Pony Division Rules 2026
Age as of 5/31
CORE PRINCIPLES:
Work Hard: Coaches will be expected to dedicate their time to the kids and the same is expected for the kids. It is important that we foster strong work habits that, will not only show in their development as a player, but also as a young adult.
Be Respectful: All participants are expected to respect teammates, coaches, umpires and parents at all times, on and off the field. We need to create an environment of respect for all.
Have Fun: Don't lose sight regarding the reason that we are all out here for. We want our children to be competitive but we must realize that this is a recreational sport and it is important to ensure that we are having fun and create a love for the game. This is very important for parents as well as coaches - make it fun for the kids and do not get caught up at winning at all cost.
While striving to win is important, CYBL Coaches are expected to primarily focus on: fundamental baseball skills, teamwork and on creating a safe and fun experience for our Players.
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| # of weekly games* | 2-3 |
| # of innings per game | 6 |
| Game start time | 6:15 or 6:30PM |
| Game time limit | 2 hrs., start last inning before 8:15pm (8:30pm) & finish, max. end time 8:45pm (9pm) |
| Run limit per inning | None |
| Mercy rule | 15 runs after 4 complete innings
10 runs after 5 innings |
| If a regulation game is terminated early due to weather | | A complete game is when 3.5 innings have been played (3 outs) and the home team is winning. If after a completed top of 4th is played and the away team is winning, then it is NOT a complete game because the Home team did not receive their last at bat. Furthermore the Home team needs to complete their last at bat (3 outs) for a complete game when losing. Unless, coaches agree on a game being complete AFTER 3.5 innings have been played due to a blowout. A incomplete game needs to be continued where the play stops (outs, runners, pitch counts) to the best of the 2 teams ability. |
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| | | Moreover, teams can only use pitchers that were active for the original date the game was played. This includes the pitch counts. EXAMPLE: Little Bobby was ineligible to play on Tuesdays game due to pitching on Monday. Tuesdays game needs to be continued due to lightning. They reschedule the game for Saturday AM, Little Bobby still cannot pitch. |
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| End-of-season playoffs** | Yes |
| Fence distance | No restrictions |
| Pitching mound distance (raised or flat) | 60' |
| Base distance | 90' |
| Game balls | 9 in./5 oz., 2 provided by home team |
| Preferred number of Umpires per game | 1 umpires (certified) |
| Minimum number of players to start game | 8 |
| Mandatory play time | 6 defensive outs (does not need to be consecutive) |
| Call-ups permitted | From one level down, cannot pitch, but can play anywhere in field, no sharing across teams in the division. |
| Metal spikes allowed | Yes |
| Non-permitted attire by pitcher | No white sleeves, Reflective sunglasses (prescription ok), batting glove under mitt, jewelry |
| Pitching restrictions (pitch count) |
Pitches/Days Rest
1-30 = 0
31-45 = 1
46-55 = 2
56-70 = 3
71-90 = 4
No more than 90 pitches (can finish batter)
Pitching rolls week to week, DOES NOT reset over weeks. Rest days cross weeks, and must be adhered too. |
| Pitcher re-entry as pitcher | No |
| Pitches permitted | Any |
| Pitcher warm-up by coach | Yes |
| Intentional walk | Advance runner, pitches DO count towards pitch count total. |
| Balk | Yes |
| Hit batter limit | Replace pitcher on 3rd hit batter |
| Visits to mound | 1/inning, pitcher must be replaced on 2nd visit in same inning |
| Catchers - # of defensive innings | Unlimited |
| Catchers required equipment | Catcher's mitt, cup, chest protector, helmet (throat guard optional) |
| Catchers permitted to pitch | Yes |
| Catchers pitching restrictions | None |
| # of outfielders | 3 |
| Bat restrictions | Max. 2 3/4" diameter w/"official" baseball marking, Drop 5 recommended, -8 accepted due to 13 year old restrictions. |
| Continuous batting order | Yes |
| On-deck batter | Permitted inside fence on side of batter or per field rules (donuts ok) |
| Lead offs | Yes |
| Steals/advancements limit (not on a play) | Unlimited |
| Dropped 3rd strike | Yes |
| Head-first sliding | No (dive-back permitted) |
| Courtesy runner | Use last out to run for pitcher/catcher when there are two outs |
| Infield fly rule | Yes |
Additional notes:
· OHSAA rules apply if not specified by above
· Background checks for coaches are the responsibility of each community
· All players must be registered through community recreation leagues (but can live in a different community)
· Roster limits are at the discretion of each community league
· Recreation team rosters should be as balanced as possible if more than one team in a respective division
· Community league boards may place players one level higher than their age group if they deem it appropriate
· Umpires are to be scheduled/paid for by the home team
· Recreational teams will play a minimum of 12 games in a regular season, plus playoffs