There are several rule changes for this coming season, made by the NFHS. If you are not familiar, NFHS stands for National Federation of State High School Associations. They are the governing body that writes the rules for most sports played in high school. Michigan’s HS association (MHSAA) is a member, so Michigan high schools play under NFHS Rules (sometimes referred to as “Fed” Rules).

We already covered the major rule change (Rule 1.3.2) – which is listed as a 2010 change, but doesn’t take effect until 2010 – the bat rule change: New Bat Rule Coming on January 1, 2012

The other changes include:

Rule 3.3.1g6 prohibits any member of the coaching staff who is not the head coach from leaving “the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire.” The penalty for this infraction is that both the head coach and the offending coach will be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. If severe enough, the umpire also has the authority to eject the offending coach and/or the head coach.

The intention of this change is to cut down on the disruptive and counterproductive behavior of assistant coaches. It also reinforces to head coaches that they are responsible for their staff and players.

“The committee found that assistant coaches were taking license with their roles and becoming disruptive,” said Eliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee.

“By doing that, they’re sending the wrong message to their players. It’s one thing to ask the official for a clarification, but it’s another to challenge and charge an umpire. We cannot and will not allow that.”

A clarification was made to Rule 1.2.4 concerning the temporary extension of dugouts. The modified rule explains that when the dugout is to be temporarily extended, it shall be extended toward the outfield and not toward home plate.

The final adjustment was made to Rule 7.4.1f, concerning the instances when a batter will be declared out. The change reads that the batter is out if “any member of the offensive team or coach other than the runner interferes with a fielder who is attempting to field a foul fly ball.” The addition of the phrase “other than the runner” clarifies the responsibility of the runner and that the runner — not the batter — will be declared out for the runner’s interference.

“Previously, it just wasn’t fair to the batter,” said Hopkins, “If the runner interferes with the defense, it’s not the batter’s fault. It was the runner who created the infraction, so the runner will be called out.”

Watch for more Rules Articles to come. If you have a question on a NFHS Baseball Rule, feel free to email us at: admin@westmichiganhighschoolbaseball.com