• Diagrams #5 and #6 indicate the configuration of the pitcher's mound, including the proper placement of the pitcher's plate, the dimensions of the table and the front and rear slopes.
• While not advisable, it is permissible for a game to be played with a mound less than six inches high in Little League, both Baseball and Softball and ten inches in Senior/Big League Baseball.
• The use of a portable mound is acceptable.
• In Major Division and below, there will no need to lay out the "next batter's box", since there is no "on-deck position." The on-deck batter remains in the dugout.
• It is not necessary to include the inside line of the batter's box (the line closest to the plate on each side.)
• Rule 6.06(a) is considerably easier to enforce if the inside line is not used. Frequently, umpires will simply rub it out.
• If the foul lines, batter's box lines or other lines are not correct, the umpire may choose a number of options: utilize the lines as placed; eliminate the lines; re-line the field; or, simply ignore the lines as placed.
• Keep the coacher's boxes at least a minimum from the foul lines and your problems of interference will be lessened considerably.
• While it may be a surprise to some, home plate is entirely in fair territory. A ball hitting home plate can result in either a fair or foul ball, depending on what follows.
• The black beveled edge is not part of home plate, only to assist sliding players who are advancing to home plate.
• In situations where bases are not "anchored" on the field, umpires should insure that the bases are correctly placed and remain entirely in fair territory.
• A "step-down" version of a pitcher's plate is also acceptable. However, for purposes of the Pitching Rules (Rule 8.00), only the upper or elevated portion of this version is legally part of the plate.
• Even though there is no "on-deck position" in Major Division and below, there is still an on-deck batter. He must wear a helmet, but may not pick up a bat until it is his turn at bat. Umpires should allow the upcoming batter a few swings when he arrives at the plate.
• At the start of the first inning and in-between innings, only one batter is permitted out of the dugout with a bat, since there is only one batter due up. All other players must remain in the dugout.
• Yellow, orange or other colors of softballs are legal for use during league play, however, not tournament play.
• Painted bats are not acceptable, unless the painting has occurred by the manufacturer.
• At times, the sleeve of an aluminum bat is torn or is non-existent. The umpire may remove the bat for safety reasons. For the safety of all, it is highly recommended that aluminum bats be taped or fitted with a sleeve.
• Nowhere within this rule does it indicate that hands are part of the bat. Hands are not part of the bat. See Rules 6.05(f) and 6.08(b) for additional verification.
• When removing an illegal bat from play during the game, leave the bat with the official scorer until the game has concluded.
• In softball, teams may wear uniform shorts, but in order to be uniform, each player must wear shorts.
• In Softball, teams may wear hats, visors or they may choose to not wear any hats or visors. Whatever is decided, however, the team must all be the same.
• The toe plate may be plastic, leather, aluminum or other material acceptable to the umpire.
• Frequently, shoes with removable spikes or cleats are used. These would be acceptable if, when removed, no metal remains exposed. If so, the shoes must be replaced.
• The molded cleats may be made of many substances other than rubber. Insure that the shoes are safe to all participants.
• No level of Little League Baseball or Softball permit the use of metal cleats. No agreement can be made to alter or ignore this rule.
• In Majors and Minors, managers and coaches are allowed to wear jerseys similar to their respective teams's jersey, but may not wear uniform pants or similar.
• The wearing of shorts by managers and coaches shall be administered by the local jurisdiction, whether it be local league, district, section, division, state, region or World Series. The decision of the local jurisdiction is final.
• This includes managers and coaches, particularly if they will be serving as a base coach or coming onto the field in any other capacity.
• Players may wear Medic Alert necklaces or bracelets. However, if worn, it must be taped to the body.
• Managers, coaches, players and umpires may not wear hat pins.
• The word "Plaster" has been removed from this rule to include other types of casts that can be just as dangerous to the game participants.
• Players with casts may not coach in the coacher's box, not only out of concern for the injured player, but also for the safety of those around him.
• Umpires should not umpire while wearing a cast for the very same safety concerns.
• Whether the catcher is a right-handed or left-handed catcher, a catcher's mitt must be worn.
• A left-handed catcher may not wear a mitt designed for a right-handed catcher, unless the mitt is specifically designed to be worn on either hand.
• This rule no longer applies to softball. A catcher may wear any glove or mitt that will protect the hand.
• In Baseball, only the first baseman may wear a first baseman's mitt.
• In Softball, the first baseman and catcher may wear a first baseman's mitt.
• Multi-colored gloves are not allowed to be worn by the pitcher. This does not, however, include the manufacturer's label, or the lacing of the glove, unless, in the umpire's judgment, these would prove to be distracting to the batter.
• If a pitcher wears a batting glove, it must be the same color as the fielder's glove and be completely hidden from view. The pitcher, however, may not then rub the ball while still wearing the batting glove. He is only permitted to rub up the ball between the bare hands.
• Chin straps are not mandatory, unless they are attached to the helmet. If chin straps are included as part of the helmet, they must be worn properly.
• Insure that players wear properly-fitted helmets.
• If a player, during play, removes his helmet or causes his helmet to come off, he shall not be called out. At the conclusion of the play, the umpire shall warn the player and all members of his team. Further occurrences will result in the ejection of the player who then violates this provision.
• Insure that the equipment fits properly and is worn correctly.
• During infield or outfield warm-up, the player standing next to the coach with the bat must wear the catcher's helmet, mask and throat guard.
• The warm-up catcher must wear athletic supporter and cup (if male), catcher's helmet, mask, throat guard and catcher's mitt (baseball, only). It is not necessary to wear chest protector and shin guards to warm-up the pitcher.
• The extended mask does not satisfy the throat guard requirement. The throat guard must be an attachment to the mask that sufficiently protects the throat.
• The athletic supporter requirement for male players may not be substituted by use of brief-type underwear.
• While not a requirement, "groin-area" protection for female players should be encouraged.
• Agreements can never be made to allow the usage of skull caps in any division.
• Appeals do not have to be made verbally. However, when it's possible more than one runner could be appealed, the player must indicate to the umpire which runner is appealed. This can be accomplished by asking, "Which runner?"
• If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a ball.
• If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base.
• If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05(c) and 6.09(b). (Junior/Senior/Big League "third strike not caught.)
• If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if he hit the ball in flight.
• While there is no requirement which coacher's box an adult coach may occupy, care should be given, when there is only one adult with the team, proper supervision can still be exercised with the team members in the dugout.
• Once a half-inning begins, the coachers are "locked" into the box they occupy and may not change boxes.
• It is acceptable for a better-runner to overrun first base on a base-on-balls. He cannot be tagged out when overrunning first base unless he makes an effort to advance to second base or fails to return to first immediately.
• When the batter squares around in a "bunt position", there is no need for the batter to pull the bat back. If, in this case, the pitched ball is out of the strike zone, it shall be called a "ball."
• Often, the batter squares around in a "bunt position" and waves the bat. As an umpire, put a stop to this action. It could be ruled interference with the catcher, if he misses the ball and a runner advances, and thus, be an out.
• OBR: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground. No interference will be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk.
• When the rule states that the player may not use "any part of the uniform" in gaining possession, it means inside the uniform. Trapping the fly against the uniform or chest protector is okay if the player gains and maintains possession in the hand or glove or both.
• Runners may advance the instant the ball is touched by a defensive player.
• For safety reasons, dugouts are out-of-play in Little League and should be indicated in the league's Ground Rules. Provisions that seem to allow a catch in the dugout do not apply in all levels of Little League, both Baseball and Softball
• OBR: If a fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or home and third base, and then bounces to foul territory without touching a player or umpire and before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball settles on foul territory or is touched by a player on foul territory it is a foul ball. If a fly ball lands on or beyond first base or third base and then bounces to foul territory, it is a fair hit.
• Umpires shall not make a verbal call on a fair ball, simply a point into fair territory.
• Note that there are no foreign objects in fair territory, only in foul territory.
• OBR: Confusion regarding this play is removed by remembering that frequently the "force" situation is removed during the play. Example: Man on first, one out, ball hit sharply to first baseman who touches the bag and batter-runner is out. The force is removed at that moment and runner advancing to second must be tagged. If there had been a runner on third or second, and either of these runners scored before the tag out at second, the run counts. Had the first baseman thrown to second and the ball then had been returned to first, the play at second was a force out, making two outs, and the return throw to first ahead of the runner would have made three outs. In that case, no run would score.
Example: Not a force out. One out. Runner on first and third. Batter flies out. Two out. Runner on third tags up and scores. Runner on first tries to retouch before throw from fielder reaches first baseman, but does not get back in time and is out. Three outs. If, in umpire's judgment, the runner from third touched home before the ball was held at first base, the run counts.
• A force play exists any time that a runner is forced off of a base due to the batter becoming a runner. Thus, a runner being tagged out running from first to second on a ground ball is a force out.
• OBR: A batted ball not touched by a fielder, which hits the pitcher's rubber and rebounds into foul territory, between home and first, or between home and third base is a foul ball.
• The above situation is correct for a ball on the ground. Once you make a call of "Foul Ball" when the ball is on the ground, it is foul forever. However, if the ball is in the air, it may still be caught for an out and the ball would remain alive and in play.
• There is nothing in this rule to suggest that the batted ball must travel higher than the batter's head to be an out. If not a foul tip or a rebound (See Rule 2.00; Foul Tip), the ball is a foul ball and can be caught for an out.
• On a caught fly ball in foul territory, runners may legally tag up and advance.
• The ball is alive and in play on a foul tip. Runners may advance as well as being thrown out on a foul tip.
• A rebound would be a ball batted sharply to the catcher that does not hit the mitt first, but is finally held by the catcher. This would not be a catch, but simply a foul ball, dead.
Illegal Pitch (Junior/Senior/Big League Baseball)
• Please note that an illegal pitch (one of two listed) is a balk with runners on base. All balks are not illegal pitches when no runners are on base.
• The penally for an illegal pitch with no runners on base is a ball to the batter. With runners on base, no ball to the batter, but simply advance runners one base.
• Stepping on home plate when batting the ball is not an out, unless in the judgement of the plate umpire, the batter's foot is on the ground entirely outside the batter's box when making contact with the ball.
• The batter is out, regardless whether the ball is batted fair or foul.
• If the batter is trying to get out of the way of a very wild pitch and the ball hits his bat while the batter's foot is outside the box, he shall not be out. The umpire should let the play run out.
• An Illegally Batted Ball is only the plate umpire's call. Resist requests to have the base umpire make the call.
• In judging "ordinary effort" by an infielder, an umpire (any umpire) must evaluate the relative age group of the player, not the individual ability of the respective player.
• Whether the ball is an infield fly or not is solely the judgment of the umpire and may not be protested.
• Generally, the Infield Fly is first called by the plate umpire if the infielder is moving in; in cases where the ball is even with the infielder or the infielder is moving back, the base umpire can initiate the call.
• When one umpire calls "Infield Fly", all umpires working the game call it.
• There cannot be an Infield Fly on a bunt or a line drive, regardless if the other criteria have been met.
• OBR: On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder - not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately
When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly rule takes precedence.
• A batted fly ball that is deflected over the fence shall be ruled a home run, since, by definition, it left the playing field "in flight."
• In Juniors, Seniors and Big League, a third strike pitch that is "short-hopped" by the catcher is not considered to be caught "in flight." In cases where the runner would be able to run to first, he must be retired to be out.
• OBR: In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.
• Offensive interference, or any interference for that matter, does not have to be intentional for it to be called.
• When a fielder "errs" on a play, he could still be considered as being in the "act of fielding a ball" if he is able to pick up the ball within one step or stride from his position. If, however, he must move farther than this, he would be considered as "chasing and erred ball" and would be liable for a possible obstruction call.
• This is most often committed by the catcher but could be committed by any defensive player.
• Only the plate umpire may interfere with the catcher and only on a cleanly-caught ball or a pitched ball that doesn't cause the catcher to move from his position. If the catcher errs on the ball, the umpire will be considered part of the field, and no interference results.
• A fair batted ball touching a base umpire should only occur during a Juniors, Seniors or Big League Baseball game, since on a sixty-foot diamond, the base umpire will be behind the infielders at the time of the pitch.
• This can only occur on or over the playing field, either fair or foul. In or over the stands, it could not be interference.
• As a representative of the team, the manager can be ejected for his team's failing to abide by the rules.
• OBR: If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be considered "in the act of fielding a ball." It is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the "act of fielding" the ball. For example: an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner.
• Most actions related to obstruction concern who has the right-of-way. The defense has the right to the baseline on a batted ball or when he already has the ball in his possession. The offense has the right to the baseline in all other occasions, including on a thrown ball.
• In order to be "in the act of fielding the ball" the ball must arrive before the runner. If not, very likely obstruction has occurred and should be called.
• When a fielder "errs" on a play, he could still be considered as being in the "act of fielding a ball" if he is able to pick up the ball within one step or stride from his position. If, however, he must move farther than this, he would be considered as "chasing and erred ball" and would be liable for a possible obstruction call.
• A "fake tag" is a dangerous play and must not be allowed to continue. In addition to the calling of obstruction, the player and team should be warned. Further instances could result in ejection.
• There is a difference between a "decoy" and a "fake tag." A decoy results in confusing the baserunner who not watching his base coachers. A fake tag results in the player sliding when he doesn't have to slide.
• OBR: All other deliveries of the ball by one player to another are thrown balls.
Pivot Foot
• The pivot foot for a right-handed pitcher would be his right foot; left-handed pitcher, left foot.
• Failing to call "Play" can result in considerable confusion when an attempt is made to pick off a runner.
• "Play" is not automatic simply because the pitcher brings the ball back to the mound.
• If no appeal of the runner is made, a runner is considered to have touched a base if he moves past the base.
• This should not be confused with the "safe" signal (hands outstretched), which could be indicating decisions by the umpire such as, "No Interference," "No Catch," "No Obstruction," or "No Tag." This signal would not indicate that the base runner is entitled to anything other than continuing as a base runner.
• (d) Bunting foul on the third strike is an out and the ball is dead, unless the ball is caught. If the ball is caught, the ball remains alive and in play.
• (e) This further demonstrates that hands are part of the batter's person, not part of the bat.
• Remember that the strike zone always remains over home plate. It doesn't matter where in the box the batter stands.
• Occasionally, managers will ask the umpire at the pre-game conference, "What's your strike zone?" resist the urge to be too sarcastic, but the correct response would be, "Exactly as it indicates in the rule book." What you call is your business, however, the explanation should always be the legal strike zone.
• Rule 4.10(d) has been modified to allow for games after the first inning has been completed, but before the game has become regulation to be suspended games.
• Tagging or touching a player could include long hair on the player or a jacket "flapping in the breeze." See Rule 2.00-Touch.
• Managers and players may ask for "Time" to be called, but only the umpire may call "Time."
• Umpires should resist the urge to call "Time" whenever the batter wishes time to get set in the batter's box. Seldom will a pitcher begin his delivery while the batter is getting ready. If he does so, call "Time" then.
• Holding up one hand is the same as calling "Time." Some umpires incorrectly raise one hand up as if to say, "No Pitch." There are only two time periods that we must consider. "Time" indicates that the ball is dead. Otherwise, the ball is alive and in play.
• OBR: The umpire shall not give an alternate ball to the pitcher until play has ended and the previously used ball is dead. After a thrown or batted ball goes out of the playing field, play shall not be resumed with an alternate ball until the runners have reached the bases to which they are entitled. After a home run is hit out of the playing grounds, the umpire shall not deliver a new ball to the pitcher or the catcher until the batter hitting the home run has crossed the plate.
• A good practice is for the umpire to rotate the balls into the game constantly to insure that the balls are worn at the same rate. This lessens the chance of a "brand new" ball being used at a strategic point in the game.
• Just because umpires in Little League are instructed to warn for this violation does not mean that warnings should be issued for all violations of the rules.
• This includes rubbing the ball in the dirt or picking up dirt from the mound and rubbing it on the ball.
• In preparing the ball for play, the umpires should never rub dirt on the ball while on the field. If a new ball comes into play, roll it down the baseline to your partner to rub up. The ball will collect enough dust to remove the shine, thus preparing the ball for play.
• Umpires are responsible for not allowing a starter to re-enter the game illegally. If a situation exists where a starter has re-entered too soon and it is not discovered until play has resumed, we have a possible protest. If discovered then, the re-entering starter is removed (since he re-entered improperly), the substitute has already left the game (albeit improperly) and the re-entering starter cannot return again in the same game (since he already re-entered improperly). The manager has "burned" two players when the umpire could have stopped it.
• There are times when a starter cannot re-enter. If the player who substitutes for a starter fails to complete the necessary requirements, the starter may not return.
• If a game is suspended and resumed later, managers must be aware that the resumption of a suspended game is considered the same game. A player removed (whether it's for an injury or otherwise) before the suspension may re-enter when the game is resumed. Also, if a player is not in attendance or not on the team before the suspension, the player may enter during the resumption if he is then in attendance.
• Umpires are responsible for the lineup, and should insure that players are entered into the proper position.
• OBR: Any player other than a pitcher substituted for an injured player shall be allowed five warm up throws. (See Rule 8.03 for pitchers.)
• The designated hitter and the player for whom he/she is batting occupy the same position in the batting order. If the DH is entered on defense, the player who is being hit for will be removed from the game. The two players may not occupy different positions in the batting order unless, as a result of injury or illness, the team does not have nine players remaining.
• OBR: This rule is intended to eliminate the practice of using so called courtesy runners. No player in the game shall be permitted to act as a courtesy runner for a teammate. No player who has been in the game and has been taken out for a substitute shall return as a courtesy runner. Any player not in the lineup, if used as a runner, shall be considered as a substitute player.
• For Junior/Senior/Big League Baseball refer to Rule 7.13 for Special Pinch-runner rule.
• For Junior/Senior/Big League Softball refer to Rule 7.14 for Special Pinch-runner rule.
• There are circumstances such as Rule 6.06(b), Softball 7.13, and a pick off play in Juniors, Seniors and Big League Baseball, where an entering relief pitcher may retire the side without pitching to a batter and thereby not be charged with an inning of pitching. He will be recorded as one of the five pitchers used in the game.
• Umpires should insure that when receiving the lineup prior to the game that two pitchers are not listed on a team's lineup. Should this be so, correct it before it becomes a problem.
• OBR: Players for whom substitutions have been made may remain with their team on the bench or may "warm up" pitchers.
• This provides, of course, that the pitcher is an eligible pitcher. If not, do not allow him to pitch.
• This also includes if the player throws a pitch to any other player serving in the capacity of a warm-up catcher.
• This would allow for a player to warm-up the pitcher in between innings without entering the game. Please note that the pitcher is the only defensive player who has an additional restriction (warm-up pitch).
• Umpires should make sure that the substitutions are legal before they assume the position on the field. Should the entry be illegal, the umpire should prevent the substitution from taking place.
• If a substitute batter enters the batter's box and is unannounced, this is considered an "unannounced substitution", not batting out of turn. If announcers are used, the announcer should only announce the batter who is physically standing in the batter's box, not the player who is due up to bat.
• The manager or coach may pitch batting practice as well. However, the responsibility of warming up pitchers is only that of the players. This includes before games, during games, after games, at practice, or any other time.
• Players, managers and coaches must not be allowed to carry on a conversation with anyone outside the limits of the playing field.
• OBR: The umpire-in-chief shall at all times try to complete a game. His authority to resume play following one or more suspensions of as much as thirty minutes each shall be absolute and he shall terminate a game only when there appears to be no possibility of completing it.
• Prior to the game, the duly delegated representative of the president will probably be either the league's safety Officer or, if necessary, the game umpire.
• After the umpires assume responsibility for the game, no one, including the president, the Safety Officer, or either manager, may terminate play.
• The thirty-minute wait (OBR casenote) is not necessary if, in the umpire's judgement, there is no chance to resume play.
• In determining whether to continue, it's best for the umpire to call a game too early, rather than too late. See Rule 4.10 and 4.11 for further information. If you do not feel you can complete an inning, it's best not to start it.
• Majors and below, two teams may complete a suspended game, then play the regularly scheduled game, however.
• Double-headers may only be played (in divisions it's allowed) between the same two teams. One team may not play two games, if the games are against two different opponents.
• If there is no reason for "Time" to be called, umpires should not call "Time," especially if the request is made by the defense in an effort to stop runners from advancing.
• Ground rules concern the physical layout of the facility (what is in play and what is out of play) and should not be confused with the playing rules. Leagues are not allowed to change the Playing Rules unless options are specifically listed in these rules (Rule 4.10(d), Rule 5.10(b), Minors Regulation VIII).
• Frequently, this becomes a problem in the Junior, Senior, Big League level, near the on-deck position. Unnecessary equipment on the field can result in an interference call by the umpire, leading to either an award of bases or an out call, depending on the team at fault.
• News photographers authorized to be on the playing field should not be setting any equipment on the field. A ball in play that gets caught up in any equipment must be declared dead.
• OBR: There is a difference between a ball which has been thrown or batted into the stands, touching a spectator thereby being out of play even though it rebounds onto the field and a spectator going onto the field or reaching over, under or through a barrier and touching a ball in play or touching or otherwise interfering with a player. In the latter case it is clearly intentional and shall be dealt with as intentional interference as in Rule 3.15. Batter and runners shall be placed where in the umpire's judgment they would have been had the interference not occurred.
No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. However, should a spectator reach out on the playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly prevent the fielder from catching the ball, then the batsman should be called out for the spectator's interference.
Example: Runner on third base, one out and a batter hits a fly ball deep to the outfield (fair or foul). Spectator clearly interferes with the outfielder attempting to catch the fly ball. Umpire calls the batter out for spectator interference. Ball is dead at the time of the call. Umpire decides that because of the distance the ball was hit, the runner on third base would have scored after the catch if the fielder had caught the ball which was interfered with, therefore, the runner is permitted to score. This might not be the case if such fly ball was interfered with a short distance from home plate.
• The dugout area is treated differently than the spectators' area. A player may reach into the dugout area and, if someone causes him to miss the ball, interference may be called.
• Injured players, managers and coaches are not allowed on the playing field if they may present a possible danger to other players.
• Injured players may be permitted in the dugout if they are in complete uniform. If not, they are not allowed.
• The responsibility for actions of the spectators falls to the league's Board of Directors, never the manager.
• The umpire may suspend play until the actions are corrected, but never forfeit or threaten to forfeit a game.
• Leagues may not write a rule that shifts responsibility to anyone other than the board.
• Obvious errors in the batting order, which are noticed by the umpire-in-chief before he calls "Play" for the start of the game, should be called to the attention of the manager or captain of the team in error, so the correction can be made before the game starts. For example, if a manager has inadvertently listed only eight men in the batting order, or has listed two players with the same last name but without an identifying initial and the errors are noticed by the umpire before he calls "play," he shall cause such error or errors to be corrected before he calls "play" to start the game. Teams should not be "trapped" later by some mistake that obviously was inadvertent and which can be corrected before the game starts.
• At the pre-game conference with the umpires, have the manager and one player representative from each team present to discuss the ground rules and lineups. Leave the other coaches in the dugout.
• Don't have the home team take the field until the pre-game conference has concluded and the manager and player representative have returned to the dugout.
• The official lineups are the responsibility of the plate umpire, no one else.
• Even in situations where the managers have presented a lineup to the scorekeeper well in advance of game time, the lineups do not become official until the umpire receives it just prior to the start of the game.
• Changes made with the umpire prior to the game are simply changes in the starting lineup, not substitutions. Thus, when a player, who is scheduled to be a starter is injured during infield warm-up, he may be replaced in the starting lineup. If he enters the game later, he is a substitute, not a re-entering starter.
• When holding a runner on first base, especially in Juniors, Seniors and Big League Baseball, the first baseman will sometimes have his left foot entirely in foul territory. Do not allow this to occur. Both feet must be in fair territory. Penalty for having at least one foot on the ground entirely in foul territory is not a balk. Simply warn the player to move into fair territory and that further occurrences can result in his ejection from the game.
• OBR: It has been common practice for many years for some coaches to put one foot outside the coach's box or stand astride or otherwise be slightly outside the coaching box lines. The coach shall not be considered out of the box unless the opposing manager complains, and then, the umpire shall strictly enforce the rule and require all coaches (on both teams) to remain in the coach's box at all times. It is also common practice for a coach who has a play at his base to leave the coach's box to signal the player to slide, advance or return to a base. This may be allowed if the coach does not interfere with the play in any manner.
• The rules provide that there must be base coachers. This is not an option.
• In cases where there is only one adult present with a team, his primary responsibility is the supervision of the youngsters in the dugout. If this cannot be done while coaching the bases, return the manager to the dugout.
• Interference by a coach does not have to be intentional to be called by the umpire.
• Most teams, particularly infielders, chatter ("Hey, batter, batter.") when the ball is being delivered. This is usually acceptable, although some leagues have been able to stop it. Do not, however, allow anyone, especially the catcher, to yell "Swing" at the batter when the ball is being delivered.
• Umpires should be alert to a manager or coaches' action toward players of his own team as well. If the behavior warrants the adult's removal, do so. Utilize Rule 9.01(c) and (d) if you need to do so.
• This could involve many acts, such as the batter stepping out of the box or raising his hand toward the pitcher, the base coach yelling "Go" or "Balk", the base runner yelling, or the manager yelling "Time" from the dugout.
• The base runner clapping his hands or kicking the dirt is normally not a problem and should be ignored.
• In Little League programs, if the player will not cause a disturbance for the remainder of the game, it's acceptable, and perhaps advisable, to leave him in the dugout. At least he will be supervised there. However, the player will take no further part in the game, including serving as a base coach or warming up other players.
• A manager or coach ejected from the game will leave the area completely. Should he fail to do so, the game may be suspended until compliance occurs.
• This rule is taken from the professional rule book, where they deal with many more players who would not be expected to play. If you cannot determine who is causing the disturbance, after warning, remove the manager. He is responsible for his team's actions.
• Numerous situations can develop that will nullify runs. The umpire should remember the basic elements of this rule and particularly the three exceptions. Generally, any run that scores during a play in which the third out is made by one of the three exceptions will not count.
• This could result in many more continued games. Umpires should review the Tie Game procedures with regards to lineups, substitutions and pitching eligibility when the game is resumed.
• If the league does not adopt this option, it will not be an option of either manager to continue play after the game has become regulation.
• Please remember that the game must complete enough innings to be considered a regulation game.
• If this option is not adopted, the home team and visiting team are treated differently. If the visiting team scores enough runs to take a 10-run lead, the game continues until the home team has completed an equal number of innings. If the home team takes a 10-run lead, after it has become a regulation game, the game must stop immediately.
• If the game is tied at the end of a completed inning, and the home team does not take the lead in an incomplete inning, the game is suspended, since you cannot revert to a tie game.
• If the home team is ahead at the end of a completed inning, and the visiting team takes the lead and the home team does not tie or go ahead in an incomplete inning, the game reverts to the previous inning, home team wins.
• If the visiting team is ahead at the end of a completed inning, and then scores additional runs in the incomplete inning, they get the benefit of the additional runs, since reverting would not alter the outcome, only the score.
• Thus, the home team is the only team that can benefit by reverting to a previous inning.
• As mentioned in Rule 3.10, the umpire should be careful not to start an inning unless he feels that he has a reasonable expectation to complete the entire inning.
• The pitcher of record may continue if he has eligibility during the week in which the game is being continued. Thus, a pitcher conceivably could pitch more than six innings in a game, just not more than six innings in a calendar week.
• Please remember that the umpire records a forfeit. However, all forfeits are subject to review by the Board of Directors.
• Do not allow teams to borrow players from another team in order to play a game.
• If the batter hits a home run with an illegal bat, the home run counts, however, the bat is removed from the game.
• Using equipment that has already been removed from the game can result in ejection of the player and/or manager.
• An umpire's judgment or umpire mechanics or positioning cannot be protested.
• This is why it only makes sense to talk to the managers (not coaches) during the pre-game conference at home plate, since they are the official representative of the team. (See rule 4.01.)
• Should this not be done, there will be no protest, regardless whether later it is discovered that a mistake may have been made.
• Please remember that protests only involve a violation of the playing rules, not judgement calls.
• An umpire should indicate in his report to the Board if he has reason to believe that a manager knew a player was ineligible and said nothing until the situation was protestable.
• There can be NO FEE attached to the submission of a protest. Leagues, at times, try to put a fee into place in an effort to discourage protests. THIS CANNOT BE DONE.
• This is why presidents and player agents should not manage or umpire.
• The league's umpire-in-chief may serve on the Protest Committee if he is not umpiring the protested game.
• If a protest is found to be invalid, nothing else needs to be done, since the game result will stand. However, if the protest is found to be valid, there are three possible outcomes: (1) replay from the point of the protest, since the decision had a significant effect on the game's outcome; (2) Forfeit the game, if the use of an ineligible player (usually a pitcher) had a significant effect on the outcome of the game; or (3) Allow the game result to remain, since the protested decision had little or no effect on the outcome of the game.
•The most obvious example would be the violation of the Mandatory Play Rule, Regulation IV(i).
The youngsters should not be penalized because of the actions of the adults.
• OBR: Should a ball come partially apart in a game, it is in play until the play is completed.
• There is not a "No Pitch" signal (raising one hand up while facing the pitcher). Umpires either call "Time" with both hands up in the air, or the ball is alive and in play.
• Even though the rule states, "touches all bases legally," if he doesn't and no appeal is made, the run scored is considered legal.
• If a team changes sides before three are put out, the official scorer may alert the umpire in order to correct the situation.
• Hands are not part of the bat. Never been and never will be part of the bat.
• Remember that this assumes the catcher first catches the pitched ball cleanly. If the catcher errs, the rule no longer applies and any interaction with the umpire would be incidental.
• If the throw gets the runner out, the umpire would announce that the interference is disregarded," not "no interference."
• OBR: If a fair ball touches an umpire working in the infield after it has bounded past, or over, the pitcher, it is a dead ball. If a batted ball is deflected by a fielder in fair territory and hits a runner or an umpire while still in flight and then caught by an infielder it shall not be a catch, but the ball shall remain in play.
• If a batted ball goes past an infielder and hits a runner, the umpire must determine if another infielder had a chance to make a play on the ball, not necessarily make a play on the batter-runner. This is a significant difference.
• OBR: If a pitched ball lodges in the umpire's or catcher's mask or paraphernalia, and remains out of play, on the third strike (Junior/Senior/Big League Baseball/Softball) or fourth ball, then the batter is entitled to first base and all runners advance one base. If the count on the batter is less than three balls, runners advance one base.
• Remember that it's better to call a game too early, rather than too late. Calling a game too late can result in safety concerns as well as situation that may cause an umpire to revert to the previous inning.
• If, as the umpire, you feel that you cannot complete a full inning, it's best not to start it.
• "Light failure" in this case means artificial light, not darkness. Normally, when lights go out or fail unexpectedly, the game would be suspended.
• It is recommended that games interrupted by light failure be suspended, regardless the inning in which it occurs.
• If the umpire does call "Time" while a play is in progress, when he resumes play he must make the determination what would have occurred had he not suspended play. This may involve calling a runner out or advancing runners.
• This, however, is not automatic. "Time" shall be granted if, in the umpire's judgement, it is necessary.
• This rule applies if the dugouts are "in play" as they are in Professional Baseball. On most Little League fields, the ground rules will stipulate that the dugouts are out-of-play, for safety reasons. Thus, this rule would not apply. Stepping into the dugout with a live ball will result in a dead ball and a one base award.
• The catcher must be in the catcher's box and all other players must be in fair territory.
• Normally, there would be a batter in the box as well, although, in some instances, such as an end-of-inning appeal, it would not be necessary.
• OBR: The batter leaves the batter's box at the risk of having a strike delivered and called, unless he requests the umpire to call "Time." The batter is not at liberty to step in and out of the batter's box at will.
Once a batter has taken his position in the batter's box, he shall not be permitted to step out of the batter's box in order to use the resin or the pine tar rag, unless there is a delay in the game action or, in the judgment of the umpires, weather conditions warrant an exception.
Umpires will not call "Time" at the request of the batter or any member of his team once the pitcher has started his windup or has come to a set position even though the batter claims "dust in his eyes," "steamed glasses," "didn't get the sign" or for any other cause.
Umpires may grant a hitter's request for "Time" once he is in the batter's box, but the umpire should eliminate hitters walking out of the batter's box without reason. If umpires are not lenient, batters will understand that they are in the batter's box and they must remain there until the ball is pitched.
If pitcher delays once the batter is in his box and the umpire feels that the delay is not justified he may allow the batter to step out of the box momentarily. If after the pitcher starts his windup or comes to a "set position" with a runner on, he does not go through with his pitch because the batter has stepped out of the box, it shall not be called a balk. Both the pitcher and batter have violated a rule and the umpire shall call time and both the batter and pitcher start over from "scratch."
• The ball remains alive and in play with regard to any base runners.
• In Juniors, Seniors and Big League, if the situation exists where the batter would ordinarily be allowed to run to first base on strike three, he will be declared out. Any base runners, however, could advance.
• OBR: "Legally caught" means in the catcher's glove before the ball touches the ground. It is not legal if the ball lodges in his clothing or paraphernalia; or if it touches the umpire and is caught by the catcher on the rebound.
If a foul tip first strikes the catcher's glove and then goes on through and is caught by both hands against his body or protector, before the ball touches the ground, it is a strike, and if third strike, batter is out. If smothered against his body or protector, it is a catch provided the ball struck the catcher's glove or hand first.
• Amazingly, hands are still not part of the bat.
• OBR: If a bat breaks and part of it is in fair territory and is hit by a batted ball or part of it hits a runner or fielder, play shall continue and no interference called. If batted ball hits part of broken bat in foul territory, it is a foul ball.
If a whole bat is thrown into fair territory and interferes with a defensive player attempting to make a play, interference shall be called, whether intentional or not.
In cases where the batting helmet is accidently hit with a batted or thrown ball, the ball remains in play the same as if it has not hit the helmet.
If a batted ball strikes a batting helmet or any other object foreign to the natural ground while on foul territory, it is a foul ball and the ball is dead.
If, in the umpire's judgment, there is intent on the part of a baserunner to interfere with a batted or thrown ball by dropping the helmet or throwing it at the ball, then the runner would be out, the ball dead and runners would return to last base legally touched.
• The phrase "while holding the bat" has been removed from this rule, since it has never mattered whether or not the batter is holding the bat or not. If the bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory, the batter is out, regardless whether it's intentional or unintentional.
• Notice that intent only applies to a batted ball in foul territory. If the batter unintentionally deflects a foul ball, he is not out, but the ball is dead (foul ball).
• There are two key elements to this rule that frequently are misunderstood: (1) the ball must be thrown in order for the runner to interfere with the "fielder taking the throw" and (2) the throw must be a reasonably catchable throw. A catcher who does not throw, or who throws well over the fielder's head should not be rewarded by having interference called.
• A "catchable throw" would essentially be a throw that the baseman could probably catch if the runner were not there.
• This, most often, will be the plate umpire's call, since the base umpire will be moving into position to make the call at first. However, either umpire may make the call.
• OBR: The objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate, unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner in leaving the baseline for the obvious purpose of crashing the pivot man on a double play, rather than trying to reach the base. Obviously this is an umpire's judgment play.
• The base runner is entitled to the baseline and does not have to slide to avoid the ball or player. Interference can be called, however, when the base runner moves out of the baseline and interferes with the fielder.
• OBR: If a batter hits a ball fair or foul while out of the batter's box, he shall be called out. Umpires should pay particular attention to the position of the batter's feet if he attempts to hit the ball while he is being intentionally passed. A batter cannot jump or step out of the batter's box and hit the ball.
• This call is never the responsibility of the base umpire. The plate umpire, only, is responsible.
• This is to prevent the batter from jumping from one side to the other, thereby confusing the defense, not when the batten happens to step across home plate when first arriving for his at bat.
• OBR: If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call "interference." The batter is out and the ball dead. No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference.
If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out - not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called.
If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire's judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the backswing before the catcher has securely held the ball, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play.
• While this rule will most often come into play in the Juniors, Seniors and Big League, it can occur in all divisions on passed balls or wild pitches. The batter must avoid interference. Period.
• Appeal must be made before the next pitch, play or attempted play. Baseball and Softball treat this element differently. In Baseball, a fake throw is NOT considered an attempted play. However, in Softball, if the pitcher is in the eight foot circle, a fake throw IS considered and attempted play. See Rule 7.10 also.
• OBR: The umpire shall not direct the attention of any person to the presence in the batter's box of an improper batter. This rule is designed to require constant vigilance by the players and managers of both teams.
There are two fundamentals to keep in mind: When a player bats out of turn, the proper batter is the player called out. If an improper batter bats and reaches base or is out and no appeal is made before a pitch to the next batter, or before any play or attempted play, that improper batter is considered to have batted in proper turn and establishes the order that is to follow.
• Scorekeepers should never call attention to the umpire or either team that a player is batting out of turn. It is an appeal play that must be discovered by the opposing team. The game cannot be protested if the scorekeeper says something. The scorekeeper should, however, be counseled as to his/her responsibilities.
• In games where announcers are used, have the announcer only announce the player who is physically stepping into the batter's box, not the player who is due up to bat. By announcing who is due up, he would be "giving away" to the opposing team that a player is batting out of turn.
• A player who is called out, on appeal, for failing to bat is considered as satisfying the Mandatory Play Rule, Regulation IV(i), and an at bat for the purpose of Rule 3.03. However, a player "skipped over" as a result of a player batting out of turn with no appeal has not satisfied either rule.
• OBR: A batter who is entitled to first base because of a base on balls must go to first base and touch the base before other base runners are forced to advance. This applies when bases are full and applies when a substitute runner is put into the game.
If, in advancing, the base runner thinks there is a play and he slides past the base before or after touching it he may be put out by the fielder tagging him. If he fails to touch the base to which he is entitled and attempts to advance beyond that base he may be put out by tagging him or the base he missed.
• Remember, the batter-runner is permitted to overrun first base on a base on balls. This provision, however, does not apply to other runners advancing to second or third bases.
• The umpire is responsible for enforcing the penalty for interference if all runners, including the batter-runner, fail to advance one base. The manager must initiate the option discussion. If he does, however, give him his options.
• OBR: If catcher's interference is called with a play in progress the umpire will allow the play to continue because the manager may elect to take the play. If the batter-runner missed first base, or a runner misses his next base, he shall be considered as having reached the base, as stated in Note of Rule 7.04 (d).
Examples of plays the manager might elect to take: (1) Runner on third, one out, batter hits fly ball to the outfield on which the runner scores but catcher's interference was called. The offensive manager may elect to take the run and have batter called out or have runner remain at third and batter awarded first base. (2) Runner on second base. Catcher interferes with batter as he bunts ball fairly sending runner to third base. The manager may rather have runner on third base with an out on the play than have runners on second and first.
In situations where the manager wants the "interference" penalty to apply, the following interpretation shall be made of 6.08 (c):
If the catcher (or any fielder) interferes with the batter, the batter is awarded first base. If, on such interference a runner is trying to score by a steal or squeeze from third base, the ball is dead and the runner on third scores and batter is awarded first base. If the catcher interferes with the batter with no runners trying to score from third on a squeeze or steal, then the ball is dead, batter is awarded first base and runners who are forced to advance, do advance. Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance remain on the base they occupied at the time of the interference.
If the catcher interferes with the batter before the pitcher delivers the ball, it shall not be considered interference on the batter under Rule 6.08 (c). In such cases, the umpire shall call "Time" and the pitcher and batter start over from "scratch."
• Only runners forced to advance are awarded a base in this situation.
• Sometimes, the batter will take a few steps toward the dugout or his defensive position after the third strike without realizing that he can advance to first base. This would be perfectly legal. He's not "out of the baseline" or has not "abandoned his base" or any other explanation that the opposing manager will give you.
• OBR: APPROVED RULING: When a batter becomes a runner on third strike not caught, and starts for his bench or position, he may advance to first base at any time before he enters the bench. To put him out, the defense must tag him or first base before he touches first base.
• If a fair fly ball is deflected by the defensive player over the fence in fair territory, it shall be ruled a home run, since, by definition, the ball has left the playing field "in flight."
• OBR: If a runner legally acquires title to a base, and the pitcher assumes his pitching position, the runner may not return to a previously occupied base.
• A runner who misses a base is considered as having touched a base if no appeal is made by the opposing team.
• OBR: A runner forced to advance without liability to be put out may advance past the base to which he is entitled only at his peril. If such a runner, forced to advance, is put out for the third out before a preceding runner, also forced to advance, touches home plate, the run shall score.
Play. Two out, bases full, batter walks but runner from second is overzealous and runs past third base toward home and is tagged out on a throw by the catcher. Even though two are out, the run would score on the theory that the run was forced home by the base on balls and that all the runners needed to do was proceed and touch the next base.
• This rule also applies to any fielder who carries the ball unintentionally out of play. Runners would receive a one base award.
• The act must be deliberate, not accidental. The ball remains alive and in play and the runner may advance to home if he wishes. Do not call "Time" when this occurs.
• OBR: In applying 7.05(b-c-d-e) the umpire must rule that the thrown glove or detached cap or mask has touched the ball. There is no penalty if the ball is not touched.
Under 7.05(c-e) this penalty shall not be invoked against a fielder whose glove is carried off his hand by the force of a batted or thrown ball, or when his glove flies off his hand as he makes an obvious effort to make a legitimate catch.
• OBR: In certain circumstances it is impossible to award a runner two bases. Example: Runner on first. Batter hits fly to short right. Runner holds up between first and second and batter comes around first and pulls up behind him. Ball falls safely. Outfielder, in throwing to first, throws ball into stand.
APPROVED RULING: Since no runner, when the ball is dead, may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled, the runner originally on first base goes to third base and the batter is held at second base.
The term "when the wild throw was made" means when the throw actually left the player's hand and not when the thrown ball hit the ground, passes a receiving fielder or goes out of play into the stands.
The position of the batter-runner at the time the wild throw left the thrower's hand is the key in deciding the award of bases. If the batter-runner has not reached first base, the award is two bases at the time the pitch was made for all runners. The decision as to whether the batter-runner has reached first base before the throw is a judgment call.
If an unusual play arises where a first throw by an infielder goes into stands or dugout but the batter did not become a runner (such as catcher throwing ball into stands in attempt to get runner from third trying to score on passed ball or wild pitch) award of two bases shall be from the position of the runners at the time of the throw. (For the purpose of Rule 7.05 (g) a catcher is considered an infielder.)
PLAY. Runner on first base, batter hits a ball to the shortstop, who throws to second base too late to get runner at second, and second baseman throws toward first base after batter has crossed first base. Ruling - Runner at second scores. (On this play, only if batter-runner is past first base when throw is made is he awarded third base.)
• OBR: The fact a runner is awarded a base or bases without liability to be put out does not relieve him of the responsibility to touch the base he is awarded and all intervening bases. For example: batter hits a ground ball which an infielder throws into the stands but the batter-runner missed first base. He may be called out on appeal for missing first base after the ball is put in play even though he was "awarded" second base.
If a runner is forced to return to a base after a catch, he must retouch his original base even though, because of some ground rule or other rule, he is awarded additional bases. He may retouch while the ball is dead and the award is then made from his original base.
• OBR: When a play is being made on an obstructed runner, the umpire shall signal obstruction in the same manner that he calls "Time," with both hands overhead. The ball is immediately dead when this signal is given; however, should a thrown ball be in flight before the obstruction is called by the umpire, the runners are to be awarded such bases on wild throws as they would have been awarded had not obstruction occurred. On a play where a runner was trapped between second and third and obstructed by the third baseman going into third base while the throw is in flight from the shortstop, if such throw goes into the dugout the obstructed runner is to be awarded home base. Any other runners on base in this situation would also be awarded two bases from the base they last legally touched before obstruction was called.
• Remember that it makes no difference which direction the runner is running when he is obstructed. He is awarded at least one base beyond the one last legally touched before the obstruction.
• OBR: Under 7.06 (b) when the ball is not dead on obstruction and an obstructed runner advances beyond the base which, in the umpire's judgment, he would have been awarded because of being obstructed, he does so at his own peril and may be tagged out. This is a judgment call.
NOTE: The catcher, without the ball in his possession, has no right to block the pathway of the runner attempting to score. The base line belongs to the runner and the catcher should be there only when he is fielding a ball or when he already has the ball in his hand.
• See other situations and explanations covered under Rule 2.00-Obstruction.)
• This rule does not apply to Little League, Majors and below.
• Realistically, we know that it's impossible to enforce both a balk and catcher's interference on the same play. One had to occur before the other. Rule 7.04(b) can cover the runner's advance, of course. When the phrase is used, "the pitcher shall be charged with a balk", that enforcement is simply a score-keeping matter and results in the run being earned, instead of unearned (See Rule 10.18).
• Be aware that the base runner makes his own baseline as he progresses (or regresses) around the bases. Depending on the circumstances, his baseline frequently may change as the play develops.
• Recognize that "abandoning" is subject to the judgment of the umpire. A runner who thinks he has been put out at second, for example, could be treated differently, depending on which team he represents. If he is returning to the first base dugout, he wouldn't have to go far to convince the umpire he's abandoned his base. However, if he's returning to the third base dugout, his moving in that direction could be perceived as advancing to third. There is a clear difference.
• OBR: Any runner after reaching first base who leaves the baseline heading for his dugout or his position believing that there is no further play, may be declared out if the umpire judges the act of the runner to be considered abandoning his efforts to run the bases. Even though an out is called, the ball remains in play in regard to any other runner.
This rule also covers the following and similar plays: Less than two out, score tied last of ninth inning, runner on first, batter hits a ball out of park for winning run, the runner on first passes second and thinking the home run automatically wins the game, cuts across diamond toward his bench as batter-runner circles bases. In this case, the base runner would be called out "for abandoning his effort to touch the next base" and batter-runner permitted to continue around bases to make his home run valid. If there are two out, home run would not count (see Rule 7.12). This is not an appeal play.
PLAY. Runner believing he is called out on a tag at first or third base starts for the dugout and progresses a reasonable distance still indicating by his actions that he is out, shall be declared out for abandoning the bases.
In the above two plays the runners are considered actually abandoning their base paths and are treated differently than the batter who struck out as described. APPROVED RULING OF 7.08 (a).
• Rule 7.08(a-3) is easily the most misunderstood rule in the book. It is easily broken down as follows: (1) The fielder must have the ball in his possession; AND (2) The fielder must be WAITING to make the tag. If BOTH of these criteria are satisfied, then the runner must EITHER: (1) Slide; OR (2) ATTEMPT to get around the fielder.
• Notice that the rule says "attempt to get around", not "avoid". Contact may occur with no penalty assessed.
• There is no "Must Slide" rule and no league may create one. No league may modify Rule 7.08 (a-3).
• This rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a base, only when advancing.
• If the runner is off a base when the pitcher has the ball within the eight-foot circle, the runner may continue around the bases. Having the ball within the circle does NOT stop the runners.
• If the pitcher has the ball within the eight-foot circle and the runner stops while off a base, the runner must IMMEDIATELY either advance OR return. The runner has a choice. When this choice is made, if the runner stops again before reaching the base, she shall be called out. Think of this as the "second stop" rule.
• If the runner is on the base when the ball is returned to the pitcher within the eight-foot circle, the runner may not leave the base or will be called out.
• The responsibility for the runners to advance or return is removed if the pitcher attempts a play on a runner. In Softball, a fake throw IS considered an attempted play.
• This rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a base, only when advancing to a base.
• OBR: A runner who is adjudged to have hindered a fielder who is attempting to make a play on a batted ball is out whether it was intentional or not.
If, however, the runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he hinders the fielder, he shall not be called out unless, in the umpire's judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is intentional. If the umpire declares the hindrance intentional, the following penalty shall apply: With less than two out, the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter out. With two out, the umpire shall declare the batter out.
If, in a rundown between third base and home plate, the succeeding runner has advanced and is standing on third base when the runner in a rundown is called out for offensive interference, the umpire shall send the runner standing on third base back to second base. This same principle applies if there is a run down between second and third base and succeeding runner has reached second (the reasoning is that no runner shall advance on an interference play and a runner is considered to occupy a base until he legally has reached the next succeeding base).
• Once agin, the base runner has the right of way to the baseline on a thrown ball and can only be called out if he INTENTIONALLY interferes with a thrown ball. On a batted ball, however, any interference whether intentional or otherwise, must be enforced. This could be visual or verbal as well.
• This includes an award of first base on a base on balls.
• This provision applies if the runner reaches the base safely and does not attempt to advance further.
• The "point marked by the dislodged base" is where the base belongs, not where the base finally rests.
• OBR: Runners need not "tag up" on a foul tip. They may steal on a foul tip. If a so called tip is not caught, it becomes an ordinary foul. Runners then return to their bases.
• OBR: PLAY. Runner on first and three balls on batter: Runner steals on the next pitch, which is fourth ball, but after having touched second he overslides or overruns that base. Catcher's throw catches him before he can return. Ruling is that runner is out. (Force out is removed.)
Oversliding and overrunning situations arise at bases other than first base. For instance, before two are out, and runners on first and second, or first, second and third, the ball is hit to an infielder who tries for the double play. The runner on first beats the throw to second base but overslides the base. The relay is made to first base and the batter-runner is out. The first baseman, seeing the runner at second base off the bag, makes the return throw to second and the runner is tagged off the base. Meanwhile runners have crossed the plate. The question is: Is this a force play? Was the force removed when the batter runner was out at first base? Do the runs that crossed the plate during this play and before the third out was made when the runner was tagged at second, count? Answer: The runs score. It is not a force play. It is a tag play.
• If the base runner is hit by a fair batted ball while standing on the base, the runner is out, unless the ball has already passed an infielder OR it's a declared Infield Fly. The base is not a sanctuary.
• The theory behind this rule is that you penalize what will hurt the offending team (offense) more, less than two out, runner is called out, but with two out, the batter is out and the runner won't score. This way the batter called out won't "leadoff" the following inning.
• The rule limitation does not prevent a runner from returning to a base, such as on a rundown, or a play in which the batter was retired on a fly ball.
• The batter is not forced to run to first base on a batted ball. He may return as far as home plate if he desires. At that point, however, the umpire will call him out.
• OBR: If a runner touches an unoccupied base and then thinks the ball was caught or is decoyed into returning to the base he last touched, he may be put out running back to that base, but if he reaches the previously occupied base safely he cannot be put out while in contact with that base.
• OBR: Runner who touches first base in overrunning and is declared safe by the umpire has, within the intent of Rule 4.09 (a) "reached first base" and any run which scores on such a play counts, even though the runner subsequently becomes the third out for failure to return "at once," as covered in Rule 7.08 (j).
• "Attempting to run to second" can mean as little as a step in that direction. The intent, even momentarily, of the runner determines whether or not the runner is in jeopardy of being tagged out.
• If, after overrunning first base, the runner turns to the right, well into foul territory, and notices that the ball was overthrown. Even though the runner is clearly in foul territory, if he makes any move as if to run to second, he is in jeopardy of being tagged out.
• OBR: This rule applies only where runner is on his way to the bench and the catcher would be required to chase him. It does not apply to the ordinary play where the runner misses the plate and then immediately makes an effort to touch the plate before being tagged. In that case, runner must be tagged.
• In the event the runner is attempting to return to touch home plate, keep in mind, even though a baseline doesn't formally exist past home plate, the umpire should recognize a "three-feet either way, directly back to home plate" restriction. Utilize Rule 9.01(c) if questioned.
• The phrase "while holding the bat" has been removed from this rule. A bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory, the batter will be called out.
• In Softball, a fake throw is considered an attempted play. A fake throw is NOT an attempted play in Baseball.
• This is only to enable the defense to execute more than one appeal. If an appeal were considered a play or an attempted play, then no further appeals could be allowed.
• In Baseball, an appeal may be made directly from the pitcher's plate. If, however, the pitcher decides to disengage the pitcher's plate, he must do so with the pivot foot first; otherwise it will be a balk in Juniors and above and an illegal pitch in Majors and below. With no runners on base in Juniors and above, it makes no difference, since the pitcher cannot balk without runners on base. With no runners on base in Majors and below, improperly disengaging the pitcher's plate with the improper foot is an illegal pitch and the appeal is then not allowed as an "err" has occurred.
• In Softball, the pitcher MUST disengage the pitcher's plate properly with the pivot foot first and cannot make an appeal from the rubber.
• Anytime the defensive team, in making an appeal, causes the ball to become dead with runners advancing (balk, throw out of play, obstruction, intentionally carrying ball out-of-play), no second appeal will be allowed on ANY runner. Such act would now be considered an attempted play, and thus would nullify further appeals.
• In Majors/Minors, an illegal pitch, even with no runners on base, is considered a play and no further appeals would then be allowed.
• OBR: If two runners arrive at home base about the same time and the first runner misses home plate but a second runner legally touches the plate, the runner is tagged out on his attempt to come back and touch the base or is called out, on appeal, then he shall be considered as having been put out before the second runner scored and being the third out. Second runner's run shall not count, as provided in Rule 7.12.
If a pitcher balks when making an appeal, such act shall be a play. An appeal should be clearly intended as an appeal, either by a verbal request by the player or an act that unmistakably indicates an appeal to the umpire. A player, inadvertently stepping on the base with a ball in his hand, would not constitute an appeal. Time is not out when an appeal is being made.
• Obviously, since in Little League programs, the dugouts are out of play, the fielder may not go into a dugout to make a play. However, if someone inside the dugout interferes with the player when he reaches into the dugout, interference shall be called. Depending on the team at fault, this could result in an out call, awarding bases, or nullifying the outcome.
• If, in the umpire's judgment, the manager is instructing his players to leave early intentionally, the manager may be warned and/or ejected from the game for deliberately violating the rules.
• When a runner is legitimately off his base, the pitcher cannot stop the runner by taking the ball back to the pitcher's plate. When all play has stopped (including the runners), the ball is then returned to the pitcher at the pitcher's plate.
• The catcher is "ready to receive delivery" of the pitch when he has his mask on and is facing the pitcher. He does not have to be in a squat position.
• Until the pitcher and catcher have satisfied the above elements of this rule, the runners are free to advance without violation.
• It doesn't matter which runner leaves early. The violation affects each and every base runner.
• Rule 7.13(a) will be enforced after all play has stopped. If the ball is not hit by the batter, umpires will allow the play to continue until all play has been completed. Any outs on the play will stand. All other runner(s) will return to their original bases.
• Note that the umpire determines the base value of the hit ball, NOT the scorekeeper. This is not protestable, but rather the judgment of the umpire.
• The batter may not advance beyond first base on a single or an error, including two-base errors, obstruction or any other award he may receive.
• If at the end of the entire play, an open base exists, the runners must return to the original base or to the one nearest to it if forced to advance.
• Logic behind 7.13(c) is a s follows: If the ball makes it to the outfield, all runners would normally be expected to advance one base safely, so in a bases loaded situation, one run would score; In the same bases loaded situation, however, if the ball stayed within the infield, a runner leaving early may have prevented the defense from executing a force play at one of the bases, so no run will score.
• If a runner is removed by enforcing this rule, instruct the scorekeeper to write 7.13(c) (the rule reference) with a large "X" through the box. No run is scored, no out is recorded and no runner is left on base.
• The note indicates "drop a signal flag" to indicate the violation. This shall be done immediately. Do not trust this to memory. It's tough to sell that a runner left early, if there was no visible verification.
• If the batter-runner or any other base runner is put out on a play in which a runner left early, it may result in open base(s), in which case, runners will return.
• For added clarification, please see comments after (Softball) Rule 7.08(a-4).
• For added clarification, please see comments after (Softball) Rule 7.08(a-4).
• OBR: Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly onto the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire. When the pitcher disengages the rubber, he must drop his hands to his sides.
Pitchers will not be allowed to disengage the rubber after taking each sign.
• OBR: The pitcher may have one foot, not the pivot foot, off the rubber and any distance he may desire back of a line which is an extension to the back edge of the pitcher's plate, but not at either side of the pitcher's plate.
With his "free" foot the pitcher may take one step backward and one step forward, but under no circumstances, to either side, that is to either the first base or third base side of the pitcher's rubber.
If a pitcher holds the ball with both hands in front of his body, with his entire pivot foot on or in front of and touching but not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot free, he will be considered in a windup position.
From this position he may:
(1) deliver the ball to the batter, or
(2) step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick off a runner, or
(3) disengage the rubber (if he does he must drop his hand to his sides).
In disengaging the rubber the pitcher must step off with his pivot foot and not his free foot first.
He may not go into a set or stretch position - if he does it is a balk.
• It is legal to step and throw to a base from a windup position. However, the pitcher, once he begins his pitching motion, which can include a step back with the non-pivot foot, is committed to the pitch and may not throw to a base.
• OBR: Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 8.01 (b) without interruption and in one continuous motion.
The whole width of the foot in contact with the rubber must be on the rubber. A pitcher cannot pitch from off the end of the rubber with just the side of his foot touching the rubber.
The pitcher, following his stretch, must (a) hold the ball in both hands in front of his body and (b) come to a complete stop. This must be enforced. Umpires should watch this closely. Pitchers are constantly attempting to "beat the rule" in their efforts to hold runners on bases and in cases where the pitcher fails to make a complete "stop" called for in the rules, the umpire should immediately call a "Balk."
• In Majors and Minors, the pitcher need not come to a complete stop in a set position, since the base runners may not leave their bases until the ball reaches the batter.
• While it is legal in the Majors and Minors for a pitcher to windup from a set position, it is a delivery that should not be taught. It will be a balk once the pitcher enters the Junior Division. (A right-handed pitcher winding up from the set position is permitted to have his free foot go backwards towards first base, and conversely for a left-handed pitcher's foot towards third base. This is not an illegal pitch.)
• OBR: The pitcher shall step "ahead of the throw." A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk.
• OBR: The pitcher, while off the rubber, may throw to any base. If he makes a wild throw, such throw is the throw of an infielder and what follows is governed by the rules covering a ball thrown by a fielder.
• Realistically, the pitch, in this circumstance, should never be delivered. The call should be made immediately.
• Generally, this call should be made by the plate umpire, unless the pitcher's back is turned away from the plate.
• If the pitcher commits this violation when the ball is dead or "Time" has been called, simply warn the pitcher not to do it again. The rule should not be enforced while the ball is dead.
• If the pitcher is wearing a batting glove under his fielder's glove, it would be very difficult to rub the ball "between the bare hands." Simply, don't allow the pitcher to wear a batting glove and you avoid the problem.
• As with the elements of Rule 8.02(a-1), the pitch should never be delivered. Call the violation when it happens.
• OBR: If at any time the ball hits the rosin bag it is in play. In the case of rain or wet field, the umpire may instruct the pitcher to carry the rosin bag in his hip pocket. A pitcher may use the rosin bag for the purpose of applying rosin to his bare hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust the ball with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to his glove or dust any part of his uniform with the rosin bag.
• The pitcher can be charged with a balk (illegal pitch; Majors and Minors) for unnecessary dely, as an immediate step before ejection.
• OBR: To pitch at a batter's head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be - and is - condemned by everybody. Umpires should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule.
• The eight preparatory pitches shall be made to the catcher, a practice catcher, or any other player.
• The umpire will control the number of warm up pitches that an incoming pitcher will receive.
• If the pitcher starts his delivery, in any way, and stops, the pitcher has violated the rule. Call a balk or illegal pitch depending on Division.
• A pitcher, while touching the plate, may fake to second or third base PROVIDED the base is occupied and the pitcher steps prior to the fake. A fake without a step is a balk or illegal pitch depending on Division.
• OBR: If a lefthanded or righthanded pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher's rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to second base on a pick off play.
• OBR: Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk.
A pitcher is to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base but does not require him to throw (except to first base only) because he steps. It is possible, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion "wheels" and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk. Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber and then makes such a move, it is not a balk.
• This frequently happens in one of two ways: (1) a left-hander, facing first base, steps toward the plate while throwing to first; (2) a right-hander, who is facing third base, turns and pivots on the front (left) foot while throwing to first. Both of these moves are balks and should be enforced.
• Both the "jump turn" and the "stutter-step" are legal provided it's a quick and fluid motion. If there is any interruption, call a balk.
• Throwing to an unoccupied base to make an appeal is acceptable and not a balk.
• An example of a move that would be a balk: A runner on first breaks for second. The pitcher, sensing that the runner is stealing second, turns and throws to second base, while the runner is back at first. Since there was no play at second, call a balk.
• OBR: A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter's box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted.
• The only two illegal pitches that are balks with runners on base are a quick return pitch and a pitch that is delivered when the pitcher is not in contact with the pitcher's plate.
• Recognize that in the process of turning the foot and pushing off, the pitcher will not be in contact with the pitcher's plate upon delivery. What the rule is trying to prevent is when the pitcher CLEARLY picks up the foot and re-plants the foot CLEARLY in front of the pitcher's plate. This is taking unfair advantage of the hitter.
• This is a move clearly designed to deceive the runners and must be called.
• There are many circumstances that have already been indicated where the pitcher could be delaying the game unnecessarily.
• OBR: Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk.
• This is a move clearly designed to deceive the runners and must be called. The pitcher should not get onto the pitcher's plate until he's ready to look in for the sign and then pitch.
• OBR: A ball which slips out of a pitcher's hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no pitch. This would be a balk with men on base.
• Because of the size of the catcher's box in Little League, it's virtually impossible to get out of the box.
• The catcher must have his foot on the ground entirely outside the catcher's box before the pitch is delivered.
• This action occurs only on an intentional base on balls, not on "pitch outs" or other situations.
• This is a nervous habit for many pitchers in the Majors and below. Coaches should make an effort to break pitchers of this habit.
• In Juniors, Seniors and Big League, this is a balk whether it is from the Windup or Set Position.
• In Majors and below, it is not necessary to stop prior to delivery. Pitchers can also windup from Set Position.
• There is no set minimum nor maximum amount of time required for the stop and this is purely a judgment call.
• A "change of direction" is not considered a stop.
• In Juniors, Seniors and Big League, the pitcher may step and throw to a base at any time during the stretch. However, the pitcher must come to a stop before delivering the ball to the batter.
• If the pitch is delivered, it's neither a ball nor a strike UNLESS the pitch is ball four awarding the batter first base and any other runners advance because of the ball four award. If they don't advance as a result of the ball four award, enforce the balk, nullify the walk and bring the batter back up to bat.
• A manager is prohibited from visiting with any other defensive player. The catcher may be included in the visit with the pitcher.
• At times, managers will call a catcher over to the dugout in an effort to avoid being charged a conference. This is not allowed and must be charged to the pitcher.
• The manager or coach may only go as far as the foul line in Majors and Minors. This is primarily designed to save time.