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

Deceptive Pitching Practice Addressed Collegiate baseball umpires will still have to keep their eyes on the ball in 2006. But they will also have to pay attention to the ’s feet. The rule regarding the pitcher’s body position during the windup was one of the changes approved by the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee. “This will be a pretty big change for a handful of ,” said Chris McKnight, chair of the committee and head coach at Frostburg State University. “The majority of pitchers start with their feet together in the windup, as we traditionally think of this position. But we’ve started to see pitchers (see Deceptive Pitching p. 2)

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

KEITH JOHNSTON

Bats, Gloves Subject of Changes Contents Doubleheaders Must Rules regarding two vital For 2006, if detected prior F2, the umpire inspects the 3 pieces of baseball to the first pitch of an at-bat, bat and finds it is flattened. Conform to Rules...... equipment — bats and an altered or flattened bat shall Ruling 1: The batter is out gloves — have been be removed from the game. but is not ejected. Flashback to Last changed for the 2006 season. The batter will be required According to the new Year’s Changes ...... 4 The new verbiage to use a bat that conforms to wording in Rule 1-13-c), a regarding the bat can be the rule. If detected after an pitcher’s glove may now be All About Force Plays. . . . 7 found in Rule 1-12-b. When a at-bat starts, the batter is out any combination of colors batter has with a bat that and no runners may advance. but must not contain white Test Your has a flat side, and the bat is There is a distinction made or gray. There are many Rules Knowledge...... 8 detected by the umpire, the between a “flattened” bat and multi-toned gloves on the batter is out and no runners a “dented” bat. A flattened market and those have not Working Higher ...... 13 may advance. Previously, a bat bat is an illegal bat and a been found to be distracting. with a flat spot was simply dented bat is still a legal bat. All other aspects of the rules removed from play and the Play 1: The batter hits a regarding gloves remain the player given a warning. single. Upon a request from same. I PUBLISHED BY REFEREE ENTERPRISES, INC. Dear NCAA Umpires, and the NCAA Championships from his family. That does not Cabinet have made successful (80 include an extra 13 days for our I want to thank you for your percent) completion of the 2006 eight Division I College World attendance at the NCAA umpire online test a requirement for Series umpires. We recognize that clinic and/or for viewing the assignment to the Division I you have jobs and families to 2006 rules clinic video. I want to championship. care for and we appreciate the again thank the staff at Referee The newest initiative for 2006 professional way with which you magazine for its work on this is the introduction of the NCAA handle your responsibilities for preseason guide. I greatly background check program into the NCAA and its member appreciate their help in getting division I baseball. Extensive conferences. this valuable tool produced and details are provided in the Game If you have not done so out to umpires and coaches Officials Manual distributed at already, please be sure to use the everywhere. We hope this will be the regional umpire clinics and is order forms within this another way to communicate available online at publication to purchase both the rule changes and information www.ncaa.org. NCAA baseball rulebook and the about the Umpire Improvement I want to take this CCA umpire mechanics manual. Program (UIP) to umpires, opportunity to thank all the Complete knowledge of those coaches and administrators college umpires for their two publications is essential to an across the country. dedication to the sport and let umpire’s advancement and are As an update on the UIP, we them know that the NCAA’s indispensable tools for all of us. Dave Yeast conducted our second year of Division I Baseball Committee, I hope that you have a great development camps in the fall of the NCAA Baseball Rules 2006 season. Please contact me 2005. I want to thank the Committee and I greatly ([email protected]) with any NCAA National attendees and their coordinators appreciate the sacrifices that you questions or suggestions in for support of this initiative. We make to work a full schedule. We regard to mechanics or other Coordinator of will hold the 2006 camp(s) in estimate that a Division I improvements to the UIP. Rule Peoria, Ariz., in October. More conference umpire who is change recommendations should Umpires details will be distributed to the fortunate enough to work a full be forwarded to Jim Paronto, conference coordinators during conference schedule, be selected secretary-editor of the NCAA the summer meeting. for a conference tournament and Baseball Rules Committee As a follow up to our online the NCAA tournament series ([email protected]). testing initiative in 2005, the must miss at least 18 days of Work hard and have fun! Division I baseball committee work and spend 44 days away

Deceptive Pitching PlayPic™ The intent is to stop continued from p. 1 pitchers from gaining an advantage by pitching from using the non-pivot foot in different angles or confusing front of the rubber. That isn’t runners by disguising the the intent of the original windup as a set position. rule.” It is expected the change The windup (Rule 9-1-a). will encourage pitchers to The pitcher shall stand keep their back squared up facing (shoulders squared with the plate when using to) the batter, with the pivot the windup stance. foot on or in front of and Play: With a runner on first, touching the pitcher's plate. right-handed F1 stands (a) The pitcher's entire free foot The PlayPic illustrates a legal starting position for the set, but not for facing third base, or (b) facing shall not be in front of the the windup. the plate. In each case, F1 has pivot foot. pivot foot on or in front of glove or pitching hand. The his right foot on the rubber The set (Rule 9-1-b). The and touching the pitcher's pitcher will come to the set and his left foot entirely in set position shall be plate and the free foot in position holding the ball in front of the rubber. Ruling: indicated when the pitcher front of the pivot foot. The both hands in front of the In either case, F1 has taken a stands with his chest pitching arm shall be at the body and coming to a set position and must bring generally facing the side or on the hip of the complete and discernible both hands together and respective foul lines with the pitcher with the ball in the stop. stop before delivering. I

Major portions of this newsletter are protected by copyrights of Referee Enterprises, Inc., Acknowledgments and are used by permission. Copying in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written consent from ® ® Authors contributing to the 2006 NCAA Baseball Preseason Guide: Jeffrey Stern, Referee senior editor; Referee Enterprises, Inc., and the NCAA. PLAYPIC and MECHANIGRAM are a registered trademarks of Jay Miner, Albany, N.Y.; George Demetriou, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Rick Roder, Remsen, Iowa. Referee Enterprises, Inc. Graphics and layout by Rob VanKammen, Referee Graphic Designer.

2 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide Doubleheaders Must Conform to Rules The NCAA Baseball Rules A.R. 1: Team A plays a A.R. 4: Two conference A.R. 5: Two teams have a Committee reaffirmed its stance seven-inning game with teams are playing a doubleheader scheduled as that a regulation game should Team B. Team B then plays a doubleheader with both games two seven-inning games. The be nine innings if it’s a single seven-inning game with scheduled as seven-inning second game was stopped game. Doubleheaders were Team C immediately contests. Conference rules because of a time-limit the source of much confusion following the first game. stipulate that the halted game conflict at the facility with last season. In order for two Team A then plays a seven- rule is in effect. In the second two outs in the top of the seven-inning games to be inning game with Team C game, the teams play to the sixth inning with the score 9- played, the games must be immediately following the completion of the fifth inning 3 in favor of the home team. between the same two teams. second game. Do those with one team ahead by a 12- Is that a regulation game? Many early season games count as regulation 2 score, when the game is Ruling: No. A time limit at tournaments in the past have games? Ruling: No. called on account of darkness, the facility is not an accepted used the provision to play Doubleheaders are defined as as there are no lights at the reason to end a contest. two seven-inning games; consecutive games between facility. The final game of the A.R. 6: Two teams have a however, in many cases, the the same two teams. series is scheduled for the next doubleheader scheduled as games were not between the A.R. 2: Team A plays a day as a nine-inning game. two seven-inning games. The same two teams — a seven-inning game with Ruling: The final two innings first game is scheduled to violation of the rule. The Team B. Team A plays a nine- are played the next day prior start at 10 a.m. and the committee clarified the inning game with Team C to the nine-inning game. (see Doubleheaders p. 6) language in the rulebook and immediately following the added several typical first game. Team C then plays examples and interpretations a seven-inning game with New Signal collected over the past year. Team B after the second “We want to get this game. Are those regulation The mechanic for putting the ball in play has been clarified. information out as soon as it games? Ruling: Only the The umpire is now required to visually signal, usually with a is approved so coaches and game between Team A and point of the finger or hand, as well as declare, “Play.” In the tournament directors can Team C (second game) is a past, “lowering of the hand” was sufficient. adjust accordingly,” said regulation game. Chris McKnight, chair of the A.R. 3: Team A plays two PlayPic™ NCAA Baseball Rules seven-inning games Committee and head coach at consecutively with Team B. Frostburg State University. Team C then plays Team D in The language in Rule 5-7 two seven-inning games was clarified and several consecutively. Are those typical examples and regulation games? Ruling: interpretations added. Yes.

Ejections Addressed New language appears in situations, the ejection the 2006 rulebook shall be enforced as a regarding ejections. suspension from the next In Rule 2-Ejection, a contest. second approved ruling According to Rule 3-6- was added to assist d, after an ejection, if the administrators and game cannot be resumed umpires in dealing with in a reasonable amount of ejections that occur after time, the game will be a game is officially suspended until order is completed. In those restored.

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 3 Flashback to Last Year’s Changes It’s important to memorize changes also made had very to the base occupied at the the same color and style, but and implement the rule little visible impact on the time of the interference was there was no specific coverage changes for the season ahead, field. deleted. Any other requiring hats. The theme but it’s easy to forget the Base coach assisting advancement is allowed. that coaches are required to changes from just one year runner (3-3-e). A base coach Game administrator (3- be dressed in the same ago. This column will help may not physically assist a 11). A new section was added uniform as players continues. refresh your memory about runner in returning to or that strongly recommends Fighting (5-16). Two modifications that are still leaving a base. That is a the host institution assign a minor changes were made. relatively new. delayed-dead ball and the representative to handle Umpires are now specifically The NCAA Baseball Rules assisted runner is called out game management issues authorized to review video Committee made only one at the end of playing action. outside of the playing footage, if available, to change for 2005 that affected The additional penalty surface. The game determine participants in a a play ruling on the field. provision that required all would be available to deal fight. That practice had been Several “housekeeping” runners not put out to return with unruly spectators and considered acceptable in the video camera violations (5-2- past, but was not addressed f). In addition to the umpires in the rules. The review and home coach, the game should occur immediately Going to the Outfield manager should also identify after the incident. The three-umpire-crew mechanic that involves sending U1 to himself to the visiting coach An approved ruling was the outfield from the middle of the field to cover fly balls is before the game and be also added, allowing schools still relatively new. It only works if U1 hustles to get the best available to address the to request the conference angle on the play while his two partners also react to cover concerns of all three parties. office to have fight other plays. A recommendation was also suspensions staggered if In the MechaniGram, the batter has hit a fly ball to deep added for the host to provide multiple suspensions would right-center field that is caught by the right fielder for the first a dressing facility and security cause difficulty in fielding a or second out. U1 goes out and R2 tags up and advances for the umpires before, team. Independent teams toward third base, drawing a throw there. during and after the game. may contact the secretary- Once U1 moves to the outfield to view the catch, U3 is Hard casts (1-14-f). A new rules editor for that purpose. responsible for any play at first, second or third base on R2 section was added requiring Field conditions (4-2-b). and/or on the BR (on a throwback to first base). UIC must stay any hard cast to be padded Once the lineups are home for a possible play at the plate. and covered. The umpires exchanged, the umpires are have the authority to officially in charge of the game MechaniGram™ CATCH determine if the padding is (4-4-a) and the umpire-in-chief RF sufficient. While no is the sole judge of whether minimum thickness is to suspend, terminate or CF THROW specified, the NCAA football resume play. Before deciding U1 standard is 1/4 inch of closed whether a game should be cell, slow recovery foam. started, the umpire-in-chief Such padding is certainly may consult the game sufficient for baseball. administrator. Frequently, the

BR Uniforms (1-13-g). The administrator is more committee feels strongly that familiar with local weather U1 in order to maintain patterns and the umpire-in- R2 baseball’s traditions, coaches chief should consider his LF and players should wear the input. The NCAA lightning official team uniforms to guidelines have been added participate in the game. as Appendix C and those Uniform changes have been must be followed. made in each of the past Ejections (3-6).

R2 U3 several years. This year’s Conferences and schools may UIC BR change clarifies that all choose to impose additional U3 players and coaches must penalties on anyone ejected wear a team hat on the field. from a contest. Approved Previously hats had to be of (see Flashback p. 10)

4 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide When the Ball is Batted Out of Play When a fair batted ball leaves they are forced. The most If a fair ball in flight is The umpire imposes a penalty the playing field in flight, it is likely way for a batter to be deflected by a fielder and that, in his opinion, nullifies out of play. Since it’s a home awarded two bases is when leaves the playing field in the act of interference. The run, there is nothing for the his fair batted ball bounces flight, it is a . runner should be placed umpires to do except watch the and passes over, through or If a fielder intentionally kicks where he would have been had runners touch their bases. In all under a fence; into the stands or deflects a batted ball out of the interference not occurred. other cases in which a fair or other dead-ball area; or play, it’s still a two-base award, In making that batted ball goes out of play, the sticks in the fence. Included but the award is from the time determination, the umpire umpires must place the runners. in the rule are deflected balls. the ball was kicked or deflected. should evaluate the speed of Awards on batted balls are Also, a fair ball in flight that Spectator interference. the runner, the position of the almost always made from the passes through or under a When a spectator interferes nearest fielder and the time of the pitch; other fence or sticks in the fence is with a batted ball, the ball location of the runner at the runners advance to the bases treated similarly. becomes dead immediately. moment of interference. I

Batter’s Follow-Through Hits : What Next? Rule 6-2-d-1 addresses how If the catcher is in the act batter would normally Play 2: R1 breaks for the umpire should react if the of making a throw to retire a become a runner because a second as the batter swings batter’s follow-through makes runner, and while the batter third strike is not caught, and misses the first pitch contact with the catcher. is still in the batter’s box and the ball is dead and the from F1. The batter’s follow- If the batter strikes at a ball his normal follow- through batter declared out. through hits F2, who is and misses and in the umpire’s unintentionally strikes the The interpretation preparing to throw. Ruling judgment unintentionally hits catcher or the ball while the applies even if the catcher is 2: The pitch is called a strike the catcher or the ball in back catcher is in the act of in the act of making a throw and time is called. The batter of the batter on the follow- throwing, time is called at to retire a runner. is out only if the pitch is through or backswing while the conclusion of playing Play 1: The batter swings strike three. The infraction the batter is still in the action. All runners return and misses at a (a) 1-1 pitch, is not interference as long as batter’s box, it shall be called (unless the catcher’s initial or (b) 3-2 pitch. His follow- the batter is in the box, it is a strike only (no interference). throw retires the runner). If through hits F2, who drops on his follow-through and it The ball will be dead, the infraction occurs in a the ball. Ruling 1: In either is not intentional. I however, and no runner situation when the catcher’s case, the pitch is called a shall advance on the play. initial throw retires a runner strike and time is called. despite the infraction, the In (a), it is not an play stands. If it occurs infraction, but in (b), it in a situation when the is and the batter is out.

Whether or not the ball is dead when a batter’s follow-through causes contact with the catcher depends on the game situation and the umpire’s judgment.

REFEREE

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 5 From the Hand to the Stand From a rules perspective, the dugout. That is also a conditions are met: the throw awarded third base, which is there is a difference between one-base award. was the first play by an two bases from the time of pitches and throws. Situations in which the infielder, and at least one the throw. Likewise, the rules differ pitch is not going to go dead runner, including the batter- In all other circumstances, when it comes to throws or as a result of the impetus of runner, did not advance at least the award is from the pitches that go out of play. the pitch, but is one base at the time of the position of the runners at the When a pitch leaves the subsequently deflected, throw. That is the most likely time of the throw. They playing field, any runners on present a special challenge. scenario umpires encounter. include pickoff attempts, base advance one base. If the It doesn’t matter whether If both of those events don’t steals, throws by outfielders pitch was also ball four, the the new impetus is happen, the award is from and second or subsequent batter-runner receives the accidental or intentional; it’s the position of the runners at plays by infielders. base on balls, but is not a two-base award. the time of the throw. Play 2: With a runner on given an additional award. Thrown balls. Balls that Play 1: The batter first, the batter grounds to F6, There are several ways a are thrown out of play are grounds to F5, who boots who throws to F4 at second, pitch could exit live-ball worthy of a two-base award. the ball. F5 recovers and but not in time to get R1. F4 territory. Perhaps the most The challenge is whether to throws over F3’s head into overthrows to first after BR common is by going make the award from the the stands. The throw leaves has crossed first base. The ball underneath or through the base occupied at the time of F5’s hand (a) before, or (b) goes into dead-ball territory. backstop. On occasion, a the pitch or the throw. Please after BR has crossed first Ruling 2: R1 scores. Since pitch may hit the front edge note the time of throw is base. Ruling 1: In (a), BR is BR was past first base when of the plate and bound over when the ball is released by awarded second, which is the throw was made, he is the backstop. A pitch might the fielder and not the time two bases from the time of awarded third base. also rebound from the the ball becomes dead. the pitch. In (b), since BR Play 3: R1 is running on catcher’s or umpire’s The award is made from was past first base when the the pitch. The batter hits a protective gear and roll into the time of pitch when two throw was made, he is (see Stand p. 14)

Doubleheaders teams intended to play both place,” McKnight said. “This not start until 1 p.m. At 3:10 continued from p. 3 games. By the doubleheader is not an issue that occurs p.m., the home team leads rules, a seven-inning game very often, but we do feel it 7-5 at the end of four and second game to start at 6 followed by a nine-inning is important to reduce one-half innings. Ruling: p.m. Does that format game is legal. The teams missed class time and Umpires shall call the game satisfy the double-header should not be penalized reduce expenses without with the home team rule for seven-inning due to rain or darkness. losing the integrity of the declared the winner. The games? Ruling: No. The committee also full contest. We feel the rule conditions of a regulation Doubleheaders must be approved a provision that accomplishes that goal.” game have been met as played consecutively within allows all conferences to Also, three A.R.s were noted in Rule 5-8. 30 minutes of each other establish a travel policy, created: A.R. 3: In a non- according to Rule 5-7-b. If when commercial air travel A.R. 1: The last game of conference contest, two the above games are nine is required. Provided the a three-game series begins teams agree prior to the innings, they would be contest meets the at 10 a.m. According to game to use the visiting considered regulation established criteria of a conference policy, no inning team’s travel policy, either games. regulation game, the may start after 3 p.m. due in writing or at the home A.R. 8: Two teams have a committee feels that to commercial air travel plate meeting prior to the doubleheader scheduled, returning to campus and restrictions. At 3:10 p.m., game. Using the scenario in the first game as a seven- reducing missed class time the visiting team leads, 10- A.R. 1, is that a regulation inning game and the second is a valid reason for ending 9, at the end of seven game? Ruling: Yes. as a nine-inning game. The a contest. That language completed innings. Ruling: Conferences and second game is called due will appear in Rule 5-8, new Umpires shall call the game institutions are encouraged to rain or darkness. Is the section G. with the visiting team to include travel policies in first game that was “The committee wants to declared the winner. their game contract well in completed a regulation be clear that conferences A.R. 2: Same A.R. 1, but advance of the contest if game? Ruling: Yes. Both must have a policy in due to rain, the game does possible. I

6 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide All You Need to Know About Force Plays How do you tell the unless the third out is by the Also by definition, a force to return and tag up at first difference between a force batter-runner before he situation ends for any runner base. play and a time play? Here’s touches first base, by a whenever a following runner When a runner is forced to a basic scenario. How would preceding runner who is is retired. In general, that advance and he is retired you rule? declared out for a means when a force situation while the force situation is in Play: With runners on first baserunning infraction, or ends for a runner, the runner effect, the out is a force out. and third, one out, the batter when the third out is the can be safe if he returns to the In the play, because the force lifts a fly ball to the outfield. result of a force play. base he occupied at the time situation ended when the R3 tags up, but R1 is Obviously, we’re of the pitch. The force batter’s batted ball was advancing as the ball is concentrating on force plays. situation no longer requires caught (and before R1 was caught. After the catch, R3 By definition, a force the runner to advance. In the doubled up), R1’s out was hustles home and crosses the situation begins for any play, when the batter’s batted not a force play. Since R3 plate. A moment later R1 is runner when he loses the ball was caught, he was scored before R1 was retired either tagged out, doubled off right to occupy his base retired; the force on R1 ended for the third out and neither first base or declared out because the batter has instantly, so he would be safe of the other restrictions apply (with or without an appeal) become a runner. In the play, if he returned to first; there (batter-runner at first, for his baserunning when the batter hit a fair ball never was a force on R3. Of baserunning infraction by infraction. Does the run he became a batter-runner; R1 course, other rules require previous runner), the run score? was forced to advance to that each runner (including “scored” by R3 counts. We know a run scores if second, but R3 was not R1) tag up after a catch. R3 Why then the confusion the runner crosses the plate subject to any forced advance was tagging when the ball about the play? A lot of on an inning-ending play — he could remain on third if was hit; R1 was advancing so umpires believe (incorrectly) before the third out is made he wanted to. he was required (not forced) (see Force Plays p. 12)

Don’t Overrun the Play In PlayPic A, the catcher is not chasing the ball and the runner is bearing down on the plate. If the umpire follows the With a runner on third, a slow roller down the third-base line ball down the line, a play at the plate will result in no umpire requires the plate umpire to pause, read and react. Resist the covering the play. temptation to chase the ball until there’s no possibility of a play When the catcher goes after the ball, as in PlayPic B, the at the plate. Fair-foul must be considered, but the potential play umpire can move up the line to get a good look at fair-foul and a at the plate is primary. potential swipe tag.

PlayPic™ PlayPic™ A B

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 7 Test Your Rules Knowledge

1. With no outs and R1 on first, the batter hits a hard grounder that d. F1 is guilty of interference; the batter is awarded third base F3 fields on the first bounce. Before R1 has a chance to leave the and R1 is awardedQuiz home. bag, F3 tags R1, then steps on first base. a. Only BR is out. 8. With R1 on first, the batter swings and misses for strike one and b. Only R1 is out. steps out of the box with one foot. The batter steps back in and is c. BR and R1 are out. fidgeting in the box, obviously not ready. Though the pitcher is in d. No one is out — yet. the set position, he has not yet taken his stretch. The plate umpire holds up the “Don’t pitch” signal. The runner at first is napping, 2. Runner on first. F1 is in the windup position with the ball in his however, and a snap throw there results in R1 being called out. glove and his other hand at his side. After taking the sign, he a. The out stands. reaches into his glove and pauses while he grasps the ball. b. The play is nullified because the ball was not live. a. Legal move. b. Balk. 9. The umpire’s jurisdiction (except for the tobacco rule) begins: c. Balk only if F1 immediately attempts a pickoff. a. Upon the umpires’ arrival at the field. b. When the pregame conference begins. 3. From the windup position, F1 begins to bring his hands up, as if c. Ten minutes before game time. to begin his windup, then steps back off the rubber with his pivot d. Thirty minutes before game time. foot. He then throws to third in an attempt to pick off R3. e. When the home team’s lineup is handed to the UIC. a. Legal play. f. When the UIC verifies both lineups. b. Balk. 10. In the top of the first inning, team A’s coach comes out to the 4. With a runner on first, the batter bunts down the first-base line. mound to visit his pitcher. After a brief chat the coach departs, The ball rolls foul and is about to stop when BR kicks it in disgust. making it halfway to the foul line before turning around and The plate umpire is certain it would not have rolled fair. returning to the mound for further discussion. a. Foul ball. a. One conference is charged. b. BR is out. b. Two conferences are charged. c. R1 is out. c. The pitcher must be removed. d. BR is ejected. d. The coach is ejected. e. The umpires should prevent the “further discussion.” 5. With a runner on first, the batter bunts down the first-base line. The ball rolls foul and hits a rock in the three-foot lane. The ball 11. The batter squares to bunt, but the pitch is outside. He steps changes direction and rolls back toward fair territory. BR on home plate and hits a fair ball with his foot on the ground inadvertently kicks it. entirely out of the batter’s box. a. Foul ball. a. BR is out. b. BR is out. b. The ball remains live. c. BR is out only if the ball is fair when he kicks it. c. The ball is dead. d. R1 is out. e. BR is ejected. 12. Same as question 11, but BR’s foot is partially in the batter’s box when he steps on the plate. 6. With F1 in pitching position, the batter goes through his a. BR is out. preliminary fidgeting routine. As the batter cocks the bat, he b. The ball remains live. contacts F2’s mitt. F1 has not begun his pitching motion. c. The ball is dead. a. A ball is awarded. b. Catcher interference, the batter is awarded first. 13. With two out and no runners on, the batter has an 0-2 count. c. No penalty. The pitch results in a swinging third strike, but the ball bounces off F2 and hits BR while he is out of the box in fair territory while 7. With R1 at first, the batter bunts down the third-base line. The running to first base. BR, who did not intentionally cause contact ball is in foul territory but beginning to roll toward fair ground when with the ball, reaches first base safely. the pitcher throws his glove and knocks the ball well toward the a. The ball remains live. dugout. At the time the glove hit the ball, it was still foul by three or b. The ball is dead when it hits BR. four inches. c. The play stands. a. It’s just a foul ball. d. BR is out. b. F1 is guilty of interference; the batter is awarded first base and R1 is awarded second. 14. With a runner on first, the batter grounds to the shortstop, who c. F1 is guilty of interference; the batter is awarded second flips to second for the force out. R1 slides directly at the base with base and R1 is awarded third. one leg in contact with the ground. The upper leg is waist-high to

8 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide the pivot man and contacts the pivot man’s glove, but not If the runner’s leg contacts maliciously. The relay throw, slowed by the contact, is too late to the fielder’s glove, preventing retire BR. a relay throw, is the runner out? See question 14. a. Legal play. b. Interference. c. BR is also out. d. BR is out only if a double play was possible.

15. With one out in the top of the sixth inning, F8 injures his leg and must leave the game. a. F8’s replacement is not allowed warm-up throws. b. F8’s replacement is allowed five warm- up throws. c. F8’s replacement is allowed 10 warm-up throws. d. F8’s replacement is allowed as many warm-up throws as he cares to throw.

16. With no outs, R1 occupies first. On a checked swing with a full count, the plate umpire calls ball four as R1 advances toward second. F2 fires to F6 and quickly appeals that the batter offered at the pitch. R1 is tagged out before reaching second base by F6 and the base umpire also rules that the batter offered at the pitch. a. Only the batter is out. b. Only R1 is out. c. The batter and R1 are out.

Answers

1 — c (Force play, 7-11-b) 9 — f (4-4-a) 2 — a (9-1a-1-c) 10 — a (9-4-d) 3 — b (9-1-a-2) 11 — a, c (6-2-d) 4 — a (7-11-o) 12 — a, c (6-2-d) 5 — b (7-11-o) 13 — a, c (7-11-o) 6 — c (8-2-e AR) 14 — b, c (8-4-c-3) 7 — d (8-2-h, 8-3-g) 15 — b (5-5-h) 8 — b (6-5-h) 16 — c (3-6-f)

KEITH JOHNSTON 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 9 Foul Balls vs. Foul Tips The difference between a foul under the ball but loses his the defensive team contends his the air. The pitcher rushes in tip — keeping the ball live — balance and falls down. The catcher made a legal catch of a and catches the ball in flight. and a foul ball — meaning the ball lands on the catcher’s foul tip and BR is out on The pitcher whirls and throws ball is dead — is most critical chest protector and is then strikes. The coach of the team to second, claiming a double when runners are on base. The grabbed by the catcher. Ruling argues that since the play. Ruling 4: That is a foul following plays illustrate how 2: That is a foul ball. The catch is pitch bounced, the third ball because only the catcher foul tips and foul balls affect play. legal and the batter is out. strike was not legally caught in those codes can catch a Play 1: Two-ball, two-strike Play 3: With two outs and a by the catcher. Ruling 3: The foul tip. The batter remains at count. The batter’s swing sends two-strike count on the batter is out. The catcher bat with two strikes and R2 the ball back toward the batter, the pitcher throws a made a legal catch of a foul must return to second. catcher. The ball strikes the curve ball that bounces in tip. If the batter had swung at Play 5: The batter is at bat catcher’s mask and is front of the plate. After the and missed the pitch, then with two strikes. The batter’s immediately grasped by the bounce, the batter swings at beat a throw to first, he swing sends the ball back catcher. Ruling l: That is a the pitch and hits the ball sharp would be safe. toward the catcher. The ball foul ball. The ball is dead since and direct to the catcher’s glove. Play 4: The batter is at bat first strikes the catcher’s the ball struck the catcher’s The ball is held by the catcher. with two strikes and one out. glove, then strikes the mask before touching his The batter initially starts to R2 attempts to steal third. The umpire. The ball deflects off hands or glove. The batter walk away from the plate. But batter’s swing sends the ball the umpire and the catcher remains at bat with a two- when his coach shouts for sharp and direct to the secures the ball in his glove. two count. him to run to first, BR dashes catcher’s glove. But the ball Ruling 5: That is a foul ball. Play 2: The batter hits a foul for first and beats the catcher’s then strikes the catcher’s shin The ball becomes dead once it fly ball. The catcher circles throw to the bag. The coach for guard and bounces high in strikes the umpire. I

Flashback (e.g. professional baseball dead-ball area to catch a runner is out for continued from p. 4 logos). The American flag is ball, but does not fall, the interference. allowed. Umpires who ball remains in play and If the collision by the ruling three was modified violate the rule are to be runners may advance at runner is flagrant, the runner to make it clear that ejected reported to the proper their own peril. A runner is is also ejected from the personnel “must be disciplinary authority. awarded one base when a contest. The added approved removed from sight and Obstruction (6-4-e). The fielder, after catching a fly ruling addresses the sound of the contest.” obstruction rule was revised ball, falls into a dead-ball situation in which a flagrant Ejected personnel who in 2004 so that all forms of area. A player’s status is a collision occurs after the refuse to leave shall be obstruction are a delayed- judgment call. An approved runner is safe. In such a suspended for one game. dead ball. The section in 6- ruling was added stating case, the runner is safe, but Last year a provision was 4-e that indicated that if the fielder is still ejected. If that does added that umpires must file obstruction was an intentionally slides into not occur at the plate, a an ejection report with the immediate dead ball was dead-ball territory to make pinch runner may be used. offending team’s athletics overlooked. This year that a catch, he has not lost Removing pitcher (9-4-b director and a conference section was deleted. When a body control. AR 2). The approved ruling administrator, if applicable. runner is obstructed, the Collisions (8-7 AR 3). was modified to clarify the Umpires (3-6-c). A new umpire shall point and call, The intent of the rule is to new pitcher must proceed section added recommends “That’s obstruction.” The encourage runners and immediately to the mound. that the assigning entities umpire shall let the play defensive players to avoid The “penalty” provision in insist umpires be dressed continue until all play has collisions whenever the second sentence that uniformly. That has long ceased, call time and award possible. When there is an stated additional pitches been an “umpire pride” any bases that are justified. avoidable collision with a taken in the bullpen after matter and umpire If any runner who advances fielder who clearly is in the coach called the pitcher associations have insisted beyond what the umpire possession of the ball, or counted toward the eight on compliance. Specifically would have granted is put the runner attempts to allowed warmups implied prohibited are logos or out, the runner is out. dislodge the ball without the pitcher had the option insignias that are not Catch (6-1-d). If a fielder making a bona fide effort to to continue to warm up in related to collegiate baseball steps into a bench or other reach the base or plate, the the bullpen. I

10 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide Working Under the Lights Depending on the area in during the game, make sure go out more often when fly out of sight and the field which you live, a night you have set them out balls are hit to them. lights just coming on, you’ll game may be a rare somewhere where they are Some governing bodies or have some of the worst occurrence. It may be a easy to retrieve. If you must associations allow umpires viewing conditions of the bigger game than usual. As leave the field to get your to wear sunglasses. Don’t evening. Pay as close a result, you may be excited, things, make doubly sure assume that since Major attention as you can, make and legitimately so. Make the plate umpire knows you League Baseball allows it sure you help your partners sure you take some time to are going. Do not take the that your league does, too. keep an eye on the ball and consider the ways a game chance that he will start the Movement. In a three- use good timing for pitches played under the lights will next half-inning without umpire system, the first-base and plays. differ from one played realizing you are gone. umpire may need to move The plate umpire should under the sun. Most night games start off the foul line to see call for the field lights when Your considerations start before the sun has set, so be pickoff throws. That’s fine, they are needed. Strive to even before you park your aware that someone on the but try to move back to the have the lights turned on car. Note that the remote field will have trouble with line as the ball is pitched. If before the visiting team’s at area where you normally the setting sun if there are you do not, it will bat. The visiting team will park, perfectly safe in the no clouds. Because of how complicate matters on be less likely to complain daytime, may pose a most fields are laid out, smashes down the line. that it had to bat in the top completely different scenario runners at first, an umpire in If you’ve ever driven a of an inning without lights after dark. Consider your the A position, the first car just after the sun has while the home team batted avenue of exit in case of a baseman and right fielder gone out of sight at sunset, in the bottom half with controversial game. will have the most trouble you know how difficult it is them. In an unusual Decide before the game with the setting sun. If you to see in that “in-between” situation, such as an overly what you will wear to stay are the base umpire and are lighting. Same goes on the long half-inning, if you feel comfortable. In many having trouble with glare, baseball field. With the sun (see Lights p. 13) regions, the drastic make sure the plate umpire temperature drop after the knows it. It is possible a base sun goes down means you umpire will fail to see which Sneak a Peak will need to add clothing direction a batted fly ball is after sunset. Usually that going, and a plate umpire A base umpire in position C with a runner on second base applies only to the base may have to take over in and third base open should get in the habit of taking a peak umpire. If you feel you may that situation. Note which over the right shoulder to see if the runner breaks for third. It need to put on a fielders are having trouble can be done right after the pitcher has committed to windbreaker or gloves with the sun and take care to delivering the pitch. It’s a brief glance, but it does provide an opportunity to get ready to move immediately after the pitch crosses the plate. Drift slightly toward third base (a step or two) to prepare for the potential play. Be careful. The ball could still be hit and you could compromise your position or Umpiring Information Online get in the way of other players. The NCAA baseball website is a must-see for umpires. PlayPic™ Log on to http://www1.ncaa.org/ membership/champadmin/baseball/umpiring/index. html. Umpires will find up-to-date and relevant information before, during and after the season. Among the features of the site are preseason clinic schedules and agendas, postseason tournament information, order forms for CCA mechanics manuals and NCAA videos, evaluation and ejection forms, updated rule interpretations and information on the Umpire Improvement Program. The 2006 rules test will be also be placed online, www.eofficials.com.

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 11 They’re Invisible, But Calling Areas Exist The first pages of the rulebook is a possibility of multiple With a runner on second trouble ball to the outfield in specifies the field layout. The calls is the working area. In or runners on first and his coverage area, the base recommended chalk lines the two-man umpiring second, the base umpire is in umpire should move to the facilitate enforcement of the system, with a runner on first position C — between second edge of the infield grass in rules. There are also various (as well as various other and third on a line through the direction the ball is hit. imaginary lines and areas that runner combinations), the the edge of the dirt circle of It’s important to note in fly facilitate umpiring. No one will base umpire is in position B. the pitcher’s mound. The ball coverage, the first ever paint those onto the field, That position is between first working area is the area priority is always catch or no but knowledge of the areas and second on a line through between those positions and catch. The base umpire is also contributes to better umpiring. the edge of the dirt circle of the mound. From that area, responsible for the touch of The working area. The ideal the pitcher’s mound and the base umpire is in a good first base by the batter-runner spot for the base umpire to about midway between the position to observe his as well as any tag up by R1. If position himself when there mound and second base. responsibilities and to move he has moved to the edge of into proper position as plays the grass, the base umpire develop. will make his call from there When a fly ball is hit to the and immediately bounce For Umpires: Fly Ball to Right Center outfield with multiple back into the working area to runners on base, the base pick up the runners. Sometimes umpires don’t have to move very far to properly umpire should let the ball If the ball to the outfield is cover a play. That’s one of the beauties of the four-umpire take him to his next play. If routine, the base umpire system. no play is readily apparent, should drift back into the The MechaniGram depicts a situation in which a fly ball is the base umpire should not working area in order to open hit to right-center field. When the ball is caught, R2 tags up drift aimlessly or commit up the playing field and and advances toward third base, drawing a throw there. When the ball is hit, U1 moves to the best position unnecessarily toward a base observe the catch. From that possible to view the catch, but for the most part the other when the ball is thrown back position he can observe the umpires are already where they need to be. UIC remains near to the infield. Instead, the activity at first base and be home plate and observes the action. U2 observes R2’s tag base umpire should maintain centrally located for any up and has all plays at second base, while U3 has all plays at his position within the subsequent plays on the third base. working area. Here’s an bases. Only when the umpire If the ball is not caught, U2 observes the batter-runner’s example. anticipates the potential for a base touch at first base and has all plays on the batter- With runners on the play should he move out of runner at first and second base. U3 has all plays at third corners, the base umpire is the working area and into base. UIC has all plays at home plate. responsible for fly balls to the position. left fielder or right fielder If the ball is hit cleanly to ™ MechaniGram RF straight in or straight out and the outfield for a base hit and CATCH anything between them. On a (see Areas p. 15)

U1

CF THROW Force Plays runner from first heading continued from p. 7 toward second, that is a U1 force out. Remember, too, BR that any time the defense that if a runner is stealing

U2 can retire a runner by second when the batter

R2 simply touching a base, lines out to the first U2 that’s a force play. It’s a baseman and the first bad assumption, but one baseman doubles up the

LF that is understandable. runner by stepping on Most force plays are first, that is not a force out. completed when a fielder Next time you have a

R2 touches a base. But similar play, you’ll know remember that when a without question whether U3 U3 BR second baseman fields a the out is a force out and ground ball and tags a whether the run scores. I

12 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide Working Higher In PlayPic B, the umpire has raised up just a few inches and moved slightly farther behind the catcher. That brings the entire When a catcher sets up well on the inside corner, you must plate into view. adjust your head height in order to see pitches properly. If you’re on the short side and work a game with a tall PlayPic A shows the plate umpire’s perspective with the catcher, you may have to work higher regardless of where the catcher inside. Because the umpire has not adjusted his head catcher sets up. Do whatever it takes to see pitches. height, the outer half of the plate is not visible.

PlayPic™ PlayPic™ A B

Lights keep a close eye on batted lights will make it seem like the play, the play stands. If continued from p. 11 balls if you have to stay on you are looking at 10 all the lights fail, or enough the infield. Towering fly balls at once. of them that the umpires you must get the lights might get above the lights. In Plate umpires will notice cannot follow the play, the turned on for the safety of all that case, let the fielders take that the pitching background play should be nullified. In involved, don’t hesitate to do you to where the ball is changes as the night NFHS and NCAA play, so. going. If an infield fly that progresses. The change is Referee advises using the pro Note that you are going to gets lost above the lights gradual. Make sure your interpretation. If the ball had need to know who to contact would have been ruled timing is slow enough that already become dead and to get the lights turned on. “ordinary effort” on a sunny you are not missing pitches runners were accepting their Talk to game or ballpark day, Referee advises treating or bailing out too soon. awards, such as after a home management beforehand so the play as if the fielder Lights out. All of that run, allow the runners to everyone is on the same never lost sight of the ball. In assumes the lights are complete the award when page. other words, treat it the same functional. What do you do lighting is restored. But do If the lighting system is as if the sun got in the if they fail in the middle of not accept part of a play and subpar, the lighting is likely fielder’s eyes. the play? Only the pro nullify another part (for to be the worst in the Don’t follow the flight of rulebook has specific example, allow the front end outfield. Consider going out fly balls into the lights. You’ll coverage. Rule 5.10b states of a double play but put a on balls that would normally be temporarily blinded and that, if only a few banks of batter-runner on first be considered routine and, if the light spots you’ll see lights fail during a play and because you could not see if working from the infield, after looking away from the all umpires are able to follow he was out or safe). I

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 13 Take Time Out to Consider Time Plays An often overlooked duty as he watches the action on one out, Davis occupies touches the plate before is the need to know the bases unfold. Normally, third base, Edwards is on Edwards is tagged out. whether a run does or does in that type of situation, a second and Frank is on Remember to help scorers not score. Here are two runner on third of normal first. Green’s long fly ball know if a run scores on a time interesting time play speed will make the plate to left field is caught near play. Point emphatically to situations: before the third out occurs. the wall. Davis tags up at the plate and announce, With the visitors Remember, the third out third and jogs toward “Count the run.” If it does leading, 3-1 and one out in was not a force out or an home believing he can not count, wave your hands the last of the ninth inning,. out made by the batter- easily score. Edwards also over head like a football Able singles. Then, with runner before he touched tags up at second and referee signaling timeout Brown at bat, Able steals first base. Once F3 stepped streaks for third, but is and announce, “No run.” second. Brown singles to on first to retire Clark, the tagged out. Don’t give the safe signal, right with Able stopping at force on Brown was That is a time play. which implies the runner is third. Clark hits a sharp removed and the third out Davis’ run counts only if he safe and scores. I grounder to F3, who fields became a time play. the ball with his left foot on Able’s run should be first, retiring Clark. F3 then negated because Able had Strike Zone is a Point of Emphasis throws to F6, who tags not reached home when Brown about 20 feet from the third out occurred. The major point of emphasis for 2006 is the strike zone. second to end the game. Thus, the final score is 3-1. While acknowledging improvements have been made Confusion regarding the Consider this. In the last regarding the high strike, the NCAA Baseball Rules final score occurs when of the eighth inning, the Committee wants continued focus on calling the high strike. Able lopes toward the plate home team trails, 2-1. With Also, there continues to be some concern about outside pitches well off the plate that are being called strikes. “We have asked Dave Yeast (NCAA national coordinator of If the throw is by the umpires) to continue to focus on improving the strike zone Stand nationally and to build on the positive changes we’ve seen,” pitcher, the award continued from p. 6 said Chris McKnight, chair of the committee. “We realize it is depends if he was on or a large task, but it is one area that truly affects the way our line drive to F9, who off the rubber. game is played.” makes the catch and fires Play 5: F1 attempts to the ball back to first. The pick off R1 from a set throw is wild and goes position by (a) backing into the dugout. Ruling off the rubber with his 3: R1 is awarded third, pivot foot, or (b) two bases from the last throwing while in contact base he legally occupied with the rubber. The ball at the time of the throw. gets by F3 and bounces The runner is required to over the fence. Ruling 5: retouch first even though In (a), since he stepped Mid point between the ball is dead. off the rubber before shoulder and top of pants Play 4: With a runner throwing wildly, F1 on first, the batter hits a became an infielder. R1 ground ball to F5. The goes to third with a two- Strike zone throw to second is wild. base award. In (b), R1 is safe at second. F4 because F1’s action from

retrieves the ball and the rubber was as a Hollow beneath hastily fires to F3. The pitcher, and not an knee cap rushed throw goes into infielder, R1 goes to the stands. Ruling 4: R1 second with a one-base scores and BR is awarded award. That is treated the second. The award is same way as a pitch out from the time the ball left of play. I F4’s hand.

14 2006 NCAA Baseball Guide Note New AR on Designated Hitter Don’t Smoke ’em Even If You Got ’em Approved ruling 3 was added Green to pitch and sends Smith In its continuing effort to rid college baseball of to Rule 7-2-c to address the to play first. Since that results in all forms of tobacco, the NCAA Baseball Rules situation in which a pitcher and loss of the DH, Jones would Committee proposed rule changes involving designated hitter both enter the have to leave the game, so the tobacco in 2004. The rules go into effect in 2006. game on defense at the same coach has Jones catch. Ruling: Two changes were made to Rule 3-11. time. In that case, the coach Jones must continue to bat in Although the umpire-in-chief is not in charge must designate the positions in the fourth spot. Smith and of the game until the lineups have been the batting order of the new Green will bat in either the exchanged, the umpire’s jurisdiction with pitcher and the previous catcher or first baseman’s spot regard to the tobacco rule begins upon the pitcher. in the order. Upon reporting the umpire’s arrival on the field in uniform. Play: Jones is the DH for change to the umpire, the coach Also, the head coach of the offending team Smith, the pitcher, and is must immediately designate his will be ejected when a player is ejected for batting fourth. In the seventh choice of where Smith and Green tobacco use. I inning, the coach brings in will appear in the order. I

Areas MechaniGram™ made from the expanded continued from p. 12 box, it is the plate umpire’s responsibility to check to neither fair or foul nor see if the batter-runner is catch or no catch is not an in the running lane. That issue, the plate umpire is must be done before the responsible for R1 going to throw. If the umpire waits third. The base umpire is until after the runner is responsible for all plays at struck, he will not know first and second and may where the runner was be responsible for third when the ball was thrown. base if the plate umpire The penalty for has to stay home because interference is to declare of a fair or foul decision on the batter-runner out and the right-field line. In that return any other runners to situation, the base umpire the base occupied at the should also operate from time of the pitch (7-11-p). the working area. By In addition to the taking two or three steps runner being out of the back toward the mound, lane, there are three the base umpire can open purposes of this of the distance from home additional elements to his field of view and watch discussion, the box can be to first base within the interference. R1 touch second and the expanded to include foul three-foot lane. If he does • There must be a batter-runner touch first, territory around home not do so, and in the throw. then watch any subsequent plate (see MechaniGram). umpire’s judgment he • There must be a play develop and let the The significance of that interferes with the fielder fielder in position at first ball take him to the play. area is that throws from at first base taking a throw base to catch the throw. By taking a position in that area and only from from the expanded box, it • It must be a quality the working area, umpires that area can result in is interference. The rule throw. It is not interference can maximize flexibility running lane interference provides protection for if the throw had no and retain a better chance — throws of fair batted fielders who are throwing realistic chance of retiring of getting into the best balls from the box and along the same general the batter-runner, unless in possible position for throws of a dropped third path as the batter-runner. the umpire’s judgment the ensuing plays. strike from the expanded The batter-runner must bad throw is a direct result The box. The box is the area. step totally outside the of the batter-runner’s area immediately in front The batter-runner is lane to commit an improper position. I of home plate. For required to run the last half infraction. When a throw is

2006 NCAA Baseball Guide 15 The CCA Baseball Umpires Manual 2006 helps you do just that. You’ll get the latest mechanics changes including new signals and fly ball coverage. Learn how to keep better control of the game by maintaining the pace. Plus, pick up some great tips on improving your ability to anticipate plays and react quicker. The CCA Baseball Umpires Manual 2006 has everything needed to empower you to meet the challenges of a game – before they occur.

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