2009 NFHS and PIAA Baseball Rules

February 18, 2009

Rule / Pg. / Review of Important 2008 Changes
3-2-4 / 30 / Head Coach and Captains (PIAA) must attend pre-game conference.
2-22-3 / 23 / Definition of Obstruction expanded. “The fielder without possession of the ball denies access to the base the runner is attempting to achieve.”
What is access? Answer: the runner’s straight line attempt to reach base.
Rationale: reduces risk of injury.
1-3-6 / 14 / Pitcher’s glove with white and/or gray is Illegal. Glove “..shall be removed from the game upon discovery by either team or umpire.” There is no penalty.
6-2-1e
6-2-4c / 42
43 / Clarification of penalty for pitcher going to his mouth and not wiping off.
No longer listed as a balk.
2009 Rule Changes
1-2-2 / 10 / All non-permanent lines on the field should be marked white with a material not injurious to the eyes or skin. Lime or caustic material of any kind is prohibited. Permanent lines (e.g., on turf fields) may be colored.
Rationale: Clarification for proper lining instructions for grass and turf fields.
7-3-4 / 46 / Clarified that a batter will not remain at bat if hit by a pitch which is Ball Four.
10-1-9 / 64 / The word “heather” removed from rule book re: umpires’ gray slacks. This rule change will provide umpires the opportunity to purchase any shade of gray slacks and be in compliance. However: PIAA still requires heather gray slacks, i.e., dark gray slacks (charcoal) are NOT permitted in PIAA.
6-2-3 / 43 / Word change: Pitcher may not intentionally throw pitch close to a batter.
3-2-3 / 31 / Word change: If a thrown ball accidentally unintentionally touches a base coach….
PIAA Clarifications / Rulings / Reminders
3-3-1d / 31 / PIAA rescinding last year’s position that the coaches’ affirmations that their players are “properly equipped” served as the official team warning for jewelry violations.
Rationale: Now in line with PIAA softball.
Coaches are responsible to ensure all bats and helmets are displayed for inspection no later than 15 minutes before game time.
New bat grips are deemed legal: Mattingly grip (rounded V-shape), Vendetta rails (octagon shape), and Vector-O (3 triangular holes, less wind resistance). Bats must still display BESR imprint.
Lines for running lane should be accurately drawn. At 45’and not touching foul line.
1-5-1 / 16 / PIAA suggests that adult base coaches wear a helmet. If worn, adult helmets do not need to have dual earflaps. Helmets of players and non-adult coaches must have dual.
Points of Emphasis
1. Team Personnel Location; 2. Pace of Game Play; 3. Coaching Staff Professionalism; 4. Pitching Requirements; 5. Good Sporting Behavior

February 18, 2009