2026 NFHS

Baseball

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Rules PowerPoint

Rules Changes Editorial Changes Mechanical Changes Points of Emphasis

2026 NFHS Baseball Rules Changes

DOUBLE FIRST BASE

1-2-9, 2-5-1h, 2-16-1h, 8-2-1,

RULES CHANGES

8-2-2a(1-7), 8-2-7

• Starting in 2027, all high school baseball fields will be required to use the double first base.
• State associations may implement the change in 2026.

RULES CHANGES

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 1-2-9

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 1-2-9

• ART. 9 . . . Effective January 1, 2027, the double first base will be required. The double first base shall be a white base and a contrasting solid color. The white portion of the base is located in fair territory and the colored portion is located in foul territory. The double first base is split by the first base foul line. They shall be installed with no space between the two portions of the double first base. Both double first bases (white and colored), second and third bases shall be white bags…their anchor systems.

RULES CHANGES

RULES CHANGES

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 2-5-1h, 2-16-1h

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 2-5-1h

RULES CHANGES

ART. 1 . . . A fair ball is a batted ball which: a.- g. Remains the same.

h. hits or bounds over any portion of the white portion of the double first base.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 2-16-1h

RULES CHANGES

ART. 1 . . . A foul ball is a batted ball which: a.- g. Remains the same.

h. hits or bounds over the contrasting color portion of the double first base without first being a fair ball.

RULES CHANGES

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-1

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-1

RULES CHANGES

ART. 1 . . . An advancing runner shall touch first, second, third and then home plate in order, including awarded bases. A batter-runner shall use the colored base on the initial play at first base sunless the fielder is drawn to the side of the colored base (dropped third strike only), in which case the batter-runner would touch the white base and the fielder to the colored base. On a dropped third strike, fielder and batter- runner may touch white or colored base.

RULES CHANGES

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

RULES CHANGES

ART. 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.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

RULES CHANGES

a. Runners tagging up on fly balls, leading off on a pitch, or returning to first base on an attempted pick-off can only use the white portion of the base. A defensive player may use only the fair portion of the base when a play is being made on the batter-runner on any live ball from within the foul lines or from third base foul line It is interference when the batter-runner, on a force play, touches only the white portion of the base and collides with the fielder in the process of catching a thrown ball while on the white portion of the base.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

RULES CHANGES

• The lone exception is when there is a dropped third strike, in which case the batter-runner may use the white portion of the base and the fielder may use the colored portion of the base.
• On a dropped third strike, both the fielder and runner may use either portion of the base.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

RULES CHANGES

Obstruction is called on the defense when there is a force play on the batter-runner, who touches only the colored portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while also on the colored portion of the base.

1. The batter-runner should use the colored base on the initial play at first base, unless the fielder is drawn to the colored base because of a dropped third strike, in which case the BR would go to the white base only.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

2. Once the batter-runner reaches first base, the runner must always return to the white base.
3. On extra base hits or other balls hit to the outfield when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the batter-runner may touch either the white or colored section of the base.
4. When tagging up on a fly ball, the white section of the base must be used by the runner. One foot is permitted to extend behind or on the colored base provided the front foot is touching the white section of the base.

RULES CHANGES

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

RULES CHANGES

• If a batter-runner on a force play touches only the white portion of the base and collides with a fielder who is entitled to catch a thrown ball while touching the white portion of the base, interference should be ruled.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

RULES CHANGES

• If a batter-runner on a force play touches only the colored portion of the base and collides with a fielder who is not legally entitled to catch a thrown ball while touching the colored portion of the base, obstruction should be ruled.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

RULES CHANGES

5. On attempted pick-off plays, the runner must return to the white section of the base only. This includes a throw from the pitcher, catcher, or any other player, in an attempt to retire the runner at the double first base.
6. The double first base does not change any other rule concerning interference or obstruction at first base. The batter-runner must still avoid interference with the fielder attempting to field a batted ball.

RULES CHANGES

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-2a(1-7)

7. On base on balls, the offense or the defense may touch either the white or colored base.

RULES CHANGES

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-7

DOUBLE FIRST BASE 8-2-7

RULES CHANGES

ART. 7 . . . A batter-runner who reaches first base safely and then overruns or over slides may immediately return without liability of being put our provided the batter-runner does not attempt or feint an advance to second. Once the batter-runner reaches first base (colored), the runner shall use the white base.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE

1-2-9, 2-5-1h, 2-16-1h, 8-2-1,

RULES CHANGES

8-2-2a(1-7), 8-2-7

• On extra-base hits or other balls hit to the outfield when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the batter- runner may touch either portion of the base.
• Once a batter reaches first base safely, the colored portion of the base essentially disappears, and all legal touches of first base require the use of the white portion of the base.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE

RULES CHANGES

1-2-9, 2-5-1h, 2-16-1h, 8-2-1,

8-2-2a(1-7), 8-2-7

​

Rationale: Risk minimization.

Rule 1-4-4

RULES CHANGES

ART. 4 . . . The school's official uniform… (The same restriction shall apply to either the manufacturer's logo/trademark or reference.) Effective, January 1, 2027, The school's name, school nickname, school logo, school mascot, and/or the player's name are permitted on the uniform top and/or pants. One American flag 2 inches x 3

inches may be worn or occupy space on each item of uniform apparel.

Rationale:

This is a universal rule adaptation by every NFHS Rules Committee to be uniformed for every NFHS rule publication.

Rule 1-6-3

RULES CHANGES

Articles 1 and 2 remain the same.

ART. 3 . . . No player shall wear any audio (microphone) or video (camera) device during the game.

​

Rationale: No player participating in the game will be allowed to wear any type of audio or video device to record or transmit audio or video. This is a universal rule adaptation by every NFHS Rules Committee to be uniformed for every NFHS rule publication.

This also applies to pre and post game activities on the field.

MEETINGS

Rule 2-10-3, 3-4-6

RULES CHANGES

ART. 3 . . . A player-to-player defensive meeting includes two or more players (3-4- 6).

​

Rationale: Definition for player-to-player meeting.

MEETINGS

Rule 3-4-6

RULES CHANGES

ART. 6 . . . Each team, when on defense, may be granted not more than one player-to-player meeting during an inning to permit players to confer with defensive personnel. The umpire shall deny any subsequent player-to-player defensive team requests for meetings.

RULES CHANGES

• The following plays are not defined as player-to-player meetings:
• Injury time-outs for either offense or defense. Players will be able to meet without penalty during an injury time-out.
• Offensive Time-out – If the offense calls time, the defensive players can meet and not be in

violation of the rule.

• Other Team Conferences – If the other team conferences, the defensive players can meet and not be in violation of the rule.
• After Putout (Outfield) – After a putout in the outfield, with no runners on base, the ball shall be thrown to a cutoff player and if desired to one additional player before being returned to the pitcher. The returner can either throw the ball to the pitcher or walk it to them with words of encouragement or a congratulatory message.
• After Putout (Infield or Strikeout) - After a putout in the infield, with no runners on base, the ball shall be returned directly to the pitcher. The returner can either throw the ball to the pitcher or walk it to them with words of encouragement or a congratulatory message.
• Fifth Warm-up Pitch– Upon the fifth warm-up pitch at the start of the half-inning, the catcher can either throw the ball to the pitcher or walk it to them with words of encouragement or a congratulatory message.

Rule 3-4-6

RULES CHANGES

Rationale: Utilizing the rule addition will improve the pace of play, while still allowing the meetings to continue. Currently there is not a limit on defensive player-to-player meetings. This will prevent teams from stalling when the weather or darkness is approaching.

2026 NFHS Baseball Points of Emphasis

DISCIPLINE

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Any unsportsmanlike conduct, arguing or disrespect directed toward umpires will result in disciplinary action, which may include warnings, restriction to the bench or ejection from the game (3-3-1 to 3-3-4 and 10-2-3).

DISCIPLINE

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• These penalties are not punitive in nature – they are protective of the values that define high school sports: respect, integrity and personal responsibility.

DISCIPLINE

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Respect for officials is a reflection of the maturity, leadership and character we hope to instill in all participants through educational athletics.

SPORTSMANSHIP

(BENCH JOCKEYING AND PROPS)

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Bench jockeying can be considered as negative verbal comments, taunting or attempts to distract, intimidate or embarrass opponents or officials from the dugout – violates the standards of conduct expected in interscholastic competition.

SPORTSMANSHIP

(BENCH JOCKEYING AND PROPS)

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• By rule, bench jockeying is prohibited and will result in warnings, restrictions or ejections as deemed appropriate by the umpire.

SPORTSMANSHIP

(BENCH JOCKEYING AND PROPS)

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Enforcement of this rule is not about silencing enthusiasm – it is about upholding the spirit of fair play and modeling appropriate conduct for students, schools and communities.

SPORTSMANSHIP

(BENCH JOCKEYING AND PROPS)

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• There is no logical purpose to have props at an education-based athletic event.

SPORTSMANSHIP

(BENCH JOCKEYING AND PROPS)

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• The dugout should be a place of encouragement and unity, not derision and distraction.
• Let the game be decided by skill, preparation and respect – not by unnecessary noise and antics.

PROPER PITCHING POSITIONS

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Pitchers are required to use one of two positions: the wind-up or the set.
• It is important that umpires, coaches and players know what position the pitcher is using so they know which part of Rule 6 is in play.

PROPER PITCHING POSITIONS

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• The position of the pivot foot determines which of the pitching positions is being used.
• In the wind-up position, the pitcher’s pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and is not parallel to it.
• In the set position, the pivot foot is in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher’s plate.

RUNNING LANE AWARENESS

• Enforcing the running lane rule (8-4-1g) is vital for player safety, fairness and the educational goals of high school baseball.
• The batter-runner must use the designated lane in foul territory during a play at first base.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

RUNNING LANE AWARENESS

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• 1. Safety – The lane prevents collisions and protects both the runner and the fielder.
• 2. Fair Play – Staying in the lane avoids unfair interference with defensive plays.
• 3. Consistency – Regular enforcement promotes accountability and discourages rule violations.
• 4. Education – Teaching proper lane use reinforces respect for the rules of the game.

RUNNING LANE AWARENESS

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Violations result in interference, with the batter-runner out and runners returned to their previous base.

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Have a GREAT season!