Each team will field a fielding team of 9 players and use the bat around batting order each inning. Teams are to divide talent equally and consist of a mix of 7th and 8th grade kids if more than one team is formed in this division in a community. All players will play at least two (2) defensive innings within the first four (4) innings per game. Younger players may be brought up if the total number of players does not exceed 10 players. No players can be brought laterally. No Forfeits for not enough players, if you start a game with 8 players, the 9th batting position will be an out until the 9th player shows up. All players must be league registered players or the game is forfeited that unregistered player plays in. A player must play in 4 regular season games to be eligible to play in a tournament game. Only players and coaches with game shirts will be allowed on the field and in the dugouts. Game shirts and pants must be worn for all games. Shirts must be tucked in. No altering game shirts. No offensive names on shirts. NO METAL CLEATS, AUTOMATIC OUT AND TAKEN OUT OF GAME UNLESS CHANGES SHOES, will continue to be an out throughout the game if player doesn’t play. Each team supplies one game ball per game. The pitcher’s mound will be a distance 54 feet from the point of home plate to the front edge of the pitching rubber. No altering of bats in any way, bats are not to be painted (except factory painted). Games will be seven (7) innings beginning at 6pm. In the event of rain, a game is complete after 3 innings. 6 run limit per inning during regular season. No run limit per inning for tournament games. Mercy rule of 15 runs after 4 innings and 10 runs after 5 innings. Each game has a 2-hour time limit during the school year, however teams must finish the bottom of the inning if the home team is behind. Ties are acceptable in league play games. Age: If a child turns 15 before May 1st, that child will NOT be eligible to play Pony league unless in 8th grade. Except as stated below, games in the league will be played according to the MHSAA/NFHS Rules: A pitcher is not allowed to pitch more than four (4) innings per game. Innings must be consecutive innings. One pitch in an inning counts as a full inning. A pitcher is allowed to come back in to pitch additional innings if the game goes into extra innings. Hit batters are at umpires’ discretion, and if it was deemed intentional or not, there is no limit to hit batters. The Balk rule does apply. There are two balk warnings per pitcher, 3rd balk base runners advance. (Balk details attached). Umpire will call BALKS, coaches cannot make the call, but can bring it to the attention of the umpire so he can look out for it. No throwing bats. 1st offense of throwing bat – warning, 2nd offense – batter is called out. Runners must slide at home plate if a play is being made on them at the plate or be called out, after the first TEAM verbal warning. Catchers cannot intentionally block the plate unless they have positive possession of the ball. Malicious contact is prohibited. Bunting is allowed in Pony League Baseball. Dropped 3rd strike & run is allowed. Round Robin batting is required. All players present for the game will bat. Courtesy runner may be brought in for catcher or injured players and must be the last player out. Sportsmanship: No taunting! Cheering and chanting is allowed however it cannot be directed at the other team. 1st team offense – TEAM warning, 2nd team offense – the batter that is up is called out. No trick plays (i.e. hidden ball trick). This is a game of fundamentals, not trickery. Respect the Umpires! Prior to the game, discuss these rules and agree on the interpretation with both coaches and the umpire. During the game, approach the umpire with questions/concerns in a calm, respectable manner. Control your crowd. The umpire has the right to issue warnings and remove a coach if they feel the crowd is not controlled. Name calling, threats, fighting between players/coaches/parents will not be tolerated. TCYL board will take action on any infractions. Coaches will be held accountable. Any changes or interpretation to the rules must be done by TCYL board members only. All teams within the division will turn in a copy of the team roster prior to the season beginning to TCYL, and any changes throughout the season need to be updated with TCYL.

Team Characteristics: Communities with multiple teams are to divide talent up for those teams. (Evaluations, drafts etc. can be used to determine the makeup of teams to achieve this.) All players must be league registered in their community registration system. A game in which an unregistered player plays, that team will forfeit that game. Younger players from lower divisions can only be brought up if a team has less than the required number to field a team. (10-player limit) No players can be moved laterally (from the same division.) to meet the 10-player limit. A player must play in a minimum of (4) regular season games to play in any tournament games. complete team. Each team will consist of a 9-player fielding team of 9 players. No forfeits for not having enough players. If a team starts with 8 players, the 9th player is considered an out until they show up to play. If a player becomes injured, they will not be considered an out if that reduces the team to 8 players. Each team must use ROSTER BATTING. All players in the game must be in the batting line-up. Unlimited substitutions will be permitted: All players must play a minimum of 3 innings. Coaches: Only designated coaches are allowed on the field of play and in the dugouts. Only designated coaches can coach bases. If needed, an individual will be selected as agreed upon by coaches. Only coaches can dispute calls during a game. Only players and coaches are allowed in the dugout. Player Uniforms: Players must wear game pants and shirts all times. No altering of game shirts which must be tucked in during play. No offensive names on shirts. No metal Cleats (automatic out and taken out of game unless shoes can be changed). That player will be considered an out for the remainder of the game. Game Related: Each team will supply one new game ball. Games will be (6) innings. 6 pm start. Unless previously decided on by coaches. If weather delayed or cancelled game is complete after (3) innings if game is called due to weather, darkness, or time limit. Pitcher’s mound is 50 ft from point of home plate to front of pitcher’s mound. Distance between bases is to be 70 feet. Ties are acceptable in regular season play. Infield fly-rule will be in effect. Batter may advance to 1st base on a dropped third strike with 1st base unoccupied and less than 2 outs. With 2 outs he may advance on a dropped third strike even if 1st base is occupied. A runner is considered to be out when he gives himself up. (ex: a batter cannot get near the bench and then head to 1st base after a dropped 3rd strike.) 6 run limit per inning. (Regular Season Games) Unlimited runs in the last inning for tournament games. Fielding team must get (3) outs to complete the inning. Each game has a 2-hour time limit during school year; however, teams must finish the bottom of the inning if the home team is behind. No innings will start after 8 pm. Merch Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings. Coaches can cancel a game before 6:00pm due to inclement weather. Forfeit determined at 6:15PM. If coaches are split on the decision to play, then the home plate umpire has the third and final say. Only umpires may call a game due to darkness or weather after the start of the game. If unfinished game is rescheduled, the game is to resume right where it left off. Pitchers who have pitched and been removed from the suspended game are not allowed to pitch in the rescheduled game. In case of lightning, games must be stopped and cannot be restarted until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. Field of Play: Players, umpires, and coaches are the only ones allowed in the confines of the playing field. Players must always wear helmets when at bat, on deck and on the bases. Only one person is allowed with a bat in the on-deck circle. Players and equipment are to be kept in the bench area. Ball that falls beyond the 3rd and 1st base and then rolls out of play – Runner will be given 2 bases. Out of bounds are the fence, the benches, or the bench lines when appropriate. Pitched ball past fence - Runner will get one base. Batted ball bounces over or rolls under the fence will be a ground rule double. Plays during the game: a. Runners must slide on all bases when there is a close play. First base is excluded. A close play is defined as; when the runner, a defensive player, any base, and the ball are in close proximity. At the point where the play takes place, the defensive player must be able to touch the base in play with one foot to be ruled within close proximity. A warning will be given after 1st offence; runner will be called out on 2nd offence. Catcher or fielding team player may not intentionally block the base or plate unless they have positive possession of the baseball. Malicious contact is prohibited. Bunting is allowed. Bunt attempt with two strikes that rolls foul is an out. Stealing and leading off are also allowed. No stealing by a team that is more than 8 runs ahead. No altering of bats. Bats are not to be painted (Except the factory paint.) No throwing of bats. 1st offense, warning, 2nd offence, batter is called out. Pitching: Pitchers are allowed a maximum of (3) innings per game, 6 innings per week. One pitch during an inning counts as an inning. No extra innings are allowed even if the game goes into extra innings. A pitcher removed from the game may not return. Balks warnings can be given by umpire. Runners will not advance on warnings. No Hidden ball tricks will be allowed. If a pitcher acts on the ball, defacing or altering the ball, or applying a foreign substance to the ball can result in ejection from the game. Sportsmanship: No taunting! Cheering and chanting is allowed, however, it cannot be directed at the other team. 1st offense, Team warning, 2nd offense, the batter that is up is called out. No Trick Plays. (Hidden ball trick etc.) This is a game of fundamentals, not trickery. Respect the umpires. Prior to the game coaches can discuss the rules and agree on the interpretation with both coaches and the umpire. During the game, approach the umpire with questions/concerns in a calm, respectable manner. Control your crowd. The umpire has the right to issue warnings and remove a coach if they feel the crowd is not controlled. Name calling, threats, fighting between players/coaches/parents will not be tolerated. TCYL board of directors can and will take action on any infractions. Coaches will be held accountable. All teams within the division will submit a Team Roster prior to the start of the season. Any changes or interpretation to the rules must be done by TCYL board members only.

Pitching distance 36ft – Pitchers MUST wear a fielding mask. Players must use 12 inch balls. Each team supplies one game ball per game. Each team will field a fielding team of 9 players. Teams are to divide talent equally and consist of a mix of 5th and 6th grade kids if more than one team is formed in this division in a community. All players will play at least (2) defensive innings within the first (4) innings per game. Younger players may be brought up if the total number of players does not exceed 10 players but may not be played more than alternate innings unless there is an absence or injury. No players can be brought laterally. No forfeits for not enough players. All players must be league registered players or the game is forfeited that unregistered player plays in. Only players and coaches with game shirts will be allowed on the field and in the dugouts. Game shirts and pants (no shorts) must be worn for all games. Shirts must be tucked in. No altering game shirts. No offensive names on shirts. No metal cleats. No accessories except studded earrings. No altering of bats in any way. Bats are not to be painted (except factory painted). Bats must be fastpitch softball bats. Games will be (6) innings beginning at 6pm. In the event of rain, a game is complete after 3 innings. All innings will have live pitch from league players. Ties are acceptable in league play games. Utilize international tiebreaker rule for tournament play. The final out in the previous inning starts at second base. Game continues in that fashion until a winner is determined. Run Limit: Five (5) run limit per inning except in the last inning, where there are unlimited runs allowed. No mercy rule unless both coaches agree and sign the home team score book. Time Limit: Each game has a 2 hour time limit during the school year, however teams must finish the bottom of the inning if the home team is behind. MHSAA/NFHS Rules are enforced with the exception of those described here: No dropped 3rd strike & run. No infield fly rule. Bunting is allowed. Once you commit to bunt you cannot pull back and swing. If a batter pulls back and swings at a pitched ball the batter is automatically out. No throwing bats. 1st team offense of throwing bats – TEAM warning, 2nd team offense – batter is called out. No intentional walks. If a team intentionally walks a player, the pitcher that throws the intentional walk will be charged with a hit by pitch. Intentional walks will be determined by the umpire. As allowed in MHSAA, stealing is allowed at this level at the release of the ball. Runners can advance on passed balls. Catchers cannot intentionally block the plate if they do not have possession of the ball. However, in this league, a runner must slide at home plate if a play is being made on them at the plate or be called out. Malicious contact is prohibited. Play is frozen when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the mound area. The runner must either retreat to the base or proceed to the next base at their own risk. The runner cannot “dance or taunt” the pitcher to throw, doing so will result in the batter being called out. 1st team offense – TEAM warning, 2nd team offense – runner is called out. Round Robin batting is required. All players present for the game will bat, batting helmets must have face masks. In case of injury or illness during the game, that batter's position is skipped (NO automatic out). The player may re-enter the game (original slot) at any point after the injury. Courtesy runner may be brought in for catcher or injured players and must be the last player out. Pitching: A pitcher shall be replaced after (3) hit batters in one inning, or (5) per game. A batter who has been hit by a pitch that has touched the dirt first will be awarded 1st base, but the pitcher will not be charged with a hit batter. Batter must attempt to move. A pitcher is not allowed to pitch more than three (3) consecutive innings per game. One pitch in an inning counts as a full inning. In the event of extra innings, a pitcher who has already pitched 3 innings may be brought back in the game to pitch. Sportsmanship: No taunting! Cheering and chanting is allowed however it cannot be directed at the other team. 1st team offense – TEAM warning, 2nd team offense – the batter that is up is called out. No trick plays (i.e. hidden ball trick). This is a game of fundamentals, not trickery. Respect the Umpires! Prior to the game, discuss these rules and agree on the interpretation with both coaches and the umpire. During the game, approach the umpire with questions/concerns in a calm, respectable manner. Control your crowd. The umpire has the right to issue warnings and remove a coach if they feel the crowd is not controlled. Name calling, threats, fighting between players/coaches/parents will not be tolerated. TCYL board will take action on any infractions. Coaches will be held accountable. Any changes or interpretation to the rules must be done by Tri-County Youth League board members only.

If a player turns 11 before May 1st they will be required to play in the Major League. Each team will field a fielding team of 10 players. All players will play at least (2) defensive innings within the first (4) innings per game. **Younger players may be brought up if the total number of players does not exceed 11 players but may not be played more than alternate innings unless there is an absence or injury. No players can be brought laterally. No Forfeits for not enough players. All players must be league registered players or game is forfeited that unregistered player plays in. Bunting is allowed in Minor League Baseball. Once you commit to bunt you cannot pull back and swing. If a batter pulls back and swings at a pitched ball the batter is automatically out. Only players and coaches with game shirts will be allowed on the field and in the dugouts. Game shirts and pants (no shorts) must be worn for all games. Shirts must be tucked in. No altering game shirts. No offensive names on shirts. No metal cleats. Bats are not to be painted (except factory painted). No throwing bats. 1st offense of throwing bats – warning, 2nd offense – batter is called out. No dropped 3rd strike & run. A pitcher shall be replaced after (3) hit batters in one inning, or (5) per game. A batter who has been hit by a pitch that has touched the dirt first will be awarded 1st base, but the pitcher will not be charged with a hit batter. Batter must attempt to move. A Player will start pitching to each batter every inning. If he gets a four ball count on the batter, the batter will not walk. Instead, the batting team coach will come in and pitch to that batter from the pitchers mound. When the coach comes in, the strike count remains the same and the umpire will still call strikes on the batter if he fails to swing at a pitch in the strike zone. Coach pitch must be overhand and from the pitchers mound. No infield fly rule. No mercy rule unless both coaches agree and sign the home team score book. Stealing is allowed to 2nd and 3rd bases. Stealing home is NOT allowed. No leading off. The ball must cross home plate before the runners can steal. Runner must slide at home plate if a play is being made on them at the plate or be called out. Players are not allowed a secondary lead off of any more than (1) step off 3rd base. No warnings! (**A hit ball or bases loaded walk is only way to score a run**) Games will be (6) innings beginning at 6pm. In the event of rain a game is complete after 3 innings. All innings will have live pitch from league players. 5 run limit per inning except in last inning. A pitcher is not allowed to pitch more than (3) innings per game. Innings must be consecutive innings. One pitch in an inning counts as a full inning. In the event of extra innings a pitcher who has already pitched 3 innings may be brought back in to pitch. Each game has a 2 hour time limit during school year, however teams must finish the bottom of the inning if the home team is behind. Ties are acceptable in league play games. Ties for final positions will be broken 1st by head to head record, 2nd by play off game scheduled by GIYL board. Curve balls are not allowed in Minor league. 1st offense of throwing a curve ball – batter advances to 1st base, 2nd offense – the pitcher will be removed from pitching for the rest of the game and batter advances to 1st base. Play is frozen when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the mound area. If runners have proceeded to the next base when the pitcher gets possession, they can proceed to that base at the risk of getting out. No taunting! Chanting is allowed however cannot be directed at the other team. 1st offense – warning, 2nd offense – batter which is up is called out. Name calling, threats, fighting between players will not betolerated. GIYL board will take action on any players heard or seen. You must slide at home plate if a play is being made at home plate. (umpires judgment) Courtesy runner may be brought in for catcher or injured players and must be the last player out. NO METAL CLEATS ARE ALLOWED FOR PLAY IN GIYL. Any changes or interpretation to the rules must be done by GIYL board members only. All other official baseball rules apply.

If a player turns 11 before May 1st they will be required to play in the Major League. Each team will field a fielding team of 10 players. All players will play at least (2) defensive innings within the first (4) innings per game. **Younger players may be brought up if the total number of players does not exceed 11 players but may not be played more than alternate innings unless there is an absence or injury. No players can be brought laterally. No Forfeits for not enough players. All players must be league registered players or game is forfeited that unregistered player plays in. Bunting is allowed in Minor League Softball. Once you commit to bunt you cannot pull back and swing. If a batter pulls back and swings at a pitched ball the batter is automatically out. Only players and coaches with game shirts will be allowed on the field and in the dugouts. Game shirts and pants (no shorts) must be worn for all games. Shirts must be tucked in. No altering game shirts. No offensive names on shirts. No metal cleats. No accessories except studded earrings. Bats are not to be painted (except factory painted). No throwing bats. 1st offense of throwing bats – warning, 2nd offense – batter is called out. No dropped 3rd strike & run. Players will use 11 inch balls. A pitcher shall be replaced after (3) hit batters in one inning, or (5) per game. A batter who has been hit by a pitch that has touched the dirt first will be awarded 1st base, but the pitcher will not be charged with a hit batter. Batter must attempt to move. Pitching distance 33ft – Pitcher MUST wear pitching mask. A Player will start pitching to each batter every inning. If she gets a four ball count on the batter, the batter will not walk. Instead, the batting team coach will come in and pitch to that batter, from the pitchers rubber. When the coach comes in, the strike count remains the same and the umpire will still call strikes on the batter if she fails to swing at a pitch in the strike zone. Coach pitch should be flat pitch (ie, no more then 4 foot arc) No intentional walks. If a team intentionally walks a player the pitcher that throws the intentional walk will be charged with a hit by pitch. Intentional walks will be determined by umpire or GIYL board member. No infield fly rule. No mercy rule unless both coaches agree and sign the home team score book. Stealing is NOT allowed. No leading off. runner must slide at home plate if a play is being made on them at the plate or be called out. No warnings! Games will be (6) innings beginning at 6pm. In the event of rain a game is complete after 3 innings. All innings will have live pitch from league players. 5 run limit per inning except in last inning. A pitcher is not allowed to pitch more than (3) innings per game. Innings must be consecutive innings. One pitch in an inning counts as a full inning. In the event of extra innings, a pitcher who has already pitched 3 innings may be brought back in. Each game has a 2 hour time limit, however, teams must finish the bottom of the inning if the home team is behind. Ties are acceptable in league play games. Ties for final positions will be broken 1st by head-to-head record, 2nd by play off game scheduled by GIYL board. Play is frozen when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the mound area. If runners have proceeded to the next base when the pitcher get possession, they can proceed to that base at the risk of getting out. No taunting! Chanting is allowed; however, it cannot be directed at the other team. 1st offense – warning; 2nd offense – batter who is up is called out. Name-calling, threats, and fighting between players will not be tolerated. GIYL board will take action on any players heard or seen. Courtesy runner may be brought in for catcher or injured players and must be the last player out. NO METAL CLEATS ARE ALLOWED FOR PLAY IN GIYL. Any changes or interpretations to the rules must be done by GIYL board members only. All other official Softball rules apply.