Next year

kman · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 24, 2001, 06:27pm

Next year will be my first year doing bronco/ colt league
For the last two years i have done LL. If you have any advice it would be much appreciated!!

#2 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 24, 2001, 11:14pm

Over the off season get a copy of "The Sporting News Rules" otherwise known as OBR, it's what Pony uses. An old copy will be fine so ask your local league if they have last year's. Although LL is OBR based it has many little proprietary quirks. 7.13, special pinch runner, and IL pitches will all go away.
Good luck and have fun.

bluezebra · #3 (**permalink**) Tue Sep 25, 2001, 02:40am

Try this site:

http://baseball-almanac.com/rulemenu.shtml

Bob

Rich Ives · #4 (**permalink**) Tue Sep 25, 2001, 08:31am

You should also go to http://www.pony.org to see thier modifications to OBR - and they vary by level (colt, bronvco, etc.)

PeteBooth · #5 (**permalink**) Tue Sep 25, 2001, 02:24pm

Originally posted by kman

Next year will be my first year doing bronco/ colt league For the last two years i have done LL. If you have any advice it would be much appreciated!!

The others have given you the various links on where to get info on the rules. Obviously knowing the rules of the league you umpire in is very important.

I will try and give a different view. You are going to a new league.

A. Do you know the coaches? How's their demeanor?
B. What about the Parents / Fans?
C. Does the BOD of this league support the men / women in Blue?

Before, I umpire a league for the first time, I try and do some inquiries into the program. Also, if possible I try and see some of the games to get an idea on the talent level?

The question I have is why are you going to Colt / Bronco?

Is it for the pay?
Is the league closer to home for travel purposes?
Better brand of ball?

Good Luck!

Pete Booth

GarthB · #6 (**permalink**) Tue Sep 25, 2001, 02:41pm

Congratulations. In most areas I have lived PONY based baseball is more competitive than LL. It plays to the OBR with fewer exceptions than LL as well.

You probably won't notice much difference at the Mustang (9-10)level, but Bronco (11-12), Pony (13-14) and Colt(15-16) will be a refreshing change.

In my area, some of the Colt teams have played together since they were in the Mustang division and really know the game.

The BOD is very supportive of the umpires and all coaches are required to attend a rules and game management clinic put on by the umpires prior to the season.

Good Luck.