2018 A supplement to the NCAA • Prepared by the editors of Referee Put Your Heart in the Right Pace ace of play remains in the spot- “I personally think the length Plight in collegiate baseball. of games that we’re dealing with in The NCAA Baseball Rules college baseball and professional Committee approved an experimental baseball have been extended too rule for 2018 that permits the long,” said Tanner, who is the Southeastern Conference (SEC) athletics director at the University to test coach-to-catcher electronic of South Carolina, Columbia, and communication in an effort to speed former longtime head coach of the up -calling. school’s baseball team. “While I don’t In the 1970s, the average Men’s think anybody is interested in a 1:20 College World (CWS) game was game, when you get into 3:40-plus, done in about two-and-a-half hours. you’re starting to push it. The quality The general trend in CWS game time of the experience is diminished.” averages has been upward. In 2017, “I don’t think it’s a game you can the average game ran 3 hours and 15 rush, but it’s a game that has to have minutes. Many regular season games a particular pace that keeps your are running longer, some pushing attention,” Tanner said. “And I think toward or past the four-hour mark. we can do some things to make it On May 9, 2017, Arizona defeated better.” Arizona State, 14-13, in a nine- An idea that’s expected to get mid-week game that lasted 4 hours another look is the play clock. The and 45 minutes. That game may be on SEC tested a play clock several the extreme end, but the overall trend years ago, but a lack of widespread toward longer games has the attention support at the time led to the Rules of the leaders in college baseball. Committee withdrawing a proposal With the length of games trending for wider use for the 2016 season. upward at a time when people’s improved pace attention spans seem to be shortening, of play using a play clock, showing rulemakers expect to explore the possibilities and alleviating additional pace of play initiatives. Ryan Bleiberg of Simi Valley, California, concerns such a move would damage monitors time between with a Randy Bruns, NCAA baseball stopwatch. Avoiding excess time between the game’s traditions. secretary-rules editor, said he innings is one of the ways to help with pace “Minor league baseball has anticipates the rules committee will of play. knocked 20-25 minutes off their evaluate the intentional walk without games with the play clock,” said pitches needing to be thrown and George Drouches, the NCAA elimination of the third-to-first head into the rule change year for National Coordinator of Baseball move — both pace of play changes next year.” Umpires. “So, I do believe the play MLB recently adopted. Ray Tanner, chair of the NCAA clock may eventually come to college “Everything is on the table,” Bruns Division I Baseball Committee, said he baseball.” said. “I anticipate that the Division doesn’t want pace of play initiatives to Tanner said when it was tried in

Bob Messina I, II and III baseball committees as compromise the integrity of the game, the SEC, it never became a factor. well as the Rules Committee will be but he sees opportunities to make Everyone knew it was there, and looking at all of those things as we enhancements. See “Pace of Play” p. 15

Published by Referee Welcome to the 2018 College Baseball Season he 2018 Baseball Guide is designed and instructions for umpires were official warning to attempt to defuse an Tto provide not only information, established, as well as video bulletins escalating situation. but also clarifications leading into the addressing the primary directive of Umpires: Remember, in all season. Umpires, always keep it with the new rule — that the pitcher must situations: Be confident, be credible, be your development clearly declare what concise, be in control. materials — for use he is in when he is taking his sign. Pace-of-play is attracting much in your study and attention (see story on page 1): pregame discussions. Video Bulletins early and communication devices; visible play Coaches, please keep throughout the year focusing on clock to accompany current timing it with your game-day the intentional component of - rules for between innings and play materials as a quick by-pitch (HBP) in addition to video with no runners on base; limiting the reference. In addition, examples — simplified language duration of a defensive conference at this 2018 NCAA was installed, “Coach, I am bringing the mound; and permitting the “no- Preseason Guide will your batter back to bat because in my pitch intentional walk.” Another item be posted on our judgment your batter intentionally the Rules Committee will include on HOME PLATE page: tried to get hit by that pitch.” the survey is eliminating the third- George www.ncaabaseball. to-first pickoff move. Remember, we Drouches arbitersports.com. 2017 saw dramatic reductions in can improve upon our game’s pace Head coaches, violent collisions at home plate due in of play: understand and enforce the NCAA National please register as part to better instruction in this regard, timing factors —once again, warn, Coordinator of Umpires well to have as well as establishing plays at the enforce, move-on. Remember, time is access to NCAA plate protocol: dirt circle, catcher not not automatically granted to a batter Baseball’s Home Plate. in the baseline, act of fielding, obvious — ONLY for safety reasons or IF a 2018 is a non-rules-change year. attempt to avoid a collision. pitcher freezes the hitter too long. Rule interpretations will continue Lastly, calling the high strike (strike to be issued by Randy Bruns, 2018 Points of Emphasis: zone: Rule 7, Section 4, B, A.R. 1) will NCAA Baseball Secretary-Rules The Rules Committee discussed help much as well. Editor, and items that will continue the need to continue to emphasize I would like to thank all who to receive attention include: bat student-athlete and coach misconduct participate in our NCAA Baseball tampering, (HBP), pace of issues and bat tampering are all serious Program for their selfless play, instant replay, pitching position offenses that will not be tolerated in passion to service; in addition, much and the suspension penalties in order to collegiate baseball. appreciation as well to the conference clarify and educate all to the provisions. coordinators for their dedication with Instant replay became a permissible Bat testing prior to play in collaborative efforts, including but playing rule in 2017. The centralized the 2017 NCAA Division I Baseball not limited to: branding/marketing location instant replay system and Championship was mandated to of officiating, clinics and educational processes, well developed by the ensure the integrity of competition efforts, evaluation processes, Baseball Umpire Program (BUP) and ensure that bats being used have assignment recommendations — used in the Super Regionals and not been altered or tampered with for for NCAA Championships, College World Series — is ever- better performance. Many Division I communication with committees/ evolving in its protocol. With this Conferences have initiated bat testing coaches, dealing with situations said, instant replay expansion as an for the 2018 regular season. Rule 1-12 during the regular season and NCAA experimental rule will take place contains the penalty for use of an illegal Championships, and recruiting new in 2018 involving the Southeastern bat. officials. Conference — this experimentation and data will give the Baseball Rules The rules committee discussed In closing: Remember… Who you Committee an understanding of how the importance of maintaining a strong are. Who you represent. Why we do the increased number of reviewed stance on unsportsmanlike behavior what we do. plays impacts the pace of the game. and also discussed the potential of Finally, I would like to wish all Looking back on initiatives in 2017: increasing the penalty for ejections. The the stakeholders of our great game of We addressed the pitching NCAA Baseball Umpire Program will NCAA college baseball the very best in position rule: Specific guidelines continue to instruct umpires to issue an 2018. *

2 2018 NCAA Baseball Guide BASEBALL 2018 Experimental Rules: Replay and Audio

his coming season, the Southeastern is ; determining whether a runner The SEC will report back to the TConference (SEC) will get the op- scored ahead of a third out; and, upon Baseball Rules Committee on whether portunity to experiment with expanded appropriate appeal by the defensive the direct communication reduces the video replay and electronic audio com- team, whether a runner touched a time consumed by the pitch-calling munication between coach and catcher. base. process. That process can be slow That’s a result of two experimental rules as teams relay pitch information to cleared by the NCAA Baseball Rules Hit by pitch — Whether a the catcher, often in the form of a Committee in July 2017 and approved pitched ball touches a batter or his numerical code. Then, the catcher by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight clothing. looks at a wristband to decipher Panel in August 2017. what pitch is being called. Finally, the Rulemakers follow a two-year cycle Base retouches — Deciding if a catcher signals to the pitcher. for major rule changes, and last year was runner failed to retouch his base after The experimental rule only the rule-change year for baseball. But a fair or is legally caught allows communication between it’s not uncommon for some changes to before the runner or the base is tagged one coach and the catcher, and emerge during the off-year. In addition by the fielder. like the experimental video review to the two experimental rules involving rules, only permits their use in 2018 the SEC, rulemakers approved requiring Runner placement — An SEC regular season games and the the barrels of bats be a contrasting color umpire’s placement of the batter- 2018 SEC tournament games. It to the color of the baseball starting in runner or runners following a will not be permitted during non- 2020 and bat barrel compression testing boundary call. conference games or in the NCAA (starting in 2020 in Division I and in 2021 championships. in Division II and Division III). — Deciding if interference occurred in an attempt to Bat Barrel Compression Testing Expansion of Video Review break up a play. One rule change that will take Under the experimental replay effect in the future involves bat rule, the SEC will be allowed The experimental rules also permit testing. As a result of concerns over expanded use of video replay coaches to challenge two calls. bat tampering in recent years, bat review for their conference games The umpire crew chief, at his or her barrel compression testing will be and SEC tournament games; it discretion, may still initiate a video required in Division I starting in 2020 will not be permitted during non- review for reviewable plays. and in Division II and Division III conference games or in the NCAA The SEC will provide the Baseball starting in 2021. championships. Rules Committee with data on the In addition to the plays currently number and duration of replay Bat Color Requirement reviewable under the rules, the SEC reviews. That information will help Starting with the 2020 season, the will be allowed to review: the committee assess the impact on the barrel of the bat must be a contrasting pace of the game. color to the color of the baseball from Force/tag plays — Plays 18 inches above the knob to the end involving the batter-runner or other Coach-to-Catcher cap. The Baseball Rules Committee runner acquiring the base prior to the Communication System felt that with the increase in baseball defensive player’s attempt to put them The other experimental rule bat designs and graphics using white out at any base. approved for the SEC directly aims as the predominant color, batted balls at improving pace of play. The SEC were becoming more difficult for Runners passing — Calls will be allowed to use electronic audio defensive players to react to in the involving whether a runner passes a devices for communication between a field. * preceding runner before such runner coach and the catcher.

Acknowledgments Major portions of this newsletter are protected by copyrights of Referee Authors contributing: Brent Killackey, Referee’s managing editor; Chris Szolyga, Enterprises, Inc., and are used by permission. Copying in whole or in part is Muskego, Wis.; Steven Tietz, Milwaukee, Wis. Graphics and layout by Matt prohibited without prior written consent from Referee Enterprises, Inc., and ® ® Bowen, Referee graphic designer. the NCAA. PlayPic and MechaniGram are registered trademarks of Referee Enterprises, Inc.

2018 NCAA Baseball Guide 3 2017-18 Rule Change Review

Here is a review of the rule changes from last season, including several that are points of emphasis for 2018.

Plate Collisions (8-7) To reduce collisions at the plate, the Rules Committee rewrote the collision rule. A runner while attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate), or otherwise initiate an avoidable collision. If the umpire judges that a runner initiated contact, the umpire shall declare the runner out. In such circumstances, the ball is dead, and all other baserunners shall return to the last base touched at the The NCAA rule changes for 2017-18 included one aimed at reducing collisions at home plate. time of the collision. If the runner slides into the plate in an appropriate manner and contact occurs, the umpire will let by the Catcher (2-55) you.” Saying, “Knock it off,” “That’s play continue with no penalty. The Rules Committee added a note enough,” “Don’t say anything else,” or, A runner who lowers his shoulder, or involving obstruction by the catcher: “I’ve heard enough,” doesn’t constitute pushes through with his hands, elbows “The catcher, without the ball in his an official warning. or arms in an effort to touch the plate, possession, has no right to block the would be in violation of Collision Rule pathway of the runner attempting 8-7. to score. The baseline belongs to the On a feet-first , a runner’s runner and the catcher should be A buttocks and legs should hit the there only when he is fielding the ground before any contact with the ball or when he already has the ball catcher. In the case of a head-first slide, in his hand. If a fielder is about to a runner shall be deemed to have slid receive a thrown ball and if the ball appropriately if his body hits the ground is toward and near enough before any contact with the catcher. to the fielder so he must occupy his If a catcher blocks the pathway of the position to receive the ball, he may be runner, the umpire shall not find that the considered ‘in the act of fielding’ a ball. runner initiated an avoidable collision in It is entirely up to the judgment of the violation of the Collision Rule. umpire as to whether the fielder is in Additionally, in order to block the the act of fielding a ball.” plate, the catcher must have possession of the ball. If the catcher doesn’t have Official Warning (2-57) possession of the ball and blocks the To improve communication pathway of the runner, the umpire shall between umpires and coaches (PlayPic call the runner . But, if the catcher A), a new term was added: “Official blocks the pathway of the runner in a Warning.” An Official Warning is a legitimate attempt to field a throw — warning from an umpire that carries even if the throw is bad and pulls him the words, “This is your official into the pathway of the runner — he is warning. If you continue, you will not considered . leave me no option but to eject KEITH JOHNSTON

4 2018 NCAA Baseball Guide BASEBALL 2018

Coaches (2-26-g; 3-2-Note) the final decision. This provides the foot to the ground and make a second The Rules Committee added a new coach an explanation prior to an push-off to deliver the pitch.” That is penalty for a substitute head coach announcement after the umpires an illegal pitch and shall be called a who is ejected. When the head coach finished a conference or used replay with runners on base (PlayPic D). has been ejected and is replaced by a review. The committee believes that substitute head coach, the substitute will reduce the potential for additional head coach has all the duties, rights arguments by coaches of the impacted E and responsibilities accorded to the team. original head coach. However, should /No Catch Review: Under the substitute head coach be ejected, he previous rules, a catch/no-catch shall serve a one-game suspension in decision in the could not be addition to the ejection. reviewed with replay; now that play is reviewable. Only under the following Windup Position (9-1-a) situations may an umpire change a no The new rule requires the pitcher catch to a catch: if there are runner(s) to stand with his chest and shoulders on base and the catch becomes the generally facing the batter, with third out of the inning; or, any time the pivot foot on or in front of and with a batter-runner only. touching the pitchers’ plate with the Video Replay: Replay may be other foot free (PlayPics B and C). The used during regular-season play. In added language requires the pitcher order to change a call, there has to to face the batter with the chest and be indisputable video evidence and shoulders, giving the base runners the replay must occur before the next Bat Tampering (1-12-c, d and Pen.) and umpires a clear determination pitch or play. Additionally, there are Tampering with bats has if the pitcher is in the windup or set no coaches’ challenges. The crew chief become a serious concern in position. will make the determination to use collegiate baseball. The Rules replay. If a call is being reversed, the Committee added new language crew chief shall use his best judgment in this area: “There shall be no B C to determine where the batter-runner external attachment(s) to any part and runner(s) will be placed and the of the bat and no data collection final decision may not be argued. or transmission device externally Scoring plays at home plate have been attached or embedded within any recently added to the rule. part of the .”(PlayPic E) Also, coaches and players will not Pivot Foot (9-2-l) be allowed to roll the bat surface New language to the pitching rule to give the bat extra pop for when states, “A pitcher shall not jump or the ball hits the bat. The penalty for push forward off the pitcher’s plate tampering with the bat has changed with his pivot foot and then bring his See “Review” p. 6

Appendix E With technology playing a bigger D role in the game of baseball, the Rules Committee added language to reflect the protocols for “Getting the Call Right.” Call Changes: If a call is to be changed after a crew conference without the use of video replay, the umpire shall notify the opposing head coach of the umpire’s decision to change the call before signaling the decision to the press box or crowd. Once the notification is made to the coach, the calling umpire will signal

2018 NCAA Baseball Guide 5 Review (4-5) Continued from p. 5 New rules language clarifies that ground rules shall not conflict with as well. If an illegal bat is discovered, playing rules. “A ground rule may be the batter shall be called out and the adopted where unusual conditions bat shall be removed from the game. prevail if agreeable with the visiting team. No ground rule shall conflict Use of (2-13) with the official playing rules. If both During the game, potential teams don’t agree, ground rules shall substitute pitchers and other be determined by the umpires.” players must use the bullpen areas that are designated on the playing Halted Game (5-9-c) field to warm up. They may not If both teams agree to use the use another facility or location out halted game procedure prior to the of sight and sound of the playing start of a non-conference contest field. Particularly during inclement and the contest cannot be finished, weather, there is a concern that home the unfinished game becomes a “no teams have an unfair advantage contest” if the game has not met the with alternate facilities that are not conditions of a regulation game. available to the visiting team.

A batter may not make a movement to Catch and Carry (6-1-d; 6-4-e) Fielder, Runner Tangle (2-55-Note- intentionally get hit by the pitch and must If a fielder legally catches a ball 5) avoid getting hit whenever possible. in live territory and steps or falls In case of a wild throw during a into out-of-play territory, the ball is steal attempt, if the ball is misplayed dead and each runner, other than the by the fielder and if the runner and tionally get hit by the pitch and must batter, will advance one base without fielder get tangled up, the fielder is avoid being hit whenever possible.” the liability to be put out. restricted from any further hindrance This is intended to reduce the num- after the initial contact. This clarifies ber of batters allowing themselves to Distracting Tattoos (9-2-h) that the initial entanglement of the be intentionally hit or moving into If a pitcher has tattoos that runner and fielder is not obstruction, pitches. the batter or umpire considers but any hinderance after the initial distracting, the pitcher must legally entanglement would constitute Advancement of Runners (5-8-d- cover the tattoos. obstruction. Note) The rules committee added the Momentary Adjustment (9-3-h-Note) Alternate Baseball (4-1-Note) following: “When the winning A pitcher may momentarily adjust Umpires will be the sole judge is scored in the last half-inning of a the ball in the glove and separate the on whether the ball should be regulation game, or in the last half- hands so long as it is prior to taking a checked and should do so if the ball inning of an extra inning, as the result legal pitching position. has bounced off equipment or the of a , hit batter or any external parts of the ballpark, such other play with the bases full which Permissible Warmup (9-4-a-8) as the fence, wall, dugouts and other forces the batter and all other runners During a free trip or a timeout equipment. The rules committee to advance without liability of being to substitute a pitcher, a defensive recommends that umpires check the put out, the umpire shall not declare player may warm up another ball if it appears to be “discolored, the game ended until the runner defensive player, provided it doesn’t scuffed or otherwise unsuitable forced to advance from third has delay the game. The player warming for play,” or if the pitcher requests touched home plate and the batter- up must be in the current lineup and a different ball. It is not necessary runner has touched first base. An remain in fair territory during the to check the ball that is not cleanly exception will be made if fans rush charged conference or timeout. caught by the catcher or hits the dirt. onto the field and physically prevent the runner from touching home plate Permissible Gloves (1-13-c) Hit by the Pitch (8-2-d-1) or the batter-runner from touching Every player, with the exception The rules committee amended the first base. In such cases, the umpires of the catcher, will be allowed to use wording of the rule to read: “A batter shall award the runner the necessary a glove not more than 13 inches long may not make a movement to inten- bases with no appeal allowed.” and eight inches wide. * DALE GARVEY

6 2018 NCAA Baseball Guide BASEBALL 2018 NCAA Misconduct Penalties

Type of Offense Offender Consequence for First Offense Consequence for Second Offense Consequence for Third Offense Rule Ref.

Unsportsmanlike conduct or Assistant coach, Ejection from present contest plus a Ejection from present contest plus language directed toward an player or team three game suspension by the same Same as second offense 2-26-f a one game suspension umpire or an opponent personnel individual in the same season

Unsportsmanlike conduct or Ejection from present contest - no language directed toward an Head coach Same as first offense Same as first offense 2-26-f suspension umpire or an opponent

Unsportsmanlike conduct or Player whose last Ejection from present contest plus language directed toward an listed position is Same as first offense Same as first offense 2-26-e a four-game suspension umpire or an opponent that of a pitcher

Game Misconduct— removing Ejection from the present contest Head coach Same as first offense Same as first offense 5-15-b team from the field; refusing plus a two-game (2) suspension to continue

Prolonged or continued arguing, offensive language Two-game suspension added to or excessive expressions 2-26-h; Any participant the present accumulative total for Same as first offense Same as first offense directed at an umpire 5-15-a (4) applicable suspension penalties or game official after an ejection

Ejection plus a suspension Ejection plus a four-game Ejection plus a suspension from the for the remainder of the Fighting Any participant 5-16-a suspension team’s next five contests season, including postseason competition

Ejection plus a suspension Any participant Physical abuse of Ejection plus a four-game Ejection plus a suspension from the for the remainder of the includes head 5-16-b participants or umpires suspension team’s next five contests season, including postseason coach competition

5-16-c, Leaving position to Four-game suspension after the Suspended for the remainder of the Any participant N/A Penalty participate in a fight ejection season (1), (5)

Ejection plus a suspension Ejection plus a four-game Ejection plus an eight-game for the remainder of the suspension. The head coach is not suspension. The head coach is season, including postseason. Intentionally throwing at a Pitcher, or pitcher ejected if no warning is given. If a not ejected if no warning has been If no warning is given, the 5-16-d, (1), batter and head coach warning has been given, the head given. If a warning has been given, head coach is not ejected. (2), (3) coach is ejected from that game the head coach is ejected and If a warning is issued, the and suspended for one game suspended for one game head coach is ejected and suspended for one game

Any participant or When verbal abuse/bench jockeying After a warning, offender is ejected Verbal abuse/bench game personnel continues, head coach is ejected for that game plus a one game Same as second offense 5-17 jockeying other than head (no suspension). All others ejection suspension coach plus one game suspension

Failure to leave sight and sound of the playing field Three-game suspension added to 3-6-d, Note Any participant Same as first offense Same as first offense and grandstands after an any penalties already accumulated 2 and 3 ejection

Ejection from the present contest. Collision rule Player Same as first offense Same as first offense 8-7 One game suspension

Player or team Ejected from present contest plus Ejection for tobacco use personnel and one game suspension for everyone Same as first offense Same as first offense 3-11 head coach other than the head coach

Ejection from next scheduled Ejection from next contest plus Assistant coach, contest plus a three game a one game suspension. These Post-participation ejection player (other than suspension for a total of four games. 2-26-c; two games will be added to any Same as second offense for unsportsmanlike conduct a pitcher) or team These four games will be added to Appendix D other applicable penalties for other personnel any other applicable penalties for offenses other offenses

Ejected from team’s next game-No 2-26-c; Post-participation ejection Head coach Same as first offense Same as first offense Suspension Appendix D

Player whose last Post-participation ejection listed position is A total suspension of four games Same as first offense Same as first offense 2-26-e for a pitcher that of a pitcher

Note 1: It is the responsibility of the institution’s Head Coach and Director of Athletics to administer and enforce any suspension penalties. Note 2: Suspension penalties, regardless of the number, shall be served during the offending team’s next scheduled contest(s). Post-participation ejections and any applicable suspension penalties shall also be served during the offending team’s next scheduled contest(s). Conferences and institutions may choose to implement additional penalties for misconduct. Note 3: A listing of ejection and suspension procedures is contained in Appendix D. Note 4: Several of the rule references listed have been updated from those on pages 26-28 of the current NCAA Baseball - 2017 and 2018 Rules book. The penalties remain unchanged.

2018 NCAA Baseball Guide 7 Test Yourself In each of the following, you are given a question or play situation and several possible answers. You are to decide which answer(s) is/are correct using the 2017-18 NCAA rules.

1. Which of the following result in a ? a. A thrown ball hits loose equipment near a . b. A fielder tosses his glove at a thrown ball but misses it. c. A thrown ball hits an umpire in fair territory. What’s the call when, on a dropped-third strike that rebounds off the catcher’s gear, the batter d. A thrown ball hits an umpire in foul kicks the ball? Question 19 deals with such a scenario. Jon Campbell, Milton, Washington. territory. e. A thrown ball hits a runner. f. None of the above. judges that R2 did not deliberately from the pitcher’s plate before he may 2. F1’s first pitch to B1 is in the dirt interfere with the . throw to second. and hits the front edge of the plate. a. The ball remains live. B1 checks his swing and the ball b. The ball is immediately dead. 7. With R1 on first and R3 on third bounces up and glances off the bat c. Only B1 is out. and two outs, R1 is off with the into the air. F2 catches the ball before d. Only R2 is out. pitch. B1 hits a line drive to right. R1 it hits the ground. e. Both B1 and R2 are out. touches and rounds second, realizes a. ; strike one. f. The play stands. the ball may be caught, retouches b. B1 is out. second, and starts back to first. F9 c. B1 is out only if it’s the third strike. 5. Which of the following are foul fields the ball on one hop and throws d. Ball one. balls? to second. Meanwhile R3, who held a. A batted ball strikes the pitcher’s at third, takes off for home as soon 3. With R1 on first, R3 on third and plate and rebounds off of B1, who is as he sees the ball hit the ground. F6 one out, R1 is stealing when B1 still in the batter’s box. takes the throw and tags second just grounds to the shortstop. F6 throws b. A batted ball strikes a runner in fair before R1 slides into the bag. home and retires R3. F2 sees R1 territory and then goes to foul ground. a. R1 is out. headed for third; the play at third c. A batted ball comes to rest on top b. R1 is safe. is close but R1 is out. BU then of the plate. c. The run counts if R3 scores before announces F4 obstructed R1 between d. A batted ball strikes third base and the out at second. first and second. goes to dead-ball territory. d. The run counts. a. R1 is awarded home. e. A sharp line drive strikes the e. The run is canceled. b. R1 is awarded third. pitching plate and then rebounds to c. R1 is returned to second. foul ground between first and home. 8. With R1 on first, F1 from the set d. The out on R1 is canceled. f. None of the above. position changes direction, but e. The play stands because the does not come to a complete and obstruction had no effect on the play. 6. With R1 on first and R3 on third discernible stop. and no one out, F1 has come to a a. F1 has balked. 4. With R2 on second and no one stop when R1 starts running toward b. R1 is awarded second. out, F5 plays in, expecting a . second. F1 turns and throws to c. A ball is awarded to the batter. B1 swings away and the ball deflects second base. d. There is no violation. off F5’s glove, remains in the air, and a. A balk should be called, with both floats toward third where F6 is coming runners being awarded one base. 9. With R1 on first, B1 bunts down the to cover the bag. Just as F6 is about b. A pitcher may throw to an first-base line. The ball rolls foul and to grab the ball, it hits R2 and drops unoccupied base if it is an attempt to is about to stop when B1 kicks it in to the ground without being caught. retire a runner. disgust. The plate umpire is certain it Both R2 and B1 are safe. The umpire c. The pitcher must step back legally would not have rolled fair. DALE GARVEY

8 2018 NCAA Baseball Guide BASEBALL 2018

a. Foul ball. a. Second (the base he was a. A balk is called. b. B1 is out. approaching). b. A balk is called if and when F1 c. R1 is out. b. Third. touches the pitcher’s plate. d. B1 is ejected. c. Home. c. F5 should be told to give the ball back to F1. 10. With no runners on base, the 15. Which of the following are d. A balk is called when the plate pitch is outside to left-handed B1 with a runner on base? umpire puts the ball in play. who swings and carries the barrel of a. Before coming to the stop in e. The base umpire can tell the plate the bat past his body, stopping his the set position, the pitcher slowly umpire not to make the ball live swing with the barrel about six inches moves his shoulders to eye a runner because F1 does not have the ball. behind the front edge of the plate. at first. a. A ball should be called. b. After coming to the stop in the set 19. With no runners on base and b. A strike should be called. position, the pitcher slowly moves one out, B1 with a 1-2 swings c. The umpire should judge if the his shoulders to eye a runner at first. and misses at a low pitch. The swing carried the barrel of the bat c. The pitcher attempts a pick-off ball bounces off the dirt, hits the past the batter’s front hip. move from the wind-up position. catcher’s chest protector and rolls d. The pitcher jump-turns on the down the first-base line. In his haste 11. B1 hits the ball down the right- pitcher’s plate without gaining to get to first, B1 accidentally kicks field line and F9 throws his glove at ground with his free foot and the ball into the dugout. the ball, but does not touch it. B1 attempts a pick-off at first. a. B1 is awarded first. trips over first and does not advance e. None of the above. b. B1 is awarded first only if the any farther. f. All of the above. umpire judges he would have made it a. B1 is awarded third. safely had the ball not gone into the b. B1 is awarded second. 16. With R1 on first and R3 on third dugout. c. The play stands. and one out, the suicide squeeze is c. B1 is out. d. F9 is ejected. called and both runners break with d. B1 is out only if the umpire judges the pitch. B1’s bunt, a pop-up down the kick was intentional 12. With R2 on second, the catcher the first-base line, is caught by F2, tries to return the ball to the pitcher who then fires to first to double-up after a pitch, but F2 bumps the R1. R3 crosses the plate before the plate umpire and the ball sails over thrown ball arrives at first. F1’s head. R2 breaks for third but is a. The run counts. thrown out on a close play. b. The run is canceled. a. R2 is returned to second. c. The run is canceled only on b. The out stands. appeal.

13. With R2 on second, F1 17. Which of the following are true? momentarily stops during his delivery a. The DH may bat only for the and then immediately continues. B1 pitcher. Answers lines a scoring R2. A balk is b. The DH is never allowed to play 1. f — 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 called. defense. 2. b —7-11-c a. The ball is immediately dead. c. If the DH is for the pitcher, 3. b, d — 8-3-e-2 b. The ball is delayed dead. the pitcher may pinch hit for another 4. a, f — 6-1-c c. R2 is allowed to score and B1 defensive player. 5. a, e — 2-35, 7-7 remains on first. d. The pitcher may pinch run, but 6. b — 9-3-c d. R2 is awarded third and B1 must only for the DH. 7. a, e — 2-33, 8-5-J-Note-3 return to bat. e. If the DH plays defense, the 8. a, b — 9-1-b e. The offensive team may choose pitcher must leave the game. 9. a — 7-11-o between c and d. 10. b, c — 2-39 18. R3 is on third. F5 holds the ball 11. c — 8-3-g 14. With no runners on base, B1 hits to attempt the hidden-ball trick. The 12. a — 6-3-a a high fly to short center. The wind- catcher, not realizing what is going 13. b, c — 9-3-Penalty-1 blown ball eludes F8 as B1 pulls into on, is granted time by the plate 14. c — 8-3-o-3 second. B1 rounds second, feints umpire. After the conference at the 15. b, d — 9-3, 9-3-c-5 to third and is on his way back to mound ends, the pitcher stands 16. a, c — 5-6-c, 8-6-a-1 second, when F8 fires the ball over immediately behind the pitcher’s 17. a, d — 5-5-d, 7-2 F5’s head into the dugout. B1 is plate as if in a pitching position but 18. c, e — 6-6 awarded: F5 still has the ball. 19. a, d — 7-11-h-Note, 8-3-k

2018 NCAA Baseball Guide 9 Q&A with Secretary-Rules Editor

Were you expecting questions about umpires were staying calm and using a particular rule change? the proper language and not being too I anticipated a few more questions aggressive or adding fuel to the fire. … on the catch-and-carry rule. Especially We were hoping for a reduction in the at the Division II and III levels, and number of incidents which necessitated even at some Division I stadiums, there an ejection. Unfortunately, that didn’t are sometimes lines that delineate an really happen. We’re going to give this out-of-play area. Before, the ground one more year. If these things don’t rules on how to handle those things work to reduce these numbers, then we were all over the place. The catch- have no other choice than to make the and-carry rule was designed to penalties more severe in all cases. Some keep everybody in play and make it of the language would make a sailor consistent from place to place. blush, and that’s just not acceptable at the college level. Anytime you’re trying The official warning didn’t lead to to make a change in a culture, it’s very decreased ejections. Did the tool not difficult. have the intended impact? It did have some impact in some What rule do you get asked most Contact information for Randy Bruns: situations. The overall guideline was about for clarification? 3725 NE Otter Creek Drive designed to give the umpires a tool Collisions. Those kinds of plays Ankeny, Iowa 50021 hopefully to give people who were come up frequently. Plays at the [email protected] getting a little excited about a play or plate — when can the fielder block 319-240-0403 a decision to take a breath and calm the baseline? What does the runner down and stay in the game without have to do? When do they have to reaching a point where an ejection was slide? When do they have to avoid? How did implementation of last necessary. The major concern was that Those are hard judgments and we’ve year’s rule changes go? for a collegiate-level sport, there were tried to give some guidelines, but no Once we got through the preseason, just way too many ejections. One of the matter what you do, there’s going things actually went very well. We things that we’re fighting is our culture, to be judgment involved and there’s got the most initial questions on the the baseball culture. The number of always going to be some controversy. clarifying of pitching positions, and reports that have been received with The Rules Committee will take another really we were just asking people the obscene language, the misbehavior look next year to see if there’s further to follow what was already written. of coaches or players that were leading clarification needed. If you compare the rule from the to ejections, was just not acceptable Hit by pitch is another one. Last year before, the only thing that was for a college sport. We don’t have a year, we didn’t change the rule, but changed was a couple words were 15-yard penalty like football does. we cleaned up the language to make added to the definition of windup We don’t have a technical foul like it clearer what we’re expecting. But to make it consistent with how the basketball does. So when there’s for the plate umpire, when the ball is definition of the set was worded. We something that goes on that a coach sailing in, that’s a difficult judgment added “chest and shoulder generally wants to address, it should be done in when everything is coming at you facing the batter” for the windup. That a much more civil fashion, but there and the catcher is in front of you. But was changed because over the last again our baseball culture has allowed we have seen a lot of improvement. several years, we have gotten lax in a timeout for a coach to go onto the We still have players who are trying allowing the pitchers to pretty much do field and argue a play that’s based to “steal first base” and intentionally whatever they wanted. When there’s strictly on umpire judgment. Then get in the way of a pitch. Those are nobody on base, those things are not of course because there was not that much easier to see on television and very problematic. But as soon as you immediate penalty, and if they wanted replay than when the ball is coming at get a runner on third base, and the to make a point or fire up their troops, you at 90 miles per hour when you’re runner can’t tell whether the pitcher is that’s what happened in baseball. the plate umpire. Those are plays that going to be in the windup or the set, it We were hoping and we did a lot of require a lot of judgment, but we’re makes a huge difference. training at the clinics to make sure the making a lot of good progress. *

10 2018 NCAA Baseball Guide BASEBALL 2018 Ejections Up Despite Official Warnings

educing the number of ejections Umpires need to continue to be Rand suspensions in college base- diligent with the official warning, ball has been a focus in recent years. Drouches said. Umpires should deploy Last year saw the introduction of the words that clearly outline a warning “official warning,” which was aimed at is being given: “This is your official providing a way for umpires to more warning. If you continue, you will leave clearly indicate when a line was about me no option but to eject you.” Saying, to be crossed in the hopes of allowing a “Knock it off,” or, “That’s enough,” or coach to avoid the ejection. “I’ve heard enough,” doesn’t constitute Unfortunately, the data from 2017 an official warning. After giving an doesn’t reflect a decrease in ejections. official warning, the umpire will write “Well, it’s not getting any better,” on the back of the lineup card when the said George Drouches, NCAA national official warning occurred. That should coordinator of umpires. “As a matter of include the person being warned, fact, ejections are up, suspensions are the inning and the situation that up, the profanity is deplorable.” constituted the warning. For the sake of the game, coaches and At the Division I level, ejections umpires need to establish and maintain a Drouches said it’s a two-way street. of head coaches increased from 141 professional relationship. Tony Norris, Anaheim, “Umpires have to be accountable to in 2016 to 152 in 2017. In fact, since California. not throw coaches out on a whim,” 2012, when the Rules Committee first Drouches said. “We have structure, we made major changes — including have protocol.” adding a penalty chart (see page 7) — fair/foul — with ball/strike as the Umpires must learn to be calm and to support umpires and emphasize main cause, at nearly 70 percent of collected professionals — working that unsporting conduct directed at reported ejections. All ejections are as a calming influence to defuse the umpires by players and coaches technically unsportsmanlike, with situations rather than engaging in any wouldn’t be tolerated, the number directed profanity reported at over 90 conduct that could be misinterpreted of ejections has increased in each percent as the cause. as “baiting” or using any inappropriate successive year. language themselves. Additionally, In his role as national coordinator, umpires need to know the suspension Drouches has the opportunity to read rules because their serious nature every ejection report from all three leaves no room for mistakes in 2017 NCAA Ejection/Suspension Reports divisions. His biggest concern is when application. profanity is directed at another person, Ultimately, coaches and umpires such as a coach coming out and saying, Division I need to work together to build a “You,” followed by an expletive. Player 114 professional relationship that benefits “That’s not very healthy,” Drouches Assistant Coach 37 the overall game of college baseball. said. Head Coach 152 If the situation doesn’t change, Randy Bruns, NCAA baseball Total: 303 43% rulemakers may consider adding a one- secretary-rules editor, agreed. “Some Division II game suspension to the head coach, of the language would make a sailor similar to what is in place for players Player 99 blush,” Bruns said. and other team personnel. In 2017, the national coordinator of Assistant Coach 23 “We need a collaborative effort umpires received 709 NCAA ejection Head Coach 84 to look at the two areas that are reports (693 in 2016 and 658 in 2015). Total: 206 29% potentially tainting our game: one is These included 303 Division I reports Division III the pace of play and the second is the (up from 264 in 2016). Of this list, 152 Player 83 behavior,” Drouches said. “I’m hopeful were head coaches, 37 were assistant Assistant Coach 30 that 2018 will be a year where we can coaches and 114 were student-athletes. all be better at this, so maybe we won’t Head Coach 87 BOB MESSINA A brief categorizing of the have to put that suspension in there. causes for the Division I ejections Total: 200 28% But a lot of that’s up to the behavior of included ball/strike, safe/out, and Grand Total: 709 100% the individuals out there.” *

2018 NCAA Baseball Guide 11 A Good Call: Keeping Fit

taying in shape is both the bane Ramos also strongly suggests that Getting enough sleep (Ramos Sand boon of baseball umpires each umpire get a preseason physical suggests seven to eight hours each everywhere. from their primary physician plus night). The thought of getting up an hour some lab work, especially for those earlier or staying up an hour later to who might be a little overweight or Trying to eat a healthy diet (that get that good workout in during the have a history of conditions such as includes packing along healthy snacks off-season can make a grouch out of diabetes. when you know you won’t have time the most optimistic arbiter, especially “It’s always good to touch base for a good meal). when the urge to sleep a little more is with your doctor. Be proactive,” he so strong. said. “Get that baseline knowledge Hydration (lots of water, But according because most umpires are beyond their especially before and during a game to College World own playing days (age-wise).” on a hot day). Series tournament As for the umpires themselves, physician and they have as many ideas for off-season Stretching (this was a repeated team physician for workouts as there are games in a mantra on the umpire health thread). Creighton University, season. Mixing and matching that Dr. Douglas J. Ramos helps prevent boredom and provides Using sunblock. Dr. Douglas J. Ramos — as well as to a motivation was the common thought telling recent online shared in an online forum. Ramos knows regular workouts conversation of active umpires — One swore by yoga, another runs during the season on a busy schedule there is wide consensus that attention three times a week, another uses a are almost impossible, so he suggests to physical and mental health is a treadmill. doing some quick exercising during requirement if umpires want to have A group moderator uses a the day. His suggestions include doing successful seasons and long careers. combination of running and stretching repeated intervals of hard, intense “Moving forward, I think everyone and gets others in his group involved exercising for 10-20 seconds at a time, (in officiating) realizes that they have to provide inspiration. with a minute break between each to pay attention to their mental and Another uses an elliptical bike and repetition, for about 10 minutes at a physical health,” Ramos said. “It really those intervals that Ramos suggested. time. affects the performance. They need Others fall back on the tried and “There are some studies out there to do it because the stresses of the job true idea of a good walk but combined that suggest that you can get some can be huge, especially with officials with things like a tread climber plus good cardio benefit by doing that,” who have day jobs and families. light weightlifting. Ramos said. Performance can really be affected by Many repetitions of light squats And most importantly, don’t health and sleep and nutrition.” (60-80 pounds) were found to be useful neglect your mental health. It can be a relatively simple process by one umpire (“I want strong legs for “I know it’s hard sometimes, but to address, added Ramos, but does the season,” he said). try to find about 10 minutes before (a require a bit of discipline. Plus, others found resistance and game) and about 10 minutes after so His off-season suggestions include anaerobic training useful. you can just sit and be quiet,” Ramos cardio exercises for about 30 minutes, Some swore by certain fitness said. “You have to find moments for five times a week; flexibility exercises, websites including nerdfitness.com that mind-body quiet time.” 20 minutes a day, five days a week; and officiallyfit.net. In short, anything that can help you strength work two-three times a week It’s all a matter of motivation. stay feeling fit and ready to go will for about 20 minutes a session, and also “Just do it,” said one on the online help in all aspects of your life. some balance work. thread. “No, it can’t (help you call balls If that is too regimented, he suggests As a matter of personal safety, said and strikes), but it can elongate your doing either 150 minutes of moderate Ramos, always consult your physician career, and make you feel better,” said exercise per week or 75 minutes of before engaging in a new serious one umpire on the thread. vigorous exercise, whatever works best. workout plan. “You owe it to yourself and your A good resource website is Then, as the season goes along, family, and for your well-being, long mayoclinic.com/health/fitness/ notable items to pay attention to after your days on the field (are over),” MY00396. include the following: added Ramos. *

12 2018 NCAA Baseball Guide BASEBALL 2018

Illegal Bats 2017 NCAA Championship Umpires Division I Division II Division III hat does the rule say? Rule 2-42 defines an illegal Danny Collins Bill Barnes Dave Boever W West Hartford, CT Claremont, CA Bellevue, NE bat as: “A bat that does not display the BBCOR certification mark, or in the Adam Dowdy Patrick Griffin Shane Cannon umpire’s judgment or upon appeal of Chandler, AZ Hennessey, OK Winthrop Harbor, IL the opposing team, has been altered Troy Fullwood John Lavin Rudy Firmbach so as to affect the distance factor, or Smithfield, VA Port Orange, FL Ghent, NY cause an unusual reaction on the baseball. This includes … metal bats Jeff Head Jeff Linkowski Matt McMahon that are flat-surfaced or have had Hoover, AL Pittsburgh, PA Schenectady, NY the polyurethane core removed or Heath Jones Steve Linton Thomas Newport altered.” Torrance, CA Bay City, MI Portage, MI The batter steps into the box with an illegal bat and it is detected before Steve Mattingly Paul McColgan Fred Shaner Peoria, AZ Egg Harbor City, NJ Waynesboro, VA the first pitch is thrown — what now? The batter shall be declared out Greg Street Kevin Raine Dave Snyder and the bat is removed from the game Wendell, NC Topeka, KS Bel Air, MD (1-12). This part of the penalty applies Josh Reep Russ Waterman if the batter steps into the batter’s box, Mark Uyl DeWitt, MI Oak Island, NC East Wenatchee, WA the plate umpire checks the bat and finds it to be illegal. Mark Winters Springfield, IL What if the illegal bat is detected after the first pitch? After the first pitch — whether the pitch is legal or illegal — the batter shall be declared out. Any baserunner advances as a result of the batted ball are nullified. The bat is removed from NCAA Umpiring Coordinators the contest. Division I Division III What if the bat becomes illegal because of contact during that time George Drouches Don Umland at-bat? P.O. Box 27641 2951 Katie Lane Perhaps the ball hit directly on the Golden Valley, MN 55427 Bettendorf, IA 52722 end cap and it cracked. If so, the bat is simply removed from play. The batter [email protected] [email protected] is not out. That is not the same as the 952-227-3347 (O) 563-340-3825 (C) batter using a bat that was illegal prior 612-432-5351 (C) 309-794-7706 (F) to his time . 952-227-3348 (F) Director of Umpire Training Does a scratch or dent make it Division II illegal? Tom Hiler Possibly. A small scratch in the Scott Taylor P.O. Box 777 paint is not cause for a bat to be 1901 North Emerson Avenue Mountain Home, ID 83647 removed, but if the barrel of the Indianapolis, IN 46218 bat is cracked, that could alter the [email protected] performance of the bat and it has [email protected] 208-598-5558 (C) become illegal. Or, if the bat has 317-507-6233 (C) 208-587-5416 (F) become flattened due to use or dented See “Illegal Bats” p. 14

2018 NCAA Baseball Guide 13 Changes on the Fly: New Mechanics

tarting in the 2018 season, fly-ball Scoverage has changed under the Collegiate Commissioners Association RF (CCA) mechanics for a four-umpire CF U1 HAS crew. COVERAGE When U2 is inside the diamond, U2 HAS U2 will take routine catch/no-catch COVERAGE decisions in the , unless U1 or U3 goes out. U2 is generally the U1 closest umpire to a routine outfield catch and, more importantly, is in front of the fielder and has the best view of a catch and transfer. U2 can easily step onto the dirt area and make the call; U2 will be more visible than U3 or U1, who are still on their respective baselines. Additionally, with less than two U2 outs and a runner on third base, U2 LF SS will now go out on any trouble ball that takes the left fielder straight U3 HAS forward, straight back or to his left COVERAGE all the way over to the right fielder who goes to his right (as shown in the MechaniGram). R3 U3 The only trouble ball in the outfield that U2 will not go out on is when the left fielder goes to his right (toward the foul line) or the right Anytime a ball is hit in a gray area, balls to the outfield with a runner fielder going straight forward, straight U2 will dictate coverage by either on third. See the 2018 CCA Baseball back or toward the right-field line. going out or coming into the infield. Umpires Manual for further details of U2 will be the “quarterback” when Additionally, there were minor mechanics changes. * reading fly balls in these situations. changes to mechanics during fly

Illegal Bats What if there’s pine tar or another Continued from p. 13 foreign substance beyond the 18- inch mark? (as shown in the PlayPic), it is now The presence of a foreign illegal to use as this can cause an substance, such as pine tar, beyond unusual reaction on the baseball. the 18-inch mark does not make a bat illegal. Same thing if the bat does not Can normal usage result in an have an identification mark 18 inches altered bat? from the end or if the handle has Yes. If you hear a rattling sound become loose. In those cases, the bat when the bat is swung, something is should be removed from the game, broken inside the barrel and the bat but the batter is not out. * has become illegal through use. SOURCE: NCAA BASEBALL INTERPRETATION APRIL 25, 2017

14 2018 NCAA Baseball Guide BASEBALL 2018 Obstruction on Pickoff Plays

f a throw pulls a fielder into the path Iof a runner, is it obstruction? The obstruction rules give some leeway to a defensive player “in the act of fielding the ball,” which includes a thrown ball “in flight and directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the throw” (2-55- Note-1). On a pickoff play, however, the rules outline a higher standard on the fielder. The defensive player “must clearly have possession of the ball before blocking the base with any part of the defensive player’s body” (2-55- Note-4). A new approved ruling provides clarity on what constitutes a pickoff play: “A pickoff occurs when a pitcher or catcher throws to a base between pitches in an attempt to retire a runner who is either leading off or about to begin stealing the next base, or to keep Rob Hansen, Corona, California, observes a pickoff at first base. a runner close to the base.” If a defensive player without the ball impedes the runner on a pickoff play, the umpire will call, “That’s Pace of Play Time limits between innings obstruction,” and then signal and call, Continued from p. 1 should be enforced. “Time.” The ball is dead immediately Drouches said umpires have and the runner being played on is players didn’t put themselves in a tools at their disposal. awarded one base beyond the last base position to have a ball or strike called “But a lot of the issue is that the he had attained before the obstruction. because of delays. game is micromanaged by coaches The additional rulebook language While future initiatives to now,” Drouches said. “When you became necessary because of questions improve pace of play seem imminent, look at college baseball, they call about what exactly constituted a there are things umpires, coaches and a pitch, they call a defense, the pickoff. A definition of pickoff didn’t players can do right now to improve catcher has got to get the sign, steps exist in the college rules — it sort of the game’s pace of play. back out of his crouch, the batter was left as “we recognize it when Tanner said that when coaches comes out of the batter’s box and we see it,” said Randy Bruns, NCAA know they’re going to the mound to we start all over. And in our games baseball secretary-rules editor. make a change, they don’t need to in postseason, we’re averaging well It was pretty clear that when a wait until after the conversation with over three hours a game. And that’s pitcher threw to a base to try and the pitcher. going to be the detriment — that’s retire a runner with a lead off, that was And existing rules should be the Achilles’ heel of all this stuff. a pickoff play. But what about when a followed and enforced: Everything is very positive, but catcher, immediately after receiving a With no one on base, pitchers when you look at the length of time pitch, fires the ball down to first base have 20 seconds to deliver a pitch. these games take, it’s drawing a little to catch a runner off the base? Batters should be kept in the bit of a negative to college baseball.

DALE GARVEY “No one really knew because there batter’s box unless otherwise allowed So pace of play is a main priority for wasn’t a definition in the book,” Bruns to leave. the future.” * said. *

2018 NCAA Baseball Guide 15 When the game is on the line, will you be ready?

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