Mustang Rules

2024 WPD/NTRA Joint House League Baseball Rules

3RD & 4TH GRADE LEAGUE (REFERRED TO AS “MUSTANG LEAGUE” BY BOTH WPD & NTRA)

With the exception of the following age-specific rules, Mustang League play will be outlined in the IHSA Baseball Rule Book.

1. ELIGIBILITY

Players must currently be enrolled in 3rd or 4th grade in the spring of 2023.

2. PLAYING FIELD

Base distance will be 60 feet; pitching rubber distance from home plate will be 44 feet.

3. NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Each team must have a minimum of eight players to begin a game. If a team cannot field the minimum number of players, a forfeit will occur 10 minutes after the scheduled start time. Teams can still play, but umpires will not be required to stay.

4. LENGTH OF GAMES

  • A new inning cannot begin 75 minutes after the start of the game.
  • Maximum 6 innings within that time.
  • Time between innings should be kept minimal.
  • Tournament time limits may differ.
  • Official time will be kept by the umpires via a timer placed behind home plate.
  • A new inning is defined as the defensive team ready on the field, a batter in the box, and the ball put in play.

5. PRE-GAME WARM-UP

  • Visiting team: 30 to 15 minutes before game.
  • Home team: last 15 minutes before game.
  • Warm-ups may be shortened for later games due to daylight.
  • Teams must be ready at scheduled times.

6. TEAM ON DEFENSE

  • All players must play defense for at least half the game (recommended: every other inning).
  • Infield: pitcher, catcher, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B.
  • Outfield: only 3 players, at least 30 feet behind baselines.
  • No infield fly rule.

7. TEAM ON OFFENSE

  • All players in the game are in the batting order.
  • Late arrivals are added to the end of the order; if absent during their turn, it is an out.
  • Three outs per inning; no "bat through the order" rule.
  • Bunting allowed.
  • Catchers must have a pinch runner with 2 outs — the runner is the last batter out.

8. RUN LIMIT

  • 5-run limit per inning.
  • Last inning is unlimited — the umpire will declare the final inning.

9. MERCY RULE

  • Game ends if:
    • Visiting team leads by 12 after 4 innings.
    • Home team leads by 12 after 3.5 innings.
  • Coaches may continue the game, but umpires may leave.

10. PITCHING

  • Follows Little League pitch count rules.
  • One game per day per pitcher.
  • Once removed, a pitcher may not return to pitch in the same game.
  • Pitch counts must be tracked and submitted to the umpire post-game.

Pitch Count Limits

League Age Pitches Allowed per Day
17–18 105
13–16 95
11–12 85
10 and under 75

Required Rest

  • 61+ pitches: 3 days rest
  • 41–60 pitches: 2 days rest
  • 21–40 pitches: 1 day rest
  • 1–20 pitches: No rest required

Additional pitching notes:

  • Max 5 warm-up pitches between innings (10 for new pitchers).
  • If a pitcher reaches their limit during an at-bat, they may finish that at-bat.
  • Rest days are calendar days. E.g., 46 pitches on Tuesday = eligible Friday.
  • If a pitcher ends the inning mid-at-bat (over limit), they cannot start next inning.
  • Abuse penalties:
    1. First offense — one game suspension
    2. Second offense — season and 1-year coaching suspension

11. LEADING OFF & STEALING BASES

  • No leading off; runner must stay on base until pitch crosses the plate.
  • One warning per team for early leaving.
  • No stealing home unless a play is made on any base runner.
  • Background: Prevents “free” throws to 2B without risk to runner at 3B.

12. MOUND VISITS

  • One mound visit per pitcher per inning.
  • Second visit = mandatory pitcher change.

13. BAT LIMITATIONS

  • No bats greater than 2 5/8” diameter.

14. CALL-UPS

  • Only 10-year-olds can be called up to Bronco.
  • Cannot conflict with Mustang games.
  • Mustang coach must approve Bronco call-ups, especially pitchers.
  • Only 8-year-olds from Farm may be called up to Mustang.
  • No inter-Mustang team borrowing; must be call-ups only.

15. OFFICIAL GAME SCORECARD

  • Both coaches must sign it.
  • Home plate umpire completes it.
  • Turned into concession stand post-game.
  • Used for standings, pitch counts, umpire pay.
  • No changes after signature.
  • Tie-breakers:
    1. Head-to-head result
    2. Fewest runs allowed head-to-head
    3. Most runs scored head-to-head
    4. Fewest runs allowed overall

16. MISCELLANEOUS

  • Rainouts rescheduled by WPD.
  • Game is official at 4 innings (or 3.5 if home team ahead).
  • Notify league rep of player losses.
  • Protective cup recommended, not required.

17. DROPPED THIRD STRIKE

  • Not in effect — third strike = out.
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