Jewelry and Hybrid Rules Changed

[lawump]

https://nfhs.org/articles/prohibition-of-jewelry-removed-in-high-school-baseball-rules/

[johnnyg08]

Finally!

 

[Thunderheads]

33 minutes ago, lawump said:

https://nfhs.org/articles/prohibition-of-jewelry-removed-in-high-school-baseball-rules/

  

[ArchAngel72]

Someone please get LL to adopt this as well..  PLEASE

[Richvee]

Two meaningful changes. Very cool. 😀

[Catch18]

Anyone have the full text?

[umpstu]

About time.

[Richvee]

1 hour ago, Catch18 said:

Anyone have the full text?

Copied this  from FB. 
ART. 12 . . . (GONE)
Rationale:
Any jewelry worn that poses harm or injury to the player or their opponent is covered in existing rules.
Note: We still have Rule 1-5-9 which allows an umpire to disallow any jewelry deemed unsafe and Rule 3-3-1f to handle any jewelry determined to be of an unsporting nature.
Change: Rule 6-1-1,2,3 (Pitching Position to be determined by the position of pivot foot only. Hybrid no longer an issue)
ART. 1 . . .The pitcher shall pitch while facing the batter from either a windup (Art.2) or a set position (Art. 3). The position of the pitcher’s feet determines whether the pitcher will pitch from the windup or the set position. The pitcher shall take or simulate taking the sign from the catcher with his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher will be in the set position when the pivot foot is in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher will be in the windup position when the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and is not parallel to it. The pitching regulations …but not both.
ART. 2 . . . For the wind-up position, the pitcher is not restricted as to how they shall hold the ball. A pitcher assumes the windup position when the hands are: (a) together in front of the body; (b) both hands are at the side; (c) either hand is in front of the body and the other hand is at the side. The pitcher is limited… lifting either foot.
ART. 3 . . . For the set position, the pitcher shall have the ball in either the gloved hand or the pitching hand. The pitcher’s hand shall be down at the side or behind the back. Before starting the delivery, the pitcher shall stand with the pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher's plate. The pitcher shall go…any other fielder.
Rationale:
In reference to the high school pitching rule, the position of both the pivot and non-pivot foot was the determining factor in deeming if a pitcher was pitching from the windup position or the set position. The game has evolved throughout high school baseball for the pitcher to launch with the pivot foot in a windup description with the non-pivot foot in a set description. This "hybrid" position was previously illegal by NFHS rule. What is essential is that umpires, coaches, and players know what position the pitcher is using so they know which part of Rule 6 is in play. Deleting the use of the non-pivot foot does no damage to the existing pitching position rule and having only the pivot foot determine makes it clean and easily discernible for all involved.

 

The way I read this,  what doesn’t change, (I think), is a pitcher in the set position still is not allowed to “wind up” …  i.e take a “rocker” step with the free foot when the pivot foot is parallel to the rubber. 

[Jimurray]

4 minutes ago, Richvee said:

 

 

The way I read this,  what doesn’t change, (I think), is a pitcher in the set position still is not allowed to “wind up” …  i.e take a “rocker” step with the free foot when the pivot foot is parallel to the rubber. 

Yes, it looks like they still won't allow a sideways pitcher to windup as NCAA and OBR does. Still an improvement though. 

[Richvee]

6 minutes ago, Jimurray said:

Yes, it looks like they still won't allow a sideways pitcher to windup as NCAA and OBR does. Still an improvement though. 

Oh for sure an improvement. And a lot easier to enforce and explain. 

[GreyhoundAggie]

These are welcome changes for sure. And common sense updates for once.

Will prevent half of my discussions are arguments on field over stupid things.

[LMSANS]

NFHS softball changed also...

Jewelry Permitted in 2023 High School Softball Rules Changes

By NFHS on July 12, 2022 nfhs news

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The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has approved the wearing of jewelry in the sport, effective with the 2023 season. Previously, only medical and religious medals were permitted.

The removal of the previous Rule 3-2-12 from the 2022 NFHS Softball Rules Book headlined a set of six rules changes forwarded by the committee. The six proposed changes were compiled at the committee’s recent rules meeting held June 13-15 at the Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis and were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has entertained this possible rule change on multiple occasions based on previous proposals submitted by the membership,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Softball Rules Committee. “This year’s overwhelming member response in favor of permitting the wearing of jewelry strongly influenced the Committee’s decision to approve this proposal. Rule language, however, continues to allow umpires the authority to expel items they deem dangerous or distracting to any player.”

In a causal change, Rule 3-6-11 strengthens language to emphasize that electronic devices only be used in the dugout during games to prevent teams from utilizing them as an on-field signaling system under the new jewelry-friendly regulations.

Color restrictions for gloves and mitts were also loosened as part of Rule 1-4-1. Previously, gloves and mitts could not consist of more than two colors excluding lacing and manufacturer’s logos. For the 2023 season, there will be no limit on the number of colors as long as no part of the glove/mitt – including lacing and seams – is the same color as the ball; has markings that give the appearance of the ball; or is made in a manner that is distracting to the umpire.

To more accurately depict final scores and individual and team statistics, a new clause was added to Rule 4-2-1 stating that all baserunners involved in a game-ending home run will be scored and credited to the winning team. Previously, only the number of runs needed to win the contest were officially counted in the final score.

Rule 8-2-7, which deals with batter-runner interference, was reformatted to address the infraction in fair territory – “with a fielder attempting to make an initial play on a fair batted ball” (Rule 8-2-7a) – and in foul territory – “with a fielder attempting to field a fly ball over foul territory” (Rule 8-2-7b).

The final rule change for the 2023 season is the insertion of Rule 2-20-1g pertaining to the definition of a fair ball. This new language clarifies that a batted ball will be ruled a fair ball and a dead ball in the instance an offensive player interferes with a defensive player while the ball is in fair territory. Placing this language within the definition of a fair ball also makes it consistent with the definition of a foul ball that is covered in Rule 2-25-1e.

A complete listing of the softball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Softball.”

According to the most recent NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, fast-pitch softball is the fifth-most popular sport for girls with 362,038 participants in 15,877 high schools nationwide. The survey also indicated an additional 6,602 participants in slow-pitch softball.

[cyclonehokiece]

Good.  Now let's get rid of the dead ball balk.

[Jimurray]

3 hours ago, cyclonehokiece said:

Good.  Now let's get rid of the dead ball balk.

And replace it with delayed dead ball with coach choice. I guarantee not all the cohort of NFHS umpires would correctly implement the OBR rule and having briefed glassy eyed umpires to get them ready for a PONY game I would not think that training would solve the problem.

[JonnyCat]

13 minutes ago, Jimurray said:

delayed dead ball

Is there such a thing? 

[Velho]

8 minutes ago, Jimurray said:

I guarantee not all the cohort of NFHS umpires would correctly implement the OBR rule and having briefed glassy eyed umpires to get them ready for a PONY game I would not think that training would solve the problem.

Tangent: I helped out a friend and umped a scrimmage for his 14U team on a 90' field (and first time I've ever BU 90'). Walking in with my partner (someone who stopped umpiring as soon as his kids stopped playing LL) I was quickly reviewing NFHS vs OBR ahead of asking at the plate meeting with ruleset they wanted.

One of the coaches looked at me like I had turds hanging out of my mouth when I asked which ruleset they wanted. I'm not sure he knew there was a difference - and he should since he's a varsity HS coach.

Made me shake me head since I thought he was more on the ball than that having watched him coach my son the last two years. Maybe he just seemed good in comparison to the manager.   

[Velho]

1 minute ago, JonnyCat said:

16 minutes ago, Jimurray said:

delayed dead ball

Is there such a thing? 

Aren't we all just a delayed dead ball?  

[Jimurray]

22 minutes ago, JonnyCat said:

Is there such a thing? 

There could be in NFHS depending on how they would change the rule and whether they would want to use OBR's "when to call time", which is not referred to in OBR as a delayed dead ball. 🙂

[The Man in Blue]

44 minutes ago, JonnyCat said:

Is there such a thing? 

Possibly ... if the ball is wearing potentially dangerous jewelry.

19 minutes ago, Jimurray said:

There could be in NFHS depending on how they would change the rule and whether they would want to use OBR's "when to call time", which is not referred to in OBR as a delayed dead ball. 🙂

[JimmyK]

(My apologies if this is a double post - signon issues)

Not sure I agree with the jewelry modification.  For the past 18 years that I have umpired, I have been forced to tell coaches to get their players' jewelry off because it's a safety issue.  Did COVID all of a sudden make jewelry safe?  Something must have.  Umpired an 18U tournament last week with NFHS rules, players had 4 and 5 necklaces on (3 had pearl necklaces) - while this new unrule isn't in effect yet, I couldn't in clear conscience enforce it because I'd argue that a change in year does not make the jewelry safe.  How many pieces of jewelry are we to allow?  Now we are going to have to keep track of Balls, Strike, Outs, and pieces of jewelry.

I guess I am just a grouchy old man

On a side note - does anyone have any more information on: In addition, the officials signals for baseball were updated to include eight pre-pitch situations and eight signals during play and results. 

[JonnyCat]

49 minutes ago, JimmyK said:

jewelry off because it's a safety issue.  Did COVID all of a sudden make jewelry safe? 

They changed it because in reality, jewelry was never a safety issue. I haven't been able to find any documented case of serious injuries attributed to jewelry in youth baseball. Why do many other organizations/tournaments allow it? Kind of like checking equipment pre-game. Some organizations have you do it, while others don't. You can believe that if jewelry/checking gear is such a safety issue, then all organizations would have us do it. It would come down to liability and keeping the organizations insurance premiums down. If there were many serious injuries because of jewelry, the insurance companies would squawk, and direct organizations to follow any policies to reduce injuries, thus reducing liability and affecting insurance premiums.

It always comes down to the money. Not only does NFHS now not see it as a liability, it often is not enforced anyway. It just gets rid of another headache with little to no financial or PR costs. 

1 hour ago, JimmyK said:

How many pieces of jewelry are we to allow?

Unfortunately, that's going to be the new problem. Players are going to push the envelope and wear gobs of jewelry, which is going to start to cause a whole new set of issues. What are we going to allow now? How much jewelry is too much? Now NFHS is going to have to come up with a whole new set of guidelines on what is allowed, and how much. Kind of like face paint.

All this could be avoided if jackass parents and coaches would have a reasonable set of standards and not let their kids/players look like Mr T on the ball-field.

[MadMax]

On 7/30/2022 at 12:50 PM, Jimurray said:

And replace it with delayed dead ball with coach choice.

This isn’t a thing. Is it a thing? There is no option or “coach choice” on Balk enforcement. 

45 minutes ago, JimmyK said:

Umpired an 18U tournament last week with NFHS rules, players had 4 and 5 necklaces on (3 had pearl necklaces) - while this new unrule isn't in effect yet, I couldn't in clear conscience enforce it because I'd argue that a change in year does not make the jewelry safe.

Waitaminute… you couldn’t allow jewelry, or you couldn’t prohibit it, at this tournament? 

A tournament event doesn’t use NFHS Rules for its particular stance and enforcement on jewelry. The Event uses NFHS Rules (likely with modifications relevant to the event) for simplicity and familiarity. Did you see catchers wearing “two-piece” masks and skullcaps? Were all helmets inspected for NOCSAE -compliant marks? Were the baseballs all stamped as being NFHS -approved and NOCSAE compliant? 

If your answers were “Yes”, “No”, and “No”, congratulations! You just worked a tournament event that was in violation of the “strict reading and enforcement of the NFHS Rules”. Why was this? Well, because when it comes down to it, it’s not a matter of safety, it’s a matter of liability. Most tournament events have extensive terms and conditions to participation, and also have a limited degree of liability. Educational institutions (ie. schools) are terrified of being held liable, and therefore push to include heavily stringent safety clauses and restrictions. Inevitably, in this case, the severity of restrictions wasn’t warranted by the investigated rare numbers of occurrences. 

Doing away with this rule removes one of the most ridiculous and, frankly, irritating rule penalties in all of amateur sports – restricting the Head Coach. (Typical) teen kid wears a necklace, and we have to stop the game, make a big ta-do over it, and restrict the head coach to the dugout??? We’re supposed to be developing and utilizing a working relationship with coaches and administrators… how does this accomplish that? 

And pearls? You can thank Joc Pederson for that… and his explanation to their origin resonates with teenagers everywhere, and incite them to mimic him – “Nothing more than I’m a bad b!t¢h”. 

[Jimurray]

15 minutes ago, MadMax said:

This isn’t a thing. Is it a thing? There is no option or “coach choice” on Balk enforcement. 

 

There is no "coach choice" in any code on balk enforcement other than the esoteric choice in OBR for a doctored ball balk. But NFHS did put out a survey a few years ago asking if their "dead ball balk" should be changed to a delayed call of time for a balk and then give the coach a choice. I reluctantly voted for that change in that survey despite my disdain for using it in OBR leagues that think the OBR enforcement is too complicated for their umpires, PONY and some high level rec leagues being some of which I can cite as examples.

[JimmyK]

59 minutes ago, MadMax said:

This isn’t a thing. Is it a thing? There is no option or “coach choice” on Balk enforcement. 

Waitaminute… you couldn’t allow jewelry, or you couldn’t prohibit it, at this tournament? 

A tournament event doesn’t use NFHS Rules for its particular stance and enforcement on jewelry. The Event uses NFHS Rules (likely with modifications relevant to the event) for simplicity and familiarity. Did you see catchers wearing “two-piece” masks and skullcaps? Were all helmets inspected for NOCSAE -compliant marks? Were the baseballs all stamped as being NFHS -approved and NOCSAE compliant? 

I

My understanding as to why many tournaments and many leagues adopt NFHS rules is simply because of the level of safety rules that are inherent to the rule set.  In my experience, no one who plays, or coaches baseball is familiar with any of the different codes*, they leave that up to us until they disagree. To clarify, I did 'ignore' the jewelry (which made my life easier - in the past I never LOOKED for it but if it was glaring and in my face I had to enforce it) due to the fact that the NHFS had stated it is no longer a concern (by legalizing it).  The rules modifications did stipulate what baseballs were legal (only tournament provided baseball were allowed) and yes, I did require a NOCSAE certified catcher's mask.  On one occasion the catcher complained but was able to produce a legal helmet.  I do take safety rules seriously (coaches do stay in the dugout).  What I get paid to umpire pales as to what losing my house would cost.

* I do have to point out the exception of Little League parents.  For some odd reason, they seem to know the rules better than most umpires. Sometimes that is a little refreshing.

[The Man in Blue]

@JimmyK, here is my advice ...

NFHS is NOT going to provide guidance or training, therefore I do not deem any jewelry in any quantity to be dangerous.  Wear whatever you want.  Do NOT put it on me.  The rule was simple when it was "NO."  Now it is not and I am not messing with it since I do not have to.

My partner can apply whatever standard he wants to use (it dangles!).  My next partner can apply a third standard (it sparkles!).  The partner after that can deem that jewelry made from inferior metals can cause infections.  The next partner can determine that jewelry made in third-world nations and imported is dangerous to the economy.