Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of High Schools NFHS 2007 BASEBALL RULES

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools COMMEMORATIVE OR MEMORIAL PATCH (1-4-4)  By state association adoption  Special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches  Uniformly placed  Not to exceed 4 square inches  Worn on jerseys in appropriate and dignified manner

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools COACH’S BOX REGULATIONS (3-2-1)  Coach or player occupying the coach’s’ box  Shall remain from the time the batter enters the batter’s box until the pitcher releases the ball  If requested by the opposing coach, both teams must comply with the rule.  One foot, limb, mobility device implement would satisfy compliance.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools COACH’S BOX REGULATIONS (3-2-1)  Coach is considered to be in the box if he is farther away from the foul line but still within the parameters of the box.  If no lines exist, address it with game management and use best judgment to determine any violation.  Do not forfeit the game if the lines are not displayed.  Regardless of who violates the rule (player or coach) at the end of playing action, the head coach will be restricted to the bench/dugout.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools PROTECTING PLAYERS (3-3-4)  Another team member with a glove must be positioned between team members who are loosening up in an area not protected by a a fence or other structure and the batter to protect them from a batted or thrown ball within the confines of the playing field.  It would be prudent if the protector wears a properly fitted NOCSAE helmet.  If no protector is available, then the pitcher and catcher cannot warm-up inside the confines of the field.  No one is to interfere with a live ball.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools RETURNING TO NINE PLAYERS (4-4-1f note 2)  Any team reduced to eight players may return to nine players if an eligible substitute becomes available. It can be the person who has withdrawn with available re-entry or another eligible substitute.  It is optional. The coach may opt to play with eight players.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools DEFENSIVE MALICIOUS CONTACT (3-3-1n, 5-1-1m, 8-3-2)  Defensive malicious contact should be identified and penalized immediately.  Most transgressions will occur with base runners and plays with runners going back to the base.  In this play, the runner is out by rule, but since the defense applied an unnecessarily hard tag, he is also penalized.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools DEFENSIVE MALICIOUS CONTACT (3-3-1n, 5-1-1m, 8-3-2)  In this play, the defender is guilty of obstruction and malicious contact.  Both violations will be penalized.  The malicious contact portion of the play renders the ball dead immediately and the defender is ejected from the game.  The runner(s) would be awarded bases at the umpire’s discretion.  For the obstruction part of the play there is a minimum one base award, so he would be awarded home.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools PITCHING REGULATIONS (6-2-1e)  The penalty for the pitcher going to his mouth while in contact with the pitcher’s plate was modified from an illegal pitch/balk to a ball being assessed to the batter’s count.  The ball is dead immediately.  A ball is assessed to the batter’s count regardless of whether anyone was on base or not.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools UMPIRE’S PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (10-2-1)  The plate umpire must wear the listed protective equipment.  Umpires can wear “skull caps” under their traditional face mask.  In addition, they may also wear hockey-style face mask.  The throat guard may be an extension of mask or a separate piece attached.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools SIGNAL CHART CHANGE “PLAY!”  Using the pointing signal with the forefinger of the right hand is more commonly used than the beckoning signal.  This will be used to start a game or after a ball was declared dead.  The requirements to make a dead ball live still exist. The ball is held by the pitcher in a legal pitching position, provided the pitcher has engaged the pitcher’s plate, the batter and the catcher are in their respective boxes, and the umpire calls “Play!” and gives the appropriate signal.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools FACE PROTECTION  Per Rule 1-5-2, a face mask/guard may be attached to batting helmets at the time they are manufactured.  All face masks/guards shall meet the NOCSAE standard.  They will have a NOCSAE stamp on the helmet.  Shields are not approved for use on batting helmets.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools NON-ADULT BAT/BALL SHAGGERS  Helmets meet NOCSAE standards  Properly fit  Violation would warrant a warning to the head coach.  Subsequent violation may result in individual not being allowed on the field.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools MALICIOUS VS. INCIDENTAL CONTACT  Topic is not new.  The new modifications in Rules 3,5, 8 and the Dead Ball Table and the Baserunning Awards Table have been created to emphasize the importance of malicious contact.  It is the judgment of the umpire to determine if a collision is of a malicious nature.  Not all contact is malicious, some is incidental.

National Federation of High Schools Point of Emphasis for Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions Action Plan If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps: 1.Remove athlete from play. 2.Ensure athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself. 3.Inform athlete’s parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion. 4.Allow the athlete to return to play only with permission from an appropriate health care professional. (Information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

National Federation of High Schools Point of Emphasis for Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions Signs and Symptoms These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred. Symptoms Reported by Athlete Headache Nausea Balance problems or dizziness Double vision or fuzzy vision Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish Feeling foggy or groggy Concentration or memory problems Confusion

National Federation of High Schools Signs Observed by Coaching Staff Appears dazed or stunned Is confused about assignment Forgets plays Is unsure of game, score or opponent Moves clumsily Point of Emphasis for Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions Signs and Symptoms These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred. Answers questions slowly Loses consciousness Shows behavior or personality changes Can’t recall events prior to hit Can’t recall events after hit

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools UMPIRE’S PROFESSIONALISM  Umpires are part of the educational process of interscholastic athletics.  Umpires have the responsibility to enforce the rules in a consistent manner.  They provide a level playing field for the students and an environment for the coaches to teach.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools GAME MANAGEMENT  All lines should be placed on the playing field to designate fair-ball territory and other proper boundaries.  Special attention should be given to the maintenance and height of the pitcher’s mound.

National Federation of High Schools

National Federation of High Schools GOOD SPORTING BEHAVIOR  Umpires and coaches need to work together for the benefit of the students they officiate and teach.  Game situations provide coaches and officials excellent “teachable moments” to reinforce proper behavior and perspective.  The positive values that are learned will serve the students long after their high school careers have ended.

National Federation of High Schools 2007 NFHS BASEBALL RULES Thank you very much. HAVE A GREAT BASEBALL SEASON!