Double First Base for 2027

[BigBlue4u]

Question:  What are your thoughts about teams asking permission for optional use a double first base for 2026?

[DevildogUmp]

Asking me as the umpire? Not my place to "give" permission. It is in the rulebook as an option, the NFHS has already given permission to use it and it is up to the state association to say yes or no.

[BigBlue4u]

On 8/13/2025 at 5:48 PM, DevildogUmp said:

Asking me as the umpire? Not my place to "give" permission. It is in the rulebook as an option, the NFHS has already given permission to use it and it is up to the state association to say yes or no

DD

Can you cite your reference as to the NFHS giving permission to use the double first base in 2026?  And, can you cite the rule in the rulebook where it gives an option to use the double first base in 2026?

Thank you.

[jimurrayalterego]

28 minutes ago, BigBlue4u said:

DD

Can you cite your reference as to the NFHS giving permission to use the double first base in 2026?  And, can you cite the rule in the rulebook where it gives an option to use the double first base in 2026?

Thank you.

The year is irrelevant. 1-2-9 and "Suggested Double First Base Rules" have been in the book for a long time.

[DevildogUmp]

4 hours ago, BigBlue4u said:

DD

Can you cite your reference as to the NFHS giving permission to use the double first base in 2026?  And, can you cite the rule in the rulebook where it gives an option to use the double first base in 2026?

Thank you.

According to NFHS official list of "Rules Changes Affecting Risk" (NATIONAL FEDERATION) the double first base option was added to the rule book in 1989.

[The Man in Blue]

It's been in the "State Adoption" portion for a long time (1989 per @DevildogUmp).

Sorry, this is one that I am not going to stop a team from using, even without state adoption. If the coaches are not familiar with it, I will make sure coaches understand how we are going to use it at the plate meeting.  Typically run into this in the summer with teams that travel from other states.

[BigBlue4u]

On 8/16/2025 at 9:32 AM, jimurrayalterego said:

The year is irrelevant. 1-2-9 and "Suggested Double First Base Rules" have been in the book for a long time.

Got it.  Thanks for the info.

[humanbackstop19]

 

2 questions:

1 ) Any intel from anyone on how many/which states will be using the double sided 1st base in 2026?  

2) Though not mandatory for use until 2027, the new rules regarding the double first base ARE in effect for 2026 if used, correct? 

I ask because our state has used if for 30+ years under the suggested rules, which differ from the new guidelines.  Our state will need to make some adjustments on how we officiate the double base.