2025 NCAA rule changes.

[Richvee]

7 hours ago, Replacematt said:

Also note that the skunk in the outfield, made illegal by interpretation in 2017(ish,) is now officially illegal by rule.

Nice. Since I started doing college in 2018, I never even knew about that interp, and somehow missed it in the new book. Thanks. 

[jimurrayalterego]

13 hours ago, Richvee said:

Nice. Since I started doing college in 2018, I never even knew about that interp, and somehow missed it in the new book. Thanks. 

You missed it in the new book because it wasn't in the list of changes. It is however highlighted in blue.

[TheRockawayKid]

Here's what I hate about these new timing rules. 

1) When we don't have visible clocks, it's basically a guessing game. It's especially bad for the batter. The batter is trained to start to the box when the catcher throws down (and not on the 30 second warning). So if the catcher throws down with 10 seconds left, for example, the batter doesn't know that it's 10 seconds. And if the defense if throwing the ball around when time expires, we're supposed to hit both the batter and the pitcher with violations if the batter isn't in the box.

2) I hate that the new pitcher has 2:30, and I hate that it's when they cross the warning track. If the bullpens are two different spots, it gives one team an advantage. I think it should count when they cross the warning track from the dugout, or the edge of the infield "grass" if the bullpen is in the outfield. 

 

And then, now the base umpire has to first see what pitcher is coming out. Is it a new pitcher from the dugout? Is it a replacement pitcher? Now it not only matters based on how much time is on the clock, but when to start the clock. 

[grayhawk]

On 11/4/2025 at 6:28 AM, TheRockawayKid said:

1) When we don't have visible clocks, it's basically a guessing game. It's especially bad for the batter. The batter is trained to start to the box when the catcher throws down (and not on the 30 second warning). So if the catcher throws down with 10 seconds left, for example, the batter doesn't know that it's 10 seconds. And if the defense if throwing the ball around when time expires, we're supposed to hit both the batter and the pitcher with violations if the batter isn't in the box.

If there is no visible clock, the umpire keeping the timer should be informing the plate umpire when there is 30 seconds remaining (40 is better), and then 15 seconds remaining. When the 30 second signal is given, and then again at 15 seconds, the plate umpire should inform the pitcher, catcher and batter with a clear verbal announcement. This puts everyone on notice equally.

On 11/4/2025 at 6:28 AM, TheRockawayKid said:

2) I hate that the new pitcher has 2:30, and I hate that it's when they cross the warning track. If the bullpens are two different spots, it gives one team an advantage. I think it should count when they cross the warning track from the dugout, or the edge of the infield "grass" if the bullpen is in the outfield. 

I've yet to see a disparity in bullpen locations that creates much of an advantage for one team over the other. A few seconds shouldn't matter.

On 11/4/2025 at 6:28 AM, TheRockawayKid said:

And then, now the base umpire has to first see what pitcher is coming out. Is it a new pitcher from the dugout? Is it a replacement pitcher? Now it not only matters based on how much time is on the clock, but when to start the clock. 

Start the 2:00 clock at at the end of the half inning, but stay alert to see if a new pitcher is entering. If there is, then restart the clock at 2:30 when they cross the warning track.

[JSam21]

8 hours ago, grayhawk said:

Start the 2:00 clock at at the end of the half inning, but stay alert to see if a new pitcher is entering. If there is, then restart the clock at 2:30 when they cross the warning track.

This is why I run the 2 minute off the belt timer and the 2:30 off of a stopwatch. I can pop the belt timer after the 3rd out, and pause the stopwatch when making my substance checks on the incoming pitcher. 

[johnnyg08]

On 11/6/2025 at 7:01 AM, JSam21 said:

This is why I run the 2 minute off the belt timer and the 2:30 off of a stopwatch. I can pop the belt timer after the 3rd out, and pause the stopwatch when making my substance checks on the incoming pitcher. 

So many things. I get that it's an opt in deal...but goodness...when will it stop...carrying two timing devices on the field is crazy. (Yes, I know...not judging you or any umpire)...just the processes from up above. 

[JSam21]

20 hours ago, johnnyg08 said:

So many things. I get that it's an opt in deal...but goodness...when will it stop...carrying two timing devices on the field is crazy. (Yes, I know...not judging you or any umpire)...just the processes from up above. 

I carry two, only because NAIA and NCAA D3 do not mandate a visible clock. In reality, it wouldn't be a big deal, if they would just mandate 3 umpires at all levels of college baseball, much like D1 requires 3 umpires at a minimum.

[johnnyg08]

On 11/17/2025 at 8:18 AM, JSam21 said:

I carry two, only because NAIA and NCAA D3 do not mandate a visible clock. In reality, it wouldn't be a big deal, if they would just mandate 3 umpires at all levels of college baseball, much like D1 requires 3 umpires at a minimum.

Yeah, that makes sense. 

In some parts of the country, they're unable to fill the schedule with three umpires, even though it has been approved for many years. Many D2 games get played with two instead of three due to the travel and low pay.