Ball hits a tree

[Dakota]

Rule: 4-1 ART. 3 . . . Ground Rules. If there are unusual conditions, such as spectators or obstacles too near the playing field, the home coach shall propose special ground rules. If sanctioned by the visiting team, these shall be in force. If the teams cannot agree, the umpires shall formulate ground rules. Ground rules shall not supersede a rules book rule.

a. The field should be clearly marked. Markings may include flags on foul poles along the foul lines past first base and third base and vertical foul-line markings on any wall that limits the outfield.

b. When a fair or foul ball fly lands near a stand or fence, Rule 7-4-11 applies. If there is a screen behind the catcher or any permanent obstruction in front of the stands, a batted ball that goes behind these becomes dead. It is recommended that no such obstruction be less than 25 feet from the diamond.

c. Wild pitches, overthrows and batted balls that go over or through a fence or into a dugout are governed by Rule 8-4-1c, 8-4-3; if the field has unusual obstructions, ground rules should attempt to be similar to this rule.

d. For special field conditions, such as a drain pipe that makes a spot where it is impossible or very difficult for a fielder to retrieve the ball, the ball should become dead if it goes to that spot, and each runner's advance should be limited to two bases.

e. For an unfenced field, a chalk or imaginary out-of-bounds line should be established to define live-ball area. If cars are parked along the out-of-play lines, umpires should consider these the same as bleachers and the ball becomes dead if it bounces into the line of cars. The umpires should anticipate such a situation and announce the ground rule in advance.

[Dakota]

It's all a matter of proper nomenclature. MLB, ASA, USSSA Fastpitch Softball, NFHS Softball, and NFHS Baseball all agree that it is properly called a ground rule, not a grounds rule. These are all of the references I have readily at-hand.

[MD Longhorn]

Seems to me we're talking about E, and not D here, and E says nothing about number of bases the ground rule must be.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Seems to me we're talking about E, and not D here, and E says nothing about number of bases the ground rule must be.

No, but thats because the rules already say what the rules are for batted/thrown/pitched/carried balls into the dead ball area.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Dakota

No, but thats because the rules already say what the rules are for batted/thrown/pitched/carried balls into the dead ball area.

Then why does E mention a ground rule at all?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Then why does E mention a ground rule at all?

My guess it is to address "non-standard" dead ball boundaries.

We had an unfenced field at a city park that the rule was "chase it until you get it" unless the ball went into a soccer goal that was in deep right field, in which case it was a dead ball and a double.