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Eastern Massachusetts Baseball Umpires Association (EMBUA)

Eastern Massachusetts Baseball Umpires Association (EMBUA)

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2023 Federation Rule Changes

Rule Changes For Federation

  1. Umpires will have to use/manage line-up cards – substitution (re-entry), courtesy runners, tracking conferences.
  2. Catch and Carry – not allowed – ground rules discussion
  3. Hidden ball trick – Allowed – ground rules discussion
  4. Pitchers eligible to pitch – line-up cards should list those not eligible – cover at ground rules
  5. Pitch counts – umpires ensure that communication happens every two innings
  6. Verify all equipment is legal – NOSCAE labeled – catcher’s equipment (chest protector and mask/helmet/throat protection) – ask each coach at ground rules discussion.
  7. Everyone (coaches as well) inside the dugout during all live ball action – remind at ground rules discussion.
  8. Pitcher’s legal position on windup. Free foot must be behind line extending through front edge of rubber.
  9. Balks – immediate dead ball – no free swings or extra bases on wild pick-off
  10. Batter’s Box Rule – keep batters in the box.
  11. Fake throw to third base is allowed. So is the 3-1 move (must disengage before spinning back to first).
  12. Slide (legally) or avoid – Definition of a slide
  13. Force Play slide rule – no pop-ups or sliding through the bag (contacts fielder or alters the play)
  14. Appeals are allowed during dead ball
  15. Know the re-entry rules for substitution – starters may re-enter – same batting slot
  16. Designated Hitter Rule – 9 player line-up
  17. Courtesy runners are allowed – only eligible substitutes can run
  18. Conferences – only 3 free defensive trips during regulation – one per inning on offense
  19. Mercy rule – 10 runs after 5 or 4 ? if home team winning
  20. All personnel must be in the dugout during live-ball
  21. Teams can continue to play with only 8 players (injury/ejection)
  22. Dropped third strike – Must enter dugout to abandon or all infielders have left fair territory
  23. 20-second time to deliver pitch/make play. Don’t bring watches!! Warn first.
  24. Runners cannot dive over defensive players.
  25. Running lane violations – quality of throw is not a factor.
  26. Walk off scoring – all runners must touch next base.
  27. Last time by. If you properly touch the base the last time you go by it, it will wipe out previous errors/appeals.
  28. If there is a severe injury, umpires may call time. Don’t have to wait for completion of play.
  29. Suspended games – no reverting – home team must bat in bottom half of inning.

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