baseb all 2006 · 2010-09-08 · wording in rule 1-13-c), a pitcher’s glove may now be any...

A supplement to the NCAA Baseball Rules • Prepared by the editors of Referee magazine

R

BASEBALL 2006BASEBALL 2006BASEBALL 2006

Rules regarding two vitalpieces of baseballequipment — bats andgloves — have beenchanged for the 2006 season.

The new verbiageregarding the bat can befound in Rule 1-12-b. When abatter has hit with a bat thathas a flat side, and the bat isdetected by the umpire, thebatter is out and no runnersmay advance. Previously, a batwith a flat spot was simplyremoved from play and theplayer given a warning.

For 2006, if detected priorto the first pitch of an at-bat,an altered or flattened bat shallbe removed from the game.The batter will be requiredto use a bat that conforms tothe rule. If detected after anat-bat starts, the batter is outand no runners may advance.

There is a distinction madebetween a “flattened” bat anda “dented” bat. A flattenedbat is an illegal bat and adented bat is still a legal bat.

Play 1: The batter hits asingle. Upon a request from

F2, the umpire inspects thebat and finds it is flattened.Ruling 1: The batter is outbut is not ejected.

According to the newwording in Rule 1-13-c), apitcher’s glove may now beany combination of colorsbut must not contain whiteor gray. There are manymulti-toned gloves on themarket and those have notbeen found to be distracting.All other aspects of the rulesregarding gloves remain thesame. nn

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Bats, Gloves Subject of Changes

Deceptive Pitching Practice AddressedCollegiate baseball umpires will still have to keep theireyes on the ball in 2006. But they will also have to payattention to the pitcher’s feet.

The rule regarding the pitcher’s body positionduring the windup was one of the changes approvedby the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee.

“This will be a pretty big change for a handful ofpitchers,” said Chris McKnight, chair of the committeeand head coach at Frostburg State University. “Themajority of pitchers start with their feet together inthe windup, as we traditionally think of thisposition. But we’ve started to see pitchers

A new rule to be used in college baseball nextseason involves the location of a pitcher’s feet inconjunction with the rubber. Rob Johnson,Houston, and fellow umpires will have to ensurethat a pitcher is not using a deceptive motion.

(see Deceptive Pitching p. 2)

Doubleheaders MustConform to Rules. . . . . . .

Flashback to Last Year’s Changes . . . . . . . .

All About Force Plays. . . .

Test Your Rules Knowledge. . . . . . .

Working Higher . . . . . . .

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Contents

KEITH JOHNSTON

2 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide

Major portions of this newsletter are protected by copyrights of Referee Enterprises, Inc., and are used by permission. Copying in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written consent fromReferee Enterprises, Inc., and the NCAA. PLAYPIC® and MECHANIGRAM® are a registered trademarks of

Referee Enterprises, Inc.Graphics and layout by Rob VanKammen, Referee Graphic Designer.

AcknowledgmentsAuthors contributing to the 2006 NCAA Baseball Preseason Guide: Jeffrey Stern, Referee senior editor;Jay Miner, Albany, N.Y.; George Demetriou, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Rick Roder, Remsen, Iowa.

Dear NCAA Umpires,

I want to thank you for yourattendance at the NCAA umpireclinic and/or for viewing the2006 rules clinic video. I want toagain thank the staff at Refereemagazine for its work on thispreseason guide. I greatlyappreciate their help in gettingthis valuable tool produced andout to umpires and coacheseverywhere. We hope this will beanother way to communicaterule changes and informationabout the Umpire ImprovementProgram (UIP) to umpires,coaches and administratorsacross the country.

As an update on the UIP, weconducted our second year ofdevelopment camps in the fall of2005. I want to thank theattendees and their coordinatorsfor support of this initiative. Wewill hold the 2006 camp(s) inPeoria, Ariz., in October. Moredetails will be distributed to theconference coordinators duringthe summer meeting.

As a follow up to our onlinetesting initiative in 2005, theDivision I baseball committee

and the NCAA ChampionshipsCabinet have made successful (80percent) completion of the 2006online test a requirement forassignment to the Division Ichampionship.

The newest initiative for 2006is the introduction of the NCAAbackground check program intodivision I baseball. Extensivedetails are provided in the GameOfficials Manual distributed atthe regional umpire clinics and isavailable online atwww.ncaa.org.

I want to take thisopportunity to thank all thecollege umpires for theirdedication to the sport and letthem know that the NCAA’sDivision I Baseball Committee,the NCAA Baseball RulesCommittee and I greatlyappreciate the sacrifices that youmake to work a full schedule. Weestimate that a Division Iconference umpire who isfortunate enough to work a fullconference schedule, be selectedfor a conference tournament andthe NCAA tournament seriesmust miss at least 18 days ofwork and spend 44 days away

from his family. That does notinclude an extra 13 days for oureight Division I College WorldSeries umpires. We recognize thatyou have jobs and families tocare for and we appreciate theprofessional way with which youhandle your responsibilities forthe NCAA and its memberconferences.

If you have not done soalready, please be sure to use theorder forms within thispublication to purchase both theNCAA baseball rulebook and theCCA umpire mechanics manual.Complete knowledge of thosetwo publications is essential to anumpire’s advancement and areindispensable tools for all of us.

I hope that you have a great2006 season. Please contact me([email protected]) with anyquestions or suggestions inregard to mechanics or otherimprovements to the UIP. Rulechange recommendations shouldbe forwarded to Jim Paronto,secretary-editor of the NCAABaseball Rules Committee([email protected]).

Work hard and have fun!

Dave Yeast

NCAA NationalCoordinator ofUmpires

using the non-pivot foot infront of the rubber. That isn’tthe intent of the originalrule.”

The windup (Rule 9-1-a).The pitcher shall standfacing (shoulders squaredto) the batter, with the pivotfoot on or in front of andtouching the pitcher's plate.The pitcher's entire free footshall not be in front of thepivot foot.

The set (Rule 9-1-b). Theset position shall beindicated when the pitcherstands with his chestgenerally facing therespective foul lines with the

pivot foot on or in front ofand touching the pitcher'splate and the free foot infront of the pivot foot. Thepitching arm shall be at theside or on the hip of thepitcher with the ball in the

glove or pitching hand. Thepitcher will come to the setposition holding the ball inboth hands in front of thebody and coming to acomplete and discerniblestop.

The intent is to stoppitchers from gaining anadvantage by pitching fromdifferent angles or confusingrunners by disguising thewindup as a set position.

It is expected the changewill encourage pitchers tokeep their back squared upwith the plate when usingthe windup stance.

Play: With a runner on first,right-handed F1 stands (a)facing third base, or (b) facingthe plate. In each case, F1 hashis right foot on the rubberand his left foot entirely infront of the rubber. Ruling:In either case, F1 has taken aset position and must bringboth hands together andstop before delivering. nn

Deceptive Pitchingcontinued from p. 1

PlayPic™

The PlayPic illustrates a legal starting position for the set, but not forthe windup.

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 3

The NCAA Baseball RulesCommittee reaffirmed its stancethat a regulation game shouldbe nine innings if it’s a singlegame. Doubleheaders werethe source of much confusionlast season. In order for twoseven-inning games to beplayed, the games must bebetween the same two teams.

Many early seasontournaments in the past haveused the provision to playtwo seven-inning games;however, in many cases, thegames were not between thesame two teams — aviolation of the rule. Thecommittee clarified thelanguage in the rulebook andadded several typicalexamples and interpretationscollected over the past year.

“We want to get thisinformation out as soon as itis approved so coaches andtournament directors canadjust accordingly,” saidChris McKnight, chair of theNCAA Baseball RulesCommittee and head coach atFrostburg State University.

The language in Rule 5-7was clarified and severaltypical examples andinterpretations added.

A.R. 1: Team A plays aseven-inning game withTeam B. Team B then plays aseven-inning game withTeam C immediatelyfollowing the first game.Team A then plays a seven-inning game with Team Cimmediately following thesecond game. Do thosegames count as regulationgames? Ruling: No.Doubleheaders are defined asconsecutive games betweenthe same two teams.

A.R. 2: Team A plays aseven-inning game withTeam B. Team A plays a nine-inning game with Team Cimmediately following thefirst game. Team C then playsa seven-inning game withTeam B after the secondgame. Are those regulationgames? Ruling: Only thegame between Team A andTeam C (second game) is aregulation game.

A.R. 3: Team A plays twoseven-inning gamesconsecutively with Team B.Team C then plays Team D intwo seven-inning gamesconsecutively. Are thoseregulation games? Ruling:Yes.

A.R. 4: Two conferenceteams are playing adoubleheader with both gamesscheduled as seven-inningcontests. Conference rulesstipulate that the halted gamerule is in effect. In the secondgame, the teams play to thecompletion of the fifth inningwith one team ahead by a 12-2 score, when the game iscalled on account of darkness,as there are no lights at thefacility. The final game of theseries is scheduled for the nextday as a nine-inning game.Ruling: The final two inningsare played the next day priorto the nine-inning game.

A.R. 5: Two teams have adoubleheader scheduled astwo seven-inning games. Thesecond game was stoppedbecause of a time-limitconflict at the facility withtwo outs in the top of thesixth inning with the score 9-3 in favor of the home team.Is that a regulation game?Ruling: No. A time limit atthe facility is not an acceptedreason to end a contest.

A.R. 6: Two teams have adoubleheader scheduled astwo seven-inning games. Thefirst game is scheduled tostart at 10 a.m. and the

Doubleheaders Must Conform to Rules

New SignalThe mechanic for putting the ball in play has been clarified.The umpire is now required to visually signal, usually with apoint of the finger or hand, as well as declare, “Play.” In thepast, “lowering of the hand” was sufficient.

PlayPic™

New language appears inthe 2006 rulebookregarding ejections.

In Rule 2-Ejection, asecond approved rulingwas added to assistadministrators andumpires in dealing withejections that occur aftera game is officiallycompleted. In those

situations, the ejectionshall be enforced as asuspension from the nextcontest.

According to Rule 3-6-d, after an ejection, if thegame cannot be resumedin a reasonable amount oftime, the game will besuspended until order isrestored.

Ejections Addressed

(see Doubleheaders p. 6)


It’s important to memorizeand implement the rulechanges for the season ahead,but it’s easy to forget thechanges from just one yearago. This column will helprefresh your memory aboutmodifications that are stillrelatively new.

The NCAA Baseball RulesCommittee made only onechange for 2005 that affecteda play ruling on the field.Several “housekeeping”

changes also made had verylittle visible impact on thefield.

Base coach assistingrunner (3-3-e). A base coachmay not physically assist arunner in returning to orleaving a base. That is adelayed-dead ball and theassisted runner is called outat the end of playing action.The additional penaltyprovision that required allrunners not put out to return

to the base occupied at thetime of the interference wasdeleted. Any otheradvancement is allowed.

Game administrator (3-11). A new section was addedthat strongly recommendsthe host institution assign arepresentative to handlegame management issuesoutside of the playingsurface. The game managerwould be available to dealwith unruly spectators andvideo camera violations (5-2-f). In addition to the umpiresand home coach, the gamemanager should also identifyhimself to the visiting coachbefore the game and beavailable to address theconcerns of all three parties.

A recommendation was alsoadded for the host to providea dressing facility and securityfor the umpires before,during and after the game.

Hard casts (1-14-f). A newsection was added requiringany hard cast to be paddedand covered. The umpireshave the authority todetermine if the padding issufficient. While nominimum thickness isspecified, the NCAA footballstandard is 1/4 inch of closedcell, slow recovery foam.Such padding is certainlysufficient for baseball.

Uniforms (1-13-g). Thecommittee feels strongly thatin order to maintainbaseball’s traditions, coachesand players should wear theofficial team uniforms toparticipate in the game.Uniform changes have beenmade in each of the pastseveral years. This year’schange clarifies that allplayers and coaches mustwear a team hat on the field.Previously hats had to be of

the same color and style, butthere was no specific coveragerequiring hats. The themethat coaches are required tobe dressed in the sameuniform as players continues.

Fighting (5-16). Twominor changes were made.Umpires are now specificallyauthorized to review videofootage, if available, todetermine participants in afight. That practice had beenconsidered acceptable in thepast, but was not addressedin the rules. The reviewshould occur immediatelyafter the incident.

An approved ruling wasalso added, allowing schoolsto request the conferenceoffice to have fightsuspensions staggered ifmultiple suspensions wouldcause difficulty in fielding ateam. Independent teamsmay contact the secretary-rules editor for that purpose.

Field conditions (4-2-b).Once the lineups areexchanged, the umpires areofficially in charge of the game(4-4-a) and the umpire-in-chiefis the sole judge of whetherto suspend, terminate orresume play. Before decidingwhether a game should bestarted, the umpire-in-chiefmay consult the gameadministrator. Frequently, theadministrator is morefamiliar with local weatherpatterns and the umpire-in-chief should consider hisinput. The NCAA lightningguidelines have been addedas Appendix C and thosemust be followed.

Ejections (3-6).Conferences and schools maychoose to impose additionalpenalties on anyone ejectedfrom a contest. Approved

Flashback to Last Year’s Changes

Going to the OutfieldThe three-umpire-crew mechanic that involves sending U1 tothe outfield from the middle of the field to cover fly balls isstill relatively new. It only works if U1 hustles to get the bestangle on the play while his two partners also react to coverother plays.

In the MechaniGram, the batter has hit a fly ball to deepright-center field that is caught by the right fielder for the firstor second out. U1 goes out and R2 tags up and advancestoward third base, drawing a throw there.

Once U1 moves to the outfield to view the catch, U3 isresponsible for any play at first, second or third base on R2and/or on the BR (on a throwback to first base). UIC must stayhome for a possible play at the plate.

U3

U3

U1

U1

CATCH

THROW

UIC

CF

LF

BR

BR

R2

RF

R2

MechaniGram™

(see Flashback p. 10)


When a fair batted ball leavesthe playing field in flight, it isout of play. Since it’s a homerun, there is nothing for theumpires to do except watch therunners touch their bases. In allother cases in which a fairbatted ball goes out of play, theumpires must place the runners.

Awards on batted balls arealmost always made from thetime of the pitch; otherrunners advance to the bases

they are forced. The mostlikely way for a batter to beawarded two bases is whenhis fair batted ball bouncesand passes over, through orunder a fence; into the standsor other dead-ball area; orsticks in the fence. Includedin the rule are deflected balls.Also, a fair ball in flight thatpasses through or under afence or sticks in the fence istreated similarly.

If a fair ball in flight isdeflected by a fielder andleaves the playing field inflight, it is a home run.

If a fielder intentionally kicksor deflects a batted ball out ofplay, it’s still a two-base award,but the award is from the timethe ball was kicked or deflected.

Spectator interference.When a spectator interfereswith a batted ball, the ballbecomes dead immediately.

The umpire imposes a penaltythat, in his opinion, nullifiesthe act of interference. Therunner should be placedwhere he would have been hadthe interference not occurred.

In making thatdetermination, the umpireshould evaluate the speed ofthe runner, the position of thenearest fielder and thelocation of the runner at themoment of interference. nn

When the Ball is Batted Out of Play

Rule 6-2-d-1 addresses howthe umpire should react if thebatter’s follow-through makescontact with the catcher.

If the batter strikes at a balland misses and in the umpire’sjudgment unintentionally hitsthe catcher or the ball in backof the batter on the follow-through or backswing whilethe batter is still in thebatter’s box, it shall be calleda strike only (no interference).The ball will be dead,however, and no runnershall advance on the play.

If the catcher is in the actof making a throw to retire arunner, and while the batteris still in the batter’s box andhis normal follow- throughunintentionally strikes thecatcher or the ball while thecatcher is in the act ofthrowing, time is called atthe conclusion of playingaction. All runners return(unless the catcher’s initialthrow retires the runner). Ifthe infraction occurs in asituation when the catcher’sinitial throw retires a runnerdespite the infraction, the

play stands. If it occursin a situation when the

batter would normallybecome a runner because athird strike is not caught,the ball is dead and thebatter declared out.

The interpretationapplies even if the catcher isin the act of making a throwto retire a runner.

Play 1: The batter swingsand misses at a (a) 1-1 pitch,or (b) 3-2 pitch. His follow-through hits F2, who dropsthe ball. Ruling 1: In eithercase, the pitch is called astrike and time is called.In (a), it is not aninfraction, but in (b), itis and the batter is out.

Play 2: R1 breaks forsecond as the batter swingsand misses the first pitchfrom F1. The batter’s follow-through hits F2, who ispreparing to throw. Ruling2: The pitch is called a strikeand time is called. The batteris out only if the pitch isstrike three. The infractionis not interference as long asthe batter is in the box, it ison his follow-through and itis not intentional. nn

Batter’s Follow-Through Hits Catcher: What Next?

Whether or not the ball is deadwhen a batter’s follow-throughcauses contact with the catcherdepends on the game situationand the umpire’s judgment.

REFEREE


From a rules perspective,there is a difference betweenpitches and throws.Likewise, the rules differwhen it comes to throws orpitches that go out of play.

When a pitch leaves theplaying field, any runners onbase advance one base. If thepitch was also ball four, thebatter-runner receives thebase on balls, but is notgiven an additional award.

There are several ways apitch could exit live-ballterritory. Perhaps the mostcommon is by goingunderneath or through thebackstop. On occasion, apitch may hit the front edgeof the plate and bound overthe backstop. A pitch mightalso rebound from thecatcher’s or umpire’sprotective gear and roll into

the dugout. That is also aone-base award.

Situations in which thepitch is not going to go deadas a result of the impetus ofthe pitch, but issubsequently deflected,present a special challenge.It doesn’t matter whetherthe new impetus isaccidental or intentional; it’sa two-base award.

Thrown balls. Balls thatare thrown out of play areworthy of a two-base award.The challenge is whether tomake the award from thebase occupied at the time ofthe pitch or the throw. Pleasenote the time of throw iswhen the ball is released bythe fielder and not the timethe ball becomes dead.

The award is made fromthe time of pitch when two

conditions are met: the throwwas the first play by aninfielder, and at least onerunner, including the batter-runner, did not advance at leastone base at the time of thethrow. That is the most likelyscenario umpires encounter.If both of those events don’thappen, the award is fromthe position of the runners atthe time of the throw.

Play 1: The battergrounds to F5, who bootsthe ball. F5 recovers andthrows over F3’s head intothe stands. The throw leavesF5’s hand (a) before, or (b)after BR has crossed firstbase. Ruling 1: In (a), BR isawarded second, which istwo bases from the time ofthe pitch. In (b), since BRwas past first base when thethrow was made, he is

awarded third base, which istwo bases from the time ofthe throw.

In all other circumstances,the award is from theposition of the runners at thetime of the throw. Theyinclude pickoff attempts,steals, throws by outfieldersand second or subsequentplays by infielders.

Play 2: With a runner onfirst, the batter grounds to F6,who throws to F4 at second,but not in time to get R1. F4overthrows to first after BRhas crossed first base. The ballgoes into dead-ball territory.Ruling 2: R1 scores. SinceBR was past first base whenthe throw was made, he isawarded third base.

Play 3: R1 is running onthe pitch. The batter hits a

From the Hand to the Stand

second game to start at 6p.m. Does that formatsatisfy the double-headerrule for seven-inninggames? Ruling: No.Doubleheaders must beplayed consecutively within30 minutes of each otheraccording to Rule 5-7-b. Ifthe above games are nineinnings, they would beconsidered regulationgames.

A.R. 8: Two teams have adoubleheader scheduled,the first game as a seven-inning game and the secondas a nine-inning game. Thesecond game is called dueto rain or darkness. Is thefirst game that wascompleted a regulationgame? Ruling: Yes. Both

teams intended to play bothgames. By the doubleheaderrules, a seven-inning gamefollowed by a nine-inninggame is legal. The teamsshould not be penalizeddue to rain or darkness.

The committee alsoapproved a provision thatallows all conferences toestablish a travel policy,when commercial air travelis required. Provided thecontest meets theestablished criteria of aregulation game, thecommittee feels thatreturning to campus andreducing missed class timeis a valid reason for endinga contest. That languagewill appear in Rule 5-8, newsection G.

“The committee wants tobe clear that conferencesmust have a policy in

place,” McKnight said. “Thisis not an issue that occursvery often, but we do feel itis important to reducemissed class time andreduce expenses withoutlosing the integrity of thefull contest. We feel the ruleaccomplishes that goal.”

Also, three A.R.s werecreated:

A.R. 1: The last game ofa three-game series beginsat 10 a.m. According toconference policy, no inningmay start after 3 p.m. dueto commercial air travelrestrictions. At 3:10 p.m.,the visiting team leads, 10-9, at the end of sevencompleted innings. Ruling:Umpires shall call the gamewith the visiting teamdeclared the winner.

A.R. 2: Same A.R. 1, butdue to rain, the game does

not start until 1 p.m. At 3:10p.m., the home team leads7-5 at the end of four andone-half innings. Ruling:Umpires shall call the gamewith the home teamdeclared the winner. Theconditions of a regulationgame have been met asnoted in Rule 5-8.

A.R. 3: In a non-conference contest, twoteams agree prior to thegame to use the visitingteam’s travel policy, eitherin writing or at the homeplate meeting prior to thegame. Using the scenario inA.R. 1, is that a regulationgame? Ruling: Yes.Conferences andinstitutions are encouragedto include travel policies intheir game contract well inadvance of the contest ifpossible. nn

Doubleheaderscontinued from p. 3

(see Stand p. 14)

How do you tell thedifference between a forceplay and a time play? Here’sa basic scenario. How wouldyou rule?

Play: With runners on firstand third, one out, the batterlifts a fly ball to the outfield.R3 tags up, but R1 isadvancing as the ball iscaught. After the catch, R3hustles home and crosses theplate. A moment later R1 iseither tagged out, doubled offfirst base or declared out(with or without an appeal)for his baserunninginfraction. Does the runscore?

We know a run scores ifthe runner crosses the plateon an inning-ending playbefore the third out is made

unless the third out is by thebatter-runner before hetouches first base, by apreceding runner who isdeclared out for abaserunning infraction, orwhen the third out is theresult of a force play.Obviously, we’reconcentrating on force plays.

By definition, a forcesituation begins for anyrunner when he loses theright to occupy his basebecause the batter hasbecome a runner. In the play,when the batter hit a fair ballhe became a batter-runner; R1was forced to advance tosecond, but R3 was notsubject to any forced advance— he could remain on third ifhe wanted to.

Also by definition, a forcesituation ends for any runnerwhenever a following runneris retired. In general, thatmeans when a force situationends for a runner, the runnercan be safe if he returns to thebase he occupied at the timeof the pitch. The forcesituation no longer requiresthe runner to advance. In theplay, when the batter’s battedball was caught, he wasretired; the force on R1 endedinstantly, so he would be safeif he returned to first; therenever was a force on R3. Ofcourse, other rules requirethat each runner (includingR1) tag up after a catch. R3was tagging when the ballwas hit; R1 was advancing sohe was required (not forced)

to return and tag up at firstbase.

When a runner is forced toadvance and he is retiredwhile the force situation is ineffect, the out is a force out.In the play, because the forcesituation ended when thebatter’s batted ball wascaught (and before R1 wasdoubled up), R1’s out wasnot a force play. Since R3scored before R1 was retiredfor the third out and neitherof the other restrictions apply(batter-runner at first,baserunning infraction byprevious runner), the run“scored” by R3 counts.

Why then the confusionabout the play? A lot ofumpires believe (incorrectly)

All You Need to Know About Force Plays


Don’t Overrun the PlayWith a runner on third, a slow roller down the third-base linerequires the plate umpire to pause, read and react. Resist thetemptation to chase the ball until there’s no possibility of a playat the plate. Fair-foul must be considered, but the potential playat the plate is primary.

In PlayPic A, the catcher is not chasing the ball and therunner is bearing down on the plate. If the umpire follows theball down the line, a play at the plate will result in no umpirecovering the play.

When the catcher goes after the ball, as in PlayPic B, theumpire can move up the line to get a good look at fair-foul and apotential swipe tag.

PlayPic™ PlayPic™

(see Force Plays p. 12)

A B


Quiz1. With no outs and R1 on first, the batter hits a hard grounder thatF3 fields on the first bounce. Before R1 has a chance to leave thebag, F3 tags R1, then steps on first base.

a. Only BR is out.b. Only R1 is out.c. BR and R1 are out.d. No one is out — yet.

2. Runner on first. F1 is in the windup position with the ball in hisglove and his other hand at his side. After taking the sign, hereaches into his glove and pauses while he grasps the ball.

a. Legal move.b. Balk.c. Balk only if F1 immediately attempts a pickoff.

3. From the windup position, F1 begins to bring his hands up, as ifto begin his windup, then steps back off the rubber with his pivotfoot. He then throws to third in an attempt to pick off R3.

a. Legal play.b. Balk.

4. With a runner on first, the batter bunts down the first-base line.The ball rolls foul and is about to stop when BR kicks it in disgust.The plate umpire is certain it would not have rolled fair.

a. Foul ball.b. BR is out.c. R1 is out.d. BR is ejected.

5. With a runner on first, the batter bunts down the first-base line.The ball rolls foul and hits a rock in the three-foot lane. The ballchanges direction and rolls back toward fair territory. BRinadvertently kicks it.

a. Foul ball.b. BR is out.c. BR is out only if the ball is fair when he kicks it.d. R1 is out.e. BR is ejected.

6. With F1 in pitching position, the batter goes through hispreliminary fidgeting routine. As the batter cocks the bat, hecontacts F2’s mitt. F1 has not begun his pitching motion.

a. A ball is awarded.b. Catcher interference, the batter is awarded first.c. No penalty.

7. With R1 at first, the batter bunts down the third-base line. Theball is in foul territory but beginning to roll toward fair ground whenthe pitcher throws his glove and knocks the ball well toward thedugout. At the time the glove hit the ball, it was still foul by three orfour inches.

a. It’s just a foul ball.b. F1 is guilty of interference; the batter is awarded first base

and R1 is awarded second.c. F1 is guilty of interference; the batter is awarded second

base and R1 is awarded third.

d. F1 is guilty of interference; the batter is awarded third baseand R1 is awarded home.

8. With R1 on first, the batter swings and misses for strike one andsteps out of the box with one foot. The batter steps back in and isfidgeting in the box, obviously not ready. Though the pitcher is inthe set position, he has not yet taken his stretch. The plate umpireholds up the “Don’t pitch” signal. The runner at first is napping,however, and a snap throw there results in R1 being called out.

a. The out stands.b. The play is nullified because the ball was not live.

9. The umpire’s jurisdiction (except for the tobacco rule) begins:a. Upon the umpires’ arrival at the field.b. When the pregame conference begins.c. Ten minutes before game time.d. Thirty minutes before game time.e. When the home team’s lineup is handed to the UIC.f. When the UIC verifies both lineups.

10. In the top of the first inning, team A’s coach comes out to themound to visit his pitcher. After a brief chat the coach departs,making it halfway to the foul line before turning around andreturning to the mound for further discussion.

a. One conference is charged.b. Two conferences are charged.c. The pitcher must be removed.d. The coach is ejected.e. The umpires should prevent the “further discussion.”

11. The batter squares to bunt, but the pitch is outside. He stepson home plate and hits a fair ball with his foot on the groundentirely out of the batter’s box.

a. BR is out.b. The ball remains live.c. The ball is dead.

12. Same as question 11, but BR’s foot is partially in the batter’sbox when he steps on the plate.

a. BR is out.b. The ball remains live.c. The ball is dead.

13. With two out and no runners on, the batter has an 0-2 count.The pitch results in a swinging third strike, but the ball bounces offF2 and hits BR while he is out of the box in fair territory whilerunning to first base. BR, who did not intentionally cause contactwith the ball, reaches first base safely.

a. The ball remains live.b. The ball is dead when it hits BR.c. The play stands.d. BR is out.

14. With a runner on first, the batter grounds to the shortstop, whoflips to second for the force out. R1 slides directly at the base withone leg in contact with the ground. The upper leg is waist-high to

Test Your Rules Knowledge

the pivot man and contacts the pivot man’s glove, but notmaliciously. The relay throw, slowed by the contact, is too late toretire BR.

a. Legal play.b. Interference.c. BR is also out.d. BR is out only if a double play was possible.

15. With one out in the top of the sixth inning, F8 injures his leg andmust leave the game.

a. F8’s replacement is not allowed warm-up throws.b. F8’s replacement is allowed five warm-

up throws.c. F8’s replacement is allowed 10

warm-up throws.d. F8’s replacement is allowed as

many warm-up throws as he caresto throw.

16. With no outs, R1 occupies first.On a checked swing with a full count,the plate umpire calls ball four as R1advances toward second. F2 fires toF6 and quickly appeals that the batteroffered at the pitch. R1 is taggedout before reaching second baseby F6 and the base umpirealso rules that the batteroffered at the pitch.

a. Only the batter is out.b. Only R1 is out.c. The batter and R1

are out.

1 — c (Force play, 7-11-b)

2 — a (9-1a-1-c)

3 — b (9-1-a-2)

4 — a (7-11-o)

5 — b (7-11-o)

6 — c (8-2-e AR)

7 — d (8-2-h, 8-3-g)

8 — b (6-5-h)

9 — f (4-4-a)

10 — a (9-4-d)

11 — a, c (6-2-d)

12 — a, c (6-2-d)

13 — a, c (7-11-o)

14 — b, c (8-4-c-3)

15 — b (5-5-h)

16 — c (3-6-f)

Answers

If the runner’s leg contactsthe fielder’s glove, preventinga relay throw, is the runnerout? See question 14.

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 9KEITH JOHNSTON


The difference between a foultip — keeping the ball live —and a foul ball — meaning theball is dead — is most criticalwhen runners are on base. Thefollowing plays illustrate howfoul tips and foul balls affect play.

Play 1: Two-ball, two-strikecount. The batter’s swing sendsthe ball back toward thecatcher. The ball strikes thecatcher’s mask and isimmediately grasped by thecatcher. Ruling l: That is afoul ball. The ball is dead sincethe ball struck the catcher’smask before touching hishands or glove. The batterremains at bat with a two-two count.

Play 2: The batter hits a foulfly ball. The catcher circles

under the ball but loses hisbalance and falls down. Theball lands on the catcher’schest protector and is thengrabbed by the catcher. Ruling2: That is a foul ball. The catch islegal and the batter is out.

Play 3: With two outs and atwo-strike count on thebatter, the pitcher throws acurve ball that bounces infront of the plate. After thebounce, the batter swings atthe pitch and hits the ball sharpand direct to the catcher’s glove.The ball is held by the catcher.The batter initially starts towalk away from the plate. Butwhen his coach shouts forhim to run to first, BR dashesfor first and beats the catcher’sthrow to the bag. The coach for

the defensive team contends hiscatcher made a legal catch of afoul tip and BR is out onstrikes. The coach of the teamat bat argues that since thepitch bounced, the thirdstrike was not legally caughtby the catcher. Ruling 3: Thebatter is out. The catchermade a legal catch of a foultip. If the batter had swung atand missed the pitch, thenbeat a throw to first, hewould be safe.

Play 4: The batter is at batwith two strikes and one out.R2 attempts to steal third. Thebatter’s swing sends the ballsharp and direct to thecatcher’s glove. But the ballthen strikes the catcher’s shinguard and bounces high in

the air. The pitcher rushes inand catches the ball in flight.The pitcher whirls and throwsto second, claiming a doubleplay. Ruling 4: That is a foulball because only the catcherin those codes can catch afoul tip. The batter remains atbat with two strikes and R2must return to second.

Play 5: The batter is at batwith two strikes. The batter’sswing sends the ball backtoward the catcher. The ballfirst strikes the catcher’sglove, then strikes theumpire. The ball deflects offthe umpire and the catchersecures the ball in his glove.Ruling 5: That is a foul ball.The ball becomes dead once itstrikes the umpire. nn

Foul Balls vs. Foul Tips

ruling three was modifiedto make it clear that ejectedpersonnel “must beremoved from sight andsound of the contest.”Ejected personnel whorefuse to leave shall besuspended for one game.

Last year a provision wasadded that umpires must filean ejection report with theoffending team’s athleticsdirector and a conferenceadministrator, if applicable.

Umpires (3-6-c). A newsection added recommendsthat the assigning entitiesinsist umpires be dresseduniformly. That has longbeen an “umpire pride”matter and umpireassociations have insistedon compliance. Specificallyprohibited are logos orinsignias that are notrelated to collegiate baseball

(e.g. professional baseballlogos). The American flag isallowed. Umpires whoviolate the rule are to bereported to the properdisciplinary authority.

Obstruction (6-4-e). Theobstruction rule was revisedin 2004 so that all forms ofobstruction are a delayed-dead ball. The section in 6-4-e that indicatedobstruction was animmediate dead ball wasoverlooked. This year thatsection was deleted. When arunner is obstructed, theumpire shall point and call,“That’s obstruction.” Theumpire shall let the playcontinue until all play hasceased, call time and awardany bases that are justified.If any runner who advancesbeyond what the umpirewould have granted is putout, the runner is out.

Catch (6-1-d). If a fieldersteps into a bench or other

dead-ball area to catch aball, but does not fall, theball remains in play andrunners may advance attheir own peril. A runner isawarded one base when afielder, after catching a flyball, falls into a dead-ballarea. A player’s status is ajudgment call. An approvedruling was added statingthat if the fielderintentionally slides intodead-ball territory to makea catch, he has not lostbody control.

Collisions (8-7 AR 3).The intent of the rule is toencourage runners anddefensive players to avoidcollisions wheneverpossible. When there is anavoidable collision with afielder who clearly is inpossession of the ball, orthe runner attempts todislodge the ball withoutmaking a bona fide effort toreach the base or plate, the

runner is out forinterference.

If the collision by therunner is flagrant, the runneris also ejected from thecontest. The added approvedruling addresses thesituation in which a flagrantcollision occurs after therunner is safe. In such acase, the runner is safe, butis still ejected. If that doesnot occur at the plate, apinch runner may be used.

Removing pitcher (9-4-bAR 2). The approved rulingwas modified to clarify thenew pitcher must proceedimmediately to the mound.The “penalty” provision inthe second sentence thatstated additional pitchestaken in the bullpen afterthe coach called the pitchercounted toward the eightallowed warmups impliedthe pitcher had the optionto continue to warm up inthe bullpen. nn

Flashbackcontinued from p. 4

Depending on the area inwhich you live, a nightgame may be a rareoccurrence. It may be abigger game than usual. Asa result, you may be excited,and legitimately so. Makesure you take some time toconsider the ways a gameplayed under the lights willdiffer from one playedunder the sun.

Your considerations starteven before you park yourcar. Note that the remotearea where you normallypark, perfectly safe in thedaytime, may pose acompletely different scenarioafter dark. Consider youravenue of exit in case of acontroversial game.

Decide before the gamewhat you will wear to staycomfortable. In manyregions, the drastictemperature drop after thesun goes down means youwill need to add clothingafter sunset. Usually thatapplies only to the baseumpire. If you feel you mayneed to put on awindbreaker or gloves

during the game, make sureyou have set them outsomewhere where they areeasy to retrieve. If you mustleave the field to get yourthings, make doubly surethe plate umpire knows youare going. Do not take thechance that he will start thenext half-inning withoutrealizing you are gone.

Most night games startbefore the sun has set, so beaware that someone on thefield will have trouble withthe setting sun if there areno clouds. Because of howmost fields are laid out,runners at first, an umpire inthe A position, the firstbaseman and right fielderwill have the most troublewith the setting sun. If youare the base umpire and arehaving trouble with glare,make sure the plate umpireknows it. It is possible a baseumpire will fail to see whichdirection a batted fly ball isgoing, and a plate umpiremay have to take over inthat situation. Note whichfielders are having troublewith the sun and take care to

go out more often when flyballs are hit to them.

Some governing bodies orassociations allow umpiresto wear sunglasses. Don’tassume that since MajorLeague Baseball allows itthat your league does, too.

Movement. In a three-umpire system, the first-baseumpire may need to moveoff the foul line to seepickoff throws. That’s fine,but try to move back to theline as the ball is pitched. Ifyou do not, it willcomplicate matters onsmashes down the line.

If you’ve ever driven acar just after the sun hasgone out of sight at sunset,you know how difficult it isto see in that “in-between”lighting. Same goes on thebaseball field. With the sun

out of sight and the fieldlights just coming on, you’llhave some of the worstviewing conditions of theevening. Pay as closeattention as you can, makesure you help your partnerskeep an eye on the ball anduse good timing for pitchesand plays.

The plate umpire shouldcall for the field lights whenthey are needed. Strive tohave the lights turned onbefore the visiting team’s atbat. The visiting team willbe less likely to complainthat it had to bat in the topof an inning without lightswhile the home team battedin the bottom half withthem. In an unusualsituation, such as an overlylong half-inning, if you feel

Working Under the Lights


Sneak a PeakA base umpire in position C with a runner on second baseand third base open should get in the habit of taking a peakover the right shoulder to see if the runner breaks for third. Itcan be done right after the pitcher has committed todelivering the pitch. It’s a brief glance, but it does provide anopportunity to get ready to move immediately after the pitchcrosses the plate. Drift slightly toward third base (a step ortwo) to prepare for the potential play. Be careful. The ballcould still be hit and you could compromise your position orget in the way of other players.

PlayPic™

(see Lights p. 13)

The NCAA baseball website is a must-see for umpires.Log on to http://www1.ncaa.org/

membership/champadmin/baseball/umpiring/index.html. Umpires will find up-to-date and relevantinformation before, during and after the season.

Among the features of the site are preseason clinicschedules and agendas, postseason tournamentinformation, order forms for CCA mechanics manualsand NCAA videos, evaluation and ejection forms,updated rule interpretations and information on theUmpire Improvement Program.

The 2006 rules test will be also be placed online,www.eofficials.com.

Umpiring Information Online

The first pages of the rulebookspecifies the field layout. Therecommended chalk linesfacilitate enforcement of therules. There are also variousimaginary lines and areas thatfacilitate umpiring. No one willever paint those onto the field,but knowledge of the areascontributes to better umpiring.

The working area. The idealspot for the base umpire toposition himself when there

is a possibility of multiplecalls is the working area. Inthe two-man umpiringsystem, with a runner on first(as well as various otherrunner combinations), thebase umpire is in position B.That position is between firstand second on a line throughthe edge of the dirt circle ofthe pitcher’s mound andabout midway between themound and second base.

With a runner on secondor runners on first andsecond, the base umpire is inposition C — between secondand third on a line throughthe edge of the dirt circle ofthe pitcher’s mound. Theworking area is the areabetween those positions andthe mound. From that area,the base umpire is in a goodposition to observe hisresponsibilities and to moveinto proper position as playsdevelop.

When a fly ball is hit to theoutfield with multiplerunners on base, the baseumpire should let the balltake him to his next play. Ifno play is readily apparent,the base umpire should notdrift aimlessly or commitunnecessarily toward a basewhen the ball is thrown backto the infield. Instead, thebase umpire should maintainhis position within theworking area. Here’s anexample.

With runners on thecorners, the base umpire isresponsible for fly balls to theleft fielder or right fielderstraight in or straight out andanything between them. On a

trouble ball to the outfield inhis coverage area, the baseumpire should move to theedge of the infield grass inthe direction the ball is hit.It’s important to note in flyball coverage, the firstpriority is always catch or nocatch. The base umpire is alsoresponsible for the touch offirst base by the batter-runneras well as any tag up by R1. Ifhe has moved to the edge ofthe grass, the base umpirewill make his call from thereand immediately bounceback into the working area topick up the runners.

If the ball to the outfield isroutine, the base umpireshould drift back into theworking area in order to openup the playing field andobserve the catch. From thatposition he can observe theactivity at first base and becentrally located for anysubsequent plays on thebases. Only when the umpireanticipates the potential for aplay should he move out ofthe working area and intoposition.

If the ball is hit cleanly tothe outfield for a base hit and

They’re Invisible, But Calling Areas Exist


For Umpires: Fly Ball to Right CenterSometimes umpires don’t have to move very far to properlycover a play. That’s one of the beauties of the four-umpiresystem.

The MechaniGram depicts a situation in which a fly ball ishit to right-center field. When the ball is caught, R2 tags upand advances toward third base, drawing a throw there.

When the ball is hit, U1 moves to the best positionpossible to view the catch, but for the most part the otherumpires are already where they need to be. UIC remains nearhome plate and observes the action. U2 observes R2’s tagup and has all plays at second base, while U3 has all plays atthird base.

If the ball is not caught, U2 observes the batter-runner’sbase touch at first base and has all plays on the batter-runner at first and second base. U3 has all plays at thirdbase. UIC has all plays at home plate.

U1

U1

U2

U2

U3

THROW

CATCH

U3

BR

BR

R2

R2

RF

CF

LF

MechaniGram™

that any time the defensecan retire a runner bysimply touching a base,that’s a force play. It’s abad assumption, but onethat is understandable.Most force plays arecompleted when a fieldertouches a base. Butremember that when asecond baseman fields aground ball and tags a

runner from first headingtoward second, that is aforce out. Remember, too,that if a runner is stealingsecond when the batterlines out to the firstbaseman and the firstbaseman doubles up therunner by stepping onfirst, that is not a force out.

Next time you have asimilar play, you’ll knowwithout question whetherthe out is a force out andwhether the run scores. nn

Force Playscontinued from p. 7

(see Areas p. 15)


you must get the lightsturned on for the safety of allinvolved, don’t hesitate to doso.

Note that you are going toneed to know who to contactto get the lights turned on.Talk to game or ballparkmanagement beforehand soeveryone is on the samepage.

If the lighting system issubpar, the lighting is likelyto be the worst in theoutfield. Consider going outon balls that would normallybe considered routine and, ifworking from the infield,

keep a close eye on battedballs if you have to stay onthe infield. Towering fly ballsmight get above the lights. Inthat case, let the fielders takeyou to where the ball isgoing. If an infield fly thatgets lost above the lightswould have been ruled“ordinary effort” on a sunnyday, Referee advises treatingthe play as if the fieldernever lost sight of the ball. Inother words, treat it the sameas if the sun got in thefielder’s eyes.

Don’t follow the flight offly balls into the lights. You’llbe temporarily blinded andthe light spots you’ll seeafter looking away from the

lights will make it seem likeyou are looking at 10baseballs at once.

Plate umpires will noticethat the pitching backgroundchanges as the nightprogresses. The change isgradual. Make sure yourtiming is slow enough thatyou are not missing pitchesor bailing out too soon.

Lights out. All of thatassumes the lights arefunctional. What do you doif they fail in the middle ofthe play? Only the prorulebook has specificcoverage. Rule 5.10b statesthat, if only a few banks oflights fail during a play andall umpires are able to follow

the play, the play stands. Ifall the lights fail, or enoughof them that the umpirescannot follow the play, theplay should be nullified. InNFHS and NCAA play,Referee advises using the prointerpretation. If the ball hadalready become dead andrunners were accepting theirawards, such as after a homerun, allow the runners tocomplete the award whenlighting is restored. But donot accept part of a play andnullify another part (forexample, allow the front endof a double play but put abatter-runner on firstbecause you could not see ifhe was out or safe). nn

Lightscontinued from p. 11

Working HigherWhen a catcher sets up well on the inside corner, you mustadjust your head height in order to see pitches properly.

PlayPic A shows the plate umpire’s perspective with thecatcher inside. Because the umpire has not adjusted his headheight, the outer half of the plate is not visible.

In PlayPic B, the umpire has raised up just a few inches andmoved slightly farther behind the catcher. That brings the entireplate into view.

If you’re on the short side and work a game with a tallcatcher, you may have to work higher regardless of where thecatcher sets up. Do whatever it takes to see pitches.

PlayPic™ PlayPic™

A B


An often overlooked dutyis the need to knowwhether a run does or doesnot score. Here are twointeresting time playsituations:

With the visitorsleading, 3-1 and one out inthe last of the ninth inning,.Able singles. Then, withBrown at bat, Able stealssecond. Brown singles toright with Able stopping atthird. Clark hits a sharpgrounder to F3, who fieldsthe ball with his left foot onfirst, retiring Clark. F3 thenthrows to F6, who tagsBrown about 20 feet fromsecond to end the game.

Confusion regarding thefinal score occurs whenAble lopes toward the plate

as he watches the action onthe bases unfold. Normally,in that type of situation, arunner on third of normalspeed will make the platebefore the third out occurs.Remember, the third outwas not a force out or anout made by the batter-runner before he touchedfirst base. Once F3 steppedon first to retire Clark, theforce on Brown wasremoved and the third outbecame a time play.

Able’s run should benegated because Able hadnot reached home whenthe third out occurred.Thus, the final score is 3-1.

Consider this. In the lastof the eighth inning, thehome team trails, 2-1. With

one out, Davis occupiesthird base, Edwards is onsecond and Frank is onfirst. Green’s long fly ballto left field is caught nearthe wall. Davis tags up atthird and jogs towardhome believing he caneasily score. Edwards alsotags up at second andstreaks for third, but istagged out.

That is a time play.Davis’ run counts only if he

touches the plate beforeEdwards is tagged out.

Remember to help scorersknow if a run scores on a timeplay. Point emphatically tothe plate and announce,“Count the run.” If it doesnot count, wave your handsover head like a footballreferee signaling timeoutand announce, “No run.”Don’t give the safe signal,which implies the runner issafe and scores. nn

Take Time Out to Consider Time Plays

line drive to F9, whomakes the catch and firesthe ball back to first. Thethrow is wild and goesinto the dugout. Ruling3: R1 is awarded third,two bases from the lastbase he legally occupiedat the time of the throw.The runner is required toretouch first even thoughthe ball is dead.

Play 4: With a runneron first, the batter hits aground ball to F5. Thethrow to second is wild.R1 is safe at second. F4retrieves the ball andhastily fires to F3. Therushed throw goes intothe stands. Ruling 4: R1scores and BR is awardedsecond. The award isfrom the time the ball leftF4’s hand.

If the throw is by thepitcher, the awarddepends if he was on oroff the rubber.

Play 5: F1 attempts topick off R1 from a setposition by (a) backingoff the rubber with hispivot foot, or (b)throwing while in contactwith the rubber. The ballgets by F3 and bouncesover the fence. Ruling 5:In (a), since he steppedoff the rubber beforethrowing wildly, F1became an infielder. R1goes to third with a two-base award. In (b),because F1’s action fromthe rubber was as apitcher, and not aninfielder, R1 goes tosecond with a one-baseaward. That is treated thesame way as a pitch outof play. nn

Standcontinued from p. 6

Strike Zone is a Point of EmphasisThe major point of emphasis for 2006 is the strike zone.While acknowledging improvements have been maderegarding the high strike, the NCAA Baseball RulesCommittee wants continued focus on calling the high strike.Also, there continues to be some concern about outsidepitches well off the plate that are being called strikes.

“We have asked Dave Yeast (NCAA national coordinator ofumpires) to continue to focus on improving the strike zonenationally and to build on the positive changes we’ve seen,”said Chris McKnight, chair of the committee. “We realize it isa large task, but it is one area that truly affects the way ourgame is played.”

Strikezone

Mid point between shoulder and top of pants

Hollow beneathknee cap


Approved ruling 3 was addedto Rule 7-2-c to address thesituation in which a pitcher anddesignated hitter both enter thegame on defense at the sametime. In that case, the coachmust designate the positions inthe batting order of the newpitcher and the previouspitcher.

Play: Jones is the DH forSmith, the pitcher, and isbatting fourth. In the seventhinning, the coach brings in

Green to pitch and sends Smithto play first. Since that results inloss of the DH, Jones wouldhave to leave the game, so thecoach has Jones catch. Ruling:Jones must continue to bat inthe fourth spot. Smith andGreen will bat in either thecatcher or first baseman’s spotin the order. Upon reporting thechange to the umpire, the coachmust immediately designate hischoice of where Smith and Greenwill appear in the order. nn

Note New AR on Designated Hitter

neither fair or foul norcatch or no catch is not anissue, the plate umpire isresponsible for R1 going tothird. The base umpire isresponsible for all plays atfirst and second and maybe responsible for thirdbase if the plate umpirehas to stay home becauseof a fair or foul decision onthe right-field line. In thatsituation, the base umpireshould also operate fromthe working area. Bytaking two or three stepsback toward the mound,the base umpire can openhis field of view and watchR1 touch second and thebatter-runner touch first,then watch any subsequentplay develop and let theball take him to the play.

By taking a position inthe working area, umpirescan maximize flexibilityand retain a better chanceof getting into the bestpossible position forensuing plays.

The box. The box is thearea immediately in frontof home plate. For

purposes of thisdiscussion, the box can beexpanded to include foulterritory around homeplate (see MechaniGram).The significance of thatarea is that throws fromthat area and only fromthat area can result inrunning lane interference— throws of fair battedballs from the box andthrows of a dropped thirdstrike from the expandedarea.

The batter-runner isrequired to run the last half

of the distance from hometo first base within thethree-foot lane. If he doesnot do so, and in theumpire’s judgment heinterferes with the fielderat first base taking a throwfrom the expanded box, itis interference. The ruleprovides protection forfielders who are throwingalong the same generalpath as the batter-runner.

The batter-runner muststep totally outside thelane to commit aninfraction. When a throw is

made from the expandedbox, it is the plate umpire’sresponsibility to check tosee if the batter-runner isin the running lane. Thatmust be done before thethrow. If the umpire waitsuntil after the runner isstruck, he will not knowwhere the runner waswhen the ball was thrown.

The penalty forinterference is to declarethe batter-runner out andreturn any other runners tothe base occupied at thetime of the pitch (7-11-p).

In addition to therunner being out of thelane, there are threeadditional elements tointerference.

• There must be athrow.

• There must be afielder in position at firstbase to catch the throw.

• It must be a qualitythrow. It is not interferenceif the throw had norealistic chance of retiringthe batter-runner, unless inthe umpire’s judgment thebad throw is a direct resultof the batter-runner’simproper position. nn

Areascontinued from p. 12

MechaniGram™

In its continuing effort to rid college baseball ofall forms of tobacco, the NCAA Baseball RulesCommittee proposed rule changes involvingtobacco in 2004. The rules go into effect in 2006.

Two changes were made to Rule 3-11.Although the umpire-in-chief is not in chargeof the game until the lineups have beenexchanged, the umpire’s jurisdiction withregard to the tobacco rule begins upon theumpire’s arrival on the field in uniform.

Also, the head coach of the offending teamwill be ejected when a player is ejected fortobacco use. nn

Don’t Smoke ’em Even If You Got ’em

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