RULE CHANGES
QUESTION: In high school baseball, batter-runner is called out on a close play at first base. Head coach leaves dugout to argue call and kicks dirt or throws hat to ground. Does umpire issue a warning or is this an immediate ejection?
ANSWER: These actions are considered a major offense and the punishment results in immediate ejection without warning (BB- Rule 3, Sec. 3, Art. 1,q-Penalty).
QUESTION: In high school softball, in bottom of fifth inning, home coach reports that Jones will pinch hit for Kidd and Kidd will return to defense in top of sixth inning. Legal action?
ANSWER: This is considered a projected substitution which is prohibited. Kidd must be reported when she re-enters in top of sixth inning. Jones must first be removed from lineup prior to Kidd re-entering. (SB- Rule 2, Sec. 57, Art. 4).
This feature will appear regularly during baseball / softball season from now through October. It is designed to explain the rules and procedures for girls, boys and adults. Lynch is a member of the National Federation of State High School Officials (NFHS), National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), Hudson County Umpires Association (past president, cadet supervisor and softball mechanics interpreter and former member of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). The season begins April 1.