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Subscribe to our NewsletterMVBA 2020 Pinto Rules
RULES: Play by the official rule of the PONY Rules and Regulations Book, with the following exceptions.
GENERAL Coaches All coaches must wear a lanyard/badge stating their Name, Township and that
their State Police/Child Abuse Clearances have been verified by a member of their territory’s board. Any coach who forgets his badge will not be permitted to perform their duties on the field or in the dugout.
Cancellations
1. Canceling team must reschedule within 48 hours of cancellation or that team forfeits.
2. In the event of a rain out, the home team is responsible for rescheduling within 48 hours of the cancellation.
Umpires
1. The home team is responsible for the scheduling and paying of umpires. (It was agreed that Coaches know and understand the rules. Agree to coach with integrity and appropriate discernment to be fair and officiate their own games. Agree that play-offs should have paid officials.) See Miscellaneous Rules at below for who calls plays.
PINTO
Rosters
1. Children ages 5-8 are eligible to play, 5 & 6 year olds to play the outfield only – no exceptions
2. Roster Size – Unlimited. Must have at least 8 players or game is forfeited.
Playing Fields
1. Bases – 60 ft. apart
2. Pitching Rubber – 38 ft. from home plate enclosed in an 18 foot pitcher’s circle.
3. Must line entire diamond and a 5 foot pushback (parallel) line to the bases on each field. The pushback line indicates the “infield boundary”.
Offensive Rules
1. All players are put in to a continuous batting order. If a player leaves a game for any reason, other than injury, the team is given an out for that batting position.
2. Coaches pitch to their batters – no tee.
3. 3 full swings or 7 pitches, batter is out unless 7th and pitches thereafter continue to be foul.
a. No leading off of a base. Player remains on the base until batter hits the ball.
b. One warning will be given per TEAM. After one warning, runner will be called out.
4. Any ball not leaving the infield boundary is a (1) base max.
5. Batting helmets must be worn at all times.
Defensive Rules
1. Once infield possession is made by an infield player, if runner has both feet off of the base, he proceeds at his own risk. Player can be safe or out, but can only take (1) base.
2. Five outfielders are permitted (must be positioned in the grass).
a. 9th fielder must be catcher.
b. A catcher is required to be in full equipment.
i. Player may catch pitches if he or she shows the ability to do so. Otherwise, they are there for plays at the plate only and a coach will catch.
3. Defensive coaches are permitted to stand in the outfield BEHIND their outfielders. Do NOT stop the ball unless a player is in danger of being injured – never pick up a batted ball.
4. Mandatory Heart guard for 1st and 3rd basemen. Heart guard and helmet for pitcher. (Face guard optional)
Miscellaneous (Pinto continued)
1. Length of Game – 6 innings. No extra innings in regular season games.
2. 5 runs per inning, except for the last inning which is unlimited.
3. Mercy Rule – A game is over if a team is winning by 15 or more runs after the 4th inning.
4. If a game is halted due to weather or darkness it is considered a complete game after 3 ½ innings are played. (PONY rules)
5. Umpires = Coaches
a. Base coaches call 1st and 3rd.
b. Outfield coach calls 2nd.
c. Pitching or catching coach (if used) calls plays at the plate.
6. No shorts – baseball pants only
7. Cushioned cork center, leather wrapped baseballs are to be used. Home team must provide at least 2 new balls/game.
8. 4 “coaches” in dug-out/on field at any time, includes Team Mom. Alternate/additional
coaches must stay out of dug-out/off field. Must be wearing a clearance badge!
