Baseball Rules Meeting

1. Baseball Rules Meeting Rule1 – Rule 10

2. Rule 1: Objectives of the Game • Bats • Bats must be BBCORE bats no longer than 36 inches and the barrel no larger than 2 ¾ inches in diameter.

3. Rule 1: Objectives of the Game • Penalty for using illegal bats: • First Offense - If the umpire discovers that the bat does not conform to USSSA Rules until a time • during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the batter out and/or ejection from the game. • If the umpire discovers that a bat has been used to put a ball in play and before the next legal pitch, the defensive team will have the choice of the result of play or the batter being called out and all runners returning to the base occupied before the pitch. • Second Offense – If a team is found in violation of this rule a second time, then the manager will be ejected in addition to the First Offense penalty.

4. Rule 1: Objectives to the Game • Player Equipment • 8U-12U: No metal cleats are allowed. • Catchers equipment: Shin guards, mask, chest protector, cup, and throat guard. 8U-12U total ear coverage is needed. • All batters must wear double ear flap. • No altered or broken equipment shall be used during play. • Pitching gloves shall not have white or gray as the dominant color. • Penalty for equipment violations: Umpire ask that illegal equipment be replaced

5. Rule 2: Definitions • Catch: Act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket, or any other part of his uniform in getting possession. • Complete clear control then voluntary release of the ball • It is not a catch when: • The ball hits the wall, an umpire, or a offensive player after a defensive player touches it. • Ball is trapped anywhere on the body except hand or glove. • After getting possession of the ball collides with another player or wall and ball comes out. • After getting possession falls to the ground and the ball falls out of the glove.

6. Rule 2: Definitions • Fair Ball: • A batted ball that settles in fair ground between home and first base or third base. • A batted ball that touches first, mound, or third base • A batted ball that first touches in fair territory then goes past first or third in fair territory. • While over fair territory touches a umpire or player while in fair territory. • Passes out of the playing field in flight over fair territory. • Position of the ball is the only thing that matters. • Fair Territory: Area in-between all foul lines, bases, and all of home plate to the outfield fence. The entire foul line is in fair territory.

7. Rule 2: Definitions • Infield Fly: is a fair fly ball which can be caught by an infielder with ORDINARY EFFORT, when first and second, or bases are loaded with less than two outs. • No infield fly calls made on bunts or line drives. • When situation occurs the calling umpire shall communicate infield fly, batter is out if fair. • After the play runners can advance at own risk of being caught, and or retouch after a catch is made. • If the fielder drops the ball intentionally to cause confusion to the runner. The play will stand as called and have all runners go back to their original base(s)

8. Rule 2: Definitions • Interference: • Offensive Interference is the act of the team at bat which interferes, obstructs, impedes, hinders, or confuses a player attempting to make a play. • Does not have to be intentional to be interference. • Defensive Interference is an act of a fielder that hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch. • Umpires Interference occurs when the plate umpire hinders, impedes, or prevents a catchers thrown on a attempted steal or pick off play or when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory. • On any interference the ball is dead.

9. Rule 2: Definitions • Obstruction: is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of a runner. • If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder the player is in the “act of fielding”. • When obstruction takes place communicate: “That is Obstruction” • Let the play develop and place runners to the base(s) they would have reached in your judgment if obstruction were not to take place.

10. Rule 3: Game Preliminaries • Before the game the umpire shall: (5 minutes prior) • Be sure all lines are marked as needed. (Preferably fair foul line to the fence, batters box, catchers box, and runners lane. • Receive baseballs from the home team. • Check and approve of the lineups. • Ask coaches how to enforce the balk. • Ask coaches if all players are legally equipped. • Confirm what mercy run rules will be played. • Have the home coach take the visiting coach and umpire around the field to go over ground rules. • Start game clock at conclusion of meeting.

11. Rule 3: Game Preliminaries • Approved Team Lineups • Teams may bat a nine (9) player line-up, ten (10) player line-up using an Extra Hitter (EH) or continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players. Such line-up must be declared before the start of the game and used the entire game.

12. Rule 3: Game Preliminaries • If a team uses a line-up that contains (9) players, all starting players may be removed and re-enter the game once, but must re-enter in their original position in the batting order. Non-starters are not allowed to re-enter. When a starter re-enters, the player in the starter’s batting position in the batting order must be removed from the game and is ineligible for the remainder of the game. • If a team uses a line-up that contains ten (10) players, the player in the Extra Hitter position, while not actually playing a defensive position, will be treated as such for substitution purposes. • If a team uses a continuous line-up, all players other than the nine (9) defensive position players are Extra Hitters and may move freely in defensive positions with the exception of the pitching position. Any player(s) arriving after the game has begun, shall be added to the bottom of the batting line-up. When using the continuous lineup and a player has to leave the game for any reason, that position in the line-up becomes an out when that at bat comes around.

13. Rule 3: Game Preliminaries • Weather Concerns • The home team shall be sole judge as to whether to start the game or not because of unsuitable weather conditions. • The Umpire in Chief will become the sole judge once the pregame coaches meeting concludes. • The Umpire in Chief will decide to start the second game of a DH due to unsuitable weather or field conditions.

14. Rule 4: Starting and Ending the Game • Length of Game: • 6 Innings for 8U-12U • Mercy Rule: 15 runs after 3, 8 runs after 4 innings. • 7 Innings for 13U-18U • Mercy Rule: 15 runs after 3 innings, 12 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 inning. • Mercy Rule for Reserve Baseball is 10 Runs after 5 innings of play.

15. Rule 4: Starting and Ending the Game • Starting the Game: • A team in USSSA baseball can start with a 8 player lineup. If this happens when the 9th batter comes up a out shall be given. • Players can be added to the end of the batting order as they become available. • All defensive players, except the catcher, must have both feet in fair territory at the time of the pitch.

16. Rule 4: Starting and Ending the Game • Sportsmanship: Coach, player, substitute, fan, trainer, or bat boy at any time shall not • Incite, or try to incite, by word or sign spectators. • Use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, an umpire or spectator. • Call “Time” or use other words while the ball is live to try to make a pitcher “balk” (Warn then eject) • Make intentional contact with an umpire. • Penalty: Ejection of the individual. Must leave the playing field and be out of site of the playing field.

17. Rule 4: Starting and Ending the Game • Game Management: • When occupants of a players bench show disapproval of an umpires decision, the umpire shall give a warning to that bench. • If occupants continue to show disapproval the umpire shall eject the offenders. • Ball, strike, fair, foul, safe, and out calls are not arguable. If coach wants to come out and ask about a safe, out, fair, foul call give them the opportunity to ask a question. Give a short answer and the conversation shall not continue. • Do not let coaches come out and argue balls and strikes.

18. Rule 4: Starting and Ending a Game • A Game may be forfeited to the opposing team when: (Avoid if you can this is a last resort) • Team fails to appear on the field. • Team fails to take the field after 5 minutes after the umpire says play. • Employs tactics designed to delay or shorten the game. • Team refuses to resume play of a game. • A team after warning continues to violate the rules of the game. • Faisl to obey within reasonable time to remove a ejected player, coach or fan.

19. Rule 5: Putting the Ball in Play • The Umpire in Chief at the time set for beginning play shall call “Play” • First batter is in the box and pitcher is on the mound. • Pitcher given new ball after a foul ball. • Batter and pitcher in positions after a time out call. • Once the umpire puts the ball in play the ball remains live until the next umpires call of “Time” • No player can advance, be put out or, runs scored while the ball is not live.

20. Rule 5: Putting the Ball in Play • If a thrown ball accidently hits a base coach, or a pitched ball hits a umpire the ball remains in play. • However if a coach interferes with a thrown ball the runner is out.

21. Rule 5: Putting the Ball in Play • Dead ball and runners advance one base or return when: • A pitched ball hits a batter or their clothing while in legal batting position. (Advance runners if forced) • Umpire interferes with a catchers attempt on a stolen base or pick off. (Return the runners if safe) • A balk is committed. (Advance the runners) • A ball is illegally batted. (Return the runners) • A foul ball is not caught (Return the runners) • A fair ball touches a runner before a fielder has a chance to make a play. (Return the runners) • A fair ball hits an umpire before fielders are able to make a play. (Advance runners if forced) • Ball becomes lodged in umpire or catcher equipment. (Advance runners one base)

22. Rule 5: Putting the Ball in Play • The ball becomes dead and the umpire shall call time when: • Darkness or similar conditions make immediate play unsafe or impossible. • When an accident incapacitates a player or an umpire. • When a coach wants to have a conference with one or multiple team members. • When the umpire wants to examine the ball. • When a player makes a catch in playing area then falls in non-playing area. • Other than the times above an umpire shall not call “Time” when a play is in progress.

23. Questions on Rules 1-5?

24. Rule 6: The Batter • Batter shall Remain in the batters box once the pitcher comes to a set or starts the windup motion. • Main objective here is to keep the pace of play going. • Do not grant timeout to the batter just because they asked for it. • Use your judgment of why the batter asked for timeout. If it is due to the pitchers delay give it. If it is to get pitcher off rhythm do not grant the timeout.

25. Rule 6: The Batter • The batter shall keep one foot in the box between pitches except when: • Swings and misses at a pitch • Batter is forced out of the box doe to a errant pitch • Defense asks for Time • Play is attempted on a runner • Missed bunt • Wild pitch • Pitcher leaves the dirt • Catcher leaves the catchers box • Communicate verbally and with hand to remain in the box. Penalty: Strike given to the batter without a pitch thrown.

26. Rule 6: The Batter • A Batter is out when: • A batted fair or foul ball is legally caught with two feet in live ball territory. • After a third strike called or swung at. • A foul ball bunted on a third strike. • An infield fly is declared • Batter attempts to hit a third strike and the ball hits the batter. • A fair ball touches the batter outside the box before a fielder touches the ball. • The Batter runner interferes with the play at first outside the runners lane. • The batter interferes with the catcher. • Batters has one entire foot outside the box at time of contact. • Bats out of turn and umpire is made aware of the out of turn before the next batter and after the batters at bat.

27. Rule 6: The Batter • Batting out of Turn: • A batter shall be called out when he fails to bat in his proper turn, and after another batter completes the time at bat in his place. • The appeal must be made after the at bat is over and before the next at bat begins. • If appealed during the at bat get correct hitter up with same count. • If appealed after the next at bat started continue the game. The new batter now becomes the proper batter.

28. Rule 6: The Batter • Hit by Pitch • If a batter attempts to hit the ball and gets hit with the pitch the call is a strike. • If a batter gets hit with the ball in the strike zone the call is a STRIKE. • If the batter gets hit with the ball and makes no attempt to avoid getting hit the call is a ball. Good Philosophy: If the ball hits the batter (Hit by Pitch) If batter hits the ball (Remains the batter)

29. Rule 6: The Batter • USSSA Adaptations • For an intentional walk a pitcher does not have to throw the 4 pitches. • This can be done at the request of the coach.

30. Rule 7: The Runner • Runners must advance in order first, second, third and home. • Two runners cannot occupy the same base. • The following runner will be called out if tagged. • Except if runner is forced to run the leading runner is out when tagged. • If runners are forced to return to a bag they must retouch all bases previously touched.

31. Rule 7: The Runner • Awarded Home Base: • When a fair ball is hit out of the playing field in flight. • When a home run is prevented due to a fielder throwing his glove, cap, or any other part of his uniform at the ball when the ball would have left the playing field in flight.

32. Rule 7 The Runner: • Award Three Bases: • When a fielder touches a fair batted ball with his cap, mask, or any other detached equipment. • A fielder deliberately throws his glove and touches a fair ball.

33. Rule 7: The Runner • Award Two Bases when: • A fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with detached equipment. • If a fair ball bounces or deflects into the stands outside the first or third base lines or under or over the outfield fence, becomes lodged in the fence or loose field equipment. • When a thrown ball goes into dead ball territory. • When the throw is the first play by an infielder the award is from the time of the pitch. • In all other throws it shall be governed by the position of the base runners at the time of the throw

34. Rule 7: The Runner • Runner is awarded one base when: • A balk is called and enforced • The batter is walked and the runner is forced to advance. • A fair ball hits an umpire. • A fielder after catching a fly ball FALLS into dead ball territory. • A fielder deliberately touches a pitched ball with a cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place.

35. Rule 7: The Runner • The runner is awarded One Base cont: • A pitcher throws the ball from the pitcher positioninto dead ball territory. • If a play is being made on a obstructed runner. • The runner shall advance at least on base beyond the base that he was obstructed from. Other runners advance only if forced.

36. Rule 7: The Runner • Squeeze Play • Catcher Interference on a squeeze play • Balk, Batter gets first base, Dead Ball at time of interference, send runner back to third.

37. Rule 7: The Runner • The Runner is out when: • He runs more than 3 feet out of the runners lane to avoid a tag. (Unless trying to avoid interference) • He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball or hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball. • He fails to return to first after over running or sliding first base. • Any attempt towards second then tagged the runner shall be out. • He is tagged while not on a base. • Exception is on a dislodged base.

38. Rule 7: The Runner • The runner is out when: cont. • He fails to retouch a base after a legal catch. • This is a appeal play not a force play for timing purposes. • The next base is tagged before reached on a force play. • He is touched by a batted ball before a fielder had a chance to make a play. • He attempts to score on a play the batter interferes with the catcher. • He passes a preceding runner. • Communicate (Passing the runner is out) as soon as it happens.

39. Rule 7: The Runner • USSSA Adaptations • At anytime a courtesy runner can be used for the catcher or the pitcher. • The runner can be someone not in the lineup or the last batted out. • When a tag play is evident the runner must slide to avoid contact. • A jump, leap, or dive is not an attempt to avoid contact. • If there is no slide and contact while the fielder is in the act of fielding the ball the runner shall be out and ejection will be left up to the umpires discretion.

40. Rule 8: Pitcher • Wind-Up Position • Shall be facing the batter with pivot foot in contact with the rubber. • Do not let the pitcher face another base while in the wind-up position with runners on base. • Pitcher can disengage from this position with the non-pivot foot only. • Pitcher cannot simulate a pitch while stepping off the rubber.

41. Rule 8: The Pitcher • The Set Position • A pitcher is in the set position with one foot in contact with the rubber. • The pitcher must, in one continuous motion, bring his hands together in front of his body and come to a complete stop before making a legal pitch. • From the set position the pitcher can throw to any base provided he steps directly to the base. • When a pitcher steps backwards off the pitching rubber he is now considered a fielder.

42. Rule 8: The Pitcher • Pitching Provisions • A pitcher must take signs from the catcher while in contact with the rubber. • Pitcher may go to their mouth with their hands or fingers as long as they dry the fingers or hands before contacting the ball. • Pitchers cannot go to their mouth while in contact with the rubber. • On cold days pitchers may blow on their hands while on the mound or rubber if agreed upon by the coaches. • A pitcher is allowed 8 warm-up pitchesif new, and 5 warm-up pitches if returning.

43. Rule 8: The Pitcher • Balk Philosophy • The purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is a doubt in the umpires mind on the intent of the illegal motion call a balk.

44. Rule 8: The Pitcher • It is a Balk when: • Starts the natural pitching motion and does not complete the pitch. • Exception: If batter causes this it is time out no pitch. • A pitcher swings his free foot passed the back edge of the pitching rubber and throws to a base. • A pitcher while in contact with the rubber feints a throw to first base. • A pitcher fails to step directly towards the base he is throwing too.

45. Rule 8: The Pitcher • It is a Balk when: • A pitcher throws or feints a throw to an unoccupied base. • Exception: If the pitcher is making a play on a runner this is legal. • The pitcher delivers a pitch while not facing the batter. • Pitcher makes any natural pitching motion while not in contact with the rubber. • The pitcher while in a legal pitching stance removes his hand off the ball or takes the ball out of his glove. • While in contact with the rubber drops the ball. • Exception: If the ball rolls past a foul line the call is a ball.

46. Rule 8: The Pitcher • It is a Balk when: • The pitcher delivers the ball before coming to a complete stop. • Pitcher straddles the rubber without the ball. • Hidden ball trick • The pitcher feints a pitching motion or throw by twitching the shoulders, buckling their knee, jolting their body, coming to a double set, start and stopping while coming to the set.

47. Rule 8: The Pitcher • Pitcher Substitutions • A coach is allowed one visit per inning per pitcher. • The second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will warrant the removal of the pitcher. • A coach cannot make a second trip to the same pitcher while the same batter is up to the plate. • Exception: If a pinch hitter is brought in a coach can make a second trip but must remove the pitcher. • A visit ends when the coach turns and leave the mound area.

48. Rule 8: The Pitcher • USSSA Provisions • Once a pitcher leaves the game from the pitching spot he shall not be allowed to pitch again for the remainder of the game. • Balk enforcement changes by age and level of play. Ask coaches before the game how they want to handle balk enforcement. • Coaches are in charge of pitching limits for tournaments. If coaches have questions direct them to tournament directors. When they do this game clock continues to run.

49. Rules 6-8 Questions?

50. Rule 9: The Umpire • Newsletter #1 will cover this rule. E-mail will be sent out when Newsletter #1 is available. • GOOD LUCK TO THE START OF THE SEASON!