Wrong on deck circle

[bighouse]

Coach asked me if there was a specific rule that addressed which on deck circle the on deck batter should warm up in. He was asking for a younger team ( 10 or 12 year olds). Wanted to have his on deck batter go around when there was a lefty up to bat, and the umpire would not allow it. I told him I would have done the same and only allowed batters to warm up in the on deck circle designated for their dugout. I know there are some small fields out there where the dugouts are very close and this could be a genuine safety concern but it did not sound like that was the case. here. Not sure it matters but rule set is NBC/OBR.

 

Thoughts.

[johnnyg08]

They have to use their own.  

[StrikeToWin]

Our league requires that the ondeck batter warm up behind the batter so most teams rush to try and get the 3B dugout since most of their hitters are RH.  The really tough thing is getting them to stay on their own side once they move up to the big fields.  Just doesn't look right when a 15 year old goes running behind to warm up behind the batter.  

[maven]

FED requires teams to use only their own circle (the one in front of their dugout, 1-2-3) and be in the "area" of their circle when the opposing pitcher is warming up (no switching to the other side of the plate).

For OBR, there's a PBUC interp that restricts offensive personnel, and it includes a permission for 1 on-deck batter to occupy his own circle (3.5).

[ricka56]

They are "supposed to" use  their own. IMO, it is a IDGAS rule and I don't enforce it unless the other team objects (rare). And if there is little room, I'll ask (with a weary eye) why he objects. If all he has is that it is a rule, I'll ask if he thinks that this rule should trump the kid's safety (do you really want to do this, coach). If he still objects, I'll enforce the rule and keep that DHC on a short leash.

Enforcing this rule at a small field, youth game without prodding is OOO. 

[ZebraStripes]

Some of my local groups have language in their rules that the on deck batter must be at the back of the batter, but I believe that it is only in effect for local and not a sanctioning body.

 

for instance, this is Forsyth County

15.12 ON DECK BATTER: In ALL AGE GROUPS of BASEBALL & SOFTBALL: The On Deck Batter shall position his or her self in the on deck circle so that the batter’s back is to them. If there is a right-handed batter at the plate, the On Deck Batter should be in the 3rd base on deck circle. If there is a left-handed batter at the plate, the On Deck Batter should be in the 1st base on deck circle. 

Edited May 1, 2015 by ZebraStripes

[UmpJeff]

Some of my local groups have language in their rules that the on deck batter must be at the back of the batter, but I believe that it is only in effect for local and not a sanctioning body.

 

for instance, this is Forsyth County

​That's how the Summer Fed leagues in my area are ruled.  OD batter to the back of the hitter...

[noumpere]

Coach asked me if there was a specific rule that addressed which on deck circle the on deck batter should warm up in. He was asking for a younger team ( 10 or 12 year olds). Wanted to have his on deck batter go around when there was a lefty up to bat, and the umpire would not allow it. I told him I would have done the same and only allowed batters to warm up in the on deck circle designated for their dugout. I know there are some small fields out there where the dugouts are very close and this could be a genuine safety concern but it did not sound like that was the case. here. Not sure it matters but rule set is NBC/OBR.

 

Thoughts.

​Teams are supposed to use their own on deck circle.  But, on deck circles are supposed to be x feet away from  the plate.

 

Many many times in youth ball the second criterion isn't net, so the first requirement isn't followed.

[catsbackr]

They don't have to stand in the on deck circle, they can stay in their dugout.

 

Edited May 3, 2015 by catsbackr