Take Part. Get Set For Life.™National Federation of State High School Associations

2018 NFHS BASEBALL RULES POWERPOINT

B. Elliot Hopkins, MLD, CAADirector of Sports, Sanctioning and Student Services

Craig Yetman

NJSIAA Baseball Interpreter

NJSIAA Baseball Exam

On line 2 -3 days after the last Regional Meeting; Most likely February 14-March 2.

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. Each Chapter Interpreter will receive the 80 questions with

accompanying rule citations on the day that the test opens.

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.

We asked chapter contacts to identify 2-3 officials not previously listed who should be considered based on abilities.

What role do coaches play?

State Tournament Assignments

State Final, Public Semi-Final and Non-Public Sectional Final assignments will be published on the Arbiter later this year.

3 Man crews will be used on the Sectional Semi-Finals, Sectional Finals, State Semi-Finals and Finals this year.

Each Sectional Assignor will publish assignments for Rounds 1 – 4 after April 30th.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™National Federation of State High School Associations

UMPIRE PROFESSIONALISM

What is it really?

CAMPS, CLINICS, MEETINGS

Proper Physical Condition Good Judgment Complete knowledge and understanding of the rules Using proper umpiring mechanics

When you agree to work a high school game, you agree to officiate the game pursuant to NFHS rules. Thus you are required to know these rules and interpretations along with how they differ from professional and collegiate rules, interpretations and mechanics. NFHS UMPIRE MANUAL

WE CAN ALL AGREE

That if any part of the ball touches the strike zone, it is a strike.

That if a batted ball touches any part of a foul line past the base, it is a fair ball.

That if a thrown ball beats the batter-runner to first base, he is out.

SO WHY DO WE STRUGGLE WITH?

Lefty Pickoff move to first base

He either steps with the non-pivot toward the base or he didn’t.

No such thing as he only violated a little, so its OK!

NFHS: To comply with the requirement to step “directly toward”, F1 must step to the first base side of a 45-degree angle between the center of pitcher’s plate and between home and first base.

SO WHY DO WE STRUGGLE WITH?

Pitcher coming set below chin level

Rule requires pitcher to come set with the ball in both hands in front of the body and his glove at or below chin level.

Casebook 6.1.3 Situation DF1 comes to a complete stop with his glove partially above his chin. Ruling: This is legal.

SO WHY DO WE STRUGGLE WITH?

Hybrid Pitching Position

Pitcher is either in the set position or the windup position.

No such thing as he is violating only a little.

Professional and collegiate rules allow pitcher to place his non-pivot foot anywhere. NFHS rules require non-pivot foot to be on or behind the pitcher’s plate.

SO WHY DO WE STRUGGLE WITH?

Pitcher not stopping when in set position with no runner(s) on base.

Penalty: The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch occurs. If there is no runner, a ball is awarded the batter.

In professional ball, the ball remains live.

The pitcher either stopped or he didn’t. He can’t just violate a little bit.

ONE RULE, ONE INTERPRETATION

We know the rules and interpretations.

Is there a willingness to look the other way?

If 90% of umpires look the other way, the 10% of umpires calling the game correctly are looked at as the bad guys.

NFHS RULES REVIEW COMMITTEE

The NFHS Rules Review Committee is chaired by the chief operating officer and composed of all rules editors. After each committee concludes its deliberations and has adopted its recommended changes for the subsequent year, such revisions will be evaluated by the Rules Review Committee.

www.nfhs.org

Davis Whitfield

Chief Operating

Officer

Bob Colgate

Football and Sports

Medicine

Elliot Hopkins

Baseball and

Wrestling

Lindsey Atkinson

Volleyball Julie Cochran

Cross Country,

Field Hockey,

Gymnastics and

Track & Field

Dan Schuster

Ice Hockey

James Weaver

Boys and Girls

Lacrosse and Spirit

Theresia Wynns

Basketball and

Soccer

Sandy Searcy

Softball and

Swimming & Diving

NFHS RULES BOOK AS E-BOOKS

E-books features:• Searchable• Highlight areas of

interest• Make notes• Desktop laptop

availability• Easy navigation• Adjustable viewing size• Immediate availability

www.nfhs.org

NFHS BASEBALL RULES CHANGES

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Rule Change

BASEBALLSRULE 1-3-1

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The ball shall meet the current NOCSAE standard for baseballs (effective Jan. 1, 2019). A performance standard that measures the ball’s circumference, mass, coefficient of restitution and compression deflection.

Rule Change

BATS, BALLS AND GLOVESRULE 1-3-1

Art. 1 . . . The ball shall be a sphere formed by yarn…shall not exceed .555. The ball shall meet the current NOCSAE standard for baseballs at the time of manufacture and is required on all balls that will be used in high school competition (Effective January 1, 2019). A minimum of three umpire-approved baseballs shall…used in high school competition.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

BATS, BALLS AND GLOVESRULE 1-3-1

Rationale:To maintain a consistent and uniform standard for high school competition. To ensure that every baseball manufactured meets the same level of quality and playability.

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Rule Change

BATSRULE 1-3-2a2

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Bats shall not have exposed rivets, pins, rough or sharp edges or any form of exterior fastener or attachments that would present a potential hazard.

ILLEGAL

Rule Change

BATS, BALLS AND GLOVESRULE 1-3-2A2

ART. 2 . . . The bat shall have the following characteristics and components,• a. Each legal wood, aluminum or composite bat shall

– 1. Same language.– 2. Not have exposed attachments, rivets, pins, rough or sharp

edges or any form of exterior fastener that would present a potential hazard.

– 3. Same language.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

BATS, BALLS AND GLOVESRULE 1-3-2A2

Rationale:Further clarification concerning attachments that would present a potential hazard are not permitted.

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Rule Change

CATCHER’S CHEST PROTECTORRULE 1-5-3

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The catcher’s chest protector shall meet the NOCSAE standard (effective Jan. 1, 2020). A performance standard based on the pertinent requirements of projectile testing.

Rule Change

PLAYER EQUIPMENTRULE 1-5-3

ART. 3 . . . The catcher shall wear, in addition to a head protector, a mask with a throat protector, body/chest protector that meets the NOCSAE standard (Effective January 1, 2020), protective cup (male only), and baseball protective shin guards.

Rationale:A NOCSAE standard has been developed to protect the heart and the cardiac silhouette from commotio cordis. The effective date is January 1, 2020.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

BATTER OVERRUNS FIRST BASERULE 8-2-7

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A batter-runner who reached first base safety and then overruns or over slides may immediately return without liability of being put out provided he does not attempt or feint an advance to second. This now applies to a player who is awarded first base on a base on balls as well as who has a base hit.

Rule Change

TOUCHING, OCCUPYING AND RETURNING TO A BASERULE 8-2-7

ART. 7 . . . A runner who reaches first base safely and then overruns or overslides may immediately return without liability of being put out provided he does not attempt or feint an advance to second. A player who is awarded first base on balls does not have this right.

Rationale:This change is easy to coach, officiate and execute as a player. All batter-runners are treated equally and consistently.

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EDITORIAL CHANGES

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Editorial Change

BARRELRULE 1-3-2b3

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The barrel is the area intended for contact with a pitched ball. The rulebook language was updated for editorial clarity.

Editorial Change

COACH PHYSICALLY ASSISTING RUNNERRULES 2-21-1c, 5-1-2f, DEAD BALL AND DELAYED DEAD BALL TABLE

www.nfhs.org

Rule language was updated to better reflect the 2017 rule change regarding a coach physically assisting a runner during playing action. If a runner is physically assisted by a coach, the runner is called out immediately and the ball remains live.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Points of Emphasis

SPORTSMANSHIP —NATIONAL ANTHEM STANDOFF

www.nfhs.org

National anthem standoffs do not reflect the mission of education-based athletics. Staring down opponents after the national anthem to try to intimidate them or refusing to leave the respective baseline before the other team departs is poor sporting behavior.

Points of Emphasis

SPORTSMANSHIP —BENCH JOCKEYING AND CELEBRATIONS

www.nfhs.org

Coaches, players, substitutes, attendants or other bench personnel shall not leave the dugout during a live ball for any unauthorized purposes.

Points of Emphasis

SPORTSMANSHIP —BENCH JOCKEYING AND CELEBRATIONS

www.nfhs.org

Players are not allowed to stand outside their dugout/bench area and make “cat-calls” or other disparaging remarks while the other team is taking infield practice.

Points of Emphasis

SPORTSMANSHIP —NEGATIVE COMMENTS BETWEEN OPPONENTS

www.nfhs.org

Chants, intentional distractions and loud noises directed at the opponent’s pitcher prior to his pitching, the batter getting ready to hit, or a fielder getting ready to make a play do not represent good sportsmanship.

Points of Emphasis

ENFORCEMENT OF NFHS JEWELRY RULE

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Jewelry — including necklaces, bracelets and earrings — shall not be worn except for religious or medical medals. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical alert must be taped and may be visible.

Points of Emphasis

ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF NFHS RULES

www.nfhs.org

The rules of high school baseball are designed for the age and skill

level of high school players and best serve education-based athletics.

Use of non-approved interpretations or rulings that are contradictory

to NFHS rules as written can confuse students, coaches, umpires

and fans.

Points of Emphasis

PROPER PITCHING POSITIONS

www.nfhs.org

The set is one of two legal pitching positions. For the set position, a pitcher shall stand with his entire non-pivot foot in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate and with his entire pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher’s plate.

Points of Emphasis

PROPER PITCHING POSITIONS

www.nfhs.org

The windup is the second 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.

Points of Emphasis

PROPER PITCHING POSITIONS

www.nfhs.org

The so-called hybrid stance is illegal as it does not meet the requirements of either the windup or set positions.

ILLEGAL

Points of Emphasis

REPLANTING THE PIVOT FOOT

Pitching regulations do not permit a leap/hop and replanting of the pivot foot before delivery of a pitch from either the wind-up or set position (NFHS 6-1-2, 6-1-3).

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“SKUNK IN THE GRASS” PLAY

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Rules Reminder

“SKUNK IN THE GRASS” PLAY

The so-called “skunk in the grass” play involves R1 taking a lead-off into right field, attempting to cause confusion or draw the throw to give R3 an opportunity to advance home.

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Rules Reminder

“SKUNK IN THE GRASS” PLAY

R1 may legally lead-off that way. But once a defensive player with the ball attempts to tag R1, his base path is locked in place — a straight line to each of the bases he is between.

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Rules Reminder

EXTRANEOUS LEAD-OFF POSITION

“Skunk In The Grass” play has been around baseball for a long time. It has emerged again this past season.

NFHS Rule 8-4-2a2 provides guidance that, “When a play is being made on a runner or batter-runner, he establishes his baseline as directly between his position and the base toward which he is moving.”

This is a ruse to create a possible distraction for the defense in order to score the run from third base.

www.nfhs.org

Rules Reminder

Umpire Mechanics

Rules Reminder

NFHS Umpire

Tag Up Responsibilities in two man system

Plate UmpireAlways has the touch of the ball by defense and tag of the

runner at 3rd base.Has the tag up of the lead runner with two or more runners.

Base UmpireHas the tag up of Runners at 1st and 2nd base with only one

runner.Has tag up of trail runner(s) with multiple runners.

NFHS Umpire Mechanics

Rules Reminder

NFHS Umpire

When observing the tag up, umpire must line up the runner with the touch of the ball by defense.

NFHS Umpire Mechanics

Rules Reminder

P

Professional and Collegiate rules require the plate umpire to check with partner when requested.

Check Swing

Collegiate and Professional rules require the

plate umpire to check with his partner when

requested to do so.

NFHS rules do not have such a requirement.

Remember, there is NO APPEAL ON A

STRIKE CALL!

Rules Reminder

NFHS Umpire

Between InningsPlate Umpire should take a position on foul line of the team taking the field.Tactfully urge them to hustle to their position.

Base Umpire should position himself on the outfield grass near the outer edge of the infield

NFHS Umpire Mechanics

Rules Reminder

NFHS Umpire

TROUBLE BALL SITUATIONS

Fair/Foul down the right field line.Home run.Balls off the outfield wall/fence.Diving catches.Catches at the wall.Catches made by the outfielder with his back toward the

infield.Catches made by an outfielder below his waist when on a full

run.Three players converging on a fly ball.

NFHS Umpire Mechanics

Rules Reminder

NFHS Umpire

With no runners on base, when a fly ball is hit from the center fielder to the right field line, and U1 determines that it is a Trouble Ball, he will then go out to rule on fair/foul and catch/no catch.

NFHS Umpire Mechanics

U

Rules Reminder

NFHS UMPIRE MANUAL CHANGES

Subsequent Plays / Second Play in the Infield

NFHS Umpire Mechanics

Subsequent Plays / Second Play in

the Infield

Whether U1 is in Position B or Position C, with a

runner or runner(s) on base, U1 is responsible for all

plays in the infield.

R

R

Rules Reminder

NFHS UMPIRE MANUAL CHANGES

Plate Mechanics to Avoid

Never put your hand on a catcher’s back.

Just call “BALL”

“BALL FOUR” is sufficient. Do not point to first

base.

Rules Reminder

Policies and Procedures

Can be found on NJSIAA Website – Sport (Baseball)

Rules Reminder

Umpire communications with press and social media

Umpires shall not talk to Media or post on Social Media comments on rulings.

After officiating a high school baseball game, any questions from the media are to be referred to Larry White, NJSIAA Executive Director or his designated Assistant Director. Game officials shall respond, “NO Comment”, when asked a question about a ruling or play.

Officials shall refrain from commenting or offering a ruling on a play situation in a game that they were not involved in.

The above also pertains to posting comments on social media sites as well.

Rules Reminder

Lineup Cards

Strongly recommended that the lineup card be presented on a 5 x 7 cardstock style.

DH shall be listed immediately below the player he is batting for.

The recommended lineup card format allows for tracking substitutes and re-entry rules.

Many schools have used tear outs from scorebooks that are more appropriate for games played without re-entry.

Rules Reminder

Starter Number Position Substitute Substitute Substitute

1 Adams 17 SS

2 Coleman 45 P Fox #18 Coleman #45

3 Fitzsimmons 8 2B

4 Carter 43 LF

5 Santos 19 CF

6 Baker 6 1B

Johnson 27 DH

7 Sadowski 29 RF

8 Martin 41 C

9 DeMarini 38 3B

Rules Reminder

Adult Coaches Helmet Policy

Any adult coaching in the first or third base coach’s box shall wear a helmet. The helmet may be:

Tradition hard shell with a visor and no ear flaps. Single ear flap. Double ear flap.

No plastic hat liners or inserts may be worn within a cloth hat to meet this requirement.

All baseball officials are required to enforce this policy and shall not start ANY inning until ALL coaches on the field are in compliance with this NJSIAA safety policy

The NJSIAA is highly recommending that all Middle Schools adopt this safety policy for coaches.

Rules Reminder

Suspended Games

NJSIAA has adopted the suspended game rule for State and Conference Tournament play. State Tournament games must be played to completion. (10 Run Rule is in effect for all tournament games).

Schools may treat a regular season game as a suspended game only if the Conference adopts the Suspended Game rule prior to March 31st of each year.

This is important as a “tie” does not result in power points. A suspended game must be completed prior to the State Tournament cutoff date in order to be included in power point calculations.

In order for a regular season game between opponents of schools from different conferences be considered suspended, both conferences must have adopted the suspended game rule prior to March 31st.

Rules Reminder

Bench / Dugout Requirements

The primary responsibility of officials, athletic directors and coaches is safety of participants. This includes adult coaches as well as student-athletes.

NFHS rules require players and coaches to be within the confines of the bench/dugout area while the ball is live. It is recommended that the bench/dugout area be protected by a fence. No one shall be permitted to stand in the open area that serves as an entrance to the bench/dugout area.

If the bench/dugout area is not protected by a fence, coaches may utilize a temporary protective device, ie., a batting practice screen, to sit behind. The bench/dugout area may only be extended away from home plate; not toward home plate.

Coaches may not create a dead ball area and sit in front of the bench/dugout area’s protective fence even if protected by the backstop fencing.

Rules Reminder

Directive since 2015

Rules Reminder

Directive since 2014

Rules Reminder

Pope John vs. Northern Highlands

Rules Reminder

Middlesex vs. Emerson State Trnt.

Rules Reminder

St. Joseph – Bergen Catholic

Rules Reminder

CBA – Don Bosco Prep State Trnt.

Rules Reminder

Sunglasses

High School baseball is an extra-curricular activity and an extension of the classroom. There is no allowance for styling that may be appropriate for other levels of the game.

Sunglasses are to be worn as designed by players, coaches and umpires. They are not be worn on the bill of the cap or dangled below the face.

Umpires choosing to wear sunglasses shall select a conservative style and not draw attention.

If observed, the violator shall be directed to wear the sunglasses appropriately. Failure to comply shall be reported to the Head Coach for corrective action.

Rules Reminder

Eye Black

Only one Straight Line or Strip of Eye Black is permitted under each eye. If the strip has the maker's name displayed when applied, it is legal.

High School baseball is an extension of the classroom and a valuable learning experience in good sportsmanship. Wearing eye black in “War Paint” style is a form of intimidation and not to be allowed.

If observed during a game, the official:1. Shall stop the contest and inform the Head Coach of the violation.2. Player shall immediately remove the eye black and wear appropriately. There is no

penalty if the violation can be addressed without undue delay.3. If removal causes an undue delay, the Head Coach shall announce a substitute and

the game resumes. If a starter, player retains re-entry eligibility. If a substitute, he no longer is eligible to re-enter the game.

Rules Reminder

Jackson

Rules Reminder

Toms River South

Rules Reminder

Colonia

Rules Reminder

PRE-GAME SPORTSMANSHIP

READING

NJSIAA Tolerance PolicyThe following statement will be stated at the start of EVERY Baseball and Softball Game

It will be read at the pre-game plate conference and include;

• Both Head Coaches• Both Team Captains

U1

U2

C1

CAP

C2

CAP

Rules Reminder

One Rule, One Interpretation

THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON!www.nfhs.org