Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations 2008 NFHS Baseball Rules Changes B. Elliot Hopkins, CAA NFHS Baseball Rules Editor

Rule  The captain and head coach represent the team in communications with the umpires. The captain’s and head coach's duties can include: 1) providing the umpire-in-chief with his team's lineup card…  Rationale: The head coach is now required to be at the pregame meeting. It is the responsibility of the head coach to be at the pregame meeting to assure that his team is in compliance and will adhere to good sporting behavior.

Rule  The captain’s and head coach’s duties shall include: 1) providing the umpire-in-chief with his team's lineup card which shall include the name, shirt number, position, and batting order of each starting player. The name and shirt number of each eligible substitute should also be listed; and 2) informing all players as to...

Rule Rationale  Rationale: It is reasonable and necessary to mandate how the lineup card is properly filled out. There is no violation or penalty if the eligible substitute's name is not listed on the lineup card. However, to have a rule using the verbiage "shall" and not have rule support is not consistent with the rules book and unenforceable.

Rule  The glove/mitt worn by the pitcher that includes the colors white and/or gray shall be removed from the game upon discovery by either team and/or umpire.  Rationale: Instead of penalizing with a multi- base award. Just remove the glove and replace or rectify the situation.

Rule (Obstruction def.)  Art. 3...The fielder without possession of the ball denies access to the base the runner is attempting to achieve.  Rationale: This rule provides positive benefits to both offensive and defensive teams by minimizing risk.

Rule Considerations  There are 3 situations to consider: (A) Fielder in the base path with the ball in possession, (B) Fielder in the base path without the ball, but the ball is in motion and a play is probable, (C) Fielder in the base path without the ball, and the ball is in motion but a play on the runner is not probable.

Rule Considerations (cont.)  In the past, situations A & B allowed the fielder to block the base legally; situation C was obstruction if the fielder hindered the runner or changed the pattern of play.  With this rule change: A – Fielder can legally block the base B – Fielder can be in the base path, but must provide the runner some access to the base C – Obstruction if the fielder hinders the runner or changes the pattern of play.

Rule Considerations (cont.)  The only change is that now a fielder without the ball, but with the ball in motion and a play on the runner is probable cannot block the base; he must allow the runner some access to the base.  Access is umpire judgment. Must have some portion of the base/plate that the runner could reach.  Committee considered “ball in glove” standard, but felt it was problematic, while it solved one problem, it created others.

Rule  One player or coach may occupy each coach’s box while his team is at bat…  Rationale: The old rule was rescinded. This rule is difficult to enforce due to the fact that the umpire does not normally focus on the coach in the box. This was the 2006 rule reinstituted.

Rule  Art.4…The head coach must attend the pregame conference, if available. PENALTY: The head coach will be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game, except to attend to a sick or injured player, if he refuses to attend the pregame conference.  Rationale: This will provide umpires rule book support for occurrences that have previously happened in the field.

Rule Penalty  For infraction (e), a ball shall be awarded each time a pitcher violates this rule and subsequently engages the pitching plate.  Rationale: Editorial

Rule Penalty Clarification  To clarify the confusion from last year’s change: Pitcher who has engaged the pitcher’s plate and goes to his mouth has committed a balk. It is legal for a pitcher to go to his mouth (anywhere off the pitcher’s plate) and distinctly wipe it off prior to legally engage the pitcher’s plate.

Rule Penalty Clarification (cont.) Pitcher who goes to his mouth and then touches the ball without distinctly wiping it off may request a new ball to be legal, provided he has not yet engaged the pitcher’s plate. (Pitcher’s Remorse) Pitcher who goes to his mouth, touches the ball without wiping it off and then engages the pitcher’s plate will have a ball added to the count (with runners on base or bases empty).

Rule 6-2-4c  Removing article “e” from the rule reference, 6-2-1a-e to a-d.  Rationale: Editorial

Rule  When a runner is obstructed (2-22) while advancing or returning to a base the umpire shall award…  Rationale: Editorial

Rule  …Umpires shall wear heather gray slacks, and navy pullover shirt or state association-adopted shirt.  Rationale: Clarification

Points of Emphasis

Batters hit by pitch  Prohibited by rule from moving into the pitch  Sticking out elbows and knees  Rule requires batter to attempt to avoid the pitch

Obstruction  Fielders, particularly catchers and first basemen, are not allowed to deny access to the base without possession of the ball.  Plays where the ball, fielder and runner all converge at the same point – the “train wreck” – are a part of the game. If the fielder’s action while not in possession of the ball denies the runner access to the base, obstruction should be called.

Obstruction (cont.)  However, if both players are doing what is expected – the fielder is going for the ball at the same moment the runner is going for the base – it is possible that no rule has been violated.  Umpires must be aware that collisions might include malicious contact (by the offense or defense) and those penalties supersede the penalties for obstruction.

Coaches Professionalism  Emphasis on good sporting behavior  Proper interaction with officials  Attending pregame conference  Model ethical and appropriate behavior  Controlling their dugout

Team Personnel location  Coaches on buckets  Illegally extending dugouts (toward home plate)  Players leaving dugout during live ball

Pitching Requirements  The starting position of the non-pivot foot determines whether the pitcher is going to pitch from the windup or set position.  Pitchers in the windup position are required to have their non-pivot foot in any position on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate.

Pitching Requirements (cont.)  If a pitcher’s non-pivot foot is in front of that line and he attempts to pitch from the windup, he has made an illegal pitch or committed a balk.  Umpires must be aware of the position of the non-pivot foot.  A complete and discernable stop includes not lifting the non-pivot foot before the glove has come to a stop.

NON-ADULT BAT/BALL SHAGGERS  Helmets meet NOCSAE standards  Dual earflaps  Proper fit  Violation would warrant a warning to the head coach.  Subsequent violation may result in individual not being allowed on the field.

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.)

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

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

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.

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.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Thank you and have a great season!