Clarification: Extending The Dugout
One of the 2008 NFHS Points of Emphasis is "Dugouts" may be extended, but they must me extended from the end furthest from home plate (i.e., extended toward the outfield).
MAIN POINT OF EMPHASIS: The NFHS wants EVERYONE inside the dugout during the game; however, some dugouts are not large enough to sensibly allow everyone to be in the dugout. In these cases, the dugout may be extended.
In response to several associations who had questions concerning the purpose and intent of this Point of Emphasis, Kyle McNeely, NFHS Rules Committee Chief, has outlined what specifically needs to take place in order for a dugout to be "extended". The following must be accomplished in order to extend a dugout:
- The extended area must be clearly marked with chalk. The extended area is a "dead ball" area.
- Both dugouts (Home and Visitor) must be marked. In other words, if the Home team dugout is extended, the Visiting team dugout will also be extended and marked.
- Since the "extended area" is marked and considered to be part of the dugout AND dead ball territory, the coach may set in a chair or on a bucket in this area. Players are also allowed in the "extended" area.
Bench personnel (coaches, players and managers) are not allowed outside the dugout in the non-extended area, i.e., the area outside the dugout closest to home plate. Partially "in" and partially "out" in this area is considered "outside" the dugout.
The NFHS wants the dugout rule to be enforced. They want EVERYONE inside the dugout during the game, period. This is the reason they have allowed the dugouts to be extended, so coaches can't complain that dugouts are too small for everyone to remain inside. Basically, they want "no excuses" for coaches to be outside the dugout unless they are on offense and coaching first or third base. There will be no good reason for a defensive coach to be outside the dugout.
If a team has extended a dugout that is obviously large enough to adequately house all players and coaches, it is within your power to not allow the extension. The rationale should be whether or not you feel the dugout was extended for the sole purpose of allowing the coach to remain outside the dugout.
There is a potential for many more dead ball situations on fields where dugouts have been extended toward the outfield.