2023 Irvine PONY Memorial Day Tournament Rules

 

Important Note:  It is MANDATORY that every coach always carries a copy of these rules. 
 
Rules and Information - Also see below special rules for Pinto Kid Pitch, Pinto Machine Pitch and Shetland Coach Pitch.

General Information:
 
Please keep in mind that this is intended to be a FUN tournament for the players and their families.  We hope all teams will display attributes of sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline. Confrontational actions by coaches, players or family members will not be tolerated and will result in game forfeiture and or removal from the tournament.  We do have paid umpires, but umpire abuse will not be tolerated in any fashion. Parking in spots reserved for tournament officials will result in forfeiture.
 
The tournament will be regulated by the official baseball rules as stated in the current edition of The Sporting News.  These rules are modified/amended firstly by PONY Baseball rules as listed in their current official handbook. Irvine PONY Baseball and the tournament director have the final decision-making power in amending the rule for this tournament.
 
Game and Coaches Meeting Requirements - (This notebook must be at all games for review if necessary.)

1. Proof of league insurance - (this must be current and cover the team/league registering.  Also, an Additional Insured must be added to the policy – Irvine PONY Baseball PO Box 4790 Irvine Blvd. Suite 105-339, Irvine CA  92620) 

2. Team roster from Sports Engine and signed off at Coaches Meeting. (To update and print the roster you must be logged into your Sports Engine Account)

3. Copy of a birth certificate for each player - (this may be from any country, if not available-some sort of government paperwork is required, i.e., passport.)

4. Pitching log - Optional (from forms tab of website) 

5. MDT Rules - Optional (from forms tab on website)
    

The Age cutoff or determination date is posted on the homepage of our website. Whatever your player’s age is on that day is what division he/she is eligible to play in. For the 2023 Tournament we will use the May 1st cut off.

Tournament baseball are real baseballs except in the Shetland division, which uses DFX-5 safety balls.  

Be aware of weather conditions.  Call the Irvine Mudd Line (949-724-MUDD) to check if fields are open for play. 

Only players, managers, and coaches will be allowed in the dugout or on the field during play.  No siblings or parents shall be there.  Please clean up your trash after each game.

Please be mindful of sunflower seeds debris as well
 

Bat Standards and Requirements

All PONY, Little League, USSSA and/or USA certified/approved baseball bats are allowed.  Big Barrel and wood bats are accepted.   2 3/4” and 2 5/8” bat diameters are allowed in all divisions.  

• 12U Division and below – required USSSA or USA certified bats

• 13U Division – players must swing a bat with no lighter than a drop-8
  14U Division – players must swing a bat no lighter than a drop-5 but are encouraged to use a BBCOR with a drop weight of -3.  (-3) or (-5) bats are allowed

To see a list of illegal bats, go to the USSSA website or click on this  link. For USA Bats, click on this link.  These bats are NOT ALLOWED.

Metal cleats are NOT allowed in the Pinto and Mustang division. Metal cleats are allowed in the Bronco and Pony division.  Note some fields with portable mounds will prohibit metal cleats.
 

Roster Size
No less than 9 or more than 15 players may be rostered. Under exceptional circumstances, we will allow more than 15 players, but the request must be approved by the Irvine PONY Tournament Director no later than May 1st.
 
Roster Changes
No roster changes will be allowed unless a team drops below 9 players.   Any roster change must be approved by the Tournament Director. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO LOANING OF PLAYERS FROM ONE ROSTER TO ANOTHER e.g., IF YOUR TEAM DOES NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, YOU MAY NOT LOAN A PLAYER TO A TEAM WHICH HAS MADE THE FINALS...PERIOD!   THE PENALTY IS DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE TOURNAMENT WITHOUT REFUNDS.
 
Home Team
Pool Play - A coin toss prior to game time will determine the home team. Dugout selection is as follows: 3rd base is Home and 1st base is Visitors.  Please follow this seating chart accordingly. Try to find the other coach earlier in the day to do the coin toss.

Playoffs - Higher seed will be Home team in all playoff games

Game Limits 

Divisions	Innings	No New Inning
Shetland	5	1:15
Pinto – Machine	6	1:15
Pinto – Kid Pitch	6	1:45
Mustang	6	1:45
Bronco	7	1:45
Pony	7	1:45

 

If it appears to the umpire that a team is purposely delaying the game to reach no-new inning status, then the umpire can speed up the game by calling players out or declaring a forfeit after issuing one warning.
 
There will be no extra inning games in pool play games and/or games announced by the tournament director); a tie at the end of regulation play will be recorded as such.
 

For all playoff/elimination, if the game is still tied after the time limit, then the California Tie Breaker will be in effect.

California tie breaker - Starting the new inning, after the no-new time limit has expired, a runner (last out) will be placed at second base (with no outs) and full innings will be played until a winner is determined.

For Championship games, game limits will be extended to no new inning after 2 hours. 

Note: The tournament director reserves the right to amend the above rule if there are restrictions on field usage imposed by the City of Irvine.

Field Dimensions

Division	Pitching	Base
Shetland	38’ (settings: 2,3,4)	60’
Pinto – Machine	38’ (speed 40)	60’
Pinto – Kid Pitch	40’	60’
Mustang	46’	60’
Bronco	50’	70’
Pony 13U	54’	80’
Pony 14U	60’	90’

 

 

Ready Play Rules

To expedite play, a batter may not step more than one foot out of the batter’s box to take signals. One warning will be given per batter. Thereafter, each infraction will result in the umpire calling time and the batter will be issued a strike.

A courtesy runner will be allowed for the pitcher or the catcher, regardless of the number of outs. If all players are batting, then the last out is the courtesy runner. If less than all players are batting, then a player who is not then in the lineup shall be the courtesy runner.

No more than one offensive time out is allowed per inning per team, other than to check injury or repair equipment.

No more than one defensive time out is allowed per inning, except to check injury or repair equipment. On the second defensive time-out, the pitcher must be changed.
While batting, have your catcher get ready for the next inning.  Catchers not being suited up cause most delays.

Plan on throwing warm-up only.   In-field practice will not be available between games. Please do not push this rule.  We have a lot of teams playing; help us save our infields.

Warm up in between innings - It should take a maximum of 2 minutes between the 3rd out and the first pitch of the next half inning.
 

Slide or Avoid Rule
Players MUST slide or AVOID contact to injure or disrupt a defensive player. If the runner elects to slide the slide must be legal. The runner must slide directly to the base or away from the play. A slide with the spikes above the fielder’s knee or the umpire determines that a player intended to harm the defensive player is considered malicious contact. The player will be recorded as an out and ejected from the game. The catcher or other defensive player may not block any base or home plate without possession of the ball. The fielder will be guilty of obstruction as in “Official Baseball Rules.”  

 
Pitching Rules
The 40-hour rest rule is not in effect. Despite this modification, please take care of your pitchers’ arms and don't overextend them. Remember, one pitch to a batter in an inning constitutes an inning pitched. You must keep pitching records on hand in your notebook for review at any time. The opposing Manager must sign off the pitching roster provided by the league at the tournament meeting after each game.

Pitching Limits

Division	Per Game Limit	Per Day Limit
Pinto	2 innings	3 innings
Mustang	3 innings	6 innings
Bronco	4 innings	7 innings
Pony	7 innings	7 innings

 

Pitchers MAY NEVER re enter in the pitching position once removed from the mound (EXCEPT IN PINTO MACHINE PITCH AND SHETLAND). The pitcher may remain in the game in an alternate defensive position. However, he MUST remain and hit in the same order in the lineup as previously placed.  

The pitching roster is to be signed after each game and always carried with you. If you are not able to provide your pitching record to the opposing team upon request, it is up to the opposing coach to determine if wants to play your team. If he chooses not to play your team, your team will log the loss as 1-0.  Make sure you always have your pitching logs.

Batting

You may bat either (A) your entire lineup and substitute freely defensively, or (B) bat 9 and substitute per PONY rules. An extra hitter (EH) may be used with option B.  This does not apply to the Shetland and Pinto Machine Pitch divisions - in these two divisions all batters must bat the entire game.
 
You must announce before each game what your choice is. Both managers don't need to agree (i.e., one may bat 9 while the other bats the entire lineup, etc.) If you choose to bat your entire lineup, you may not change once the game is underway.

Mercy Rule

• Pinto and Mustang – play will end if the home team has a 10-run lead after 3 ½ innings or if the visiting team has a 10-run lead after 4 complete innings. 

• Bronco and Pony -play will end if the home team has a 10-run lead after 4 ½ innings or if the visiting team has a 10-run lead after 5 complete innings.   

• Shetland or Pinto Machine Pitch Division- This rule does not apply however if the game becomes mathematically impossible to win, the umpire will call the game).
   

GAME PLAY
Each team will play 4 or more games depending on their division.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY 

• Each team will play a total of two pool play games. 

• Friday games are for local teams only

After pool play teams will be seeded in brackets of 4 to 6 teams for Shetland and Pinto. Mustang, Bronco and Pony Divisions will be seeded in brackets of 6, 8 or 10 teams.

SUNDAY 

Shetland and Pinto Divisions 

• All teams will play in a semi-final game.

• Losing teams will play a consolation game later in the day. 

Mustang, Bronco, Pony Divisions 

• All teams will play a “play-in” and/or a quarter-final game

• Losing teams will play a consolation game later in the day.

NOTE - In brackets of 6 or 7 you may play three games on Sunday (quarter final, semifinal and then a consolation game)

In brackets of 9 or 10 you may play three games on Sunday (play in game, quarter final and then a consolation game). In some cases, consolation games will be played on Monday.

MONDAY

Shetland and Pinto Divisions 

• Winning teams will play on Monday in the championship game.

Mustang, Bronco, Pony Divisions 

• Winning teams will play Monday in semi-final games

• Championship will be played later in the day

Seeding for all divisions is determined by:

• Win-Loss Record

• Run Differential (max 8 runs per game) 

• Least Runs Allowed

• Coin toss

EXCEPTION - The Tournament Director and Committee reserve the right to adjust seedings to avoid repeat pool play match ups (or any other reason to maintain competitive fairness). Most Runs Scored will NOT be used as a determination for seeding – (it is a tournament but be kind if you are winning by an astronomical amount).

Score Reporting Procedures
Each team is responsible for keeping their own score, but the scorekeepers must confer with each other after each half inning to make sure there are no disagreements. The Home Team will be considered the Official scorekeeper.  If a disagreement arises, the umpire is the final arbiter. (Score may be kept in a scorebook, I Score, or Gamechanger) Scorebooks will be available at the Command Center if needed.

Important Note: The winning team is responsible for reporting scores.   The scores can be reported by texting or calling (949- 241-1694) with the division, flight, both team name and score, i.e., 12U, Flight A, Team A – 10 vs. Team B – 7.

Semi-final and Championship games scores MUST be turned in for our records. 

Notebooks
Each team is required to always have their notebook with them. If a coach refuses to show their notebook to the opposing coach, that team will be disqualified and take a loss for that game recorded as 1-0. The notebook may also be reviewed after the game for any reason by the other coach. If either coach is uncomfortable sharing their book on the field, you must find the tournament director immediately to officiate the viewing.

Other Stuff
Parking at some of the parks may be a nightmare.   Arrive in plenty of time. If you're running late, drop the player off and direct him to his field, and then go park your car.

Protests
There is NO PROTEST!  Don't even try...you have a problem with a call, an interpretation or anything what-so-ever, you need to call time and the Head Coach may quietly discuss it with the umpire. HIS DECISION IS FINAL...PERIOD!
 
KEEP YOUR FANS IN CONTROL - If a fan becomes unruly the head coach will be warned one time. The second warning will be the removal of the head coach; the next warning will be the removal of the asst. coach. If the problem persists, the game will be forfeited by the team, which is causing the problem.

ADDITIONAL PINTO KID PITCH DIVISION RULES:

Pitching
There are no balks. There is no dropped third strike rule. A third strike is recorded as an out even if the catcher drops the ball. The strike zone will be expanded at the discretion of the umpire.
 
Fielding
On a walk - the ball is live.  Bunting is allowed.  Nine players on defense, 3 outfielders.  

Scoring
An inning is complete when (a) three outs are recorded or (b) the offensive team has scored 5 runs. Exception: On homerun over the fence - all runs will count.  There is no run limit in the final inning. The final inning may be determined based on time limitations and is frequently not the 6th inning.  Managers and umpires shall agree on the final inning.  If managers are unable to agree, then the umpire shall decide. 

Base Running
Stealing is allowed.  A runner may steal home on a wild pitch, passed ball or overthrow by the catcher. Base runners are not permitted to lead off and must remain in contact with the base until the ball has left the pitcher’s hand. A player who leaves a base before then shall be called out.

All runners may advance on a hit ball at their own risk.  Once the ball is under the control of an infielder and the forward progress of the lead base runner has been stopped, the umpire shall call “time out.”  Players may ask for a time out at any time, but the umpire shall not call a timeout until the progress of the lead base runner has been halted.  If the fielding team attempts to make a play on a runner before timeout is called, then the umpire shall not call timeout until active pursuit of a base runner has stopped.  (Example: Baserunners are advancing to second and third.  The throw goes to the third baseman, but he is too late in trying to tag the sliding runner.  Before timeout is called, the third baseman tries to throw out the runner advancing to second.  Timeout will not be called by the umpire because the defensive player kept the ball in play, rather than letting the umpire call time out.)  Once time out is called by the umpire, play is “dead” and no play can be made on any baserunner.  The lead baserunner shall return to the base from which his forward progress has been stopped.  All other baserunners shall proceed or return to the base to which they were nearest when time out was called unless that base is occupied by the lead base runner.

ADDITIONAL PINTO MACHINE PITCH RULES

The pitching machine will be throwing regulation baseballs from 38 feet at approximately 40 miles per hour.
Each half inning will end when the offensive team scores five (5) runs or the defensive team records three (3) outs except as listed below.
Each team will be allowed to score unlimited runs in the last inning only. Their half inning at bat will end upon the completion of one of the following: The defensive team records three (3) outs or the offensive team bats their entire lineup as described below:
Each team will bat the same number of players in the last inning (i.e., if Team A has 12 players and Team B has 10 players. Team B will bat once through the line-up and then 2 additional batters will hit in order). This only occurs if the defensive team does not record 3 outs.
All players must wear a protective cup.  All Catchers must wear full protective gear: protective cup, shin guards, chest protector and helmet with face protector.  Catchers must be in the correct position behind the plate while the ball is being pitched.  The game will be stopped until this rule is adhered to.
Players are NOT ALLOWED to operate the pitching machine in any manner.
A batter shall be declared out after failing to hit a fair ball after 6 pitches are delivered. The batter is out if there are 3 strikes before the 6th pitch. Missed swings are counted as strikes as are foul balls and foul tips. A batter is not out on a foul ball or a foul tip unless it is also the 6th pitch. Bunting is not allowed. A batter must take a full swing. PENALTY: Dead ball strike.
Base stealing is not allowed. Runners must remain in contact with the base until the ball is hit or crosses home plate. PENALTY: If a runner is off base and the ball is hit, the runner is out, and the ball is in play. If the ball is not hit, the ball is dead, and the runner must return to base.
When the ball is in possession of an infielder and in the umpire’s judgment, all play on the runners has ceased; the umpire will call “Time”. The ball is then dead and will be returned to the pitching coach of the defensive pitcher.
One base on an overthrow does not apply. You may advance until the ball is dead as described in the above paragraph.

The pitcher shall take a position 5 feet back and 3 feet left or right of the machine.

If a batted ball hits the machine or bucket and remains fair - the ball is in play.

If the batted ball strikes the machine or bucket and goes foul - then the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance 1 base.

The coach operating the machine shall not coach or direct in any way (PENALTY: 1 warning then removal).

Teams are limited to six (6) players in the infield: pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base and shortstop.

Teams are limited to four (4) players in the outfield: left field, left-center field, right-center field and right field. Outfielders may participate in infield play. Outfielders must remain at least fifteen (15) feet behind the baseline until a ball is put in play. On offense, teams should have a max of three coaches on the field, one feeding machine and two in the coaches’ boxes.  All/any other coaches must remain in the dugout.

The defensive team shall position a coach near the backstop behind the catcher to assist in collecting and storing pitched balls in a ball bucket.  Defensive catchers should not throw pitched balls back to the mound area.  This defensive coach shall not provide any instruction to the defensive players - his/her sole purpose is to assist with the pitched balls and keep the game moving along.  All other defensive coaches shall remain in the dugout.

When the ball is put in play, the pitching coach will often need to duck to become inconspicuous, especially on plays in the infield. Players can neither see over a tall adult, nor should they be required to throw a ball over the pitching coach’s head to the intended target.  If a live thrown ball hits the coach pitcher or in the umpire’s judgment the coach interferes in the fielder’s attempt to make a play the ball is dead, and the lead runner is out. (This includes failing to get out of the way).  If a batted ball hits the coach pitcher or the coach operating the pitching machine, the ball is dead. The pitch is a foul strike, and no runners may advance. 

If at any time during the game a throw from a defensive player hits the pitching machine, the ball is dead, and the runners advance one base.

There is NO mercy rule in Pinto Machine Pitch.  However, when the game becomes mathematically impossible to win the umpire shall end the game.

ADDITIONAL SHETLAND MACHINE PITCH RULES:
The pitching machine will be throwing regulation baseballs from 38 feet.  Setting: Power Level: 2, Micro Adjust: 3, Release Block: 4
DFX-5 safety balls will be used for this division.  Pitching machine is a Slugger UPM 45 (“Blue Flame”)

Each half inning will end when the offensive team scores five (5) runs or the defensive team records three (3) outs except as listed below. Exception: On homerun over the fence - all runs will count.
Each team will be allowed to score unlimited runs in the last inning only. Their half inning at bat will end upon the completion of one of the following:  the defensive team records three (3) outs or the offensive team bats their entire lineup as described below:
C. Each team will bat the same number of players in the last inning (i.e. if Team A has 12 players and Team B has 10 players. Team B will bat once through the line-up and then 2 additional batters will hit in order). This only occurs if the defensive team does not record 3 outs.
All players must wear a protective cup.  Catchers must wear full protective gear: protective cup, shin guards, chest protector and helmet with face protector.  Catchers must be in the correct position behind the plate while the ball is being pitched.
Players are NOT ALLOWED to pitch to other players.
Each player will be given 6 pitches from the machine.  The batter is out if failing to hit a fair ball after 6 pitches or three strikes.  A foul ball on the sixth pitch is an out.  Baseballs are not to be laid on the ground during play.  Buckets are not permitted out by the pitching coach.
Bunting is not allowed. A batter must take a full swing. Penalty: Dead ball strike, runners and batter don’t advance.
There is a minimum distance that a batted ball must travel in order to be a fair ball; this area will be marked with a 10-foot arc in front of home plate. Ball is a foul-strike. (Remember, home plate is in fair territory so any batted ball that hits home plate first, is considered a fair ball unless it subsequently rolls untouched into foul territory prior to reaching first base or third base.)
No lead offs. Base stealing is not allowed. Players cannot break contact with the base until the batter hits the ball. PENALTY If the ball is hit then the runner is out, and the ball is live. If not hit, then runners return to base. Base stealing is not allowed.

 A play is over once an infielder (not an outfielder) is in complete possession of the ball within the infield, i.e. on the dirt in fair territory at most fields, calls for and is awarded timeout by the umpire at his/her discretion.  The infield for purposes of this rule ends 15 feet beyond the baselines so on certain larger fields, players may need to move closer to the baselines to get a called time-out.  The player with the ball must have control of the ball and call time with his hands in the air.
One base on an overthrow does not apply. You may advance until the ball is dead as described in the above paragraph.
There will be chalked 5-foot hash marks between 1st and 2nd base, 2nd and 3rd base, and 3rd and Home plate. These hash marks will be the guidelines for base advancements. If a player passes the hash mark in the middle of the base path before the ball has been declared dead, that player is allowed to advance to the next base. If the player has not reached the hash mark, they must go back to the previous base.
A batted ball that hits the pitching coach is declared dead. It’s ruled a dead ball, strike, no runners advance.

• If a batted ball hits the machine or bucket and remains fair - the ball is in play.

• If the batted ball strikes the machine or bucket and goes foul - then the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance 1 base.

• The coach-pitcher shall not give coaching instructions to the batter or runners after the ball is hit, in any way (PENALTY: 1 warning then removal).

The pitcher shall take a position 5 feet back and 3 feet left or right of the machine.
Teams are limited to six (6) players in the infield.
Teams are limited to four (4) players in the outfield.

Teams may field between 9 and 10 players on defense. 
Outfielders may participate in infield play.
Outfielders must remain at least fifteen (15) feet behind the baseline until a ball is put in play.  Managers should agree to the 15-foot mark prior to the start of the game.
On offense, teams should have a max of three coaches on the field, one feeding machine and two in the coaches’ boxes.  On defense, teams shall/must have a coach behind the catcher to assist with ball retrieval.  This coach may not coach defensive players at all under any circumstance.  All other defensive coaches must remain in the area of the dugout.
When the ball is put in play, the pitching coach will often need to duck to become inconspicuous, especially on plays in the infield. Players can neither see over a tall adult, nor should they be required to throw a ball over the pitching coach’s head to the intended target.  If a live ball hits the coach pitcher or in the umpire’s judgment the coach interferes in the fielder’s attempt to make a play the ball is dead and the lead runner is out. (This includes failing to get out of the way).

Pitching machine setting needs to be set as follows:

Power Level: 2

Micro Adjust: 3

Release Block: 4

If at any time during the game a throw from a defensive player hits the pitching machine, the ball is dead, and the runners advance one base.
There is NO mercy rule in Shetland.  However, when the game becomes mathematically impossible to win the umpire shall end the game.

Edited 5/22/2023
Disclaimer to all rules:  there will be issues and situations that test the integrity of the above listed rules during the Tournament.  Please note that the Irvine PONY Baseball Tournament director and/or committee reserve the right to change or modify any of the above items at any time to better serve the tournament as a whole.