GIRLS SOFTBALL RULES


1. Number of Players- In girls softball, any team with 9 or 10 players available at game time shall have the option of playing only 9 players. Players who arrive after the game has started shall be used only as substitutes. Teams that start a game with 9 players must field only 9 players the entire game and must finish with 9 players. Teams with more than 10 players available at game time must field 10 players.

2. Draft Up Players- 14U Girls teams shall be permitted to draft up League Age 10 Year old players from any 10U Girls team participating in the ECL. Any player drafted up may play in unlimited games per week in the level drafted in to and must have written permission from her parents and manager. The player drafted up  can play any position except for pitcher. The drafted up player will wear her original teams uniform. The manager must disclose the name of the drafted up player to the opposing manager and the umpire before the game begins. No players may be drafted up after a game begins.

3. Fielder Masks- In 10-Under and 14-Under Girls softball, all players playing an infield position must wear a protective Facemask. It is Recommended that all 18-Under Girls playing an infield position wear a protective facemask. It is also recommended that in All girls softball, all defensive players, excluding infielders, wear mouth protection.

4. In all Girls Softball,All Pitchers are Required to wear a heartguard and a protective facemask.

5. In 14U Girls, Any pitcher who hits 3 batters in a game will be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game.

6.The 14U Girls shall play under a 2 ½ hour time limit . No new inning shall start 5 minutes

prior to the end of the time limit and any inning in progress at the time limit shall be played in its entirety. Games ending in a tie shall be recorded in the standings as a tie. The time limit shall start with the first pitch of the game. The time shall be stopped and restarted in the case of a major injury or a weather delay.

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 7 18U GIRLS SOFTBALL RULES


1. Number of Players- In girls softball, any team with 9 or 10 players available at game time shall have the option of playing only 9 players. Players who arrive after the game has started shall be used only as substitutes. Teams that start a game with 9 players must field only 9 players the entire game and must finish with 9 players. Teams with more than 10 players available at game time must field 10 players.

2. Draft Up Players- 18U Girls teams shall be permitted to draft up League Age 14 Year old players from any 14U Girls team participating in the ECL. Any player drafted up may play in unlimited games per week in the level drafted in to and must have written permission from her parents and manager. The player drafted up  can play any position except for pitcher. The drafted up player will wear her original teams uniform. The manager must disclose the name of the drafted up player to the opposing manager and the umpire before the game begins. No players may be drafted up after a game begins.

3. In all Girls Softball,All Pitchers are Required to wear a heartguard and a protective facemask.

4. In 18U Girls, Any pitcher who hits 3 batters in a game will be removed from the mound for the remainder of that game.

5. The 18U Girls shall play under a 2 ½ hour time limit . No new inning shall start 5 minutes

prior to the end of the time limit and any inning in progress at the time limit shall be played in its entirety. Games ending in a tie shall be recorded in the standings as a tie. The time limit shall start with the first pitch of the game. The time shall be stopped and restarted in the case of a major injury or a weather delay.6.In 14u softball, a batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes or shows bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball. Penalty: The batter shall be called out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.

ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 6 TEE BALL RULES

1. All teams will field a Maximum 10 players whenever possible.

2. All teams must have at least 7 players to start a game.

3. The 10th player shall be considered a rover. At the beginning of each inning, if the rover is placed in the infield, he/she is an infielder. If placed in the outfield, he/she is an outfielder.

4. All games will be six innings unless otherwise determined by the ECL.

5. Each team shall bat until there are three outs or 5 runs have scored in the 1/2 inning. No more than 5 runs may score in a 1/2 inning.

6. There shall be no stealing bases.

7. Runners must stay on the base until the ball is hit.

8. There shall be no throwing the bat. Players are warned the first time, and from there after are automatically called out if they throw the bat.

9. There is no infield fly in Tee ball.

10. Any player who swings and misses, or swings and fouls the ball, or any combination of both, 7 times in an at bat shall be declared out on a strike out.

11. When batting, a batters feet must start out parallel with the plate.

12. The ball shall be declared dead when an infielder holds the ball up while in fair territory within the infield area to stop play. Base runners who have passed a base may advance to the next base without liability to be put out. The advancing of runners shall be at the sole discretion of the home plate umpire. Under no circumstances shall an outfielder be allowed to control the ball, run into the infield area and stop play

13.  In T-ball, the pitcher shall be positioned anywhere within an 8' Radius circle. The front of the circle will begin at a point directly in front of and centered with the 48' pitchers plate and will touch the 44' safety line. The pitcher must remain inside this circle until the ball is hit by the batter. Once the circle is positioned, the 48' pitchers plate may be removed for the safety of the players.

14. Once a batter has been positioned in the batters box, the defense will have one Opportunity to adjust their fielders. From that point, no players, including the batter may be readjusted.

15. There will be no sliding into any base by an offensive or a defensive player.

16. All T-Ball games shall be played under a 1 1/2 hour time limit from the time a game starts. Any inning which starts before the time limit is up shall be played to its completion, with the home team getting to bat if necessary. Any game that ends in a tie shall be listed as a tie in the official standings.

17. Coaches shall be limited to calling 3 timeouts per game with an exception for injury, illness, or maintaining the safety of the players. Timeouts shall be granted at the sole discretion of the umpires.

18. Catchers must wear their mask at all times while on the field in the catching position.

19. A 44 foot safety line will be marked on the field, 44 feet from the back point of home plate and Arching from foul line to foul line. Play cannot start until all players are behind this line.

20. A 20 foot arch will be marked from the back point of home plate from foul line to foul line. Any ball hit between home and the inside of this line is a foul ball. Any ball hit on or over this line is a fair, playable ball.

21. Umpires shall have final say on all judgment calls at bases, all fair and foul balls, advancements on overthrown balls, and the general running of the game.

22. Non league umpires will be chosen by agreement of both managers.

23. Umpires are responsible for moving the tee and bat at home plate after the batter hits

24. A coach may be stationed at the batters box area while his/her team is at bat to adjust the tee for each player at bat.

25. All coaches must use sound judgment in positioning their players to ensure their safety.

26. All rules not covered in these By-laws shall be governed by the official PONY rulebook.

27. Bases shall be set at 60’.

28. Two coaches may be stationed in the outfield area and one in the infield area by the defensive team. Once the ball is placed on the tee, both outfield coaches must be stationed behind the players in the outfield. The infield coach must be in foul territory and in front of his/her teams dugout. These coaches may not physically assist any players while the ball is in play or touch the ball in any way to help his/her team. Failure of  any coach to follow this rule will result in the offending coach being removed from the field to the dugout area for the remainder of the game.

29. Players fielding a batted ball on the third base side of the field or within the pitchers circle cannot run the ball to first base to record an out, but instead must throw the ball with an overhand motion to first in order to record the out. Likewise, any Players fielding a batted ball on the first base side of the field or within the pitchers circle cannot run the ball to third base to record an out, but instead must throw the ball with an overhand motion to third in order to record the out. The determination as to which side of the field the ball was fielded on shall be at the sole discretion of the umpire.

30. All Bats must be stamped with the USA Baseball T-Ball stamp. 

31. All infielders in T-Ball must wear a protective facemask. Players in the pitching position must wear a facemask and a heart guard.

BY-LAWS UPDATED: 2/21/99, 2/8/00, 2/13/01,2/12/02,2/17/03,2/29/03,2/13/2008,2/11/2009,2/25/2010,02/09/2011, 2/14/1012, 2/24/13, 2/23/14, 2/15/15, 2/26/17, 2/20/2018, 2/17/2019, 2/17/2020

PRESIDENT: TERRY BARTELS
VICE PRESIDENT: Clark Wilson
UMPIRE COORDINATOR: Ryan Wood
SEC/TRES: Terry L Bartels




Addendum to By-Laws

Article VIII Section 5 Item 7 ( Clarification)

The Draft up ages are as follows:

T-Ball- NO DRAFTING UP
Minor Boys-10Under Girls- League age 6 year olds may be drafted up to Minor Boys and 10U Girls to make the 9th player on the field. No more than 3, 6 year olds may be drafted up to make 9 players.
Major Boys- May only draft up League Age 9 Year old boys from the Minor League
14-Under Girls- May only draft up League Age 10 year old girls from the 10-under league
18-Under Girls- May only draft up League Age 14 year old girls from the 14-Under league

This is the only draft ups allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS

Draft ups may be used after a game has started only if that game is suspended until another day and all other draft up rules are followed.

Executive Addendum to by-laws 2007

Cheering, Chanting, Screaming

There shall be no organized cheers, chants, or obsessive screaming with the intent to distract the pitcher, batter, or any other player by any team. Teams who break this rule shall be warned by the umpire. If the cheering continues, the head coach of that team shall be ejected. Continued failure to abide by the rule shall result in forfeiture of the game.

Executive Addendum 2017
Championship Day

On Championship Day, The winners bracket team shall have the option of being Home team for the first game on Championship Day. If it goes 2 games, there shall be a coin toss for game 2. The winner of the coin toss shall have the option of being Home team for the second game. The team with the best overall record shall call the toss for game 2.