NFHS Confines of the Field

[WestMichBlue]

10.1.2 states that umpire jurisdiction begins upon the arrival of one umpire within the confines of the field and ends when the umpires leave the playing field at the conclusion of the game.

So what is "confines of the field?" Walking across the parking lot? By the bleachers? Or only when you walk through the fence? And is confines of the field different than the playing field?

1.7.3 states that any non-adult warming up a pitcher at any location within the confines of the field shall wear a mask and throat protector.

Once again - is that just inside the fence? Can the girls warm up a pitcher behind the dugout without a mask?


ASA is slightly different. 3.5.C states than any player warming up a pitcher must wear a mask (no locations listed).

But 10.1.B states that umpire jurisdiction begins when entering the field to check bats and ends when leaving the field. So if your jurisdiction is limited to inside the fence, can you enforce rule 3.5.C if the players are outside the fence?

WMB

[JEL]

But 10.1.B states that umpire jurisdiction begins when entering the field to check bats and ends when leaving the field. So if your jurisdiction is limited to inside the fence, can you enforce rule 3.5.C if the players are outside the fence?

WMB


We of course have been told to do so by our UIC, and also our state director (GHSA). Although it has never been a problem, it could become one if a coach/player states something to the effect, I'm not on the field, you have no authority over me here. I seriously doubt it would happen, but if it does the coach must be informed, then the "game manager", and a game report is to be sent to GHSA, and they will take care of it.

I may not have any authority in the parking lot, or cages, but GHSA does!

[whiskers_ump]

I agree with JEL, and that is the way we handled it here.
Non-adult warming a pitcher, must wear the mask. Coaches
have always readily accepted this and when asked catchers
have complied with the request. No real problems in that
area. I think by now that they all realize that it is a
safety issue.

[JEL]

Again, at least in my part of the world, coaches and players on the HS level seem to have respect for the rules and the officials. If an official asks that a catcher have the proper equipment while warming up a pitcher, (mask, cup for BB etc.) there is usually no arguement. I would not stop a game, or eject a player or coach who would not abide by the request to wear the safety equipment. I would write a game report though, but the players and coaches know what is expected and usually police themselves.

Being a former BB catcher, I wouldnt attempt to warm up a BB, or SB hurler without proper equipment. Most players think the same way, and wear what is required.