NFHS Balk Rules

This discussion outlines the legal pitching positions and exactly what constitutes a pitching infraction, an illegal pitch and a balk.

Rule 6  Section 1  Pitching

A pitch can be thrown from either of two basic positions, the windup or the set position.  The position of the pitcher's feet determine whether he is going to pitch from either of these positions. 

Rule 6-1-1  The pitcher shall take his sign from the catcher with his pivot foot on the pitching plate.

Violation of this portion of the rule is not an illegal pitch or balk.  The purpose of this rule is to prevent a quick pitch.  The umpire will call time and direct the pitcher to take his sign from the catcher while in contact with the pitcher's plate.  A second violation will result in the removal of the pitcher from the game (ejection).

Rule 6-1-1  Turning the shoulders to check the runners while in contact with the pitcher's plate in the set position is legal.  Turning the shoulders after bringing the hands together during or after the "stretch" is a balk.

The set position is defined in Rule 6-1-3 (below).  Some umpires get the terms "set" and "stretch" confused.  Basically a pitcher is in the set position when he performs the requirements of Rule 6-1-3.  After bringing his hands together he is in the act of the "stretch".  So, he can turn his shoulders to check the runners while in the set position prior to actually beginning his motion and putting hands together to begin the actual "stretch" motion.

Rule 6-1-2  The Windup Position.   A pitcher assumes the windup position when his hands are:

• Together in front of the body, or
• Both hands are at his side, or
• Either hand is in front of his body and the other hand is at his side

When in the windup position, a pitcher's non-pivot foot shall be in any position on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher's plate.

• During delivery from the windup position, a pitcher may begin the pitching motion by:
• lLfting is non-pivot foot in a step forward, with no other steps, and throw the pitch, or
• Taking a step backward, then a step forward with the non-pivot foot and throw the pitch

Rule 6-1-3  The Set Position.  A pitcher assumes the set position by having the ball in either his gloved hand or his pitching hand.  His pitching hand, with or without the ball, shall be down at his side or behind his back.  He shall stand with his entire non-pivot foot in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher's plate with his entire pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate.  The pivot foot is most commonly in front of, but maintaining contact with, the front edge of the pitcher's plate.  While in this set position, the pitcher may turn his shoulders to check a runner who is on base.

The pitcher shall go to into the "stretch" motion without interruption and in one continuous motion.  He shall come to a complete stop with the ball in both hands in front of his body and in his glove at or below the chin.  Note:  Failure to come to a complete stop, or stopping with both hands above the chin constitutes an illegal pitch or a balk.

A pitcher is most susceptible to committing an illegal pitch or a balk while in the set position and beginning the stretch.  While in the set position, a pitcher must:

• Hold the ball in his glove or his pitching hand
• His pitching hand (with or without the ball) must be AT HIS SIDE, or BEHIND HIS BACK.  Note: A pitcher who lets his arm hang down in front of his body, or swings his arm "back and forth", with or without the ball, has committed an illegal pitch or a balk.
• To legally "step off" a pitcher must "Step Back" off the pitcher's plate.  Note:  A pitcher who steps sideways or in front of the pitcher's plate has committed an illegal pitch or a balk.

Rule 6-1-5  When a pitcher is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball, or is throwing to a base while his pivot foot is clearly off the pitcher's plate is a fielder and not a pitcher.  Note:  A pitcher is a field if he legally steps off the pitcher's plate and throws the ball in an effort to pick off a runner on base.  It is important to make this distinction in the event the throw goes out of play.  If the pitcher is a fielder the award is two bases from the runner's position at the time of the pitch.  If the pitcher is still a pitcher, the award is one base from the runner's position at the time of the pitch.

Rule 6 Section 2  Infractions By A Pitcher

Rule 6-2-1  Illegal Acts.  Illegal acts by a pitcher include:

• applying a foreign substance to the ball.  Penalty:  The ball is dead and the umpire may eject the pitcher.  If detected after the pitch it is also an illegal pitch.
• spitting on the ball or glove.  Penalty: Same as above
• rubbing the ball on the glove, clothing or person if the act defaces the ball.  Penalty: Same as above
• discoloring the ball with dirt.  Penalty: Same as above
• bringing the pitching hand in contact with the mouth without distinctly wiping off the pitching hand before it touches the ball.  Penalty: A ball is awarded the batter
• wearing any items on the hands, wrists or arms that may be distracting to the the batter  Penalty:  No penalty, must be corrected before the next pitch.
• wearing a glove or mitt that includes the colors white or gray.  Penalty: No penalty, must be corrected before the next pitch.
• wearing exposed undershirt sleeves that are white or gray.  Penalty:  No penalty, must be corrected before the next pitch.

Rule 6-2-2  Delay of the Game.  Delay of the game includes:

• throwing to any player other than the catcher, when the batter is in the batter's box, unless it is an attempt to retire a runner.  Penalty: Warning for first offense, ejection if repeated.
• consuming time as the result of the coach or his representative conferring with a defensive player or players after being charged with three conferences.  Penalty: The pitcher shall be replaced.
• failing to pitch or make or attempt a play, including a legal feint, within 20 seconds after he has received the ball.  Penalty:  The batter is awarded a ball.

Rule 6-2-3  Throw Close to a Batter.  The pitcher may not intentionally throw a pitch close to the batter.  Penalty: The pitcher shall be ejected if judged to be intentional.

Rule 6-2-4  Balk  If there is a runner or runners on base, any of the following acts by pitcher while he is touching the pitcher's plate is a balk:

• feinting toward the batter
• feinting toward first base
• dropping the ball, even accidental, and the ball does not cross a foul line.  Note:  It is not a balk if the ball crosses the foul line.  If it is obviously the ball will not cross a foul line, declare the ball dead and call the balk.  If the ball is rapidly moving, it is not a balk if it does cross a foul line; however, the ball remains "live".
• failing to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting a throw to first base
• applying a foreign substance to the ball
• spitting on the ball or glove
• discoloring the ball with dirt
• failing to come to a complete and discernable stop while pitching from the stretch position
• having the pitching hand, with or without the ball, in any position or than in the glove or at his side, while in the set position
• taking a hand off the ball while in the set position without throwing the pitch or throwing or legally feinting a throw to a base.
• failing to proceed with a pitch after the entire non-pivot foot passes behind the perpendicular plane of the back edge of the pitcher's plate, EXCEPT when feinting or throwing to second base in an attempt to retire a runner.
• makes ANY movement naturally associated with his pitch while not in contact with the pitcher's plate
• places himself within 5 feet of the pitcher's plate without having the ball in his possession

Legal Pick Off Moves To First Base

Right Handed Pitcher:

• Steps back off the pitcher's plate.  May then throw or feint a throw to first base
• Jump Move to first base.  The pitcher jumps while turning his hips and shoulders and non-pivot foot towards first base.  This is a very quick motion as is legal as long as the pitcher throws to first base.  He is still considered to be in contact with the pitcher's plate and therefore cannot feint a throw to first base while performing this move.
• Steps toward first base with his non-pivot foot and throws to first base while his pivot foot is contacting the pitcher's plate.  This is a legal move; however, the pitcher cannot feint a throw because his pivot foot is still in contact with the pitcher's plate.

Left Handed Pitcher:

• Steps back off the pitcher's plate.  May then throw or feint a throw to first base
• Steps towards first base with his non-pivot foot and throws to first base.  This is a legal move as long as his non-pivot foot did not cross a perpendicular line drawn even with the back edge of the pitcher's plate; however, the pitcher cannot feint a throw because his pivot foot is still in contact with the pitcher's plate.