UMPIRES

new rules | points of emphasis

NEW NFHS RULES FOR 2006 BASEBALL

These rules are non-negotiable, they must be enforced.
Dan Deshaies
State of Maine Interpreter 2006

 BATS:

          No stickers on bats, all markings must be built into the bat.

          The deadline is here!

 GLOVES:

          No white or grey on pitcher’s glove, including logo. Penalty – illegal glove.

          Umpires will not allow glove to be used.

          Long Flowing Laces – if umpire decides it is distracting - glove cannot be used.

          Illegal Glove Penalty – offense can take play or penalty.

 

DEFENSE/FACE/HEAD PROTECTION:

          Batting helmet ok of no glare. No NOCSEA standard for defense, except catcher

         

PRE-GAME MEETING:

          Head Coach must be there. If Assistant goes because of illness Head Coach must stay in dugout. Captains may attend.

 

FOUL BALLS:

          If umpire calls foul ball and it becomes fair its still foul. If caught it’s still alive so runners can advance.

 

ILLEGAL PLAYERS:

          Baserunner: Called out, restricted to the bench.

          Defense: Restricted to bench.

          Offense: Called out, restricted to the bench.

          Restricted Player: Offense called out and ejected, defense – ejected.

 

LEAVING DUGOUT:

          Cannot leave dugout during live ball! Strictly enforced.

          Live Ball Penalty –  1st offense – team warning, 2nd offense and further offenses – eject all that come out.

          Home Run – ball is dead, may come but off dirt area.

          On Deck – ok, he is already in the live ball area.

 

OBSTRUCTION:     

          Delayed dead ball. Obstructed runner gets at least the next base he hasn’t reached yet. Example: Obstructed runner is not quite yet at 2B, he will get second, but could get 3rd or home.

 

LODGED BALL:

          If in defense or umpire – one base.

          If in offense you get base attempting to obtain. Other runners get one base if attempting to advance, 1 step could constitute a step.

 

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

 

FACE PROTECTION:

          Offense must be made fro helmet and NOCSAE approved.

          Defense can wear protection, must be non-glare and does not have to be NOCSAE approved, except for catcher.

 

PROPER FITTING EQUIPMENT:

          All helmets must fit properly, including bat/ball boys

         

PLAYERS IN BULLPEN:

          Its recommended that if player is pitching, warming up in bullpen or in field of play that you use a person to protect them – protector must wear a helmet & glove.

 

MALICIOUS ACT:

          Penalty:       Out and ejected

          Shoulder to head, chest and body is a good key. Offense or defense can violate.

          Rule: 1 -  Intentional excessive force and or 2 -  Intent to injury.

 

FORCE PLAY/SLIDE RULE:

          Never have to slide

          Must be legal and runner in direct line to base

          Can go away from fielder

          In effect at 2b, 3b and home plate

 

GAME MANAGEMENT:

          All lines including 3 ft running lane, batters box and catcher’s box

          On deck circle at least 17 feet away from home plate