JBO Rules of Play quick reference for coaches
Complete rules are found on National Federation of High School websites and apps. These are recent rules and current insomuch as none are subject to changes in the last 3 years. Check your JBO rulebook available from JBO website.
This posting is meant to serve as a technical guidance during games as the actual rules of play are not publicly posted. This is a work in progress and the most commonly consulted rules of play have been documented.
Official rule changes for 2024 affect Rules 1,3, 10 and are not covered in this document. Changes to 2025 rules are noted here (forfieture Rule 4-4-1c)
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Rule 4 Starting and Ending Game
SECTION 1 STARTING AGAME
Article 1 . . . The home coach shall decide whether the grounds and other conditions are suitable for starting the game. After the game starts, the umpires are sole judges as to whether conditions are fit for play and as to whether or not conditions are suitable for starting the second game of a scheduled double-header (two games between the same teams during the same day).
Article 2 . . . If there are unusual conditions , such as spectators or obstacles too near the playing field, the home coach shall propose special ground rules. If sanctioned by the visiting team, these shall be in force. If the teams cannot agree, the umpires shall formulate ground rules. Ground rules do not supersede a rules book rule . All special rules shall be announced.
a. The field should be clearly marked . Markings should include poles along the foul lines at least 210 feet past first and third and vertical foul line markings on any wall that limits the outfield.
b. When a fair or foul fly comes down near a stand or fence, 7-4-1 d applies. If there is a screen behind the catcher or other permanent obstruction in front of the stand, a batted ball that goes behind these becomes dead and cannot be caught. It is recommended that no such obstruction be less than 60 feet from the diamond.
c. Wild pitches, overthrows and batted balls that go over, through or wedges in a fence are governed by Rule 8-3-3. If the field has unusual obstructions, ground rules should, as nearly as possible, be similar to this rule.
d. For a special field condition, such as a drain pipe that makes a spot where it is impossible or very difficult for afielder to retrieve the ball, the ball should become dead if it goes to that spot and each runner's advance should be limited to two bases.
e. In an unfenced field where cars are parked along the foul lines, umpires should consider these the same as bleachers and ball becomes dead if it bounces into the line of cars. The umpires should anticipate such a situation and announce the ground rule in advance.
Article 3 . . . Before game time, the home team and then the visiting team shall deliver their respective batting orders in duplicate to the umpire-in-chief. The umpire then shall permit inspection by both head coaches and/or captains if available. Each team's lineup card shall list a minimum of nine players to start the game. (See 4-4-1f for game to continue with less than nine players.) The substitution regulations, as in Rule 3, are then in effect.
a. The umpire-in-chief shall emphasize to both head coaches and captains that all participants are expected to exhibit good sporting behavior throughout the game(s).
b. Prior to the start of the game, the umpire-in-chief shall receive verification from each head coach that the team's participants are properly equipped in accordance with NFHS rules. In addition, each coach shall verify that the team's participants are using only legal equipment, including bats and balls that are unaltered from the manufacturer's original design and production and that meet the provisions of 1-3-1 and 1-3-2, and helmets that meet the provisions of 1-5-1 and are free of cracks and damage.
PENALTY: On the first violation of 4-1-3b for entering the box with an illegal bat, the penalty for an illegal bat is applied (7-4-1a) and the head coach shall be restricted to the bench/dugout for the remainder of the game. On the second violation for entering the box with an illegal bat, the penalty for an illegal bat is applied and the head coach shall be ejected. On subsequent violations for entering the box with an illegal bat, the penalty for an illegal bat is applied and the designated head coach shall be ejected. On detected violations of 4-1-3b for the use of a damaged helmet, the helmet shall be immediately removed from play.
Article 4 . . . The visiting team shall be the first to take its turn at bat. On a neutral field or by agreement, either team may be designated as Home Team.
Article 5 . . . The game begins when the umpire calls ' Play" after all infielders, pitcher, catcher and batter are in position to start the game.
SECTION 2 ENDING A REGULATION GAME
Article 1 . . . A regulation interscholastic game consists of seven innings (turns at bat) unless extra inning(s) are necessary because of a tie score, or unless shortened because the home team needs none of its half of the seventh or only a fraction of it (Art. 2); or because of weather, or darkness (Art. 3). Each team must have nine players in its lineup throughout the game (4-4-1f NOTE 2). Otherwise, the game will be forfeited . A forfeited game is regulation, regardless of innings played. (4-4-2)
Article 2 . . . The game ends when the team behind in score has completed its turn at bat in the seventh inning, or any inning thereafter if extra innings are necessary. If the home team scores a go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning, or in any extra inning, the game is terminated at that point. Any game that is tied at the end of 41⁄2 or at least five full innings when the game is called shall be a tie game, unless the state association has adopted a specific game ending procedure. Batting and fielding records are counted, but the game is not counted in computing percentages of games won and lost. By state association adoption, the game shall end when the visiting team is behind 10 or more runs after 41⁄2 innings, or after the fifth inning, if either team is 10 runs behind and both teams have had an equal number of times at bat.
a. If an over-the-fence home run is hit, all runs score before the game is terminated.
b. Two seven-inning games shall constitute a doubleheader.
Article 3 . . . If weather or darkness interferes with play so that the game is called (ended) by the umpire, it is a regulation game:
a. if five full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four or four and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns at bat; or
b. if play has gone beyond five full innings.
If the game is called when the teams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; except that if the home team in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent's score, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.
Article 4 . . . A state association may adopt game-ending procedures that determine how games are ended, including suspended games. However, if a state does not adopt game-ending procedures, or by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the umpire-in-chief, any remaining play may be shortened or the game terminated. If a state association has adopted game-ending procedures, only those game-ending procedures may be used, unless the opposing coaches wish to terminate the game.
SECTION 3 CALLED GAME
If a game is called before completion of the number of innings and conditions as specified in 4-2-3, the umpire shall declare the contest "no game," unless play is terminated by 4-2-4. By state association adoption, a regulation called game where a winner cannot be determined (4-2-3) shall be counted as 1⁄2 game won and 1⁄2 game lost for each team.
SECTION 4 FORFEITED GAME
Article 1 . . . A game shall be forfeited to the offended team by the umpire when a team :
a. is late in appearing or in beginning play after the umpire calls "Play." State associations are authorized to specify the time frame and/or circumstance before a forfeit will be declared for a late arrival by one of the teams; or
b. refuses to continue play after the game has started; or
c. delays more than a reasonable amount of time in resuming play, or in not obeying the umpire' s order to remove a player for violation of the rules ; or
d. persists in tactics designed to delay or shorten the game; or [this rule has been changed in 2025, consult official documentation]
e. willfully and persistently violates any of the rules after being warned by the
umpire; or
f. is unable to provide at least nine players to start the game or cannot provide
eight players to finish the game; or
NOTES:
1. An out will be called each time that spot in the batting order comes to bat. If the
offensive player must be substituted for after reaching base, the most recent batter not on base is allowed to run for that player.
2. A team playing with fewer than nine players may return to nine players.
g. on its home field, fails to comply with the umpire's order to put the field in condition for play.
Article 2 . . . Score of a forfeited game is 7 to O except if the game is forfeited after the number of innings required for a regulation game and the offending team is behind. Then the score remains as recorded. If the offending team is leading, the score shall be 7 to 0.
SECTION 5 PROTESTED GAME
It is optional on the part of a state association as to whether protests are permitted. When allowed, protests are permitted regarding rules one through nine only. When protests are submitted to organizations which do allow the filing , such protest must be submitted using a prescribed procedure (10-2-3i). All individual and team averages shall be included in the official records, except that no pitcher shall be credited with a victory or charged with a loss in such a game, if the game is not regulation.
Rule 5 Starting and Ending Game
SECTION 1 DEAD BALL
Article 1 . . . Ball becomes dead immediately when :
a. a pitch touches a batter or the batter 's clothing (8-1-1 d), a runner (8-3-1 a) ;
1. The ball becomes dead even though the batter strikes at it. (8-1-1 d)
b. the ball is illegally batted (7-3-2, 7-4-1a) or is intentionally struck a second
time with the bat as in 8-4-1 d;
c. the batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat;
d. a foul ball(2-16-1):
1. touches any object other than the ground or any person other than a fielder; or
2. goes directly from the bat to the catcher's protector, mask or person without first touching the catcher's glove or hand;
3. or becomes an uncaught foul; or
e. there is interference by a runner, batter-runner (8-4-1 g), or a retired runner
(3-3-1 m, 8-4-1 a, 8-4-1 h or 8-4-2b, 8-4-2e, 8-4-2f, 8-4-2g or 8-4-2k), the
batter (7-3-5), or by any person (3-2-3) ;
f. a fair batted ball:
1. touches a runner or an umpire before touching any fielder and before passing any fielder other than the pitcher;
2. touches a runner after passing through or by an infielder and another infielder could have made a play on the ball;
3. touches a spectator;
4. goes over or through or wedges in the field fence; or
5. lodges in player's or umpire's equipment or uniform ; or
g. a pitch or any other thrown ball :
1. is touched by a spectator;
2. is intentionally touched by a non-participating squad member;
3. goes into a stand or other dead-ball area or players' bench {even if it
rebounds to the field), or over or through or wedges in the field fence
(8-3-3c or 8-3-3d);
4. lodges in an umpire's, catcher's or offensive player's equipment or uni-
form; or
h. the umpire handles a live ball or calls "Time" for inspecting the ball or for any
other reason, including items in Section 2 or gives the "Do Not Pitch Signal"
or inadvertently announces ' Foul " on a ball that touches the ground; or
i. a fielder, after catching a fair or foul ball (fly or line drive), leaves the field of play by stepping with both feet or by falling into a bench, dugout, stand , bleacher, or over any boundary or barrier such as a fence, rope, chalk line,
or a pregame determined imaginary boundary line; or
j. an infielder intentionally drops a fair fly, fair line drive or fair bunt in flight with at least first base occupied and with less than two outs.
EXCEPTION: Infield-fly rule. (2-19)
k. a balk or an illegal pitch is committed; or
I. a batted, thrown or pitched ball touches a designated media area or anyone
or anything that is entirely or partially in the designated media area.
1. The umpire has the authority to remove any member of the media for not staying in or keeping media equipment in the designated dead ball area.
m. when malicious contact (offensive or defensive) occurs; n. Backswing interference occurs.
Article 2 . . . It is a delayed dead ball when:
a. there is interference by a batter (Exception 7-3-5 Penalty),
1. When the batter interferes with the catcher attempting to play on a runner, if an out does not result at the end of the catcher's throw, the ball shall become dead immediately.
b. a catcher or any fielder obstructs a batter or runner; or obstructs the ball through use of detached player equipment (8-3-3);
c. umpire interferes with the catcher who is attempting to throw;
d. any personnel connected with the offensive team calls "Time" or uses any other command or commits any act for the purpose of trying to cause the opposing pitcher to balk;
e. anyone who is required to wear a batting helmet deliberately removes the helmet, while the ball is in live-ball territory and the ball is live; or
f. a ball touches an illegal glove/mitt.
Article 3 . . . The ball becomes dead when time is taken to make an award when
a catcher or any fielder obstructs a runner, when an intentional base on balls is to be awarded, or when base running penalties are imposed.
Article 4 . . . After a dead ball , the ball becomes live when it is held by the pitcher in a legal pitching position, provided the pitcher has engaged the pitcher's plate, the batter and the catcher are in their respective boxes, and the umpire calls ' Play' and gives the appropriate signal.
SECTION 2 SUSPENSION OF PLAY
Article 1 . . . 'Time" shall be called by the umpire and play is suspended when:
a. the ball becomes dead (5-1-1, 5-1-3);
b. the umpire considers the weather or ground conditions unfit for play;
1. After 30 minutes, the umpire may declare the game ended.
c. a player, bench personnel or spectator is ordered from the grounds, or a player is ordered to secure protective equipment;
d. an umpire or player is incapacitated, except that if injury occurs during a live ball, time shall not be called until no further advance or putout is possible; 1. If there is a medical emergency or if, in the umpire's judgment, further play could jeopardize the injured player's safety, "Time" shall be called.
e. a player or coach requests "Time" and it is granted by the umpire for a substitution, conference with the pitcher or for similar cause; or
f. the umpire suspends play for any other cause, including an award of a base
after an infraction , or for inspection of the ball.
Article 2 . .. When the ball becomes dead:
a. no action by the defense can cause a player to be put out (unless it is a dead-ball appeal);
b. a runner may return to a base the runner left too soon on a caught fly ball or that was not touched during a live ball ;
1. A runner who is on or beyond a succeeding base when the ball became
dead, or advances and touches a succeeding base after the ball became dead, may not return and shall be called out upon proper and successful appeal. (8-4-2q)
c. any runner may advance when awarded a base(s) for an act which occurred before the ball became dead provided any base in (b) above is retouched and all bases are touched in the proper order. (8-1-2, 8-2-1 , 8-3)
Rule 6: Pitching
SECTION 1 PITCHING
Article 1 . . . The pitcher shall pitch while facing the batter from either a windup position (Article 2) or a set position (Article 3). The position of the pitcher's feet determine whether the pitcher will pitch from the windup or the set position. The pitcher shall take or simulate taking the sign from the catcher with the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate. The pitcher will be considered to be in the set position when the pivot foot is in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher's plate. The pitcher will be considered to be in the windup position when the pivot foot is in contact with the Pitcher's late and is t par II I to l The pitching regulations begin when the pitcher intentionally contacts the pitcher's plate. Turning the shoulders to check runners while in contact with the pitcher's plate in the set position is legal. Turning the shoulders after bringing the hands together during or after the stretch is a balk. The pitcher shall not make a quick-return pitch in an attempt to catch a batter off balance. The catcher shall have both feet in the catcher's box at the time of the pitch. If a pitcher is ambidextrous, the umpire shall require the pitcher to face a batter as either a left-handed pitcher or right-handed pitcher, but not both.
Article 2 . . . For the wind-up position, the pitcher is not restricted as to how to hold the ball. A pitcher assumes the windup position when the hands are: (a) together in front of the body; (b) both hands are at the side; (c) either hand is in front of the body and the other hand is at the side. The pitcher is limited to not more than two pumps or rotations . After the pitcher starts the movement to pitch , the pitcher must continue the motion without interruption or alteration. With the pitcher's feet in the wind-up position, the pitcher may only deliver a pitch or step backward off the pitcher's plate with the pivot foot first. After the pitcher has placed the pivot foot clearly behind the plate, the pitcher has the right to change to the set position or throw or feint to a base the same as that of any infielder. During delivery, the pitcher may lift the non-pivot foot in a step forward , a step sideways, or in a step backward and a step forward , but the pitcher shall not otherwise lift either foot.
Article 3 . . . For the set position, the pitcher shall have the ball in either the gloved hand or the pitching hand. The pitching hand shall be down at the pitcher's side or behind the pitcher's back. Before starting the delivery, the pitcher shall stand with the pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher's plate. The pitcher shall go to the set position without interruption and in one continuous motion . The pitcher shall come to a complete and discernible stop (a change of direction is not considered an acceptable stop) with the ball in both hands in front of the body and the glove at or below the chin. Natural preliminary motions such as only one stretch may be made. During these preliminary motions and during the set position until a delivery motion occurs, the pitcher may turn on the pivot foot or lift it in a jump turn to step with the non-pivot foot toward a base while throwing or feinting as outlined in 6-2-4 and 2-28-5, or the pitcher may lift the pivot foot in a step backward off the pitcher's plate which must be in or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher's plate. In order to change to the wind-up position, the pitcher must first step clearly backward off the pitcher's plate with the pivot foot first. After the pitcher has placed the pivot foot on the ground clearly behind the plate, the pitcher then has the right to throw or feint to a base the same as that of any other infielder.
PENALTY (Arts. 1, 2, 3): The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch occurs. If there is no runner, a ball is awarded the batter. If there is a runner, such illegal act is a balk. In both situations, the umpire signals dead ball.
Article 4 . . . Each legal pitch shall be declared by the umpire as a strike, ball, fair or foul hit or a dead ball. A pitch dropped during delivery and which crosses a foul line shall be called a ball . Otherwise, it will be called no pitch. A pitch dropped during delivery with at least one runner on base would be a balk if it does not cross a foul line.
Article 5 . . . When a pitcher is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball or is throwing to a base while the pivot foot is clearly off the pitcher's plate, the pitcher's status is that of an infielder except that if a batted ball passes but does not touch the pitcher and then strikes an umpire or a runner, the ball may become dead because of interference. (8-4-2g, 8-4-2k)
Article 6 . . . Each state association shall have a pitching restriction policy based on the number of pitches thrown to afford pitchers a required rest period between pitching appearances.
SECTION 2 INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER
Article 1 . . . Illegal acts include:
a. applying a foreign substance to the ball ;
b. spitting on the ball or glove;
c. rubbing the ball on the glove, clothing or person if the act defaces the ball;
d. discoloring the ball with dirt;
e. bringing the pitching hand in contact with the mouth without distinctly wiping off the pitching hand before it touches the ball ;
f. wearing any items on the hands, wrists or arms that may be distracting to
the batter;
g. wearing or placing tape, bandages or other foreign material (other than rosin) on the fingers or palm of the pitching hand that could come in contact
With the ball;
h. wearing a glove/mitt that includes the colors white or gray;
i. wearing exposed undershirt sleeves that are white or gray.
NOTE: Under umpire supervision, the pitcher may dry the hands by using a finely meshed cloth bag of powdered rosin. The pitcher may rub the ball with bare hands to remove any extraneous coating.
PENALTY: For defacing the ball (a-d), the ball is dead immediately. The umpire may eject the pitcher. If such defaced ball is pitched and then detected, it is an illegal pitch. For infraction (e) , a ball shall be awarded each time a pitcher violates this rule and subsequently engages the pitching plate. For infraction (f-i), the infraction must be corrected before the next pitch. In (f), the umpire has sole authority to judge whether or not an item is distracting and shall have that item removed.
Article 2 . . . Delay of the game includes:
a. throwing to any player other than the catcher, when the batter is in the batter's box, unless it is an attempt to retire a runner;
b. consuming time as the result of the coach or the team's non-playing representative conferring with a defensive player or players after being charged with three conferences (3-4-1 );
PENALTY: The pitcher shall be replaced as pitcher for the duration of the game.
c. failing to pitch or make or attempt a play, including a legal feint, within 20 seconds after the pitcher has received the ball.
PENALTY: The batter shall be awarded one ball.
NOTE: Umpires shall require that the ball be returned promptly to the pitcher. EXCEPTION: The starting pitchers may warm up by using not more than eight throws, completed in one minute (timed from the first throw). When a pitcher is replaced during an inning or prior to an inning, the relief pitcher may not use more than eight throws completed in one minute (timed from the first throw). At the beginning of each subsequent inning, the pitcher may warm up by using not more than five throws, completed in one minute (timed from the third out of the previous half-inning) (3-1-2) . In either case, the umpire-in-chief may authorize more throws because of an injury, ejection or inclement weather.
Article 3 . . . Intentionally pitch close to a batter.
PENALTY: The pitcher shall be ejected if the act is judged to be intentional. In case of doubt, the umpire may first warn the pitcher.
Article 4 . . . Balk. If there is a runner or runners, any of the following acts by a pitcher while the pitcher is touching the pitcher's plate is a balk:
a. any feinting toward the batter or first base, or any dropping of the ball (even though accidental) and the ball does not cross afoul line (6-1-4);
b. failing to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting there in an attempt to put out, or drive back a runner; or throwing or feinting to any unoccupied base when it is not an attempt to put out or drive back a runner;
c. making an illegal pitch from any position (6-1, 6-2-1 a-d);
d. failing to pitch to the batter in a continuous motion immediately after any movement of any part of the body such as the pitcher habitually uses in the
delivery;
1.
If the pitcher, with a runner on base, stops or hesitates in the delivery because the batter steps out of the box {a) with one foot or (b) with both feet or (c) holds up a hand to request "Time," it shall not be a balk. In (a) and (c), there is no penalty on either the batter or the pitcher. The umpire shall call "Time" and begin play anew. In (b), a strike shall be called on the batter for violation of 7-3-1. In (a), (b) and (c), if the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike and the ball remains live. Thus, two strikes are called on the batter in (b). If the umpire judges the batter's action to be a deliberate attempt to create a balk, the batter will be penalized according to 3-3-1 n.
e. taking a hand off the ball while in a set position (6-1-3), unless the pitcher pitches to the batter or throws to a base or the pitcher steps toward and feints a throw to second or third base as in (b); or
f. failing to pitch to the batter when the entire non-pivot foot passes behind the perpendicular plane of the back edge of the pitcher's plate, except when feinting or throwing to second base in an attempt to put out a runner.
Article 5 . . . It is also a balk if a runner or runners are on base and the pitcher, while the pitcher is not touching the pitcher's plate, makes any movement naturally associated with the pitch, or the pitcher places the feet on or astride the pitcher's plate, or takes a position within approximately 5 feet of the pitcher's plate without having the ball.
Rule 7: Batting
SECTION 1 POSITION AND BATTING ORDER
Article 1 . . . Each player of the team at bat shall become the batter and shall take a position within a batter's box, on either side of home plate, in the order in which each player's name appears on the lineup card as delivered to the umpire prior to the game (4-1-3). This order shall be followed during the entire game except that an entering substitute shall take the replaced player's place in the batting order. A batter is in proper order if the person follows the player whose name precedes his in the lineup, even though such preceding batter may have batted out of order. An improper batter is considered to be at bat as soon as the improper batter is in the batter's box and the ball is live. When the improper batter's infraction is first discovered by either team, time may be requested and the improper batter replaced by the proper batter with the improper batter's ball and strike count still in effect, provided the infraction is detected before the improper batter is put out or becomes a base runner. Only the defensive team may appeal batting out of order after the batter has completed the time at bat. Any outs made on the play stand. An out for batting out of order supersedes an out by the improper batter on a play. While the improper batter is at bat, if a runner advances because of a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball, such advance is legal.
Article 2 . . . After the first inning, the first batter in each inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last batter who completed the time at bat in the preceding inning.
PENALTIES: For batting out of order (Arts. 1 and 2):
1. A batter shall be called out, on appeal , when the batter fails to bat in the batter's proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in the proper batter's place.
2. When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the first legal or illegal pitch, or, play or attempted play, or prior to an intentional base on balls or before the infielders leave the diamond if a half-inning is ending, the umpire shall declare the proper batter out and return all runners to the base
occupied at the time of the pitch.
3. When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and a legal pitch
or illegal pitch has been delivered to the succeeding batter, or an intentional base on balls has occurred, or all infielders have left the diamond if a half inning is ending, and before an appeal is made, the improper batter becomes the proper batter and the results of the improper batter's time at bat become legal.
4. When the proper batter is called out because the proper batter failed to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter thus called out.
5. When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is properly made as above, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of such legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter's actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with the name following that of the legalized improper batter.
NOTE: When several players bat out of order before discovery so that a player's time at bat occurs while that player is a runner, such player remains on base, but that player is NOT out as a batter.
SECTION 2 STRIKES, BALLS AND HITS
Article 1 . . . A strike is charged to the batter when :
a. a pitch enters any part of the strike zone in flight and is not struck at;
b. a pitch is struck at and missed (even if the pitch touches the batter) ;
c. a pitch becomes a foul when the batter has less than two strikes ;
d. a pitch becomes a foul tip (even on third strike) or a foul from an attempted bunt;
e. a batter delays [6-2-4d(1) , 7-3-1] ; or
f. a batted ball contacts the batter in the batter's box (foul ball) .
Article 2 . . . A ball is credited to the batter when a pitch is not touched by the
bat and is not a strike or when there is an illegal pitch (6-1 PENALTY, 6-1-4) or pitcher delay. (6-2-2c)
Article 3 . .. A foul ball or a fair hit (which may be a bunt) occurs when a pitch is touched by the bat of the batter who is in the batter's box. (2-5-1, 2-16-1 , 2-16-2)
SECTION 3 BATTING INFRACTIONS - A BATTER SHALL NOT:
Article 1 . . . Delay the game by failing to take a position promptly in the batter's box within 20 seconds. The batter must keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout the time at bat.
EXCEPTION: A batter may leave the batter's box when: a. the batter swings at a pitch,
b. the batter is forced out of the box by the pitch,
c. the batter attempts a "drag bunt,"
d. the pitcher or catcher feints or attempts a play at any base,
e. the pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound or takes a position more than five feet from the pitcher's plate after receiving the ball,
f. a member of either team requests and is granted "Time,"
g. the catcher leaves the catcher's box to adjust the catcher's equipment or give defensive signals; or
h. the catcher does not catch the pitched ball.
PENALTY: For failure of the batter to be ready within 20 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike. If the batter leaves the batter's box, delays the game, and none of the above exceptions apply, the plate umpire shall charge a strike to the batter. The pitcher need not pitch, and the ball remains live.
Article 2 . . . Hit the ball while either foot or knee is touching the ground completely outside the lines of the batter's box or touching home plate.
Article 3 . . . Disconcert the pitcher by stepping from the box on one side of home plate to the box on the other side while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch.
PENALTY: For infraction of Articles 2 and 3, the ball becomes dead immediately and the batter is out.
Article 4. .. Permit a pitched ball to touch the batter's person.
PENALTY: The batter remains at bat (pitch is a ball or strike) unless pitch was a third strike or ball four.
Article 5 . . . Interfere with the catcher's fielding or throwing by:
a. leaning over home plate,
b. stepping out of the batter's box,
c. making any other movement, including follow-through interference, which
hinders actions at home plate or the catcher's attempt to play on a runner; or
d. failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate a congested area when there is
a throw to home plate and there is time for the batter to move away.
PENALTY: When there are two outs, the batter is out. When there are not two outs and the runner is advancing to home plate, if the runner is tagged out, the ball remains live and interference is ignored. Otherwise, the ball is dead and the runner is called out. When an attempt to put out a runner at any other base is unsuccessful, the batter is out and all runners must return to bases occupied at the time of the pitch. If the pitch is a third strike and in the umpire's judgment interference prevents a possible double play (additional outs), two may be ruled out. [8-4-2g, 8-4-21(1)]
Article 6 . .. If the bat breaks and is hit by the ball or hits a runner or a fielder, no interference shall be called. If a whole bat is thrown and interferes with a defensive player attempting a play, interference will be called.
PENALTY: The batter is out and runners return. If, in the umpire's judgment, interference prevented a possible double play, two players may be ruled out.
Article 7 . . . Commit backswing interference.
PENALTY: The ball is immediately dead.
SECTION 4 BATTER IS OUT
Article 1 . . . A batter is out when:
a. the batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat (1-3-5) or is discovered having used an illegal bat. If the infraction is discovered before the next pitch following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat, the defense may take the penalty or the result of the play;
b. a third strike is not caught, provided a runner occupies first base and there are less than two outs;
1. If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out unless the third strike is caught. The batter is entitled to try to reach first base before being tagged out or thrown out.
c. a third strike (7-2) is caught;
d. a foul ball (other than a foul tip not a third strike)is caught by a fielder or such catch is prevented by a spectator reaching into the playing area (8-3-3e);
e. an attempt to bunt on third strike is a foul;
f. 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;
g. a team playing with one less than the starting number and that turn to bat is reached;
h. the batter enters the game as an illegal substitute and is discovered;
i. or the batter intentionally deflects a foul ball which has a chance of becoming fair.
Rule 8 Baserunning
SECTION 1 WHEN BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER
Article 1 . . . A batter becomes a runner with the right to attempt to score by advancing to first, second, third and home bases in the listed order when:
a. the batter hits a fair ball (2-5-1 );
1. The batter becomes a batter-runner when entitled to run.
b. the batter is charged with a third strike;
1. If third strike is caught, the batter is out an instant after the batter be-
comes a runner.
c. an intentional base on balls is awarded, or a fourth ball is called by the umpire;
d. a pitched ball hits the batter or the batter's clothing, provided the batter
does not strike at the ball ; or
1. If the batter permits the pitched ball to touch oneself (7-3-4), or if the umpire calls the pitched ball a strike, the hitting of the batter is disregarded except that the ball is dead. It is a strike or ball depending on location of the pitch.
2. If a batter's loose garment, such as a shirt that is not worn properly, is touched by a pitched ball, the batter is not entitled to first base.
e. the catcher or any other defensive player obstructs the batter. The coach or captain of the team at bat, after being informed by the umpire-in-chief of the obstruction, shall indicate whether or not the team elects to decline the obstruction penalty and accept the resulting play. Such election shall be made before the next pitch (legal or illegal), before the award of an intentional base on balls, or before the infielders leave the diamond. Obstruction of the batter is ignored if the batter-runner reaches first and all other runners advance at least one base.
1. Any runner attempting to advance (i.e., steal or squeeze) on a catcher's obstruction of the batter shall be awarded the base the runner is attempting. If a runner is not attempting to advance on the catcher's obstruction, the runner shall not be entitled to the next base, if not forced to advance because of the batter being awarded first base. If obstruction is enforced, all other runners on the play will return to base occupied at time of the pitch. The batter is awarded first base, if the runner did not reach base.
2. If obstruction is not enforced, all other runners advance at their own risk.
Article 2 . . . A batter-runner is awarded first base if:
a. the batter-runner is a runner because of 8-1-1 c, d, e; or
b. the batter-runner's fair ball, other than an infield fly, becomes dead [5-1-1f(1 ),(2)] and provided a preceding runner or retired runner does not interfere in such a way as to prevent a potential double play. (8-4-1h)
NOTE: Unless awarded first base as above, a batter-runner is entitled to first base only if the batter-runner reaches it before being tagged out or thrown out or called out for hitting an infield fly. (8-4-1)
SECTION 2 TOUCHING, OCCUPYING AND RETURNING TO A BASE
Article 1 . . . An advancing runner shall touch first , second , third and then home plate in order, including awarded bases.
Article 2 . . . A returning runner shall retouch the bases in reverse order. If the ball is dead because of an uncaught foul, it is not necessary for a returning runner to retouch intervening bases. The umpire will not make the ball live until the runner returns to the appropriate base.
Article 3 . . . Any runner who misses a base while advancing may not return to touch it after a following runner has scored.
NOTE: Any runner who misses the first base to which the runner is advancing and who is later called out shall be considered as having advanced one base.
Article 4 . .. If a fair or foul batted ball is caught, other than a foul tip, each baserunner shall touch the base after the batted ball has touched a fielder. (8-4-1 c for fielder intentionally dropping the ball and 8-4-2i for runner being put out.)
Article 5 . . . If a runner who misses any base (including home plate) or leaves a base too early, desires to return to touch the base, the runner must do so immediately. If the ball becomes dead and the runner is on or beyond a succeeding base, the runner cannot return to the missed base and, therefore, is subject to being declared out upon proper and successful appeal.
PENALTY (Arts. 1·5): For failure to touch a base (advancing and returning), or failure to tag up as soon as the ball is touched on a caught fly ball, the runner may be called out if an appeal is made by the defensive team. The defense may appeal during a live ball immediately following the play and before a pitch (legal or illegal), granting an intentional base on balls, or before the next play or attempted play. If the offensive team initiates a play before the next pitch, the defensive team does not lose the right to appeal. A live-ball appeal may be made by a defensive player with the ball in the defensive player's possession by tagging the runner or touching the base that was missed or left too early. A dead ball appeal may be made by a coach or any defensive player with or without the ball by verbally stating that the runner missed the base or left the base too early. Appeals must be made (1) before the next legal or illegal pitch; (2) at the end of an inning, before the pitcher and all infielders have left fair territory; (3) before an intentional base on balls is granted; or (4) on the last play of the game, an appeal can be made until the umpire(s) leave the field of play.
NOTE: When a play by its very nature is imminent and is obvious to the offense, defense and umpire(s), no verbal appeal is necessary, e.g. runner attempting to retouch a base that was missed, or a failure to tag up and a throw has been made to that base or plate while a play is in progress.
Article 6 . . . Appeal procedures and guidelines a. Types
1. Missing a base
2. Leaving a base on a caught fly ball before the ball is first touched .
b. Live Ball - In all games an appeal may be made during a live ball by any fielder in possession of the ball touching the base missed or left too soon on a caught fly ball, or by tagging the runner committing the violation if the
runner is still on the playing field .
c. Dead Ball - The dead-ball appeal may be made: 1) Once all runners have
completed their advancement and time has been called, a coach or any defensive player, with or without the ball , may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball. The administering umpire should then make a decision on the play. 2) If the ball has gone out of play, runners must be given the opportunity to complete their base-running responsibilities before the dead-ball appeal can be made.
d. May Not Return - A runner may not return to touch a missed base or one left too soon on a caught fly ball if:
1. the runner has reached a base beyond the base missed or left too soon
and the ball becomes dead,
2. the runner has left the field of play, or
3. a following runner has scored .
e. Advance - Runners may advance during alive-ball appeal play. If a time out is requested for an appeal, the umpire should grant it, and runners may not advance until the ball becomes live again.
f. More Than One Appeal - Multiple appeals are permitted as long as the appeals do not become a travesty of the game.
g. Awards - A n appeal must be honored even if the base missed was before or after an award, unless it was subsequently corrected.
h. Tag-UpsIf a runner leaves a base too soon on a caught fly ball and returns in an attempt to retag, this is considered a time play and not a force out. If the appeal is the third out, all runs scored by runners in advance of the appealed runner and scored ahead of the legal appeal would count.
i. Fourth-Out Appeal - A n appeal may be made after the third out as long as it is made properly and the resulting appeal is an apparent fourth out.
j. End of Game - If any situation arises which could lead to an appeal by the defense on the last play of the game, the appeal must be made while an umpire is still on the field of play.
k. Third-out Baserunning Infraction - If a baserunning infraction is the third out, runs scored by the following runner(s) would not count. With two outs, if the base missed was the first to which the batter or runner was forced to advance, no runs would score. When a runner is legally returning after a fly ball has been caught, the runner can be put out by being tagged with the ball by a defensive player or merely by the defensive player with the ball touching the base occupied by the runner at the time of the pitch.
l. Last Time ByIf a runner correctly touches abase that was missed (either in advancing or returning) , the last time the runner was by the base, that last touch corrects any previous baserunning infraction . (8-4-2q EXCEPTION)
Article 7 . . . A batter-runner who reaches first base safely and then overruns or overslides may immediately return without liability of being put out provided the batter-runner does not attempt or feint an advance to second.
Article 8 . . . A runner acquires the right to the proper unoccupied base if the runner touches it before being put out. The runner is then entitled to this base until the runner is put out, or until the runner legally touches the next base while it is unoccupied or until a following runner is forced (2-24-1) to advance to the base the runner has occupied. A runner need not vacate a base to permit a fielder to catch a fly ball in the infield, but the runner may not interfere.
a. If two runners are on the same base, at the same time and both are tagged, the following runner is declared out. On a force play situation, the runner who is forced to advance shall be declared out when tagged on the base or the base to which the runner is forced is touched by a fielder while in possession of the ball.
Article 9 ... Each runner shall touch the base after the ball becomes dead. All awarded bases must be touched in the proper order. The runner returns to the base the runner had reached or passed when the ball became dead. In the event of interference, a runner returns to the base the runner had legally reached at the time of the interference. If the interference does not cause the batter to be out and any other runner cannot return to the base last legally occupied at the time of the interference, the runner is advanced to the next base.
a. The runner returns to the base occupied at the time of the pitch if the batter-runner advance was during an uncaught foul.
g. Awards - A n appeal must be honored even if the base missed was before or after an award, unless it was subsequently corrected.
h. Tag-UpsIf a runner leaves a base too soon on a caught fly ball and returns in an attempt to retag, this is considered a time play and not a force out. If the appeal is the third out, all runs scored by runners in advance of the appealed runner and scored ahead of the legal appeal would count.
i. Fourth-Out Appeal - A n appeal may be made after the third out as long as it is made properly and the resulting appeal is an apparent fourth out.
j. End of Game - If any situation arises which could lead to an appeal by the defense on the last play of the game, the appeal must be made while an umpire is still on the field of play.
k. Third-out Baserunning Infraction - If a baserunning infraction is the third out, runs scored by the following runner(s) would not count. With two outs, if the base missed was the first to which the batter or runner was forced to advance, no runs would score. When a runner is legally returning after a fly ball has been caught, the runner can be put out by being tagged with the ball by a defensive player or merely by the defensive player with the ball touching the base occupied by the runner at the time of the pitch.
I. Last Time ByIf a runner correctly touches abase that was missed (either in advancing or returning) , the last time the runner was by the base, that last touch corrects any previous baserunning infraction . (8-4-2q EXCEPTION)
Article 7 . . . A batter-runner who reaches first base safely and then overruns or overslides may immediately return without liability of being put out provided the batter-runner does not attempt or feint an advance to second.
Article 8 . . . A runner acquires the right to the proper unoccupied base if the runner touches it before being put out. The runner is then entitled to this base until the runner is put out, or until the runner legally touches the next base while it is unoccupied or until a following runner is forced (2-24-1) to advance to the base the runner has occupied. A runner need not vacate a base to permit a fielder to catch a fly ball in the infield, but the runner may not interfere.
a. If two runners are on the same base, at the same time and both are tagged, the following runner is declared out. On a force play situation, the runner who is forced to advance shall be declared out when tagged on the base or the base to which the runner is forced is touched by a fielder while in possession of the ball.
Article 9 ... Each runner shall touch the base after the ball becomes dead. All awarded bases must be touched in the proper order. The runner returns to the base the runner had reached or passed when the ball became dead. In the event of interference, a runner returns to the base the runner had legally reached at the time of the interference. If the interference does not cause the batter to be out and any other runner cannot return to the base last legally occupied at the time of the interference, the runner is advanced to the next base.
a. The runner returns to the base occupied at the time of the pitch if the batter-runner advance was during an uncaught foul.
SECTION 3 BASERUNNING AWARDS
Article 1 . . . Each runner other than the batter-runner (who is governed by 8-1- 2) is awarded one base when:
a. there is a balk (6-1-4,6-2-4) or a pitch strikes a runner (5-Ha);
b. the runner is forced from the base the runner occupies by a following runner who must advance because a batter receives a fourth ball, or is hit by a
pitched ball , or hits a fair ball which becomes dead (5-1-1 f) ;
c. the runner is attempting to steal or is forced from the base the runner occupies by a batter-runner or runner who must advance because the catcher or any fielder obstructs the batter, such as stepping on or across home or pushing the batter to reach the pitch or touching the bat (8-1-1e). Instances
may occur when the infraction may be ignored. (8-He)
Article 2 . . . When a runner is obstructed while advancing or returning to a base, the umpire shall award the obstructed runner a minimum of one base beyond the runner's position on base when the obstruction occurred.The umpire shall award
the obstructed runner and each other runner(s) any additional bases that would nullify the obstruction.
Article 3 . . . Each runner is awarded :
a. four bases (home) if a fair ball goes over a fence in flight or hits a foul pole
above the fence, or is prevented from going over by being touched by a spectator, or is touched by an illegal glove/mitt or detached player equipment which is thrown , tossed , kicked or held by a fielder ;
b. three bases if a batted ball (other than in item a) is touched by an illegal glove or mitt, or by detached player equipment which is thrown, tossed, kicked or held by a fielder, provided the ball when touched is on or over fair ground , or is a fair ball while on or over foul ground , or is over foul ground in a situation such that it might become a fair ball;
c. two bases if a fair batted or thrown ball becomes dead because of bouncing over or passing through a fence, or lodges in a defensive player's or umpire's equipment or uniform (except ball lodged in glove); or if a live thrown ball:
1. including a pitch , is touched by an illegal glove or mitt, or by detached player equipment which is thrown, tossed, kicked or held by a fielder; or
2. goes into a stand for spectators, dugout or player's bench or over or through or lodges in a fence and it is not thrown by a pitcher from the
pitcher's plate as in 8-3-3d ;
3. When two runners are between the same bases on an overthrow into dead ball territory , the lead runner receives two bases and the following runner is awarded one, since both runners cannot share the same awarded base.
4. Runners between second and third would score, because the award does not result in both runners occupying the same base.
d. one base if a pitch or any throw by the pitcher from the pitching position on the pitcher 's plate goes into a stand or bench or over or through or lodges in a fence or backstop or touches a spectator or lodges in an umpire's or catcher's equipment; or with less than two outs, the batter hits a fair or foul ball (fly or line drive) which is caught by a fielder, who then leaves the field of play by stepping with both feet or by falling into a bench, dugout, stand, bleacher or over any boundary or barrier such as a fence, rope, chalk line or pre-game determined imaginary boundary line. A runner shall not be declared out if the fielder deliberately throws or carries the ball into dead ball territory to prevent that runner who has touched or advanced beyond a succeeding base from returning to a missed base or abase left too soon. Award the runner two bases. This allows the runner(s) to correct any base-running error. Defense may still appeal the play.
e. bases as determined by the umpire, who shall also impose such penalties as in the umpire's judgment will nullify the act of spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball. The ball shall become dead at the moment of the interference (8-3-3a-d) . It is not spectator interference if a spectator physically hinders a fielder who is reaching into a dead ball area to make a play on a batted or thrown ball.
f. one base beyond the last legally acquired base, if in the umpire's judgment the runner was attempting to advance at the time the ball becomes lodged in an offensive player's uniform or equipment. If the lodged ball occurs during play when the batter-runner was attempting to reach first base, the batter-runner will be awarded first base. Preceding runners will be awarded bases needed to complete the award.
Article 4 .. . Illegal use of detached player equipment (8-3-3a-c) or an illegal glove/mitt does not cause ball to immediately become dead. If each runner advances to or beyond the base which the runner would reach as a result of the award, the infraction is ignored. Any runner who advances beyond the base the runner would be awarded does so at the runner's own risk and may be put out.
Article 5 . . . An award is from the base determined as follows :
a. If the award is the penalty for an infraction such as a balk, use of detached player equipment, or an illegal glove/mitt, the award is from the base occupied at the time of the infraction.
b. If any pitch (batted or unbatted) is followed by a dead ball before the pitcher
is in position for the next pitch and before there is any throw by the fielding
team, any award is from the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
When a runner, who is returning to touch a base after a batted ball has been caught is prevented from doing so because a thrown live ball has become dead (5-1-1g), the runner's award shall be from the base the runner occupied at the time of the pitch . In any situations other than (a) or (b) , on a batted ball which is the first play by an infielder, all runners including the batter-runner are awarded two bases from their positions at the time of the pitch. For purposes of this rule, the act of fielding is not considered a play. If every runner, including the batter-runner, has advanced one base at the time of the first play, the award is two bases from the time of the throw. For any subsequent play by an infielder or for
any throw by an outfielder, the award is two bases from the time of the throw.
Article 6 . . . When a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pickoff play, if an out is not made at the end of the catcher's initial throw , the ball shall be dead and all runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the interference.
SECTION 4 RUNNER IS OUT
Article 1 . . . The batter-runner is out when:
a. the batter-runner intentionally interferes with the catcher's attempt to field
the ball after a third strike;
b. the batter-runner's fair hit or foul (other than a foul tip which is not a third
strike) is caught by a fielder, or such catch is prevented by a spectator
reaching into the playing field;
c. the batter-runner's fair fly, fair line drive or fair bunt in flight is intentionally
dropped by an infielder with at least first base occupied and before there are two outs. The ball is dead and the runner or runners shall return to their respective base(s).
1. In this situation, the batter is not out if the infielder permits the fair fly,
fair line drive or fair bunt in flight to drop untouched to the ground,
except when the infield fly rule (2-19) applies (5-1-1 j) .
d. after hitting or bunting a ball, the batter-runner intentionally contacts the ball with the bat a second time in fair or foul territory. The ball is dead and
no runner(s) advance.
1. In the case of a foul ball, it must have a chance to become fair in the umpire's judgment.
2. If the bat and ball accidentally come in contact with each other a second time while the batter is holding the bat in the batter's box, it is afoul ball.
e. a third strike is caught by the catcher; or the third strike is not caught with
first base occupied and there are less than two outs (2-16-2);
f. after a dropped third strike (8-4-1e) or a fair hit, if the ball held by any fielder touches the batter before the batter touches first base; or if any fielder, while holding the ball in the fielder's grasp, touches first base or touches
first base with the ball before the batter-runner touches first base: or
g. the batter-runner runs outside the three-foot running lane (last half of the distance from home plate to first base), while the ball is being fielded or
thrown to first base; or
1. 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.
2. The batter runner is considered outside the running lane lines if either foot is outside either line.
h. any runner or retired runner interferes (2-21-1, 2-30-3) in a way which
obviously hinders an obvious double play; or
i. on a dropped third strike, the batter-runner gives up by entering the bench
or dugout area, or with two outs and does not attempt to reach first base
before all infielders leave the diamond at the end of the half-inning ;
j. hits an infield fly and the infield-fly rule is in effect;
k. enters the game as an illegal substitute and is discovered.
Article 2 . . . Any runner is out when the runner:
a. runs more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid
being tagged or to hinder a fielder while the runner is advancing or returning to a base;
1. This is not an infraction if a fielder attempting to field a batted ball is in the runner's proper path and if the runner runs behind the fielder to
avoid interfering with the fielder.
2. When a play is being made on a runner or batter-runner, the batter-runner's baseline is established as directly between the batter-runner's position and the base toward which the batter-runner is moving.
b. does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play, or on a force play,
does not slide in a direct line between the bases; or
1. A runner may slide in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder.
2. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. (2-32-1 , 2-32-2) Jumping, hurdling, and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder as long as the fielder is lying on the ground. Diving over a fielder is illegal.
PENALTY: The runner is out. Interference is called and the ball is dead immediately. On a force-play slide with less than two outs, the runner is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. Runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. With two outs, the runner is declared out. The batter is credited with a fielder's choice.
c. does not legally attempt to avoid a fielder in the immediate act of making a play on the runner; or
PENALTY: The runner is out, the ball remains live unless interference is called.
d. dives over a fielder; or
PENALTY: The runner is out and the ball remains live unless interference occurs and is declared.
e. initiates malicious contact;
1. Malicious contact always supersedes obstruction. Runner(s) will be awarded appropriate base(s) per umpire's judgment.
f. as a runner or retired runner, fails to execute a legal slide, or does not attempt to avoid the fielder or the play on a force play at any base; or
g. intentionally interferes with a throw or a thrown ball ; or the runner hinders a fielder on the fielder's initial attempt to field a batted ball. A fielder is not protected, except from intentional contact if the fielder misplays the ball and has to move from the fielder's original location; or the runner's being put out is prevented by an illegal act by anyone connected with the team (2-21- 1, 3-2-2, 3-2-3) or by the batter-runner; for runner returning to base (8-2- 6); and for runner being hit by a batted ball (8-4-2k). If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner including the batter-runner interferes in any way and prevents a double play anywhere, two shall be declared out (the runner who interfered and the other runner involved). If a retired runner interferes, and in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare that runner out. If the umpire is uncertain who would have been played on, the runner closest to home shall be called out; or
1. If two fielders try to field a batted ball and the runner contacts one or
both, the umpire shall decide which one is entitled to field the ball and that fielder only is entitled to protection . If a fielder drops a batted ball and contact with a runner occurs during a subsequent attempt to field the ball, the fielder has the greater responsibility for avoiding contact.
h. is touched by a live ball securely held by a fielder or is touched by a fielder's glove or hand with the live ball held therein, while the runner is not touching a base.
1. If a batter-runner safely touches first base and then overslides or over-
runs it, the batter-runner may immediately return to first base without liability of being tagged out, provided the batter-runner did not attempt to run or feint to second. Also, if any base comes loose from its fastening when any runner contacts it, such runner cannot be tagged out because the base slides away from the runner.
2. The ball is not securely held if it is dropped or juggled after the runner is touched.
i. does not retouch the base before a fielder tags the runner out or holds the ball while touching such base after any situation (8-2-1, 8-2-3, 8-2-4). An umpire may also call the runner out at the end of playing action upon proper and successful appeal. Also, it is not necessary for runner to retouch the base after afoul tip (2-16-2); or
j. fails to reach the next base before a fielder either tags the runner out or holds the ball while touching such base, after runner has been forced from the base the runner occupied because the batter became a runner (with ball in play) when other runners were on first base, or on first and second, or on first, second and third . There shall be no accidental appeals on a force play.
1. No runner may be forced out if a runner who follows in the batting order
is first put out (including a batter-runner who is out for an infield fly) .
k. is contacted by a fair batted ball before it touches an infielder, or after it passes any infielder, except the pitcher, and the umpire is convinced that
another infielder has a play. (5-1-1f, 6-1-5)
1. If a runner is touching the base when the runner is hit by an infield fly, the runner is not out, but the batter is out by the infield fly rule. The ball is dead, even in the exception.
2. If a runner is hit by an infield fly when the runner is not touching the base, both the runner and the batter are out.
l. attempts to advance to home base when the batter interferes with a play at
home base, with less than two outs; or
1. If there are two outs, the batter is out because of interference and since the batter is the third out, the runner cannot score. But if there are not two outs, the runner is out and the batter is not penalized.
m. passes an unobstructed preceding runner before such runner is out (including awarded bases); or
n. runs bases in reverse to confuse opponents to make a travesty of the game;
o. or takes a position behind a base to get a running start; or
p. after at least touching first base, leaves the baseline, obviously abandoning the runner's effort to touch the next base; or
NOTE: Any runner, after reaching first base, who leaves the baseline heading for the dugout or a defensive position believing that there is no further play, shall be declared out if the umpire judges the act of the runner to be considered abandoning an effort to run the bases.
q. is on or beyond a succeeding base when the ball is declared dead (5-2-2b-1) after having left a base too soon on a caught fly ball , or the runner failed to touch a preceding base, or continues and touches a succeeding base after the ball has become dead and the defense initiates a proper and successful appeal ;
r. deliberately knocks the ball from a fielder's hand.
s. is physically assisted by a coach. (3-2-2)
End of article