Des Plaines Baseball
Mustang Division Rules 2008

The Mustang Division (Ages 9 – 10) provides players their first introduction to competitive baseball. While still instructional, players are given an opportunity to build upon the fundamentals, learn game strategies, and pitch a complete contest. Instructional emphasis will be on team building, game strategies and good sportsmanship. Playing rules will follow those published by The National Federation of High Schools with the following exceptions/addendums:

 Rule 1.00       Objectives

 1.01
Baseball is a game between two teams of nine players each, under direction of a manager, played on an enclosed field in accordance with these rules, under jurisdiction of one or more umpires.

 1.02
The objective of each team is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent. Emphasis must be placed on providing proper instruction with a fun and fulfilling atmosphere.

 1.03
The winner of the game shall be that team which shall have scored, in accordance with these rules, the greater number of runs at the conclusion of a regulation game.

  Rule 2.00       Pitching

 2.01

Players cannot pitch more than 2 innings in any one game. One pitch thrown is considered a full inning pitched. Once a player is removed from the pitching position, that player cannot return to that position.

 2.02

Players who pitch 2 innings in one game must have 24 hours rest before they can pitch again, and in such instance, only one inning can be pitched that day. Players who pitch only one inning in one game are allowed to pitch, up to 2 innings,  the next day.

 2.03

Players cannot pitch more than 7 innings in a calendar week. The week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday.

 2.04

Pitchers are not allowed to throw any type of breaking ball. Managers/Coaches will not instruct their pitchers on how to throw a breaking ball. Pitchers who throw a breaking ball during game play will be given one warning. A second instance will result in removal from that position for the remainder of the game. Managers/Coaches who instruct pitchers on how to throw breaking balls will be disciplined as determined by the board.

 2.05

The balk rule does not apply to the mustang division. The pitcher must come to a set position with a noticeable pause prior to pitch delivery.

 2.06

Pitchers who wear long-sleeved undershirts must have both sleeves completely rolled down. Pitchers are not allowed to have one sleeve on their pitching arm rolled down and non pitching arm rolled up. This could potentially disconcert the batter. Pitchers must also wear long-sleeved undershirts whose color closely matches that of their uniform shirt. The pitcher must not have numbers, letters, insignia attached to the sleeve of the undershirt.

 2.07

Pitchers who hit a batter with a pitched ball 2 times in one inning must be removed from that position. Pitchers who hit a batter with a pitched ball 3 times in one game must be removed from that position.

  Rule 3.00       Base running

 3.01

Lead-offs are not allowed in the mustang division.

 3.02

Base runners may advance 2 bases, without liability, after a batted ball is put in play and the throwing attempt  results in an overthrow causing the ball to go out of play. If the ball is still in play, runners may advance at their own risk. If the baserunner is attempting a steal of 2nd base, he/she may not advance in the event of an overthrow from the catcher. If a defensive player attempts a pick-off play at either 1st or 3rd base which results in an overthrow, the baserunner may advance, without liability, one base. See rule 3.05 for the only exception to this.

 3.03

On any batted ball that is in fair territory, base runners may advance, at their own risk, until the ball is in the pitchers possession at which point the ball is considered dead.

 3.04

Stealing of any base is allowed but can only be attempted when the pitched ball has crossed the vertical plane at the front of home plate.

 3.05

Stealing home plate is permitted throughout the season. However, no team may score more than 2 runs each inning by stealing home plate.

 3.06

On any attempted play at 2nd, 3rd, or home plate; the base runner must slide on any attempt to score. If the base runner fails to slide, he/she is automatically called out.

 3.07

If any base runner intentionally tries to interfere with a defensive player who is attempting to make a legal play, the base runner will be called out. If the interference is deemed flagrant and malicious, the baserunner may be disqualified from the game.

  Rule 4.00       Batting

 4.01

Bunting is allowed throughout the season.

 4.02

Batters who intentionally throw their helmet or bat in a violent fashion, on or off the field of play, will be given 1 warning. Further occurrences will result in disqualification.

 4.03

A continuous batting order shall be used for every game. The batting order must, in fairness to players, significantly change from game to game. Players who arrive after the game has started will be inserted to the bottom of the batting order.

 4.04

When batters are in the “on-deck” circle, they must be facing the pitcher at all times. Only one batter is allowed outside the dugout. All batters outside the dugout must wear a helmet. Left-handed batters must warm up on the first base side and right handed batters must warm up on the third base side.

  Rule 5.00       Game play

5.01

Both teams must have a minimum of 8 players to begin any contest. If a team has fewer than 8 players, and the contest is within 15 minutes of starting, another player may be acquired from another pinto team that has completed their contest with the permission of the opposing manager and the acquired player’s parent(s). The opposing team may also elect to supply a player of their choice. The acquired player cannot be used in the pitching or catching position. Should a team have fewer than 8 players more than 15 minutes prior to the contest, the call-up procedure will be used as outlined in rule 5.02.

 5.02

Each manager shall submit to the division VP a list of 10 year old players that are able to play “up”, that is, play on a substitute basis in the Bronco division. This list must be submitted no later than May 15. Players must have parental permission to be on this list. Players will be selected at random when a substitute is needed. When a team has fewer than 8 players more than 15 minutes prior to the contest, then the manager must call the division VP and request that a pinto player be “called up”. Every effort will be made to acquire a player from the “call up” list. Any player that is “called up” must be in the starting line-up for that game.

 5.03

No contest shall exceed 2 hours in duration except when there is not a contest following and both managers agree to continue.

 5.04

Players cannot play more than 3 innings in any one defensive position. All players must play at least one inning in the outfield. Managers are encouraged to rotate their players, defensively, through all the positions.

 5.05

Defensive substitutions, in the middle of an inning, are only allowed in the event of injury or pitching change. Double switching is not allowed.

 5.06

No player shall sit defensively for more than 1 consecutive inning and more than 2 innings per game.

 5.07

No more than 6 runs can be scored in any one inning. If a team is leading by 12 or more runs at any point in the contest, they are allowed only 4 runs scored per inning.

 5.08

Taunting or disconcerting opposing players will not be tolerated. A warning will be given after the first occurrence. Further occurrences will result in disqualification.

 5.09

The ruling of the umpire(s) is final. Game protests are not allowed.

 Rule 6.00       Safety

6.01

Metal spikes are not allowed

 6.02

All male players must wear a cup with an athletic supporter regardless of the position they are playing. Specialized safety equipment will be provided by the league at the parent’s request.

 6.03

All base runners and batters must wear a league approved helmet when on the field of play.

 6.04

Each manager must have a complete first aid kit with them at all times. The manager or coaches must have at least one cellular phone at all times in the event of an emergency.

 6.05

All catchers must have a throat guard in place.

 6.06

Managers and coaches must familiarize themselves with the Des Plaines Park Districts policies and procedures regarding the Thor Guard lightning detection system in the event of inclement weather during game play.

 6.07

During game play, players who are not participating on the field of play must remain in the dugout at all times except when excused by the manager.

  Rule 7.00       Uniforms

 7.01

Only the league issued uniform may be worn on the field of play. All shirts must be tucked into the pants and any loose fitting clothing secured.

 7.02

In the event of cold weather, players may wear undershirts or other undergarments. However, the league issued shirt must be worn over these garments. Undershirts or undergarments should be of a color which closely matches that of the league uniform shirt. No part of the undershirt/undergarment, which can be seen, shall include a pattern that imitates or suggests the shape of a baseball.