1. 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.

2. Review of Major 2010 Changes Bats (BESR, BBCOR) Runner’s interference on foul fly ball (runner, not batter, is out) Behavior of Assistant Coaches Dugout extensions (OK if away from home plate) Charcoal gray slacks now an option for umpires PIAA change: Gorilla stance by pitcher (now OK, but no swinging)

3. OK now. Required in 2012.

5. Rule 7-4-1f Batter is Out Rule Change Runner’s Interference “… any member of the offensive team or coach other than the runner(s) interferes with a fielder who is attempting to field a foul fly ball.”  Rationale: This rule change clarifies the responsibility of the runner and will have the runner, not the batter, declared out for the runner’s interference.

7. Rule 3-3-1g6 (Unsportsmanlike Bench & Field Conduct) “Both the head coach and the offending coach shall be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game, or if the offense is judged severe enough, the umpire may eject the offender and restrict or eject the head coach.” Rationale: The behavior of some assistant coaches has become disruptive and counter- productive. The head coach is held responsible for his staff and players.

9. Rule 1-2-4 The Field “When the dugout area is temporarily extended, for any reason, it shall be extended toward the outfield on a line parallel to the foul line. The extension of the dugout area shall be equally applied for both teams.” Rationale: Safety and equality.

12. Umpires’ Slacks Rule 10-1-9 Heather gray slacks are no longer required in the NFHS rule book; “..shall wear gray slacks.” Rule change provides more flexibility in the type of gray slacks worn. Umpires must still dress professionally, AND ALIKE, when on the playing field.

15. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations 2011 NFHS Baseball Rules Changes B. Elliot Hopkins, CAA NFHS Baseball Rules Editor

16. 2011 NFHS Changes: 1.Line-up cards 2.Legal bats 3.Padding of casts, splints, braces 4.Definition of a Foul Tip 5.Concussions 6.Last Time By

19. Rule 1-1-2 Lineup Cards  Head coaches of both teams are required by rule to submit a team’s lineup card which shall include: Player’s name; Jersey number; Player’s position; Team’s batting order of each starting player Name and jersey number of each eligible substitute;  There is no penalty for adding eligible substitutes during a contest.

21. Bat Rules Summarized 20112012 WoodOK Aluminum w/ BESROK No Aluminum w/ BBCOROK Composite w/ BESROK only if listed on waivers No Composite w/ BBCOROK

23. Rule 1-3-2 Definition of a Baseball Bat  Legal wood, aluminum or composite bats shall: Be one or multi-pieces, permanently assembled or two pieces with interchangeable barrel construction; Not have exposed rivets, pins, rough or sharp edges or any form of external fastener that would present a hazard; Be free of rattles, dents, burrs, cracks, sharp edges; Bats that are broken, altered or deface the ball are illegal.

24. “Bicycle grip”

27. Rule 1-3-2b Definition of a Baseball Bat  Taper Optional transition area which connects the narrower handle to the wider barrel portion of the bat. Tapers are not required to be smooth or round and are permitted to have holes and geometric shapes.

33. Legal Bats for the 2011 Season  Solid wood bats;  Aluminum bats that meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) performance standard; That includes aluminum barrel bats with composite handles  Composite bats that meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) performance standard and have been re-tested and granted a waiver from the NFHS (see list on the NFHS Website http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4155). http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4155

36. Rule 1-3-2e Baseball Bat Rule  #1 All non-wood bats must meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) and Accelerated Break-In (ABI) performance standard. BBCOR certification is labeled on the barrel of the bat with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark, which shall be rectangular, a minimum of a ½” on each side of the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.

37. Rule 1-3-2e Baseball Bat Rule  #2 The composition (aluminum or composite) of the non-wood bat must be clearly labeled on the barrel of the bat with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark, which shall be rectangular, a minimum of a ½” on each side of the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color

38. Bat Rules Summarized 20112012 WoodOK Aluminum w/ BESROK No Aluminum w/ BBCOROK Composite w/ BESROK only if listed on waivers No Composite w/ BBCOROK

40. Rule 1-5-8 Padded Casts/Braces  Knee and ankle braces which are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production do not require any additional padding.  The rule (1-4-2) still applies for the pitcher that he cannot wear any item on his hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter. That includes a cast, guard, brace, splint, etc., that is white, gray or anything distracting on the pitcher’s arms.

42. Rule 2-16-2 Definition of a Foul Tip  Foul Tip: Struck ball must go directly to the catcher’s hand or mitt. Can only be caught by the catcher. A strike is added to the batter’s count. Ball remains in play.

45. Rule 3-1-5 Concussions  Possible signs and symptoms: Loss of consciousness Headache Dizziness Confusion Balance problems Staggering around  “When in doubt, sit him out!”

46. Rule 3-1-5 Concussions  Only health-care professionals can determine if a player has actually experienced a concussion.  Officials are asked to observe and if they see a player who exhibits the signs or symptoms of a concussion, immediately remove him from the game. “Hey coach; please take a look at this guy and make sure he’s all right.”  He shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.

49. Rule 8-2-6L Last Time By  Does not exempt a runner from his running responsibilities, nor does it forgive him for intentionally trying to gain an advantage while running the bases.  On the previous slide, R1 intentionally tried to gain an unfair advantage by missing a significant area of the field heading to home.  Even though he touched third base on his “last time by,” he is subject to being called out by a proper appeal for his intentional unsporting act. (My question: is the appeal for LTB or for the unsportsman-like act? State Interpreter is seeking an explanation…)

50. 2011 NFHS Points of Emphasis: 1.Good sporting behavior outside the field 2.Rolling and altering of bats 3.Checking bats and equipment 4.Concussion recognition / management 5.Lightning safety

52. Good Sporting Behavior  Coaches and team members should respect their opponents and officials.  Pursuit of an official to the locker room, car or parking lot is unacceptable.  School administration is responsible for security of the officials.  Post-game ejections do exist within the confines of the field. Coaches who pursue officials after a game should be reported to the state association office (PIAA).

53. We teach by example. Actions speak louder than words. What we permit, we promote.

57. Legal Equipment  Helmet inspection gets easily overlooked, but due to the emphasis on concussion management, cracked helmets provide little to no protective assurances.  The helmet in this previous slide would not necessarily cause a concussion, but would be of little assistance from protecting the player from suffering injury.

59. If a player is deemed to be unconscious, even for a brief period, by the umpire, that player MUST be removed from the game. He may only return to that game if the umpire is presented with a note signed by an M.D. or D.O. The school is responsible to approve his future return to action.

61. Always err on the side of safety. Coaches are responsible to keep players in a safe place. That includes getting them away from cages. If, while waiting 30 minutes, you hear another thunder clap or see another lightning strike, start your timing over. Repeat: Always err on the side of safety.

62. PIAA Reminders & Concerns

63. PIAA Reminder Coaches are responsible to ensure all bats and helmets are displayed for inspection no later than 15 minutes before game time. Saves time, eliminates the need for umpires to rummage through each player’s equipment bag, and ensures all equipment is checked. “Don’t make us ask…”

64. PIAA Reminder Anyone charging an umpire: IMMEDIATE AND AUTOMATIC EJECTION “Eject first, then talk.” 3-3-1k Per Dr. Lombardi

65. PIAA Reminder Coach who is ejected must leave the area. “Sight and sound” May not have direct or indirect communication with team. Coach may only return to the field to attend to an injured player, break up a fight, etc. IF THE UMPIRE REQUESTS HIS RETURN. Case Book 3.3.2, pg. 35

66. Disqualification Process  If you eject a player/coach or bench personnel from a contest, you MUST: Submit a DQ form to the PIAA Office within 24 hours citing the rule and actions under which the ejection occurred. Submit as many details as possible. Be factual. Do not editorialize.  Remember: you may RESTRICT before you EJECT!  Forms are available on-line (or fax the form).

67. Disqualification Process continued  Failure to submit report in timely fashion may cause problems for schools, officials, the PIAA, and you.  Failure to adhere may result in your probation or suspension.  Cannot make ejection go away with no report. If you eject, you must report.  EJECTION IS FOR REMAINDER OF DAY AND THE NEXT GAME DAY!!!

68. PIAA Sportsmanship Message  Must be read or recited VERBATIM to Head Coaches and Captains.  Head Coaches MUST verbally certify their team is legally equipped by NFHS Baseball Rules.  Failure to do so indicates the officials will promote selective enforcement of rules.

69. Rules Change Process  Request a NFHS rules change proposal from the PIAA Office.  Complete the NFHS rules change proposal form and submit to the State Interpreter, Martin T. Ondrovic, or Dr. Robert A. Lombardi, Associate Executive Director.  Acceptable rules proposals will be submitted to NFHS.

70. PIAA Adoptions  Listed in Annual Pre-Season Baseball Bulletin.  Take time to know and review. These include: Courtesy runners Double first base “Appropriate health-care professional” = M.D. or D.O. Game suspending and game ending procedures; 15 runs (after 3 innings) and 10 runs (after 5 innings) Two 5-inning games constitute a doubleheader for sub-varsity

71. Proper Uniform  Navy or powder blue jersey w/ PIAA patch. Must match partner. Navy only for playoffs.  Navy (only) undershirt  Gray slacks: clean, pressed, neat and same shade as partner is wearing (heather or charcoal)  Shoes must be SOLID BLACK AND SHINED.  Socks (black, no footies)  Belt (black)  Cap (official PIAA cap only)  Jewelry (wedding ring only)  American flag the only other permissible patch

72. Signals  All PIAA Baseball umpires are to utilize proper NFHS baseball signals without exception.  Practice them; use them; critique fellow chapter officials.  DO NOT use homemade or chapter- adopted signals/mechanics.

73. Assistant Coaches  Assistant coaches have been made an NFHS Point of Emphasis this season.  They are terrific teachers of the game.  They are tremendous advocates and resources for teams.  They are NEVER to charge, question or confront an umpire. If they do, they are to be restricted or ejected immediately.

74. Good Sporting Behavior  Head coach is responsible for controlling behavior of all players, coaches, et al.  The head coach is the only coach responsible for communications with umpires.  It is not the role of assistant coaches to dispute or appeal play situations and rulings.

75. Continuing Education  If you have not yet attended an Annual PIAA Officials’ convention, you will not be eligible to receive consideration for State playoff assignments this year.  Umpires must have attended within the past 5 years to be eligible to work State games.  Benefits: training, continuing education, professional growth, networking, fun.  2011 Convention – Harrisburg Holiday Inn-East, Harrisburg, PA  August 12 & 13, 2011

76. Injury Reports  If you have a serious injury in one of your games, you should complete and submit to the PIAA an Injury Report.  Enables PIAA to document and track injuries.  Form is available online.

77. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Thank you and have a great season! Questions at any time may be referred to Rules Interpreter Tom Ellis at tomellis37@comcast.net