2008 Rules Meeting Rules Meeting

RULES MEETING ATTENDANCE  HEAD COACHESmust  HEAD COACHES must now attend a rules meeting every year.  If don’t attend will have the opportunity to take the same rules test as umpires  80% to pass  No meeting or no test = censure and fine  Second offense = cannot coach in the post season

COACHES... 1.Pick up your “Code” sheet after the meeting. 2.Logon to 3.Click on the verify rules meeting. link on the front page. 4.Enter your code. April 7th 5.Deadline is April 7th

CHANGES IN OFFICIALS PROGRAM Opportunity to take On – Line Rules Meeting this year! Promotional Levels & Training Clinics in the future.

RATING OF UMPIRES  Umpires must enter schedule! (Varsity Only)  Coaches please complete ratings on a regular basis  Be Fair, honest and objective  Ratings are important to umpires and are very helpful for the state selection process

New for 2008 !! OFFICIALS RATING SCHOOLS Officials must enter schedule Go on-line after game in order to rate: Home team, coaches & fans Visiting team, coaches & fans Home team game personnel Home team site management

RATING PROCEDURE  In order to rate schools, go to the MSHSL web site:  Once on the sight under the Officials/Judges heading, select “Officials Corner.”  Log into the corner using your official ID and password.

Spectators, Participants and Coaches : Excellent (5) - Sportsmanship and behavior were exemplary - absolutely no problems. This was an exceptional officiating experience. Good (4) - Overall sportsmanship and behavior was very good. This was a pleasurable officiating experience. Acceptable (3) - Sportsmanship and behavior was generally good. There were some minor problems. This was an average officiating experience Needs Improvement (2) - There were several problems with sportsmanship and/or behavior. Improvement is needed. This was a disappointing officiating experience. Unacceptable (1) - Sportsmanship and/or behavior was poor - there were issues that must be addressed. An MSHSL Incident Report Form has been filed. This was not an enjoyable officiating experience. N/A - Not applicable

Site Management and Game Personnel: Excellent (5) -- Welcomed by school staff, facilities for officials available and prepared, site management available & helpful throughout the contest. Game personnel well- prepared and knowledgeable; good communication. Good (4) - Greeted by school staff, facilities for officials available, site management available when needed. Game personnel knowledgeable and cooperative. Acceptable (3) - Greeted upon arrival, facilities available, but not prepared, site management present most of the time. Game personnel acceptable. Needs Improvement (2) - Not greeted, facilities not prepared, site management not available or helpful. Game personnel not prepared - led to minor problems. Unacceptable (1) - Not greeted, no facilities available, no site manager. Game personnel not prepared or available - problems with game personnel. NA - Not Applicable

COACHES RESPONSIBILITY  Coaches – you are reminded that it is your responsibility to make sure to enforce the rule in regard to ejections.  If you, a player or another coach is ejected from a contest -- for any reason – that person is suspended from the next game at that level, and any other contest in between.  Failure to do so = the use of an ineligible player, which means the game is a forfeit.

WORKING TOGETHER!  Umpires and coaches must work together to ensure the best sportsmanship possible  Understand each other’s role  You are both there for the same reason – provide the best possible experience for the student athletes!

COACHES 1) Work extremely hard to prepare – Every game is big! 2) Pressure of winning 3) They care about their kids! 4) Games can be emotional 5) Give their best for kids

UMPIRES 1) Also work very hard to prepare 2) Their job is to: -- enforce the rules of the game fairly -- enforce sportsmanship rules -- manage the game 3) They also do their very best for the kids!

UMPIRES ARE A KEY TO SPORTSMANSHIP!  You are expected to enforce rules regarding behavior and sportsmanship Players and Coaches!  Use the tools that you have – warn and then act if necessary  Players & coaches will respond  A huge part of educational athletics is to teach citizenship & sportsmanship

COACHES ARE A KEY TO SPORTSMANSHIP  Be the role model for your players and fans  Set high expectations for your players, and force them to meet those expectations  Know the rules!  Work with umpires – with RESPECT!

 Rawlings is Proud to be the Official Baseball of the Minnesota State High School League.

R100HSNF

2008 NFHS Baseball Rules Changes 2008 RULE CHANGES

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 pre-game meeting. It is the responsibility of the head coach to be at the pre-game meeting to verify that his team is properly equipped 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;

Rule  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.

Rule Obstruction  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  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 (continued)  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 now he 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 (continued)  This change clarifies that 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.

Rule  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.  We are back to the 2006 rule

Rule  Art.4… the head coach must attend the pre- game 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.  Rationale: This will provide umpires rule book support for occurrences that have previously happened in the field.

Example  Head Coach of Team A is caught in traffic & a) notifies his assistant that he will be 30 minutes late; or b) does not notify anyone at the site. Ruling: In a & b the Assistant Coach may represent the team at the pre-game conference. The Head Coach is not penalized.

Example  The Head Coach of A is a) on the bus attending to an injured player; b) in the bullpen supervising his pitcher’s warm-up; or c) finishing field preparations. In both b & c he refuses to the request of the Umpire-in- chief to attend the pre-game conference, and instead sends the Assistant Coach to the conference.  Ruling: In a) the Head Coach is excused – no restrictions. In (b) & (c) the head coach is restricted to the dugout for the entire game.

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 (or illegal pitch) 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  For each infraction of this last example (not wiping off after going to the mouth) a ball shall be awarded.  Note: This is not a balk – always an illegal pitch – award a ball to the batter.

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 goes to his mouth, touches the ball without wiping it off and then engages the pitcher’s plate. Ball is added to the count (with runners on base or bases empty). This is an Illegal pitch.

Rule  …Umpires shall wear heather gray slacks, and navy pullover shirt  Umpires may wear a long sleeve navy pullover  Both umpires should be dressed the same.

2008 POINTS OF EMPHASIS

BATTERS HIT BY PITCH  Prohibited by rule from moving into the pitch  Batter cannot permit a pitched ball to touch him  Pitch is called a ball or strike.

OBSTRUCTION/MALICIOUS CONTACT  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 and may not be obstruction or malicious contact.

MALICIOUS CONTACT  If the fielder’s action while not in possession of the ball denies the runner access to the base, obstruction must be called.

MALICIOUS CONTACT  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.  An umpire close to the play should consider asking for help on a bang/bang play to determine if it was malicious.

MALICIOUS CONTACT  All about timing – could the contact have been avoided??  If there is a doubt and the contact is not flagrant – it’s not malicious.  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  Respectful interaction with officials  Attending pre-game conference  Model ethical and appropriate behavior  Control your dugout

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  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.  When pitching from the set position, the pitcher must come to a complete and discernable stop. The non-pivot foot cannot be lifted prior to this stop.

NON-ADULT BAT/BALL SHAGGERS  Helmets meet NOCSAE standards: Dual earflaps Proper fit  Violation: warn the head coach.  Subsequent violation: the individual is no longer 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.)

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. Signs Observed by Coaching Staff Answers questions slowly Loses consciousness Shows behavior or personality changes Can’t recall events prior to the event Can’t recall what happened after the event.

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 the Athlete Headache Nausea Balance problems/dizzy Double 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 to eliminate this from the game.  Game situations provide coaches and officials “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.

MINNESOTA POINTS OF EMPASIS 2008 MINNESOTA POINTS OF EMPHASIS OF EMPHASIS

PITCHING RULE  14 inning limit over 3 consecutive days  Starting Pitcher can come back into to pitch one time as a reliever.  Pitcher who does not start may make two appearances as a pitcher (can’t leave the game and come back)

Suspended Games  A regulation game is 5 full innings (4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead) or play has gone beyond 5 innings.  A SUSPENDED GAME is one that is ended before it becomes a regulation game; or a regulation game that ends with a tie.  Suspended games are continued from the point of interruption. There is not an option to start the game over.  Regulation games cannot be suspended.

Example  Home team is ahead 5 – 4 after six innings. In the top of the 7 th inning the visitors score three runs and lead Prior to the completion of the 7 th inning the game is stopped due to inclement weather and cannot be continued. Suspended game??  No – the score reverts to that at the end of the last full inning of play (6 th inning). This is a regulation game -- Home team wins 5 – 4.

Second Example  Home team scores two runs to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning by a score of 8 – 7. The game is rained out prior to the completion of that inning. Suspended game?  No – the teams have had an equal number of at bats. Six inning game which is regulation. Home team wins.

Third Example  Visitors take a lead in the top of the 5 th inning. Game is ended prior to the completion of that inning. Suspended game?  Yes – this is not a regulation game as only 4 innings were completed. The game is continued from the point of interruption.  There is not an option to start the game over.

ENFORCE THE RULES AS WRITTEN  While there is the need for interpretation of rules, umpires are not to choose which rules to enforce.  Enforce the rules according to the rule book  If you do otherwise you are manipulating the game.

Make it to State

Upload Schedule & Roster

Post Results Pronto

DEADLINE To Certify ProgramInfo Wednesday, June 4

Team Photo Certify Roster, Certify Roster, Season Record, Photo ID

When your team qualifies for State, updated statistics are required DEADLINE:Friday, June 6

It’s all on the Web… …on your Administrative pages

COACHES... COACHES... Leave this meeting AFTER you have picked up a “Code” sheet THEN... Go home and enter the code “on-line.” April 7 Deadline: April 7

For UMPIRES ONLY

APPLY FOR STATE! Must apply on-line by April 1 Officials will be selected by May 20 *There may be changes and additions after this date

OFFICIAL TESTING  All tests will be done on-line.  Plan ahead and allow time for problems!  Pick up a test code sheet that will be provided by the Clinician. Detailed instructions are included.  Call the League Office with questions.  Test Deadline: April 7