Baseball Rule Changes 2012 Southeastern Massachusetts Baseball Umpires’ Association
Created by: Steve Vieira Interpreter SMBUA
About this presentation… • This year, the MIAA has instituted another “new” bat rule, implemented a mercy rule, and has clarified their “Collision Rule” . Pro rules, as of today, have only minor changes that would affect us and the MBUA has continued to stress several “old” rules to be “Points of Emphasis”. • This presentation focuses on those rules that will impact high school baseball and therefore should be understood by umpires and coaches.
Points of Emphasis • Force Play Slide Rule
• Collision Rule
• Substitution Rule
Force Play – Slide Rule
Safety…as well as an interference rule SECTION 4. The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of all players. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.
a. On any force play, the runner must slide… a. on the ground b. before the base and c. in a direct line between the two bases. It is permissible for the slider’s momentum to carry him through the base in the baseline extended (see diagram).
Legal Slide On a force play, a runner is required by rule to slide on a direct line between bases.
Legal Slide
Legal Slide
Legal Slide
Legal Slide
Legal Slide
Legal Slide
Legal slide
Contact before base: Legal Slide If contact is made before the base it is a legal slide…as long as the runner slid in a direct line at the base. Pop up slides are legal…with or without contact.
Pop-up Slide
Contact on or beyond base: Legal Slide If contact is made on or beyond the base… it is a legal slide.
Exception to the direct slide requirement— A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder. Interference shall not be called.
Legal Play If the runner runs (or slides) away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the fielder’s play, it is a legal play.
Legal Play If the runner runs (or slides) away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the fielder’s play, it is a legal play.
Illegal Actions… (1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact); (2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder; (3) The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position (4) The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or (5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.
Interference The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact);
Interference The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact);
Interference
Interference
Interference
Interference
Interference
How much do they have to alter the fielder’s play?
“Not Much.” - Nick Zibelli (College baseball umpire trainer and evaluator)
Altering the fielder’s play • If the runner runs or slides in the direction of the fielder and there is contact it’s easy…call the interference. • If there is no contact, if there is even a slight alteration, give the benefit of the doubt to the fielder…call the interference.
Illegal Actions… (1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact); (2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder; (3) The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position (4) The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or (5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.
Interference
Interference
Interference
Illegal Actions… (1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact); (2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder; (3) The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position (4) The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or (5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.
Interference
Interference
Interference
Illegal Actions… (1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact); (2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder; (3) The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position (4) The runner slashes or kicks at the fielder with either leg; or (5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.
Interference
Interference
Illegal Actions… (1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact); (2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder; (3) The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position (4) The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or (5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.
Interference
Interference
Penalty for illegal action PENALTY for 1-5—(1) With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance. (2) With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance. (3) If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the contest. A.R.—If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.
Does the runner need to slide? • Does he need to veer off? • What if he was another 10-15 feet toward first? • What if he does nothing but run to the base in a direct line?
• If the runner does nothing to intentionally interfere: • If the runner continues to run directly to the base even after he is forced out:
• There is no interference! Rule 7:09f
Remember • The base umpire is responsible for the call of interference at the base until the ball is released by the fielder. • Once the ball is released by the fielder, the plate umpire must assume responsibility for any interference that may occur at the base. • The base umpire has to make a call at first (or any other) base and will not see the full effect of the slide/interference at the previous base.
COLLISION RULE
NCAA Collision Rule (NCAA Rule 8, Section 7) • The rules committee is concerned about unnecessary and violent collisions with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage baserunners and defensive players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.
When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge:
• If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line with clear possession of the ball, the runner may make contact, slide into or make contact with a fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base (plate). Contact above the waist that was initiated by the base runner shall not be judged as an attempt to reach the base or plate.
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. 1. The runner must make an actual attempt to reach the base (plate). Penalty – If the runner attempts to dislodge the ball or initiates an avoidable collision, the runner shall be declared out, even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 2. The runner may not attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder. Contact above the waist shall be judged by the umpire as an attempt by the runner to dislodge the ball. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious before the runner touches the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 3. The runner must attempt to avoid a collision if he can reach the base without colliding. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious after the runner touches the base (plate), the runner is safe, but is ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If this occurs at any base other than home, the offending team may replace the runner. If the contact occurs after the preceding runner touches home plate, the preceding runner is safe. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the contact. 4. If the runner’s path to the base is blocked and 1, 2 and 3 are fulfilled, it is considered unavoidable contact.
Legal slide
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1. The runner must make an actual attempt to reach the base (plate). Penalty – If the runner attempts to dislodge the ball or initiates an avoidable collision, the runner shall be declared out, even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 2. The runner may not attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder. Contact above the waist shall be judged by the umpire as an attempt by the runner to dislodge the ball. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious before the runner touches the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 3. The runner must attempt to avoid a collision if he can reach the base without colliding. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious after the runner touches the base (plate), the runner is safe, but is ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If this occurs at any base other than home, the offending team may replace the runner. If the contact occurs after the preceding runner touches home plate, the preceding runner is safe. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the contact. 4. If the runner’s path to the base is blocked and 1, 2 and 3 are fulfilled, it is considered unavoidable contact.
Interference
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1. The runner must make an actual attempt to reach the base (plate). Penalty – If the runner attempts to dislodge the ball or initiates an avoidable collision, the runner shall be declared out, even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 2. The runner may not attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder. Contact above the waist shall be judged by the umpire as an attempt by the runner to dislodge the ball. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious before the runner touches the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 3. The runner must attempt to avoid a collision if he can reach the base without colliding. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious after the runner touches the base (plate), the runner is safe, but is ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If this occurs at any base other than home, the offending team may replace the runner. If the contact occurs after the preceding runner touches home plate, the preceding runner is safe. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the contact. 4. If the runner’s path to the base is blocked and 1, 2 and 3 are fulfilled, it is considered unavoidable contact.
Flagrant Interference
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1. The runner must make an actual attempt to reach the base (plate). Penalty – If the runner attempts to dislodge the ball or initiates an avoidable collision, the runner shall be declared out, even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 2. The runner may not attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder. Contact above the waist shall be judged by the umpire as an attempt by the runner to dislodge the ball. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious before the runner touches the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. 3. The runner must attempt to avoid a collision if he can reach the base without colliding. Penalty – If the contact is flagrant or malicious after the runner touches the base (plate), the runner is safe, but is ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If this occurs at any base other than home, the offending team may replace the runner. If the contact occurs after the preceding runner touches home plate, the preceding runner is safe. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the contact. 4. If the runner’s path to the base is blocked and 1, 2 and 3 are fulfilled, it is considered unavoidable contact.
Legal attempt to reach the base
MIAA Substitution Rule Used by South Coast, Eastern Athletic, Old Colony and Mayflower Leagues
Note: Big 3 does not use re-entry of any kind.
Free Substitution Rule • Any of the nine starting players may withdraw and re-enter the game ONCE.
• Substitution can occur on Defense or OFFENSE.
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Ashworth Bulgar Cuthbertson Avila Carvalho Hanson Lomp Seed Bustin
• Monteiro
CF SS P 2B 3B C DH 1B LF
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RF
• Monteiro
Ashworth Bulgar Cuthbertson Avila Carvalho Hanson Lomp Seed Bustin Santos
CF SS P 2B 3B C DH 1B LF RF
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Ashworth Bulgar Cuthbertson Avila Carvalho Hanson Lomp Seed Bustin Santos
• Monteiro
CF SS P 2B 3B C DH 1B LF RF
• The coach has re-entered Bustin in the place in the batting order he previously occupied and has been put back in left field. • Santos is done for the game and can not return
Substituting DH
• If the starting DH is removed from the game for a pinch hitter, he cannot re-enter in any capacity.
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Ashworth CF Bulgar SS Cuthbertson Reed DH Avila 2B Carvalho 3B Hanson C Lomp P Seed 1B Bustin LF
• Monteiro
RF
• Reed replaced Cuthbertson as DH.
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Ashworth CF Bulgar SS Cuthbertson Reed DH Avila 2B Carvalho 3B Hanson C Lomp P Seed 1B Bustin LF
• Monteiro
RF
• Cuthbertson cannot reenter the game. Since he left as a DH, he is unable to return. • Cuthbertson is no longer eligible to play.
*IMPORTANT NOTE* • If a pitcher is removed on the second visit by the manager in the same inning and is removed from the game, he can re-enter the game later but cannot pitch. • This is a major difference in the MIAA reentry rule. Previously, he would be unable to re-enter since he would have had to reenter as a pitcher and since he was removed on the second trip, he is no longer eligible to pitch.
Review • Any starter may re-enter one time. • No player may re-enter more than once and a substitute can only enter the game once. • A DH who leaves the game as a DH cannot re-enter the game in any capacity. • A pitcher can re-enter the game if he was removed from the field on the second trip of the inning but is ineligible to pitch.
New Rules for 2012
Bat Rule Mercy Rule Pro Rule Tag Definition
MIAA Rule 65.4 Baseball bat clarification
• As in years past, non-wood bats may be used.
• All non-wood bats must be BBCOR certified. • The old BESR certification is no longer in use.
• All non wood bats will have the image here permanently screened onto the bat barrel. • Wood laminate bats will have the image burned into the bat barrel.
Recently, two notifications have been received from the NFHS regarding the rule compliance of specific baseball bats. These notifications are listed here to help clarify any questions during the upcoming season.
Marucci CAT5 33‐inch model The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the Marucci CAT5 33‐inch model. Effective immediately and until further notice, this bat (Marucci CAT5 33" length) should be considered a non‐compliant bat and subject to NFHS Baseball Rules 4‐1‐3b and 7‐4‐1a.
Reebok Vector TLS 33‐inch model The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised that the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the Reebok Vector TLS 33‐inch model. Effective immediately and until further notice, this bat (Reebok Vector TLS 33" length) should be considered a non‐compliant bat and subject to NFHS Baseball Rules 4‐1‐3b and 7‐4‐1a.
Rip‐It Bat In regards to Rip‐It products, at some point last year, the NCAA de‐certified the Rip‐IT bat due to performance issues. The company recalled all the bats, repaired them and had them re‐certified. The bats that were repaired have a "re‐certified" sticker on the barrel. These bats are compliant because they now meet the BBCOR standard.
What is the penalty for a player who uses, or attempts to use, an illegal bat?
• A batter is out if he enters the batter’s box with an illegal bat 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.
• Contrary to what the pro rule book states about using an illegal bat, the MIAA has clearly stated to the MBUA that when a batter is caught using an illegal bat under this criteria, he will be called out but NOT ejected.
• What happens when the legality of a bat is challenged during a game?
• Schools and coaches are responsible for making sure that their baseball bats are compliant with MIAA Rules for the 2012 season. It is highly recommended that each coach have proof from the WSUSSL website, indicating that each of their team bats are legal, with them at each game. • Umpires are not required to check the bats prior to the game.
To simplify this……
• All BBCOR bats are legal with two exceptions.
Reebok Vector TLS • The Reebok Vector TLS is illegal and has been decertified. • Only the 33” model is affected.
Marucci CAT5 • The Marucci CAT5 is illegal and has been decertified. • Only the 33” model is affected.
MERCY RULE
The MIAA has instituted a mercy rule for all levels of baseball.
Any time a team is ahead by 15 runs after 5 complete innings (4 ½ if the home team is ahead) then the game is over.
After 5 innings,unless the home team takes the 15 run lead during the inning in which they are batting, the entire inning must be completed for the mercy rule to apply.
A League can reduce the amount of runs required for the mercy rule, (ex. 15 to 12) but cannot increase it.
Non League games • In the event of a non-league game, the 15 run rule will apply, there is no option available to the teams. • The HOME team does not have a choice in whether to use/modify the 15 run rule.
REMEMBER!! • This mercy rule applies to all levels of baseball. • Varsity, JV, freshmen and middle school games all are required to use this rule. • Leagues may lower the required amount of runs but may not increase it.
Pro Rule Tag Definition • A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the ball, while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.
• It is not a tag, however, if simultaneously or immediately following his touching a base or touching a runner, the fielder drops the ball. In establishing the validity of the tag, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball. If the fielder has made a tag and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the tag, the tag shall be adjudged to have been made.
NUMBER ROSTER BASED ON RECENT BYLAW CHANGE # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
NAME Lefty Duval Tom StrojnyT Mike Imbeau José Sepúlvéda Dave Rose Dave Audet Paul Borkman Brad Ames Joe Sylvia
# 34 35 36 2008 37 1972 38 1982 39 1966 40 1982 41 1997 42 43 Jerry Comeau 1987 44 Ken Roche 1982 45 Jim Fonseca 1996 46 Bryan Andrade 1985 47 Paul Arruda 2007 48 49 Pat Wilkinson 1993 50 Guy Campinha 2001 51 Paul Desrosiers 2002 52 Paul Doherty 1998 53 Bob Vaz 1992 54 Steve Vieira 1989 55 Mike Oliviera 1990 56 Chris Roberts 1997 57 Bob Hardy 1994 58 Bob Cutler 2007 59 Jeff Silvia 1983 60 Bob Silveira 1996 61 Matt Roy 2012r 62 Greg Krysko 2008 63 Mike Nogueira 1994 64 Jim Silvia 2001 65 Doug Suess 2008 66 YEAR 1966 1989 1991
NAME YEAR # NAME Greg Westwater 2002 67 Jerry Kirk Joe Bullock 1992 68 Keith Robinson Tom Chace 1991 69 Tony DeSilva Josh Amaral 1998 70 Brian Dickinson 71 Richard Sauvé Mike Chaplain 2005 72 Anthony Poente Derek Mello 2008 73 Bruce Turner Jim Vieira 2003 74 Mark Raposa Ron Freitas 1989 75 Mark Furtado 76 Dennis Macedo Dave Farrell 1996 77 Pablo Zayas 2010 78 Ed Silva Dave Beauchesne 2009 79 Kevin Cote 80 Charles Marshall Fred Frates 2003 81 Bob Fraga Nik Outchcunis 1995 82 Bill Kehoe 1997 83 Alvin Niles Roland Banville 2008 84 Peter Clark Derek Cathcart 2002 85 Sharon Wood Gary McCarthy 2005 86 Sal Manuel 2003 87 Roger Saraiva Bill Hrasky 2007 88 Granger Jerome Dave Charest 2003 89 Tim McGonigle 90 Joe Rocha Steve DePaco 2005 91 Gary Nunes Steve Almeida 2005 92 Steve Vaughan 1996 93 Jeff Sylvia Paul Correia 2007 94 Don Cook Peter Kane 2002 95 Kyle Canastra Ron Graff 2004 96 Mike Coffey 97 Steve Doonan 2005 98 Jamie Sylvia Al Proulx 2001 99 Al Morrisette
YEAR 2003 2008 1993 2004 2007 2002 2004 2005 1989 2004 2008 2008 2009 2003 2008 2006 1992 1993 2008 1982 2004 2001 2003 1990 2004 1997 1995
Good luck this season!
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