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