The Volunteer Little League®

Little League ® Umpire Clinic Presentation You Make The Call!! NEW RULES - 2019

Review of changes and recent interpretations Regulation VI(d) Note

Divisions: All Divisions of Baseball and Challenger

NOTE: Under no circumstances shall a player in three (3) consecutive days.

Summary: This restricts a player from pitching in three consecutive days in Regular Season and Tournament play. RULE: 8.02(a)(1)

Divisions: All Divisions of Baseball and Challenger

(1) bring the pitching hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in contact with the pitcher’s plate. EXCEPTION: The pitcher may bring the hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in the 10-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s plate provided he/she distinctly wipes off the pitching hand before contacting the ball.

Summary: Provides guidance on when the pitcher’s hand may come in contact with the pitcher’s mouth or lips. RULE: 8.06 AR

Divisions: All Divisions of Baseball and Softball

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

Summary: Provides guidance on what is considered a visit to the pitcher. RULE: 8.06(a) and (b)

Divisions: Major Division and above of Baseball and Softball

(a) A manager or coach may come twice in one to visit with the pitcher, but the second time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher. Example: If a manager visits Pitcher A once in the first inning, then makes a pitching change in the same inning, Pitcher B would be allowed one visit in that inning before being removed on the second visit. (b) A manager or coach may come out two times in one game to visit with the pitcher, but the third time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher. Example: If a manager visits Pitcher A twice in the first three , then makes a pitching change in the fourth inning, Pitcher B would be allowed two visits in that game before being removed on the third visit, subject to the limits in (a) above.

Summary: This reduces the number of visits to a pitcher to twice in one inning or three times in a game for the Major Division and above for Baseball and Softball. Pitcher Warm-Up Required:

Catcher’s Helmet

Mask & Throat Guard

Catcher’s Mitt Not Required: Chest Protector Shin Guards Cup Pitcher Warm-Up

Managers and Coaches are NOT ALLOWED to warm up pitchers between innings

Managers and Coaches are NOT ALLOWED to warm up pitchers in the before or during a game

Coaches with gloves are NOT ALLOWED on the field during and warm-ups RULE: 1.11(j)

Divisions: All Baseball and Softball Divisions

Players must not wear watches, rings, earrings, watches, pins, bracelets, necklaces or any hard cosmetic/decorative items.

EXCEPTION: Medical Alert necklaces can be worn but must be taped to the body.

Summary: Provides guidelines on the use of jewelry by players.

Video 32 RULE: 2.00

A IS A NOT SWUNG AT, BUT INTENTIONALLY MET BY THE BAT AND TAPPED SLOWLY TO PREVENT THE BALL FROM GOING FAR. THE MERE HOLDING OF THE BAT IN THE IS NOT AN ATTEMPTED BUNT. Video 30 Video 15 15a & 16 2.00

COMPLETE SECURE VOLUNTARY CONTROL OF POSSESSION RELEASE THE BALL

CATCH IF FIELDER DROPS BALL IN THE ACT OF THROWING

NO CATCH IF FIELDER DROPS BALL AS A RESULT OF COLLISION OR FALLING

NO CATCH IF BALL TOUCHES OFFENSIVE PLAYER, OR GROUND, FENCE OR UMPIRES RUNNER BEYOND BEFORE FIRST OR THE THE TOUCHED OBJECT BASE BASE Video 21, 21a, 21b

FAIR BALL BEYOND BEFORE HOME FIRST THE A PLATE TOUCHED BASE BASE You Make The Call!! Fair or Foul?

Is Touched

Judged by the position of the ball. Fair or Foul?

Is Touched

Judged by the position of the ball. Fair or Foul? Fair or Foul?

Is Touched

Judged by the position of the ball. RULE: 2.00

A OCCURS WHEN A RUNNER LEGALLY LOSES THE RIGHT TO OCCUPY A BASE BY REASON OF THE BATTER BECOMING A RUNNER. 2.00

SHARP AND DIRECT FROM BAT TO CATCHERS HAND OR MITT

MUST BE CAUGHT BALL REMAINS IS A STRIKE BY CATCHER ALIVE

NOT A CATCH IF REBOUNDED RUNNERS ARE UNLESS IT FIRST HITS IN JEOPARDY CATCHER’S HAND OR MITT

Video 17 & 17a 2.00, 6.05e & 7.08f

FAIR FLY BALL NOT A BUNT OR LINE DRIVE ORDINARY EFFORT BY INFIELDER

CAN BE CAUGHT BY ANY FIELDER LESS THAN TWO OUTS RUNNERS ON 1ST & 2ND OR BASES LOADED BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT ELIMINATES ALL FORCE SAME AS ANY PLAYS OTHER FLY BALL IN REGARDS TO RUNNERS BASE PROTECTS RUNNER BY INFIELD FLY Video 3, 3a, 3b THAT’S !! INTERFERENCE

DEFINITION: Act of offensive player or team member which impedes or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play

DELIBERATE AIDING BATTER Catcher RUNNER COACH SPECTATOR UMPIRE CRASH RUNNER

BALL RUNNERS ALL RETURN TO BASE IS OUT LAST TOUCHED OCCUR AT TIME OF DEAD INTERFERENCE CONTACT IS NOT NECESSARY! Video 4 BATTER INTERFERENCE

Video 4b, 4c, 4d COACH INTERFERENCE High-Fives, handshakes, and pats on the back are NOT interference.

The term “physical assistance” means to improve the runner’s chance of accomplishing their goal as a runner. Video 4a UMPIRE INTERFERENCE UMPIRE INTERFERENCE

ONLY TWO WAYS

 INTERFERENCE WITH CATCHER'S THROW – 5.09(b)  HIT BY BATTED BALL BEFORE PASSING A FIELDER – 5.09(f)

NO UMPIRE INTERFERENCE

 BEING HIT BY A THROWN BALL  BEING HIT BY FIELDER  BEING HIT BY A RUNNER

Video 9, 11 RULE: 2.00(d)

SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE OCCURS WHEN A SPECTATOR REACHES OUT OF THE STANDS OR GOES ONTO THE PLAYING FIELD AND TOUCHES A LIVE BALL. SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE

No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, and rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He/she does so at his/her risk.

Video 26 SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE

However, should a spectator reach out on the playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly prevents the fielder from catching the ball, then the batter should be called out for spectator’s interference.

Video 26 Catcher’s Interference RULE:608(c)

The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base when…… (c)the catcher or any fielder interferes with the batter. If a play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play.

However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an , a , a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without reference to the interference. Video 29 RULE: 2.00(d)

A STRIKE IS A LEGAL PITCH THAT IS BUNTED FOUL. (THE BATTER IS OUT AND THE BALL IS DEAD, IF THE BATTER BUNTS FOUL ON A THIRD STRIKE). RULE: 2.00(f)

A STRIKE IS A LEGAL PITCH THAT TOUCHES THE BATTER IN THE STRIKE ZONE. () RULE: 2.00

THE STRIKE ZONE IS THE SPACE OVER HOME PLATE THAT 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. RULE: 2.00(b)

A STRIKE IS A LEGAL PITCH THAT IS NOT STRUCK AT WHEN ANY PART OF THE BALL PASSES THROUGH ANY PART OF THE STRIKE ZONE.

RULE: 2.00

Not in the Hand.

A TAG IS THE ACTION OF A FIELDER TOUCHING A BASE WHILE HOLDING THE BALL SECURELY AND FIRMLY IN HIS HAND OR GLOVE, OR TOUCHING A RUNNER WITH THE BALL. (RUNNER ) RULE: 3.03

A PLAYER IN THE STARTING LINE-UP WHO HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR A SUBSTITUTE MAY RE-ENTER THE GAME ONCE, IN ANY POSITION IN THE ORDER, PROVIDED: 1. HIS OR HER SUBSTITUTE HAS COMPLETED ONE TIME AND; 2. HAS PLAYED DEFENSIVELY FOR A MINIMUM OF SIX (6) CONSECUTIVE OUTS; 3. A PITCHER MAY NOT REENTER THE GAME AS A PITCHER; 4. ONLY A PLAYER IN THE STARTING LINE-UP MAY RE-ENTER THE GAME; 5. A STARTER, (S1) RE-ENTERING THE GAME AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ANOTHER STARTER (S2) MUST THEN FULFILL ALL CONDITIONS OF A SUBSTITUTE (ONCE AT BAT AND SIX DEFENSIVE OUTS) BEFORE STARTER (S2) CAN RE-ENTER THE GAME. RULE: 3.05

(a) THE PITCHER NAMED IN THE HANDED TO THE UMPIRE-IN- CHIEF, AS PROVIDED IN RULES 4.01(a) AND 4.01(b) SHALL PITCH TO THE FIRST BATTER OR ANY SUBSTITUTE BATTER UNTIL SUCH BATTER OR ANY SUBSTITUTE BATTER IS PUT OUT OR REACHES FIRST BASE, UNLESS THE PITCHER SUSTAINS AN INJURY OR ILLNESS WHICH, IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF, INCAPACITATES THE PITCHER FROM FURTHER PLAY AS A PITCHER. (b) IF THE PITCHER IS REPLACED, THE SUBSTITUTE PITCHER SHALL PITCH TO THE BATTER THEN AT BAT, OR ANY SUBSTITUTE BATTER, UNTIL SUCH BATTER IS PUT OUT OR REACHES FIRST BASE, OR UNTIL THE OFFENSIVE TEAM IS PUT OUT, UNLESS THE SUBSTITUTE PITCHER SUSTAINS AN INJURY OR ILLNESS, WHICH IN THE UMPIRE-IN- CHIEF’S JUDGMENT, INCAPACITATES THE PITCHER FROM FURTHER PLAY AS A PITCHER. RULE: 3.08

(a) IF NO ANNOUNCEMENT OF A SUBSTITUTION IS MADE, THE SUBSTITUTE SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE ENTERED THE GAME WHEN- 1. IF A PITCHER, THE SUBSTITUTE TAKES A POSITION ON THE PITCHER’S PLATE AND THROWS ONE WARM-UP PITCH TO THE CATCHER; 2. IF A BATTER, THE SUBSTITUTE TAKES POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX; 3. IF A FIELDER, THE SUBSTITUTE REACHES THE POSITION USUALLY OCCUPIED BY THE FIELDER BEING REPLACED AND PLAY COMMENCES; 4. IF A RUNNER, THE SUBSTITUTE TAKES THE PLACE OF THE RUNNER BEING REPLACED; (b) ANY PLAY MADE BY, OR ON, ANY OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED UNANNOUNCED SUBSTITUTES SHALL BE LEGAL. Handling Unruly Spectators

Video 31 4.06

No manager, coach or player, shall at any time, whether from the bench or the playing field or elsewhere –

(1) Incite, or try to incite, by word or sign a demonstration by spectators; (2) Use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, an umpire, or any spectator;

Comments: “Hey, batter, batter” is acceptable. Swing” is not acceptable. Ejections 4.07

When a manager, coach or player, is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in that game. They may not sit in the stands and may not be recalled. A manager or coach ejected from a game must not be present at the game site for the remainder of that game.

Any manager, coach or player ejected from a game is suspended for his or her team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at the game site. This includes pre-game and post-game activities.

Video 28 Ejections 4.07 Standards for Removal

1. Use of profanity, specifically that which is directed at an umpire. 2. Physical contact with an umpire. 3. Refusal to stop arguing after a warning. 4. Leaving one’s position to argue balls and strikes. 5. Use of histrionic gestures while arguing with an umpire. 6. Actions intended to ridicule an umpire. 7. Throwing equipment in disgust over an umpire’s call. 8. Continuing to berate an umpire from the after an argument. 9. Assistant coach leaves his coaching box to argue a call or pitch. NO RUNS WILL SCORE IF 3RD OUT OF INNING IS RESULT OF: 4.09

AN APPEAL ON AN APPEAL ON BATTER-RUNNER A RUNNER AT A MISSING FIRST BASE BASE TO WHICH HE/SHE WAS FORCED

AN APPEAL ON A BASE RUNNER AT ANY OTHER BASE

RUNNERS AHEAD OF APPEALED RUNNER APPEALED RUNNERS BEHIND WILL SCORE IF THEY RUNNER APPEALED RUNNER CROSS HOME PLATE DOES NOT DO NOT SCORE PRIOR TO APPEAL SCORE NUMBER OF RUNS WHICH SCORE WHEN 3RD OUT OF INNING IS RESULT OF APPEALS FOR FAILURE OF A RUNNER TO TOUCH A BASE 4.09a 7.12

APPEAL ON BATTER-RUNNER APPEAL ON A RUNNER AT A FOR MISSING 1ST BASE BASE TO WHICH HE WAS FORCED

NO RUNS

APPEAL ON A BATTER-RUNNER OR RUNNER AT ANY OTHER BASE

RUNNERS AHEAD APPEALED RUNNERS BEHIND OF APPEALED RUNNER DOES OF APPEALED RUNNER SCORE NOT SCORE RUNNER DO NOT SCORE RULE: 4.09(b)

WHEN THE WINNING IS SCORED IN THE LAST HALF INNING OF A REGULATION GAME, OR IN THE LAST HALF INNING OF AN EXTRA INNING, AS THE RESULT OF A BASE ON BALLS, HIT BATTER OR ANY OTHER PLAY WITH THE BASES FULL WHICH FORCES THE RUNNERS TO ADVANCE, THE UMPIRE SHALL NOT DECLARE THE GAME ENDED UNTIL THE RUNNER FORCED TO ADVANCE FROM THIRD HAS TOUCHED HOME BASE AND THE BATTER-RUNNER HAS TOUCHED FIRST BASE. Video 10 Protests PROTESTING A GAME 1 4.19

(a) Protest shall be considered only when based on the violation or interpretation of a playing rule, use of an ineligible pitcher or the use of an ineligible player. No protest shall be considered on a decision involving an umpire’s judgment. Equipment which does not meet specifications must be removed from the game. (b) The managers of contesting teams only shall have the right to protest a game (or in their absence, coaches). PROTESTING A GAME 2 4.19

(c) Protest shall be made as follows: (1) The protesting manager shall immediately and before any succeeding play or pitch, notify the umpire that the game is being played under protest. (2) Any protest for any reason whatsoever must be submitted by the manager first to the umpire on the field of play and then in writing to the league player agent within 24 hours (email only). The umpire-in-chief shall also submit a report immediately. (3) The protest report must contain the rule number protested and a brief description of violation or misinterpretation of the rule. (3) A committee composed of the league player agent, league’s Umpire Director, and League President shall hear and resolve any such protests. If the protest is allowed, resume the game from the exact point when the infraction occurred. RULE 5.09(e)

THE BALL BECOMES DEAD, AND RUNNERS RETURN TO THEIR BASES, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, WHEN A FOUL BALL IS NOT CAUGHT. THE UMPIRE SHALL NOT PUT THE BALL IN PLAY UNTIL ALL RUNNERS HAVE RETOUCHED THEIR BASES. DEAD BALL: RUNNERS RETURN

ILLEGALLY PLATE UMPIRE BATTED BALL INTERFERENCE 5.09d UNLESS RUNNER IS THROWN OUT 5.09d FOUL BALL NOT CAUGHT 5.09e BATTER INTERFERENCE UNLESS RUNNER IS BATTER CALLED THROWN OUT OUT FOR BATTING OUT OF 6.06c TURN 6.07b 2 DEAD BALL; RUNNERS ADVANCE ONE BASE

RUNNER ATTEMPTING NOT TO STEAL ON PITCH ON PITCHED BALL FOLLOWED BY WHICH CATCHER’S LODGES IN PITCH OR PLAY INTERFERENCE UMPIRE’S MASK 5.09c 7.04a OCCURS 5.09g 7.05i 7.04d

PITCH TOUCHES FIELDER AFTER PITCHED OR RUNNER CATCHING FLY THROWN BALL ATTEMPTING BALL FALLS BY PITCHER TO SCORE INTO DEAD FROM RUBBER 5.09H 6.05n TERRITORY GOES INTO DEAD 7.04c TERRITORY 7.05h DELAYED DEAD BALL SITUATIONS

CATCHER’S PLATE UMPIRE’S OSTRUCTION INTERFERENCE FOLLOWED BY FOLLOWED BY A BATTED BALL A THROW 6.08c 5.09b BATTER’S INTERFERENCE FOLLOWED BY A PLAY OR THROW 6.06c BALK/ILLEGAL 4b PITCH FOLLOWED BY A PITCH OR 7.06b THROW ONLY 8.05 A.R. 6.00 THE BATTER RULE 6.02(a)

THE BATTER SHALL TAKE POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX PROMPTLY WHEN IT IS SAID “BATTER’S TIME AT BAT”. RULE 6.02(b)

THE BATTER SHALL NOT LEAVE THAT POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX AFTER THE PITCHER COMES TO THE SET POSITION OR STARTS A WINDUP. PENALTY: IF THE PITCHER PITCHES, THE UMPIRE SHALL CALL “BALL” OR “STRIKE” AS THE CASE MAY BE. RULE 6.03

THE BATTER’S LEGAL POSITION SHALL BE BOTH FEET WITHIN THE BATTER'S BOX. Yes No

No

No

Yes No

Before the Pitch Don’t call “Play Ball” until the batter is inside the lines of the batter’s box. RULE: 6.05(e)

A BATTER IS OUT WHEN THAT BATTER ATTEMPTS TO HIT A THIRD STRIKE AND IS TOUCHED BY THE BALL. * What’s Your Call? RULE: 6.05(f)

A BATTER IS OUT WHEN A FAIR BALL TOUCHES SAID BATTER BEFORE TOUCHING A FIELDER. 6.05(g) A batter is out when: 6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory.

The bat does the hitting ------Balls dead, Batter is out. 6.05(g) A batter is out when: 6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory.

The ball does the hitting ------Balls alive and in play 6.05j A batter is out when: 6.05 (j) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside the three foot line, or inside the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base.

Two key elements: (1) The ball must be thrown in order for the runner to interfere with the “fielder taking the throw” (2) The throw must be a reasonably catchable throw.

Video 6 & 7 RULE: 6.06(a)

A BATTER IS OUT FOR ILLEGAL ACTION WHEN HITTING AN ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL. RULE 2.00: AN ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL IS ONE HIT BY THE BATTER WITH ONE OR BOTH FEET ON THE GROUND ENTIRELY OUTSIDE THE BATTER’S BOX. RULE 6.09(b)

The batter becomes a runner when the third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied or (2) first base is occupied with two out. Majors AA Only You Make The Call!! Legal or Illegal

The entire foot must be completely out of box. Legal or Illegal

The foot is not touching the ground when the batter makes contact. Legal or Illegal

The foot is not touching the ground when the batter makes contact. Legal or Illegal

The entire foot is completely out of box. Legal or Illegal

The entire foot is completely out of box. Umpires View of Illegal Batted Ball RULE 6.06(c)

A BATTER IS OUT FOR ILLEGAL ACTION IF THE BATTER INTERFERES WITH THE CATCHER’S FIELDING OR THROWING BY STEPPING OUT OF THE BATTER'S BOX OR MAKING ANY OTHER MOVEMENT THAT HINDERS THE CATCHER’S PLAY AT HOME BASE.

Video 4c BATTING OUT OF ORDER Batting Out Of Order 1) Bill Key Points 2) Bob 1) Last Batter 2) Previous Batter 3) John

4) Tom Lead Off Tom returns to first 5) Sam Proper Batter Sam is called out 6) Adam Singles Adam bats again 7) Paul Must be appealed before the first pitch to Paul 8) Ken 9) Mike Batting Out Of Order 1) Bill 2) Bob First pitch to Paul 3) John Singles legalizes John Key Points 4) Tom Tom will replace Paul 1)Last Batter and assume his . 2)Previous Batter 5) Sam 6) Adam Proper Batter Must be appealed 7) Paul Receives a Pitch before the first pitch 8) Ken 9) Mike RULE: 4.04

Continuous Batting Order

1. Players can move freely defensively ▪ Still must meet defensive mandatory play requirement. ▪ Exception – pitcher cannot return to the mound if removed for another pitcher.

2. Players arriving late shall be placed at the end of the batting order.

3. If a player is injured, ill or ejected, his/her position in the batting order is skipped. There is no out applied. Should the injured player be available to play later in the game, he/she shall be reinstated in their previous place in the batting order. RULE: 6.08(b)

THE BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER AND IS ENTITLED TO FIRST BASE WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT (PROVIDED SAID RUNNER ADVANCES TO AND TOUCHES FIRST BASE) WHEN THE BATTER IS TOUCHED BY A PITCHED BALL THAT THE BATTER IS NOT ATTEMPTING TO HIT UNLESS (1) THE BALL IS IN THE STRIKE ZONE WHEN IT TOUCHES THE BATTER, OR (2) THE BATTER MAKES NO ATTEMPT TO AVOID BEING TOUCHED BY THE BALL. Video 27 RULE 6.08(c)

THE BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER AND IS ENTITLED TO FIRST BASE WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT WHEN THE CATCHER INTERFERES WITH THE BATTER. RULE 6.08(c)

Catcher’s Obstruction: 6.08(c) The catcher or any fielder interferes the batter. No Interference When: Batter reaches first base AND All other runners advance at least one base. Key Elements: Allow the play to continue: Manager’s Option: Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance remain on the base they occupied at the time of the interference. RULE 6.08(d)

THE BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER AND IS ENTITLED TO FIRST BASE WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT WHEN A FAIR BATTEDBALL TOUCHES AN UMPIRE IN FAIR TERRITORY BEFORE TOUCHING A FIELDER. Video 9 7.00 THE RUNNER RULE 7.03

TWO RUNNERS MAY NOT OCCUPY THE SAME BASE, BUT IF, WHILE THE BALL IS ALIVE, TWO RUNNERS ARE TOUCHING THE SAME BASE, THE PROCEEDING RUNNER IS ENTITLED TO THE BASE, AND THE FOLLOWING RUNNER SHALL BE OUT WHEN TAGGED. Video 12, 12a RULE: 7.04(a)

EACH RUNNER, OTHER THAN THE BATTER, MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE WHEN THE BATTER’S ADVANCE, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, FORCES A RUNNER TO VACATE A BASE. RULE: 7.04(b)

EACH RUNNER, OTHER THAN THE BATTER, MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE WHEN A FIELDER, AFTER CATCHING A FLY BALL, FALLS INTO A BENCH OR STAND. RULE: 7.05(c)

EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE THREE BASES IF A FIELDER DELIBERATELY THROWS A GLOVE AT

AND TOUCHES A FAIR BALL. Video 25 TWO BASE AWARDS FROM TIME OF PITCH

THROWN BALL FIELDER DEFLECTS INTO DEAD WILD TERRITORY ON 7.05g PITCH INTO DEAD FIRST PLAY BY TERRITORY AN INFIELDER WHILE RETRIEVING IT

FAIR BATTED BALL FAIR BATTED BALL IS DEFLECTED INTO 7.05f BOUNCES OVER OR DEAD TERRITORY ON FLIES THROUGH FENCE FOUL GROUND

Videos 18, 20a & 20b TWO BASE AWARDS FROM TIME OF THROW 7.05g

THROWN BALL INTO THROWN BALL INTO DEAD TERRITORY ON DEAD TERRITORY BY SUBSEQUENT (NOT FIRST) AN OUTFIELDER PLAY BY AN INFIELDER

ANY RELAY THROWN BALL INTO THROWN INTO THROWN BY A DEAD TERRITORY DEAD TERRITORY FIELDER NOT BY ANY FIELDER IF BY ANY FIELDER PRECEDED BY A BATTER-RUNNER BATTED BALL AND ALL RUNNERS E.G. CATCHERS HAVE ADVANCED PICK-OFF THROW ONE BASE EACH OR THROW TO PREVENT STEAL RULE: 7.05(h)

EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE IF A BALL PITCHED TO THE BATTER GOES INTO A STAND OR A BENCH. RULE: 7.05(j)

EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE IF A FIELDER DELIBERATLY TOUCHES A PITCHED BALL WITH HIS/HER CAP, MASK, OR ANY PART OF HIS/HER UNIFORM DETACHED FROM ITS PROPER PLACE. Video 24 OBSTRUCTION 7.06

IF ON THE BATTER-RUNNER IF WHILE PLAY IS BEING BEFORE REACHES FIRST: MADE ON OBSTRUCTED RUNNER: A) TIME CALLED AT MOMENT 7.06a OF OBSTRUCTION A) TIME CALLED AT MOMENT OF B) B-R AWARDED 1ST BASE OBSTRUCTION C) IF NOT FORCED, ADVANCE B) OBSTRUCTED RUNNER OR RETURN ACCORDING TO AWARDED AT LEAST ONE UMPIRES JUDGMENT 7.06b BASE C) OTHER RUNNERS: 1) ADVANCE ONE BASE, IF ANY OTHER OBSTRUCTION: FORCED 2) IF NOT FORCED, AA) PLAY PROCEEDS UNTIL A PLAY IS ADVANCE OR RETURN MADE ON THE OBSTRUCTED RUNNER ACCORDING TO UMPIRES OR UNTIL NO FURTHER ACTION IS POSSIBLE JUDGMENT

BB) ALL RUNNERS ADVANCE OR RETURN ACCORDING TO UMPIRES JUDGMENT Video 13, 13a & 14, 14a, 14b RULE: 7.06(a)

WHEN AN OBSTRUCTION OCCURS, THE UMPIRE SHALL CALL OR SIGNAL “OBSTRUCTION,” IF THE BATTER-RUNNER IS OBSTRUCTED BEFORE TOUCHING FIRST BASE. THE BALL IS DEAD, AND ALL RUNNERS SHALL ADVANCE, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, TO THE BASES THEY WOULD HAVE REACHED, IN THE UMPIRE’S JUDGMENT, IF THERE HAD BEEN NO OBSTRUCTION. You Make The Call!! Obstruction? Obstruction? Obstruction?

Oh nuts…I should not be here!! Obstruction? Did the first baseman impede the progress of the runner? RULE: 7.08(a)(1)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT IF, TO AVOID BEING TAGGED, THE RUNNER RUNS MORE THAN THREE FEET FROM HIS ESTABLISHED BASELINE/BASE PATH. RULE: 7.08(a)(2)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN, AFTER TOUCHING FIRST BASE, THE RUNNER LEAVES THE BASELINE, OBVIOUSLY ABANDONING ALL EFFORTS TO TOUCH THE NEXT BASE. RULE: 7.08(a) (3)

7.08a (3) Runner does not or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is awaiting to make the tag;

Comments: 1) There is NO “MUST SLIDE” rule. 2) The fielder must have the ball in his possession; AND

* 3) The fielder must be WAITING to make the tag Video 19 RULE: 7.08 (a) (4)

The runner is out when: (4) The runner slides head first while advancing.

Comments: Majors and Minors This rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a base, only when advancing to a base. RULE: 7.08(b)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THE RUNNER INTENTIONALLY INTERFERES WITH A THROWN BALL OR HINDERS A FIELDER ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A PLAY ON A BATTED BALL. RULE: 7.08(c)

EXCEPTION: A BATTER-RUNNER CANNOT BE TAGGED OUT AFTER OVER RUNNING FIRST BASE IF SAID BATTER-RUNNER RETURNS IMMEDIATELY TO THE BASE. THIS INCLUDES A BASE ON BALLS. RULE: 7.08(d)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT IF, AFTER A FAIR OR FOUL FLY BALL IS LEGALLY CAUGHT, THE RUNNER FAILS TO RETOUCH THE BASE BEFORE THAT RUNNER OR THE BASE IS TAGGED BY A FIELDER. NOTE: BASE RUNNERS CAN LEGALLY RETOUCH THEIR BASE ONCE A FAIR BALL IN FLIGHT IS TOUCHED AND ADVANCE AT THEIR OWN RISK AND CAN ALSO ADVANCE IF A FOUL BALL IS CAUGHT. RULE: 7.08(e)

A RUNNER IS OUT WHEN FAILING TO REACH THE NEXT BASE BEFORE A FIELDER TAGS SAID RUNNER OR THE BASE. HOWEVER, IF A FOLLOWING RUNNER IS PUT OUT ON A FORCE PLAY, THE FORCE IS REMOVED, AND THE PRECEDING RUNNER MUST BE TAGGED TO BE PUT OUT. RULE: 7.08(f)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN TOUCHED BY A FAIR BALL IN FAIR TERRITORY BEFORE THE BALL HAS TOUCHED OR PASSED AN INFIELDER

* RULE: 7.08(h)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THAT RUNNER PASSES A PRECEDING RUNNER BEFORE THE PRECEDING RUNNER IS OUT.

Video 22 AN APPEAL 7.10

IS NOT INTERPRETED IS NOT INTERPRETED CAN BE MADE ONLY AS A PLAY FOR THE AS A PLAY FOR THE WHILE THE BALL IS PURPOSE OF ANOTHER PURPOSE OF ANY OTHER ALIVE APPEAL RULE

CAN BE MADE BY MUST BE MADE BEFORE TAGGING THE NEXT PITCH, PLAY OR RUNNER OR THE BASE ATTEMPTED PLAY CAN BE MADE ONLY CAN RESULT IN A ONCE ON THE SAME FOURTH OUT WHICH RUNNER AT THE SAME CAN SUPERCEDE A 3RD BASE OUT MADE DURING CONTINUOUS ACTION MORE THAN ONE CAN RESULT IN A B-R APPEAL CAN BE MADE CAN RESULT IN A BEING OUT BEFORE FOLLOWING A FORCE OUT HE REACHED FIRST CONTINUOUS ACTION (SEE 4.09a & 7.12) (SEE 4.09a & 7.12) PLAY AN APPEAL 7.10

There are four types of Appeal Plays:

(1) Failure to retouch properly (7.10a)

(2) Missed base (7.10b)

(3) Failure to return to first base (7.10c)

(4) Batting out of order (6.07) AN APPEAL 7.10 Requirements for making a proper appeal:

Must be made before the next pitch

Must be made before next play or attempted play

Must be a live ball for appeals to be made

Must be made in a precise, unmistakable manner

Must be made before the defensive team leaves the field RULE 7.10(b)

ANY RUNNER SHALL BE CALLED OUT ON APPEAL WHEN, WHILE ADVANCING TO A BASE AND WHILE THE BALL IS IN PLAY, THE RUNNER FAILS TO TOUCH EACH BASE IN ORDER BEFORE SAID RUNNER OR A MISSED BASE IS TAGGED. Video 23 RULE 7.10(d)

ANY RUNNER SHALL BE CALLED OUT ON APPEAL WHEN THE RUNNER FAILS TO TOUCH HOME BASE AND MAKES NO ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO THAT BASE AND HOME BASE IS TAGGED. THE RUNNER HAS TO ENTER THE DUGOUT OR DEAD BALL TERRITORY TO ABANDON HOME PLATE. RULE 7.13

WHEN THE PITCHER IS IN CONTACT WITH THE PITCHER’S PLATE AND IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL, AND THE CATCHER IS IN THE CATCHER’S BOX READY TO RECEIVE DELIVERY OF THE BALL, BASE RUNNERS SHALL NOT LEAVE THEIR BASE UNTIL THE BALL HAS BEEN DELIVERED AND HAS REACHED THE BATTER. RULE 7.13

The catcher is “Ready to receive delivery” of the pitch when he has his mask on and is facing the pitcher. He does not have to be in a squat position. Runners must return to the original base or to the one nearest to the one that was left early. The Pitcher

8.01 - 8.05 - 8.06c RULE 8.01

THERE ARE TWO LEGAL PITCHING DELIVERIES: THE WINDUP POSITION AND THE SET POSITION, AND EITHER POSITION MAY BE USED AT ANY TIME. RULE: 8.01(a)

THE PITCHER SHALL NOT RAISE EITHER FOOT FROM THE GROUND EXCEPT THAT FOOT INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL DELIVERY OF THE BALL TO THE BATTER. THE PITCHER MAY TAKE ONE STEP BACKWARD AND ONE STEP FORWARD WITH THE FREE FOOT. RULE: 8.01(b)

BEFORE ASSUMING SET POSITION THE PITCHER MAY ELECT TO MAKE ANY NATURAL PRELIMINARY MOTION SUCH AS THAT KNOWN AS “THE STRETCH.” BUT IF THE PITCHER SO ELECTS THAT PITCHER SHALL COME TO SET POSITION BEFORE DELIVERING THE BALL TO THE BATTER. NOTE: THE PITCHER NEED NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. RULE: 8.01(c)

AT ANY TIME DURING THE PITCHER’S PRELIMINARY MOVEMENTS AND UNTIL THE NATURAL PITCHING MOTION COMMITS THAT PITCHER TO THE PITCH, SAID PITCHER MAY THROW TO ANY BASE, PROVIDING THE PITCHER STEPS DIRECTLY TOWARD THAT BASE BEFORE MAKING THE THROW. LEGAL & ILLEGAL POSITIONS OF THE PITCHER’S FOOT

FRONT (TOWARDS HOME PLATE)

LEGAL

BACK (TOWARDS HOME PLATE)

ILLEGAL ILLEGAL PITCH 8.05

MAKES ANY MOTION FAILS TO STEP TOWARD A AND FAILS TO PITCH BASE BEFORE THROWING

FEINTS TO FIRST BASE WHILE NOT FACING THE AND FAILS TO THROW BATTER

THROWS OR FEINTS TO AN PITCHES WHEN THE UNOCCUPIED BASE, EXCEPT CATCHER IS NOT IN THE FOR MAKING A PLAY CATCHERS BOX

MAKES A QUICK PITCH NOT TOUCHING THE PLATE

WITHOUT HAVING THE BALL, DELAYS THE GAME STANDS ON OR ASTRIDE THE PITCHERS PLATE ILLEGAL PITCH (cont.) 8.05

ACCIDENTALLY OR INTENTIONALLY DROPS THE BALL

NOTE: THERE IS NO BALK PENALTY: THE PITCH SHALL BE CALLED A BALL, UNLESS THE BATTER HITS THE BALL AND REACHES FIRST BASE SAFELY, AND IF ALL BASE-RUNNERS ADVANCE AT LEAST ONE BASE ON THE ACTION RESULTING FROM THE BATTED BALL. IF SO, THE PLAY STANDS AND THE ILLEGAL PITCH IS NULLIFIED.

* Play Ball!!!

IT’S GONNA FEEL GREAT TO BE ABSOLUTE AND INFALLIBLE AGAIN