New Experimental Rules for NCAA

[grayhawk]

For Divisions 1, 2 & 3

1. Pitcher Disengagements: Pitchers are limited to two disengagements (pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance. However, this limit is reset if a runner or runners advance during the plate appearance. A third disengagement, or a disengagement violation, would result in a balk.

2. Pitcher Minimum Batters Faced Requirements: The starting pitcher or any substitute pitcher is required to pitch to a minimum of three consecutive batters, including the batter then at bat (or any substitute batter), until such batters are put out or reach first base, or until the offensive team is put out.

3. Use of in-game data/technology in the dugout during a game, including the use of preloaded and non-live recorded video: To permit the use of electronic equipment (tablets) to access scouting and analytics information during the game in the dugout, including the use of preloaded and non-live recorded video. (Note: Access to pitch location [i.e., balls/strikes] must be restricted during the game.) The following information must be provided for consideration of this experimental rule: (1) An outline of the conference’s plan for use of the electronic equipment, (2) the type of equipment that will be provided or used, (3) details on the conference’s policies/procedures to ensure appropriate use of the equipment and (4) details of implementing a device management feature to limit access of applications and metrics during a game, including if the conference intends to permit and manage the use of preloaded and non-live recorded video. Note: Preloaded video is defined as video content not from the current game being played. Accessing delayed video content from the current game is permitted provided the video is delayed by a half inning at a minimum. Data collection will include the number of uses throughout the conference season, effectiveness of the technology for the purposes of coaching and player development.

4. Challenges Permitted for Called Balls and Strikes Using Electronic Strike Zone Assist: Overview. Each team will be permitted to challenge an individual ball or strike call (on either offense or defense) by appealing to the appropriate call of the pitch as determined by an electronic strike zone. A challenge may occur at any point in a plate appearance including the end of an appearance.

Initiating a Challenge. A batter, pitcher, or catcher must initiate a challenge by immediately tapping their cap or helmet. Other players or team personnel are not permitted to initiate a challenge. Each team starts the game with three (3) challenges: (1) If a challenge is successful, the team retains that challenge; and (2) If the original call is confirmed, the team loses the challenge. If a team enters an extra inning with zero challenges remaining, they are awarded one challenge for every extra inning. Note: The additional challenge provided during extra innings cannot be used until all remaining challenges have been exhausted and may not be carried over to any subsequent inning of extra innings.

Review Process. Upon a challenge, the pitch location is compared against the batter’s individualized electronic strike zone.

Hitter Measurement & Certification. To ensure the electronic strike zone assist conforms to the height of each batter, every player on a team’s designated roster (including pitchers) shall participate in the measurement process.

Additional Requirements. Each institution that anticipates participating in a contest that may use the electronic strike zone challenge system shall submit precise height measurements starting August 1 of the current academic year and must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the start of the season. Measurements are required to be certified by the institution’s primary health care administrator. Note: Height measurements may be remeasured and certified prior to the start of postseason competition (including conference championships/tournaments).  

[jimurrayalterego]

3 hours ago, grayhawk said:

For Divisions 1, 2 & 3

1. Pitcher Disengagements: Pitchers are limited to two disengagements (pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance. However, this limit is reset if a runner or runners advance during the plate appearance. A third disengagement, or a disengagement violation, would result in a balk.

2. Pitcher Minimum Batters Faced Requirements: The starting pitcher or any substitute pitcher is required to pitch to a minimum of three consecutive batters, including the batter then at bat (or any substitute batter), until such batters are put out or reach first base, or until the offensive team is put out.

3. Use of in-game data/technology in the dugout during a game, including the use of preloaded and non-live recorded video: To permit the use of electronic equipment (tablets) to access scouting and analytics information during the game in the dugout, including the use of preloaded and non-live recorded video. (Note: Access to pitch location [i.e., balls/strikes] must be restricted during the game.) The following information must be provided for consideration of this experimental rule: (1) An outline of the conference’s plan for use of the electronic equipment, (2) the type of equipment that will be provided or used, (3) details on the conference’s policies/procedures to ensure appropriate use of the equipment and (4) details of implementing a device management feature to limit access of applications and metrics during a game, including if the conference intends to permit and manage the use of preloaded and non-live recorded video. Note: Preloaded video is defined as video content not from the current game being played. Accessing delayed video content from the current game is permitted provided the video is delayed by a half inning at a minimum. Data collection will include the number of uses throughout the conference season, effectiveness of the technology for the purposes of coaching and player development.

4. Challenges Permitted for Called Balls and Strikes Using Electronic Strike Zone Assist: Overview. Each team will be permitted to challenge an individual ball or strike call (on either offense or defense) by appealing to the appropriate call of the pitch as determined by an electronic strike zone. A challenge may occur at any point in a plate appearance including the end of an appearance.

Initiating a Challenge. A batter, pitcher, or catcher must initiate a challenge by immediately tapping their cap or helmet. Other players or team personnel are not permitted to initiate a challenge. Each team starts the game with three (3) challenges: (1) If a challenge is successful, the team retains that challenge; and (2) If the original call is confirmed, the team loses the challenge. If a team enters an extra inning with zero challenges remaining, they are awarded one challenge for every extra inning. Note: The additional challenge provided during extra innings cannot be used until all remaining challenges have been exhausted and may not be carried over to any subsequent inning of extra innings.

Review Process. Upon a challenge, the pitch location is compared against the batter’s individualized electronic strike zone.

Hitter Measurement & Certification. To ensure the electronic strike zone assist conforms to the height of each batter, every player on a team’s designated roster (including pitchers) shall participate in the measurement process.

Additional Requirements. Each institution that anticipates participating in a contest that may use the electronic strike zone challenge system shall submit precise height measurements starting August 1 of the current academic year and must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the start of the season. Measurements are required to be certified by the institution’s primary health care administrator. Note: Height measurements may be remeasured and certified prior to the start of postseason competition (including conference championships/tournaments).  

ABS strike zone is 19". They want you to call the black bevel which is not visible? Reminds me of a high school coach who had his ground crew paint the bevel white and leave it showing.

[JSam21]

11 hours ago, jimurrayalterego said:

ABS strike zone is 19". They want you to call the black bevel which is not visible? Reminds me of a high school coach who had his ground crew paint the bevel white and leave it showing.

Trackman plots the center of the ball. Setting the edges to 19" provides the buffer required to capture the edge of the ball on the plate. 

[Jimurray]

1 hour ago, JSam21 said:

Trackman plots the center of the ball. Setting the edges to 19" provides the buffer required to capture the edge of the ball on the plate. 

I think the wording I saw was if any part of the ball passes through the strike zone. 

[JSam21]

22 hours ago, Jimurray said:

I think the wording I saw was if any part of the ball passes through the strike zone. 

Right... and making the plate measurement 19" is how they get there with Trackman, since it plots only the center of the ball. 

[Velho]

3 hours ago, JSam21 said:

On 8/25/2026 at 6:15 AM, Jimurray said:

I think the wording I saw was if any part of the ball passes through the strike zone. 

Right... and making the plate measurement 19" is how they get there with Trackman, since it plots only the center of the ball. 

Not challenging the understanding nor saying you decided it

... but how does that makes sense? The ball is 2 7/8" - 2 15/16". Why would 1" accommodate for the full width of the ball?

[dumbdumb]

so are they taking off that extra basically .22 to .24 on each side 1.43-1.47 radius at the middle and saying that the known error rate of .10 to .50 on trackman or any other company, will just knock the above out and just call it even at 1 inch extra on each side on the above out. it will be great when we get to see in print the same scores like in MLB ump scorecards and i would expect them to be pretty much the same.

but, it gives a chance to use the numbers for post season picks if they so choose or not. and the 3 challenges is great (like 3 strikes and your out). that means if you go 50/50 starting with team getting the first third and 5th challenge overturned you will get at least 6 challenges and the other team does the same at least 6 to 12(if you are getting them all correct) missed pitches would get covered.

[jimurrayalterego]

29 minutes ago, Velho said:

Not challenging the understanding nor saying you decided it

... but how does that makes sense? The ball is 2 7/8" - 2 15/16". Why would 1" accommodate for the full width of the ball?

I don't think they are referencing Trackman. There might be some new Electronic Strike Zone system. It seems the Rules Committee wants a 19" wide zone where if any part of the ball intersects it will be a strike. Last I remember most NCAA baseball rules committees were composed of ADs and coaches. 

[BLWizzRanger]

Not challenging the understanding nor saying you decided it
... but how does that makes sense? The ball is 2 7/8" - 2 15/16". Why would 1" accommodate for the full width of the ball?

Margin of error in the system? MOE half inch plus the inch on the black gives you 1.5 inches, which is half of a balls width, relatively.

[Velho]

41 minutes ago, BLWizzRanger said:

Margin of error in the system? MOE half inch plus the inch on the black gives you 1.5 inches, which is half of a balls width, relatively.

Plausible line of thought (good job  ) and bless you for bring up MOE.

If that is what they're doing, they're doing a horrible PR job (and noteworthy they're shading to more balls than strikes).

[Jimurray]

2 hours ago, BLWizzRanger said:

3 hours ago, Velho said:

Not challenging the understanding nor saying you decided it
... but how does that makes sense? The ball is 2 7/8" - 2 15/16". Why would 1" accommodate for the full width of the ball?

Margin of error in the system? MOE half inch plus the inch on the black gives you 1.5 inches, which is half of a balls width, relatively.

That would make sense for the trackman system but is the electronic strike zone assist the same thing. Are they going to show a 19” width on screen and show a ball just touching that line as a strike. 

[MadMax]

On 8/24/2026 at 4:08 PM, grayhawk said:

1. Pitcher Disengagements: Pitchers are limited to two disengagements (pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance. However, this limit is reset if a runner or runners advance during the plate appearance. A third disengagement, or a disengagement violation, would result in a balk.

Is this verbatim or paraphrased? I get it, it's akin to the OBR disengagement rule. This would absolutely, comprehensively rectify all that crap regarding valid pickoff attempts at 2B (reset vs. violation). If this is verbatim, then it's severely lacking clarity in regards to resetting (the count) and the "third disengagement" aspect of this rule. 
1) It should reset if a runner advances or is put Out. I can see situations like R1-R3 arising. R1 is put Out, but R3 doesn't advance. 
2) The rule should clarify (in keeping with the OBR) that if the third disengagement does not retire (put Out) a Runner, then it is a Balk; the third disengagement in-and-of-itself is not the violation. 

On 8/24/2026 at 4:08 PM, grayhawk said:

2. Pitcher Minimum Batters Faced Requirements: The starting pitcher or any substitute pitcher is required to pitch to a minimum of three consecutive batters, including the batter then at bat (or any substitute batter), until such batters are put out or reach first base, or until the offensive team is put out.

I don't see this getting off the ground for amateurs. What's the point of having a deep, diverse, and robust bullpen on a college roster if you can't strategically and tactically employ them? 

On 8/24/2026 at 4:08 PM, grayhawk said:

4. Challenges Permitted for Called Balls and Strikes Using Electronic Strike Zone Assist: Overview. Each team will be permitted to challenge an individual ball or strike call (on either offense or defense) by appealing to the appropriate call of the pitch as determined by an electronic strike zone. A challenge may occur at any point in a plate appearance including the end of an appearance.

On 8/24/2026 at 4:08 PM, grayhawk said:

Hitter Measurement & Certification. To ensure the electronic strike zone assist conforms to the height of each batter, every player on a team’s designated roster (including pitchers) shall participate in the measurement process.

Wait wait waaaaaaaiiitt... I can see this being employed at say, the D1 level (where they have "plenty" of money resources to properly install and deploy it), but can you honestly say that you can see this being employed at D-2 and D-3?? We're just now – in 2026/7 – starting to return to 3-man at the D-3 level, having been told, since 2020, that "we (the D-3 conferences) cannot afford a third umpire" (or, that softball couldn't afford a third umpire, and Title IX Equality takes precedence). Is softball getting this, too??? 

I'm not at all opposed to ABS Challenge system; I'm simply bewildered by the effective feasibility of it at the D-2 and D-3 level, given that it took those two divisions longer just to implement visible clocks / timers on the ballfields. And they're going to (be required to) submit individual measurements for their entire roster?? 

I see this as far more impoverishing (to the institutions / programs) than (requiring) wood bats... 

... which is the 500-lb gorilla in the room that no one seems to be addressing, but what needs to be changed, especially at the D-1 (and D-2) level(s). If NCAA would abolish metal bats, and mandate the use of wood (and/or wood-composite) exclusively, the entirety of college baseball would change at the root, fundamental level. 
It would be akin to setting off an EMP... but with a benefit, not a detriment. 

5 hours ago, jimurrayalterego said:

Last I remember most NCAA baseball rules committees were composed of ADs and coaches. 

They do, and they've been joined by a rather... persuasive member who has ties to Bristol, CT. 

MLB and NCAA striving to fashion and form NCAA baseball to be (Pro) Baseball's burgeoning "development lab", reducing (the direct burden on) or augmenting the Minor Leagues is ambitious and of logical good intent; however, the single piece of equipment – and the rules governing it – that should, and I will argue must change, is the bat. 

[grayhawk]

4 hours ago, MadMax said:

Is this verbatim or paraphrased? I get it, it's akin to the OBR disengagement rule. This would absolutely, comprehensively rectify all that crap regarding valid pickoff attempts at 2B (reset vs. violation). If this is verbatim, then it's severely lacking clarity in regards to resetting (the count) and the "third disengagement" aspect of this rule. 
1) It should reset if a runner advances or is put Out. I can see situations like R1-R3 arising. R1 is put Out, but R3 doesn't advance. 
2) The rule should clarify (in keeping with the OBR) that if the third disengagement does not retire (put Out) a Runner, then it is a Balk; the third disengagement in-and-of-itself is not the violation. 

It's verbatim, and I agree.

4 hours ago, MadMax said:

Wait wait waaaaaaaiiitt... I can see this being employed at say, the D1 level (where they have "plenty" of money resources to properly install and deploy it), but can you honestly say that you can see this being employed at D-2 and D-3?? We're just now – in 2026/7 – starting to return to 3-man at the D-3 level, having been told, since 2020, that "we (the D-3 conferences) cannot afford a third umpire" (or, that softball couldn't afford a third umpire, and Title IX Equality takes precedence). Is softball getting this, too??? 

Unless Trackman makes significant improvements, I don't think it's capable of using individual batter measurements for the top and bottom. I have a feeling only the SEC (maybe the B1G) will be doing this and it will be with the same ABS technology that is used in MLB. But the fact they even bothered to allow D2 and D3 to do this at least suggests they have already gotten Trackman's agreement to make the changes to support it. We shall see.

[jimurrayalterego]

12 minutes ago, grayhawk said:

It's verbatim, and I agree.

Unless Trackman makes significant improvements, I don't think it's capable of using individual batter measurements for the top and bottom. I have a feeling only the SEC (maybe the B1G) will be doing this and it will be with the same ABS technology that is used in MLB. But the fact they even bothered to allow D2 and D3 to do this at least suggests they have already gotten Trackman's agreement to make the changes to support it. We shall see.

So the big money ADs will change the strike zone on ABS to 19". I suspect this will not be in the final edit. But it is an example of ....................

[dumbdumb]

so? zone is from middle of plate and not the front as to where it starts like MLB? and are they using ELC (Electronic Line Calling) ie Hawkeye 3D tracking like in tennis or trackman radar tracking. Hawkeye was the choice for SEC tournament last year.

[JSam21]

3 hours ago, dumbdumb said:

so? zone is from middle of plate and not the front as to where it starts like MLB? and are they using ELC (Electronic Line Calling) ie Hawkeye 3D tracking like in tennis or trackman radar tracking. Hawkeye was the choice for SEC tournament last year.

They will use whatever system the schools have if they chose to implement it. 

[jimurrayalterego]

6 hours ago, dumbdumb said:

so? zone is from middle of plate and not the front as to where it starts like MLB? and are they using ELC (Electronic Line Calling) ie Hawkeye 3D tracking like in tennis or trackman radar tracking. Hawkeye was the choice for SEC tournament last year.

I think MLB ABS is in the middle also. CCS has some posts showing a strike overturned to ball on ABS where the ump doesn't get a missed call because the pitch was a strike at the front of the plate.

[Velho]

6 hours ago, dumbdumb said:

so? zone is from middle of plate and not the front as to where it starts like MLB?

As @Jimurray said, MLB is middle for them late for ABS. Front of the plate is used for umpire gradings and middle of the plate for ABS

25 minutes ago, jimurrayalterego said:

CCS has some posts showing a strike overturned to ball on ABS where the ump doesn't get a missed call because the pitch was a strike at the front of the plate.

Yep. Not uncommon. Just had one this week.