The Volunteer Little League®

Umpire

Little League Baseball®

Umpire

Clinic Presentation

You

Make

The

Call!!

Review of changes and recent interpretations

NEW RULES - 2019

Regulation VI(d) Note

Divisions: All Divisions of Baseball and Challenger

NOTE: Under no circumstances shall a player pitch in three (3)

consecutive days.

Summary: This restricts a player from pitching in three consecutive days in Regular

Season and Tournament play.

RULE: 8.02(a)(1)

Divisions: All Divisions of Baseball and Challenger

(1) bring the pitching hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in

contact with the pitcher’s plate. EXCEPTION: The pitcher may bring

the hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in the 10-foot circle

surrounding the pitcher’s plate provided he/she distinctly wipes off the

pitching hand before contacting the ball.

Summary: Provides guidance on when the pitcher’s hand may come in

contact with the pitcher’s mouth or lips.

RULE: 8.06 AR

Divisions: All Divisions of Baseball and Softball

A.R. 1 – When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change,

it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager

makes the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive

player. Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior: This applies when

a pitcher moves to another position and returns as a pitcher later in the

same game.

Summary: Provides guidance on what is considered a visit to the pitcher.

RULE: 8.06(a) and (b)

Divisions: Major Division and above of Baseball and Softball

(a) A manager or coach may come out twice in one inning to visit with the pitcher,

but the second time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher. Example: If a

manager visits Pitcher A once in the first inning, then makes a pitching change in the

same inning, Pitcher B would be allowed one visit in that inning before being

removed on the second visit.

(b) A manager or coach may come out two times in one game to visit with the

pitcher, but the third time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher. Example: If

a manager visits Pitcher A twice in the first three innings, then makes a pitching

change in the fourth inning, Pitcher B would be allowed two visits in that game

before being removed on the third visit, subject to the limits in (a) above.

Summary: This reduces the number of visits to a pitcher to twice in one inning or

three times in a game for the Major Division and above for Baseball and Softball.

Pitcher Warm-Up

Required:

Catcher’s Helmet

Mask & Throat Guard

Catcher’s Mitt

Not Required:Chest Protector

Shin Guards

Cup

Pitcher Warm-Up

Managers and Coaches are

NOT ALLOWED

to warm up pitchers between

innings

Coaches with gloves are

NOT ALLOWED

on the field during infield

and outfield warm-ups

Managers and Coaches are

NOT ALLOWED

to warm up pitchers in the

bullpen before or during a game

RULE: 1.11(j)

Divisions: All Baseball and Softball Divisions

Players must not wear watches, rings, earrings, watches, pins,

bracelets, necklaces or any hard cosmetic/decorative items.

EXCEPTION: Medical Alert necklaces can be worn but must be taped to the body.

Summary: Provides guidelines on the use of jewelry by players.

Video 32

RULE: 2.00

A BUNT IS A BATTED BALL NOT SWUNG AT, BUT INTENTIONALLY

MET BY THE BAT AND TAPPED SLOWLY TO PREVENT THE BALL

FROM GOING FAR. THE MERE HOLDING OF THE BAT IN THE STRIKE

ZONE IS NOT AN ATTEMPTED BUNT.Video 30

CATCH2.00

SECURE

POSSESSION

COMPLETE

CONTROL OF

THE BALL

VOLUNTARY

RELEASE

NO CATCH IF BALL TOUCHES OFFENSIVE PLAYER,

OR GROUND, FENCE OR UMPIRES

NO CATCH IF FIELDER DROPS BALL AS A

RESULT OF COLLISION OR FALLING

CATCH IF FIELDER DROPS BALL IN THE ACT OF THROWING

Video 15 15a & 16

FOUL BALL

RUNNER

OR

OBJECT

BEYOND

THE

BASE

BEFORE

THE

BASE

FIRST

TOUCHED

FAIR BALL

HOME

PLATE

BEYOND

THE

BASE

BEFORE

A

BASE

FIRST

TOUCHED

Video 21, 21a, 21b

You

Make

The

Call!!

Fair or Foul?

Is Touched

Judged by the

position

of the ball.

Fair or Foul?

Is Touched

Judged by the

position

of the ball.

Fair or Foul?

Fair or Foul?

Is Touched

Judged by the

position

of the ball.

RULE: 2.00

A FORCE PLAY OCCURS WHEN A RUNNER LEGALLY LOSES

THE RIGHT TO OCCUPY A BASE BY REASON OF THE BATTER

BECOMING A RUNNER.

RUNNERS ARE

IN JEOPARDY

NOT A CATCH IF REBOUNDED

UNLESS IT FIRST HITS

CATCHER’S HAND OR MITT

FOUL TIP 2.00

MUST BE CAUGHT

BY CATCHERIS A STRIKE

BALL REMAINS

ALIVE

SHARP AND DIRECT

FROM BAT TO CATCHERS

HAND OR MITT

Video 17 & 17a

INFIELD FLY RULE2.00, 6.05e & 7.08f

FAIR FLY BALLNOT A BUNT OR

LINE DRIVE ORDINARY

EFFORT BY INFIELDER

RUNNERS ON

1ST & 2ND OR

BASES LOADED

LESS THAN

TWO OUTS

CAN BE CAUGHT

BY ANY FIELDER

BATTER-RUNNER

IS OUT ELIMINATES

ALL FORCE

PLAYS

SAME AS ANY

OTHER FLY BALL

IN REGARDS TO

RUNNERSBASE PROTECTS RUNNER

HIT BY INFIELD FLYVideo 3, 3a, 3b

THAT’S INTERFERENCE!!

INTERFERENCE

DEFINITION: Act of offensive player or team member which

impedes or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play

CatcherBATTER RUNNERDELIBERATE

CRASHCOACH

AIDING

RUNNERSPECTATOR UMPIRE

RUNNERS

RETURN TO BASE

LAST TOUCHED

AT TIME OF

INTERFERENCE

CONTACT IS NOT NECESSARY!

ALL

OCCUR

BALL

IS

DEAD

OUT

Video 4

BATTER INTERFERENCE

Video 4b, 4c, 4d

High-Fives, handshakes, and pats on the

back are NOT interference.

The term “physical assistance” means to

improve the runner’s chance of

accomplishing their goal as a runner. Video 4a

COACH INTERFERENCE

UMPIRE INTERFERENCE

UMPIRE INTERFERENCE

ONLY TWO WAYS

INTERFERENCE WITH

CATCHER'S THROW – 5.09(b)

HIT BY BATTED BALL BEFORE

PASSING A FIELDER – 5.09(f)

NO UMPIRE INTERFERENCE

BEING HIT BY A THROWN BALL

BEING HIT BY FIELDER

BEING HIT BY A RUNNER

Video 9, 11

RULE: 2.00(d)

SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE OCCURS WHEN A SPECTATOR

REACHES OUT OF THE STANDS OR GOES ONTO THE PLAYING

FIELD AND TOUCHES A LIVE BALL.

SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE

No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches

over a fence, railing, and rope or into a stand to catch a

ball. He/she does so at his/her risk.

Video 26

SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE

SPECTATOR INTERFERENCE

However, should a

spectator reach out on the

playing field side of such

fence, railing or rope, and

plainly prevents the

fielder from catching the

ball, then the batter

should be called out for

spectator’s interference.

Video 26

Catcher’s Interference

RULE:608(c)

The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base when……

(c)the catcher or any fielder interferes with the batter. If a play follows the

interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of a decision

to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be

made immediately at the end of the play.

However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit

batsman, or otherwise, and all runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds

without reference to the interference.Video 29

RULE: 2.00(d)

A STRIKE IS A LEGAL PITCH THAT IS BUNTED FOUL.

(THE BATTER IS OUT AND THE BALL IS DEAD, IF THE BATTER

BUNTS FOUL ON A THIRD STRIKE).

A STRIKE IS A LEGAL PITCH THAT TOUCHES THE BATTER IN

FLIGHT IN THE STRIKE ZONE. (DEAD BALL)

RULE: 2.00(f)

THE STRIKE ZONE IS THE SPACE OVER HOME PLATE THAT IS

BETWEEN THE BATTER’S ARMPITS AND THE TOP OF THE

KNEES WHEN THE BATTER ASSUMES A NATURAL STANCE.

THE UMPIRE SHALL DETERMINE THE STRIKE ZONE

ACCORDING TO THE BATTER’S USUAL STANCE WHEN THAT

BATTER SWINGS AT A PITCH.

RULE: 2.00

A STRIKE IS A LEGAL PITCH THAT IS NOT STRUCK AT WHEN

ANY PART OF THE BALL PASSES THROUGH ANY PART OF THE

STRIKE ZONE.

RULE: 2.00(b)

RULE: 2.00

A TAG IS THE ACTION OF A FIELDER TOUCHING A BASE WHILE

HOLDING THE BALL SECURELY AND FIRMLY IN HIS HAND OR

GLOVE, OR TOUCHING A RUNNER WITH THE BALL. (RUNNER SAFE)

Not in the

Hand.

RULE: 3.03

A PLAYER IN THE STARTING LINE-UP WHO

HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR A SUBSTITUTE

MAY RE-ENTER THE GAME ONCE, IN ANY

POSITION IN THE BATTING ORDER,

PROVIDED:

1. HIS OR HER SUBSTITUTE HAS

COMPLETED ONE TIME AT BAT AND;

2. HAS PLAYED DEFENSIVELY FOR A

MINIMUM OF SIX (6) CONSECUTIVE

OUTS;

3. A PITCHER MAY NOT REENTER THE

GAME AS A PITCHER;

4. ONLY A PLAYER IN THE STARTING

LINE-UP MAY RE-ENTER THE GAME;

5. A STARTER, (S1) RE-ENTERING THE

GAME AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR

ANOTHER STARTER (S2) MUST THEN

FULFILL ALL CONDITIONS OF A

SUBSTITUTE (ONCE AT BAT AND SIX

DEFENSIVE OUTS) BEFORE STARTER

(S2) CAN RE-ENTER THE GAME.

RULE: 3.05

(a) THE PITCHER NAMED IN THE BATTING

ORDER HANDED TO THE UMPIRE-IN-

CHIEF, AS PROVIDED IN RULES 4.01(a) AND

4.01(b) SHALL PITCH TO THE FIRST

BATTER OR ANY SUBSTITUTE BATTER

UNTIL SUCH BATTER OR ANY SUBSTITUTE

BATTER IS PUT OUT OR REACHES FIRST

BASE, UNLESS THE PITCHER SUSTAINS AN

INJURY OR ILLNESS WHICH, IN THE

JUDGMENT OF THE UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF,

INCAPACITATES THE PITCHER FROM

FURTHER PLAY AS A PITCHER.

(b) IF THE PITCHER IS REPLACED, THE

SUBSTITUTE PITCHER SHALL PITCH TO

THE BATTER THEN AT BAT, OR ANY

SUBSTITUTE BATTER, UNTIL SUCH

BATTER IS PUT OUT OR REACHES FIRST

BASE, OR UNTIL THE OFFENSIVE TEAM IS

PUT OUT, UNLESS THE SUBSTITUTE

PITCHER SUSTAINS AN INJURY OR

ILLNESS, WHICH IN THE UMPIRE-IN-

CHIEF’S JUDGMENT, INCAPACITATES THE

PITCHER FROM FURTHER PLAY AS A

PITCHER.

RULE: 3.08

(a) IF NO ANNOUNCEMENT OF A

SUBSTITUTION IS MADE, THE SUBSTITUTE

SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE

ENTERED THE GAME WHEN-

1. IF A PITCHER, THE SUBSTITUTE

TAKES A POSITION ON THE

PITCHER’S PLATE AND THROWS ONE

WARM-UP PITCH TO THE CATCHER;

2. IF A BATTER, THE SUBSTITUTE TAKES

POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX;

3. IF A FIELDER, THE SUBSTITUTE

REACHES THE POSITION USUALLY

OCCUPIED BY THE FIELDER BEING

REPLACED AND PLAY COMMENCES;

4. IF A RUNNER, THE SUBSTITUTE TAKES

THE PLACE OF THE RUNNER BEING

REPLACED;

(b) ANY PLAY MADE BY, OR ON, ANY OF THE

ABOVE MENTIONED UNANNOUNCED

SUBSTITUTES SHALL BE LEGAL.

Handling Unruly Spectators

Video 31

No manager, coach or player, shall at any time, whether from the

bench or the playing field or elsewhere –

(1) Incite, or try to incite, by word or sign a demonstration by spectators;

(2) Use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing

players, an umpire, or any spectator;

Comments:

“Hey, batter, batter” is acceptable.

Swing” is not acceptable.

4.06

Ejections 4.07

When a manager, coach or player, is ejected from a game, they shall leave

the field immediately and take no further part in that game. They may not

sit in the stands and may not be recalled. A manager or coach ejected from

a game must not be present at the game site for the remainder of that

game.

Any manager, coach or player ejected from a game is suspended for his or

her team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at

the game site. This includes pre-game and post-game activities.

Video 28

Ejections 4.07 Standards for Removal

1. Use of profanity, specifically that which is directed at an

umpire.

2. Physical contact with an umpire.

3. Refusal to stop arguing after a warning.

4. Leaving one’s position to argue balls and strikes.

5. Use of histrionic gestures while arguing with an umpire.

6. Actions intended to ridicule an umpire.

7. Throwing equipment in disgust over an umpire’s call.

8. Continuing to berate an umpire from the dugout after an

argument.

9. Assistant coach leaves his coaching box to argue a call or pitch.

NO RUNS WILL SCORE IF 3RDOUT OF INNING IS RESULT OF:

4.09

AN APPEAL ON

BATTER-RUNNER

MISSING FIRST BASE

AN APPEAL ON

A BASE RUNNER

AT ANY OTHER BASE

AN APPEAL ON

A RUNNER AT A

BASE TO WHICH

HE/SHE WAS FORCED

RUNNERS AHEAD OF

APPEALED RUNNER

WILL SCORE IF THEY

CROSS HOME PLATE

PRIOR TO APPEAL

APPEALED

RUNNER

DOES NOT

SCORE

RUNNERS BEHIND

APPEALED RUNNER

DO NOT SCORE

NUMBER OF RUNS WHICH SCORE WHEN 3RD

OUT OF INNING IS RESULT OF APPEALS FOR

FAILURE OF A RUNNER TO TOUCH A BASE

4.09a 7.12

APPEAL ON BATTER-RUNNER

FOR MISSING 1ST BASE

APPEAL ON A RUNNER AT A

BASE TO WHICH HE WAS

FORCED

NO

RUNS

RUNNERS AHEAD

OF APPEALED

RUNNER SCORE

APPEAL ON A BATTER-RUNNER OR RUNNER AT ANY OTHER BASE

APPEALED

RUNNER DOES

NOT SCORE

RUNNERS BEHIND

OF APPEALED

RUNNER DO NOT SCORE

WHEN THE WINNING RUN IS SCORED IN THE LAST HALF INNING OF A

REGULATION GAME, OR IN THE LAST HALF INNING OF AN EXTRA

INNING, AS THE RESULT OF A BASE ON BALLS, HIT BATTER OR ANY

OTHER PLAY WITH THE BASES FULL WHICH FORCES THE RUNNERS

TO ADVANCE, THE UMPIRE SHALL NOT DECLARE THE GAME ENDED

UNTIL THE RUNNER FORCED TO ADVANCE FROM THIRD HAS

TOUCHED HOME BASE AND THE BATTER-RUNNER HAS TOUCHED

FIRST BASE.

RULE: 4.09(b)

Video 10

Protests

(a) Protest shall be considered only when based on

the violation or interpretation of a playing rule,

use of an ineligible pitcher or the use of an

ineligible player. No protest shall be considered

on a decision involving an umpire’s judgment.

Equipment which does not meet specifications

must be removed from the game.

(b) The managers of contesting teams only shall

have the right to protest a game (or in their

absence, coaches).

PROTESTING A GAME4.19

1

PROTESTING A GAME4.19

2

(c) Protest shall be made as follows:

(1) The protesting manager shall immediately and before any

succeeding play or pitch, notify the umpire that the game is

being played under protest.

(2) Any protest for any reason whatsoever must be submitted by the

manager first to the umpire on the field of play and then in

writing to the league player agent within 24 hours (email only).

The umpire-in-chief shall also submit a report immediately.

(3) The protest report must contain the rule number protested

and a brief description of violation or misinterpretation of the

rule.

(3) A committee composed of the league player agent, league’s

Umpire Director, and League President shall hear and resolve

any such protests. If the protest is allowed, resume the game

from the exact point when the infraction occurred.

RULE 5.09(e)

THE BALL BECOMES DEAD, AND RUNNERS RETURN TO THEIR

BASES, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, WHEN A FOUL

BALL IS NOT CAUGHT. THE UMPIRE SHALL NOT PUT THE BALL

IN PLAY UNTIL ALL RUNNERS HAVE RETOUCHED THEIR BASES.

DEAD BALL:

RUNNERS RETURN

ILLEGALLY

BATTED BALL

5.09d

PLATE UMPIRE

INTERFERENCE

UNLESS RUNNER

IS THROWN OUT

5.09d

FOUL BALL

NOT CAUGHT

5.09e BATTER

INTERFERENCE UNLESS

RUNNER IS

THROWN OUT

6.06c

BATTER CALLED

OUT FOR BATTING OUT OF

TURN

6.07b 2

DEAD BALL;

RUNNERS ADVANCE ONE BASE

BALK NOT

FOLLOWED BY

PITCH OR PLAY

5.09c 7.04a

RUNNER ATTEMPTING

TO STEAL ON PITCH ON

WHICH CATCHER’S

INTERFERENCE

OCCURS

7.04d

PITCHED BALL

LODGES IN

UMPIRE’S MASK

5.09g 7.05i

PITCH TOUCHES

RUNNER

ATTEMPTING

TO SCORE

5.09H 6.05n

FIELDER AFTER

CATCHING FLY

BALL FALLS

INTO DEAD

TERRITORY

7.04c

PITCHED OR

THROWN BALL

BY PITCHER

FROM RUBBER

GOES INTO DEAD

TERRITORY

7.05h

DELAYED DEAD BALL

SITUATIONS

CATCHER’S

OSTRUCTION

FOLLOWED BY

A BATTED BALL

6.08c

PLATE UMPIRE’S

INTERFERENCE

FOLLOWED BY

A THROW

5.09b

BATTER’S

INTERFERENCE

FOLLOWED BY

A PLAY OR THROW

6.06cBALK/ILLEGAL

PITCH FOLLOWED

BY A PITCH OR

THROW

8.05 A.R.

OBSTRUCTION

7.06b

ONLY

4b

6.00 THE BATTER

RULE 6.02(a)

THE BATTER SHALL TAKE POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX

PROMPTLY WHEN IT IS SAID “BATTER’S TIME AT BAT”.

RULE 6.02(b)

THE BATTER SHALL NOT LEAVE THAT POSITION IN THE

BATTER’S BOX AFTER THE PITCHER COMES TO THE SET

POSITION OR STARTS A WINDUP.

PENALTY: IF THE PITCHER PITCHES, THE UMPIRE SHALL

CALL “BALL” OR “STRIKE” AS THE CASE MAY BE.

RULE 6.03

THE BATTER’S LEGAL POSITION SHALL BE BOTH FEET

WITHIN THE BATTER'S BOX.

Before the PitchDon’t call “Play Ball” until the

batter is inside the lines of the batter’s box.

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

RULE: 6.05(e)

A BATTER IS OUT WHEN THAT BATTER ATTEMPTS TO HIT A THIRD

STRIKE AND IS TOUCHED BY THE BALL.

*

What’s Your Call?

RULE: 6.05(f)

A BATTER IS OUT WHEN A FAIR BALL TOUCHES SAID BATTER

BEFORE TOUCHING A FIELDER.

6.05(g)

A batter is out when:

6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball

a second time in fair territory.

The bat does the hitting --------- Balls dead, Batter is out.

A batter is out when:

6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball

a second time in fair territory.

The ball does the hitting ---------- Balls alive and in play

6.05(g)

A batter is out when:

6.05 (j) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first

base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside the

three foot line, or inside the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in

so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base.

Two key elements:

(1) The ball must be thrown in order for the runner to interfere

with the “fielder taking the throw”

(2) The throw must be a reasonably catchable throw.

6.05j

Video 6 & 7

RULE: 6.06(a)

A BATTER IS OUT FOR ILLEGAL ACTION WHEN HITTING AN

ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL.

RULE 2.00: AN ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL IS ONE HIT BY THE

BATTER WITH ONE OR BOTH FEET ON THE GROUND ENTIRELY

OUTSIDE THE BATTER’S BOX.

RULE 6.09(b)

The batter becomes a runner when the third strike called by the umpire is not caught,

providing (1) first base is unoccupied or (2) first base is occupied with two out.

Majors AA Only

You

Make

The

Call!!

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot

must be

completely out

of box.

Legal or Illegal

The foot is not

touching the

ground when the

batter makes

contact.

Legal or Illegal

The foot is not

touching the

ground when the

batter makes

contact.

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot

is completely

out of box.

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot

is completely

out of box.

Umpires View of Illegal Batted Ball

RULE 6.06(c)

A BATTER IS OUT FOR ILLEGAL ACTION IF THE BATTER

INTERFERES WITH THE CATCHER’S FIELDING OR THROWING BY

STEPPING OUT OF THE BATTER'S BOX OR MAKING ANY OTHER

MOVEMENT THAT HINDERS THE CATCHER’S PLAY AT HOME BASE.

Video 4c

BATTING OUT OF ORDER

Proper Batter

Batting Out Of OrderKey Points

1) Last Batter

2) Previous Batter

Must be appealed before

the first pitch to Paul

Lead Off Single

Singles

1) Bill

2) Bob

3) John

4) Tom

5) Sam

6) Adam

7) Paul

8) Ken

9) Mike

Adam bats again

Sam is called out

Tom returns to first

Proper Batter

Receives a Pitch

Singles

Batting Out Of Order

1) Bill

2) Bob

3) John

4) Tom

5) Sam

6) Adam

7) Paul

8) Ken

9) Mike

Key Points

1)Last Batter

2)Previous Batter

First pitch to Paul

legalizes John

Tom will replace Paul and assume his count.

Must be appealed

before the first pitch

RULE: 4.04

Continuous Batting Order

1. Players can move freely defensively▪ Still must meet defensive mandatory play

requirement.

▪ Exception – pitcher cannot return to the

mound if removed for another pitcher.

2. Players arriving late shall be placed at the

end of the batting order.

3. If a player is injured, ill or ejected, his/her

position in the batting order is skipped.

There is no out applied. Should the injured

player be available to play later in the game,

he/she shall be reinstated in their previous

place in the batting order.

THE BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER AND IS ENTITLED TO FIRST BASE

WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT (PROVIDED SAID RUNNER

ADVANCES TO AND TOUCHES FIRST BASE) WHEN THE BATTER IS

TOUCHED BY A PITCHED BALL THAT THE BATTER IS NOT

ATTEMPTING TO HIT UNLESS (1) THE BALL IS IN THE STRIKE ZONE

WHEN IT TOUCHES THE BATTER, OR (2) THE BATTER MAKES NO

ATTEMPT TO AVOID BEING TOUCHED BY THE BALL.

RULE: 6.08(b)

Video 27

RULE 6.08(c)

THE BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER AND IS ENTITLED TO FIRST

BASE WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT WHEN THE

CATCHER INTERFERES WITH THE BATTER.

Catcher’s Obstruction:

6.08(c) The catcher or any fielder interferes the batter.

No Interference When:

Batter reaches first base AND

All other runners advance at least one base.

Key Elements:

Allow the play to continue:

Manager’s Option:

Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance

remain on the base they occupied at the time of the

interference.

RULE 6.08(c)

RULE 6.08(d)

THE BATTER BECOMES A RUNNER AND IS ENTITLED TO FIRST

BASE WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT WHEN A FAIR

BATTEDBALL TOUCHES AN UMPIRE IN FAIR TERRITORY

BEFORE TOUCHING A FIELDER.

Video 9

7.00 THE RUNNER

RULE 7.03

TWO RUNNERS MAY NOT OCCUPY THE SAME BASE, BUT IF,

WHILE THE BALL IS ALIVE, TWO RUNNERS ARE TOUCHING THE

SAME BASE, THE PROCEEDING RUNNER IS ENTITLED TO THE

BASE, AND THE FOLLOWING RUNNER SHALL BE OUT WHEN

TAGGED.Video 12, 12a

RULE: 7.04(a)

EACH RUNNER, OTHER THAN THE BATTER, MAY, WITHOUT

LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE WHEN

THE BATTER’S ADVANCE, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT

OUT, FORCES A RUNNER TO VACATE A BASE.

RULE: 7.04(b)

EACH RUNNER, OTHER THAN THE BATTER, MAY, WITHOUT

LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE WHEN A

FIELDER, AFTER CATCHING A FLY BALL, FALLS INTO A BENCH

OR STAND.

RULE: 7.05(c)

EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY,

WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE THREE

BASES IF A FIELDER DELIBERATELY THROWS A GLOVE AT

AND TOUCHES A FAIR BALL.Video 25

TWO BASE AWARDS FROM

TIME OF PITCH

THROWN BALL

INTO DEAD

TERRITORY ON

FIRST PLAY BY

AN INFIELDER

FIELDER DEFLECTS

WILD

PITCH INTO DEAD

TERRITORY

WHILE RETRIEVING IT

FAIR BATTED BALL

IS DEFLECTED INTO

DEAD TERRITORY ON

FOUL GROUND

FAIR BATTED BALL

BOUNCES OVER OR

FLIES THROUGH FENCE

7.05g

7.05f

Videos 18, 20a & 20b

TWO BASE AWARDS FROM

TIME OF THROW

7.05g

THROWN BALL INTO

DEAD TERRITORY ON

SUBSEQUENT (NOT FIRST)

PLAY BY AN INFIELDER

THROWN BALL INTO

DEAD TERRITORY BY

AN OUTFIELDER

ANY RELAY

THROWN INTO

DEAD TERRITORY

BY ANY FIELDER

THROWN BY A

FIELDER NOT

PRECEDED BY A

BATTED BALL

E.G. CATCHERS

PICK-OFF THROW

OR THROW TO

PREVENT STEAL

THROWN BALL INTO

DEAD TERRITORY

BY ANY FIELDER IF

BATTER-RUNNER

AND ALL RUNNERS

HAVE ADVANCED

ONE BASE EACH

RULE: 7.05(h)

EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY,

WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE

IF A BALL PITCHED TO THE BATTER GOES INTO A STAND OR A

BENCH.

RULE: 7.05(j)

EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY,

WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE

IF A FIELDER DELIBERATLY TOUCHES A PITCHED BALL WITH

HIS/HER CAP, MASK, OR ANY PART OF HIS/HER UNIFORM

DETACHED FROM ITS PROPER PLACE. Video 24

OBSTRUCTION

7.06

IF ON THE BATTER-RUNNER

BEFORE REACHES FIRST:

A) TIME CALLED AT MOMENT

OF OBSTRUCTION

B) B-R AWARDED 1ST BASE

C) IF NOT FORCED, ADVANCE

OR RETURN ACCORDING TO

UMPIRES JUDGMENT

IF WHILE PLAY IS BEING

MADE ON OBSTRUCTED

RUNNER:

A) TIME CALLED AT MOMENT OF

OBSTRUCTION

B) OBSTRUCTED RUNNER

AWARDED AT LEAST ONE

BASE

C) OTHER RUNNERS:

1) ADVANCE ONE BASE, IF

FORCED

2) IF NOT FORCED,

ADVANCE OR RETURN

ACCORDING TO UMPIRES

JUDGMENT

ANY OTHER OBSTRUCTION:

AA) PLAY PROCEEDS UNTIL A PLAY IS

MADE ON THE OBSTRUCTED RUNNER

OR UNTIL NO FURTHER ACTION IS POSSIBLE

BB) ALL RUNNERS ADVANCE OR RETURN

ACCORDING TO UMPIRES JUDGMENT

7.06a

7.06b

Video 13, 13a & 14, 14a, 14b

RULE: 7.06(a)

WHEN AN OBSTRUCTION OCCURS, THE UMPIRE SHALL CALL OR

SIGNAL “OBSTRUCTION,” IF THE BATTER-RUNNER IS

OBSTRUCTED BEFORE TOUCHING FIRST BASE. THE BALL IS

DEAD, AND ALL RUNNERS SHALL ADVANCE, WITHOUT LIABILITY

OF BEING PUT OUT, TO THE BASES THEY WOULD HAVE REACHED,

IN THE UMPIRE’S JUDGMENT, IF THERE HAD BEEN NO

OBSTRUCTION.

You

Make

The

Call!!

Obstruction?

Obstruction?

Obstruction?

Oh nuts…I

should not be

here!!

Obstruction?

Did the first baseman impede the progress of the runner?

RULE: 7.08(a)(1)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT IF, TO AVOID BEING TAGGED, THE

RUNNER RUNS MORE THAN THREE FEET FROM HIS

ESTABLISHED BASELINE/BASE PATH.

RULE: 7.08(a)(2)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN, AFTER TOUCHING FIRST BASE, THE

RUNNER LEAVES THE BASELINE, OBVIOUSLY ABANDONING ALL

EFFORTS TO TOUCH THE NEXT BASE.

7.08a (3) Runner does not slide or attempt to get around a

fielder who has the ball and is awaiting to make the tag;

Comments:

1) There is NO “MUST SLIDE” rule.

2) The fielder must have the ball in his possession; AND

3) The fielder must be WAITING to make the tag

RULE: 7.08(a) (3)

Video 19*

The runner is out when:

(4) The runner slides head first while advancing.

Comments:

Majors and Minors

This rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a

base, only when advancing to a base.

RULE: 7.08 (a) (4)

RULE: 7.08(b)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THE RUNNER INTENTIONALLY

INTERFERES WITH A THROWN BALL OR HINDERS A FIELDER

ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A PLAY ON A BATTED BALL.

RULE: 7.08(c)

EXCEPTION: A BATTER-RUNNER CANNOT BE TAGGED OUT AFTER

OVER RUNNING FIRST BASE IF SAID BATTER-RUNNER RETURNS

IMMEDIATELY TO THE BASE. THIS INCLUDES A BASE ON BALLS.

RULE: 7.08(d)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT IF, AFTER A FAIR OR FOUL FLY BALL IS LEGALLY

CAUGHT, THE RUNNER FAILS TO RETOUCH THE BASE BEFORE THAT

RUNNER OR THE BASE IS TAGGED BY A FIELDER.

NOTE: BASE RUNNERS CAN LEGALLY RETOUCH THEIR BASE ONCE A

FAIR BALL IN FLIGHT IS TOUCHED AND ADVANCE AT THEIR OWN

RISK AND CAN ALSO ADVANCE IF A FOUL BALL IS CAUGHT.

RULE: 7.08(e)

A RUNNER IS OUT WHEN FAILING TO REACH THE NEXT BASE

BEFORE A FIELDER TAGS SAID RUNNER OR THE BASE. HOWEVER,

IF A FOLLOWING RUNNER IS PUT OUT ON A FORCE PLAY, THE

FORCE IS REMOVED, AND THE PRECEDING RUNNER MUST BE

TAGGED TO BE PUT OUT.

RULE: 7.08(f)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT

WHEN TOUCHED BY A

FAIR BALL IN FAIR

TERRITORY BEFORE THE

BALL HAS TOUCHED OR

PASSED AN INFIELDER

*

RULE: 7.08(h)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THAT RUNNER PASSES A

PRECEDING RUNNER BEFORE THE PRECEDING

RUNNER IS OUT.

Video 22

AN APPEAL

7.10

IS NOT INTERPRETED

AS A PLAY FOR THE

PURPOSE OF ANOTHER

APPEAL

IS NOT INTERPRETED

AS A PLAY FOR THE

PURPOSE OF ANY OTHER

RULE

CAN BE MADE ONLY

WHILE THE BALL IS

ALIVE

CAN BE MADE BY

TAGGING THE

RUNNER OR THE BASE

CAN BE MADE ONLY

ONCE ON THE SAME

RUNNER AT THE SAME

BASE

MORE THAN ONE

APPEAL CAN BE MADE

FOLLOWING A

CONTINUOUS ACTION

PLAY

CAN RESULT IN A B-R

BEING OUT BEFORE

HE REACHED FIRST

(SEE 4.09a & 7.12)

CAN RESULT IN A

FORCE OUT

(SEE 4.09a & 7.12)

CAN RESULT IN A

FOURTH OUT WHICH

CAN SUPERCEDE A 3RD

OUT MADE DURING

CONTINUOUS ACTION

MUST BE MADE BEFORE

NEXT PITCH, PLAY OR

ATTEMPTED PLAY

(1) Failure to retouch properly (7.10a)

(2) Missed base (7.10b)

(3) Failure to return to first base (7.10c)

(4) Batting out of order (6.07)

There are four types of Appeal Plays:

AN APPEAL

7.10

Must be made before the next pitch

Must be made before next play or attempted play

Must be a live ball for appeals to be made

Must be made in a precise, unmistakable manner

Must be made before the defensive team leaves the field

Requirements for making a proper appeal:

AN APPEAL

7.10

RULE 7.10(b)

ANY RUNNER SHALL BE CALLED OUT ON APPEAL WHEN,

WHILE ADVANCING TO A BASE AND WHILE THE BALL IS IN

PLAY, THE RUNNER FAILS TO TOUCH EACH BASE IN ORDER

BEFORE SAID RUNNER OR A MISSED BASE IS TAGGED. Video 23

RULE 7.10(d)

ANY RUNNER SHALL BE CALLED OUT ON APPEAL WHEN

THE RUNNER FAILS TO TOUCH HOME BASE AND MAKES NO

ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO THAT BASE AND HOME BASE IS

TAGGED. THE RUNNER HAS TO ENTER THE DUGOUT OR

DEAD BALL TERRITORY TO ABANDON HOME PLATE.

RULE 7.13

WHEN THE PITCHER IS IN CONTACT WITH THE PITCHER’S PLATE

AND IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL, AND THE CATCHER IS IN THE

CATCHER’S BOX READY TO RECEIVE DELIVERY OF THE BALL,

BASE RUNNERS SHALL NOT LEAVE THEIR BASE UNTIL THE BALL

HAS BEEN DELIVERED AND HAS REACHED THE BATTER.

The catcher is “Ready to receive delivery” of the pitch when

he has his mask on and is facing the pitcher.

He does not have to be in a squat position.

Runners must return to the original base or to the one

nearest to the one that was left early.

RULE 7.13

The Pitcher

8.01 - 8.05 -8.06c

RULE 8.01

THERE ARE TWO LEGAL PITCHING DELIVERIES:

THE WINDUP POSITION AND THE SET POSITION, AND

EITHER POSITION MAY BE USED AT ANY TIME.

RULE: 8.01(a)

THE PITCHER SHALL NOT RAISE EITHER FOOT FROM THE GROUND

EXCEPT THAT FOOT INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL DELIVERY OF THE

BALL TO THE BATTER. THE PITCHER MAY TAKE ONE STEP

BACKWARD AND ONE STEP FORWARD WITH THE FREE FOOT.

RULE: 8.01(b)

BEFORE ASSUMING SET POSITION THE PITCHER MAY ELECT TO

MAKE ANY NATURAL PRELIMINARY MOTION SUCH AS THAT KNOWN

AS “THE STRETCH.” BUT IF THE PITCHER SO ELECTS THAT PITCHER

SHALL COME TO SET POSITION BEFORE DELIVERING THE BALL TO

THE BATTER.

NOTE: THE PITCHER NEED NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.

RULE: 8.01(c)

AT ANY TIME DURING THE PITCHER’S PRELIMINARY

MOVEMENTS AND UNTIL THE NATURAL PITCHING MOTION

COMMITS THAT PITCHER TO THE PITCH, SAID PITCHER MAY

THROW TO ANY BASE, PROVIDING THE PITCHER STEPS DIRECTLY

TOWARD THAT BASE BEFORE MAKING THE THROW.

LEGAL & ILLEGAL POSITIONS OF THE

PITCHER’S FOOT

LEGAL

ILLEGAL

BACK (TOWARDS HOME PLATE)

FRONT (TOWARDS HOME PLATE)

ILLEGAL PITCH

8.05

MAKES ANY MOTION

AND FAILS TO PITCH

PITCHES WHEN THE

CATCHER IS NOT IN THE

CATCHERS BOX

FEINTS TO FIRST BASE

AND FAILS TO THROW

FAILS TO STEP TOWARD A

BASE BEFORE THROWING

THROWS OR FEINTS TO AN

UNOCCUPIED BASE, EXCEPT

FOR MAKING A PLAY

MAKES A QUICK PITCH

WHILE NOT FACING THE

BATTER

NOT TOUCHING THE PLATE

DELAYS THE GAME

WITHOUT HAVING THE BALL,

STANDS ON OR ASTRIDE THE

PITCHERS PLATE

ILLEGAL PITCH (cont.)

8.05

ACCIDENTALLY OR INTENTIONALLY

DROPS THE BALL

NOTE: THERE IS NO BALK

PENALTY: THE PITCH SHALL BE CALLED A BALL, UNLESS

THE BATTER HITS THE BALL AND REACHES FIRST BASE

SAFELY, AND IF ALL BASE-RUNNERS ADVANCE AT LEAST

ONE BASE ON THE ACTION RESULTING FROM THE BATTED

BALL. IF SO, THE PLAY STANDS AND THE ILLEGAL

PITCH IS NULLIFIED.

*

IT’S GONNA FEEL GREAT TO BEABSOLUTE AND INFALLIBLE AGAIN

Play Ball!!!