NF 2012 Rules Changes

[JRutledge]

2012 NF Baseball Rules

I am actually surprised this was not posted previously. Here it goes.

Peace

[Eastshire]

While I think it's nice for the umpires to not have to examine equipment before the game anymore, there's no question in my mind this reduces player safety. I've had to disqualify more cracked batting helmets than I can remember including helmets for the same team on separate occasions.

In my experience, coaches can't be trusted with this responsibility.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

While I think it's nice for the umpires to not have to examine equipment before the game anymore, there's no question in my mind this reduces player safety. I've had to disqualify more cracked batting helmets than I can remember including helmets for the same team on separate occasions.

In my experience, coaches can't be trusted with this responsibility.

If they cannot be trusted, then they do not need to be working for a school. We should not have to be worried about something before the game. We do not go around and check all equipment in football and that is a much more violent sport. Of course if we spot check things, but we do not go over to every kid with a (football) helmet and see if they have a sticker or if everyone has a mouthpiece. This was always silly and not done properly by many either. Put this on the coaches. And a bat was not always about safety, it was about legality. If they bring in an illegal bat, then it should be noticed or pointed out during the game and the appropriate penalty should occur.

Peace

[Rich]

I'm thrilled. Now we can enter the field at the end of infield, go right to the plate, have the plate meeting, anthem, and go.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I'm thrilled. Now we can enter the field at the end of infield, go right to the plate, have the plate meeting, anthem, and go.

+1

Peace

[rcaverly]

I am pleased that NFHS made the rule change. I am anxious to see it in the book with some accompanying case plays. The devil will be found in the details. It's still the NFHS, after all.

After playing and supposedly having crews checking equipment during 30-some regular and post-season games this year, plus 30-or-so more games in summer-ball played under the NFHS code, I still found an illegal bat at last night’s game, plus a cracked helmet (same team...go figure.)

The team’s summertime coach was surprised.

I would like to see an automatic ejection of the head coach as the penalty for discovering that his team used illegal equipment during a game after having declared at the pre-game conference that his team's, "... players are legally and properly equipped."

Yeah, like that'll ever happen.

[Eastshire]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If they cannot be trusted, then they do not need to be working for a school. We should not have to be worried about something before the game. We do not go around and check all equipment in football and that is a much more violent sport. Of course if we spot check things, but we do not go over to every kid with a (football) helmet and see if they have a sticker or if everyone has a mouthpiece. This was always silly and not done properly by many either. Put this on the coaches. And a bat was not always about safety, it was about legality. If they bring in an illegal bat, then it should be noticed or pointed out during the game and the appropriate penalty should occur.

Peace

I agree, but they don't let me make the hiring decisions for the coaches. Hopefully, they will step up to their responsibilities, but somehow I doubt it.

I do agree that it should be the coach's responsibility; I've just seen a lot of irresponsible coaches.

[johnnyg08]

I love the fact that we no longer have to roam the dugouts. Excellent rule change. Time for the coaches to be held accountable.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

While I think it's nice for the umpires to not have to examine equipment before the game anymore, there's no question in my mind this reduces player safety. I've had to disqualify more cracked batting helmets than I can remember including helmets for the same team on separate occasions.

In my experience, coaches can't be trusted with this responsibility.

Not. My. Problem.

I'm not getting all weepy about player safety. It's about time coaches are left with this responsibility. I'm just thrilled I'll never have to go into another dugout.

[etn_ump]

Fortunately, I didn't have to go into dugouts anyway. I always had the equipment to be used during the game brought outside of the dugouts.

Umpires have NO business in dugouts.

I too love the new rule.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

While I think it's nice for the umpires to not have to examine equipment before the game anymore, there's no question in my mind this reduces player safety. I've had to disqualify more cracked batting helmets than I can remember including helmets for the same team on separate occasions.

In my experience, coaches can't be trusted with this responsibility.

Funny, NCAA Made this change a couple of years ago and there were no worries about not trusting coaches.

All I know is, it's about time! Thank you NHFS!

[IowaMike]

Very glad to see an end to equipment checks; I agree that should be the responsibility of the head coach.

[TwoBits]

Like the end to equipment checks as well. I'll just need to remember to add the question, "Is all equipment in accordance to NFHS rules" to my pregame meeting.

I am a little concerned about the announcement of developing a "tamper-evident protocol" for non-wood bats and have it implemented by 2015. 2012 is bringing in full BBCOR compliance, and this just sounds like a new compliance is heading our way in just three short years.

[Tim C]

Actually on the ABUA website I asked:

"If you could change ONE NFHS Rule what would it be?"

The big winner was "no more checking hats and bats!"

I made the post as a little hint to what was coming down the line.

T

[MikeStrybel]

The new rule change states,

"Prior to the start of each game, each head coach must now verify to the umpire in-chief that all participants are legally equipped and equipment is in accordance with NFHS rules."

I could have sworn that we already ask this of them, at least around here, we do.
Further -

"In addition, umpires no longer will be required to perform pregame equipment checks, as that responsibility will fall to coaches beginning next year."

However -

"Coaches can still ask umpires at the pregame conference to confirm that equipment is compliant."

IOW - "I don't know Blue, go check them and see for yourself. I told them at the beginning of the season but don't do equipment checks each game."

Other rules changes approved by the committee include:

Rule 6-2-2c Note: The starting pitcher may warm up by using no more than eight throws, completed in one minute (timed from the first throw). This rule applies to relief pitchers as well. At the beginning of each subsequent inning, the pitcher may warm up with no more than five throws, completed in one minute.

It looks like they are moving towards the game clock rule that is used by the NCAA. The one minute rule was always encouraged but making it a point of emphasis for 2012 suggests that they want a ball called as penalty for non-compliance, no allowances made. Hmmm?