Welcome Coaches & Umpires Sign-in procedures for interp. mtg. credit: Head coaches should sign-in on coaches’ sheets. Head coaches only. Assistant coaches’ signatures will be annotated as Assistants before submittal, so only Head Coaches should sign. Umpires not from the Delco Chapter should use green form for OTHER Chapters. Umpires from the Delco Chapter should use the Secretary’s regular sign-in sheet. 60

Important 2012 NFHS Changes: Pre-game bat and helmet checks no longer conducted by umpires. BBCOR now the bat standard for non-wood bats 59 2

Applies to ALL levels of PIAA-sanctioned games. 58 3

What is the BBCOR standard?   This value cannot exceed 0.50 Hence the certification mark “BBCOR .50” 57

Current List of Decertified Bats Marucci CAT52 33” Reebok Vector TLS 32” & 33”   http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=8394 As of Feb. 17, 2013 56

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The designated head coach is NOT restricted to the dugout. 54 7

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A bus driver is NOT able to serve as a designated head coach. The new designated head coach MUST BE an employee of the school, e.g., assistant coach, teacher, AD, etc. A bus driver is NOT able to serve as a designated head coach. If no one is able to serve in this capacity, the game is terminated. Let the league officials determine the outcome of the game. 52 9

Just remove it when noticed. 51 10

Blood on Uniform Rule 3-1-6 Any amount of blood will render the player or his uniform unable to play until it is cleaned up or changed. Changing the word from “excessive” to “any” removes any subjectivity in determining when a blood problem needs to be addressed. “Any” means “any.” The rule book is specific that the individual would have to receive medical treatment if required and if it can be administered in a reasonable amount of time (at the discretion of the umpire) then he can remain in the game with either a cleaned or changed uniform. 50 11

2013 NFHS Baseball Rules Changes B. Elliot Hopkins, MLD, CAA Baseball Rules Editor Thank you for participating in this annual interpretation meeting. While the game of baseball is in great shape, we continue to work toward improving the game and hopefully putting young people in safe conditions and in situations that they are able to find success in some aspect of the game. Ultimately, our goal is for them to be safe, have fun and gain some valuable life lessons from participation. Areas in this PowerPoint that are underlined designate that the text was newly added to the rules this year. Bold notations mean the language is either a title, heading or penalty. Deletions and modifications are aptly identified as well. Where appropriate, notes and comments will be found under some of the PowerPoint slides. Not every rule change or editorial change warrants an explanation over and above the stated rationale. Thank you again for your attendance, participation and dedication to interscholastic athletics. Have a fantastic baseball season! 49

Video Usage Rule 3-3-1f Smart phones and tablet computers effectively handle mundane tasks like keeping score, managing the line-up and tracking the progress and performance of both teams. Using these devices for video recording and/or replaying the images are not permitted. PENALTY: Coach shall be ejected. Technology has improved to the level that mobile devices can accurately video different aspects of a game and provide an unfair advantage to a coach by replaying the video footage in the dugout/bench during the contest. The penalty is the same as in previous years, the coach shall be ejected from the contest. 48

Electronic Monitoring Equipment Rule 3-3-1f PlayPic® It is illegal to use any video monitoring or replay equipment for coaching purposes during a game. That includes mobile devices that have video capabilities. 47

Electronic Equipment Rule 3-3-1f PlayPic® A coach or team member may use electronic equipment in the dugout as long as it is not used for video recording or replay. A tablet computer used for scorekeeping purposes is permissible. 46

Electronic Equipment Rule 3-3-1i PlayPic® The only equipment that a coach may have and use in the coaching box is a stopwatch, a rules book (hard copy) and a scorebook (hard copy). 45

Equipment in Coaching Box Rule 3-3-1i PlayPic® Exception: cell phone in pocket for emergencies OK A coach may not have any electronic equipment in the coaching box, even if intended to be used for scoring purposes only. 44

Coach’s Box Equipment Rule 3-3-1i Permissible Equipment: Stopwatch Hard copy of the NFHS Baseball Rules Book Hard copy of a scorebook Cellular phone (in pocket) for emergencies. PENALTY: Umpire may restrict the offender to the bench/dugout for the remainder of the game or eject the offender. Rationale: Clarification of permitted items in the coach’s box. Too many items in the coach’s box could possibly draw the attention of the coach away from the game and the oversight of the students under his charge. Restriction of certain items creates a positive and focused environment for the players and officials. The penalty is the same as previous years, restriction to the bench/dugout or ejection. 43

Electronic Equipment Summary In dugout In coaching box OK Administrative use Cell phone in pocket Not OK Video or video replay Anything else Too many items in the coach’s box could possibly draw the attention of the coach away from the game and the oversight of the students under his charge. Restriction of certain items creates a positive and focused environment for the players and officials. The penalty is the same as previous years, restriction to the bench/dugout or ejection. 42 19

Legal Consequences Rule 1-3-2 Note The NFHS is aware that bat altering is on the rise. Bat manufacturers are also aware and extremely concerned about their products being misrepresented and altered. It is extremely important that coaches express to their players and their parents the importance of not altering or modifying bats. Rationale: Risk Minimization. The NFHS is very concerned that altered bats will seriously injure an unsuspecting child. Athletics pose certain inherent risks that have to be managed by rules and regulations. Introducing altered bats into a game is cheating, dangerous and impossible to manage effectively. Your commitment to reducing these risks insures that all the participants are playing on a level field and have a fair opportunity to achieve success. 41

Altering of Bats Rule 1-3-2 Note PlayPic® The altering of non-wood bats continues to be an important issue in high school baseball. It is the responsibility of players and coaches to ensure that bats are not altered. 40

Altering of Bats Rules 1-3-2 Note PlayPic® The NFHS has been advised that certain manufacturers consider alteration, modification and "doctoring" of their bats to be unlawful and subject to civil and, under certain circumstances, criminal action. 39

Extra Warm-up Throws Rule 6-2-2c Exception PlayPic® PlayPic® When a pitcher is ejected from a game, his successor may be authorized to receive more than the standard 8 warm-up throws that he would get as a substitute. 38

Editorial Change 37

Dead Ball and Delayed Dead Ball Table (pg. 36) Rationale: Editorial change for penalty for batter entering box with illegal bat. Awards or Penalties #23. “Batter is out. Coach is restricted to the dugout/bench upon first offense, then ejected after second offense….7-4-1a, 1-3-5, 4-1-3b Penalty. 36

Points of Emphasis 35

Legal/Illegal Pitching Position Rules governing the pitcher’s position on the pitcher’s plate and movement have remained constant over the last several decades. Modified and hybrid positions have become popular at higher levels of baseball. These creative pitcher’s stances might be appropriate at the advanced levels but not for the age and skill level of a typical high school pitcher. Umpires must be aware of the position of the pivot foot and the non-pivot foot. 34

Legal Pitching Positions PlayPic® PlayPic® Rule 6 The windup is one of two legal pitching positions. For the windup, “the pitcher’s non-pivot foot shall be in any position on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate.” 33

Legal Pitching Positions PlayPic® PlayPic® Rule 6 The set is the other legal pitching position. For the set position, a pitcher’s “entire non-pivot foot must be in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate and the entire pivot foot must be in contact with or directly in front of the pitching plate.” 32

Illegal Pitching Position PlayPic® PlayPic® Rule 6 A number of pitchers are starting a pitch from this hybrid position. This position is illegal since it does not meet the criteria of either the windup or set position. 31

Penalty for Illegal Pitch An illegal pitch is an illegal ACT by the pitcher. Once he begins his motion to pitch (the Time of Pitch), an illegal pitch has occurred. Umpires: call it at that moment. Immediate Dead Ball. No runners: a Ball is added to the batter’s count Any runners: a Balk is called A pitcher in the illegal hybrid position may legally step off the rubber. 30 31

Illegal Pitching Motion PlayPic® Going to the mouth while in contact with the pitcher’s plate is an illegal pitch with no one on base or a balk with runners on base, not because the pitcher goes to his mouth, but because the action simulates the start of the pitching motion. 29

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Any questions about Legal and Illegal pitching positions? 27 34

Coaches Please…. Instruct your players, especially pitchers Share this message with JV, Freshman, and Middle School coaching staffs Access this PowerPoint presentation and Pitching Regulations documents, if helpful (http://www.angelfire.com/dc/delco-umps/ Click on “Interp. Mtgs.” Ask for an umpire to attend a practice for further clarification if desired. 26

Pace of Game Play The committee identified these areas in need of improvements that detract from what otherwise is an exciting and enjoyable game: Handling offensive and defensive charged conferences in a timely manner. Speeding up the time between innings and during pitching changes. Umpires diligently counting the number of warm-up pitches. The batter’s box rule (the batter must generally keep one foot in the box during an at-bat). Unless it meets one of the eight exceptions: 25 36

Pace of Game Play (Batter’s box rule exceptions) The batter swings at the pitch. The batter is forced out of the box by the pitch. The batter attempts a “drag bunt.” The pitcher or catcher feints or attempts a play at any base. The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound or takes a position more than five feet from the pitcher’s plate after receiving the ball. A member of either team requests and is granted “Time.” The catcher leaves the catcher’s box to adjust his equipment or give defensive signals. The catcher does not catch the pitched ball. 24

Pace of Play PlayPic® The batter must remain in the box during his time at bat unless one of the eight exceptions in Rule 7-3-1 is met. Keeping the batter in the box dramatically increases the game’s pace of play. 23

Pace of Play PlayPic® A pitcher has 20 seconds to pitch or make or attempt a play (including a legal feint) after receiving the ball. By enforcing this and other pace of play rules, the game will be played at the proper speed without either team gaining an unfair advantage. 22

Pace of Play PlayPic® PlayPic® A returning pitcher has 60 seconds to complete his five warmup throws (timed from the third out of the previous inning). Teams should hustle on and off the field once the third out is made. 21

Compliant Bats PlayPic® The head coach of each team is required to verify to the umpire-in-chief that his team's equipment is properly equipped in accordance with NFHS rules, prior to the start of each game. 20

Compliant Bats PlayPic® PlayPic® There are several ways bats can be altered illegally, including through the use of bat warming devices. Even though a bat meets the rules, once it has been altered, it is an illegal bat. 19

Compliant Bats PlayPic® 2013 NFHS Rules Interpretations, Situation #1 Removing the end cap off a bat makes it an illegal altered bat, with or without doing anything to the inside of the bat, such as inserting tennis balls or shaving the inside wall of the bat. 18

Risk Minimization Dedicated coaches and officials are the key to such success. Attention should be given to the following: Loose equipment, Weather conditions, The role of the “protector” (of a catcher warming up a pitcher). 17

Risk Minimization PlayPic® Loose equipment on the field is a safety issue. Umpires and coaches must be diligent to ensure that there is no loose equipment in live-ball territory during a game. 16

Risk Minimization PlayPic® Umpires must be aware when inclement weather is in the area. Play must be stopped at the first sound of thunder or the first sight of lightning for a minimum of 30 minutes. 15

Risk Minimization PlayPic® When the bullpen is on the playing field, teams will use a player to “protect” the players warming up from batted balls. The protector is required to have a glove. A NOCSAE- approved helmet is recommended, but not required. 14

Good Sporting Behavior Coaches and Umpires must work together. Each contest is another opportunity for coaches and umpires to teach not only baseball skills, but also model respectful behavior as well as professional relationships. Game situations typically provide a coach the opportunity to identify a “teachable moment” to reinforce good sporting behavior. 13

Good Sporting Behavior PlayPic® Each game is an opportunity for coaches, umpires and players to model respectful behavior. The positive values that are learned will serve players long after their baseball experience has concluded. 12

Umpires Manual Change 2013 - 2014 11

Delayed-Dead Ball PlayPic® The signal for a delayed-dead ball has been removed from the Umpires Manual. 10

Delayed - Dead Ball Signal Removed The Delayed - Dead Ball Signal is removed but not the article (5-1-2) from the Rules book and the Umpires Manual . In lieu of using that signal when one of the eleven scenarios that constitute a delayed dead ball situation occurs, the umpire will allow for playing action to cease, call “Time!”, identify the infraction and make his award. Rationale: Infrequently used signal that did not contribute to the overall set of umpire mechanics. Based upon the recommendation of the Umpires Manual subcommittee, the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee eliminated the delayed-dead ball signal. There is still seven scenarios that constitute a delayed-dead ball situation. While the scenarios are still valid, the process in identifying an infraction and making the proper award no longer includes that signal. 9

Delayed - Dead Ball Situations Some of the scenarios that constitute delayed dead ball situations include: Batter interferes with the catcher as he attempts to play on a runner. A catcher or any fielder obstructing a batter or runner or through use of detached player equipment. Umpire interference with the catcher attempting to throw. Any offensive team personnel that calls “Time” or uses other command or commits any action for the purpose of trying to cause the pitcher to balk. Anyone who is required to wear a batting helmet deliberately removes the helmet, while the ball is in live-ball territory and the ball is live. A coach physically assists a runner. A ball touches an illegal glove/mitt. 8

Repositioning of BU Coverage 7

Repositioning of BU Coverage In the NFHS Umpires Manual under the 2-Man Mechanic section, we have repositioned the base umpire, with runners on first and third base, BU will be in the “B” position. Rationale: It is a better position for any pick off attempt by pitcher or catcher at first or third base. BU is closest to the delayed double steal rundown play. It is the ideal position for watching R1 touching second base on any base hit. Based upon the recommendation of the Umpires Manual subcommittee, the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee accepted that U2 should reposition from the “C” position to the “B” position. The umpire is in a better position for the most probable plays in the infield. Including all calls in the infield except at home. 6

Sports Medicine Report 5

Baseball Injury Data The NFHS High School RIO TM has reported that boys’ baseball has one of the lowest injury rates among the boys’ sports studied. Most Common injuries: Sprains (19.6%) Strains (18.7%) Fractures (16%) Most Common Body Sites: Head/Face (17.2%) Shoulder (16.6%) It is important to understand the patterns of injury while keep risk minimization a priority. While player-to-player contact is typically the most common mechanism of injury for other sports, the most common mechanism of injury in baseball were contact with apparatus (bats, balls, poles, bases, dugouts/benches, fences, and equipment bags) (31.6%) and no contact with any apparatus accounted for (25.4 %) of all reported injuries. 4

PIAA Reminder Eye shade must be worn as a single, solid stroke under the eye; no numbers, words, logos, symbols or other detail located in the eye shade. PIAA 2012 Baseball Bulletin #2 3

PIAA Fashion Police Bulletin Per Pre-Season Bulletin 2013: Light gray umpire slacks not permitted. Charcoal gray is now the official color. 2

Questions ? 1

Thanks for your attention! Have a great season! This PowerPoint presentation is available at www.angelfire.com/dc/delco-umps under “Interp. Mtgs.” Questions at any time may be referred to Rules Interpreter Tom Ellis at tomellis37@comcast.net 61