Baseball Umpire Related Information

This section contains rule interpretations of rules which have been mis-applied in past seasons.  These interpretations attempt to clearly define each rule covered and provide examples in an effort to properly apply the rule in any situation. 

NFHS Rule Interpretations

• PITCHING SUBSTITUTIONS
  Can a pitcher leave the game and re-enter as the pitcher in the same inning?  Can the pitcher begin an inning as the pitcher, move to another position and return to pitch in the same inning?  Are there restrictions preventing a pitcher who has pitched in a game from returning to pitch in the same game? All good questions!  Find the answers here!
• DESIGNATED HITTER RULE
  What happens if a DH enters the game on defense or is pinch hit or pinch run for?  What happens if the defensive player who was being hit for later hits for the DH? What happens when the defensive player who was being "hit for" leaves the game?
• BATTING OUT OF ORDER
  This is a situation which can cause mass confusion, particularly among coaches.  You need to know how to remedy the situation and apply proper penalties when applicable.  That's right, there's not always a penalty for batting out of order!
• THE BALK RULE
  Do you know the difference between an illegal pitch and a balk?  Learn the situations which cause a balk.
• BASE RUNNING
  Are there rules restricting exactly how runners are required to lead off a base?  If not, what rule supports how a runner chooses to lead off a base?
• APPEAL PLAY
  Do you know the two "types" of Appeal Plays?  Do you know when a team loses the right to appeal a play?
• SUBSTITUTIONS AND COURTESY RUNNERS
  Covers "legal", "Illegal" and "Improper" substitutions.  Are there penalties involved for "Illegal" and/or "Improper" substitutions?  Also covers the "Courtesy Runner" rules.