At our last couple of games, our opponents seem to have favored using our on deck circle to bat instead of their own.

There doesn't appear to be an NFHS rule saying you have to use your own circle, but seeing how much the NFHS emphasizes sportsmanship, I am a bit surpised since this could have a potential for some trash talk if the game was ugly or involved bitter rivals. Fortunately for our games, everyone's behaved themselves :) )

Is this a frequent occurrance, or am I being too over-territorial? ;)

Let me guess - your on-deck circle is "behind" the batter. Some think it is safer to have the on deck positioned here - less chance of getting nailed with a foul ball.

As you have pointed out - more chance for trash talk.

The definition of On-Deck Batter in 2-5-3 "The on-deck batter is a player of the offensive team at bat who is entitled to occupy the on-deck circle closest to her dugout." Doesn't sound like there is any exception.

Here is the answer you are looking for. Got this from WMB when asking a simular question.......

NFHS 3.6 Bench & Field Conduct Art 6.Note:"A single on-deck batter shall remain in her team's on-deck circle while the opposing pitcher is warming up."

This is something I watch closely, especially at the sub-varsity level. The lead-off batter wants to wander up to or close to the plate before warm-ups are completed. For their safety (and your legal protection) they should not be there. Send them back to the circle. Also send the current batter back to the on-deck circle when the defense changes pitchers.

Another issue that I am having this year is with fields having on-deck circles chalked at the end of the dugout closest to the plate. That is simply too close to home plate. In two of three games I am wiping out the circles and having the coaches draw new circles at the far end of the dugout. NFHS recommends a distance of at least 30' from the batters box.

WMB

AFA utilizes it, and it is considered a safety issue.
Since most of the gals around here play AFA, they try to
utilize the same procedure in NFHS. We discussed it at
our pre-season umpires/coaches meeting and decided
against using the 'behind" the batter technique during
NFHS since that is their ruling.

At least I know the rule now. :)

Incidentally, at our game today, some of the opposing team's batters used our on deck circle. Late in the game, one of the players who came over actaully apologized to our head coach since she knew not everyone likes it when that happens. :D

I can't speculate as to why on deck batters aren't directed to stay in their own circles when this happens, unless the blues are trying to avoid being perceived as booger pickers (or as I've seen on the other board, an OOO).

<FONT SIZE=1>As a sidebar, I had to be Varisty 1B coach today and we actually got win #1 today.</FONT>

Congrats on both points Stat-Man!!!