GUIDE IV: PITCHING RULATIONS AS THEY APPLY TO NFHS FEDERATION BASEBALL RULES

Transcription

1 Rev 01/21/15 GUIDE IV: PITCHING RULATIONS AS THEY APPLY TO NFHS FEDERATION BASEBALL RULES It s on the Internet, it must be true! Don't consider information provided on the Internet as accurate; unless it has been copyrighted by NFHS or NCAA. Even then, be aware of the date of the article. Pitching regulations have always been a controversial subject. BALKS Balks in particular have no easily framed answer. They are defined (Rule 2.3) in one sentence as an illegal act committed by the pitcher, but have volumes of articles written about them. Balks are more like an evolving theory with their application changing as the game of baseball continues to evolve. Balks are such an important part of NFHS rules; they are mentioned in most of the sections of the rule book. Section #1 location of players at time of pitch, section # 2 gives a definition, section #3 dugout orchestrated activity to cause a pitcher to balk, section # 5 dead ball when balk occurs, sect #6 entire section on pitching regulations and section #7 batter stepping out trying to cause a balk. Unlike an active mandatory call such as out or safe, the balk is a passive call not requiring it even to be called. Don't misunderstand, we are not saying don't call balks. This call most likely will be the most controversial decision an umpire will make in any close game. What we want to emphasize is...when you call a balk you must be 100% certain you saw a balk. You will actively generate this call. You could be considered as part of the actual offense because you now have moved runners up into scoring position. Use common sense: How severe is the violation? Is one team placed at a distinct disadvantage? Can the catcher solve the issue? Never call any violation you have allowed to go unnoticed in earlier innings to now become an issue. Several violations we must recognize and enforce are four obvious violations: 1. Failing to step and gain ground toward an occupied or unoccupied base 2. A snap throw followed by a step 3. Failing to complete the pitch after engaging the batter with arm movement 4. No discernible stop If your level of expertise is only these four simple violations, then let that be your outer perimeter for calling a balk. You owe it to your future crew members and playing teams to better understand pitching requirements. Expand your call range as you better understand the rules and gather mental photos of other balk moves. We all should know within NFHS rules; a balk is not considered a pitch and therefore any action which occurred after the time of the pitch is disallowed. The ball is dead immediately (rule 5.1.1k).The offense does not have the option to take the penalty or play. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 1

2 WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU CALL A BALK: OK you now have called a balk. Call Time. Hold up your arm pointing at the pitcher... That's a BALK! Motion to the lead runner to advance followed by the other runners. What happens next? The defensive coach is heading out to face you. You studied the rules, you are 100% sure of the call. Have confidence in yourself and your call. You should have no second thoughts. Expect to hear: What did he do? This is a legitimate question. o We have been doing that move all year will be his reply. o He points to the dirt where the pitcher's foot was placed o You re killing me o Expect to see lots of arm movement/leg lift like a pitcher o Lastly, when nothing else is working...he wants you to ask for help What NOT TO DO: Never walk toward the coach- allow him to come to you. If he gets in your face-never point a finger, never put your arms across your chest nor on your hips. All are signs of aggression. NEVER draw in the dirt, never offer a physical display of the move, nor coach the pitcher. Never call your partner over for his opinion. This clearly shows doubt on your part. Remember you followed the rule...never call a balk unless 100% sure. Never offer an explanation of what the move was unless asked then make it a simple one line explanation Did not step to first. He really does not care about your opinion. Never respond to his second question. He wants the argument to continue. Never allow him to be offensive or abusive Never allow a coach to have a mound conference with his pitcher after the call unless he is charged. A brief statement or walking by the mound is not a conference Never allow anyone to come out of the dugout and argue the call if a coach has been restricted prior to the call. Head Coach is only allowed outside the dugout to assist an injured player. Never allow a designated appointed head coach (assistant who became HC because of original HC s ejection) to argue a call. He is only allowed an explanation from his dugout steps. After you have allowed about one minute for him to vent...firmly state.. the call stands now let's play ball. Move away from him; BUT, he is not done! We all know he is now heading to your partner. During this time, your partner should have been close enough to defuse the situation if it gets ugly. His only response better be an echo of...let's play. As the coach is leaving expect to hear: o That s terrible, you are killing my boys, if he scores that run is yours! o Then expect to hear from the fans you two are the worst go back to Little League! WHAT TO DO: Pre-game the balk responsibilities with your partner. Who is watching what part of the body? Keep the coach s face toward the fans during your discussion. Have a signal for your partner to step in, such as you walking away. Say only a simple one sentence answer to his first question only. Carl Childress once said... the only balk which can be protested is when the umpire continues to talk and puts his foot in his mouth with an improper rule explanation. Take the hands on knee stands after the pitcher has committed to pitch. Know where the ball is at all times. If you think your plate man might be confused over the location show the off the rubber signal Be proactive. Mentally run a scenario. Is this a good time for a pick off? Don't be the one picked off by not being aware of when pitching restrictions start. Be sure the ball is live by the plate umpire signaling play if it entered a dead ball area. Never discuss a prior game balk call at your pre game plate meeting. It s not the time or place even if you know the correct interpretation. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 2

3 Unfortunately, Federation baseball is the only sport where a coach comes onto the playing surface and voices his displeasure about a call. NFHS has no rule provision which allows this to happen. We as umpires allow this to happen too often. NCAA has made this a major point of emphasis since A coach s behavior has become a NFHS point of emphasis since the 2014 season. Enough talk about general game management and the cosmetics of what to do and not do. Moving on to NFHS Federation actual pitching requirements. Some NCAA or OBR rules are sited but the purpose of this guide is to discuss NFHS interpretations of pitching regulations. PITCHING POSITIONS. There are only two recognized pitching positions, the windup and the set position. Each has their own requirements. The restrictions start in either position when the pitcher intentionally contacts the pitcher s plate. He must take the catcher's signal from the plate. Rationale: the location of the pitcher s feet shows if he is going to use the windup or set restrictions AND what his next required actions most be. How many times have you seen a pitcher show the windup position to take his signal then start to go to a set position and make a pickoff move to first base without first disengaging the plate? This is Illegal (cs k). THE WINDUP: o Pitcher is not restricted how he shall hold the ball. Stand shoulders square to the batter is not required in NFHS (2014 interpretation sit #6). Feet location determines his position. Pitcher is only required to face the batter. Three accepted locations of his hands: 1) Both hands at his side 2) Hands together in front of his body 3) Either hand at side or the other hand in front of his body He is allowed from all three locations to bring his hands together, momentarily (prior to engaging the batter) come to a stop to adjust the ball, to disengage the plate or to continue with his pitching motion. If he steps onto the pitcher s plate with both hands apart, when he begins to move both hands simultaneously from time of pitch, that is the start of a pitch. The pitcher is not allowed from the windup to turn his shoulder to check runners at other bases. Prior to movements of the arms and legs not associated with his habitual pitching motion, he can remove his cap, shake off a sign with his glove, and even roll his shoulders. These are considered arm movements not associated with the pitch and not engaging the batter. Head movement is never restricted. The rule states any arm, hip, or leg movement toward the plate which is naturally associated with his pitching motion has committed him to complete the pitch in one continuous uninterrupted motion because he now has engaged the batter. See Time of Pitch Batter engagement is at the discretion of the umpire. Ask yourself... i. Was the pitcher s actions intent to deceive the batter or the runner? ii. Did they place the other team at an unfair disadvantage? UNFAIR ADVANTAGE IS THE KEY TOTHE ENTIRE BALK RULE. There is a NCAA rule change not affecting NFHS Baseball and we should disregard it if a coach brings it up. NCAA will allow a pause in the windup delivery after the hands are together. We are not as tolerant. To exit the windup position once the restrictions are in place, he needs to disengage the rubber with his pivot foot prior to separation of his hands and prior to any arm, hip, or leg motion to the plate (cs6.1.1.d). NFHS does not allow a pitcher to make any move to a base as long as the pitcher is in the windup position on the pitching rubber (positions #1, #2, or #3 above) even if he has not engaged the batter.with his feet in the windup position, the pitcher may only deliver a pitch or step backward off the pitcher's plate (rule 6.1). 1. PIVOT FOOT IN THE WINDUP point of emphasis. NFHS regulations in the windup allows the pitcher s pivot foot to be anywhere on the plate, even partially off the end just so it is in contact with the plate. It could not be entirely in front of or parallel to the pitcher s plate. It is acceptable for just both heels only to be touching the plate. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 3

4 2 NON PIVOT FOOT IN THE WINDUP must be on or behind the front edge of a line extended indefinitely through the pitcher s plate. The pitcher in his delivery to the batter may lift the free foot in one step backwards or sideways and one step forward. Allowing the pitcher to take a signal with the free foot entirely in front of the pitching plate is an illegal hybrid stance. His free foot can start outside the 24 plate as long as it is not in front of the plate. He is not required to have it directly behind the plate. The Windup is fairly straightforward and should not cause much trouble. Once he engages the batter and arm/leg restrictions apply, he must disengage the plate in order to throw to a base. If hands are together and he has engaged the batter, he must complete the pitch to the batter or step back off the pitcher s plate with his pivot foot prior to separating his hands. Rationale: disallowing the windup hybrid prevents the pitcher from gaining an advantage over a runner. As umpires, realize with no runners on base, the best way to handle a hybrid windup is to catch it early (even between innings) letting the catcher relay what you want F1 to do with his non pivot foot. Avoid calling an illegal pitch. THE SET POSITION A 2014 point of emphasis. Unlike the Windup, F1 is restricted in the Set as to how he can hold the baseball. It must be in either his pitching hand or his glove hand. The pitching hand must be down at his side (at his hip is considered at his side) or behind his back when he takes the sign. See Gorilla Stance When starting to take the signs and he has not engaged the batter, F1 should be allowed to bend at the waist, some fidgeting, or take a deep breath. He is not attempting to conceal the ball. Once F1 has engaged the batter and starts to take his sign, the restrictions should get strictly enforced. Example: if F1 allowed his glove arm to rest on his thigh and his pitching hand to get concealed in his abdominal area, this is too close. It s a balk giving the offense little visibility of the baseball. Key words are... has he engaged the batter. Can PU see the ball? It is commonly accepted taking the signs is one of the first acts of engagement. Rationale: NFHS wants any runner to be able to see the hand separation when the pitcher contacts the plate and starts to engage the batter. 1. PIVOT FOOT IN THE SET POSITION. The ENTIRE pivot foot must be in contact (not partially off) with and parallel to the plate. The entire foot touching the plate or entire foot parallel to and in front of the plate and not at a 45 degree angle. F1 is allowed to have his pivot in contact with the plate when he makes a legal throw/feint to an occupied base. The pitcher is allowed to make a jump turn toward an occupied base. See Disengaging the Pitcher s Plate. Rationale: NFHS for 2014 wants the entire pivot touching the pitcher s plate to clearly distinguish it from the windup position 2. NON PIVOT FOOT IN THE SET Must be in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher s plate. The free foot is not required at any time to be within the 24 plane of the plate (CS 6.1.3a). Many coaches teach the pitcher to come set with an open stance. The pitcher is committed upon raising the lead leg to throw to one of the four bases in a continuous stepping toward that base. COMING SET. The pitcher once he assumes correctly the set stance now needs to come to a set position in order to complete the pitch to the batter. He does this by holding the ball with both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete and discernible stop. The method he uses to get his arms from his side to together (required in NFHS) in front of his body is through what is loosely called the stretch. Once F1 has come set with hands together, he has committed to 3 options: pitch, throw/feint to a base, or step backward off the plate. From the windup he has 2 options pitch or step back off the pitcher s plate. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 4

5 STRETCH. The stretch is considered the start of the pitching motion. Allow the pitcher some creativity in customizing his stretch style. It must be done in one continuous uninterrupted movement coming to a complete and discernible stop with his entire body and his glove at or below his chin. See SHOULDER TURN. The stretch is not required prior to his delivery. Only a stop coming set with both hands in front of his body is required. DISCERNIBLE STOP Means just like it sounds...a visible untimed complete pause of his entire body, more than a change of direction, more than a pause as his free leg is coming up. Smart pitchers will use various delays which often are not balks to prevent a runner from timing his move. The discernible stop is required with or without base runners (former Fed interpretation by Brad Rumble). The stop is rarely called without base runners since there can be no deceit. The pitcher does not have to come to a stop prior to throwing to a base (Cs 6.1.3h). The pitcher is only allowed one stop, not multiple pauses. Discernible stop does not allow the pitcher s free foot to be suspended in the air when he comes to a stop. Part of the pitchers free foot must be in contact with the ground. NOTE: You cannot have a discernible stop if the pitcher s body is going in two different directions. i.e. arms coming down while leg is coming up. A bounce is not a stop. DISENGAGING THE PITCHER S PLATE Requires the pitcher to disengage the pitcher s plate with his pivot foot by stepping back within or partially inside the 24 diameter of plate with his pivot foot. He now has the status of an infielder and overthrows to dead ball area are awarded as such. See Overthrows. A slide shift to the side of the plate is not disengaging the pitcher s plate. No slide move should be allowed. Right -handed pitcher must lift his pivot foot prior to his release or simultaneously with his release lifting of the non-pivot foot on a move to first base (left-handed to third base); otherwise, it is a balk. From the Windup Position it is considered deceptive and a balk if his free foot s heel is off the ground allowing it to touch the ground prior to his pivot foot being removed while disengaging to make a play. Don't allow this. The pitcher has gained a distinct advantage over the runner. This will happen while the pitcher is in the Windup Position with a runner on third and a steal of home plate. Plate Umpire must stay engaged or he will miss this. It shows up easily on game film. NOTE: watch out for the batter hitting the pitcher s throw to home vs a pitch to home plate. GLOVE AT CHIN Or below the chin means pretty much bottom of glove at his eye level and then maybe more depending on his head movement. A well trained right -handed pitcher will hold the glove high to lessen the exit time on a pick off. Definitely does not mean top of glove below the chin. ENTIRE FREE FOOT PASSING BEHIND THE BACK EDGE OF THE PLATE When this happens, the pitcher is required to pitch to the batter or make a throw or feint to second. It's a balk to throw to first or third. Sometimes we only think of this as a left hander's restriction but it applies as well to a right hander going to third. NFHS requires the entire free foot terminology and no wording such as... any part of the stride leg is referred to. Keywords: entire free foot NOTE: The pitcher is allowed to curl his body and throw to a base as long as the entire free foot does not break the back plane of the rubber ARM MOVEMENT Restrictions associated with the pitching motion begin the moment the Pitcher intentionally contacts the plate. Arm movement associated with his pitch is always considered engaging the batter. Removing his cap, shaking off a pitch is allowed because they are not his natural pitching motions. The Case book points out the pitcher, in the act of taking his signs, has engaged the batter and a moving Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 5

6 swinging gorilla arm, nervously tossing the ball from hand to glove, or even removing the ball from his glove after taking the catcher s signal ( CS 6.1.3d) all are balks. They are not one continuous without an interrupted movement to the batter. The pitcher is allowed to disengage the plate at any point in his stretch motion as long as he does not stop his continuous motion or break his hands apart before he has placed his pivot feet on the ground behind the plate. The rules requires any part of the pivot foot to contact ground prior to hand separation, in practice, umpires permit a simultaneous step off and separate. Rationale: NFHS arm/leg movement associated with his habitual pitching position commits the Picher to deliver the pitch (CS 6.1.2g). There is no opportunity within the Windup to disengage and start anew after the time of pitch has elapsed. TIME OF PITCH (Rule ) Windup time of pitch is when F1 begins the arm/leg motions committing him to pitch. Set Position time of pitch is arm movement after he has come to a stop. Time of pitch is important for placement of runners after a violation such as interference or delayed steal. FEINTING A THROW. F1 is allowed while his foot is on the pitcher s plate to feint a throw to an occupied base other than first. Feinting does not require arm movement. It could be shoulder movement. NFHS requires that whatever motion is used, as long as the pitcher's pivot foot is in contact with the plate, he must step toward the base even if the throw is not completed. See the 31 Move. Remember the restrictions... On the plate no feint to home or first Can feint to an occupied second or third if he steps ahead of the throw Off the plate can feint to any base as long as it is not his pitching motion. SNAPING A THROW Snapping a throw when followed by a step to the base is a balk. The pitcher is allowed to make a jump turn toward an occupied base provided his stepping toward the base precedes or is simultaneous with his release or feint to the base he is throwing to. The pitcher on any move to a base is never allowed to place his free foot down in the same spot it started from. It's considered a balk if his free foot does not step towards and gains ground to the base the ball is being thrown towards prior to or simultaneously with his release (CS 6.1.3i).The common phrase is F1 must step ahead of the throw. The pitcher, with the snap throw, will often disengage with his pivot foot then snap a throw NOT gaining ground. This is not a balk. Why? Remember pitching regulations start when he intentionally engages the plate. It would be a balk to snap the throw and then move the foot as an afterthought.after the pitcher has placed his pivot foot on the ground clearly behind the plate, he then has the right to throw or feint to a base the same as any other fielder (Rule6.1.3).See OVERTHROWS for status of the ball. PREMATURE LEG FLEX Flexing of either leg before stepping or throwing to first base or any base is illegal. Watch for either leg to buckle at the knee prior to the pitcher s turning to throw to a base. The leg flex of the non-pivot foot is the most concealed and difficult move to discern and still be 100% sure you have a balk. NFHS does not mention a premature leg flex as being illegal. It is generally accepted as such. The interpretation comes from NCAA and OBR baseball. The only way to teach that it s a balk is through video. New umpires, at least until their fourth season, should avoid this call. Note: The jump turn move to first is often accompanied first by the illegal leg flex. Rationale: This violation disallows a skilled base runner to take his secondary lead. If allowed, the base runner cannot detect if the pitcher is going to deliver the pitch to the batter or make a play to a base. When enforced the runner is placed on an equal plane by knowing the pitch must be delivered. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 6

7 BREAKING HIS HANDS NFHS does not require the pitcher to separate his hands when off the plate. Prior to contrary belief, F1 is also allowed to establish initial contact with the plate having his hands already together. Doing so immediately restricts his next arm movement. (CS.6.1.2f). The pitching regulations start when he intentionally contacts the plate (CS6.1.3e), but if he engages the plate with his hands together, in order not to deceive a runner; he is not allowed to break them unless he first disengages the plate or delivers a pitch with a continuous motion. NCAA/OBR will allow a pitcher to step on the plate with his hands together then drop his pitching arm as he is about to take his signals. NFHS does not (CS 6.1.2f). Review what he can do with hands together and on the plate: Windup Position 1. Step back/disengage 2. Deliver the pitch Set Position 1. Step back/disengage 2. Deliver the pitch 3. Throw to an occupied base SPIN MOVE On a spin move toward an occupied second base the pitcher must with the free leg lift immediately and with a continuous motion step toward the base. He cannot get hung up in midair causing a leg pause then continue the motion. A right hand pitcher is allowed with R1 and R2 on 1 st and 2 nd to spin move toward second. Watch this on right hander to third and a left hander to first. If the pitcher does a spin move to second and both feet are still on the home plate side of the plate after his throw, he did not gain ground. This would be an illegal move. JUMP TURN TO FIRST This move does not require the pitcher to disengage the pitcher s plate prior to his release. He may turn on his pivot foot in front of the pitcher s plate and perform a jump turn (rule 6.1.3). The move is legal provided the pitcher: His non pivot must step toward the base. He must gain ground and not land in his original footprint. The throw must be timed with his non pivot foot touching the ground prior to or simultaneously with his release. He made no prior arm/leg movement to the batter The pitcher is also not required to: o Come to a discernible stop prior to his throw o He can feint to the base if he is clearly off the plate o He is not required to land with either foot behind the pitcher s plate. NOTE: PU should consider any overthrow by the pitcher as being in contact with the pitching plate if his pivot foot lands in front of the pitcher s plate; otherwise his status is that of a fielder. The plate umpire must be on the lookout for a premature leg flex on this move. See Premature Leg Flex. SHOULDER TURN NFHS will allow the pitcher to turn his shoulder toward first or third either abruptly or subtlety during or after stretching prior to bring his hands together (CS 6.1.1j). Prior to his hands coming together, the pitcher is allowed to turn his shoulders and have open hips to first base. He is not allowed to reopen his shoulder once his hands close together (CS 6.1.1j). This means if the pitcher starts in a wide open stance he is not allowed to swing his shoulder wider. It would be deceiving the runner. For all practical purposes, this is rarely called. This is a very advanced pitching move. Allow the pitcher some subtle movement such as fidgeting but not a shoulder twitch to drive back a runner. Again, head movement is never restricted. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 7

8 45 DEGREE ANGLE Nothing in NFHS rules mention a 45-degree angle, only the pitcher must step toward the base. NFHS interprets the meaning of DIRECTLY as being within a 45-degree angle measured as an angle from the center of the pitcher s plate and ½ way between home and first base (CS 6.2.4b). The pitcher s pivot foot must be within the angle and toward the base he is throwing. A favored trick is to short step with the non-pivot foot then run into the throw, or crow hop with his pivot foot giving the illusion that his movement is legal. Some applications recently have been looking at the pitcher s front hip movement seeing if the first move was to the batter then redirect the free foot back toward the base. All rulings agree the initial movement determines where he must throw. DISTANCE must be gained and DIRECTION must be to that base. Federation gives us little guidance on this other than saying...quote the pitcher while touching the pitcher's plate must step toward the base, preceding or simultaneous with any move toward that base. OBR has started to strictly enforce stepping directly toward the base, otherwise; they say it was an attempt to deceive the runner. Former AL umpire, Jim Evans, said it best the pitcher is not stepping more toward a different base than the one to which he is throwing Umpires should look for at least three things: Was any daylight seen between the pitcher s legs? Was more ground gained toward first base than the plate? Did he step ahead of the throw? ENTIRE FREE FOOT PASSING BEHIND THE BACK EDGE OF THE PLATE When this happens, the pitcher is required to pitch to the batter or make a throw or feint to second. It's a balk to throw to first or third. Sometimes we only think of this as a left hander's restriction but it applies as well to a right hander going to third. NFHS requires the entire free foot terminology and no wording such as... any part of the stride leg is referred to. NOTE: The pitcher is allowed to curl his body as long as the entire free foot does not break the back plane of the rubber. UNOCCUPIED BASE No restrictions apply about throwing to an unoccupied base if the pitcher is off the pitcher s plate other than the 20 second rule to pitch, feint, make a play or appeal. The pitcher can in some situations make a play to an unoccupied base while in contact with the plate as long as he stays within his guidelines and has not started his delivery to home. What he is not allowed to do is throw/feint to a base in an attempt to confuse a runner who is not trying to advance. The pitcher would be allowed to throw/feint ahead of the runner if these conditions exist: The base runner must have shown an attempt to advance. A bluff is not an advance. (CS6.2.4.b) The fielder is in the proximity of the base. Proximity is an umpire judgment call. NFHS would allow proximity to mean a throw even to the shortstop. judges that it is reasonable to believe the pitcher thought he had a play at the unoccupied Umpire base. Exception: the pitcher is never allowed to throw to the proximity of first base. Any throw to first must be directly toward the bag and not the location of the fielder (CS 6.2.4j). Legal if runner has attempted to steal. OCCUPIED BASE Remember the cardinal rules: step before the throw, gain ground to the throwing base and gain direction toward that base. It is not a balk if a timing play is on and the infielder does not get there quickly enough and the pitcher, realizing this, steps and throws to the fielder as long as the fielder is in the immediate proximity of the base and has the possibility of making the tag. It would be a balk if in the umpires judgment there was no possible play available and the pitcher completed the throw just to avoid a balk. Exception: Same as for unoccupied base.(cs 6.2.4j). Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 8

9 THE 31 MOVE Common pickoff move with runners on third and first base only, in which the pitcher feints a throw to third base before attempting a pick off at first base. Never allow the pitcher to start this move from the Windup position without first disengaging the pitcher s plate with his pivot foot NFHS rules still allow this move as long as the pitcher: The step must be more toward third than to home If he feints the throw to third, he must step ahead of the feint He is not required in NFHS to disengage the plate on his spin move to first. If he does not, he cannot feint to first base The pitcher must step ahead of the throw. PU has the responsibility to see if F1 disengaged the plate. THE GORILLA STANCE This move refers to the pitcher leaning deeply at the waist and allowing his pitching arm to swing forwards and backwards like an ape. It is illegal. A runner is at a distinct disadvantage (case p). He cannot time his secondary lead. The pitcher taking his signs has engaged the batter. NFHS disallows this move with or without the baseball as illegal once the pitcher has engaged the pitcher s plate. The stance is legal as long as the arm remains relatively still and the batter and runners are able to see the ball (NFHS 2010 interpretation. Hopkins). NOTE: While on the pitcher s plate watch for an arm dangling with the ball in the glove. F1 takes ball out of the glove and comes set Balk! It s ok to bring free hand into the glove (hands together) leaving it there and then go onto a set position. Best way to handle a gorilla stance is just like the hybrid allows F2 to relay your don t do that message to the pitcher. Rationale: NFHS considers a dangling arm as being by the pitcher s side. Any arm movement NFHS considers to be a pitching motion. QUICK PITCH This is illegal move by the pitcher to catch a batter off guard. It has nothing to do with F1 going rapidly through his habitual pitching motion. The pitcher may speed up or slow down the delivery but must continue to use a normal pitching sequence and arm action. Example: F1 foolishly starts from the windup with R1 on first.r1 sees this and breaks for second. There is nothing wrong with F1 going quickly through his motions as long as he follows the pitching rules. PITCHER GOING TO HIS MOUTH Read it carefully. The pitcher when intentionally in contact with the plate from the Windup or Set Position cannot go to his mouth. It is a ball with no runners on base and a balk with runners on base. (rule 6.2.1e) Engaging the batter or habitual pitching position has nothing to do with NFHS thinking about the hand to the mouth. Cold Weather. Determine at pre game plate conference if both teams wish to allow the pitcher to blow on his hands astride or on the rubber and if more warm up pitches should be allowed. NOTE: this is another don t do that. Send the catcher out to relay the message. Avoid calling an illegal pitcher. NOTE: be aware F1 throwing fastballs on the seam will cause the skin on his fingers to peel. Don t allow him to keep illegally licking his fingers. Rationale: NFHS considers this as part of the pitcher s arm movement committing him to deliver the pitch or set off. The pitcher while on the plate may lick his fingers as long as he wipes them off prior to contacting the pitcher s plate. DROPPING THE BALL Nothing if not in contact with pitcher s plate. Nothing if no runners on base, pitcher in contact with the plate and the ball does not cross the foul line. If it does cross the foul line it is a ball. It's called a balk if runners on base. Note: once the pitcher has started his delivery to the batter, and it slips out with his arm motion to the plate, it is considered a pitch and is always called a ball if it crosses the foul line. If not released, after arm motion, with runners, it s a balk. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 9

10 AMBIDEXTROUS PITCHER This is not illegal. He must face the batter as either a right hander or left hander and not switch after one pitch is made. The batter can switch hit at any time but the pitcher is locked in until the batter is put out, replaced or the inning is ended (CS 6.1.1f). The pitcher can never try and deceive a runner by pretending to have a left foot as his pivot foot when he is going to address the batter as a right handed pitcher. The pitching hand determines the pitching foot. An ambidextrous pitcher is considered one pitcher, not two for the purpose of reentry and pitching limitations. If an ambidextrous pitcher, claiming injury, wishes to switch during the batters at bat, he will not be given preparatory warm up pitches nor will he be allowed to pitch with the injured arm/hand at any time during that game. HIDDEN BALL TRICK This is a very straight forward rule. Pitcher with runners on base can do nothing which is intended to deceive a runner or batter within five feet of the plate without the ball. He can be on the dirt. Be sure you know where the ball is at all times and if it is a live ball. Don t allow the pitcher to hide the ball at any time when he assumes the Set Position. R ationale: runners should be allowed to see the baseball at all times otherwise the defense is being allowed an advantage. PACE OF PLAY This is a game management issue. Reference Study Guide I for how to avoid delays. The pitcher may not unnecessarily delay the game (rule 6.2.2).The pitcher is required to deliver a pitch or make a play/feint within 20 seconds after he receives the ball with or without runners. This call is the same as a catcher balk forget it and learn game management! Don t allow a batter to cause the pace of play to slow. A batter once he enters the box is required to keep one foot in the box during his time at bat (8 exceptions). Don t balk a pitcher when there is confusion about the batter being in the box. Avoid the phantom strike call. See Study Guide I. PITCHING ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS Easiest NFHS rule to remember don t know and don t care. It s outside umpire duties per NFHS (Rule 6.1.6b) but a Protest of pitching eligibility is not. See Study Guide III on how to handle a Protest. PITCHING LIMITATIONS Can be read in NFHS rule Points to remember are: o Deduct pitches if bull pen pitcher is slow to exist bullpen o NFHS allows a coach multiple visits to pitcher with same batter as long as coach has remaining conferences o Any starter can return to pitch once in same inning o Any starter removed and returning is considered a relief pitcher. He gets eight (8) pitches not five (case 6.2.2c). o Any pitcher replaced and his relief pitcher takes more than eight (8) pitches precludes his return as pitcher o Even if because of injury or weather. More than eight, no return ( rule 3.1.2) o Times the pitcher s warm up throws and allow one minute timed from the third out of the prior inning for returning pitcher and one minute timed from first pitch for starting pitcher. See CUA Pilot Program. Case Book Use good judgment in enforcing this rule. o Prior to the start of the game, pitchers are not allowed to use the mound to warm up. Bullpen mound only. o See Ambidextrous Pitcher for information about claiming injury limitation. o A relief pitcher warming up is NOT the pitcher of record until the ball is live and PU declares play. This player in NFHS baseball is not required to pitch to the first batter. He has not officially entered the game (rule3.1b) (Hopkins interpretation). NCAA/OBR have their own restriction. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 10

11 SIMPLE PITCHING INFRACTIONS Called illegal pitches if he pitches the pitch...spitting on the ball, putting dirt or rosin on the ball, defacing the ball. Some infractions such as applying a foreign substance can lead to ejection from the game. The pitcher should be ejected without warning if you locate a foreign supply source on his body, uniform or equipment which could give him a distinct advantage. An illegal pitch in NFHS is always a dead ball (rule 5.1.1k). The coach has no option to take the penalty or play. SIMPLE INFRACTIONS TO CORRECT Prior to delivery, there is no penalty, just correct: band aid, tape, sweat band or energy wrist band on the pitching hand or wrist, wearing a batting glove under his glove is actually legal but not addressed unless distracting, wearing jewelry, cast or brace on pitching hand, a sharp knife or fork behind the mound to remove mud from his cleats. This is a safety issue. Be sure it is a round not pointed object, a glove that is white or gray, tape on his glove or anything the umpire determines to be distracting to the batter. A batting helmet may be worn in place of a cap just so it is not glossy. It does not require NFHS labels. Pre-game what you plan to allow on his hands. PITCHER S DRESS Reference Policy Guide Handbook for in depth ruling concerning exposed undershirts and sleeves. Glove. Must not include the color white or gray. There are several pantone shades of white. Remove any extended dangling laces. They serve no purpose other than to distract the batter. Multi -color glove is legal. Sleeve. If the pitcher wears a sleeve extending below the elbow on his pitching arm, it must not be white, gray or deemed not distracting. Note: he may wear a white or gray sleeve; but not below his elbow. Compression. NFHS 2014 rule interpretation provides the pitcher may not wear a white or gray compression type sleeve extending from his bicep to his wrist on his non-throwing arm. He is NOT required to wear sleeves on both arms. Vest Type Jersey. Viewed as a type of uniform top and not an undergarment. If the team has a white or grey top that extends below the elbow, it is permissible for the pitcher to wear a color different than the rest of the team. (Interpretation Hopkins, 2009). Undergarment Sleeves. Need not be same color as other team members and do not have to match but must be of same length and not frayed. Never white, grey nor distracting to the batter. Sweat band, tape or band aid. Not to be displayed on the pitching arm/hand. Legal on other arm as long as it is not white, gray nor deemed not distracting to the batter. UIC will decide what is distracting. Jacket. Pitcher may only wear a jacket while on offense, never on the defense. Note: wrist play band is legal on non-throwing arm as long as it is neither distracting nor game delaying. CUA Pilot Program. Reference Policy Guide handbook for penalty. Never allow the game to be delayed while the situation is being fixed. Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 11

12 THROWING AT A BATTER If you are aware of rivalry or bad blood between the two teams be sure you pre- game this with your partner. This is one of the few rare occasions a warning should be issued at the pre- game plate conference that this will not be tolerated. Be aware of your surroundings. A pitcher who has had control throughout the game suddenly gets roughed up by the top of the order and the next pitch is high and tight. That's not an oops. Game leading home run and the pitcher is replaced and the first pitch by the replacement is a knock down. This too is not another oops. Both these situations should call for immediate pitcher ejection with a warming issued to both coaches...' any more actions like this will lead to the coach s ejection not restriction'. A warning pitch by the pitcher well behind the batter should only require a warning to both coaches and the pitcher. Old school use to say throwing below the waist was ok, that's nonsense. Plate Umpire must contact the Assignor immediately after the game if this incident occurs along with a precise, accurate game report. NOTE: Plate Umpire must be aware there is a difference in pitching close to the batter vs throwing at the batter. OVERTHROWS The pitcher has the status of an infielder once he disengages the pitcher s plate and makes a throw. If he remains in contact with the pitcher s plate on his pickoff move he retains the status of a pitcher. See Rule 8 base running award table for placement of the runners and number of awarded bases. Note: understand the difference between a pitch vs a throw. FINAL THOUGHT Pitching regulations are placed in the rules to prevent the pitcher from having an unfair advantage over the other team. Our allowing him this advantage by not enforcing the regulations will easily make the pitcher the dominant player in control of the game. Learn the regulations. It's like Hall of Fame Umpire, Doug Harvey was credited with saying... we are expected to be perfect when we start and then to get better. see a balk...call a balk.... Have a good season! Intellectual content the property of Carolina Umpire Association. Prepared for CUA by E.R. Dusty Rhodes. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Supervisor, at gary_swanson@hotmail.com. credits to various NCAA, NFHS web sites credit to... rules of Carl Childress baseball Guide IV Pitching Regulations Page 12