1. 6.00
THE BATTER
Click in the Title

2. 6.02(b)
The rule reads " the umpire shall call "Ball" or "Strike" as the case may be.
“But I'm here to tell you unless the ball hits the backstop or bounces across the
plate I have a strike if he/she leaves the box.
THE BATTER SHALL NOT LEAVE THAT POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX AFTER THE PITCHER COMES TO THE SET POSITION OR STARTS A WINDUP.
PENALTY: IF THE PITCHER PITCHES, THE UMPIRE SHALL CALL “BALL” OR “STRIKE” AS THE CASE MAY BE.

3. 6.02(c)
Batter Up!!
Batter Up!!
Batter Up!!
Strike!!!
Clink once to get Batter up 3 times then after reading the rule click again the get rolling ball and strike call.
I’VE USED THIS RULE A FEW TIMES. The coach is talking to his players and no one is getting ready to come to the plate. Holler batter up a couple of times and then enforce this rule!!
If THE BATTER REFUSES TO TAKE THEIR POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX DURING A TIME AT BAT, THE UMPIRE SHALL ORDER THE PITCHER TO PITCH, AND SHALL CALL “STRIKE” ON EACH SUCH PITCH.

4. Yes No No No
Yes No
Cover in or not in. Don’t call “Play Ball” until the
batter is inside the lines of the batter’s box.
Point to the legal and then the illegal positions.
Rule 6.03
The Batter’s legal position shall be with both feet within the batter’s box

5. 6.05(b) A batter is out when -
(b) Little League (Majors)/Intermediate (50-70)/Junior/Senior/Big –
(1) a third strike is legally caught by the catcher;
(2) a third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two are out. Minor League and Tee Ball: A third strike is caught or not caught by the catcher.
Summary and Implementation: As of the 2012 season, for the Major Baseball Division, players may advance on a third strike that is not caught in flight by the catcher.

6. 6.05(e)
Now is the time to discuss the myth about the "hands are part of the bat!"
The various manufacturers have not made a bat with hands on it yet. Keep
your eyes open for that bat but it is not on the market yet.
Call "time" because the ball hit the batter and then call him out because it
was "strike three"!
A BATTER IS OUT WHEN THAT BATTER ATTEMPTS TO HIT A THIRD STRIKE AND IS TOUCHED BY THE BALL.

7. 6.05(f)
Make sure the batter is out of the box when you call him out. Don't get caught
up in a step and a half or two steps, etc. He is in the box when he makes
contact with the ball, "Foul Ball". He is out of the box when contact is made,
"Time" "Batter is out."
Bunt attempt this will happen because of spin on the ball, or hitting under the
ball and popping it up in front of the plate.
A BATTER IS OUT WHEN A FAIR BALL TOUCHES SAID BATTER BEFORE TOUCHING A FIELDER.

8. The bat does the hitting ------- Ball is dead, Batter is out.
A batter is out when:
6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory.
A batter is out when:
6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no runners may advance. If the batter runner drops his bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is alive and in play;
Comment: If a bat is thrown into fair territory and interferes with a defensive player attempting to make a play, interference shall be called, whether intentional or not. In cases where the batting helmet is accidentally hit with a batted or thrown ball, the ball remains in play the same as if it has not hit the helmet. If a batted ball strikes a batting helmet or any other object foreign to the natural ground while on foul territory, it is a foul ball and the ball is dead. If, in the umpire’s judgment, there is intent on the part of a baserunner to interfere with a batted or thrown ball by dropping the helmet or throwing it at the ball, then the runner would be out, the ball dead and runners would return to last base legally touched.
Click for bat action
Comments:
1) The phrase “while holding the bat” has been removed from this rule, since it has never mattered whether or not the batter is holding the bat or not. If the bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory, the batter is out, regardless whether it’s intentional or unintentional.
Cross References: 6.09f, 7.09b
The bat does the hitting Ball is dead, Batter is out.

9. The ball does the hitting ---------- Balls alive and in play
A batter is out when:
6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory.
The ball does the hitting.
Click for ball action
The ball does the hitting Balls alive and in play

10. 6.05 (j) A batter is out when: Two key elements:
6.05 (j) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside the three foot line, or inside the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base.
Two key elements:
(1) The ball must be thrown in order for the runner to interfere with the “fielder taking the throw”
(2) The throw must be a reasonably catchable throw.
A batter is out when:
6.05 (j) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside (to the right of) the three foot line, or inside (to the left of) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base; except that he may run outside (to the right of) the three foot line or inside (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball;
Comments:
1) There are two key elements to this rule that frequently are misunderstood: (1) the ball must be thrown in order for the runner to interfere with the “fielder taking the throw” and (2) the throw must be a reasonably catchable throw. A catcher who does not throw, or who throws well over the fielder’s head should not be rewarded by having interference called.
2) A “catchable throw” would essentially be a throw that the baseman could probably catch if the runner were not there.
3) This, most often, will be the plate umpire’s call, since the base umpire will be moving into position to make the call at first. However, either umpire may make the call.
4) The lines marking the three foot lane are part of that “lane” but the interpretation to be made is that the runner is required to have both feet within the three foot “lane” or on the lines marking the “lane.”
Cross References: 7.09k.

11. 6.06 (d) A batter is out for illegal action when -
(d) The batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with
an illegal bat (see bat specifications rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box.
If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s box
following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat:
1) The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the
penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of
the play.
2) For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for
the duration of the game.
3) For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game.
Any subsequent violation will result in the newly designated manager being ejected.

12. 7.09(j) – Batter Interference
1st
1st C
1st BR A C
1st BR B BR BR
Click to get situation “C” – Catcher moves to foul territory and first follows, runner still in the three foot box
Click to get situation “D” – catcher foul territory, first in foul territory, catcher throws ball but the runner runs out of the three foot box C C C D

13. 6.05 (J)
The ball is dead immediately on interference. Call "Time" "That's interference"
The batter/runner, etc is out.
Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball is really self explanatory. There are several ways that the runner can intentionally interference with a thrown ball;
1) is as pictured;
2) by getting his/her body in the way of a thrown ball;
3) hitting or kicking at the glove to make the ball come out, etc., etc.,
There are ways to hinder a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball;
1) run in front and slow down so the fielder cannot see the ball;
2) intentionally slow down to run in front of a fielder with the purpose of
distracting him/her;
3) holler very loudly at the fielder to confuse him/her into thinking someone
else will catch the ball, etc., etc.
A BATTER IS OUT WHEN A PRECEDING RUNNER SHALL, IN THE UMPIRE’S JUDGMENT, INTENTIONALLY INTERFERE WITH A FIELDER WHO IS ATTEMPTING TO CATCH A THROWN BALL OR TO THROW A BALL IN AN ATTEMPT TO COMPLETE A PLAY.

14. A batter is out for illegal action when:
6.06(a) hitting the ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box.
Key Elements:
The ball is dead.
A foot must be on the ground outside the box when the ball is struck for this to be called.
Stepping on home plate is not an out, unless, the batter’s foot is on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box when making contact with the ball.
Regardless whether the ball is batted fair or foul.
A batter is out for illegal action when:
6.06(a) He hits a ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box.
Comment: If a batter hits a ball fair or foul while out of the batter’s box, he shall be called out. Umpires should pay particular attention to the position of the batter’s feet if he attempts to hit the ball while he is being intentionally passed. A batter cannot jump or step out of the batter’s box and hit the ball.
Comments:
1) The ball is dead. Runners return to their time of the pitch base..
2) This call is never the responsibility of the base umpire. The plate umpire, only, is responsible.
3) A foot must be on the ground outside the box when the ball is struck for this to be called.
4) Stepping on home plate when batting the ball is not an out, unless, in the judgement of the plate umpire, the batter’s foot is on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box when making contact with the ball.
5) The batter is out, regardless whether the ball is batted fair or foul.
6) If the batter is trying to get out of the way of a very wild pitch and the ball hits his bat while the batter’s foot is outside the box, he shall not be out. The umpire should let the play run out.
Cross References: 6.03

15. The entire foot must be completely out of box.
Legal or Illegal
The entire foot must be completely out of box.
LEGAL OR ILLEGAL??????????

16. The entire foot is completely out of box.
Legal or Illegal
The entire foot is completely out of box.
LEGAL OR ILLEGAL????????

17. The entire foot is completely out of box.
Legal or Illegal
LEGAL OR ILLEGAL?????????
The entire foot is completely out of box.

18. A batter is out for illegal action when:
6.06(c) interfering with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box, or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base.
Key Elements:
A swing, which carries the batter over home plate and hinders the catcher’s play or attempted play.
Contact between the batter and catcher does not necessarily have to occur for interference to be ruled.
Need not get out of the box, unless batter has time.
While in the box, he must make some “other movement” that is deemed a hindrance to the catcher.
6.06(c) He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base. EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying to score is called out for batter’s interference.
Comment: If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call “interference.” No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference. If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called. If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the back swing before the catcher has securely held the ball, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play.
Comments:
1) The batter is obligated to avoid making any movement,which obstructs, impedes, or hinders the catcher’s play in any way. A swing, which carries the batter over home plate and subsequently complicates the catcher’s play or attempted play should be ruled interference. Contact between the batter and catcher does not necessarily have to occur for interference to be ruled. Merely blocking the catcher’s vision to second base may very possible by interference.
2) On any runner advancing between first and third, the batter need not get out of the box. On a play at home, in the umpire’s judgement, if the batter has time to vacate the box, he must do so or interference may be called. Once out of the box, a batter might still be called for interfering with the play.
3) A batter shall not be charged with interference for standing still and consequently complicating the catcher’s play at any base. If he is within the confines of the batter’s box, he must make some “other movement” that is deemed a hindrance to the catcher’s play before interference is ruled.
4) When the umpire calls interference and the catcher manages to throw despite the interference, the following enforcement guidelines should be used:
A) If the catcher’s first throw following the interference retires a runner, the interference is disregarded.
B) If a rundown ensues, the ball shall be declared dead at the time and the interference penalty enforced.
C) If the runner reaches the base to which he is advancing safely, time should be called and the interference penalty enforced. Even though the runner may be put out trying to advance beyond his acquired base, this out does not stand since the catcher’s first throw did not retire the runner.
Cross References: 2.00, 6.06a, 7.08g, 7.09a,d, 7.09f

19. Catcher’s Interference:
6.08(c) The catcher or any fielder interferes with the batter.
No Interference When:
Batter reaches first base AND
All other runners advance at least one base.
Key Elements:
Allow the play to continue:
Manager’s Option:
Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance remain on the base they occupied at the time of the interference.
The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touched first base) when:
6.08(c) The catcher or any fielder interferes with him. If a play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire that he elect to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without reference to the interference.
Comment: If catcher’s interference is called with a play in progress the umpire will allow the play to continue because the manager may elect to take the play. If the batter runner missed first base, or a runner misses his next base, he shall be considered as having reached the base, as stated in Note of Rule 7.04 (c). Examples of plays the manager might elect to take:
1. Runner on third, one out, batter hits fly ball to the outfield on which the runner scores but catcher’s interference was called. The offensive manager may elect to take the run and have batter called out or have runner remain at third and batter awarded first base.
2. Runner on second base. Catcher interferes with batter as he bunts ball fairly sending runner to third base. The manager may rather have runner on third base with an out on the play than have runners on second and first. In situations where the manager wants the “interference” penalty to apply, the following interpretation shall be made of 6.08 (c): If the catcher (or any fielder) interferes with the batter, the batter is awarded first base. If, on such interference a runner is trying to score by a steal or squeeze from third base, the ball is dead and the runner on third scores and batter is awarded first base. If the catcher interferes with the batter with no runners trying to score from third on a squeeze or steal, then the ball is dead, batter is awarded first base and runners who are forced to advance, do advance. Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance remain on the base they occupied at the time of the interference. If the catcher interferes with the batter before the pitcher delivers the ball, it shall not be considered interference on the batter under Rule 6.08 (c). In such cases, the umpire shall call “Time” and the pitcher and batter start over from “scratch.”
Cross References: 7.04c, 7.07

20. 7.00
THE RUNNER
Click in the Title

21. 7.03 Make sure they know who is out.
The following runner (the 2nd runner) is out.
TWO RUNNERS MAY NOT OCCUPY THE SAME BASE, BUT IF, WHILE THE BALL IS ALIVE, TWO RUNNERS ARE TOUCHING THE SAME BASE, THE PROCEEDING RUNNER IS ENTITLED TO THE BASE, AND THE FOLLOWING RUNNER SHALL BE OUT WHEN TAGGED.

22. 7.04(b)
If the defensive player falls into a dead ball area after making a catch the
call is "TIME" and award the runner(s) one base from where they were at the
time of the catch.
We will not allow them to run into the bench or dugout to catch the ball.
That is much to dangerous.
EACH RUNNER, OTHER THAN THE BATTER, MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE WHEN A FIELDER, AFTER CATCHING A FLY BALL, FALLS INTO A BENCH OR STAND.

23. 7.05(c)
Make sure the class understands:
The throwing is not a violation, the throwing and touching the BATTED
ball with the glove is the violation
The batter-runner and all other runners get at least 3 bases for the violation,
however, they may advance to home if they are able.
3. If they advance beyond the 3 bases they are guaranteed they are also liable
to be put out.
EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE THREE BASES IF A FIELDER DELIBERATELY THROWS A GLOVE AT AND TOUCHES A FAIR BALL.

24. 7.05 (g) & (h)
When a thrown ball enters a dead ball area the umpire shall award -
Two Bases: If it’s the first throw by an infielder, all runners and the batter runner advance two bases from where they were at the time of the pitch.
Two Bases: On all other throws, all runners and the batter runner advance two bases from where they were at the time the ball was released.
One Base: If thrown by the pitcher while on the pitcher’s plate.

25. 7.06(a) OBSTRUCTION
When the obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal “Obstruction”
If a play is being made on the obstructed runner or the batter-runner is obstructed:
“Time” called at the moment of obstruction,
Batter-runner awarded first base, or runner is awarded at least one base,
Other runners;
Advance one base if forced,
If not forced, advance or return according to umpire’s judgment
This is an immediate dead ball

26. 7.06(b) OBSTRUCTION
If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible:
“Time” called when action is completed,
Umpire imposes such penalties, if any, in that umpire’s judgment nullifies that act of obstruction.
Other runners;
Advance one base if forced,
If not forced, advance or return according to umpire’s judgment
Remember this is a delayed dead ball.

27. 7.08(a)(1)
Cover the difference between going more than 3 feet to AVOID a tag and the
momentum of the runner taking him outside the "baseline" (direct line between
bases).
The runner actually makes the base line himself.
ANY RUNNER IS OUT IF, TO AVOID BEING TAGGED, THE RUNNER RUNS MORE THAN THREE FEET FROM A DIRECT LINE BETWEEN BASES.

28. 7.08(a)(3)
7.08(a) (3) (Any runner is out when) the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is awaiting to make the tag;
Comments:
1) There is NO “MUST SLIDE” rule.
2) The fielder must have the ball in his possession; AND
3) The fielder must be WAITING to make the tag;
7.08(a) A runner is out when:
(3) Runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is awaiting to make the tag;
Comments:
This is the most misunderstood rule in the book. It is easily broken down as follows:
1) There is NO “MUST SLIDE” rule and no League may create one.
2) The fielder must have the ball in his possession; AND
3) The fielder must be WAITING to make the tag; IF BOTH of those two criteria are satisfied, then the runner must EITHER: (1) Slide; OR (2) ATTEMPT to get around the fielder.
4) The rule says “attempt to get around”. Contact may occur with no penalty assessed.

29. Must have the ball in his possession AND
Must be WAITING to make the tag.
OUT or SAFE!?!?!?!?!?!?
You make the call!!!!

30. 7.08 (a) (4)
7.08 (a) (4) (Any runner is out when) the runner slides head first while advancing (Tee Ball, Minors or Majors only)
Comment:
This rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a base, only when advancing to a base.
7.08(a) A runner is out when:
The runner slides head first while advancing.
Comments:
This rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a base, only when advancing to a base.
Reiterate, "Majors and Minors (including Tee Ball)!!!!

31. 7.08(b)
The ball is dead immediately on interference. Call "Time" "That's interference"
The batter/runner, etc is out.
Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball is really self explanatory. There are
several ways that the runner can intentionally interference with a thrown ball;
1) is as pictured;
2) by getting his/her body in the way of a thrown ball;
3) hitting or kicking at the glove to make the ball come out, etc., etc.,
There are ways to hinder a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball;
1) run in front and slow down so the fielder cannot see the ball;
2) intentionally slow down to run in front of a fielder with the purpose of
distracting him/her;
3) holler very loudly at the fielder to confuse him/her into thinking someone
else will catch the ball, etc., etc.
ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THE RUNNER INTENTIONALLY INTERFERES WITH A THROWN BALL OR HINDERS A FIELDER ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A PLAY ON A BATTED BALL.

32. 7.08(c)
This is a good slide to use to illustrate that the batter-runner can turn to the
right or to the left as long as he/she returns immediately and does not have any
thoughts about going to 2nd base when the turn is to the left.
Someone may ask, "Then why do the coaches always teach there runners to turn
to the right?" The answer is "So the umpire does not have to "judge" whether
or not the runner had thoughts on going to 2nd.“
Rule 7.08(j) is really the second part of the exception: If the runner attempts or feints towards second he is out when tagged; if the runner turns and proceeds toward the dugout or his fielding position, then the runner or base can be tagged to get the out.
ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THAT RUNNER IS TAGGED, WHILE OFF THE BASE, WHEN THE BALL IS ALIVE.
EXCEPTION: A BATTER-RUNNER CANNOT BE TAGGED OUT AFTER OVER RUNNING FIRST BASE IF SAID BATTER-RUNNER RETURNS IMMEDIATELY TO THE BASE.

33. 7.08(f)
ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN TOUCHED BY A FAIR BALL IN FAIR TERRITORY BEFORE THE BALL HAS TOUCHED OR PASSED AN INFIELDER
The base is not a safe haven for any runner in any situation. If the runner is on
or off the base when the ball is batted and the batted ball hits him while on or
off the base the runner is declared out immediately.
The only exception is on an infield fly the runner is not out if they are hit by
the fly ball while in contact with the base.

34. 7.08(h)
The runner who is doing the passing is the one that is out. Call the out and keep the ball alive and in play.
Do not call "Time".
ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THAT RUNNER PASSES A PRECEDING RUNNER BEFORE THE PRECEDING RUNNER IS OUT.

35. 7.10 APPEAL There are four types of Appeal Plays:
(1) Missed base (7.10b,d)
(2) Failure to retouch properly (7.10a)
(3) Failure to return to first base (7.10c)
(4) Batting out of order (6.07)
An APPEAL is the act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules by the offensive team.
Comments:
1) Appeals do no have to be made verbally. However, when it’s possible more than one runner could be appealed, the player must indicate to the umpire which runner is being appealed. Asking, “Which runner?” can accomplish this.
2) There are four types of Appeal Plays: (Three of the four appeal plays involve the runner)
A) Missed base
B) Failure to retouch properly
C) Failure to return to first base “immediately”
D) Batting out of order
3) Rule 7.10 specifies the four times a runner is out on appeal:
7.10a Runner fails to retouch properly after fly ball is caught
7.10b Runner fails to touch each base in order while advancing or returning
7.10c Runner fails to return immediately after overrunning first
7.10d Runner fails to touch home base and proceeds to dugout

36. APPEAL Requirements for making a proper appeal:
Must be made before the next pitch
Must be made before next play or attempted play
Must be a live ball for appeals to be made
Must be made in a precise, unmistakable manner
Must be made before the defensive team leaves the field
Rule 7.10 specifies requirements for making a proper appeal:
A. Must be made before the next pitch
B. Must be made before next play or attempted play
C. Must be alive ball for appeals to be made.
D. Must be made in a precise, unmistakable manner
E. Must be made before the defensive team leaves the field (All infielders including the pitcher leave fair territory. In the case of the catcher, who plays in foul territory, he may make an appeal anytime before he heads to the dugout thinking the inning is over. Defensive teams lose right to appeal.
A. After pitch, play, or attempted play following break in “continuous action”
B. After an illegal pitch (Little League) or a balk (Juniors/Seniors/Big League)
C. After the ball is thrown out of play while making an appeal
A play or attempted play is a legitimate effort by a fielder with the ball to retire a runner. The fact that the tag is not made is irrelevant.. A fake or feint does NOT constitute legitimate effort. A pitcher’s bluff to hold or check a runner’s advance during an appeal attempt does NOT constitute legitimate effort. An appeal attempt is NOT considered a play or attempted play. Therefore, more than one appeal may be made. If, however, the ball were thrown out of play on an appeal effort, no second appeal would be allowed. That “error” is considered a play. Plays or attempted plays that are made as part of a “continuous action” do not nullify the defensive team’s right to appeal. These, in effect, are not considered plays.
Cross References: 4.09a.3, 6.07a,d, 7.08d,j,k, 7.10

37. 7.13
Minors and Below: Base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter.
Majors (Softball): Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has been released by the pitcher.
7.13 Minor/Majors Baseball -- When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher's plate and in possession of the ball and the catcher is in the catcher's box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter.
Comments:
1) If, in the umpire’s judgment, the manager is instructing his players to leave early intentionally, the manager may be warned and/or ejected from the game for deliberately violating the rules.
2) When the runner is legitimately off his base, the pitcher cannot stop the runner by taking the ball back to the pitcher’s plate.
3) The catcher is “ready to receive delivery” of the pitch when he has his mask on and is facing the pitcher. He does not have to be in a squat position.
4) Until the pitcher and catcher have satisfied the above elements of this rule, the runners are free to advance without violation.
7.13(a) Comment: It doesn’t matter which runner leaves early. The violation affects each and every base runner
7.13(b) Comment:1) The batter may not advance beyond first base on a single or an error, including two base errors, obstruction or any other award he may receive.
2) If at the end of the entire play, an open base exits, the runners must return to the original base or to the one nearest to the one that was left early.
7.13 (c) If the ball makes it to the outfield, all runners would normally be expected to advance one base safely, so in a bases loaded situation, one run would score; In the same bases loaded situation, however, if the ball stayed within the infield, a runner leaving early may have prevented the defense from executing a force play at one of the bases, so no run will score.
Note: If the batter-runner or any other base runner is put out on a play in which a runner left, it may result in open base(s), in which case, runners will return.
The catcher is “Ready to receive delivery” of the pitch when he has his mask on and is facing the pitcher.
He/she does not have to be in a squat position.
Runners must return to the original base or to the one nearest to the one that was left early.

38. 7.14 SPECIAL PINCH-RUNNER once each inning
player not in the current batting order
a player can only be removed as a runner once per game
does not apply with continuous batting order
Not that the scorekeeper doesn’t have enough to do already, but they should be marking this in their books. As an umpire, you may remember the one per inning, but you may not remember little Ray-Ray was pitch run for in the top of the first. This goes for coaches too.

39. 8.00
THE PITCHER
Click in Title

40. 8.01
A pitcher may pitch from the Wind-up or the Set Position (stretch).
THERE ARE TWO LEGAL PITCHING DELIVERIES:
THE WINDUP POSITION AND THE SET POSITION, AND
EITHER POSITION MAY BE USED AT ANY TIME.

41. 8.01(a) WINDUP
Understand that the pitcher's are allowed to lift the pivot foot for the purpose
of putting it in the hole in front of the pitcher's plate.
Late in the season the hole in front of the pitcher's plate is deep and there may
be some contact lost while the pitcher is turning his/her foot to get into the
hole. Do not call this move an illegal pitch. Unless the pitcher is removing
his/her foot and gaining some ground toward the batter, then he/she is gaining
an advantage over the batter by being closer and this should be stopped by
calling an illegal pitch.
THE PITCHER SHALL NOT RAISE EITHER FOOT FROM THE GROUND EXCEPT THAT FOOT INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL DELIVERY OF THE BALL TO THE BATTER. THE PITCHER MAY TAKE ONE STEP BACKWARD AND ONE STEP FORWARD WITH THE FREE FOOT.

42. 8.01(b) Set Position
BEFORE ASSUMING SET POSITION THE PITCHER MAY ELECT TO MAKE ANY NATURAL PRELIMINARY MOTION SUCH AS THAT KNOWN AS “THE STRETCH.” BUT IF THE PITCHER SO ELECTS THAT PITCHER SHALL COME TO SET POSITION BEFORE DELIVERING THE BALL TO THE BATTER.
NOTE: Majors and Below. The pitcher need not come to a complete stop. Intermediate/Junior/Senior. The pitcher must come to a complete and discernible stop.
In the set or stretch position the pitcher may stop or may elect to not stop
during the stretch and that is legal in Little League (Majors) and below.

43. 8.01
Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while standing on the pitchers plate!!!
What’s the penalty???
There is no penalty!! Make sure the pitcher is not waiting for the coach to get the signal. Coaches make it quick!!

44. 8.02(a) The pitcher shall not – Bring the pitching hand to the mouth
Apply a foreign substance to the ball
Expectorate on the ball, hand or glove
Rub the ball on the glove or clothing
Deface the ball in any manner
Deliver a shine, spit, mud, emery ball

45. 8.02(a) PENALTY: Call the pitch a ball and warn the pitcher
If a play occurs on the violation, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of acceptance of the play. (See 8.05 Penalty)

46. 8.03
When a pitcher takes a position at the beginning of each inning, that pitcher shall be permitted to pitch not to exceed eight (8) preparatory pitches to a catcher or teammate acting as catcher.
These pitches shall not consume more than one minute.
A substitute pitcher, due to an injury, has the opportunity to throw as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary.
As an umpire you need to enforce this. Managers and coaches have to make sure this is happening. Remember the “warm-up” catcher only needs to grab the helmet/mask and throat guard combination to warm up the pitcher.

47. 8.05 – Illegal Pitch / Balk
8.05 – With a runner or runners on base, it is an illegal pitch (Majors/Minors) or Balk (Intermediate/Junior/Senior) when –
the pitcher, while touching the plate, makes any motion naturally associated with the pitch and fails to make such delivery;
the pitcher, while touching the plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw;
the pitcher, while touching the plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base;
the pitcher, while touching the plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play;
the pitcher makes a quick pitch (judgment)

48. 8.05 – Illegal Pitch / Balk
8.05 – With a runner or runners on base, it is an illegal pitch (Majors/Minors) or Balk (Intermediate/Junior/Senior) when –
the pitcher delivers the ball while not facing the batter;
the pitcher makes any naturally motion with the pitch while not touching the pitcher’s plate;
the pitcher unnecessarily delays the game;
the pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher’s plate or while off feints a pitch;
the pitcher, while touching the plate, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball;
the pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher’s box;
Intermediate/UP: Not coming to a stop or removing one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch.

49. 8.05 – Illegal Pitch / Balk
PENALTY: Majors/Minors: The ball is dead and no runners will advance. The pitch shall be called a ball even if the pitch is not actually thrown and counted towards pitch count. (Exception: if the pitch is delivered and a play follows the illegal pitch, the play shall be allowed to continue as a delayed dead ball.
Intermediate/UP: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk.
NOTE: Intent of balk call is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner

50. 8.06 Manager/Coach visits to the mound –
Allowed two visits to the same pitcher in an inning, third visit the pitcher is removed
Allowed three visits to the same pitcher in a game, fourth visit the pitcher is removed.
Prohibited from making a third visit while the same batter is at bat
May confer with any other players. If granted time out to visit any defensive player, he is charged with a visit to the mound.

51. 9.01(a)
Note: Plate umpire must wear a mask, shin guards and chest protector. Male umpires must wear a protective cup.
Note: It is highly recommended all umpires attach a “dangling” type throat protector to their mask.
Umpires shall not wear shoes with metal spikes or cleats

52. 9.01(b)
Each umpire is the representative of the League and of Little League Baseball, and is authorized and required to enforce all of these rules. Each umpire has authority to order a player, coach, manager or league officer to do or refrain from doing anything which affects the administering of these rules and to enforce the prescribed penalties.
Remember who you represent when you walk onto the field. The rest of this rule is Little League giving the umpire the authority to enforce these rules. It doesn’t make you Superman, treat managers, coaches and players with respect and you usually get it in turn.

53. 9.01(c)
EACH UMPIRE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO RULE ON ANY POINT NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED IN THESE RULES
Its got to be a real strange situation if its not covered in the rule book!!!

54. 9.02
a) Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment, ball, strike, fair, foul, safe, out is
FINAL
No player, manager or coach shall object to any such judgment decisions.
c) If a decision is appealed, the umpire making the decision may ask another umpire for information. No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere with another umpire’s decision unless asked to do so by the umpire making it.
This includes interference, obstruction, infield fly etc.

55. “If players are mediocre, the result is mediocre baseball.
If umpires are mediocre, the result is chaos.”
George Will, Newsweek February 17, 2004
Ever seen a game like this? Ever worked one?