Discipline - Any unsportsmanlike conduct, arguing or disrespect directed toward umpires will result in disciplinary action, which may include warnings, restriction to the bench or ejection from the game (3-3-1 to 3-3-4 and 10-2-3). These penalties are not punitive in nature – they are protective of the values that define high school sports: respect, integrity and personal responsibility. Respect for officials is a reflection of the maturity, leadership and character we hope to instill in all participants through educational athletics.
Sportsmanship (bench jockeying and props) - Bench jockeying can be considered as negative verbal comments, taunting or attempts to distract, intimidate or embarrass opponents or officials from the dugout – violates the standards of conduct expected in interscholastic competition. By rule, bench jockeying is prohibited and will result in warnings, restrictions or ejections as deemed appropriate by the umpire. Enforcement of this rule is not about silencing enthusiasm – it is about upholding the spirit of fair play and modeling appropriate conduct for students, schools and communities. There is no logical purpose to have props at an education-based athletic event. The dugout should be a place of encouragement and unity, not derision and distraction. Let the game be decided by skill, preparation and respect – not by unnecessary noise and antics.
Proper Pitching Positions - Pitchers are required to use one of two positions: the wind-up or the set. It is important that umpires, coaches and players know what position the pitcher is using so they know which part of Rule 6 is in play. The position of the pivot foot determines which of the pitching positions is being used. In the wind-up position, the pitcher’s pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and is not parallel to it. In the set position, the pivot foot is in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher’s plate.
Running Lane Awareness - Enforcing the running lane rule (8-4-1g) is vital for player safety, fairness and the educational goals of high school baseball. The batter-runner must use the designated lane in foul territory during a play at first base. 1. Safety – The lane prevents collisions and protects both the runner and the fielder. 2. Fair Play – Staying in the lane avoids unfair interference with defensive plays. 3. Consistency – Regular enforcement promotes accountability and discourages rule violations. 4. Education – Teaching proper lane use reinforces respect for the rules of the game. Violations result in interference, with the batter-runner out and runners returned to their previous base.
1-2-9, 2-5-1h, 2-16-1h, 8-2-1, 8-2-2(a)1-7, 8-2-7, 8-4-1g(1) – Modified that the double first base will be
mandatory effective January 1, 2027 and associated rule changes.
1-4-4 – Clarified what is allowed on a school’s official baseball uniform.
1-6-3 – Clarified what is not allowed to be worn by a player to record or transmit audio or video feeds.
2-10-3 – Clarified the definition of a player-to-player defensive meeting.
3-4-6 – Clarified the difference from a player-to-player meeting and a charged conference.
Answer to a common question as the MLB rules have allowed a return to two piece catcher's protection head gear:
Q: I have a question for you concerning catchers head protection in baseball. It is our understanding that the older style head protection consisting of the scull cap – (no earflaps) and the wire faceguard is illegal at the HS level. The newer hockey style head protection is legal and approved at the HS level for baseball catchers. Is this correct? Can you send me the ruling on this? We have a number of coaches and players wanting to order the style we feel is illegal.
A: You are correct. Those are illegal and have been for quite some time. They must have full ear protection.
Rule 1 Players, Field and Equipment
SECTION 5 PLAYER EQUIPMENT
ART. 3 . . . The catcher shall wear, in addition to a head protector, a mask with a throat protector, body protector, protective cup (male only), and baseball protective shin guards.
ART. 4 . . . The catcher's helmet and mask combination shall meet the NOCSAE standard. Any helmet or helmet and mask combination shall have full ear protection (dual ear flaps). A throat protector, which is either a part of or attached to the catcher's mask, is mandatory. A throat protector shall adequately cover the throat. The commercially manufactured catcher's head, face and throat protection may be a one-piece or multi-piece design. While in a crouch position, any non-adult warming up a pitcher at any location shall wear a head protector, a mask with a throat protector and a protective cup (male only).
PENALTY: Failure by a player to wear proper equipment after being so ordered by the umpire, shall result in ejection.
Pace of Game Play
The NFHS baseball committee identified these areas in need of improvements that detract from what otherwise is an exciting and enjoyable game:
- Handling offensive and defensive charged conferences in a timely manner.
- Speeding up the time between innings (1 minute) and during pitching changes.
- Maintaining the time between pitches (20 seconds).
- Umpires diligently counting the number of warm-up pitches.
- The batter’s box rule (the batter must generally keep one foot in the box during an at-bat). Unless it meets one of the eight exceptions:
- The batter swings at the pitch.
- The batter is forced out of the box by the pitch.
- The batter attempts a “drag bunt.”
- The pitcher or catcher feints or attempts a play at any base.
- The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound or takes a position more than five feet from the pitcher’s plate after receiving the ball.
- A member of either team requests and is granted “Time.”
- The catcher leaves the catcher’s box to adjust his equipment or give defensive signals.
- The catcher does not catch the pitched ball.
Baseball coaches will have up to five days of pitching instruction during the week prior to the first date for baseball practice (Sun to Sat). Only one session per day per athlete is permitted with the maximum length of two hours per individual.
Regulations for Baseball Pitcher Instruction
NFHS Memorandum
To: NFHS Member State Associations’ Baseball Liaisons
From: B. Elliot Hopkins, MLD, CAA, Director of Sports, Sanctioning and Student Services
Subject: New NOCSAE Chest Protector Pad is Identified
Date: November 25, 2019 ________________________________________________________________________
We recently identified that a NOCSAE certified chest pad that protects the heart and the cardiac silhouette is being offered by chest protector manufacturers to fit on top of an existing non-NOCSAE approved chest protector making the chest protector compliant with our rules. This pad meets the criteria of our NFHS Baseball Rule 1-5-3. Coaches are responsible for knowing if their catcher’s chest/body protector equipment meets the rule and should affirm that fact with the umpire-in-chief prior to the start of the ball game.
This new pad adds another alternative to the new chest/body protector rule. You now have three options: 1) a new traditional chest protector that protects the heart/cardiac silhouette and meets the NOCSAE performance standard; 2) a body protector (compression shirt with heart guard built into the shirt) that that protects the heart/cardiac silhouette and meets the NOCSAE performance standard under the traditional chest protector; 3) a chest pad that that protects the heart/cardiac silhouette and meets the NOCSAE performance standard that fits on top of the traditional chest protector. As we receive more information as to what these pads look like, we will share their images with you.
NOTE: Chest pads that meet the NOCSAE performance standard are not proprietary to a specific chest protector manufacturer. (ex. A Brodell brand chest pad can be worn on a Dolan brand chest protector. It is not specific to only a Brodell brand chest protector.)