NFHS Baseball Rule Interpretations
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
Covers "legal", "Illegal" and "Improper" substitutions. Are there penalties involved for "Illegal" and/or "Improper" substitutions? Also covers the "Courtesy Runner" rules. - PITCHER GOING TO THE MOUTH
Is it a balk or illegal pitch? The right answer is "it can be both, or neither". You should how to apply this act if it's a violation and know when it's not a violation. - MALICIOUS CONTACT
Exactly what constitutes "Malicious Contact" and what is the penalty? - OBSTRUCTION
Do you know the difference between "Obstruction" and "Interference"? If so, what are the penalties for each? - INTERFERENCE
If you're not sure of the difference between "Obstruction" and "Interference" you can find out by reading these interpretations. - INTERFERENCE AT SECOND BASE
What constitutes "Interference at Second Base" when a runner is attempting to break up a double play? Who is supposed to watch and make this call? - ILLEGAL SLIDING
Learn exactly what constitutes an "Illegal Slide". - INFIELD FLY RULE
Did you know that not all routine fly balls to the infield are "infield flies", even if 1st and 2nd bases, or bases are loaded with less than two outs? If you don't know what fits into this category, you need to read this interpretation. - FOUL BALL
AND FOUL TIP
Not real complex or complicated, but there are some major differences, make sure you can apply these differences.