Revised January 21, 2015

It is on the Internet, it must be true! Do not consider information provided on the Internet as accurate; unless it has been copyrighted by NFHS. Even then, be aware of the date of the article. Know the difference between NFHS, NCAA and ORB. There are huge differences.

Pitching regulations have and always will be a controversial subject.

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Balks in particular have no easily framed answer. They are defined (R 2.3.) in one sentence as an illegal act committed by the pitcher (F1), but have volumes of articles written about them. Balks are more like an evolving theory with their application changing as the game of baseball continues to evolve. Balks are such an important part of NFHS rules. They are mentioned in most of the sections of the rule book. See Sections: #1- Location of Players at Time of Pitch; # 2-Definition; #3- Dugout Orchestrated Activity to Cause a Pitcher to Balk; #5- Dead Balk When Balk Occurs; #6-Pitching Regulations; and #7- Batter Stepping Out Trying to Cause a Balk.Unlike an active mandatory call such as out or safe, the balk is a passive call not requiring it even to be called. Donot misunderstand, we are not saying don't call balks. This call most likely will be the most controversial decision an umpire will make in any close game. What we want to emphasize is...when you call a balk you must be 100% certain you saw a balk. You will actively generate this call. You could be considered as part of the actual offense because you now have moved runners up into scoring position.

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How severe is the violation?Is one team placed at a distinct disadvantage.Can the catcher solve the issue?Never call any violation you have allowed to go unnoticed in an earlier innings to now become an issue.Good coaches use pick off moves to hold runners, not so much as to get a pick-off.The chart shows the frequency of balk calls in MLB over the years.

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Four violations we must recognize and enforce are:Failing to step and gain ground toward an occupied base or unoccupied baseA snap throw followed by a stepFailing to complete the pitch after engaging the batter with arm movementNo discernible stop

If your level of experience is only these four simple violations, then let that be your baseline for calling a balk. You owe it to your future crew members and playing teams to better understand pitching requirements. Expand your call range as you better understand the rules and gather mental photos of other balk moves. We all should know within NFHS rules, a balk is not considered a pitch. Therefore any action which occurred after the time of the pitch is disallowed. The ball is dead immediately(R 5.1.1k).The offense does not have the option to take the penalty or play.

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Example.You have called a balk. Call “TIME”. Hold up your arm, pointing at the pitcher, say “THAT IS A BALK.” Motion to the lead runner to advance, followed by the other runners.

What happens next? The defensive coach is heading out to face you. You studied the rules, you are 100% sure of the call. Have confidence in yourself and your call. You should have no second thoughts.

Reactions you should expect from coaches.“We have been doing that move all year!”“You’re killing me!”“That's terrible! You are killing my boys!”Pointing to the dirt where the pitcher's foot was. Lots of arm movement/leg lift like a pitcher.He wants you to ask for help.Then expect to hear from the fans, “You are the worst umpire ever!”

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Pre-game the balk responsibilities with your partner. Who is watching what part of the body? Keep the coach’s face toward the fans during your discussion.Have a signal for your partner to step-in, such as you walkingaway.Say only a simple one sentence answer to the coach’sfirst question. Carl Childress once said, “the only balk which can be protested is when the umpire continues to talk and puts his foot in his mouth with an improper rule explanation.”Take the hands-on-knee stance after the pitcher has committed to pitch.Know where the ball is at all times. If you think your plate man might be confused over the location of the pivot foot, show the “off the rubber signal.” Be proactive. Mentally run a scenario. Is this a good time for a pick-off?Do not be the one picked-off by not being aware of when pitching restrictions start.Be sure the ball is live by the plate umpire signaling “play” if it entered a dead ball area.

Unfortunately, Federation baseball is the only sport where a coach comes onto the playing surface and voices his displeasure about a call. NFHS has no rule provision which allows this to happen. We as umpires allow this to happen too often. NCAA has made this a major point of emphasis since 2012. A coach’s behavior will be a NFHS point of emphasis for the 2014 season.

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Never walk toward the coach—allow him to come to you. If he gets in your face, never point a finger or put your arms across your chest nor on your hips. All are signs of aggression.Never draw in the dirt! Never offer a physical display of the move. Never call your partner over for his opinion. This clearly shows your doubt. Remember you followed the rule—never call a balk unless 100% sure.Never offer an explanation of what the move was unless asked. Then make it a simple one-liner explanation such as “player did not step to first.” Never respond to the coach’s second question. He wants the argument to continue.Never allow him to be offensive or abusive.Never allow a coach to have a mound conference with his pitcher after the call unless he is charged. A brief statement or walking by the mound is not a conference.Never allow anyone to come out of the dugout and argue the call if a coach has been restricted prior to the call. He is only allowed outside the dugout to assist an injured player.Never discuss a prior game balk call at your pre-game plate meeting.

After you have allowed about one minute for the coach to vent, firmly state, “THE CALL STANDS! LET’S PLAY BALL”. Move away from him. However, if the coach heads towards your partner (who should have moved closer to you to help defuse the situation if it got ugly), he should get a similar response to yours—”LET’S PLAY BALL!”

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There are only two recognized pitching positions, the windup and the set position. Each has their own requirements. The restrictions start in either position when the pitcher intentionally takes his signs from the pitcher’s plate. He must take the catcher's signal from the plate.

Rationale. The location of the pitcher’s feet shows if he is going to use the windup or set restrictions AND what his next required actions most be. How many times have you seen a pitcher show the windup position to take his signal then start to go to a set position only to make a pick-off move to first base without first disengaging the plate? This would be illegal (CS 6.1.3.k).

Windupposition

Set position

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The pitcher is not restricted how he shall hold the ball. Stand shoulders square to the batter is not required in NFHS (2014 interpretation sit #6). F1 is required to face the batter.

Three accepted locations of the pitcher’s hands:Both hands at his sideHands together in front of his bodyEither hand at side and the other hand in front of his body

He is allowed from all three locations to bring his hands together, momentarily come to a stop to adjust the ball, to disengage the plate or to continue with his pitching motion. If he steps onto the pitcher’s plate with both hands apart, when he begins to move both hands simultaneously, that is the start of a pitch.

Prior to movements of the arms and legs not associated with his habitual pitching motion, he can remove his cap, shake-off a sign with his glove, and even roll his shoulders. These are considered arm movements not associated with the pitch and not engaging the batter.

Head movement is never restricted. The rule states any arm, hip, or leg movement toward the plate which is naturally associated with his pitching motion has committed him to complete the pitch in one continuous uninterrupted motion because he now has engaged the batter. See Time of Pitch 10

Windup Position

Batter engagement is at the discretion of the umpire. Ask yourself the following:

Was the pitcher's actions an intent to deceive the batter or the runner? Did they place the other team at an unfair disadvantage? UNFAIR ADVANTAGE IS THE KEY TO THE ENTIRE BALK RULE.

To exit the windup position once the restrictions are in place, F1 needs to disengage the rubber with his pivot foot prior to separation of his hands and prior to any arm, hip, or leg motion to the plate (CS 6.1.1.d). NFHS does not allow a pitcher to make any move to a base as long as the pitcher is in the windup position on the rubber, even if he has not engaged the batter. With his feet in the windup position, the pitcher may only deliver a pitch or step backward off the pitcher's plate (R 6.1).

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NFHS regulations in the windup allows the pitcher’s pivot foot to be anywhere on the plate, even partially off the end just so it is in contact with the plate. 2013 point of emphasis. It could not be entirely in front of or parallel to the pitcher’s plate.It is acceptable for just both heels only to be touching the plate.

Rationale. Disallowing the Windup hybrid prevents the pitcher from gaining an advantage over a runner. As umpires, realize with no runners on base, the best way to handle a hybrid windup is to catch it early (even between innings), letting the catcher relay what you want F1 to do with his non-pivot foot. Avoid calling an illegal pitch.

IllegalNon pivot in front of line

LegalOnly pivot must touch

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The non pivot foot must be on or behind the front edge of the line—extended indefinitely through the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher in his delivery to the batter may lift the free foot in one step backwards or sideways and one step forward. Allowing the pitcher to take a signal with the free foot entirely in front of the pitching plate is an illegal hybrid stance.His free foot can start outside the 24” plate as long as it is not in front of the plate. He is not required to have it directly behind the plate. The windup is fairly straightforward and should not cause much trouble.Once the pitcher engages the batter and arm/leg restrictions apply, he must disengage the plate in order to throw to a base.If hands are together and he has engaged the batter, he must complete the pitch to the batter or step back off the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot prior to separating his hands.

LegalHas engaged the batter. Non pivot can be on or behind the front edge of a line.

IllegalFree foot is In front of line.

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Unlike the windup, F1 is restricted in the set position as to how he can hold the baseball. It must be in either in his pitching hand or his glove. The pitching hand must be down at his side or behind his back when he takes the sign. When starting to take the signs and he has not engaged the batter, F1 should be allowed to bend at the waist, some fidgeting, or take a deep breath. He is not attempting to conceal the ball. Pitching restrictions start when F1 toes the rubber and engages the batter.

Example. If F1 allowed his glove arm to rest on his thigh and his pitching hand to get concealed in his abdominal area, this is too close. It's a balk.

It is commonly accepted taking the signs is one of the first acts of engaging the batter.

Rationale. NFHS wants any runner to be able to see the hand separation when the pitcher contacts the rubber and engages the batter.

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The entire pivot foot must be in contact (not partially off) with and parallel to the plate. The entire foot touching the plate or entire foot parallel to and in front of the plate and not at a 45 degree angle. F1 is allowed to have his pivot in contact with the plate when he makes a legal throw/feint to an occupied base.The pitcher is allowed to make a jump turn toward an occupied base.

Rationale. NFHS for 2014 wants the entire pivot touching the pitcher’s plate to clearly distinguish it from the windup position.

IllegalEntire foot is not on the plate.

LegalEntire foot is on or parallel the plate.

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Must be in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate. The free foot is not required at any time to be within the 24” plane of the plate (CS 6.1.3a). Many coaches teach the pitcher to come set with an open stance. The pitcher is committed upon raising the lead leg to throw to one of the four bases in a continuous stepping toward that base.

IllegalEntire pivot is notin contact with the plate.

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Windup Position

Illegal

The pitcher’s non-pivot foot shall be in any position on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate.

Legal

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Set Position

Illegal

The ENTIRE pivot foot must be in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher's plate.

Legal

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The stretch is considered the start of the pitching motion. Allow the pitcher some creativity in customizing his stretch style. It must be done in one continuous uninterrupted movement, coming to a complete and discernible stop with his glove at or below his chin. The stretch is not required prior to his delivery. Only a stop is required.

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Once the pitcher assumes the correct set stance, he then needs to come to a set position in order to complete the pitch to the batter. He does this by holding the ball with both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete and discernible stop. The method he uses to get his arms from his side together(required in NFHS) in front of his body is through what is loosely called “the stretch.” Once F1 has come set with hands together, he has committed to three options: 1. Pitch2. Throw/feint to a base3. Step backward off the plateFrom the windup he has 2 options: 1. Pitch 2 Step back off the pitcher’s plate

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Bottom of glove is at the pitcher’s eye level or so, depending on his head movement. A well trained right-handed pitcher will hold the glove high to lessen the exit time on a pick off. Definitely does not mean top of glove below the chin.

LegalCould even be higher than shown below.

Illegal in NFHS21

When this happens, the pitcher is required to pitch to the batter or make a throw or feint to second. It is a balk to throw to first or third. Sometimes we only think of this as a left-hander's restriction but it applies as well to a right-hander going to third. NFHS requires the entire free foot terminology and no wording such as “any part of the stride leg” is referred to.

NOTE. The pitcher is allowed to curl his body and throw to a base as long as the entire free foot does not break the back plane of the rubber

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Requires the pitcher to disengage the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot by stepping back within or partially inside the 24” diameter of plate with is pivot foot. He now has the status of an infielder and overthrows to dead ball area are awarded as such. A slide shift to the side of the plate is not disengaging the pitcher’s plate. No slide move should be allowed. Right-handed pitcher must lift his pivot foot prior to his release or simultaneously with his release lifting of the non-pivot foot) on a move to first base ( left handed to third base); otherwise, it is a balk. From the windup position it is considered deceptive and a balk if his free foot’s heel is off the ground allowing it to touch the ground prior to his pivot foot being removed while disengaging to make a play. Do not allow this. The pitcher has gained a distinct advantage over the runner. This will happen while the pitcher is in the windup position with a runner on third and a steal of home plate.Plate umpire must stay engaged. It shows up easily on game film.

NOTE: Watch out for the batter hitting the pitcher’s throw to home verses a pitch to home plate.

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Restrictions associated with the pitching motion begin the moment the pitcher intentionally contacts the plate. Arm movement associated with his pitch is always considered engaging the batter. Removing his cap, or shaking off a pitch are allowed because they are not his natural pitching motions. The Case Book points out the pitcher, in the act of taking his signs, has engaged the batter and a moving, swinging gorilla arm, nervously tossing the ball from hand to glove, or even removing the ball from his glove after taking the catcher’s signal (CS 6.1.3d) all are balks. They are not one continuous without an interrupted movement to the batter. The pitcher is allowed to disengage the plate at any point in his stretch motion as long as he does not stop his continuous motion or break his hands apart before he has placed his pivot feet on the ground behind the rubber. The rules requires any part of the pivot foot to contact ground prior to hand separation, in practice umpires permit a simultaneous step off and separate.

Rationale. NFHS arm/leg movement associated with his habitual pitching position, commits the pitcher to deliver the pitch (CS 6.1.2g). There is no opportunity within the Windup to disengage after the time of pitch has elapsed and start anew.

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Windup time of pitch is when F1 begins the arm/leg motions committing him to pitch. Set position time of pitch is arm movement after he has come to a stop. Time of pitch is important for placement of runners after a violation such as interference or delayed steal(R 2.28.3).

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Snapping a throw when followed by a step to the base is a balk. The pitcher is allowed to make a jump turn toward an occupied base provided his stepping toward the base precedes or is simultaneous with his release or feint to the base he is throwing to. The pitcher on any move to a base is never allowed to place his free foot down in the same spot it started from. It's considered a balk if his free foot does not step towards and gains ground to the base the ball is being thrown towards prior to or simultaneously with his release (CS 6.1.3i). The common phrase is F1 “must step ahead of the throw.” The pitcher, with the snap throw, will often disengage with his pivot foot then snap a throw NOT gaining ground. This is not a balk. Why? Remember pitching regulations start when he intentionally engages the plate. It would be a balk to snap the throw and then move the foot as an afterthought. After the pitcher has placed his pivot foot on the ground clearly behind the plate, he then has the right to throw or feint to a base the same as any other fielder (R 6.1.3) (See Overthrows slide for status of the ball)

WHAT’S WRONG IN THIS PICTURE?Balk! No step with the release. No ground gained.

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Snap throw to second base.

F1 is allowed, while his foot is on the pitcher’s plate, to feint a throw to an occupied base other than first. Feinting does not require arm movement. It could be shoulder movement. NFHS requires that whatever motion is used, as long as the pitcher's pivot foot is in contact with the plate, he must step toward the base even if the throw is not completed. Remember these restrictions:

F1 can feint to an occupied second or third if he steps ahead of the throw.On the plate—no feint to home or first.Off the plate can feint to any base as long as it is not his pitching motion.

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Flexing of either leg before stepping or throwing to first base or any base is illegal.Watch for either leg to buckle at the knee prior to the pitcher’s turning to throw to a base. The leg flex of the non-pivot foot is the most concealed and difficult move to discern and still be 100% sure you have a balk. NFHS does not mention a premature leg flex as being illegal. It is generally accepted as such. The interpretation comes from NCAA and OBR baseball. The only way to teach that it’s a balk is through video. New umpires, at least until their fourth season, should avoid this call.

Note: The jump turn move to first is often accompanied first by the illegal leg flex.

Illegal Note the back leg buckle before the step. Pivot foot still on pitcher’s plate. Hands apart before pivot disengaged. Clearly has frozen the base runner. Base runner has big secondary and was going on that heel move which required F1 to deliver the ball to home plate.

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NFHS does not require the pitcher to separate his hands when off the plate. Contrary to popular belief, F1 is also allowed to establish initial contact with the plate having his hands already together. Doing so immediately restricts his next arm movement. (CS.6.1.2f). The pitching regulations start when he intentionally contacts the plate (CS.6.1.3e), but if he engages the plate with his hands together, in order not to deceive a runner, he is not allowed to break them unless he first disengages the plate or delivers a pitch with a continuous motion.NCAA/OBR will allow a pitcher to step on the plate with his hands together, then drop his pitching arm as he is about to take his signals. NFHS does not (CS 6.1.2f). Review what he can do with hands together and on the plate:

Windup positionStep back/disengageDeliver the pitch

Set positionStep back/disengageDeliver the pitchThrow to an occupied base

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On a spin move toward an occupied second base, the pitcher must with the free leg lift immediately and with a continuous motion step toward the base. He cannot get hung up in midair causing a leg pause, then continue the motion. A right-handed pitcher is allowed with R1 and R2 on first and second base to spin move toward second.Watch this on right-hander to third and a left-hander to first. If the pitcher does a spin move to second and both feet are still on the home plate side of the plate after his throw, he did not gain ground. This would be an illegal move.

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This move does not require the pitcher to disengage the pitcher’s plate prior to his release. He may turn on his pivot foot in front of the pitcher’s plate and perform a jump turn (R 6.1.3). The move is legal provided the pitcher:

His non-pivot must step toward the base and he must gain ground and not land in his original footprint.The throw must be timed with his non-pivot foot touching the ground prior to or simultaneously with his release.He made no prior arm/leg movement to the batter.

The pitcher is also not required to:Come to a discernible stop prior to his throw.He can feint to the base if he is clearly off the plate.He is not required to land with either foot behind the pitcher’s plate.

NOTE: PU should consider any overthrow by the pitcher as being in contact with the pitching plate if his pivot foot lands in front of the pitcher’s plate; otherwise status is that of a fielder. The plate umpire must be on the lookout for a premature leg flex on this move.

NFHS will allow the pitcher to turn his shoulder toward first or third either abruptly or subtlety during or after stretching prior to bring his hands together (CS.6.1.1j). Prior to his hands coming together, the pitcher is allowed to turn his shoulders and have open hips to first base. He is not allowed to reopen his shoulder once his hands come together (CS.6.1.1j). This means if the pitcher starts in a wide open stance he is not allowed to swing his shoulder wider. It would be deceiving the runner. For all practical purposes, this is rarely called. This is a very advanced pitching move. Allow the pitcher some subtle movement such as fidgeting but not a shoulder twitch to drive back a runner. Again, head movement is never restricted.

LegalHands together. Pitcher cannot open shoulder to base.

LegalCan open shoulder.

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Nothing in NFHS rules mention a 45-degree angle, only the pitcher must step toward the base. NFHS interprets the meaning of DIRECTLY as being within a 45-degree angle measured as an angle from the center of the pitcher’s plate and ½ way between home and first base (CS 6.2.4b).The pitcher’s pivot foot must be within the angle and toward the base he is throwing. A favored trick is to short-step with the non-pivot foot, then “run into the throw” or “crow hop” with his pivot foot giving the an illusion that his movement is legal. Some applications recently have been looking at the pitcher’s front hip movement, seeing if the first move was to the batter, then (redirect the free foot back) toward the base. All rulings agree the initial movement determines where he (has to) shall throw. DISTANCE must be gained and DIRECTION must be to that base. Federation gives us little guidance on this other than saying ,“the pitcher while touching the pitcher's plate must step toward the base, preceding or simultaneous with any move toward that base.” OBR has started to strictly enforce stepping directly toward the base, otherwise; they say it was an attempt to deceive the runner. Former AL umpire, Jim Evans, said it best, “the pitcher is not stepping more toward a different base than the one to which he is throwing.” Umpires should look for at least three things:

1. Was any daylight seen between the pitcher’s legs?2. Was more ground gained toward first base than the plate?3. Did he step ahead of the throw?

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No restrictions apply about throwing to an unoccupied base if F1 is off the pitcher’s plate other than the 20 second rule to pitch, feint, make a play or appeal. F1 can in some situations make a play to an unoccupied base while in contact with the plate as long as he stays within his guidelines and has not started his delivery to home. What he is not allowed to do is throw/feint to a base in an attempt to confuse a runner who is not trying to advance.

F1 would be allowed to throw/feint ahead of the runner if these conditions exist:The base runner must have shown an attempt to advance. A bluff is not an advance (CS 6.2.4.b).The fielder is in the proximity of the base. Proximity is an umpire judgment call. NFHS would allow proximity to mean a throw even to the shortstop.Umpire judges that it is reasonable to believe F1 thought he had a play at the unoccupied base.

Exception. F1 is never allowed to throw to the proximity of first base. Any throw to first must be directly toward the bag and not the location of the fielder (CB 6.2.4.J.). Legal if runner is stealing.

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Remember the cardinal rules: step before the throw, gain ground to the throwing base and gain direction toward that base. It is not a balk if a timing play is on and the infielder does not get there quickly enough and the pitcher, realizing this, steps and throws to the fielder as long as the fielder is in the immediate proximity of the base and has the possibility of making the tag. It would be a balk if in the umpires judgment there was no possible play available and the pitcher completed the throw just to avoid a balk.

Exception. Same as for unoccupied base, the pitcher is never allowed to throw to the proximity of first base. Any throw to first must be directly toward the bag and not the location of the fielder. (CB-6.2.4.J.)

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Common pick-off move with runners on third and first base only, in which the pitcher feints a throw to third base before attempting a pick off at first base. Never allow the pitcher to start this move from the windup position without first disengaging the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot. 2014 NFHS rules still allow this move as long as the pitcher:

The step must be more toward third than to home.If he feints the throw to third , he must step ahead of the feint.He is not required in NFHS to disengage the plate on his spin move to first. If he does not, he cannot feint to first base.

The pitcher must step ahead of the throw. PU has the responsibility to see if F1 disengaged the plate.

This is illegal move by the pitcher to catch a batter off guard. It has nothing to do with F1 going rapidly through his habitual pitching motion. The pitcher may speed up or slow down the delivery but must continue to use a normal pitching sequence and arm action.

Example. F1 starts from the windup with R1 on first. R1 sees this and breaks for second. There is nothing wrong with F1 going quickly through his motions as long as he follows the pitching rules.

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LegalAs long as the arm remains motionless.

This move refers to the pitcher leaning deeply at the waist and allowing his pitching arm to swing forwards and backwards like an ape. It is illegal. A runner is at a distinct disadvantage (CS 6.1.3.p). He cannot time his secondary lead. The pitcher taking his signs has engaged the batter. NFHS disallows this move with or without the baseball as illegal once the pitcher has engaged the pitcher’s plate. The stance is legal as long as the arm remains relatively still and the batter and runners are able to see the ball (NFHS 2010. Hopkins).

NOTE. While on the pitcher’s plate watch for an arm dangling with the ball in the glove. F1 takes ball out of the glove and comes set—BALK! It is ok to bring free hand into the glove (hands together) leaving it there and then go onto a set position. Best way to handle a gorilla stance is just like the hybrid, allow F2 to relay your “don’t do that” message to the pitcher.

Rationale. NFHS considers a dangling arm as being by the pitcher’s side. Any arm movement NFHS considers to be a pitching motion.

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The pitcher when intentionally in contact with the plate from the windup or set position cannot go to his mouth. It is a ball with no runners on base and a balk with runners on base.Engaging the batter or habitual pitching position has nothing to do with NFHS thinking about the hand to the mouth. (R6.2.1e) Cold Weather. Determine at pre-game plate conference if both teams wish to allow the pitcher to blow on his hands astride or on the rubber and if more warm up pitches should be allowed.

NOTE. Do not send the catcher out to relay the message. Avoid calling an illegal pitcher.

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Nothing if not in contact with pitcher’s plate. Nothing if no runners on base, pitcher in contact with the plate and the ball does not cross the foul line.If the ball does cross the foul line it is a ball. It is called a balk if runners on base.

Note. Once the pitcher has started his delivery to the batter, and it slips out with his arm motion to the plate, it is considered a pitch and is always called a ball if it crosses the foul line. If not released, after arm motion, with runners, it is a balk.

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This is not illegal. He must face the batter as either a right hander or left hander and not switch after one pitch is made. The batter can at any time switch hit but the pitcher is locked in until the batter is put out, replaced or the inning is ended. (CS 6.1.1f) The pitcher can never try and deceive a runner by pretending to have a left foot as his pivot foot when he is going to address the batter as a right handed pitcher. The pitching hand determines the pitching foot.An ambidextrous pitcher is considered one pitcher, not two for the purpose of reentry and pitching limitations.If an ambidextrous pitcher, claiming injury, wishes to switch during the batter’s at bat, he will not be given preparatory warm up pitches nor will he be allowed to pitch with the “injured” arm/hand at any time during that game.

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F1 with runners on base can do nothing which is intended to deceive a runner or batter within five feet of the rubber without the ball. He can be on the dirt. Hidden ball play can never be done after the ball becomes dead.

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This is a game management issue. The pitcher may not unnecessarily delay the game (R 6.2.2).The pitcher is required (within 20 seconds) to deliver a pitch or make a play /feint within 20 seconds after he receives the ball, with or without runners. Do not allow a batter to cause the pace of play to slow. A batter once he enters the box is required to keep one foot in the box during his time at bat (8 exceptions). Count pitches between innings.Do not balk a pitcher when there is confusion about the batter being in the box. See Policy Guide handbook for CUA Pilot Program guidelines.

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Pitching limitation points to remember include (R 6.2.2):Deduct pitches if bull pen pitcher is slow to exist bullpen.NFHS allows a coach multiple visits to pitcher with same batter as long as coach has remaining conferences.Any starter can return to pitch once in same inning.Any starter removed and returning is considered a relief pitcher. He gets eight(8) pitches not five (CS 6.2.2c).Any pitcher replaced and his relief pitcher takes more than eight (8) pitches precludes his return as pitcher even if because of injury or weather. More than eight, no return(R 3.1.2).Prior to the start of the game, pitchers are not allowed to use the mound to warm up. Bullpen mound only.A relief pitcher warming up is NOT the pitcher of record until the ball is put in play. This player in NFHS baseball is not required to pitch to the first batter. When in doubt, write everything in your lineup card.

Pitching eligibility restrictionsEasiest NFHS rule to remember—don’t know and don’t care. It’s outside umpire duties (R6.1.6b) but a Protest of pitching eligibility is not. 44

If you are aware of rivalry or bad blood between the two teams be sure you pre- game this with your partner. Examples of throwing at a batter:

A pitcher who has had control throughout the game suddenly gets roughed up by the top of the order and the next pitch is high and tight. This may not be an accident. Pitcher is replaced after a home run. The first pitch is high and tight. This may not be an accident. Both of these situations may call for immediate pitcher ejection with a warming to both coaches. Do not tell offensive team’s coach, “do not retaliate.”

Crew chief needs to call assignor after the contest and include detailed information in his game report.

NOTE. Plate Umpire must be aware there is a difference in pitching close to the batter verses throwing at the batter.

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Example of simply an inside pitch. Note batter is very close to the plate. No warning given.

Called illegal pitches if he pitches the pitch—spitting on the ball, putting dirt or rosin on the ball, defacing the ball. Some infractions such as applying a foreign substance can lead to ejection from the game. The pitcher should be ejected without warning if you locate a foreign supply source on his body, uniform or equipment which could give him a distinct advantage. An illegal pitch in NFHS is always a dead ball (R 5.1.1k). The coach has no option to take the penalty or play.

Prior to delivery, there is no penalty, just correct: band aid, tape, sweat band on the pitching hand or wrist. Wearing a batting glove under his glove hand is actually illegal. White or gray glove, tape on his glove or anything the umpire determines to be distracting to the batter. All of these infractions should observed and corrected during pitcher’s warm up. A batting helmet may be worn in place of a cap as long as it is not glossy. It does not require NFHS labels.

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Glove. Must not include the color white or gray. There are several pantone shades of white. Remove any extended dangling laces. They serve no purpose other than to distract the batter. Multi color glove is legal.Sleeve. if the pitcher wears a sleeve extending below the elbow on his pitching arm, it must not be white, gray or deemed not distracting. Note: he may wear a white or gray sleeve; but not below his elbow.Compression. NFHS 2014 rule interpretation provides the pitcher may not wear a white or gray compression type sleeve extending from his bicep to his wrist on his non-throwing arm. He is NOT required to wear sleeves on both arms.Vest Type Jersey. Viewed as a type of uniform top and not an undergarment. If the team has a white or grey top that extends below the elbow, it is permissible for the pitcher to wear a color different than the rest of the team. ( inter. Hopkins, 2009).Undergarment Sleeves. Need not be same color as other team members and do not have to match but must be of same length and not frayed. Never white, grey nor distracting to the batter.Sweat band, tape or band aid. Not to be displayed on the pitching arm/hand. Leal on other arm as long as it is not white, gray nor deemed not distracting to the batter. UIC will decide what is distracting. Note: wrist play band is legal on non-throwing arm as long as it is neither distracting nor game delaying.Jacket. Pitcher may only wear a jacket while on offense, never on the defense.CUA Pilot Program. Reference Policy Guide handbook for penalty. Never allow the game to be delayed while the situation is being fixed. vest jersey

Questions?

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Intellectual content the property of Carolina Umpire Association. Prepared for CUA by E.R. “Dusty” Rhodes. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Supervisor,” at gary_swanson@hotmail.com.

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FINAL THOUGHTPitching regulations are placed in the rules to prevent the pitcher from having an unfair advantage over the other team. Our allowing him this advantage by not enforcing the regulations will easily make the pitcher the dominant player in control of the game. Learn the regulations. It's like Hall of Fame Umpire, Doug Harvey was credited with saying...”we are expected to be perfect when we start and then to get better.” see a balk....call a balk. ................. Have a good season!

credits to various NCAA, NFHS web sites                                                                                                                 credit to...”rules of Carl Childress baseball”