high school (NFHS) Rules Training

Situation: R1 on 3rd, R2 on 2nd, 2 outs. B4 hits base hit to left field. R1 scores. While rounding 3rd and heading to home, the on-deck batter assists R2 prior to scoring.

Result: By rule, 8.7.5 Art 5 status "Any offensive team member, other than another runner, physically assists the runner. The runner is out.

Situation: B3 enters box, 0-0 count. R1 on first, catcher misses pitch and R1 moves to 2nd. B3 runs to first base and catcher throws to the pitcher inside the circle.

Result: This is offensive delay of game. Per NFHS 7.2.1e "A strike is charged to the batter when a penalty strike is called because a batter delays. The new count is 1-1 and R1 remains at 2B. As an additional reference, NFHS rule 7.3 under Batter Infractions, article 1 states "A batter shall not delay the game by failing to promptly take position with both feet completely inside the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch, or by stepping out of the box when the pitcher is in contact with the pitcher's plate. This is a strike on batter.

Situation: Bases are empty, B7 has a 3-1 count. The pitch is offered and called a strike. The catcher, throws the ball to F5.

Result: Ball on batter. B7 is awarded 1st base due to 4 balls. Per NFHS 6.3 Infractions by Catcher, article 2 - "The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, except after a strikeout or putout made by the catcher, or to play on a base runner. The batter is awarded a ball.

Situtation: B8, a left-handed batter, makes contact with a pitched ball that is fair or foul while her left foot is touching the plate.

Result: Per article 8, a batter is out when the batter hits the ball fair or foul while either foot is touching the ground completely outside the lines of the batter box or while touching the plate. The batter is out.

Situation: B5, a right-handed batter, is at the plate, R1 on 2nd. R1 attempts to steal 3rd and B5 swings and misses. B5 steps back after swinging. F2, attempting to throw out R1 throws the ball and it hits B5.

Result: Per NFHS 7.4.4, which states "the batter is out when the batter interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing." This is expanded through subpoints a-d and in this case point c - "By making any movement which hinders the catcher's attempt to play on a runner."

High school games are not complete unless rule 4-2 - ending a game are satisfied. If a game, at the completion of 7 full innings, ends in a tie game then tiebreaker rules determined by the local league we are officiating are in effect.

4A, 3A NPSL, SPSL - Top of 9th inning

2A SPSL - Top of 8th inning

Narrows, Nisqually, Chief Leschi, Cascade Christian - Top of 8th inning