Shetland (Ages 5-6)
Focuses on instruction of the beginning player. Players learn the fundamentals of baseball. Game play is based on the player using a batting tee. A T-ball safety ball is used. All team members bat and play the field each inning. No game score or standings are kept. When possible, players are assigned to teams with their schoolmates (friend requests). Each player receives a baseball t-shirt and a hat. If your son or daughter is not yet age 5, please send an inquiry to [email protected]

Pinto (Ages 7-8)
Players continue to learn the basic fundamentals of baseball with an introduction to more advanced concepts and normal game play. Teams are formed by a draft and friend/coach requests are allowed but there are limits to aide division competitiveness. Starting with the 2023 season, the pitching rules for the Pinto division will use a combination of “player-pitch” with constraints and "coach-pitch". This pitching approach change will start the development of pitchers, catchers and hitters earlier to lessen the transition of play between Pinto and Mustang divisions. The diamond is setup with 60 feet between bases. A level-5 Safety ball is used. The score is kept during games. There is an end of season tournament. Each player receives a baseball jersey, cap, and a belt. Coaches nominate players for All-Star tryouts by age group. 

- 6 inning games, unless game ends early due to run limits
- Player-pitcher to start innings, coach-pitcher to finish innings as needed; NO pitching machines
- 3 outs per inning, unless inning run limit is reached (new progressive 5-run rule)
- All players are in the batting order
- No leadoff or stealing 
- No dropped 3rd strike rule
- No infield fly rule
- Coaches are required to rotate players through multiple defensive positions during a game

Mustang (Ages 9-10)
Players experience the near-complete game of baseball. Teams are formed by a draft and there are no friend/coach requests. Games are played with regulation baseballs. Mustang division exclusively uses player pitching. There is focused development of pitchers and catchers as these are now likely the most important positions on the field. The diamond continues to be 60 feet between bases and the pitching mound is 46 feet from home plate. The regular season includes games with teams from within the division and possibly Interlock games against teams from other PONY leagues. There is an end of season tournament. Each player receives a baseball jersey, cap, and a belt. Coaches nominate players for All-Star tryouts by age group.

- 6 inning games, unless game ends early due to run limits
- Player-pitch, NO pitching machines or coach-pitch
- 3 outs per inning, unless inning run limit is reached (new progressive 5-run rule)
- All players are in the batting order
- Base stealing is allowed once pitch crosses home plate
- No balks, No pickoffs 
- No dropped 3rd strikes (batter is out)
- Infield fly rule is in effect
- Coach typically rotates players through multiple defensive positions during a game based on roster size and pitching rotation

Bronco (Ages 11-12)
Players continue transition into the complete game of baseball as the diamond is extended to 70 feet and the pitching mound is now 50 feet from home plate. This division play enhances the development of pitchers and catchers as these are now likely the most important positions on the field. Teams are formed by a draft. The regular season includes games with teams from within the same division and Interlock games against teams from other PONY leagues may also be played. There is an end of season tournament. Each player receives a baseball jersey, cap, and a belt. Coaches nominate players for All-Star tryouts by age group.

- 7 inning games, unless game ends early due to run limits
- Player-pitch, NO pitching machines or coach-pitch
- 3 outs per ½ inning, no run limit per inning
- All players are in the batting order
- Leadoff and base stealing is allowed
- Balks are called after one warning per pitcher  
- Dropped 3rd strikes are a live ball (batter attempts to reach 1B before being tagged or thrown out)
- Infield fly rule is in effect
- Coach typically rotates players through multiple defensive positions during a game based on roster size and pitching rotation

Pony (Ages 13-14)
Players continue their development in the complete game of baseball. The diamond is extended to 80 feet and the pitching mound is now 54 feet from home. Note: some games may be played on a high school field with 90-foot diamond and where mound is 60.5 feet from home plate.  The regular season consists of Interlock games against teams from other PONY leagues. Each player receives a baseball jersey, cap, and a belt. Coaches nominate players for All-Star tryouts by age group.

- 7 inning games, unless game ends early due to run limits
- Player-pitch, NO pitching machines or coach-pitch
- 3 outs per ½ inning, no run limit per inning
- All players are in the batting order
- Leadoff and base stealing is allowed
- Balks are called after one warning per team  
- Dropped 3rd strikes are a live ball (batter attempts to reach 1B before being tagged or thrown out)
- Infield fly rule is in effect
- Coach typically rotates players through multiple defensive positions during a game based on roster size and pitching rotation

See NBCL Rules for the complete set of rules regarding Registration, Team Formation, League Schedule, Playing and Field Rules.