1.On page 43 of the NFHS Rule Book you will find this rule, 7-3-1
The batter must keep one foot in the box throughout the entire at bat.
Exceptions: A batter may leave the box when;
A-- batter swings and misses
B-- the batter is forced out by the pitch
C-- the batter attempts a drag bunt
D-- pitcher or catcher feints or plays on a base runner
E-- the pitcher leaves the dirt area of the mound
F-- Time out is granted
G-- catcher leaves his position for any reason
H-- the catcher does not catch the ball
These are the eight reason that a batter may leave the batters box.
Here is how I hope the umpires handle this situation. We will tell the batter to keep one foot in the box when needed. If the batter refuses or continues to step out of the box we will them penalize him with a strike. In the years that this rule has been in effect I have never called a strike yet. Why, because the batter got right back in the box when I told him to.
2. This is how we are will be handling the plate conference. If you would like print it out and use it. I know I will be because I can't remember everything while I am there talking to the coaches.
1-- Introduce yourself and your partner
2-- Read the Sportsmanship Card
3-- Remind the captains of the jewelry rule and to relay back to their teammates
4-- Accept the lineup cards from the coaches ( home first)
5-- Remind coaches of the following rules:
a-- Courtesy runner
b-- Force play slide rule
c-- Batters box rule
d-- Pitchers can blow on their hand ( cold weather)
e-- Head coaches only on disputed calls
6-- Ground Rules by home coach
Let's make sure you are at home plate at least 5 minutes before game time.
3. On page 64 of the NFHS Rule Book you will find this rule. I shortened it a little but he is the gist of it.
1-- At any time, the team at bat may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher or catcher.2-- The same individual MAY NOT run for both positions.
3-- This does not mean the pitcher or catcher must leave the game.
4-- The courtesy runner MUST be a player that has not been in the game.
5-- The player that serves as a courtesy runner may NOT be use as a sub during the same half inning.
6-- The umpire must be informed that the runner is a courtesy runner or he will recorded as a substitute.
4. This rule is a PIAA adopted rule and you will not find it in the NFHS Rule Book.
The rule was adopted 3 years ago and it reads like this:"If the dugout is not big enough to handle all the players it may be extended to the outfield side of the dugout. No players will be allowed between the dugout and the backstop at anytime unless they are the on
deck batter. It is up to the umpires to decide wheather the dugout should be extended, not the team coaches."
Coaches, will tell their players to stay in the dugout during ALL LIVE BALLS. No players, except the on deck batter, should be on the field during a live ball. This means when a runner scores. They can greet him
in the dugout.
5. (This is what the PHAC is doing. I think it is a good idea.)
ALL umpires working the PHAC will need to have a stopwatch to time two things during the game.
The first thing is between 1/2 innings. I call it the minute rule. The pitcher has one minute to throw his warm-up pitches. This time will start once the base umpire reaches his position in RF after the inning is over. After 45 seconds he should signal his plate umpire to let him know they have 15 seconds to finish their warm-ups.
Let's make sure, as the home plate umpire, that there is a catcher ready to go if the regular catcher was on base as the inning ended. If the team taking the field huddles in front of the dugout remember, that is part of the one minute. If they only get three pitches, that's their problem, not yours. Also, stop the huddling on the mound after they throw the ball to second base. Allow them the first inning only. Keep the game moving along. Don't let things slow it down to a crawl.
The second thing is thunder and lightning. Don't let someone else time it for you. It is your responsibility to make sure you have waited the 30 minutes.
The first thing is between 1/2 innings. I call it the minute rule. The pitcher has one minute to throw his warm-up pitches. This time will start once the base umpire reaches his position in RF after the inning is over. After 45 seconds he should signal his plate umpire to let him know they have 15 seconds to finish their warm-ups.
Let's make sure, as the home plate umpire, that there is a catcher ready to go if the regular catcher was on base as the inning ended. If the team taking the field huddles in front of the dugout remember, that is part of the one minute. If they only get three pitches, that's their problem, not yours. Also, stop the huddling on the mound after they throw the ball to second base. Allow them the first inning only. Keep the game moving along. Don't let things slow it down to a crawl.
The second thing is thunder and lightning. Don't let someone else time it for you. It is your responsibility to make sure you have waited the 30 minutes.
