RULES
Rule Change for Mustang in 2007

Please read this regarding base-stealing
Rules governing play in WSAPWB League games shall be, in order, the Official Baseball Rules (OBR) as issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball in the Sporting News Edition, except as amended in the Official PONY Baseball Rules and by amendments adopted by the WSAPWB as allowed by Official PONY Baseball Rules.

West Seattle PeeWee has adopted rule amendments for each Division (Mustang, Pinto and Shetland). The goal of these amendments is to simplify and improve the play of the game while making it easier for players to understand the basic principles of the game. As players move up through the Divisions, the amendments reflect the advancement of skills and understanding of the game players should have at that level.

WSAPWB recommends that parents be familiar with these amendments and how they apply to the Division their child plays in. Coaches should also understand these amendments, and it is recommended that coaches have a copy of the OBR, PONY Rules and these amendments if need arises to clarify how the rules are applied. The "40 Baseball Rules Myths" section on the Umpires Page is also a good resource to clarify some common misconceptions about baseball rules.
The following amendments have been adopted by WSAPWB for play in the Mustang Division:

  1. It is mandatory that each player on the team play at least two innings of each six inning  game and no player may sit more than two consecutive innings, unless being disciplined by the manager, who must inform the parents of the player of such action before the game begins.

  2. Upon the unintentional throwing of the bat by the batter, the batter will be warned. On the second offense, the batter will be called out. On the third offense, the batter will be called out and ejected from the game. On the second and third offenses, the ball will be considered dead.

  3. There is no balk enforced in A-ball. If an illegal pitch is detected by the umpire (such as delivering a pitch without being in contact with the rubber, dropping a ball while in contact with the rubber, or any other violation according to baseball rules) a ball will be added to the ball-strike count of the batter and no advancement of the base runners (if any).

  4. Pitching rules: Players may only pitch three innings per day and must have 40 hours of rest after pitching three consecutive innings. No player shall pitch more than 8 innings in one week. Weeks are counted Sunday thru Saturday. One pitch in one inning counts as an inning pitched. Pitchers may not reenter the game as a pitcher once a new pitcher is brought in. Opposing coaches may request to review the other team's scorebook for pitching records.

  5. No new inning will start after 2 hours from the scheduled start time of the game if there is a following game scheduled that would be impacted, or after 2½ hours if no scheduled game would be impacted.

  6. Either scorekeeper should notify the manager concerned if an ineligible player or improper batter is about to be used in the game, but the failure of a scorekeeper to do so has no effect upon the rules.

  7. Each team will supply a scorekeeper. The home team will shall be the official scorekeeper.

  8. It is a principle of WSAPWB is not to protest games. Discussions regarding interpretations of our rules will occur between the umpires on the field at the time of play and the head coach from each team. The final decision will be made by the Home umpire.

  9. Mediation rule. When time has been granted, a coach or manager may request that the umpire allow a mediation (or clarification) of a ruling. This is to be granted at the mercy of the umpire, who is not obligated to honor the request. If the umpire does allow the manager the opportunity to mediate the ruling, the umpire still has the final ruling. No judgment calls may be questioned or mediated.

  10. The pitcher shall pitch from 44 feet, regardless of age.

  11. Runners may steal bases, but shall not leave the base they are occupying until a pitched ball has crossed the plate during a legal pitch. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber with possession of the ball, runners who leave the base before the pitched ball has crossed the plate, during a legal pitch, will return to base and the pitch will be considered as a dead ball and the offending team will be warned. Upon the next violation of this rule, the runner will be called out and the pitch shall be considered a dead ball.

  12. Once a runner comes off third base and stops (i.e. ceases advancing towards home plate), the runner is then obligated to return to third base, at his own risk. If a defensive player attempts to make a play on the runner by making a throw to third, or if the defensive team losses the control of the ball ( as in a passed ball, dropped ball or overthrow, etc.) that runner may then proceed home, without retagging, at their own risk.

  13. It is mandatory for a base runner to slide when coming into a base when a defensive player is attempting to make a play on the runner. PENALTY: runner is called out. (Note: it is the responsibility of the defensive player not to interfere with the base runner if there is not a play to be made at that base. If in the opinion of the umpire a defensive player presents a fake tag in an attempt to cause the offensive player to slide, that defensive player will be ejected, without warning, from the game.) Head first sliding is not allowed. Players sliding head first will be called out. A player may dive back to a base head first.

  14. The entire roster will be batted and there is free substitution in the field.

  15. 15-Run Mercy Rule. If the home team is ahead by 15 runs after 3 1⁄2 innings, or the visiting team is ahead by 15 runs after 4 complete innings. it shall be considered a completed game and play will stop unless both Managers agree to continue play. The normal 10-run rule is still in effect after 4 1⁄2 innings.

  16. The Infield Fly Rule is in effect for Mustang games.
Effective May 5th, 2007 we shall adopt the following revision to Local Rule 11 regarding base-stealing as follows:

Runners at first and second bases may lead off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules, but runners at third base shall remain in contact with the base from the time the pitcher steps on the rubber with possession of the ball until the the pitched ball has been hit or has reached or passed the batter. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber, in possession of the ball, runners at third base who leave base before the pitched ball reaches or passes the batter shall be called out and the pitch shall be considered as a dead ball.