2013 nfhs baseball rule changes

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

National Federation of State High School Associations

2013 NFHS Baseball Rule

Changes

KEITH ALEXANDER

Director of Officials

Louisiana High School Athletic Association

ON-LINE TESTING INFO:

• Baseball Testing Dates: Monday, February 4 - Thursday, February 7

• Each Official will receive log-in information from their Assignment Secretary.

• If you take the test and fail the test (69% or below) you may retake the test one time. If you take the test and pass (70% or higher) that score will be your final score, but the score will only count at the Registered level.

ON-LINE TESTING INFO:

• NEW: Proctored Makeup Exam will be given on Monday, February 18, 2013. This is for five year experience or higher officials who score lower than Approved.

PLAYER EJECTED FROM A CONTEST IN A

SPORT FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE

CONDUCT

FIRST OFFENSE – will receive an official

warning. Must take the NFHS Coach Education

Certification Program: “Sportsmanship – It’s Up

to You”. Certificate of completion.

SECOND OFFENSE – Probation. Suspended

through the next regularly scheduled contest at

that level, including post-season play.

THIRD OFFENSE – Suspended for the

remainder of the year in that sport.

NFHS defines Fighting as:

“Any attempt by a player or non-player to strike or

engage a player or non-player in a combative

manner unrelated to baseball. Such acts include,

but not limited to: attempts to strike an

opponent(s) with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s), or

foot (feet), whether or not there is contact”.

PLAYER EJECTED FROM A CONTEST

IN A SPORT FOR FIGHTING

FIRST OFFENSE – Player will be suspended

through the next contest at that level. Will

receive an official warning. Student will have a

mandatory meeting with Principal, Coach,

Parent/Guardian. Cannot travel with team, sit on

the bench, or be affiliated with the team during

the suspended time. Will be required to complete

Certification Program : “Sportsmanship – It’s Up

to You”.

SECOND OFFENSE – Suspended from

participating in the same sport for the remainder

of the year.

PLAYER EJECTED FROM A CONTEST IN A

SPORT FOR COMING OFF THE BENCH ONTO

THE COURT OF FIELD

FIRST OFFENSE – Player will be suspended

through the next contest at that level. Will receive

an official warning. Student will have a mandatory

meeting with Principal, Coach, Parent/Guardian.

Cannot travel with team, sit on the bench, or be

affiliated with the team during the suspended time.

Complete Sportsmanship Class. School may be

subject to a sportsmanship hearing.

SECOND OFFENSE – Suspended from

participating in the same sport for the remainder of

the year.

COACH EJECTED FROM A CONTEST IN A

SPORT FOR UNSPORTSMANSHIP

CONDUCT:

FIRST OFFENSE – Will receive an official

warning. Must complete Sportsmanship Class –

“Teaching & Modeling Behavior”. Cost is the

responsibility of the coach.

SECOND OFFENSE – School fined $200.00 .

The coach is suspended through the next game

at the level, including post-season play.

THIRD OFFENSE – School fined $300.00.

School prohibited from playing in a contest with

the coach serving as the coach of the team.

Rule 3-1-5

Concussions

Only health-care professionals can determine

if a player has experienced a concussion.

Officials are asked to observe and if they see

a player who exhibits the signs or symptoms

of a concussion, immediately remove him

from the game.

He shall not return to play until cleared by an

appropriate health-care professional (as

determined by the state association).

Rule 3-1-5

Concussions

Possible signs and symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness,

• Headache,

• Dizziness,

• Confusion,

• Balance problems,

• Staggering around

“When in doubt, sit him out!”

LHSAA POLICY ON CONCUSSIONS

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

A CONCUSSION is defined as a traumatic

brain injury that interferes with normal brain

function. An athlete does NOT have to lose

consciousness to have suffered a concussion.

COMMON SYMPTOMS include the following:

• Headache, fogginess, difficulty concentrating,

easily confused, slowed thought processes,

difficulty with memory, nausea, lack of energy,

dizziness or poor balance, blurred vision,

sensitive to light and sounds, mood changes-

irritable, anxious, or tearful.


POINTS OF EMPHASIS

An appropriate Healthcare Professional is defined as an individual or

individuals from the following professions. They are the ONLY

individuals who are designated as the persons to DIAGNOSE whether

an athlete has or does not have a concussion.

• MD – A medical doctor licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana

• DO – A doctor of osteopathic medicine licensed to practice

medicine in Louisiana

• PA – Physicians Assistant licensed to practice in Louisiana

• NP – A registered nurse practitioner licensed to practice in

Louisiana

• PM – A paramedic licensed to practice in Louisiana (an EMT

Cannot make this decision)

• AT – An athletic trainer licensed nationally or by the state of

Louisiana


MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL

The LHSAA has adopted the following policy with all sports for dealing

with concussions.

• 1. NO athlete shall return to play or practice on the same day of a

concussion.

• 2. ANY athlete suspected of having a concussion SHALL be evaluated by

an appropriate health care professional that day. If there is not a

healthcare professional available, the HEAD COACH shall make the

determination. WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP THE STUDENT-ATHLETE

OUT!!!

• 3. ANY athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall be medically cleared by

a MEDICAL DOCTOR or DOCTOR OF OSTEPATHIC medicine, each of

which must be licensed to practice in Louisiana, prior to resuming

participation in any practice or competition.

• 4. After medical clearance, RETURN TO PLAY, should follow a step-wise

protocol with provisions as determined by a MEDICAL DOCTOR licensed

in Louisiana for delayed RETURN TO PLAY based upon return of any

signs or symptoms.

LHSAA POLICY ON

INTERRUPTED GAMES

All LHSAA member schools are responsible for having

workable lighnting detectors and for having game

management personnel trained in the use of these

devices; lightning detectors must be monitored by

game management throughout the game. The

officiating crew will honor any request by game

management to interrupt the game based upon game

management’s determination that the potential for

dangerous lightning exists in the area of the game.

Notwithstanding the requirement of the home school to

have and use an approved lightning detector, the

officiating crew is also required to be familiar with the

NFHS “Guidelines on Handling Contests during

Lighting Disturbances” found in the NFHS Rules Book.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2013

RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Altering of Bats

Rule 1-3-2 Note

The altering of non-wood bats continues to be an important

issue in high school baseball. It is the responsibility of

players and coaches to ensure that bats are not altered.

PlayPic®


RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Altering of Bats

Rules 1-3-2 Note

The NFHS has been advised that certain manufacturers consider

alteration, modification and "doctoring" of their bats to be

unlawful and subject to civil and, under certain circumstances,

criminal action.

PlayPic®

Legal Consequences

Rule 1-3-2 Note

The NFHS is aware that bat altering is on the

rise.

Bat manufacturers are also aware and

extremely concerned about their products

being misrepresented and altered.

It is extremely important that coaches express

to their players and their parents the

importance of not altering or modifying bats.

Rationale: Risk Minimization.


RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Electronic Monitoring Equipment

Rule 3-3-1f

It is illegal to use any video monitoring or replay equipment

for coaching purposes during a game. That includes mobile

devices that have video capabilities.

PlayPic®


RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Electronic Equipment

Rule 3-3-1f

A coach or team member may use electronic equipment in

the dugout as long as it is not used for video recording or

replay. A tablet computer used for scorekeeping purposes

only is permissible.

PlayPic®

Video Usage

Rule 3-3-1f

Smart phones and tablet computers

effectively handle mundane tasks like keeping

score, managing the line-up and tracking the

progress and performance of both teams.

Using these devices for video recording and

replaying the images are not permitted.

PENALTY: Coach shall be ejected.

Rationale: Prohibited use of video

monitoring.


RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Equipment in Coaching Box

Rule 3-3-1i

A coach may not have any electronic equipment in the

coaching box, even if intended to be used for scoring

purposes only.

PlayPic®


RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Electronic Equipment

Rule 3-3-1i

The only equipment that a coach may have and use in the

coaching box is a stopwatch, a rules book (hard copy) and a

scorebook (hard copy).

PlayPic®

Coach’s Box Equipment

Rule 3-3-1i

Permissible Equipment:

• Stopwatch

• Hard copy of the NFHS Baseball Rules book

• Hard copy of a scorebook

• Cellular phone (in pocket) for emergencies.

PENALTY: Umpire may restrict the

offender to the bench/dugout for the

remainder of the game or eject the

offender.

Rationale: Clarification of permitted items in

the coach’s box.


RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Extra Warmup Throws

Rule 6-2-2c Exception

When a pitcher is ejected from a game, his successor may

be authorized to receive more than the standard eight

warmup throws that he would get as a substitute.

PlayPic® PlayPic®


RU

LE

CH

AN

GE

Extra Warmup Throws


When replacing a pitcher who was ejected, the substitute

pitcher should be afforded the same warmup criteria as he

would if replacing an injured pitcher. Extra throws may be

authorized by the umpire-in-chief.

PlayPic®

Extra Warm up Throws


If a pitcher is ejected, an incoming pitcher

should be afforded the same warm up

opportunity as he would if he was replacing

an injured pitcher.

The umpire-in-chief may grant more pitchers

to warm up the new pitcher’s arm.

Rationale: Clarification of the treatment of an

incoming pitcher.


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Legal Pitching Positions

The windup is one of two legal pitching positions. For the

windup, the pitcher’s non-pivot foot shall be in any position

on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the

pitcher’s plate.

PlayPic® PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Legal Pitching Positions

The set is the other legal pitching position. For the set

position, a pitcher’s entire non-pivot foot must be in front of a

line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate

and the entire pivot foot must be in contact with or in front of

the pitching plate.

PlayPic® PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Illegal Pitching Position

A number of pitchers are starting a pitch from this hybrid

position. This position is illegal since it does not meet the

criteria of either the windup or set position.

PlayPic® PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Illegal Pitching Motion

Going to the mouth while in contact with the pitcher’s plate

is an illegal pitch with no one on base or a balk with

runners on base, not because the pitcher goes to his

mouth, but because the action simulates the start of the

pitching motion.

PlayPic®

Legal/Illegal Pitching Position

Rules governing the pitcher’s position on the

pitcher’s plate and movement have remained

constant over the last several decades.

Modified and hybrid positions have become

popular at higher levels of baseball.

These creative pitcher’s stances might be

appropriate at the advanced levels but not for

the age and skill level of a typical high school

pitcher.

Umpires must be aware of the position of the

non-pivot foot.


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Pace of Play

A pitcher has 20 seconds to pitch or make or attempt a play

(including a legal feint) after receiving the ball. By enforcing

this and other pace of play rules, the game will be played at

the proper speed without either team gaining an unfair

advantage.

PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Pace of Play

A returning pitcher has 60 seconds to complete his five

warmup throws (timed from the third out of the previous

inning). Teams should hustle on and off the field once the

third out is made.

PlayPic®

PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Pace of Play

The batter must remain in the box during his time at bat

unless one of the eight exceptions in Rule 7-3-1 is met.

Keeping the batter in the box dramatically increases the

game’s pace of play.

PlayPic®

Pace of Game Play

The committee identified these areas in need of

improvements that detract from what otherwise is an

exciting and enjoyable game:

Handling offensive and defensive charged

conferences in a timely manner.

Speeding up the time between innings and during

pitching changes.

Umpires diligently counting the number of warm-up

pitches.

The batter’s box rule (the batter must generally keep

one foot in the box during an at-bat). Unless it meets

one of the eight exceptions:

Pace of Game Play

(Batter’s box rule exceptions)

• The batter swings at the pitch.

• The batter is forced out of the box by the pitch.

• The batter attempts a “drag bunt.”

• The pitcher or catcher feints or attempts a play at any

base.

• The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound

or takes a position more than five feet from the

pitcher’s plate after receiving the ball.

• A member of either team requests and is granted

“Time.”

• The catcher leaves the catcher’s box to adjust his

equipment or give defensive signals.

• The catcher does not catch the pitched ball.


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Compliant Bats

The head coach of each team is required to verify to the

umpire-in-chief that his team's equipment is properly

equipped in accordance with NFHS rules, prior to the start

of each game.

PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Compliant Bats

There are several ways bats can be altered illegally, including

through the use of bat warming devices. Even though a bat

meets the rules, once it has been altered, it is an illegal bat.

PlayPic® PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Compliant Bats

Removing the end cap off a bat makes it an illegal altered

bat, with or without doing anything to the inside of the bat,

such as inserting tennis balls or shaving the inside wall of

the bat.

PlayPic®

Compliant Bats

Altering bats by such methods as rolling,

shaving the bat wall, flattening or otherwise

manipulating the bat from its original

manufactured condition is a federal offense.

Not only is it illegal but it can cause injury or

worse to a young person.

The NFHS is committed to eliminating altered

bats from interscholastic baseball.


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Risk Minimization

Loose equipment on the field is a safety issue. Umpires

and coaches must be diligent to ensure that there is no

loose equipment in live-ball territory during a game.

PlayPic®


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Risk Minimization

When the bullpen is on the playing field, teams will use a

player to “protect” the players warming up from batted balls.

The protector is required to have a glove. A NOCSAE-

approved helmet is recommended, but not required.

PlayPic®

Risk Minimization

High school baseball reports some of the

lowest injuries than other NFHS sports.

Dedicated coaches and officials are the key to

such success.

Attention should be given to the following:

• Loose equipment,

• Weather conditions,

• The role of the “protector”.


PO

INT

OF

EM

PH

AS

IS

Good Sporting Behavior

Each game is an opportunity for coaches, umpires and

players to model respectful behavior. The positive values

that are learned will serve players long after their baseball

experience has concluded.

PlayPic®

Good Sporting Behavior

Coaches and Umpires must work together.

• Each contest is another opportunity for

coaches and umpires to teach not only

baseball skills, but also model respectful

behavior as well as professional relationships.

Game situations typically provide a coach the

opportunity to identify a “teachable moment”

to reinforce good sporting behavior.



Umpires Manual Change


UM

PIR

ES

MA

NU

AL

Delayed-Dead Ball

The signal for a delayed-dead ball has been removed

from the Umpires Manual.

PlayPic®

Delayed - Dead Ball Signal

Removed

The Delayed - Dead Ball Signal is removed

but not the article (5-1-2) from the Rules book

and the Umpires Manual .

In lieu of using that signal when one of the

seven scenarios that constitute a delayed

dead ball situation occurs, the umpire will

allow for playing action to cease, call “Time!”,

identify the infraction and make his award.

Rationale: Infrequently used signal that did

not contribute to the overall set of umpire

mechanics.

Delayed - Dead Ball Situations

The seven scenarios that constitute delayed dead

ball situations are the following:

• Batter interferes with the catcher as he attempts to play on a

runner.

• A catcher or any fielder obstructing a batter or runner or

through use of detached player equipment.

• Umpire interference with the catcher attempting to throw.

• Any offensive team personnel that calls

“Time” or uses other command or commits any action for the

purpose of trying to cause the pitcher to balk.

• Anyone who is required to wear a batting helmet deliberately

removes the helmet, while the ball is in live-ball territory and

the ball is live.

• A coach physically assists a runner.

• A ball touches an illegal glove/mitt.

Repositioning of U2 Coverage

Repositioning of U2 Coverage

In the NFHS Umpires Manual under the 2-

Man Mechanic section, we have repositioned

the umpire, with runners on third and first

base, U2 will be in the “B” position.

Rationale:

• It is a better position for any pick off attempt by

pitcher or catcher at first or third base.

• U2 is closest to the delayed double steal

rundown play.

• It is the ideal position for watching R2 touching

second base on any base hit.



Thank you for your time and

commitment to high school baseball.

Have a great season!

You have completed the first part of the clinic by

watching the video.

The second part of the clinic is that you must answer 8

out of the next 10 questions correctly. You will have 10

minutes to complete the quiz. The clock will start when

you click on the first quiz question. If you fail to answer

the questions in the allotted time, the program will kick

you off and you will have to watch the entire presentation

over. Please read each question and then click on the

letter that best answers the question. Once a question

has been answered, you will not be able to view that

question again. Your answer will be final.

Good Luck!

The LHSAA thanks you for viewing the

2013 Baseball Online Rules Clinic

QUESTION #1

The new fighting rule states that there

must be contact before an ejection is

made.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #2

If a player is diagnosed by the

appropriate health-care professional as

to have suffered a concussion, the

player cannot participate for the

remainder of the game.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #3

It is highly recommended that the host

school provide a lightning detector.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #4

If someone alters or modifies a bat, they

are subject to civil or criminal actions.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #5

Any device used to control the

temperature of a bat, whether to heat or

cool it, is illegal.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #6

Any questions regarding legality of a

player’s equipment shall be resolved by

the Umpire-in-Chief.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #7

Any player who leaves the

bench/dugout area or his position during

a fight for any reason shall be ejected.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #8

A coach or team member may use

electronic equipment in the dugout as

long as it is not used for video recording

or replay.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #9

When a pitcher is ejected from a game,

his successor may be authorized to

receive more than the standard eight

warm-up throws that he would get as a

substitute.

A. True

B. False

QUESTION #10

A pitcher has 45 seconds to pitch or

make or attempt a play after receiving

the ball.

A. True

B. False

2013 nfhs baseball rule changes

Documents