NFHS BASEBALL RULES CHANGES www.nfhs.or g APPROVED NON-WOOD BAT - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

NFHS BASEBALL RULES CHANGES

www.nfhs.or g

APPROVED NON-WOOD BAT

• The Easton Lock & Load non-wood

bat has been approved for play in high school varsity competition.

• Due to fact that the NCAA does

not allow the bat to be used by their member institutions, the “BBCOR .50” certification mark will not be present on the barrel of the bat.

• In fact, except the manufacturer’s

graphics, this bat will be devoid of any certification nomenclature.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

ILLEGAL SLIDE RULE 2-32-2c

• A runner may legally

slide past home plate, even if he makes contact with a fielder or alters the play of the fielder, provided the slide meets all other provisions of the sliding rules and he does not initiate malicious contact.

www.nfhs.org

Rules Reminder

RULE 2-32-2C (CONTINUED)

• In order to stop at or on home plate, the runner would

have to run slower or begin his slide earlier which would give the defense an advantage. This change allows the runner’s momentum to carry him through home plate in a straight line (baseline extended). He is still held to the other elements of Rule 2-32-2 and malicious contact as it relates to interference with the

• catcher. The catcher is protected because he has

choices of locations where he can position himself to avoid contact.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

ASSISTING RUNNER RULES 3-2-2 PENALTY AND 8-4-2s

• If a runner is physically

assisted by a coach, the runner is called out immediately and the ball remains live.

www.nfhs.org

Rationale: The coach-assisted base runner is called out immediately without deference to other runner(s) and play continues.

Rule Change

BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT RULE 3-3-1 PENALTY

• If the umpire judges

an offense to be minor, the umpire shall issue a verbal or written warning.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT RULE 3-3-1 PENALTY

• If the warning is

written, the coach shall be restricted to the bench/dugout for the remainder of the

• game. The plate

umpire will note the details of the warning

• n the lineup card.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT RULE 3-3-1 PENALTY

• After receiving a

written warning, if the coach commits an additional

• ffense, the

coach will be ejected from the game.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT RULE 3-3-1 PENALTY

• If the umpire

deems an offense to be major, such as, “physical contact, spitting, kicking of dirt or any other physical action directed toward an umpire,” the umpire shall immediately eject the coach from the game.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT 3-3-1 PENALTY (CONTINUED)

• The game official has the obligation to administer the

rules of the game and to judiciously address any coach’s or player’s behavior that is not consistent with those rules. As he (umpire) administers any penalty resulting in a warning, restriction to the bench/dugout

• r ejection, his decision should be in response to the

actions by the offending coach and player. The coach needs to understand that his behavior will dictate which level of discipline is applied.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

PITCHING RESTRICTION 6-1-6

• Each state association shall

have a pitching restriction policy based on the number of pitches thrown to afford pitchers a required rest period between pitching appearances.

www.nfhs.org

Rationale: After years of research and thoughtful discussion on minimizing

risk for the position of pitcher, it has been determined that modifying the pitching restriction rule to reflect that the policy should be based on the number of pitches thrown is a better indication of overuse and repetition than the current method of innings pitched during a contest.

Rule Change

Maximum of 110 pitches per game/day; NJSIAA Baseball.

• The Head Coach must remove the pitcher when said

pitcher reaches the 110 maximum pitches in a game.

Pitcher may remain in the game or re-enter the game at another position per substitution rule.

Rule Change

What happens if a pitcher reaches the pitch count limit after an at bat starts?

• If a pitcher reaches a pitch limit while facing a batter,

the pitcher may continue to pitch until one of the following occurs.

• 1. The batter reaches base,
• 2. That batter is retired, or
• 3. The third out is recorded to complete that half-inning
• r game.

Rule Change

How much rest does a pitcher need if he throws less than 110 pitches?

If a pitcher pitches 91-110 in a day, four calendar days of rest is required. If a pitcher pitches 71-90 pitches in a day, three calendar days of rest is required. If a pitcher pitches 51-70 pitches in a day, two calendar days of rest is required. If a pitcher pitches 31-50 pitches in a day, one calendar days of rest is required. If a pitcher pitches 1-30 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.

• A pitcher cannot pitch on 3 consecutive calendar days.
• A pitcher cannot pitch more than 50 pitches in a two day

calendar period.

• A pitcher cannot exceed 140 pitches in a five day calendar period.

Rule Change

NJSIAA Tournament Modification

• In a NJSIAA State Tournament game suspended by darkness,

weather or other cause resumed the next day, the pitcher of record may continue to pitch to the extent of his eligibility provided he has pitched less than 50 pitches.

• If the pitcher has thrown 50 or less pitches before the game was

suspended, that pitcher’s count shall carry over to the next day and pitcher may pitch until the maximum of 110 pitches in a game is reached.

• If the pitcher has thrown more than 50 pitches before the game

was suspended, that pitcher shall be required to meet the rest period as per pitch count limits.

Rule Change

What do umpires need to know?

• Before every game, both Head Coaches shall exchange

their pitching logs. This shall include names, numbers and pitches thrown by each pitcher.

• In addition, the name(s) and number(s) of ineligible

pitchers for that game shall be identified on each team’s lineup card.

• Umpires are reminded they are not to suspend or

terminate any game for pitch count rule violation. Schools are responsible for reporting use of ineligible pitchers to the NJSIAA.

Rule Change

Play 1

• A replacement for F1 is announced to the umpire-in-chief. Prior to or

immediately after the newly announced S1 has completed his authorized warm-up throws, the Head Coach informs the umpire-in- chief that S1 cannot pitch as he has not met the required period of rest. Play Ruling: The umpire-in-chief is to allow the Head Coach to remove the announced relief pitcher without requiring S1 to pitch to one batter or retire the side as stated in the NFHS Baseball rule book. The Head Coach and S1 are ejected from the game. The new substitute, S-2, will be given his full warm-up throws prior to pitching. F1 may not return to the pitching position until S-2 has completed pitching to one batter or retired the side. If S2 requires more than 8 warm-up throws, F1 may not return as a pitcher but may play other positions.

Rule Change

Play 2

A team is scheduled to play two games on the same day. The Head Coach allows the same pitcher to pitch in both games. In game one he throws 47 pitches. In game two he throws 21 pitches. How many days rest is he required to observe before he can pitch again? Play Ruling: The Head Coach shall add the totals of games 1 and 2 together to reach a total of 68 pitches thrown on that

• day. Two calendar days of rest is required before the

Head Coach may use him to pitch in a game.

Rule Change

Play 3

Head Coach utilizes #41 as a closer. May he pitch every day as long as he throws 30 pitches or less each day? Play Ruling: No; a pitcher may not pitch on 3 consecutive calendar days.

Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

30 22 X 88 X

Can pitch Tuesday

20 33 X 28 25 X 30

Rule Change

Pitch Count Recording and Enforcement

2017 is a pilot program and may be revised in the future.

• The Home School shall provide an “Official Adult Pitch Counter”

and this person shall count pitches for both schools. This count is official.

• The pitch counts are to be verified with representatives of both

teams after each half-inning.

• If there is a discrepancy between the Official Pitch Counter and
• ne or both team’s representatives, the following process shall

be followed:

• 1. If both teams agree on a pitch number, that number shall be

recorded in place of the Official Pitch Counter.

• 2. If both teams disagree on a pitch number, the Official Pitch

Counter’s number shall be recorded.

Rule Change

What happens if the Home Team is unable to provide an official adult pitch counter?

Both team’s pitch counter shall meet at the end of each half- inning to verify the pitch count. If there is no agreement among the team’s pitch counters, the following process shall be followed: – Both team’s pitch counters and coaches shall consult with the game’s umpires. Umpires have authority to rectify the pitch count issues IF they have definite knowledge of the exact number of pitches thrown. Under no circumstances shall the umpires allow this to become a lengthy delay. The game is to be resumed as quickly as possible. – If the umpires have no definite knowledge, the home school pitch count shall be the official number of pitches recorded.

Rule Change

NJSIAA Tournament Games

• Home schools must provide an “Official Adult Pitch

Counter” for NJSIAA tournament games up to and including the Sectional Final.

• NJSIAA will provide “Official Adult Pitch Counter” at all

neutral site games in rounds 5 and 6 (State Semi-Final and State Final contests).

Rule Change

BASERUNNING AWARDS 8-3-6

• When the plate umpire hinders,

impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or to retire a runner on a pickoff play, if an

• ut is not made at the end of the

catcher’s initial throw, the ball shall be dead and all runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the interference.

www.nfhs.org

Rationale: This rule change provides rules support that was missing from the rules book.

Points of Emphasis

UMPIRE ASSISTANCE (CONTINUED)

• Once the opinion is shared, it is the plate umpire who will make the

final determination on the call or play. This entire exchange will be quick and intentional using umpire signals that are relayed to players, coaches and spectators.

From: B. Elliot Hopkins [mailto:EHopkins@nfhs.org]

I hope this note finds you all well. It was brought to our attention that in the 2017 NFHS Baseball Rules Book in the Points of Emphasis (POE) section under the topic of UMPIRE ASKING ASSISTANCE FROM HIS PARTNER that the plate umpire would be making the final determination after getting information from his partner. Some of the explanation was lost in translation. It has been a long standing practice at every level of baseball that the umpire who requests assistance from his partner be the one to make the final determination using the allowable signals for the players, coaches and

• spectators. In the POE, the example was used that the plate umpire was asking for assistance and

consequently he should be the one making the final call. It was not our intent to suggest that the plate umpire would make every final determination. The umpire who asks for help, should make the final call. Sorry for any confusion this might have caused you. www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

NJSIAA Guidelines: When not to ask for help.

• Catcher’s Obstruction
• Batted ball hit batter out of the box
• Batter hitting ball out of the batter’s box
• Plate Umpire has other responsibilities such as

following up on a force play slide at 2nd base. If he saw swipe tag on the batter-runner, PU wasn’t looking where he was supposed to.

• Judgment Calls
• The catch/no catch of a fair fly with runners on base.

Points of Emphasis

NJSIAA Guidelines: When to ask for help.

• Batter hit by pitch – Did it hit bat or batter?
• Swipe Tag
• Pulled Foot
• Dropped ball on a tag play
• After calling a balk – Was the pitcher on the pitcher’s

plate?

• Rule Interpretation

Points of Emphasis

NJSIAA Guidelines: Mechanics when an umpire requests help

When a coach requests an umpire get help from his partner, AND, the umpire agrees to make the request:

1. Coach making request shall immediately return to his prior position; For example, 3rd Base Coaching box or bench area. 2. After decision is announced and explained, coach shall not further discuss play. Coach is subject to penalties in rule 3-3-1. 3. If the call on the field is reversed, opposing coach shall be told by the umpires why the call was changed.

Points of Emphasis

Role Play Activities: Asking for help.

• Denying Request by coach to ask for help.
• Dropped ball by catcher on play at home plate
• Possible Pulled Foot at first base.

Points of Emphasis

LOCATION OF TEAM PERSONNEL

• Coaches, player, substitutes, attendants or other bench

personnel shall not leave the dugout during live ball for any unauthorized purpose.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

LOCATION OF TEAM PERSONNEL

• Additionally, coaches or

team personnel may not sit outside the dugout/bench area on buckets or stools.

www.nfhs.org

• Players are not allowed to stand or kneel outside their

dugout/bench and/or make “cat-calls” or any other disparaging remarks while the other team is taking infield

• practice. This is unsportsmanlike behavior and will not be

tolerated in interscholastic baseball.

Points of Emphasis

TEAM PERSONNEL LOCATION (CONTINUED)

• Umpires and coaches need to work together for the

benefit of the students they officiate and teach. It is these game situations that provide coaches and umpires excellent “teachable moments” to reinforce proper behavior and perspective. The positive values that are learned at the baseball diamond will serve the young people long after their high school careers have ended.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

LEGAL SLIDES

• Players are never

required to slide, but if they choose to do so, the slide must be legal.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

LEGAL SLIDES

• There has been a misnomer that given a particular

play that the base runner has to slide into the base he is trying to acquire. Even the universally accepted “force play slide” is misconstrued as the player having to slide into the base. NFHS rules are specific and very clear that runners are never required to slide. However, if they choose to slide, then the slide must be legal. You can legally slide either feet first or head

• first. If you choose feet first, then at least one leg and

buttock shall stay in contact with the ground.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

LEGAL SLIDES (CONTINUED)

• The consequence is that the runner is called out and

based upon his actions there could possibly be malicious contact and the runner would be ejected from the game. Attention to when it is appropriate to slide and to do it legally will improve the overall process of base-running, reduce unnecessary injuries to the runner and the covering fielder, and make for a more exciting game to watch and enjoy.

www.nfhs.org

DEAD BALL AND DELAYED DEAD BALL TABLE

• Under Activity Section (page 36)
• #10 A coach physically assists a runner……..5-1-2f
• Under Awards or Penalties Section (page 36)
• #10 Involved batter-runner or runner is out. Outs on

play stand. Other runners return to bases occupied at time of infraction………3-2-2

• Rationale:

With the new rule change in 3-2-2 and 8-4-2s, this activity and accompanying award and penalty is no longer needed.

www.nfhs.org

RULE 5-1-2F

• ART. 2…It is a delayed dead ball when:
• Sub-articles a-e remain the same.
• f. a coach physically assists a runner (see 3-2-2); or
• g. New f. a ball touches an illegal glove/mitt.
• Rationale:

With the new rule change in 3-2-2 and 8-4-2s, this is no longer a delayed dead ball situation.

www.nfhs.org

NFHS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION CENTRAL HUB

www.nfhs.or g

NFHS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION CENTRAL HUB

HTTPS://NFHS-BASEBALL.ARBITERSPORTS.COM/FRONT/105406/SITE

• Contains:
• Sport information
• Rules information
• Rules library
• Searchable rules book
• Video content on
• fficiating sport,

competition situations and interpretations

www.nfhs.org

NFHS OFFICIALS EDUCATION COURSE AND VIDEOS

• Ideal for new officials or those in first

few years of officiating

• 30-45 minutes to complete
• Topics include: Basics of Becoming

and Staying an Official, Science of Officiating, Art of Officiating

• Course is FREE to NFHS Officials

Association members, non-members fee is $20

• NFHSLearn.com
• Sports such as soccer, basketball and

baseball offer direct illustrations of the rules book, including rules references and officials signals

• Animated mechanics videos for

softball and baseball umpires

• Video interpretation of the NFHS

Basketball Rules Book created through a partnership with the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials

www.nfhs.org

NFHS NETWORK

NFHS NETWORK

• By 2020, every high school

sporting event in America will be streamed live.

• The NFHS Network will be

THE DESTINATION for fans to view these broadcasts.

www.NFHSnetwork.com

NJSIAA Umpire Requirements

• 1. Register on Time
• 2. Pass the NJSIAA Baseball Examination 80%
• 3. Attend an Interpretation Meeting
• 4. Complete Concussion course on NFHS Learn.

NJSIAA Baseball Exam

• On line 2 -3 days after the last Regional Meeting; Most likely

February 8-28.

• Pool of 80 Questions; each umpire will receive different

questions.

• Everyone will receive the same 10 mechanics questions.
• Remaining 40 questions will be selected at random.
• Testing period will be 20 days.
• Each Chapter Interpreter will receive the 80 questions with

accompanying rule citations on the day that the test opens.

State Tournament Assigning

• Jack Venezia North Section 1
• Vic Dudka North Section 2
• Craig Yetman Central
• Paul Reagle South
• Jack Venezia and Vic Dudka Non-Public North
• Paul Reagle Non-Public South

State Tournament Eligibility

• Must have attended an NJSIAA Regional Meeting.
• Must have scored at least an 86% on NJSIAA Baseball Exam.
• Depending on size of chapter, lists of highly competent officials

were submitted to the committee.

• Umpires for the 3 man games are individually vetted by the

committee.

• In addition to the names submitted by each chapter this year, the

committee has vetted between 9 and 30 umpires from previous years we can select to work high profile games.

State Tournament Assignments

State Final, Public Semi-Final and Non-Public Sectional Final assignments will be published on the Arbiter a few days after the last NJSIAA Regional Meeting. 3 Man crews will be used on the Sectional Semi-Finals this year. Each Sectional Assignor will publish assignments for Rounds 1 – 4 between March 1st and April 1st.

THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON!

www.nfhs.org