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Modified That Baseballs Meet a NOCSAE Standard by January 1, 2020 (1-3-1) — To maintain a consistent and uniformed standard for high school competition, every baseball manufactured should meet the same level of quality and playability. However, due to the number of baseballs that some high schools have in their inventory, the implementation date was moved back to accomodate that surplus. The effective date is January 1, 2020.

Removing an Element of the Pivot Foot Requirement (6-1-3) — This rule change eliminates the requirement for the entire pivot foot to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate. Many pitching mounds are constructed such that it is problematic for a pitcher to have his entire pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate. No advantage is gained by having some of his pivot foot not in contact with the pitcher’s plate.

Umpire Signal – Correct Rotation — When using a 3- or 4-person mechanics, the umpires indicate to their partner(s) where they are rotating to a specific base for coverage of an anticipated play. The umpire(s) points with both hands in the direction of the base that he/she is moving toward.

Umpire Signal – Information Available — The game umpire indicates to his/her partner that he/she has some information that is relevant by tapping two times over his/her left chest (heart).

 

 

SITUATION 1: The pitcher, in his delivery motion, comes off the pitching plate and replants his pivot foot in the dirt in front of the pitching plate prior to releasing the ball. His coach says this “crowhop” is legal. RULING: This is an illegal pitch. The pitcher cannot replant his pivot foot during the delivery. (6-1-1, 6-1-2, 6-1-3)

SITUATION 2: The batter comes to bat wearing a helmet with a “jaw and cheek protector” attached to the helmet. His coach states that the combination is legal while the opposing coach maintains that the helmet is now illegal and cannot be worn. RULING: With all the possible combinations of products on the market, it is not feasible for an individual umpire to know what is legal and what is not. It is the responsibility of the head coach to know if helmets with the “jaw and cheek protector” attached are compliant. (2-10-2, 4-1-3b)

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1-3-1 — Modified the effective date that baseballs shall meet a NOCSAE performance standard. (Effective January 1, 2020).

6-1-3 — Modified an element of the pivot foot requirement.

Officials’ Signals — Created a signal for a 3- or 4-person mechanic to indicate the direction of rotation to the umpiring crew.

Officials’ Signals — Created a signal for a game umpire to alert his or her partner of relevant information.

2019 Baseball Points of Emphasis

  1. Sportsmanship
  2. Compliance of Players' Equipment
  3. Baserunner's Responsibilities

The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee and the NFHS Board of Directors believes there are areas of the game of interscholastic baseball that need to be addressed and given special attention. These areas of concern are often cyclical, some areas need more attention than others, and that is why they might appear in the rules book for consecutive editions. These concerns are identified as “Points of Emphasis.” For the 2019 high school baseball season, attention is being called to: Sportsmanship, Compliance of Player’s Equipment and Baserunner’s Responsibilities. When a topic is included in the Points of Emphasis, these topics are important enough to reinforce throughout the academic year because they are not being given the proper attention.

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The low number of registrants to date for the 2019 NY Umpire Clinic has required us to cancel this year’s clinic. We plan to use the time to re-brand and improve the event in order to deliver more value to umpires in January 2020. All registrations fees will be returned by the end of the year. We appreciate the support of all umpires who have attended and look forward to seeing you in 2020.

Eric Olsen – Clinic Operations.

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