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I don't know how old this is, but it's from a DVD obviously and just posted on Youtube January 5th ....   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RdytV1GQXI

I am wanting to check my understanding of the situation. This is FED. B/R hits a squibber down the 1st base line. Here are my scenarios and the ruling i believe applies. Please correct if i'm wrong. 1) ball touches B/R in fair territory. Ruling: Ball is dead. B/R is out, Runner's return to their TOP base. 2) ball touches B/R in foul territory. It is not intentional. Ruling: Ball is now foul and is dead. B/R is not out. Runners return. 3) B/R kicks ball in fair or foul territory (ball must have chance to become fair if currently foul) Ruling: Ball is dead. B/R is out, Runner's return to their TOP base. I think that captures what I want to check out. You could possibly get a 2nd out on the Interference if intentional. Just boning up on my rules before the season gets rolling.

I'm glad to be back! The PowerPoint is attached on here somewhere. If you have any trouble with it, just let me know. Changes include: bat alterations, coaches electronic equipment and video usage, and extra warm-up throws. POE's cover Legal/Illegal pitching positions, pace of play, compliant bats, risk minimalization, and good sporting behavior. Mechanics changes: Elimination of the delayed dead ball signal, and repositioning for U2 with runners on 1B and 3B. In the "Notes" in Normal view on PowerPoint are some additional, well, notes on a lot of the topics. EDIT 2/10: I had to clear the actual PPT to clear some file space, but you can get to from my Google Drive here: http://goo.gl/CT1xv . It SHOULD work on PC's, tablets, and phones, and if you have any problems with it, let me know. If you'd like the "real" PPT, just PM me and I'll send it to you.

Runner on 2nd and 3rd. One out. Fly to left field. R3 tags and goes home. R2 never retouches...ball thrown to second prior to retouch, but R3 crosses plate prior to ball arriving at 2B. Does the run score?

In the most recent 100 topics, there are only THREE from the rules forum. So I thought I would spice it up a bit. I have a friend who will be working his first year of HS ball this year. I think I freak him out a little when I talk about FED rules. So I thought I would make him a cheat sheet / crash course to help him manage the mess that is the FED rule book. I broke the rules out by topic and listed them in order of encounter/priority, bringing the most important stuff to the TOP and hiding the stuff that doesn't really matter at the bottom. Safety appears toward the TOP because it's our favorite FED topic. I tried to balance brevity against accuracy and probably failed at both. It's a Google doc and I hope to make it better over time. I want to change the wording on many of these so it does not resemble that of other publications, but still gets the point across. The doc is not intended to replace the rule book, but to just checklist the things that an umpire familiar with OBR needs to study before stepping on to a HS field. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pgAiDBv0UszrzY1lfzzbKGi6FbT-3hcYq-c4cy0VGe0/edit Basically, I wish I had this last year. You get one gold star for every error or omission you find. Plate Meeting: NFHS 1-1-2, 1-1-3-The lineup cards and official scorebook must contain all starters and substitute players. NFHS 1-1-7, 2-10-2, 10-2-3-Prior to a game, each coach is required to inform the plate umpire (or umpire-in-chief) that all his players are legally equipped. Sportmanship - e.g. "all participants are expected to exhibit good sporting behavior throughout the game" Safety Headgear A catcher must wear a helmet with full ear protection, mask, throat guard, shin guards, body protector, and protective cup (if male). The helmet, mask, throat guard, and protective cup (if male) must be worn anywhere by any person taking the crouch position to warm up a pitcher. [*]The umpires' jurisdiction extends beyond the bounds of the playing field in enforcing this requirement. [*]NFHS 1-5-1 While the ball is live, batters, runners, batter-runners, retired runners, on-deck batters, and player/student base coaches must wear a double ear flap helmet when on live ball territory (team warning/ejection). A batter's and catcher's helmet must bear the NOCSAE stamp of approval. [*]A face guard attached to a batter's helmet must be attached by the helmet manufacturer, or by a process approved by the helmet manufacturer (see also NFHS 1-4-6). [*]NFHS 1-5-5 If a pitcher or other defensive player wears a helmet or face guard, it must have a non-glare surface. NFHS 1-1-6-A player can wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace; however, it must be taped against the player such that it is immobilized but visible. A player can also wear prostheses if they are no more dangerous than the corresponding body parts and do not give the player an advantage over an opponent. [*]Jewlery - [*]Blood - 3-1-6 - If there is any amount of blood on the uniform, it shall be changed or cleaned before that individual participates again. (See Communicable Disease Procedures on page 75.) [*]Concussions 3-1-5 - Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. (See NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussions on page 73.) [*]NFHS 5-2-1d-An umpire may immediately call time (before the end of continuous action) if he determines that a medical emergency exists, or that further play may jeopardize an injured player's safety. [*]NFHS 3-3-4-If players are warming up during a game without a fence or some other form of protection, someone must stand between them and home plate with a glove to protect them from batted and thrown baseballs. This gloved player is NOT required to wear a helmet. Bats and BBCOR stuff here (Not Finished) NFHS 5-1-1 c, 1-3-5-Terminology is different. "Illegal" bats are either altered or do not meet specifications (batter who enters batter's box with "illegal" bat is out, ball is dead). "Defective" bats are broken, cracked, or dented, or cause discoloration of the ball (bat is removed, play is • otherwise unaffected). Most Common/Important Rules/Differences NFHS 2-22-1,5-1-3,8-3-2., 8.3.2a- On any obstruction the ball remains live. A Fake tag is OBS NFHS 2-22-3-It is obstruction any time that a fielder without the ball denies the runner access to a base. (No such thing as “in the act of fielding a throwâ€) NFHS 5-1-3-The ball becomes dead when an umpire recognizes the defense's request to grant an intentional walk. An intentional walk can be granted when the catcher or his coach requests it; no pitches need be thrown and the walk can be granted with any count on the batter (NFHS 2-4-3). Avoiding a fielder Runner is out when: NFHS 8-4-2c - Similar to the LL Slide-or-attempt-to-get-around rule, Runner must avoid a fielder in the immediate act of making a play on him (8-4-2c). The ball remains live unless interference is called. NFHS 8-4-2d, 8-4-2b2- runner attempts to go over the TOP of any fielder (unless the fielder is lying down or the runner goes over his outstretched arm; see 8-4-2b-2) is out; the ball remains live. NFHS 8-4-2b2 - Diving is ALWAYS illegal, regardless if the fielder is prone. NFHS 2-32-1,2-32-2 - Slides illegally rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide into the fielder raised leg is higher than the fielder’s knee runner goes beyond the base and then contacts/alters play runner slashes or kicks the fielder runner tries to injure the fielder runner, on a force play, does not slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases. Force Play Slide Rule See:https://www.arbitersports.com/MyRefereeApp/Print.aspx?mod=PrintArticle&pid=1977 A runner is out when, on a force play, (8-4-2b, 2-32-2) Fails to slide and subsequently interferes Slides illegally (see above) [*]NFHS 8-4-2b--If a runner is forced to home when he touches it and then interferes with a throw, his run is nullified and he and the BR are out. If a runner who is not forced touches home and then interferes with a batted ball, his run is allowed but the BR is out. Designated Hitter 3-1-4 A hitter may be (not mandatory) designated for any one starting player (not just pitchers) and all subsequent substitutes for that player in the game. A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the DH in the starting lineup. A DH’s name shall be included (next to or below the defensive player) on the lineup cards presented to the UIC. Failure to declare a DH at the plate meeting precludes the use of a DH for that game. The DH, and the player he is batting for, are both locked into that spot in the batting order. DH is terminated if the defensive player (or subs) bats/runs or the DH (or subs) plays defense Malicious Contact NFHS 3-3-1n-A runner who maliciously crashes into any fielder when the contact was avoidable (or when contact was unavoidable, but the runner's intent was to harm) is out and ejected, the ball is dead, and other runners must return to their last bases touched or passed at the time of the malicious crash. A runner who has scored and then crashes into a fielder is allowed his run (such runner is still ejected). If a defensive player initiates the malicious contact, the ball is dead and he is ejected (umpire must rule out or safe on the play as usual). Runners are awarded the bases they would have obtained absent the malicious contact. Pitching Rules Differences A balk is an immediate Dead Ball. NFHS 6-1-2-If a pitcher steps onto the rubber in the windup position with his hands apart, then brings both hands together at the same time, he is considered to have begun his motion to pitch. NFHS 6-1-2-It is a balk if a pitcher attempts a pickoff from the windup position. NFHS 6-1 to 6-3-Any violation of the pitching rules 6-1 to 6-3 is considered an illegal pitch, even if the pitch is not delivered. That means - NFHS 6-1-2-With no runners, it is a ball if a pitcher goes from windup to set (or vice versa) without disengaging the rubber. NFHS 6-1-3-It is a ball if a pitcher using the stretch position with no runners fails to come set before delivering a pitch. [*]NFHS 6-2-2c, 6.2.2d- (8/5/1 vs 8/8/1) The first time any pitcher warms up on the game mound he is allowed eight warm-up pitches. Each subsequent time that the game pitcher warms up prior to the start of a half-inning, only five warm-up pitches are allowed. Pitcher only gets one minute between innings. [*]NFHS 6.2.4c-A pitcher is not required to remove his pivot foot from the rubber during a feint to third before turning and throwing to first base, but the throw to first is required because the pitcher is still considered to be in contact with the rubber. [*]NFHS 6-2-4d-If a pitcher is beginning his delivery and a batter requests time, or steps back out of the batter's box, and time is not granted, then a completed pitch is automatically called a strike. An additional strike is assessed in this situation if the batter steps outside the batter's box with both feet (without being forced out of the box or exiting for another reason) per Federation rule 7-3-1. Furthermore, if the batter steps out with both feet and the pitcher hesitates, a strike is assessed per Federation rule 7-3-1. If the umpire determines that it is the batter's explicit intent to cause the pitcher to balk by such actions, the batter is ejected. [*]NFHS 6-2-5- (FED=5ft, NCAA=10ft circle, OBR=Straddle rubber) During the hidden ball trick, it is a balk if the pitcher is within five feet of the pitching rubber without the ball. Appeals(Not finished) Dead ball appeals are allowed Verbal appeals are allowed no appeal necessary runner taking a running start from behind the base to retouch [*]coach appeals are allowed [*]appeals after offense initiates a play are allowed [*]appeals after overthrows are allowed State-specific Rules: (Not Finished) Less Common but Notable Rules NFHS 1-2-4--An on-deck batter is not required. If a batter chooses to warm up, he must be in the area of his on-deck circle-- Bats+weights allowed, chains,pipes, hammers, etc. NOT allowed NFHS 1-3-1-Breakaway bases and a safe-first base are allowed NFHS 1-3-7-If equipment left lying on LBT alters a play in favor of the offending team, the umpires are authorized to nullify the advantage by awarding bases, declaring outs, returning runners, etc. Conferences - 2-10-1, 3-4-1, 3-4-2, 3-4-5 FED calls them “Conferences†instead of “Trips†A charged conference is a meeting between a coach and a player. A conference is not charged if the pitcher is removed. The coach is allowed: 3 defensive conferences during the regulation innings 1 defensive conference for each extra inning 1 offensive conference per inning [*]Conferences do not accumulate or carry over [*]Coach can quickly confer with his team during an opposing team’s charged conference or break in the action (e.g. umpire’s time out) [*]Umpire must notify a coach each time a conference is charged. [*]NFHS 3-4-1-During regulation innings, a pitcher must be replaced each time a coach confers with any defensive player after three defensive conferences have been charged. [*]During any extra inning, a pitcher must be replaced when a coach confers with any defensive player after one defensive conference has been charged. [*]Note: a replaced pitcher cannot again pitch in that game; however, he can remain in the game or reenter it later at a non-pitching position (if it is his first reentry). Number of players (not finished) NFHS 3-1-3-Any of the nine or ten starters who become replaced can reenter the game once. However, any player listed as a starter for a game must be at the ballpark when the lineups are exchanged (4.4. Ie). NFHS 4-4-1-A team is allowed to continue with eight players. When the hole in the lineup fails to bat, record an out. Annoying little differences NFHS 1-1-4-Fielders must be in fair territory at the time-of-pitch; a fielder with one foot in fair territory is considered to be in fair territory. NFHS 5-1-li-Both feet of a standing fielder must be in DBT before the fielder is considered to have entered DBT. When you get really bored: NFHS 1-2-S-It is recommended that if an expansion of the dugouts is made, the dugouts should be extended toward the outfield on a line parallel to the foul line. Both dugouts should end up the same size. NFHS 1-2-8, S-1-11-When on the playing field, media personnel are required by rule to be contained within a lined area. The ball is dead if it strikes anything within the area; if any media personnel exit the area and are struck by a live ball, it remains live. NFHS 1-3-1-Legal baseballs are identifiable by the NFHS "authenticating mark." If such legal baseballs are not available, the umpires should go fOlWard with the game, but report the ncident to the state association. The home team must provide the umpire with three baseballs to start the game, and no less than two must be readily available after that. NFHS 2-35-The strike zone is that area over home plate between the batter's knees and the halfway point between his shoulders and waistline, as exhibited in his normal stance. (Compare this with OBR: “. . .determined from the batter’s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.†NFHS 3-1-2-No penalty is mandated or suggested for a coach who .. insists on taking an illegal conference; it has been recommended that the umpire restrict or eject the coach. NFHS 1-4-4-A manufacturer's logo on a uniform may not exceed 2 1/4 square inches, and may appear only once on the uniform. A two-by three-inch American flag may be worn on each uniform item. A commemorative patch (with dimension restrictions identical to manufacturer's logos) may be worn on the jersey. The numbers on the uniform must be at least eight inches in height. NFHS 3-3-1g-A player may not wear a bandana. NFHS 3-3-1g-2-Team personnel may not direct intimidating remarks toward their opponents. NFHS 3-3-li-A base coach is allowed to hold a scorebook or rulebook, including an electronic device used for scorekeeping purposes only, and a stopwatch, but no other objects (restriction or ejection). NFHS 3-3-1m-A player is prohibited from throwing his bat, helmet, glove, etc., to show disgust; penalty-immediate ejection. NFHS 5-1-1h, 5. 1. 1a-c-The ball is dead if an umpire verbally announces a foul ball; such call cannot be changed. NFHS 5-1-2g-When an illegal glove touches a live ball, the penalty is equivalent to detached equipment. NFHS 1-3-6-The size of a catcher's mitt is not limited. Maximum dimensions of fielder's glove: 14 inches long, 8 inches wide, webbing 5 % inches on TOP and bottom. There is no distinction between a fielder's glove and a first baseman's mitt; either may be worn at any position. Fielders are required to wear a glove or mitt. NFHS 1-3-6, 6-2-1h-The pitcher's glove cannot contain any white or gray areas. A multi-color glove is legal if it is not considered distracting according to the judgment of the umpire. NFHS 1-1-S-A team is not specifically required to have sleeves of the same color; only sleeves of the approximate same length. NFHS 1-2-1-A line marking the separation ofLBT/DBT is itself LBT. NFHS 1-2-1-The coaching box is only 5 feet wide. NFHS 1-2-2-The use of synthetic materials in constructing the pitching mound is allowed. Sorry to say, there is still more. Check out the J/R NFHS Appendix, The BRD, and Section 10 "Major Rules Differences" in the NFHS rule book for a comprehensive list of differences.

I want to know you opinion about it and standardize criteria : R1, 1 Out. Situation: The pitcher is in Set position, the R1 tries steals 2B (reaching 2B) while the pitcher still in set position (Watch out! pitcher never detaches), then he pitched the ball, batter connect a fly to CF, CF threw to first base because the runner returned to that base. The 1B fielder tag that base and the umpire's call out. Is the call right? Please support, if possible, your answer citing baseball rule point or umpire manual. Thanks.

I just got word that the NFHS has now decertified the Reebok Vector TLS 33-inch model. This one stands out easily because of the holes in the taper of the bat.

The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee and the NFHS Board of Directors believes there are areas of the game of interscholastic baseball that need to be addressed and given special attention. These areas of concern are often cyclical, some areas need more attention than others, and that is why they might appear in the rules book for consecutive editions. These concerns are identified as "Points of Emphasis." For the 2012 high school baseball season, attention is being called to: coach's responsibility, altering bats, pace of the game, and good sporting behavior. When a topic is included in the Points of Emphasis, these topics are important enough to reinforce or they are not being given the proper attention. COACH'S RESPONSIBILITY The role of the head coach is not only very prominent in the community but bears tremendous responsibility. As highlighted in this year's rules changes, the head coach is responsible for being a teacher, role model and mentor. He is required to know and verify that each team member is properly attired and has equipment that meets the standards set by NFHS rules. Besides being the only coach responsible for communications with umpires, he is responsible for appropriate behavior-modeling before, during and after a contest. Everyone involved understands the importance of the role of the coach and the awesome opportunity he has to teach life lessons to willing and capable young people. ALTERING OF BATS Altering bats by such methods as rolling, shaving the bat wall, flattening or otherwise manipulating the bat from its original manufactured condition is a federal offense. Not only is it illegal but it can cause injury or worse to a young person. There is a national campaign on not cheating by altering bats in collaboration with the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) and the NFHS. In addition, coaches must diligently monitor the condition of the bats and other equipment that is being used by members of the team. Coaches must ensure that bats purchased for the 2012 season meet the new Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution performance standard (BBCOR). Due to the fact that many players (and parents) purchase their own bats, it is critical that coaches inform players and parents of the upcoming rule change. Coaches must insist that players use only legal equipment not only because it is a rule, but it is in the best interest of the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. PACE OF GAME PLAY The committee is concerned that long delays in game action detract from what otherwise is an exciting and enjoyable game. There are several rules that need to be enforced more consistently. In particular, the batter's box rule (the batter must generally keep one foot in the box during an at-bat), handling offensive and defensive charged conferences in a timely manner, and speeding the time between innings and during pitching changes by umpires diligently counting the number of warm-up pitches are areas the committee identified as areas in need of improvement. GOOD SPORTING BEHAVIOR Coaches and umpires must work together. Each contest is another opportunity for coaches and umpires to teach not only baseball skills, but also model respectful behavior as well as professional relationships. The positive values that are learned will serve the players long after their baseball experience has concluded. Game situations typically provide a coach the opportunity to identify a teachable moment to reinforce good sporting behavior.