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Points of Emphasis

Malicious Contact - While not a new topic, malicious contact registers as the third most discussed Point of Emphasis (POE) behind good sporting behavior and pitching restrictions. Malicious contact was a POE in 2006-2008 and also in 2014. The frequency of emphasis is not surprising. It is a topic that begs for a complete and understandable definition, but is unable to find one that captures every possible scenario. The majority of intentional collisions occur at home plate when the catcher is attempting to make a play on a base runner. Conventional wisdom from past NFHS Baseball Rules Committees would say that malicious contact can be initiated (and penalized) by either the offensive or defensive player(s), and that incidental contact is expected in baseball. An example is the infrequent but dramatic “train wreck” play, where the thrown ball, the fielder and the runner meet at the same time. It is always a violent convergence, but not intentional, nor is anyone trying to hurt the other. It is just a normal baseball play.
Contact or a collision is considered to be malicious if (1) the contact is the result of intentional excessive force, and/or (2) there is intent to injure. The absence of these two conditions does not preclude the presence of malicious contact but would provide a reasonable starting point for proper interpretation. Rules guidance can be found in Rules 2, 3, 5, 8, Dead Ball Table and Base Running Awards Table. The NFHS rules code is education-based not only for the coaches and players, but for the umpires as well. Umpires should have the flexibility to judge witnessed contact as malicious or not. Their judgment should not be removed by rule but enhanced by education, video review, umpire board/chapter training, game experience and field locations/mechanics.
Profanity (Direct or Indirect) - Education-based athletics is a direct extension of the classroom. When the educational component is removed, then everything changes, and it becomes a completely different game, devoid of accountability and structure. A student who blurts out a profanity either toward someone or simply out of frustration in school would be disciplined by the classroom teacher or the building principal. There is no excuse for foul language in school or on the baseball field. Regardless of what is portrayed at other levels, this is not acceptable and should be addressed by the umpire(s). The rule support for this behavior is clear, the penalties are: (1) a verbal warning to the offender, (2) issuance of a written warning to the offender which warrants being restricted to the bench/dugout for the remainder of the game, or (3) eject the offender for a major offense. The Bench and Field Conduct Section (NFHS Rule 3-3-1f1-4) provides several sub-articles addressing profanity and harmful behaviors. High school sports and other activities exist to lift people up, positively challenge them and their abilities, not to demean or tear people down. The goal is to treat everyone fairly and treat each other with respect. Any language that is profane, intimidating, insulting, demeaning or hurtful will not be tolerated. Coaches, school administrators and parent groups should work together to ensure that the game creates a positive environment for all involved. Profanity spoken loud enough to be heard is profanity that needs to be dealt with immediately.
Pace of Play - High school athletics is education-based for an age group that ranges from 14 to 18 years of age. Baseball is an extension of the classroom. Unlike other sports, baseball is not “clock” driven. The average time of a high school varsity baseball game is around 2 hours and 9 minutes. At other levels of the sport, time is more crucial and has been the focus of those rules-writing organizations. At the advanced levels, some longtime existing plays and practices have been eliminated to shorten the game and in-part enhance the fan experience. High school baseball does not have these same issues and does not share the same challenges of production costs, satellite time, throngs of network media or maximizing the entertainment value or offerings for the fans. These goals are very simplistic. The NFHS encourages students to participate in high school activities, learn from play and be better citizens from playing. While high school baseball does not have overall game-time restrictions, the NFHS is cognizant that extended games are part of baseball. Baseball games can be more efficient with a focus on time and time management. Pace of play involves several factors, and the NFHS believes that giving special attention to these five areas will assist with the flow and pace of our game.
20-second Time Limit Between Pitches/Plays (6-2-2c) - This rule has been in our rule book since the late 1970s as a tool to use when the pitcher is prolonging the delivery of the pitch because of gamesmanship or overall lack of game efficiency. Past rule committees did not intend to negatively impact a game that is being played at a reasonable pace and rhythm. The rule was meant to be utilized when preventative officiating fails to provide the necessary outcome. When talking to the pitcher regarding the length of delay between each pitch, or speaking with the catcher to “nudge” the other half of the battery to pitch in a more timely manner, or mentioning to the coach at the half-inning that the game is being affected by the pitcher’s delay does not change the pitcher’s behavior, then this is a problem and would result in the penalty being applied.
Time Between Half-Innings (6-2-2 EXCEPTION) - There are a lot of moving pieces in between half-innings. By rule, the time from the last out to the next pitch is 1 minute and 20 seconds The role of the umpire is to facilitate the defense getting into place, the pitcher warming up and start the inning. There is no place for visiting with the fans or having an extended discussion with the other umpire(s).
Batter Repeatedly Stepping Out of the Batter’s Box (7-3-1) - The NFHS Rules Book is clear when the batter is allowed to step out of the batter’s box and when they cannot. It is understandable and part of the game for the batter to step out of the batter’s box to get the signal from the third base coach on how to approach the next pitch because it is very situational. The batter needs to be encouraged to get back in the batter’s box with a sense of expediency. However, repeatedly stepping out to alter the rhythm of the pitcher or delay the game is not acceptable and the penalty needs to be applied by the umpire.
Umpire’s Time Management - Time management is crucial to how the game progresses. If the umpire is not consistent in motivating both teams to get off and on the field, expedite conferences, encourage the batter from excessively stepping out of the batter’s box, this will add unnecessary delay to the contest. The umpire cannot control the skill level of the players of both teams; however, there are other areas that the umpire can positively impact the pace and speed of the game. The players’ abilities will affect the speed of the game, but the other areas that the umpire has direct control over should be monitored and utilized in creating a sense of urgency during the contests.
Excessive Player Conferences - A player conference is very different than a charged conference. The NFHS supports teammates encouraging each other and developing that camaraderie. That is part of the lesson one learns from playing a team sport. However, when team bonding becomes excessive and it begins to delay the game, then the umpire needs to step in and expedite the conclusion of the meeting.
Sportsmanship - The NFHS is concerned that unsporting behavior in education-based athletics has increased across all sports. As a result, the NFHS has made sportsmanship the No. 1 Point of Emphasis for the 2022-23 school year.  
Modified pitching rules - The pivot foot will now be the determining factor to decide if the pitcher is in the wind-up or set pitching position (6-1-1, 2, 3)  What is important is that umpires, coaches and players know what position the pitcher is using so they know which part of Rule 6 is in play.   The pitcher will be considered to be in the set position when the pivot foot is in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher will be considered to be in the windup position when the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and is not parallel to it.
Obstruction and Interference - Simply stated, obstruction is any act accidental, intentional, verbal, or physical that a fielder or any member of the defensive team (or team personnel) that hinders a runner or affects the pattern of play. Besides affecting scoring plays, obstruction can occur anywhere on the field resulting in some unsportsmanlike behaviors. That is why the penalties for obstruction are some of the sternest penalties in our rules code. Interference is very similar to obstruction; it addresses the behavior of the offensive team. It is any act, verbal or physical by the team at bat that impedes, hinders or confuses any defensive fielder attempting to make a play. There are several other types of interference: spectator, umpire, follow-through and backswing. Umpire interference is when the umpire-in-chief accidently moves in the way of the catcher’s attempt to throw or when a live ball or thrown ball touches the umpire. Spectator interference is when a spectator for either team impedes the progress of the game in any way. Follow-through interference is when the bat of the batter in the batter’s box hinders action at home plate or when the catcher is attempting to make a play on a runner. Backswing interference is when the batter contacts the catcher or the catcher's equipment prior to the pitch.
Jewelry - Jewelry in baseball was originally defined as any item on the body of the player that was not a natural part of the person. That also included medical-alert bracelets and some religious, cultural or tribunal adornments. The elimination of the jewelry rule will permit players to wear these items freely. Additionally, with that freedom to wear jewelry, please note that any jewelry that contains profanity, taunting, language to intimidate or baiting an opponent would not be allowed under our sportsmanship rule, bench and field conduct policies. Besides those examples, there is existing rule coverage that gives guidance on any player equipment that presents a danger to the player, teammate or opponent.
Usage of Eye Black - Eye black is now being used as a face decoration. Images and/or sayings are being drawn on the faces of the players to try to intimidate and/or taunt an opponent. There are existing sportsmanship rules available to mitigate any use of eye black (in any version) in an inappropriate or unfavorable way. We are hopeful that coaches direct their players to use this convenient tool in a more productive way.
Sitting on Buckets (Coaches) - Coaches, players, substitutes, attendants or other bench personnel shall not leave the dugout during live ball for any unauthorized purpose. Coaches or team personnel may not sit outside the dugout/bench on buckets or stools.
Lodged Ball Procedure - A baseball that remains on the playing field but has become wedged, stuck, lost, unreachable, is defined to be a lodged ball. If the ball impacts something, stops abruptly, and does not fall or roll immediately, it is considered lodged. We have existing rules to deal with a batted or thrown ball that enters a player’s uniform, catcher’s equipment or umpire’s equipment. However, if a ball becomes stuck in the webbing of the fielder’s glove, it remains in play. The glove/ball combination is treated as a live ball and enjoys all the benefits of a live ball.
Game Ending Procedures - Per rule, by state association adoption, a baseball game shall end when the visiting team is behind 10 or more runs after 4½ innings or after the fifth inning. However, if a state association does not adopt a game-ending procedure or by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the umpire-in-chief, any remaining play may be shortened, or the game terminated. Lopsided scores provide no educational value, increase the risk of unsportsmanlike behavior, and put undue pressure on the pitcher’s arm that would impact his/her pitch count.
Player/Designated Hitter Role - With the adoption of the changes to the designated hitter rule, teams now have three choices with respect to the use of a designated hitter in a specific game. First, a team may elect to not use a designated hitter. Such a team would have a “traditional” nine player line-up for that game. Second, a team may elect to use the same designated hitter rule that has existed for the last several decades. This option is selected when the team’s lineup card presented at the plate meeting has 10 players listed, one of whom is a designated hitter not playing defensively at the start of the game. Third, under the new change to the DH rule, a team may elect to have one player start the game as both a defensive player and designated hitter. This option is selected when the team’s lineup card presented at the plate meeting has nine players listed, one of whom has both a defensive position and “DH” written next to his name on the lineup card. If the third option is selected, a player can be substituted for the DH on defense and the starter will remain as the DH. However, if the third option is selected, the DH role is terminated if the starter is substituted for on offense. In either case, the starting defensive player/DH can re-enter if he has a re-entry remaining.
Force Play Slide Rule - Simply stated, the runner never has to slide. However, on a force play when he does slide, it must be legal and in a direct line between the two bases. A runner may slide or run in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder. The force play slide rule is in effect at second, third and home plate.
Play Lists Worn by Players - This was covered in the 2016 Season and again at our State meeting, and has come up AGAIN.  There appears to be some issues with what may and may not be done. Many coaches find benefit with the play lists and accordingly they may be used, but by NFHS Approved Rulings these play lists may only be worn on a player’s arm or wrist or placed in a pocket. They MAY NOT be worn on the belt. This has been the ruling of the NFHS for several years and has not changed.  This may seem like a petty issue, but consider that the only place on the belt where it is easily accessible is in the front, where it will stick out and possibly be struck by a pitched ball.  It then becomes part of his “person” and could result in a hit by pitch.  It will be our policy to professionally remind anyone seen wearing a play list on their belt to remove it so that play can resume.  If he does not comply, ask the coach to so instruct the player. While we do have a rule that says failure by a player to wear proper equipment after being so ordered by the umpire, shall be ejected (1-5-4 penalty). I would hope that the situation could be handled without an ejection.
The Crow Hop – It may have been in place before, but Carter Capps (MLB pitcher) has brought the “crow hop” delivery to the front page. In high school, this is illegal and should be called an illegal pitch or a balk if runners are on base. In this delivery, a pitcher releases the ball at a shorter distance than if his foot had stayed on the pitching plate.  If you want to know what a “crow hop” delivery is, please see the following video.  Crow Hop 1
 
Crow Hop 2
Flipping the Bat – Flipping the bat after a homerun in the MLB is becoming an “in” thing to do. A player after hitting a home run does the Bautista "Bat Flip". In a tournament this past weekend, a hitter flipped the bat a good 20 feet in the air, and about 30 feet away from home plate after hitting a home run. Rule 3-3-1c addresses this issue: a team warning if the bat is carelessly thrown and an ejection if the bat is deliberately thrown. This is a safety issue foremost, but also a sportsmanship issue. Whether it is meant to be “showing up” the opposing team or not, it will be taken that way by someone and the game could easily be impacted.

PLAY: With two on and down by three, the batter hits a homerun to tie the game. He flips his bat high in the air and the umpire immediately calls him out, for out number two, negates his run, and ejects him.  RULING: This is a delayed-dead ball situation. After all runs have scored, the batter will be ejected and replaced in the lineup. The game continues tied.

Also, look at Casebook Play 3.3.1CC as it addresses this as well.


Pitcher with Dirt in his Back Pocket – On an all turf field, the pitching staff has started carrying “dirt” in their back pocket, and while off the pitching plate, put their hand in that pocket and get a little dirt before gripping the ball for the next pitch. Now, getting a little dirt from the mound to dry off a hand is certainly okay.  In this case, what the pitcher is doing is not allowed for two reasons. One, this “dirt” is not available to the pitcher from the opposing team, and two, while unlikely, the opportunity for a special substance to be in the dirt does exist. Ask the team to put a rosin bag out on the mound and both pitchers can use it.  

Painted Bats – Many manufactures are providing, at time of bat’s manufacture, a team to order the bat to be painted in a special color, like the school colors, or a certain design, or with the player’s name on the bat.  If this is done by the manufacture, and we can still see the BBCOR logo as well as bat length, weight, and diameter, it is legal. If any of the important information on the bat is covered up and cannot be seen by the umpire, it is an illegal bat. Painting post production, i.e., someone painting the bat themselves is also illegal.


Runner at First Base – Several times this past week, we had a runner at first base take his lead, not towards second, but towards the pitching mound, in a direct line from the pitcher to the bag. In essence this is blocking the first baseman’s view to first and making a pickoff difficult. This was a popular strategy three decades ago, and an Approved Ruling made it illegal and the strategy died off. It is considered to be interference and the runner is to be called out when he assumes this leadoff position. Casebook Play 8.4.2F“In the opinion of the umpire, R1, while leading off first base, moves up to the front of the baseline, thus effectively screening the first baseman from the ball on an attempted pickoff. RULING: R1 shall be called out for interference. COMMENT: If this is not ruled to be interference, the runner gains an advantage.
Substitution Play – Is this substitution play legal? PLAY: A pinch-hitter is used for the catcher. The pinch hitter safely reaches first base. At this point, the coach re-enters the starting catcher to run for the pinch-hitter. The coach then uses a courtesy runner for the catcher.  RULING: This is legal. The pinch hitter is now done for the game, and the catcher has had his one re-entry allowed by rule.
Pitcher Being The Designated Hitter For Himself – There have been several instances this past week where a coach attempted, and even insisted that is was legal, for his pitcher to DH for himself. That is NOT the high school rule. Starting defensive players, by NFHS rule, cannot be the Designated Hitter. One coach convinced the umpiring crew by showing them a NCAA laminated DH card. Another coach showed the umpires a copy of the rule, but what he had was a rulebook from a state that does not play by NFHS rules. Be professional and courteous, but do not allow a coach to use any of his defensive players to DH for themselves or another defensive player.
Pitcher “White” Eye Black – There was a game where the pitcher came out to pitch wearing white eye-black. The opposing coach protested so enthusiastically that he got to watch the balance of the game from the bench. The umpires allowed it but were not sure if that was correct. We have no rule that mandates a specific color or pattern. It can be pencil thin, or cover the entire face. It can be in the shape of batwings and have a saying on them. As long as the shape and words are not unsportsmanlike, profane, meant to intimidate, embarrass an opponent, or used as a form of taunting or baiting, we have no issue. As to color, we have no restriction on the color provided the color and shape do not cause a distraction for or a glare on the batter. As always, that determination is the plate umpire’s judgment.
When Lineups Become Legal – The lineups were turned in at the plate conference with #3 and #4 batting in those respective spots in the lineup. In the bottom of the inning, the two players switch (by accident or not) spots in the lineup. The plate umpire noticed it, but neither team did until the bottom of the next inning when the home team became aware when the wrong batter was at the plate. The argument evolved like this: “Mr. Umpire, if you caught it you should have called them out; they should be ejected; the lineup is set after once through the batting order, so it is now legal.” Very innovative points but unfortunately all the coach gets for them is some respect for his quick thinking. First, with regard to the batting out of order rule, if a batter is at bat and is batting out of order, either team may bring it up and we simply put the proper batter at bat. If the improper batter gets on base or gets out, only the defense may appeal before the next pitch, illegal pitch, play/attempted play, etc. At no time, with regard to batting out of order, does the plate umpire take action other than to enforce the rule when it is properly brought to his attention. The lineup does not become “set” after the batting order has made it all the way around back to the leadoff batter. The lineup becomes official at the plate conference, when both coaches exchange them and then, the lineups are verified and accepted by the plate umpire. At that time, the lineups are official and any change after must be done in accordance with the substitution rule.
Infielders Warming up to Pitch – It is becoming popular with coaches, to toss a ball to an infielder (intent is to get the player ready to pitch in the game) while the coach is at the mound having a conference with the pitcher and other players. This is not PERMISSABLE. If we have a new infielder in the game, he most certainly may take some grounders and throws to first. But to have infielders already in the game throw is not allowed. One, the infielder should be warm enough for play, and two, when a player is warming up to pitch, he throws differently and eventually harder than just a player warming up. Before the NFHS ruled on this, there had been “throws” get away and into opposing players etc. with some injuries and a lot of disapproval. This is one of the reasons we have re-entry in the high school game. A coach can take him out for the purpose of getting him ready to pitch and later re-enter him, or have him warm up while the team is on offense. So, bottom line, it is not allowed. We had a coach (wish we had more like him) who wanted to know the rule, call one chapter to ask and they told him it was not allowed, and then he called another chapter he knew who said “no problem,” they allowed it all the time.
Drones – There was a game recently where a drone glided over the field and settled about twenty feet above the mound. It indeed was rather distracting to all. For both the UIL and TAPPS, drones shall not be used during any scrimmage or game. If a drone is over the field, the game is to be stopped until the drone leaves the area over the field and stands and parking. It has helped in other games with a drone present, to have the Public Address Announcer make an announcement that it is not legal for a drone to be over the field and that the game will not resume until it has left. Please file a game incident report if you are visited by a drone (or UFO for that matter).
Brawl Situation – After a spectacular catch in the outfield and a monstrous throw to home to tag the advancing runner out for the third out, the team on the first base side comes out to congratulate the outfielder as he comes off the field. As the batter walks back to his dugout he passes the pitcher, shoulders are brushed, and the two commence to “mix it up.” All other players turn to watch but stay where they are located. (Great job by the assistant coaches). The pitcher and the batter are ejected from the rest of the contest. The defensive team’s coach wants all the players on the other team who are outside of the dugout also ejected for being there during a fight. Our rule states a player may not leave the dugout during a live ball for an unauthorized purpose. Provided all that the players were doing was congratulating their own players and team, they have violated no rule as the ball is not in play. When the fight started, they did not leave that position they were in on the field during the altercation. No ejections should be made to the other players.
 
 
 
 
Chapter Secratary:
 
Jaime Rojo
915-433-9994
 
 
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