Tri-County Pony League
Constitution
&
By-Laws
Volume 27
April 16, 2023
TRI COUNTY PONY LEAGUE
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
NORTH BRANCH
VOLUME 27 April 16, 2023
ARTICLE 1- Name and Purpose
Section 1. Tri-County Pony League
Section 2. The purpose shall be to promote baseball for youth and teach
fundamentals and sportsmanship.
Section 3. It shall be the policy of this league that no person shall be
denied the opportunity to participate due to his family’s
economic hardships.
Section 4. All correspondences to the League should be done by email
rockcreekball@aol.com ONLY Phone in an EMERGENCY
Section 5. There are No Complaints to be addressed to the League concerning
Rules or Umpires, that should be handled on the Field.
ANY COMPLAINT WILL COST $50 a complaint.
ARTICLE 2- Executive Committee
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall consist of (5) five members. This
body will be made up of 4) four current officers and the advisor.
Section 2. The Executive Committee shall conduct general business, fill
vacancies, and determine criteria to be discussed at the board
meetings.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall be responsible annually for
presenting a p proposed budget and for the approval at board
meetings before the playing season begins.
ARTICLE 3- Officers
1. Officers shall serve as board members and vote on all policies of
the league.
2. Officers will not vote on any policies concerning their teams.
Section 1. President/Treasurer
A. The duties shall be to conduct all business at the board
meetings and Executive Committee meetings.
B. The President is Tri County Pony League’s representative to
the public.
C. The President is allowed to manage and or coach a team.
D. The President will vote on all policies of the league.
Section 2. Vice President
A. The Vice President will assist in conducting all board meetings.
B. The Vice President will assume all Presidential duties in the
event that the President is unable to participate.
C. The Vice President will be a representative on the Executive
Committee in the event the President or an Ex-Officer is unable
to attend.
D. The Vice President will vote on all policies of the league.
Section 3. Secretary
A. The Secretary shall record all proceedings of every Board
Meeting.
B. The Secretary shall type notes and make copies to be distributed
at the next meeting.
C. The Secretary shall purchase hats for All-Star game and medals
for all participants.
D. The Secretary will vote on all policies of the league.
Section 4. Treasurer
A. The Treasurer shall receive all monies and pay all bills upon
approval of the board.
B. The Treasurer shall keep an itemized account of all receipts and
disbursements, and present a written report at each meeting of
the board.
C. The Treasurer’s book will be audited upon request of the board.
D. The Treasurer shall buy trophies, medals, certificates or
ribbons for All-Star Game and
1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th places individuals for end of season
tournament.
E. The Treasurer will vote on all policies of the league.
Section 5. Advisor
A. The Advisor shall assist by guiding the committee and offering
input where needed.
B. The Advisor shall be called upon to interpret rules on appeals
filed with the league.
C. The Advisor will vote on all policies of the league.
Section 6. Managers
A. Managers shall assume responsibility for equipment and uniforms.
This includes collection of uniforms at the end of the season.
The manager shall maintain upkeep of the equipment.
B. Managers shall not negotiate changing game dates or times with
other managers or umpires without permission of the schedule
coordinator. Failure to comply will risk forfeiture.
C. Managers shall serve as board members and vote on all policies
of the league.
Section 7. Umpire/Rule Books
A. The Official Rules of Baseball MLB are the guidelines to be
followed.
B. Pony League Baseball Rules shall override where applicable.
C. 1st use Tri-County Pony League Rules, then USSSA Baseball, then
MLB.
D. Any amendments to either of these, passed by the board, will
overrule the above.(Umpire must be 16 yrs old or older)
ARTICLE 4- Meetings
Section 1. Regular board meetings will be announced with at least (1) one week
notice on website www.rockcreeball.com
Section 2. Special meetings may be called by the President or by (7) seven
board members and another officer.
Section 3. All committees are urged to hold meetings to discuss matters that
they need to bring before the board.
ARTICLE 5- Quorum
Section 1. Majority by show of hands.
ARTICLE 6- Amendments
Section 1. This constitution may be amended at any board meeting by a 3/4
majority of those present.
ARTICLE 7- Revenues & Expenditures
Section 1. Monies used to operate this organization shall come from:
A. Entry fees (paid by each competing team)
B. Donations
C. Fundraiser's
D. Concessions
Section 2. Individual teams will provide and supply proof of insurance to the
league President, along with a map to each teams field.
Section 3. League shall provide trophies, medals, certificates or ribbons as
designated from the general fund.
Section 4. A quorum of the board shall be necessary to approve disbursements
exceeding twenty-five dollars. ($25.00)
Section 5. Entry fee of $120.00 in 2023 is to be paid before the season
begins. Fees will be established annually to accommodate for yearly
expenditures.
ARTICLE 8- Boundaries
Section 1. Eastern boundary shall vary along Rt. 47 only to include the School
District of Kaneland.
Section 2. North boundary shall be Rt. 38 to include the School District of
Kaneland.
Section 3. Western boundary shall vary from the School District of Earlville
and Leland, which will include Malta
Section 4. Southern boundary shall vary along Rt. 52 only to include the
entire School Districts of Serena, Sheridan, Newark and Marseilles.
ARTICLE 9- League
Section 1. League shall be divided into divisions if:
A. More than (6) but less than (14) team shall be divided into (2)
divisions.
B. If more than (14) teams but less than (20) , shall be divided
into (3) divisions.
C. If more than (20) but less than (28), shall be divided into (4)
divisions.
D. The number of divisions can be changed other than stated by a
majority of the vote before the season starts.
E. For the year 2023, will consist of(1)division Depends on how many
teams
Section 2. Any new town or organization, which wants to enter the Tri County
Pony League, shall come to a meeting and ask to join the league.
A. There will be a vote of the existing teams at the meeting, with
a majority vote winning.
B. All new teams must follow the Tri County by-laws and rules to
part of the league.
C. New towns joining the league shall pay an extra ($25.00).
ARTICLE 10- All-Star Game
Section 1. Site shall rotate between(Next Date)(Last Host Date)
1. Sandwich (2015)(2021)(2022) 9. Lisbon
2. Waterman (2025*)(2016) 10. Earlville
3. Plano (2026*)(2017) 11. Harding
4. Serena (2027*)(2018) 12. Paw Paw
5. Leland (2011)(2019) 13. Sheridan (2000)
6. Somonauk(2011)declined in 2011 14. Shabbona (2004)
7. Newark(2023*) 15. Yorkville
8. Hinckley-Big Rock (2024*) 16. Marseilles
*Projected host for that year
Section 2. In the event a team is unable to host a game, the site shall be
moved to the next town, with the rotation order remaining the same.
Section 3. Any new towns joining the league:
A. Would be placed in the last position, which is (17th) position.
Section 4. The game shall be held on the Fourth of July, or a date selected
at the first meeting.
A. If weather causes a postponement of the game, it shall be
rescheduled on the first Sunday following the Fourth of July.
1. If the 4th of July falls on a Sunday, game shall be played on
the following Sunday.
B. In the Year 2023 in Newark June 24, 2023
(Skills and Drills start at TBD pm with game to follow.
Expect approximately 4 hours total.)
C. Each team will select 3 players from there team to represent
them at the All-Star Game These players’ names must be turned
into the League Office by June 17th. Divisions subject to
change.
D. Head Coaches will be voted on by other Coaches
(All Coaches are encouraged to assist the Head Coach)
E. Every player must play at least (3) innings.
1. It’s encouraged to pitch only one inning, but No pitcher shall be
allowed to pitch more than (2) innings.
2. Pitcher’s innings apply to the week’s total innings. Except
for playoff games
Section 5. The game shall be (7) innings in length.
A. The game shall be (9) innings in length if there are more than
(18) players per team.
Section 6. The host town will be responsible for providing:
A. Umpires (Patched Umpires are preferred)
B. Field in proper condition.
C. Advance Public Notice.
ARTICLE 11- Schedule
Section 1. Schedule shall be compiled by the schedule coordinator.
Section 2. Schedule should have:
A. Play in division to play each team twice. Once at home and once
away.
B. Out of the division play each team once divided equally between
home and away.
C. If (2) divisions, shall play each team once.
D. In 2023 each team will be scheduled a minimum 14 division games
(1 division) and will determine the division champ. If 11 teams
in a division you may be scheduled 14 games. (12 Games must be
played to win Division)(All Division game must be Played to be
the Division Champion
E. Teams can select how many more games, if any, they wish to play.
They will be scheduled against other teams who wish to play more
games from either division.
Section 3. All scheduled games must be played when scheduled.
A. Unless prohibited by weather conditions.
B. Unless permission to re-schedule is granted by schedule
coordinator.
C. Violations will be considered a forfeit and dealt with by the
league office.
1. If violation repeats, disciplinary action could result.
D. Rescheduling
1. The home team shall present the opposing Head Coach with two (2)
options for rescheduling a game within 1 week of the original date.
2. If the game is not rescheduled or played within this time frame, the
team causing the delay shall forfeit.
3. Rescheduling shall only be done in the event of graduation ceremonies
or inclement weather, unless both teams decide otherwise.
4. In the event of a scheduling dispute, the Corn Belt shall rule on
forfeiture.
5. If a team fails to appear for a regularly scheduled game shall be
recorded as a 2-0 loss in the regular season standings.
6. Regular Season games that are cancelled for reasons not approved by
these rules, Pony League Representative, or by mutual agreement of the
coaches shall be recorded as a 2-0 loss of the cancelling team.
7. Regular Season games that cannot be rescheduled (after every attempt by
both teams has been made) shall be recorded as a 1-1 tie in the final
standings.
8. The home team's Coach shall notify the League Office of rescheduled
games.
Section 4. All evening games shall begin:
A. At 6:00pm unless noted on schedule, if coaches agree game can start at
5:45pm to help save daylight
B. Some night games are scheduled for 8:00pm start time
1. 5:45pm games followed by an 8:00pm game should not start an
inning after 8:05pm
2. Teams that play at 8:00pm please take batting and fielding
before your team arrives.
3. 8:00pm games shall start 10 minutes after 5:45pm game ends
4. No inning shall start after 10:00pm on 8:00pm games.
The Umpire and each manager should write down the official
Start time of the game, and the official end time, before the
game begins, so everyone is aware of the ending time of the game.
C. Saturday and Sunday games are to begin at 10:00am unless
otherwise noted.
D. No inning is allowed to begin after 8:15pm. An inning begins
when the third out of the previous inning is registered.
E. (2-hour & 15 Minutes limit all games with Double Headers)
including Saturday games. 2:15-hour limit not to be exceeded,
Please hustle in and hustle out no stall tactics - *(If a manager
goes to the mound for charge conference when there is less then
15 minutes left in the time limit and his team is ahead with runs,
for every trip to the mound will result in 5 minutes being added
to the official end time of the game.)** Playoff games have time
limit of 2:30 Hours except the 1st Place Game.
(No ten rule in Championship Game)
F. Tie games and Halted games for time limit are considered suspended
games. They must be concluded from the point where the play stopped.
G. All teams must complete the schedule regardless of position in
standings.
H. Home team to supply (2) new official Pony League approved
baseballs for the game. Balls must be stamped Pony League or Higher.
I. If the game balls are lost, then use the best available ball to
be submitted.
ARTICLE 12- Team Structure
Section 1. Each participating town shall have a pool of players who register
with their organization. Each organization shall offer open
registration to their respected school district, for which the
organization belongs to. They shall accept and use every legal
registration.
A. Teams shall divide into(2)or more teams when the registered
players is divisible by(12).
1. Each organization shall use their own rules in governing the
division of the teams by either of the following:
a) Blind draft
b) Regular draft
c) Balance of Power (Equalize/parity)
2. Each team shall be as equal as possible (granted in a blind
draft all skilled players could end up on the same team)
a) NO HAND PICKED TEAMS
b) No team shall hold tryouts and cut players.
3. Returning players from the previous year may stay on the same
team as long as they live in the school district of the
organization.
4. Player(s) who live(s) in a town’s school district that does
not offer Traveling Boys Pony League my participate in an
adjacent town’s program provided that,
a) The player(s) has (have) been approved by the league
officers.
b) And also by a majority of the coaches within the league.
Section 2. Each team will consist of (20) players maximum to (9) minimum.
A. Program will be allowed to bat (15) players in a continuous
batting order, with free substitution in defensive positions
only. Batting order must remain the same.
1. If a team has more than (15) players, the extra players
should be substituted into the batting order. (see
substitution rule)
2. Teams have the option to bat their (15) players or bat as
many players as the opposing team has in their line-up &
substitute the rest of the players into the line-up (see
substitution rule)
a) Any players dressed at the game and not in the batting
line-up must be substituted into the line-up for at
least (2) innings of defense.(Only if they are not in
the batting order)
B. Minimum number for fielding a team.
1. Team must field at least (7) players by 10 minutes after game
is scheduled to start or umpire shall declare the game a
forfeit in favor of team with enough players to play.
2. If neither team can field (7) players, both teams will be
charged a loss.
3. If a team plays with less than (9) players
a) Empty spots in the batting order must be declared when
turning in the line-up and every time they come around an
automatic out is charged.
b) If a player arrives late, he is allowed to enter the game
immediately.
Section 3. ROSTERS Each team must turn in a roster with First, Last Names and uniform
Numbers to League Office ASAP. No Rosters/No Schedules
A. Only roster players of proper age are allowed to participate in
the game.
1. 14 & under league (12-14 year olds)
2. Must be no older than 14 as of Sept. 1st, 2023.
a) Players older than 14 as of Sept. 1 1st, 2023 are still
eligible if they are still in 8th grade.
b) Players Whose Birthday falls between Old date of May 1 to New date
of Sept. 1, are grandfathered to stay at the level they would have
been until 2027
3. In U.S.S.S.A. Tournaments the age is 14 years old and under
4. Pony National Tournament has a 13 only and a 14 only
tournament.
B. Players may be added to or removed from rosters by notifying the
league office and waiting for approval. There could be up to one
week delay while contacting officers.
C. Failure to comply will result in a forfeiture if both teams
knowingly violate a rule, Article XII- Section II, A, each team
will be charged a forfeit.
D. No player may be rostered on more than on one (1) {Pony Team) and can only
play with the one team and be eligible to participate in the Tri-County
Pony Team with the exception of playing on a Town Team would mean a "A" or
"B" Ball team) within the same program.
E. If offense occurs more than once, officers will review them and
could result in disciplinary action.
ARTICLE 13- Equipment
Section 1. Shall be as outlined in the U.S.S.S.A. Rules and Regulations.
We will not be joining any affiliate this year, every team that
wants to play in their tournament must register themselves
Section 2. Noting the following exceptions.
A. Steel spikes will not be allowed.
1. If a player is wearing steel spikes, the player is given the
opportunity to remove them. If the player refuses, the
player shall be barred from the game.
Section 3. Bat Rule
A. All (-3) Bats are legal with 2 5/8" Barrel
** (-3 bats are recommended)
All (-4 to -5) Bats can be up to 33" in Length or under
All (-6 to -9) Bats can be up to 32" in Length or under
All (-10 to -12) Bats must be 28" in Length or Under
All Wood Bats are allowed (but why would you use one?)
All Aluminum Bats with 2 3/4" Barrel Bats are Illegal.
** (Only -3 Bats can be used in High School Play and is why -3
bats are recommended)
Section 4. Pitching Distance/Bases Distance
A. Pitching Rubber Distance from Back of Home Plate to the front
of Pitching rubber shall be 54 feet
B. Distance of Bases from the back of Home Plate to the Back Corner
of the base shall be 80 feet
ARTICLE 14- Pitching
Section 1. A player may pitch a maximum of (10) innings per calendar week.
A. Calendar week begins at midnight Sunday and ends at midnight
the next Sunday
B. All innings Pitched for the week count towards each pitcher
including Weekend Tournaments, Practice games and non-league
games.
Section 2. A pitch to one batter will constitute one inning.
Section 3. If a pitcher pitches more than (3) innings then the pitcher must
have (40) hours rest from the start of the previous game.
Section 4. Violation of Article XIV- Section III shall result in forfeiture
of all games that said pitcher has pitched in the week of the
violation.
Section 5. If a team has 3 scheduled games in one week, each pitcher is given
an additional 4 innings.
Section 6. Each Pitcher will be given a warning first, before any balk is
called on them.
Section 7. Once a Pitcher is removed from the mound, he can not be inserted
into Pitch again, in that game.
ARTICLE 15- Fighting
Section 1. First offense- shall result in a 2-game suspension.
Section 2. Second offense- shall result in suspension from the league.
ARTICLE 16- Substitution/Injuries/Slide Rule/Slash Bunt Rule
Section 1. Tri County Pony League will use free substitution.
A. A player removed for a substitute must remain out of the game
for 6 defensive outs.
1. Player may re-enter game at any position but must bat in
his original place in the lineup, or at a lower position
in the lineup.
a) The only exception being player may not re-enter as a
pitcher if the player has already pitched in the game.
b) If there are no eligible substitutes and a player
becomes sick or injured, the last player to leave the
game shall be placed in the injured player’s position.
c) If a player is injured during the game and can not
continue to play and there is no substitute, an out
will not be recorded in that players spot.
d) If a player is ejected and there are no substitutes,
an out will be recorded.
Section 2. Slide rule
A. Base runners must avoid contact. If contact will be made, the
runner must slide. If the runner fails to slide and avoid
contact, he is out. If the shoulder is dropped and the runner
intentionally runs into the fielder, he is automatically out
and ejected.
Section 3. Slash Bunt Rule
A. No "Slash Bunt" Rule For safety reasons, a batter is out
for illegal action when – he/she fakes a bunt and then takes
a full swing. Synopsis: This would eliminate a Pony
Division baseball player from fake bunting and “slap-hitting”
the ball.
ARTICLE 17- Ten Run Rule & Complete Game
Section 1. Applies after 4 1/2 innings if the home team is leading, or 5 if
the visiting team is leading.
A. If at this point one team is leading by 10 runs the game is
complete. It may continue if both teams agree, but the outcome
will not change. Any innings pitched will be charged
for the pitcher’s weekly totals.
B. A game is complete after 5 innings, or 4 1/2 is home team is
ahead. If games are less than this because of darkness, rain,
or time limit they will be considered suspended games and
must completed at a later date.
C. A Pony Game consists of 7 innings
ARTICLE 18- Lightning/Thunder
Section 1. When thunder is heard or lightning is seen*, the leading edge of the
thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend
play for at least 30 minutes and vacate the outdoor activity to the previously
designated safer location immediately.
Section 2. 30-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the
Last thunder is heard or lightning is witnessed* prior to resuming play.
Section 3. Any subsequent thunder or lightning* after the beginning of the 30-minute count
will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.
Section 4. When independently validated lightning-detection devices or mobile phone apps
are available, this technology could be used to assist in making a decision to
suspend play if a lightning strike is noted to be within 10 miles of the event
location. However, you should never depend on the reliability of these devices
and, thus, hearing thunder or seeing lightning* should always take precedence
over information from a mobile app or lightning-detection device.
ARTICLE 19- Umpires
Section 1. The umpire is governed by the Official Pony League Baseball Rules,
with amendments. An Umpires minimum age requirement is 16 yr old.
Section 2. Home team supplies a check to pay the patched umpire.
A. A second umpire is encouraged but the absence of is not to
delay the game.
B. Each team is responsible of getting a base and a Home Plate
ump and paying for it.
Minimum age is 16 yr. old. Games will not be held up
because there is no base ump. If an umpire does not
show up, it is the home teams responsibility to find someone
to replace him, both coaches must a agree on the replacement.
Section 3. If the assigned umpire or umpires fail to attend the game,
both managers must agree on selection of their replacement.
A. If an agreement cannot be reached by the managers acting
responsibly, they are both to report by phone or in person to
the league office. League office will decide if the game
should be rescheduled. If the game is played, it is final.
B. Game may begin with only 1 umpire present.
ARTICLE 20- Standings
Section 1. All teams must report score and pitchers used. Winning team must
report score within 48 hours to receive credit for the win. Not
doing so will result in winning team being credited with a tie.
A. Each team is to create a facebook page to post
Report of game(s) played. Report can also be emailed to the
league office.
B. Report shall include for each game:
1. All pitchers used for both teams and number of innings
pitched.
2. Final score.
3. Winning and losing pitchers.
C. Coaches who fail to report pitchers used within 48 hours
of the finish of the game, will be suspended from coaching
the next's team game.(NEW FOR 2009, GOOD FOR 2023)
Section 2. League official is keeping standings and publish semi-monthly in the
local paper, by web site. www.rockcreekball.com or
www.reapernation.com (Youth baseball)
Section 3. The team with the most wins in the division shall be declared the
winner of the division.
A. If the weather forces a postponement, the game must be played
at the first available opportunity.
B. 12 games must be played to determine division winner.
C. Play-off site for ties in division leaders to be determined
by:
1. Run differential from previous games.
a) If no difference, a coin flip shall determine the
site.
ARTICLE 21- Post Season Tournament
Section 1. All teams are included in the tournament.
Section 2. Winning Percentage, Runs Against and Games Played help determine
the seeding. Seeding is done by board members.
Section 3. Team with the best winning percentage will be seeded the highest.
A. Teams will be seeded by the league officials.
B. 2023 seeds will be Winning Pct. times games Played
C. Games played before June 27 midnight will be counted in the
seeds.
Section 4. Team awarded the highest seed will be paired against the lowest
seed. Second highest seed against second lowest and so forth.
A. Highest seed will be home team for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds.
Section 5. Each pitcher is allowed 10 innings of pitching for the 1st & 2nd
round and 7 innings in the 3rd round and 10 innings for semi-
finals and finals.
A. All rest periods for pitchers shall apply if they pitch more
than 3 innings.
1. With the exception of the semi finals and finals.
B. In 2023 pitchers get 7 innings first week & 7 innings for 2nd
Round 10 innings for Semi's/Finals, unless there is only one
week of playoffs (not two), then all teams will start the week
getting 14 innings each per pitcher. Rest Periods do not apply
to Semi-Finals and Finals (Fri & Sat).
Section 6. Schedule of tournament to be determined later. 2023 TBD
A. 1st round to be TBA
B. 2nd round to be TBA
C. 3rd round to be TBA
D. Semifinals to be TBD
E. 3rd place game will be TBD
F. Championship game will be TBD
Section 7. Host Town for final four will Be responsible for Providing:
(NO HOST TOWN 2023)
B. Field in Proper Condition
C. Advance Public Notice
D. Sound System for Public Address Announcing For Championship Game
E. Concessions
F. Decorations
ARTICLE 22- U.S.S.S.A. Tournaments and World Series
Section 1. The manager of the team in first place in the standings at the end
of the regular season shall be manager of the division in the
U.S.S.S.A. Tournament.(The League Will not be paying the entry
fees) THE LEAGUE WILL NOT BE PARTICIPATING IN THIS. IN 2018
EACH COACH CAN FORM THEIR OWN TEAM AND PAY SAID ENTRY FEES
A. If unable, then second place manager shall be given the
opportunity.
B. If the 1st & 2nd place managers are unable, then the 3rd place
manager and so on, until a manager is able to commit.
C. This rule is for both 14 and under tournament teams.
D. League will pay entry fee for 14 year old team.
E. 13 and under team will need sponsors for jerseys and entry
fees. Call league office with any sponsors.
Section 2. The manager then selects the coaches from a pool of other division
managers.
A. If no managers are available then a manager may choose whom he
wishes for his coach
Section 3. Manager selects the players from the rosters of every team in the
division.
A. Every manager must submit a list of 4 players maximum to attend
a tryout to be selected to the U.S.S.S.A. Tournament Team.
B. Players may participate on one tournament team at a time.
Section 4. Pony National Tournament
A. Any team can enter Pony National tournament.
1. You can register your own team.
ARTICLE 23- Protests
Section 1. Protests are only allowed on interpretation of the rules.
A. Protest will be decided by officers of the Tri County Pony
League Division in which your team plays.
B. There is absolutely NO COMPLAINING to LEAGUE OFFICE ABOUT ANY
MATTER-Handle it between Coaches. ONLY FORMAL PROTEST are
ALLOWED. $50 Protest fee must be paid before your protest
will be heard. If you win your protest, you will refunded
your $50.00 Protest Fee.
ARTICLE 24- League Office
Section 1. League office for the year 2021
Section 2. The Commissioner of Baseball can be reached at
Greg H. Gould
G-Force Labels & Printing, Inc.
405 E. South St.
Plano, IL 60545
(630)327-9168
Fax (630)552-8960
Work (630)552-8911
Email - rockcreekball@aol.com