New NFHS Baseball Rules

[Tim C]

Baseball Rules Committee at its June 3-5 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The new note in Rule 1-3-2 is as follows: “The NFHS has been advised that certain manufacturers consider alteration, modification and ‘doctoring’ of their bats to be unlawful and subject to civil and, under certain circumstances, criminal action.”

“Not only is it a violation of NFHS baseball rules to alter a non-wood bat, this new language emphasizes that an individual could be subjected to a civil or criminal lawsuit for tampering with a bat,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and educational services and staff liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee.

Two other changes deal with the use of new technology. Rule 3-3-1f prohibits the use of video monitoring equipment for coaching purposes during the game, and Rule 3-3-1i prohibits the use of any electronic devices in the coach’s box.

“Technology has improved to the level that mobile devices can accurately video different aspects of the game, which provides an unfair advantage to a coach by replaying the footage in the dugout during the contest,” Hopkins said. “The committee also agreed that there was no reason to have any electronic devices in the coach's box.”

The final change approved by the Baseball Rules Committee deals with the warm-up criteria for a pitcher who replaces an ejected player during an inning. If a pitcher is ejected, an incoming pitcher will be afforded the same warm-up criteria as a replacement for an injured player.

Under normal circumstances, a relief pitcher is allowed eight warm-up throws; however, the umpire may allow additional pitches because of an injury, ejection or inclement weather.

A complete listing of all rules changes approved by the committee is available on the NFHS Web site at NFHS | National Federation of State High School Associations. Click on “Athletics & Fine Arts Activities” on the home page, and select “Baseball.”

Baseball is the fourth-most popular sport for boys at the high school level, according to the 2010-11 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey, with 471,025 participants nationwide. The sport ranks third in school sponsorship with 15,863 schools sponsoring the sport.

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[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Baseball Rules Committee at its June 3-5 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The new note in Rule 1-3-2 is as follows: “The NFHS has been advised that certain manufacturers consider alteration, modification and ‘doctoring’ of their bats to be unlawful and subject to civil and, under certain circumstances, criminal action.”

“Not only is it a violation of NFHS baseball rules to alter a non-wood bat, this new language emphasizes that an individual could be subjected to a civil or criminal lawsuit for tampering with a bat,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and educational services and staff liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee.

Two other changes deal with the use of new technology. Rule 3-3-1f prohibits the use of video monitoring equipment for coaching purposes during the game, and Rule 3-3-1i prohibits the use of any electronic devices in the coach’s box.

“Technology has improved to the level that mobile devices can accurately video different aspects of the game, which provides an unfair advantage to a coach by replaying the footage in the dugout during the contest,” Hopkins said. “The committee also agreed that there was no reason to have any electronic devices in the coach's box.”

The final change approved by the Baseball Rules Committee deals with the warm-up criteria for a pitcher who replaces an ejected player during an inning. If a pitcher is ejected, an incoming pitcher will be afforded the same warm-up criteria as a replacement for an injured player.

Under normal circumstances, a relief pitcher is allowed eight warm-up throws; however, the umpire may allow additional pitches because of an injury, ejection or inclement weather.

A complete listing of all rules changes approved by the committee is available on the NFHS Web site at NFHS | National Federation of State High School Associations. Click on “Athletics & Fine Arts Activities” on the home page, and select “Baseball.”

Baseball is the fourth-most popular sport for boys at the high school level, according to the 2010-11 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey, with 471,025 participants nationwide. The sport ranks third in school sponsorship with 15,863 schools sponsoring the sport.

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Out of 22 proposed changes I am surprised these are the only ones approved. I had thought that fixing the balk rule and helmets on base coaches were sure things.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Out of 22 proposed changes I am surprised these are the only ones approved. I had thought that fixing the balk rule and helmets on base coaches were sure things.

Is there a list somewhere of all the proposed changes?

-Josh

[CT1]

Does this mean coaches can no longer use an electronic scorebook, or is this just for electronic communication devices?

[kylejt]

I wonder what constitutes an altered bat.

And now that it's unlawful, does that mean that Honig's needs to carry handcuffs?

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by CT1

Does this mean coaches can no longer use an electronic scorebook, or is this just for electronic communication devices?

What would be an example?

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

What would be an example?

A lot of teams are keeping their book on an iPad app. Don't know if that's the type of example you are looking for.

[Richvee]

Originally Posted by nopachunts

A lot of teams are keeping their book on an iPad app. Don't know if that's the type of example you are looking for.

Just keep the i-pad in the dugout and out of the coaches box.

[ozzy6900]

Thanks for the information, Tim

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by jdmara

Is there a list somewhere of all the proposed changes?

-Josh

Here they are. Note number 22. Someone wanted to bring softball rules to baseball.


1 1-3-2 Note (new) Modify: Add U. S. Federal Anti-Tampering language to the NFHS bat rule.

Rationale: Clarification and additional emphasis of the importance not to alter non-wood baseball bats.

2 1-5-1 Modify: ...It is mandatory for on-deck batters, batters, runners, retired runners, any adult or non-adult individuals in the coaches boxes as well as non-adult bat/ball shaggers, to wear a batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard. The batting helmet shall ...on the field.

Rationale: Risk minimization. Matthew Fetsch North Dakota

3 1-5-1 Modify: ...It is mandatory for on-deck batters, batters, runners, retired runners, players/students in the coaches boxes as well as non-adult bat/ball shaggers, "protectors" (3-3-4) to wear a batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard. The batting helmet shall ...on the field.

Rationale: Risk minimization. B. Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Rules Editor

4 2-25-1 Modify:...Overrunning...contact with it. For the right to overrun first base, see 8-2-7...ends a force.

Rationale: Editorial. B. Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Rules Editor

5 2-29-7
(new) Modify: Define the parameters of "a play."

Rationale: Clarification.

6 3-2-1
(new) Modify:... ART. 5…It is required that adult base coaches wear a helmet. Play will not continue until compliance with this rule is met. It is recommended that the helmet meet NOCSAE standards (1-5-1).

Rationale: Risk minimization – The NFHS is the only organization for high school aged individuals that does not have this requirement.
Matthew Fetsch North Dakota

7 3-3-1f Modify: ...f. use television monitoring, replay equipment, mobile devices, smart phones, tablet or laptop computers, for coaching purposes during the course of the game;

Rationale: Technology has improved to the level that mobile devices can accurately video different aspects of the game and provides an unfair advantage to a coach by replaying the footage in the dugout/bench during the contest. B. Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Rules Editor

8 3-3-1i Modify: ...i. have any object in his possession in the coach's box other than a stopwatch, rule book (hard copy), scorebook, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or comparable an electronic score-recording device which shall be used for scorekeeping purposes only;

Rationale: Editorial. The term and usage of PDA is archaic and no longer appropriate. B. Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Rules Editor

9 3-3-1j Modify: ...j. be outside the designated dugout (bench) or bullpen area if not a batter, runner, on-deck batter, in the coach's box unless bench personnel celebrating a home run (dead ball) as batter -runner crosses home plate or one of the nine players on defense:

Rationale: To give rule support to an interpretation that currently exists which allows this practice. Since the ball is dead on a home run, safety is not a factor in this instance. Greg Brewer Alabama

10 3-3-4 Modify:...Whenever team members are loosening up in an area which is not protected by a fence or other structure, another member of the team with a glove and a batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard must be positioned...with a live ball.

Rationale: Risk minimization. B. Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Rules Editor

11 3-4-2 Modify: ...Each team, when on offense, may be granted not more than one charged conference per inning three offensive conferences during a seven inning game in order to permit the coach or any of that team's personnel to confer with base runners, the batter, the on-deck batter or other offensive team personnel. In extra inning games, each team shall be permitted one charged offensive conference per inning. The umpire shall deny any subsequent offensive team requests for charged conferences.

Rationale: This change will speed up pace of play by limiting offensive time outs just for the sake of taking them when an defensive team gets two quick outs in an inning. Bob Leader Virginia


12 Dead Ball and Delayed Dead Ball Table
Number 23 Modify: ... Batter is out. Coach is restricted to the dugout/bench upon first offense, then ejected after second offense.

Rationale: Editorial. To reflect current rules. Mark Anderegg Oregon

13 5-1-1k Modify: a balk or an illegal pitch is committed; or

Rationale: Article is moved from 5-1-1 to 5-1-2. Mark Smith
New Mexico

14 5-1-2h (new) Modify:...ART 2...It is a delayed dead ball when:
h. a balk is committed with the offensive team having the option of taking the result of the balk or the result of the play should the batter get a base hit or home run;

Rationale: In every baseball program, with the exception of NFHS and those few programs using NFHS rules, a balk is a delayed dead ball. Second, the offensive team should not be penalized for a pitcher’s actions. If a pitcher balks and the ball is still delivered to the plate, the offensive team should be able to take the result of the pitch or the balk, whichever is more advantageous to them. Mark Smith New Mexico

15 6-1-1 Modify:...The pitcher shall pitch...the pitcher's plate. The pitching regulations begin when he intentionally contacts the pitcher's plate. He shall use the same pitching sequence/mechanic for every pitch to insure that the pitching motion is consistent. The pitching requirements...but not both.

Rationale: By the pitcher changing his motion to give the appearance of a quick pitch during critical stages of the game is an illegal deception. He would be allowed to throw overhand and then throw side-arm but the initial pitching motion should be identical. Roger Barr Iowa

16 6-1-3 Modify:...For the set position...in one continuous motion. He shall come to a complete and discernible stop (a change of direction is not considered an acceptable stop) with the ball in both hands in front of the body with the end of the fingers of his glove at or below the chin and his glove at or below his chin.

Rationale: Some umpires interpret this to say what was stated above and some umpires interpret the current rule as the ball is in both hands in front of his body and his glove at or below his chin. This to some umpires means the ball is in the palm of the glove and the fingers in some cases could be hiding a good portion of the pitcher's face. Roger Barr Iowa

17 6-2-2c Exc. Modify:... The starting pitchers may...or inclement weather. In either case, the umpire-in-chief may authorize more throws because of an injury, ejection, or inclement weather.

Rationale: If a pitcher is ejected, an incoming pitcher should be afforded the same warm-up criteria as he would if replacing an injured pitcher. Ken Allan, NFHS Baseball Committee

18 7-3-4 Modify:... ART. 4…Permit a pitched ball to touch him by intentionally moving or rolling any part of the body into the pitch.
PENALTY: The batter remains at bat (pitch is a ball or strike) unless pitch was a third strike or ball four. NOTE: If the batter freezes and is hit by a pitch that is clearly inside the vertical lines of the batter’s box, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded first base.

Rationale: The additional wording and NOTE add clarity to the intent of the existing rule and make this common situation easier to interpret for everyone involved (officials, coaches, and student-athletes).
Matthew Fetsch North Dakota

19 8-1-1b Modify: ...b. If third strike is caught by the catcher....a runner.

Rationale: Editorial. B. Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Rules Editor

20 8-2 Penalty Modify: ...or (4) on the last play of the game, an appeal can be made until the umpire(s) leave the field of play.

Rationale: Editorial. B. Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Rules Editor

21 8-3-2 Modify: Art. 2... When a runner is obstructed (2-22) while advancing or returning to a base, the umpire shall award the obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction the bases they would have reached, in his opinion, had there been no obstruction. If the runner achieves the base he was attempting to acquire, then the obstruction is ignored. The obstructed runner is awarded a minimum of one base beyond his position on base when the obstruction occurred. If any preceding runner is forced to advance by the awarding of a base or bases to an obstructed runner, the umpire shall award this preceding runner the necessary base or bases. When a runner is obstructed while advancing or returning to a base, the umpire shall award the obstructed runner a minimum of one base beyond his position on base when the obstruction occurred. The umpire may award the obstructed runner and each other runner(s) any additional bases that would nullify the obstruction. Malicious contact...make the award.

Rationale: To clarify that an obstructed runner or runners must be awarded a minimum of one base past their position when the obstruction occurred. Ken Allan, NFHS Baseball Committee

22 8-4-1l (new) Modify:...l. After a fair batted or bunted ball he steps back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder. The batter-runner is out and the ball remains live.

Rationale: By not having a batter-runner retreat rule we allow the offense to have an advantage over the defense. The lack of the rule enables a batter-runner to run toward first base, stop, and then run backward toward home plate in order to create a near run-down situation, confusing the defensive players and prohibiting them from tagging the batter-runner and making a subsequent play on another advancing runner. I have no problem with a batter-runner stopping halfway up the line to allow a defender to tag him, but retreating to delay the inevitable gives the offense too much leeway. Jim Angele Nebraska

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Here they are. Note number 22. Someone

22 8-4-1l (new) Modify:...l. After a fair batted or bunted ball he steps back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder. The batter-runner is out and the ball remains live.

Rationale: By not having a batter-runner retreat rule we allow the offense to have an advantage over the defense. The lack of the rule enables a batter-runner to run toward first base, stop, and then run backward toward home plate in order to create a near run-down situation, confusing the defensive players and prohibiting them from tagging the batter-runner and making a subsequent play on another advancing runner. I have no problem with a batter-runner stopping halfway up the line to allow a defender to tag him, but retreating to delay the inevitable gives the offense too much leeway. Jim Angele Nebraska

Or you could just teach the kids the rule. Personally I like the rule.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Or you could just teach the kids the rule. Personally I like the rule.

I hope the guy that wants to change the balk rule realizes that his change is not the OBR rule.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by umpjim

I hope the guy that wants to change the balk rule realizes that his change is not the OBR rule.

I hope that's the reason it failed. It would just have served to confirm a myth in the minds of many coaches.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by umpjim

I hope the guy that wants to change the balk rule realizes that his change is not the OBR rule.

He likely doesn't, nor to many umpires.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

He likely doesn't, nor to many umpires.

Are the committee members coaches or umpires?