[IRISHMAFIA]

2006 Rule Changes

RULE 1:

FOUL TIP: A batted ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s hand(s) ro glove/mitt and is legally caught by the catcher. Comment: Eliminates the “not higher than the batter’s head.

PARTICIPANT: A participant is a starting player, substitute, manager, coach or other team representative located in the dugout, team area or field of play.

ON-DECK CIRCLE: The area nearest their dugout in which the next batter of the offensive team is restricted to before the release of the pitch.

LEGAL TAG: The act of a defensive player in:
A) Touching a base with any part of the body while holding the ball securely and firmly in the hand or glove, or
B)Touching a runner or batter-runner with the ball while securely held in the hand or glove.

EXTRA PLAYER (EP): An optional player(s) in slow pitch.

FLEX: The player who is initially listed in the 10th spot on the line-up card, may play any defensive position, and may enter the game on offense only in the Designated Player’s (DP) batting position.

MANAGER: The team representative that must have control of their team at all times on and off the field.

COACH: A person who occupies the coach’s box and/or assists in the direction of their team representatives on the field.

COACH’S BOX: The area in which the two base coaches (one per box) are restricted to prior to the release of the pitch.

DESIGNATED PLAYER (DP): The player who is initially on the line-up card in the team’s batting order, but not in the defensive line-up.

TRAPPEDBALL. Remove definition.

BASE ON BALLS: Remove the words “without the liability ot be put out and is awarded to a batter by the umpire.” Should read “A base on balls permits a batter to gain first base when four pitches are judged by the umpire to be out of the strike zone.” Comment: As of yet, the NUS is debating the official interpretation on whether a BR can be called out for interference if there is no play at first and is hit by a thrown ball outside the 3’ lane when applicable.

FOUL BALL: Delete the reference: “not higher than the batter’s head.” Would now read: “Goes directly from the bat to any part of the catcher’s body or equipment and is caught by another fielder. Comment: A batter ball “fair or foul” should not be judged by the height of the batter’s head.

RULE 2

(FP) Change the fence distance for Men’s FP to 250’ minimum to 275 maximum.

Change pitching distance for 18-Under GOLD Fast Pitch Division to 43’

Add fence distances:
Women’s Modified – 275’ max
Womens’ 16” SP – 250’ max
Men’s 16” SP – 300’ max

Change batter’s box for 16” SP to 4’ X 8’

Glove or Mitt may be worn by all defensive players.

Delete the restriction on numbers involving “0” when the first number on player jersey. IOW, 3 and 03 or 0 and 00 are two different numbers.

DISQUALIFIED OR EJECTED PARTICIPANT.
A. 1. A disqualified player is prohibited from playing, but can remain in the dugout or serve as a coach/manager.
2. An ejected participant must leave the grounds and cannot have contact with the umpires or participants in the game.
EFFECT: Game is forfeited.

Men’s SP homerun:

1) Eight (8) Men’s Class A;
2) Four (4) Men’s A Ind, Class B Major Coed & Church;
3) Two (2) Men’s Class C, Class A Coed, Masters
35over, Masters A and Major 40over, Master’s A &
Major45over
4) None (0) Men’s Class D

TIME LIMIT RULE:
Delete the exception of when there is no time limit for the Girl’s 10U div.

Change 6.1.D to read: “The pitcher must not simulate a legal pitch while not in contact with the pitcher’s plate.”

16” SP: The pitcher shall not attempt a pick-off after the second hesitation.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and an illegal pitcher shall be called.

(MP) Add restrictions:
1) Nine man major, the pivot foot must be dragged and not lose contact with the ground.

When a pitched ball, in the umpire’s judgement, is prevented from entering the strike zone by any actions of the batter other than hitting the ball. EFFECT: Dead ball, strike.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE:

“Whenever a play is being made on a batter-runner advancing to first base,” COMMENT: Requires the BR to use colored portion of 1B any time there is a play being made at that base, not just when the play is made by an infielder.

After over-running 1B, the runner may now return to either portion of the base.
Anytime a runner is returning to 1B, s/he may use either portion of the base.
When tagging up on a fly ball, the runner may start on either portion of the base.
COMMENT: With the exception of a BR touching 1B when a play is being made on said BR at 1B, the runner may use either portion of the base.