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D51 Umpire Training 2019

1

Who are we?

District 51 UIC

Scott Moseley – [email protected]

Southern UIC

Tom Lawrence - [email protected]

Northern UIC

Danny Gaunce – [email protected]

District Umpire Consultant

Myrle McLernon – [email protected]

Southern ADA

Rich Odermatt – [email protected]

District Administrator

Jeff Ahrens - [email protected]

D51 Website

www.cad51.org

D51 Umpire Group

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/CA-D51Umpires/info 2

WHY DO THE UMPIRES DO THAT??

The list of rules that make managers, coaches and parents mad at

umpires as soon as the home team manager hands the batting order in

duplicate to the umpire. These rules are paraphrased from the Little

League Baseball Rule (read the book!)

• Rule 3.01: Before the game begins the umpire shall: (a) require strict

observance of all rules governing team personnel, implements of play

and equipment of players.

• XIV – Field Decorum. (d) A manager or coach shall not leave the

dugout except to confer with players or a umpire and only after

receiving permission from an umpire…. At least one adult manager or

coach must be in the dugout at all times

• XIV – Field Decorum. (b) Except for the batter, base-runner(s), and

base coaches at first and third bases, all players shall be on their

benches in their dugouts or in the bull pen when the team is at bat.

When the team is on defense all reserves shall be on their benches or

in the bull pen. 3

WHY DO THE UMPIRES DO THAT?? (Cont.)

• XIV – Field Decorum. (c) Two adult base coaches are permitted.

• XIV – Field Decorum. (e) The possession or use of … tobacco is prohibited – including E-cigarettes

• XIV – Field Decorum. (f) Managers and coaches shall not warm up pitchers.

• Rule 3.09. Players managers and coaches of the participating teams shall not address, or mingle with spectators, nor sit in the stands during a game in which they are engaged. Managers and coaches must not warm up a pitcher at home plate or in the bull pen or elsewhere at any time. They may, however stand by to observe a pitcher during warm up in the bull pen.

• Rule 3.17. A manager, coach or player can be ejected from the game for using an electronic communication devise during the game.

• Rule 3.17. Players and substitutes shall sit on their team’s bench or in the dugout unless participating in the game or preparing to enter the game. No one except eligible players in uniform, a manager, and not more than two coaches shall occupy the bench or dugout. When batters or base runners are retired they must return to the bench or dugout at once. 4

WHY DO THE UMPIRES DO THAT?? (Cont.)

• Rule 1.08 Note 2: Only the first batter of each half-inning will be permitted outside the dugout between half-innings…

• Rule 1.11 (a)(3) A pitcher shall not wear any item on the hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter….BB Pitchers are not permitted to wear white or gray long sleeve shirts

• Rule 1.11 (d) No player shall attach to a uniform tape or other material of a different color than the uniform.

• Rule 1.11 (j) page No player shall wear jewelry such as but not limited to rings, watches, earrings, necklaces, nor any decorative item

• Rule 1.16 page Helmets may not be altered in any form including painting or adding decals … SEE the rule book

• Rule 1.17 Wear a catcher’s helmet and mask with dangling throat guard during games, or any form of infield/outfield practice, or pitcher warm-up.

5

Rules

• Umpires need to know the rules.

• You can know all the rules and still not be a

good umpire, but you can’t be a good umpire

if you don’t know the rules.

6

Changes--2019Baseball/Softball Regular Season

• 2.00, 5.10(f) Dead Ball Area, defined the term removing

“Catch and Carry” as a local option

• 3.11, Doubleheaders, deleted as dupe of Rule 4.13

• 8.01 (g), Disengaging, Softball Pitcher allowed to step off

Pitcher’s Plate after bringing hands together

• 8.02 (a) (1), allows the Pitcher to bring the hand/fingers to

her/his mouth within the circle (SB) or while on the

mound (BB)…wipe off required

• 8.06, Visits to the Pitcher, formalizes if a Manager reports

replacement of the Pitcher to the Umpire prior to talking

to any Defensive Player is NOT a visit

Changes--2019Baseball/Softball Tournament & Regulations

Tournament Rules• Managers/Coaches, for teams with eleven or fewer Players

present for a game, only one Coach allowed

• TR-14 Tiebreaker, starting in the second extra inning, each

team will place a Runner at second base to start the inning.

Placed Runner is LAST BATTER up that inning

Regulations• Reg VI Player Safety,

– Limits a Player’s return as a Catcher after catching, then

pitching in the same game

– Adds an Exception allowing the Pitcher flexibility after

pitching and going to play Catcher

– Extends allowance to pitch in second game/day

Regular Season

Local League Options• Manager’s

– Illegal Pitch if Ball Put into Play (8.05 Penalty)

– Catcher’s Interference, if Ball Put into Play (6.08(c))

– Illegal Bat, if Ball Put into Play, (6.06(d)) Option only on Play

• Local– Batting Order (Rule 3.03 or Rule 4.04)

– CBO replacing injured Player on the bases or At Bat (Rule 4.04)

– Mercy Rule (10 or 15 Runs) (4.10(e) NOTE 2)

– Minors Protests Resolved Before Next Pitch/Play (4.10(g))

– One Foot in the Box (6.02(c)) and Stealing Signs (9.01(d))

– Majors Do Not Advance on TSNC (6.05 (b))

– Special Pinch Runner Admin (7.14/TR 3.d)

– Double First Base (7.15)

Changing versus Correcting a Call by Carl Childress

• Calls can't be changed except in five instances.

– two umpires make different calls on the same play;

– a rule is misinterpreted;

– a home run is changed to a double and vice versa

– a half swing called a ball becomes a strike; and

– The ball pops free on a tag, and another umpire sees it.

• An umpire can always CORRECT a call if he does it immediately after the play. It looks bad, but it's better than sticking with the wrong call.

• "Correcting" a call means he's calls "Out!" and then immediately "Safe!" when he sees the ball pop out of the glove.

• For example, the umpire quickly signals a catch on a fly ball, and then the outfielder drops it. The instant the ball fell from the glove; he should have yelled "No Catch! No catch!" and signaled safe vigorously.

• No umpire (or adult game coordinator) can overrule another umpire

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Umpire One-Liners

• "An umpire doesn't eject a manager or player, they eject themselves. They know exactly what they can say and who they can say it to. So when somebody is thrown out, he has either completely lost control, or he intended to be run." -- MLB Umpire Eric Gregg

• "It is easy to throw someone out of the game. It's hard to keep someone in the game" -- MLB Umpire Larry Young on Fox Sports Hardcore Baseball, discussing how umpires try not to run players and coaches. August 1, 2000.

• “We amateur umpires are still too hung up on fairness, when being fair is not and never has been our job. We are supposed to ensure that one side does not gain an advantage not intended by the rules.” -- Carl Childress

• “Never make an unusual call on a routine play.” -- Carl Childress

• "The only purpose for adults in this game is to be role models for the children. If you cease to be a role model, your presence will no longer be required!" -- Phil Lamneck, Little League Florida District 13 Umpire Consultant

• Fan: "Hey Ump! You're missing a great game!" Ump: "I know. But I got assigned to this one."

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Key Terms

12

Bats, rule 1.10:

Logos to look for

13

USA Baseball: Minor/Major/Intermediate/Junior BB bats

USA Baseball ‘sticker’: is only to be used on T-Ball bats!!

Intermediate/Junior/Senior BB only

Illegal Bat

• An ILLEGAL BAT is a bat that has been altered or a bat that is not approved for play because it does not meet specifications with regard to length, weight, barrel diameter, labeling or performance standard for the division in which it is used. Penalty – See Rule 6.06(d).

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Baseball Bat Rule 1.10

Maximum

Length

Maximum

Diameter Limits

Majorsand below

33" 2⅝”

Non-wood/Laminated Bats Must Have

USA Baseball Cert; Minors May Use

TBall Bat with TBall

Int/Jrs 34" 2⅝”Non-wood/Laminated Must Have

USA Baseball Cert or BBCOR = 0.50**

Srs 36" 2⅝” BBCOR Label plus**/***

** A second label identifying the bat’s material composition must be on the barrel

***Additionally, for Seniors, the “drop -3” convention must be met

• Smooth, Rounded Stick

• Passing Through the Approved LL Bat Ring

• Acceptable Material and Color

Softball Bat• Smooth, Rounded Stick w/No Pine Tar

• Passing Through the Approved LL Bat Ring

• Acceptable Material and Color

Rule 1.10

Maximum

Length

Maximum

Diameter Limits

Majorsand below

33" 2 ¼”• Non-wood Bats BPF = 1.20

• Non-wood grip of at least 10”

Jrs/Srs 34" 2 ¼”• Non-wood Bats BPF = 1.20

• Non-wood grip of at least 10”

No pine tar or similar sticky substances allowed

Bats, rule 1.10:An illegal or altered bat must be removed.

• In all divisions, non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape, or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.

• NOTE 1: The traditional batting donut is not permissible.

• NOTE 2: The use of pine tar or any other similar adhesive substance is prohibited at all levels of Little League Baseball and Softball. Use of these substances will result in the bat being declared illegal and removed from play.

• NOTE 3: Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that have cracks or sharp edges, or that cannot pass through the approved Little League bat ring for the appropriate division must be removed from play. The 2¼-inch bat ring must be used for bats labeled 2¼. The 2⅝-inch bat ring must be used for bats labeled for 2⅝.

• NOTE 4: An illegal bat must be removed. Any bat that has been altered shall be removed from play. PENALTY - See Rule - 6.06(d).

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Bats, rule 1.10:

The hands are NOT part of the bat!!!18

SOFTBALL rule 1.15 (Revised in 2018):• Pitchers shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist,

or arm.

• A pitcher may wear items on the glove hand, wrist, or arm

(non-pitching arm) of a solid single color: black, white, grey,

or a uniform color.

• A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or

arms which the umpire may judge to be distracting. [See also

Rule 1.11(j).]

• EXCEPTION: A pitcher may wear a compression sleeve on the

pitching arm of a solid, single color: black, white, grey, or a

uniform color.

• Note: This only applies to Little League Softball, and does

not apply to any division of Little League Baseball – in BB

compression sleeves MUST be covered by a long sleeve

undershirt – can’t be white or gray! 19

Helmet Shell• Not Mirror-like

• No Cracks

• Decal Check

• NOCSAE and

warning label

• Not Locally

Altered

Padding• Properly

attached

• Not missing

• Not damaged

• No tape

AR: Any player intentionally removing his

helmet in play is not out, but should be warned

about unsafe conduct

Batter’s Helmet Inspection - Rule 1.16

Stickers on Helmets - Rule 1.16

• Manufacturers have advised that altering

helmets in any way can be dangerous

• Five manufacturers have responded regarding

stickers and helmet safety

• Their response is:

https://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/20824394/142128864

9/name/Helmet-Policy%255BEaston-Mizuno-Schutt-

Wilson-Rawlings%255D%2EPDF

(WR IC) Thoughts on Stickers

• Potential Approach

–Manager must have a copy (virtual or

physical) of the manufacturer’s letters

–Limited to a small number of decals, no

larger than the size of a silver dollar

–Decals cover less than 20% of the helmet

–Decals may not cover any warning labels

Helmet Attachments - Rule 1.16

• Products sold separately, locally applied

– C-Flaps and similar extensions

• Requires manufacturer written notice of continued

NOCSAE certification

• Without written cert, pre-drilled holes do not

matter

– Facemasks

• Full face coverage not requiring local drilling to

apply

• Most manufacturers certify facemask NOCSAE

compliant

• Little League’s policy is evolving

Catching Gear - Rules 1.12 and 1.17

• During a game, Catchers must wear– Masks covering the head with Dangling Throat Guard– Chest Protectors and Shin Guards– Catcher’s Mitt (BB), Mitt or Glove (SB), of any size/shape

to protect the hand– Males must wear a cup

• During practice/warmup, Catchers must wear– Masks covering the head with Dangling Throat Guard– Catcher’s Mitt (BB), Mitt or Glove (SB), of any size/shape

to protect the hand– Males must wear a cup

Softball Uniforms

and Gear

• Numbered of same color and style

– Shorts must be uniform

–Hats, visors or nothing

• Jewelry; hair bands in place

• Catcher must wear mitt or glove

• First baseman may wear mitt or glove

• Pitcher cannot wear a catcher’s or first

baseman’s mitt

Rules 1.11-1.15

Manager

The MANAGER is an adult appointed by

the president to be responsible for the

team’s actions on the field, and to

represent the team in communications

with the umpire and the opposing team.

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Coach

• A COACH is an adult appointed to perform such duties as the manager may designate.

• NOTE: If two (2) coaches are appointed, the second coach may be age 16 or older.

Base Coach

• A BASE COACH is a team member in uniform or an adult manager and/or coach who is stationed in the base coach’s box at first and/or third base to direct the batter and the runners.

• NOTE: Two (2) adult base coaches are permitted at all levels. The second coach may be 16 years or older. See Rule 4.05(2) for restrictions.

27

Adult Game Coordinator (9.03d)

• If no adult umpire is available for a game, and non-adult umpires are used exclusively for that game, the local Little League must assign an adult as Game Coordinator, or the game cannot be played. The Game Coordinator must not be a manager or coach of either team in the game, and cannot be assigned as Game Coordinator for more than one game at a time. The Game Coordinator’s duties shall be:

• (1) To be included in the pre-game meeting as noted in Rule 4.01.

• (2) To remain at the game at all times, including between half-innings, in a position to see all actions on the field and in close proximity to the field (not in any enclosure. If, for some reason, the Game Coordinator is not present or is unable to perform his/her duties for any reason, the game must be suspended until the Game Coordinator returns, or until a new adult Game Coordinator is present and assumes the duties of Game Coordinator for the remainder of the game;

• (3) To oversee the conduct of all players, managers, coaches and umpires in the game; 28

Adult Game Coordinator (9.03d)

• If there is no Adult Umpire, a Game Coordinator must be at the game site or the game cannot be played

• The Game Coordinator must not be a Manager or Coach of either team, but may be any other parent

Duties shall be:

- Attend the plate meeting and Observe all field action

- Oversee the conduct of all Players, Adults and Umpires

- May disqualify any Player or Adult for unsportsmanlike conduct or other significant situations

- Be the sole judge of when play shall be suspended (weather, darkness, or fitness of the field)

• A.R.—The Game Coordinator should not interrupt or stop a game until all play and action ends. At that time, the Game Coordinator can alert the plate umpire to stop the game, and at that time enforce any part of 9.03(d).

29

At Bat

• An AT-BAT, for the purposes of meeting

the requirements of Mandatory Play (if

applicable), is when a batter assumes the

position of a batter with no count and is:

• retired

• reaches base

• called out by an umpire

– Includes being called out for BOT/BOO or illegal bat

30

Mandatory Play Requirement, Reg IV

• Every rostered player present at the start of a game will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time. (late players, if inserted into lineup, MUST meet mandatory play requirements)

• A player must enter the batter’s box with no count and fulfill At Bat requirements

• There is no exception to this rule unless the game is shortened for any reason, at which time the local league may elect not to impose a penalty on the manager/ coach. However, the penalty in this regulation regarding the player who did not meet mandatory play cannot be reduced or waived in a shortened game.

31

Is a batted ball

• Not swung at

• Intentionally met with the bat

• Tapped slowly

• Softball must pull bat back

Bunt - Rule 2.00

WHY does

it matter if

it’s a batted

ball or a

bunt ??

Dislodged Base

If the impact of a runner breaks a base loose from its position, no play can be made on that runner at that base if the runner had reached the base safely.

DISLODGED BASE: If a base is dislodged from its position during a play, any following runner on the same play shall be considered as touching or occupying the base if, in the umpire’s judgment, that runner touches or occupies the dislodged bag, or the point marked by the original location of the dislodged bag.

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2 Runners on a base

Two runners may not occupy a base, but if,

while the ball is alive, two runners are

touching the base, the following runner

shall be out when tagged. The preceding

runner is entitled to the base.

Exception: the lead runner is declared out

if he/she is forced to advance

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Inning

• An INNING is that portion of a game within which the

teams alternate on offense and defense and in which there

are three putouts for each team

• It will be held that an inning starts the moment the third

out is made completing the preceding inning.

• Minor League Only : the inning ends when:

– five-runs score

– Umpire declares three outs

– Team bats through the entire line-up

In Minor League, if a half-inning ends because of the

imposition of the five-run, or batting entire lineup, and a

player on the defense has played for the entire half-inning,

that player will be considered to have participated for

three consecutive outs 35

Timing Play/Run (Not) Scored?:

• A run is not scored if the runner advances to

home base during a play in which the third

out is made

• (1) by the batter-runner before touching first

base;

• (2) by any runner being forced out;

• (3) by a preceding runner who is declared

out because that runner failed to touch one

of the bases (appeal play).

36

Force Play

A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a

runner legally loses the right to occupy a

base by reason of the batter becoming a

runner.

NOTE: Confusion regarding this play is

removed by remembering that

frequently the “force” situation is

removed during the play.

37

In Flight

• IN FLIGHT describes a batted, thrown, or

pitched ball which has not yet touched

the ground or some object other than a

fielder.

• If the pitch touches the ground and

bounces through the strike zone, without

being struck at by the batter, it is a “ball.”

If such a pitch touches the batter, that

batter shall be awarded first base. 38

Pitch

• A PITCH is a ball delivered to the

batter by the pitcher.

• Little League (Major)/Minor League

Exception: For the purpose of

maintaining a pitch count, an illegal

pitch shall count as a pitch; even if a

pitch is not actually thrown.

39

Baseball Pitchers’ Limits Reg VI

Age Limit Rest 7-14 15-16

13−16 95 None < 21 < 31

11−12 85 One 21-35 31-45

9−10 75 Two 36-50 46-60

7−8 50 Three 51-65 61-75

Four > 65 > 75

Pitches per day Days rest required

Note: (1) Catch for three innings->Pitch 20 (M,I,J) 30 (Srs) pitches or less

->Catch again

(2) Pitch 40 pitches or less->Catch

Exception: Reach 20 pitch limit, may finish Batter and return to Catch; Reach

40 pitch limit, may finish Batter and then move to Catch

(3) (Jr/Sr) Pitch at 30 pitches, may finish Batter/Pitch in 2nd game (up to limit

for day)

Three Consecutive Days Limit

Reg VISoftball Pitching Limits• Pitching Limits Set by Division, Not Age

Innings per day Days rest required for innings pitched

Age Limit Rest Majors/Minors Junior/Senior

Junior/Senior None None 6 or less

innings per dayNone

Majors/Minor 12 1 day ≥ 7 innings

per dayNone

No Innings Per Week Limits

For Majors/Minors, a Pitcher May Pitch in a Second

Game in a Day Up to the 12 Innings/Day Limit

Rule 4.12 – continued gamesTie games halted due to weather, curfew, or light failure shall be

resumed from the exact point at which they were halted in the original

game. It can be completed preceding the next scheduled game

between the same teams. A player may not pitch in more than one

game in a day. (EXCEPTION: Junior and Senior League: If a pitcher

reaches 30 pitches while facing a batter in the first game, the pitcher

may continue to pitch, and maintain their eligibility to pitch in the

second game on that day, until any one of the following conditions

occurs: (1) that batter reaches base; (2) that batter is retired; or (3) the

third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game. The pitcher

would be allowed to pitch in a second game provided that pitcher is

moved, removed, or the game is completed before delivering a pitch to

another batter. If a player delivers 31 or more pitches in the first game,

and is not covered under the threshold exception, the player may not

pitch in the second game that day).

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Illegal Pitch

• While on the rubber, Illegal Pitch (Balk for Int/Jr/Sr):

a) Makes any motion associated with the pitch, and fails to

deliver the pitch

b) Fakes a throw to first base

c) Fails to step directly when throwing to a base

d) Makes a Quick Pitch

e) Unnecessarily delays the game

f) Without the ball, stands on or astride the rubber, or

while off the rubber, fakes a pitch

g) Accidentally or intentionally drops the ball

• With no Runners on base, if a Pitcher Balks, call nothing

(Int and above)(except for items d, f)

Balk

• A BALK is an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base entitling all runners to advance one base (Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior/Big League).

• A balk does NOT add to pitch count unless the pitch is thrown

• A balk is not called in the Little League (Major) Division and below. (See Rule 8.05 - Illegal Pitch.)

44

Foreign Substance on the Ball - Rule 8.02

(hand to mouth)

• The Pitcher shall not bring the pitching hand in contact

with the mouth while engaged with the Pitcher’s plate

• The Pitcher may blow on his/her hand while within the

10/12/18 ft circle

- The Pitcher must wipe off before touching the ball

Penalty for each violation:

a) the Umpire shall call a Ball

b) warn the Pitcher that repeated violation can cause

removal as the Pitcher

Crow Hop

• It is a “Crow Hop” when the pivot foot

leaves the pitcher’s plate, re-plants, and

pushes off from a second, more forward

position

Rule 2.00

Leap

• It is a “Leap” when both feet are airborne

on the initial move and push from the

pitcher’s plate…the pivot foot does not

push and drag away from the rubber

Rule 2.00

Strike

• A STRIKE is a legal pitch which meets any of these conditions:

• (a) Is struck at by the batter and is missed;

• (b) Is not struck at, if any part of the ball passes through any part of the strike zone;

• (c) Is fouled by the batter when there is less than two strikes;

• (d) Is bunted foul (batter is out and ball is dead, if the batter bunts foul on the third strike);

• (e) Touches the batter’s person as the batter strikes at it (dead ball);

• (f ) Touches the batter in flight in the strike zone;

• (g) Becomes a foul tip (ball is live and in play). 48

Foul Tip

• A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught

• It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play.

• It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher’s glove or hand.

• A foul tip can only be caught by the catcher.

49

Check Swing

• Judging if a batters swings or does not swing is

more of an art than a science. It is probably one of

the toughest calls an umpire has to make.

• Some Guidelines to help you:

–Can only go for help if called a ball (never, ever

change a strike)

– you judge intent to hit the ball (sometimes batter

is just bailing)

–How far did the bat head go

– If not sure, signal safe

50

• The Little League Strike Zone (2.00)

• “The STRIKE ZONE is that space over home

plate which is between the batter’s armpits

and the top of the knees when the batter

assumes a natural stance. The umpire shall

determine the strike zone according to the

batter’s usual stance when that batter swings

at a pitch.”

51

Third Strike Not Caught (TSNC) 6.09B:

• Little League Rule 6.09(b) states “The batter becomes a runner when the third

strike called by an umpire is not caught, providing:

(1) first base is unoccupied or

(2) first base is occupied with two out.”

– Please bear in mind that if you are working a Minor Division game, Rule

6.05(b) (2) states that in Minor League or Tee Ball the batter is out whether the

third strike is caught or not caught by the catcher.

– If your league is using a double first base, Rule 7.15(g) explains which portion of

the base may be used by the offense and the defense.

• Rule 6.05(b) Approved Ruling, states the following, “To put the batter out, the

defense must tag the batter or first base before the batter touches first base.”

Please note that an uncaught third strike does not result in a dead ball or stopped

play. 53

Ball

• A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter.

• NOTE: If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a “ball.” If such a pitch touches the batter, the batter shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch and misses, it is a strike.

• Majors/Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/Senior/Big League: If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught, for the purposes of Rule 6.05(b) and 6.09(b). If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if the batter hit the ball in flight.

54

Baseline/Basepath

Baseline is set when a Tag Play Starts• At that moment, the Baseline is set as a direct line

from the Runner to the next base and the Runner

to the previous base

− Three Feet from the Baseline Is a violation

− In a Rundown, the Baseline may change

Baseline

Direct Line

Fair Ball

• A FAIR BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or over fair territory touches the person of an umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight.

• NOTE: A fair fly shall be adjudged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time such fielder touches the ball.

57

Foul Ball

• A FOUL BALL is a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third base, or that while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground.

58

Charged Visits to Pitcher 8.06

Updated for 2019

• Divisions: All divisions of Baseball and Softball

• Synopsis: Provides guidance on what is considered a visit to the pitcher.

• A.R. 1 – When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change, it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager makes the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive player

• Int (50/70) Division/Junior/Senior/All Softball: This applies when a pitcher moves to another position and returns as a pitcher later in the same game.

59

Catch (rule 2.00):

• A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting:

• secure possession in the hand or glove of a ball in flight

• Complete control

• Voluntary release

• If trapped – wait to see possession – You can ask “Show me the ball”.

• Timing – don’t rush this

• Look for extra action to help determine60

Catch (rule 2.00):

• Play 2-2: Batter hits a fly to center field. The center

fielder gets the ball in his/her hand(s) but drops it: (a)

when he/she falls to the ground and rolls over; (b)

when he/she collides with a fielder or a wall; (c) when

he/she starts to throw to the infield.

• Ruling: In (a) and (b), it is not a catch. In (c), it is a

legal catch if the ball was held long enough for the

center fielder to regain his/her balance but is then

dropped in a motion associated with an intended

throw. Thus providing the fielder has complete

control of the ball and that release of the ball is

voluntary and intentional.

61

Catch (rule 2.00):

INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS:

• Runners may advance the instant the fly ball is touched by

a defensive player.

• For safety and the fact that it is a “Dead Ball Area”, a

fielder may not enter the dugout to make a catch.

• RULE:5.10(f): when a fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls

into a stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when

spectators are on the field, or any other dead-ball area. As

pertains to runners, the provisions of 7.04(b) shall prevail

(one base award). If a fielder after making a catch steps

into a dead ball area, but does not fall, the ball is alive and

in play and runners may advance at their own peril

62

DEAD BALL AREA

• is the area beyond any intended physical boundary,

such as a fence, rope, chalk line, any stands,

bleachers, dugouts, player’s benches, or

designated media areas, or any other boundary

line as determined in the pregame conference.

• If a ball becomes lodged in a fence, backstop,

umpire’s equipment, or catcher’s equipment, it is

considered to be in a dead ball area.

63

Tag (rule 2.00):


• A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with the

body (any part) while holding the ball securely and firmly

in the hand or glove;

• or touching a runner with the ball or with the hand or

glove holding the ball, while holding the ball securely and

firmly in the hand or glove.

• voluntary release not required

• Runner in control of the base/body/balance


• Tagging or touching a player could include long hair on the

player or a jacket “flapping in the breeze.” See Rule 2.00-

Touch. 64

Infield Fly Rule 2.00

• Umpire will declare “Infield Fly, Batter is Out”

- Routine fair, fly ball is hit in the vicinity of the Infield

- Double Play potential exists, if the fly is not caught

o Runners on first/second, first/second/third

o Less than two outs

- Runners may advance in jeopardy

- Consider Variables (Age Level/Division or Wind)

• Uncalled IFF should be corrected after the Play

• Improperly called IFF => Play stands…

both Teams must know the Rules

Substitution Administration Rule 3.03

• Starters may be removed before meeting the

Substitution requirement

• A Starter may re-enter, in the same batting position,

when his/her non-starting Substitute has completed

the Substitution requirement

• A non-starting Substitute may not be removed until

he/she has completed the Substitution requirement

All Players may re-enter the game in the same

batting position after their replacement has

completed one At Bat and played for Six

Defensive Outs

Continuous Batting Order Rule 4.04

A League may adopt a policy of a Continuous Batting

Order (CBO), for all Players on the roster

• Player bats in his/her assigned spot for the game

• Player may enter/re-enter defensively at anytime

• All Players are considered Starters, so each must meet Mandatory Play

requirement during the game

o Late arriving Player, place at the end of the Batting order

o Ill or injured player, replace with Player who made the last out in the

previous inning or last out made (local option)

o Player must leave the game or cannot continue, skip batting spot

without penalty each time that spot comes around; if the Player

returns, place in original batting spot

Everyone’s favorites: Interference and Obstruction

• Remember:

• the offense interferes, (exception, of course)

• the defense obstructs68

Abner’s Concept

The Defense has the

right to the baseline on

a batted ball

The Offense has the

right to the baseline on

a thrown ball

Offense Defense

Rules 2.00/3.16/3.18/5.09/6.05/

6.08/6.09/7.08/7.09/7.11

• Offensive (Rules 5.09, 6.05, 6.08, 6.09, 7.08, 7.09, 7.11)—

confusing, hindering, or impeding any fielder attempting to

make a Play (usually a runner or the batter/runner)

– Coach’s (Rule 7.09)—physically assisting the runner in

leaving or returning to first or third base

• Defensive (Rule 6.08)—preventing or hindering the batter

from hitting a pitch (almost always the catcher)

• Umpire (Rules 5.09 and 6.09)—hindering or impeding a

catcher’s throw on a stolen base attempt or having a batted

ball touch an umpire in fair territory before passing a fielder

• Spectator (Rules 3.16 and 3.18)—reaching onto the playing

field or coming onto the field

Runner’s Interference Rule 7.08

It is interference by Batter or Runner when:

Touched by a fair Batted Ball in fair territory before the

Ball has touched or passed an infielder

The base is

not a sanctuary

Exception: If a

Runner is touching

his base when

touched by an Infield

Fly, he is not out,

although the Batter

is still out

Runner’s Interference - Rule 7.08

A batter or runner is out for interference when…

intentionally interfering with a thrown Ball; or

hindering a fielder attempting to make a Play on

a batted Ball…whether intentional or not.

Contact is not necessary for interference to be

called

Notes:

1. Legal Slide: The Runner must be able to reach the base

with hand or foot; may not veer into the Fielder or slide

beyond the base

Runner’s Interference - Rule 7.09

(f), (g) Any Batter or Runner who intentionally hinders or

impedes any following play being made on a Batter or

Runner. The Batter or Runner shall be declared out for the

interference of his teammate

2. When a Runner is moving toward

second base on a double play ball,

there is no requirement for the

Runner to slide

3. It does NOT matter whether the

second out could have been made

Batter/Runner Interference - Rule 6.05

• In running the last half of the distance from

Home Plate to first base, while the Ball is being

fielded to first base:

– Batter-Runner runs to the right of the Runner’s

Lane, or

– inside the foul line, and

– interferes with the fielder taking the throw at

first base

1. The ball must be thrown and must be catchable

2. The Interference protects the Fielder; not the Thrower

OK

NO

Batter's Interference – Rule 6.06(c)

Batter is out for illegal action when:

• (c) interfering with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by:

– (1) stepping out of the batter’s box, or;

– (2) making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s actions at home plate or the catcher’s attempt to play on a runner, or;

– (3) failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate a congested area when there is a throw to home plate and there is time for the batter to move away.

NOTE: a cleanly caught ball

• EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is retired, or if runner trying to score is called out for batter’s interference.

• The batter swings so hard that he hits the catcher's glove on the follow-through, knocking the ball away from the catcher (dead ball, runners return)

75

(I) Physical assistance

• Touching or holding the Runner

• Pushing a Runner ahead

• Assist Runner touching a base

• Picking up a fallen Runner

Coach’s Interference - Rule 7.09

The Coach has to improve the Runner’s chance of

accomplishing the Runner’s goal

High 5’s are not interference

Ball remains live, unless the Runner is being played on

Defensive (Catcher’s) Interference - Rule 6.08

The Batter becomes a Runner and is entitled to first base when

the Catcher interferes with the Batter

• Delayed dead ball

• Runners return, unless the Runners were stealing

If stealing, the advance is allowed

• Manager’s Option

− If the Batter-Runner and all Runners advance one base safely,

proceed without reference to the Interference—No

Manager’s Option

− If not, the Manager takes the result of the play or the base

award

• The interference must be with the Batter’s attempt to hit the

ball. If the Batter contacts the Catcher prior to the Batter’s

forward swing at the pitch, call “Time” and rule “Nothing”

Umpire Interference - Rules 5.09 and

6.09

If the Umpire impedes a catcher’s throw on a steal• call “Interference”

• let the play proceed

• if out, disregard the Interference

• if safe, return all Runners

If a batted ball strikes an Umpire before it passes

an Infielder• call “Interference”

• immediate dead ball

• place the Batter-Runner at first

• Runners advance, only if pushed

• Immediate dead ball

• Rule to nullify the interference

including outs or Runner

advance

Spectator Interference - Rule 3.16

The act of a Fielder

a. While not in possession of the ball

b. Impedes the progress of a Runner

A fake tag is considered obstruction

Obstruction - Rules 2.00/7.06

The Runner has the right to the baseline

on a thrown ball

Immediate dead ball

a. Indicate “Time, That’s Obstruction”

b. Award the bases the Runner would have reached

if there had been no obstruction

c. At the end of the play, Runners forced to advance

by the base award, advance without liability to be

put out

If the Batter/Runner is obstructed before first base

a. The Batter/Runner is awarded at least first base

b. All other Runners shall advance to the base they

would have reached if there had been no

obstruction

Obstruction with a Play - Rule 7.06(a)

Delayed dead ball

a. Call “Obstruction”; but let the play continue

b. Mentally note which base the Runner would have

reached without the obstruction (“protected base”)

c. Play proceeds until no further action is possible

d. The Umpire will rule as necessary to nullify the

obstruction--usually award the “protected” base

Note (1) Since the ball is not immediately dead, if an

obstructed runner advances beyond the base to which

the Umpire judges the Runner should be protected, the

Runner does so at her/his own risk and may be tagged

out

Obstruction without a Play - Rule 7.06(b)

‘one foot in the box’– Rule 6.02(c) Local League Option

• Summary: After entering the batter’s box, the batter must remain in the box

with at least one foot throughout the at bat.

• Exceptions:

– 1, On a swing, slap, or check swing.

– 2, When forced out of the box by a pitch.

– 3, When the batter attempts a “drag bunt” in Baseball [or attempts a “slap”

or “slap bunt” in Softball]

– 4, When the catcher does not catch the pitched ball.

– 5, When a play has been attempted.

– 6, When time has been called.

– 7, BASEBALL: When 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 or the catcher leaves the catcher’s box.

SOFTBALL: When the pitcher leaves the eight foot circle or the catcher

leaves the catcher’s box.

– 8, On a three ball count pitch that is a strike that the batter thinks is a ball.

DON’T MAKE THIS YOUR BEST CALL83

‘one foot in the box’– Rule 6.02(c)

• Penalty: If the batter leaves the batter’s box or delays play and none of

the exceptions apply, the umpire shall warn the batter. After one

warning on a batter, the umpire shall call a strike. Any number of strikes

can be called on each batter.

• Minor/Major Division Baseball and All Softball Divisions: No pitch has

to be thrown, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.

• Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior Baseball Divisions: No

pitch has to be thrown and ball is live.

• NOTE: The batter may return their position in the batter’s box and

assume the new count at any time during the at-bat, unless such

enforced penalty is the third strike.

• don’t’ be ‘That guy’

• With good game management you shouldn’t need to use this rule. Tell

the batter to get back in the box and they will listen almost 100% of the

time.

• This shouldn’t be used as a weapon, but a tool to use when/if really

needed84

The Batter’s legal starting

position shall be with both

feet within the Batter’s box

Approved Ruling:

On the line, not

beyond the line, is

within the Batter’s

box

Yes

No

No

Batter’s Legal Position - Rule 6.03

�

Batting Out of Order (6.07)To simplify the rule, you must understand one basic premise: the PROPER batter (the one who should have batted) is the one who is called out. Here's more to try to clear this up:

– The ONLY time the proper batter is called out is when the defense appeals after the improper batter completes his time at-bat (getting on base or making an out).

– If the defense appeals while the improper batter is batting, the proper batter simply replaces the improper batter, and the proper batter assumes the count.

– Any base running advances or put outs while the improper batter is up are upheld.

– Any base running advances or put outs when the improper batter puts the ball in play are nullified (so if an improper batter hits into a double play, the defense may not want to say anything!)

– If the defense fails to appeal an improper batter before the next pitch or play, the improper batter is now “legalized”, and next up is the person following the legalized batter in the order.

• The scorekeeper is NOT ALLOWED to bring this situation to the umpire’s attention. It is the manager's responsibility to catch a batting out of order situation and to inform the umpire.

• The umpire is not allowed to bring this situation to anyone’s attention either. That’s the manager’s job.

86

No pitch intentional walk 6.08(a)

Minor & Major baseball ONLY!

• Summary: Prior to a pitch being thrown, the defense elects to “Intentionally Walk” the batter by announcing such decision to the plate umpire.

• NOTE 1: Such notification must be made by the defensive manager. The manager must request and be granted “time” by the umpire and then inform the umpire of the defense’s intent to walk the batter.

• NOTE 2: The ball is dead and no other runners may advance unless forced by the batter’s award. Four (4) pitches will be added to the pitch count.

87

Base awards 7.05

• 4 – when fair batted ball, in flight, leaves the playing

field

• 3 – when a fielder, deliberately, touches batted ball

with detached/thrown equipment

• 2 - when a fielder, deliberately, touches thrown ball

with detached/thrown equipment

• 2 - if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the

stands outside the first or third base foul line; or if it

goes through or under a field fence

• 2 - a thrown ball goes into a dead ball area – awards

are based on TOP or TOT depending on situation88

Base awards 7.05

• 1 - if a ball, pitched to the batter, or thrown by the pitcher

from the position on the pitcher’s plate to a base to catch

a runner, goes into a stand or a bench, or over or through

a field fence or backstop. The ball is dead

• 1 - if the batter becomes a runner on a ball four when the

pitch passes the catcher and lodges in the umpire’s mask

or paraphernalia

• 1 - if a fielder deliberately touches a pitched ball with

his/her cap, mask or any part of his/her uniform detached

from its proper place on his/her person. The ball is in play,

and the award is made based on the position of the

runner at the time the ball was touched.

89

slide rule (7.08a3):

• There is no must-slide rule in Little League. Never has

been, Never will be.

• 7.08: Any runner is out when:

• (a)(3) the runner does not slide or attempt to get around

a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag;

• Notice the rule says, “Attempt to get around”, not

“avoid”. Contact may occur with no penalty assessed.

There is no “Must Slide” rule and no league may create

one. No league may modify this rule.

90

Must-slide rule (7.08a3) continued:

• The runner has four options when the fielder HAS THE BALL AND IS WAITING TO MAKE THE TAG:

– 1) slide

– 2) attempt to get around the fielder

– 3) go back to the previous base

– 4) Give themselves up

• But if he attempts to get around and successfully avoids the tag without going out of the baseline, he's safe.

• If the runner attempts to avoid, but still makes contact, the runner is not automatically out. What constitutes an attempt is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire.

• If the ball is on its way to the base, or the ball and runner get there simultaneously, and there's contact because the runner didn’t slide or attempt to get around, this is just a collision, and collisions are part of baseball.

91

(a) (4) The runner slides head

first while advancing to a base

(Majors and below)

Majors, Minors and Tee Ball:

This Rule does not apply when a

Runner is returning to a base, only

when advancing to a base. The

ball remains live and other

Runners may advance at their

own risk

A Runner Is Out When - Rule 7.08.a.4

Circle Rule – Softball - 7.08.a.5.a

• If the Pitcher Has the Ball in the 8’ Circle

– All Runners Shall Immediately Advance from or

Return to their Entitled Base

– Runners Will Maintain Contact with their Base

Until

• The Ball Leaves the Pitcher’s Hand (Majors and

above)

• The Pitch Reaches the Batter in Minors

• The Pitcher Attempts a Play

• The Pitcher Drops the Ball

• Penalty: Ball Is Dead, No Pitch, Runner Out

BASEBALL: Leaving the base early (7.13)

• if any base runner leaves a base before the pitch reaches

a batter, all runners are guilty, and depending on the

subsequent action, runners must return to any

unoccupied bases.

• If the batter is subsequently thrown out on a play, ALL

RUNNERS return.

– The runners can only advance to the bases they would

have achieved based on the umpire's judgment of the

base value of the hit, regardless of any subsequent

errors.

– If a runner leaves early, he cannot correct his mistake

by returning to touch the base

– There is no “fixing” a 7.13 violation.94

SOFTBALL: Leaving the base early (7.13)

• OUT!

• CALL: Time! R? is out for leaving their base early!

– come into the field of play and keep calling

TIME until all play stops, then explain what is

happening

(Sorry, you can only get ONE out even if

multiple runners leave early)

• That was easy!95

Base Runner Appeal Plays:

• Failure to re-touch properly 7.10 (a)

• Missed base 7.10 (b)

• Failure to return to first base 7.10 (c)

• Failure to touch Home Plate 7.10 (d)

Batter Appeal Plays:

• Use of an Illegal Bat 6.06 (d)

• Batting out of Turn 6.07

Appeals - Rule 7.10

Appeals

Live Ball VS. Dead Ball

Retouch (left early) BOT

Missed base Illegal bat

Return to 1st base

Touch Home

Appeals must be made to the umpire

responsible for that call and before the

next pitch or play97

Special Pinch Runner (7.14):

• Once each inning a team may utilize a player who is not in

the batting order as a special pinch-runner for any

offensive player.

• A player may only be removed for a special pinch runner

one time during a game.

• A local league may adopt Tournament Rule 3(e) for 7.14.

– Once per inning, no more than twice per game, any player not

currently in the batting order may run. A player may only be

removed for a special pinch runner once per game - WILL BE used

for inter-league play

• NOTE: Does not apply if the local league adopts the

continuous batting order.

98

Double First Base (7.15):

• 7.15- The double base may be used for first base only.

• When using the double first base, the following rules must be

observed:

– Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the

defense must use the white section of the double first

base.

– Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the

batter-runner must use the colored (orange or green)

section on his/her first attempt to tag first base.

– NOTE: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the

batter-runner touches only the white portion and the

defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to

first base it is treated the same as missing the base.

Penalty: B/R is out. 99

Double First Base (7.15):

–A runner must maintain contact with

the white section of the base

–Runners may extend a foot behind the

base

–when the batter becomes a runner on

a third strike not caught by the

catcher, the batter-runner and the

defensive player may use either the

colored (orange or green) or the white

section.100

Engaging/Disengaging the Pitcher’s Mound/Plate (Rule

8.01(a)(3) BB/8.01(g) Updated for softball 2019

Division: All divisions of Softball

• A.R. 2 – For the pitcher to remove himself/herself from the

pitching position after the hands have been brought together but

prior to the start of the pitch as noted in 8.01(k), the pitcher must

legally step back from the pitcher’s plate with the pivot foot first.

Division: Baseball

• In disengaging the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher must step off with

the pivot foot and not the free foot first. The pitcher may not go

into a set or stretch position (from the windup position). If the

pitcher does, it is an illegal pitch [a balk in Intermediate (50/70)

Division/Junior/Senior League Baseball].

101

Legal protest shall only be for:

(1) Violation or interpretation of a Rule

(2) Use of an Ineligible Player

Improper Protests:

(1) Umpire’s judgment

(2) Equipment which

does not meet

specifications

Protests - Rule 4.19

NOTE: Even if a Protest is improper, simply note it and

continue play…let the BoD figure it out

Putting the Ball in Play 4.02

• When the ball is put in play at the start

of, or during a game, all fielders other

than the catcher shall be in fair territory

• Check and make sure your partner(s) are

ready

• The ball MUST be put back in play after

EVERY dead ball situation

• Pitcher foot faults

104

Baseball: LEGAL or ILLEGAL

Softball: LEGAL or ILLEGAL

105



Pivot foot is not entirely on or touching front of the pitching plate

106




107



108




109




110



111



112


Softball: LEGAL or ILLEGALBoth feet are not within the width of the pitching plate

113



114



115



116



117



118



119



120


Softball: LEGAL or ILLEGALFree foot is not on or behind the pitching plate

121



122



123



124



125



126



127




128


129


130


131


132


133

Softball: LEGAL or ILLEGALForward step is not within width of the pitching plate

134



135




136


Softball: LEGAL or ILLEGALPitcher’s shoulders are not in line with first and third bases


137


138


139


140


141


142


143


144

Baseball: LEGAL or ILLEGALPivot foot is not entirely on or touching front of the pitching plate

145


146


147


148


149


150


151


152


153


154


155


156


157


158


159


160


161

40 common myths

(things you’ve heard but are

NOT true)

162

40 common myths:

1. The hands are considered part of the bat.

2. The batter-runner must turn to his right after over-running first base.

3. If the batter breaks his wrists when swinging, it's a strike.

4. If a batted ball hits the plate first it's a foul ball.

5. The batter cannot be called out for interference if he is in the batter's box.

6. The ball is dead on a foul-tip.

7. The batter may not switch batter's boxes after two strikes. But?

8. The batter who batted out of order is the person declared out.

9. The batter may not overrun first base when he gets a base-on-balls.

10. The batter is out if he starts for the dugout before going to first after a dropped

third strike.

11. If the batter does not pull the bat out of the strike zone while in the bunting

position, it's an automatic strike. –baseball vs. softball

12. The batter is out if a bunted ball hits the ground and bounces back up and hits

the bat while the batter is holding the bat.

13. The batter is out if his foot touches the plate when contacting the ball

14. The batter-runner is always out if he runs outside the running lane after a

bunted ball. 163

40 common myths:

15. A runner is out if he slaps hands or high-fives other players, after a homerun is hit over the fence.

16. Tie goes to the runner.

17. The runner gets the base he's going to, plus one on a ball thrown out-of-play.

18. Anytime a coach touches a runner, the runner is out.19. Runners may never run the bases in reverse order.20. The runner must always slide when the play is close.

21. The runner is always safe when hit by a batted ball while touching a base.

22. A runner may not steal on a foul-tip.

23. It is a force out when a runner is called out for not tagging up on a fly ball.

24. An appeal on a runner who missed a base cannot be a force out.

25. A runner is out if he runs out of the baseline to avoid a fielder who is fielding a batted ball.

26. Runners may not advance when an infield fly is called.

27. No run can score when a runner is called out for the third out for not tagging up. (timing vs. force out)

28. A pitch that bounces to the plate cannot be hit.

29. The batter does not get first base if hit by a pitch after it bounces.

30. If a fielder holds a fly ball for 2 seconds it's a catch.164

40 common myths (con’t):

31. You must tag the base with your foot on a force out or appeal.

32. The ball is always immediately dead on a balk.

33. If a player's feet are in fair territory when the ball is touched, it is a fair ball.

34. The ball must always be returned to the pitcher before an appeal can be made.

35. With no runners on base, it is a ball if the pitcher starts his windup and then stops.

36. The pitcher must come to a set position before a pick-off throw.

37. The pitcher must step off the rubber before a pick-off throw.

38. If a fielder catches a fly ball and then falls over the fence it is a homerun.

39. The ball is dead anytime an umpire is hit by the ball.

40. The home plate umpire can overrule the other umps at anytime.

165

40 common myths rule references:

• 1) HANDS RULE MYTH

The hands are part of a person's body. If a pitch hits the batter's hands the ball is dead; if he swung at the pitch, a strike is

called (NOT a foul). If he was avoiding the pitch, he is awarded first base.

Rules: 2.00 PERSON, TOUCH, STRIKE (e) and 6.05(f)

• 2) RIGHT TURN RULE MYTH

The batter-runner may turn left or right, provided that if he turns left he does not make an attempt to advance. An attempt

is a judgment made by the umpire. The requirement is that the runner must immediately return to first after overrunning or

over sliding it.

Rule: 7.08(c and j)

• 3) BREAKING WRISTS RULE MYTH

A strike is a judgment by the umpire as to whether the batter attempted to strike the ball. Breaking the wrists, or the barrel

of the bat crossing the plate are simply guides to making the judgment of an attempt, these are not rules.

Rule: 2.00 STRIKE

• 4) HIT PLATE RULE MYTH

The plate is in fair territory. There is nothing special about it. If a batted ball hits it, it is treated like any other batted ball.

• 5) BATTER BOX INTERFERENCE RULE MYTH

The batter's box is not a safety zone. A batter could be called out for interference if the umpire judges that interference

could or should have been avoided.

•

The batter is protected while in the box for a short period of time. After he has had time to react to the play he could be

called for interference if he does not move out of the box and interferes with a play.

Many people believe the batter's box is a safety zone for the batter. It is not. The batter MAY be called out for interference

although he is within the box. The key words, impede, hinder, confuse or obstruct apply to this situation.

An umpire must use good judgment. The batter cannot be expected to disappear. If he has a chance to avoid interference

after he has had time to react to the situation and does not, he is guilty. If he just swung at a pitch, or had to duck a pitch and

is off-balance, he can't reasonably be expected to then immediately avoid a play at the plate. However, after some time

passes, if a play develops at the plate, the batter must get out of the box and avoid interference. The batter should always be

called out when he makes contact and is outside the box.

Rules: 2.00 INTERFERENCE, 6.06(c)

166


• 6) FOUL-TIP RULE MYTHThere is nothing foul about a foul-tip. If the ball nicks the bat and goes sharp and direct to the catcher's hand or glove and is caught, this is a foul-tip by definition. A foul-tip is a strike and the ball is alive. It is the same as a swing-and-miss. If the ball is not caught, it is a foul ball. If the nicked pitch first hits the catcher somewhere other than the hand or glove, it is not a foul-tip, it is a foul ball.Rules: 2.00 FOUL-TIP, STRIKE

• 7) SWITCH BOX RULE MYTHThe batter can switch boxes at any time, provided he does not do it after the pitcher is ready to pitch.Rule: 6.06(b)

• 8) OUT OF ORDER RULE MYTHThe PROPER batter is the one called out. Any hit or advance made by the batter or runners due to the hit, walk, error or other reason is nullified. The next batter is the one who follows the proper batter who was called out.Rule: 6.07(b, 1)

• 9) OVERRUN FIRST BASE RULE MYTHRule 7.08(c and j) simply state that a batter-runner must immediately return after overrunning first base. It doesn't state any exceptions as to how the player became a runner. It could be a hit, walk, error or dropped third strike.In Little League the runner may overrun. In FED rules he may not and in Professional baseball, he may not. In other programs that use the OBR he may if that is how the program rules it.To overrun means that the runners momentum carried him straight beyond the base after touching it. It does not mean to turn and attempt to advance. Nor does it mean that he stepped over it or stopped on it and then got off of it.

• 10) DROPPED THIRD STRIKE RULE MYTHThe batter may attempt first base anytime prior to entering the dugout or a dead ball area.The batter becomes a runner when the third strike is not caught. Therefore, if there are 2 outs and there is a runner at first, first and second, or bases loaded, the batter creates a force by becoming a runner. These runners are all forced to advance and an out may be obtained by making a play on any one of them. If the bases are loaded the catcher may step on home or throw to third, second or first.Rule: 6.05(c), 6.09(b) Casebook interpretation

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• 11) BUNTING STRIKE RULE MYTH

A strike is an attempt to hit the ball. Simply holding the bat over the plate is not an attempt. This is umpire

judgment.

Rule 2.00 STRIKE

Rule 2.00 BUNT is a batted ball not swung at, but INTENTIONALLY met with the bat.

The key words are "intentionally met"

If no attempt is made to make contact with a ball outside the strike zone, it should be called a ball. An effort must

be made to intentionally meet the ball with the bat.

• 12) SECOND BAT HIT RULE MYTH

The rule says the BAT cannot hit the ball a second time. When the BALL hits the bat, it is not an out. Also, when

the batter is still in the box when this happens, it's treated as simply a foul ball. If the batter is out of the box and

the bat is over fair territory when the second hit occurs, the batter would be out.

Rules: 6.05(h) and 7.09(b)

• 13) FOOT TOUCHES PLATE RULE MYTH

To be out, the batter's foot must be ENTIRELY outside the box when he contacts the pitch and the ball goes fair or

foul. He is not out if he does not contact the pitch. There is no statement about touching the plate. The toe could

be on the plate and the heel could be touching the line of the box, which means the foot is not entirely outside

the box.

Rule: 6.06(a)

• 14) RUNNING LANE RULE MYTH

The runner must be out of the lane AND cause interference. He is not out simply for being outside the lane. He

could be called for interference even while in the lane. This is a judgment call.

The runner may step out of the lane a step or two before the base if he moves from within the lane to out of it. If

he is out of the lane the whole distance to the base and is hit with a throw, he should be out.

Rules: 2.00 INTERFERENCE, 6.05(k), 7.09(k)

• 15) HIGH FIVE RULE MYTH

The ball is dead on a homerun over the fence. You can't be put out while the ball is dead except when you pass

another runner.

Rules: 5.02, 7.05(a)168


• 16) THE TIE RULE MYTHThere is no such thing in the world of umpiring. The runner is either out or safe. The umpire must judge out or safe. It is impossible to judge a tie.

• 17) OUT-OF-PLAY BALL RULE MYTHWhen a fielder other than the pitcher throws the ball into dead ball area, the award is 2 bases. The award is from where the runners were at the time of the pitch if it is the first play by an infielder before all runners have advanced or from where each runner was physically positioned at the time the ball left the throwers hand on all other plays.Rule: 7.05(g)

• 18) COACH TOUCH RULE MYTHRule 7.09(I) says the runner is out if the coach PHYSICALLY ASSISTS the runner. Hand slaps, back pats or simple touches are not physical assists.

• 19) REVERSE BASERUNNING RULE MYTHIn order to correct a base running mistake, the runner MUST retrace his steps and retouch the bases in reverse order. The only time a runner is out for running in reverse, is when he is making a travesty of the game or tries to confuse the defense.Rules: 7.08(I), 7.10(b)

• 20) MUST SLIDE RULE MYTHThere is no "must slide" rule. When the fielder has the ball in his possession, the runner has two choices; slide OR attempt to get around the fielder. He may NOT deliberately or maliciously contact the fielder, but he is NOT required to slide.If the fielder does not have possession but, is in the act of fielding, and contact is made, it is a no-call unless the contact was intentional and malicious.Rule: 7.08(a, 3) this rule does not apply to professionals.

• 21) HIT BY BALL ON BASE RULE MYTHThe bases are in fair territory. A runner is out when hit by a fair batted ball while touching a base, except when hit by an infield-fly or after the ball has passed a fielder and no other fielder had a play on the ball.If the runner is touching first or third, he is not out unless the ball touches him over fair territory. If one foot is on the base and the other is in foul ground and he is hit on the foul ground foot, he is not out. It is a foul ball. (If the ball has not passed beyond first or third.)Rules: 5.09(f), 7.08(f)

• 22) NO STEAL ON FOUL-TIP RULE MYTHThere is nothing foul about a foul-tip. If the ball nicks the bat and goes to the catcher's glove and is caught, this is a foul-tip by definition. A foul-tip is a strike and the ball is alive. It is the same as a swing-and-miss. If the ball is not caught, it is a foul ball.Rules: 2.00 FOUL-TIP, STRIKE

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• 23) FLY BALL FORCE OUT RULE MYTHA force play is when a runner is forced to advance because the batter became a runner. When the batter is out on a caught fly, all forces are removed. An out on an a failure to tag-up, is NOT a force out. Any runs that cross the plate before this out will count.Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, 4.09

• 24) MISSED BASE APPEAL RULE MYTHA runner must touch all the bases. If the runner misses a base to which he was forced because the batter became a runner and is put out before touching that base, the out is still a force play. If this is the third out, no runs may score. The base can be touched or the runner can be touched, either way it's a force out.Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, TAG, 7.08(e), 7.10(b)

• 25) OUT OF THE BASELINE RULE MYTHThe runner MUST avoid a fielder attempting to field a BATTED ball. A runner is out for running out of the baseline, only when attempting to avoid a tag.Rules: 7.08(a), 7.09(L)

• 26) NO ADVANCE ON INFIELD FLY RULE MYTHAn Infield-fly is no different than any other fly ball in regard to the runners. The only difference is that they are never forced to advance because the batter is out whether the ball is caught or not.Rules: 2.00 INFIELD-FLY, 6.05(e), 7.10(a)

• 27) NO RUN ON THIRD OUT RULE MYTHYes it can. This is not a force play. A force play is when a runner is forced to advance because the batter became a runner. When the batter is out on a caught fly, all forces are removed. An out on an a failure to tag-up, is NOT a force out. Any runs that cross the plate before this out will count.Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, 4.09, 7.10(a)

• 28) NO HIT ON BOUNCED PITCH RULE MYTHA pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't matter how it gets to the batter. The batter may hit any pitch that is thrown. A pitch that bounces before reaching the plate may never be a called strike or a legally caught third strike.Rule: 2.00 PITCH. (If the ball does not cross the foul line, it is not a pitch.)

• 29) NO FIRST BASE ON BOUNCED PITCH RULE MYTHA pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't matter how it gets to the batter. If the batter is hit by a pitch while attempting to avoid it, he is awarded first base.Rules: 2.00 PITCH, 6.08(b).

• 30) 2 SECOND CATCH RULE MYTHA catch is legal when the umpire judges that the fielder has COMPLETE control of the ball. The release of the ball must be voluntary and intentional.Rule: 2.00 CATCH

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• 31) FOOT TAG RULE MYTH

You can tag a base with ANY part of the body.

Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, PERSON, TAG, 7.08(e)

• 32) DEAD BALL ON BALK RULE MYTH

In Federation rules it is, not in any others. If a throw or pitch is made after the balk call, the ball is delayed dead. At

the end of the play the balk may be enforced or not depending on what happened. On a throw; if ALL runners

advance on the play, the balk is ignored. If not, the balk award is enforced from the time of pitch. On a pitch; if ALL

runners INCLUDING the batter, advance on the play, the balk is ignored. Otherwise, it is no-pitch and the balk

award is made from the time of the pitch.

Rule: 8.05 PENALTY

• 33) FAIR FEET, FAIR BALL RULE MYTH

The position of the player's feet or any other part of the body is irrelevant. A ball is judged fair or foul based on

the relationship between the ball and the ground at the time the ball is touched by the fielder.

Rule: 2.00 FAIR, FOUL

• 34) APPEAL RULE MYTH

An appeal may be made anytime the ball is alive. The only time the ball must go to the pitcher, is when time is out.

The ball cannot be made live until the pitcher has the ball while on the rubber and the umpire says "Play." If time

is not out, the appeal can be made immediately.

Rule: 2.00 APPEAL, 5.11, 7.10

• 35) FALSE WINDUP RULE MYTH

A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. If the ball is not delivered, it is not a pitch. Therefore it

cannot be a ball. If this happens with runners on base it is a balk. The rule for LL is different. It is an illegal pitch

and a ball with or without runners on base.

Rule: 2.00 PITCH.171


• 36) MUST SET TO PICK RULE MYTHThe pitcher is required to come to a complete stop in the Set position before delivering the pitch, not before making a throw.Rule: 8.05(m)

• 37) MUST STEP OFF RUBBER TO PICK RULE MYTHIf the pitcher steps off the rubber he is no longer the pitcher, he is a fielder. He can throw to a base from the rubber, provided he does not break any of the rules under rule 8.05

• 38) FIELDER OVER THE FENCE HOMERUN RULE MYTHAs long as the fielder is not touching the ground in dead ball territory when he catches the ball, it is a legal catch if he holds onto the ball and meets the definition of a catch. If the catch is not the third out and the fielder falls down in dead ball territory after catching the ball, all runners are awarded one base. If the fielder remains on his feet in dead ball territory after the catch, the ball is alive and he may make a play. (Except FED in which case the ball is dead and 1 base is awarded.)Rules: 2.00 CATCH, 5.10(f), 6.05(a), 7.04(c)

• 39) DEAD BALL WHEN UMPIRE IS HIT RULE MYTHIf an umpire is hit by a batted ball before it passes a fielder, the ball is dead. On any other batted or thrown ball, the ball is alive when the umpire is hit with the ball. Umpire interference also occurs when the plate umpire interferes with the catcher's attempt to prevent a stolen base.Rules: 2.00 INTERFERENCE, 5.09(b), 5.09(f)

• 40) HOME PLATE UMPIRE RULE MYTHThe umpire who made a call or ruling may ask for help if he wishes. No umpire may overrule another umpire's call.Rules: 9.02(b, c)

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Positioning and Mechanics

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Where to stand before the pitch in a 2-man system:

• Diagram 1 shows where you should be before the pitch. There are three basic positions: A, B, and C. the X’s are the

infielders. The chart below shows where to be in each situation:

A BASES EMPTY

B RUNNER ON FIRST BASE

C RUNNER ON SECOND BASE

C RUNNER ON THIRD BASE

C RUNNERS ON FIRST AND SECOND BASE

C RUNNERS ON SECOND AND THIRD BASE

C RUNNERS ON FIRST AND THIRD BASE

C BASES FULL

Shade the lead runner. When in doubt, with runners on, it’s C. 174

Where to go when the ball is hit in a 2-man system:

• A. Bases empty and a ball hit to the outfield that umpires does not have to go out on. Pivot into the infield so you can move ahead of the runner not behind.

• B or C: When a ball is hit through the infield or a fly ball to the outfield that the umpire doesn't have to go out on move into the infield grass.

• D. Any time the base umpire goes out to make a call on a fly ball in the outfield the plate umpire must move into the infield to cover all the bases. (As specified earlier the base umpire should not go out, however if the base umpire goes out be prepared.)

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