RULES CHANGES &�POINTS OF EMPHASIS

2024 ANNUAL MEETING

KYLE MCNEELY

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL NATIONALLY

• Baseball continues to enjoy high levels of participation in the nation:
• Third in the number of schools nationally offering the sport – 15,978
• Fourth in the number of male student athletes participating – 478,451
• Football (11 player); Outdoor Track; Basketball are #s 1-3; Soccer is #5
• Texas had 1,203 schools with a baseball team and 52,932 male baseball players
• Baseball continues to be one of the safest sports in high school
• Ranking 8^th overall in competition and 9^th in practice
• Arm/elbow and shoulder most common injury areas
• Pitchers sustained most number of injuries in both competition and practice
• Concussion rates remain low; however concussions sustained during practice have increased

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RULE CHANGES

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• There were 16 proposed Rule Changes

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• 5 Playing Rules Were Modified

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RULE 1-6-1 - NEW�PLAYER COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

• Any wristband with defensive shifts/offensive plays/pitching choices or game directions attached shall be considered non-electronic equipment and is permitted as long as it a single, solid color.

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RULE 1-6-1 NEW�PLAYER COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

• A wristband with defensive/offensive play/pitching information �is considered non-electronic equipment and is permitted

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• Must be a single, solid color
• It shall ONLY be worn on a player(s) wrist or forearm
• Cannot be worn on the belt

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• PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to coach of the team �involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with �the head coach.
• This change provides rulebook support for how Play Lists use has been implemented

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RULE 1-6-1 NEW�PLAYER COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

• Pitcher
• Worn on throwing arm
• Illegal
• Solid color wristband, not white or gray, with white card listing play/pitching information
• Illegal unless covered by a flap that matches the color of the wristband
• Solid color wristband, not white or gray, with red card listing play/pitching information
• Legal – Provided not distracting

• It does not have to match the color of the uniform or the sleeves worn underneath the uniform.

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RULE 1-6-1 NEW�PLAYER COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

RULE 1-6-2 NEW

• One way electronic communication devices are permissible
• From Dugout to Catcher while team is on defense
• To be used for the purpose of calling pitches
• The coach cannot be outside the dugout/bench area.

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• Penalty: The umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.

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• Provides for the ability for a player (catcher) to wear communication device.

RULE 1-6-2 NEW�PLAYER COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

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• Can be one way radio (No microphone on player unit)
• Can be a wristband-type product
• Utilize electronic numbers or lights
• Does not have to match the color of the uniform or the sleeves worn underneath the uniform jersey
• Worn only on a player’s wrist or forearm

RULE 3-2-5 NEW�COACHING

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• Rule allows a coach to use a one-way communication device (1-6-2)
• Communicate to catcher only
• Communicate for purpose of calling pitches only
• Shall not use device to communicate with any other team member (offense or defense)
• Must be in the dugout/bench area when using the device.
• Penalty: Team warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach

RULE 3-2-5 NEW�Q&A

• Can the head coach use the device from the bullpen?
• No, only from dugout/bench area.
• Can the head coach use the device to talk with his assistant coaches in the coaching boxes?
• No, only to the catcher when on defense.
• Can the head coach use the device to tell the catcher to go to the mound and instruct the pitcher?
• No, may be used only to call pitches.
• If catcher goes to the pitcher with instructions from the device is it a charged conference?
• No, a warning or ejection if second offense.

RULE 3-2-5 NEW�Q&A

• Assistant coach in bullpen has earpiece but no microphone and is simply listening to the pitch instructions.
• Okay, coach is not involved in communication.
• Coach is out of charged conferences. He uses device to tell catcher what to say to the infield.
• Illegal.
• Coach uses device to tell batter how to adjust on the next pitch.
• Illegal.
• Device fails, coach wants other team to turn their device off.
• Other team does not have to stop using their device.
• Multiple transmitters in the dugout (e.g.; one for each coach)
• Illegal
• Only ONE communication device to the catcher is allowed in dugout/bench

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RULE 10-2-3h�UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF

• Duties include:
• Forfeit the game for prescribed infractions by coaches, players, spectators, or team bench personnel.

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• Key Points
• The word “Spectators” was eliminated and “attendants” was changed to “team personnel.”
• Umpires have jurisdiction only over the confines of the field, players, coaches, and bench/team personnel.
• Cannot forfeit game for actions by spectators.
• Responsibility of game management to handle spectators and ensure safety for all.
• Umpires may suspend game if issues cannot be resolved.

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POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Malicious Contact
• Not a new POE and is third most discussed POE
• Was last a POE in 2006 – 2008 and in 2014
• A complete and all inclusive definition that captures all scenarios and closes all loop-holes is difficult to write
• Can be initiated by either the offensive or defensive player(s)
• Some dramatic contact may be incidental and not malicious
• I.E., train wreck play where runner, thrown ball, and fielder meet at same time
• Could be violent but not malicious

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Malicious Contact
• Contact or a collision is considered to be malicious if

1) the contact is the result of intentional excessive force, and/or

2) there is intent to injure.

• The absence of these two conditions does not preclude the presence of malicious contact
• Umpires must have flexibility to judge witnessed contact as malicious or not.
• Judgment should be enhanced by education, video review, chapter training, game experience, and field locations/mechanics

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Profanity
• Becoming a Major Concern in the State and Nation
• A profanity blurted out loudly toward oneself of another that would be disciplined in the classroom or school building.
• Cannot be over looked but understand the context
• I.E., if softly stated and aimed in frustration at oneself; no one other than umpire heard; a verbal warning and acknowledgment may be the best action.
• If loud and/or aimed at others – must be handled
• Rules 3-3-1 f1-4 provide rule guidance on action and penalty(ies)
• Language that is profane, intimidating, insulting, demeaning or hurtful will not be tolerated

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Pace of Play
• Baseball is not a “clock” driven sport.

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• Average time nationally for a varsity game is 2 hours 9 minutes.

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• Length of game is not a current problem

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• We do not have same issues as other levels of the game, i.e., no replay or commercial interruptions

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• Yet need to be efficient with time and time management

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Pace of Play Factors:
• Time Between Half Innings
• By rule – 1 minute 20 seconds
• Pinch points – Pitcher warming up, defense getting into position
• Batter Habits
• Continually stepping out of Batter’s box
• Re-adjustment of equipment
• Be aware of gamesmanship – stepping out to disrupt rhythm
• Umpire Habits
• Discussion with coaches, players, other umpires during half-inning
• Handling substitutions, new baseballs, charged conferences
• Excessive Player Conferences
• Support teammates talking and encouraging each other
• Not okay to delay game or create disadvantages

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RULE 6-6-2C�TWENTY SECOND RULE

• Rule 6-2-2c: Illegal acts include: …Delay of the game includes: “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 on ball.
• History for NFHS
• Rule passed in 1978 with no rationale provided
• Approved Rulings in 1980s saying: a) to be enforced even if bases empty, and b) guidance on pitcher having 80 seconds from last out to deliver a pitch
• Three Casebook plays address handling of the rule
• Neither Brad Rumble, Elliot Hopkins or any Rules Committee have had any action on the rule, or comment, other than the ARs or CB plays.

RULE 6-6-2C�TWENTY SECOND RULE

• Other levels having specific needs in their game for this rule.
• Logistically, high school has challenges for this rule enforcement:
• Some play on city parks where clock cannot be installed
• Some teams do not have in budget funds to buy, install, and maintain use
• Difficult to mandate umpires provide stopwatch
• National training and use parameters development
• NFHS has clarified this rule usage:
• To be used only in situations a pitcher continues to go longer than 20 seconds and other actions have not been successful in mitigating the issue
• In other words, use only when needed and not on every pitch
• UIL concurs and agrees with this 6-2-2c usage
• Think of it as Barny Fife’s bullet.
• Kept in the pocket
• Used only in rare instance where necessary

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BENCH JOCKEYING

• Now a major national and state issue
• Rule 3-3-1: A coach, player, substitute attendant, or other bench personnel shall not:
• F. Commit any unsportsmanlike act to include, but not be limited to,
• Use of words or actions to incite or attempt to incite spectators demonstrations
• Use of profanity, intimidation tactics, remarks reflecting unfavorably upon any other person, or taunting or baiting.
• Use of any language intended to intimidate.
• Behavior in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play.
• National Emphasis and State Emphasis has not provided a solution.

BENCH JOCKEYING

• In the past it has been an accepted, even encouraged orchestrated expression of support or an outwardly sign(s) of camaraderie for teammates. In the purest and most wholesome form, any use of words, actions to inspire or promote a teammate’s play is always a good and positive gesture.
• Bench Jockeying - when words or actions, use of profanity, intimidation tactics or words, remarks reflecting unfavorably toward another person or team, taunting (or insinuation of taunting) and baiting are some but not limited to types actions, that are in violation of the NFHS Bench and Field Conduct Rule 3-3-1.

BENCH JOCKEYING

YOUTHFUL EXHUBERANCE

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• Directed to Same Team
• Has Positive Focus and Intent
• Encouraging in Nature
• “Pumps” Teammates up
• Enthusiastic for the Team
• May or may not be orchestrated or planned

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BENCH JOCKEYING

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• Directed at Opposing Team
• Has a Negative Focus and Intent
• Unsportsmanlike In Nature
• Actions (Including verbal) that are intimidating, discouraging, poking fun, and/or intending to rattle the other team and its members
• May or may not be orchestrated or planned

BENCH JOCKEYING

• Immediately address the issue at first occurrence.
• Address and warn the individual(s)
• Notify the head coach of who is warned
• Warning addresses the individuals and provides the head coach the opportunity to address his team and handle the problem
• Eject if first offense requires it and on subsequent violations.
• Cannot ignore

CASE PLAY 8.4.2 SITUATION Y

• What it should say:

SITUATION: With the bases loaded and no outs, B4 hits a ground ball to F4.  F4 throws the ball to F6, who is covering at second base and setting up to receive the ball and throw to first base to complete a double play.  R1, advancing from first to second, does so standing up in a straight line to second base.  R1 is close enough to second base that he is within sliding distance to the base had he chosen to slide.  F6 steps on second and throws to first, hitting R1 as he comes into second base. 

CASE PLAY 8.4.2 SITUATION Y

•  RULING: This is a violation of the force-play slide rule.  While R1 is not required to slide, if he chooses not to slide, he must veer away from the base if the fielder is there attempting a play. R1 is declared out as well as B4.  R2 and R3 are returned to their respective bases.  

MISCELLANEOUS

• Eye Black
• No restriction as to size, shape, etc.
• Provided non distracting
• Not unsportsmanlike in nature
• Not intimidating, profane, taunting, or baiting

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• Pitcher or Catcher/DH
• When on offense, the player is and remains a DH
• Cannot have a Courtesy Runner for them when on offense.

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Kyle McNeely

jkyle1974@aol.com

979-446-5522

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SURVEY

��HAVE A �GREAT SEASON

2024 ANNUAL MEETING