2010 Rule Changes and POE's

Not very many big changes for 2010. There are some things we need to emphasize.


1.2.4 Clarifies the temporary extension of the dugout. "when the dugout area is temporarily extended, for any reason, it shall be extended toward the outfield on a line parallel to the foul line......" This means NO EXTENSION TOWARD HOME PLATE. No exceptions. I know we have some schools with small dugouts but the school needs to deal with this, not us. There are to be no exceptions (I have already heard the word on this). The case book gives an example of how the schools may deal with this. 1.2.4B (casebook) essentially says that Team A increases the size of the dugouts both toward the foul line and homeplate by "installing permanent railings or walls". The extensions must be permanent, not throwing some gravel down or using "caution tape" or "snow fence". These are not permanent structures. Dugouts will be extended equally for both teams.


1.3.2 Modified the bat rule effective Jan. 1, 2012. The bat "shall be a smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob." This will make illegal (in 2012) bats that have flat sides or holes near the handle. Also, beginning in 2012 the bats must be marked with a BBCOR performance standard. The certification mark has to be rectangular, located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color. Bats that have this mark now but do not have the BESR mark will be legal in 2010 and 2011. BESR labels are good until 2012 season.


3.3.1g6 Modified the coaching decorum rule. "any member of the coaching staff who was not the head coach (or designee) in 3.2.4 leaves the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire." For violation of this "both the head coach and the offending coach shall be resticted to the dugout for the remainder of the game, or if the offense is judged severe enough, the umpire may eject the offender and restrict or eject the head coach."


7.4.1f Clarified when the runner(s) is declared out due to interference. The batter is out when "any member of the offensive team or coach other than the runner(s) interferes with a fielder who is attempting to field a foul fly ball." If the runner interfers he is out, not the batter.

EDITORIAL CHANGE
6.1.3 Set Position: If the pitcher in the set position has his arm handing down and it is MOTIONLESS he is in compliance with the rule. If his arm is moving, it is a balk!

POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. Head coaches are responsible for good sporting behavior of their teams, inlcudes assistants, trainers, team members - anyone who is allowed to be in the dugout.

2. Altering of bats: "altering bats by such methods as rolling, shaving the bat wall, flattening or otherwise manipulating the bat from its originial manufactured condition is not legal" 2010 PIAA Baseball Chapter Meeting Guide.

3.Checking bats and other equipment: Umpires are required to check all bats, helmets and catchers helmets before the game. Should be done together! This is not an option. If we expect the players to play by the rules so must we!

4. Concussions: NFHS has set specific guidelines. A player will not be allowed back into a game following a concussion without written permission from a doctor (MD or DO)

5. Lightening safety: Requirements have not changed. Lightening seen or thunder heard requires 30 minutes before restarting game. If lightening seen 15 minutes after initial sighting, then the 30 minutes starts over. Don't let coaches, players, or fans pressure you into not following the guidelines.

6. Three - foot running lane violation: this rule should be enforced. The runner should be entirely inside the running lane (the lines are part of the lane) if either foot is entirely outside of the lane the runner should be ruled out if he is outside the lane when the ball is fielded and/or thrown to first. Exception: 8.4.1g "this infraction is ignored if it is to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field the batted ball or if the act does not interfere with a fielder or a throw".

UMPIRE UNIFORM
-Last thing-
Again this was emphasized at our Chapter Interpreters meeting. Look like you know what you are doing. Shoes shined. Slacks and shirts clean and pressed, proper patch (PIAA and American Flag only), not a mixture of Legion, PIAA and/or Little Leagure. Shirts can be navy with red and white stripe trim on sleeves and collar or powder blue with navy and white stripe trim on sleeve and collar. Pants can be heather or light gray. New last year, they can also be charcoal (dark) gray. Your hat should be a fitted style, navy blue with gold PIAA lettering on the front. Again, not a plain blue or Legion cap. The key thing is that you and your partner dress alike! With assigning; knowing who your partner is in advance and what position you will be at should make this easier!