.
In 2015 the OBR book was completely revised and reorganized. I have
updated to current numbers and sections in contrasting
color.
Beginning with the major rules differences in the NFHS rulebook (which was
originally one short page), I initially expanded this umpiring aid some time
ago by adding rule excerpts to the simple list to assist high school umpires
working baseball under the OBR. I have extended the content significantly,
attempting to be as all-inclusive as possible.
Please send an
email if you can add to the list.
2021 OBR /2015 OBR including 2014 format
|
RULE |
Reference |
Reference |
RULE |
| Defense in fair territory at time of pitch with minimum one foot in fair territory (except catcher): penalty-illegal pitch (2-18) | 1-1-4 | 4.03 5.02(c) Interp. |
Two feet necessary (except catcher) when ball put in play - MiLB Umpire Manuel (3.16) states not to insist 1st baseman play with both feet in fair territory unless offensive team protests |
| Jewelry now permitted. May be removed if umpires determine a safety issue. | 1-5-12, 3-3-1(c) | 3.15 MiLB Umpire Manual | No "distracting" jewelry |
| Playing Field: Distance/Size: 300 ft. foul lines, 350 ft. center, etc. | 1-2-5 | 1.04 2.01 |
320 ft. foul lines, 400 ft. center, etc. |
| If designated media area is to be used, it shall be established before the game begins...dead ball area | 1-2-8 | 4.07(b) | No person shall be allowed on the field during a game except...news photographers authorized by the home team... |
| Bases 15" square, 2"-5" thickness, disengage from anchor system, double 1st base permitted by state adoption (1 colored base in foul territory), etc. | 1-2-9 | 1.06 2.0 |
Bases 18" square, 3"-5" thickness |
| Legal Bat. Non-wood bats must meet BBCOR standard. 36" in length or less. Diameter @ thickest part: 2 75" or less (wood), 2 5/8" or less (non-wood). Max. minus 3 weight differential |
1-3-2,3,4,5
|
1.10 3.02 |
Maximum diameter 2.61", not more than 42" in length, no length minus weight differential. Wood only. No BBCOR |
| Pitcher may wear two-tone glove (no white or grey) | 1-3-6 | 1.15 3.07c |
Colors limited, not distracting, no white or gray |
| Catcher's glove may be any size | 1-3-6 | 1.12 3.04 |
Size of catcher's glove limited |
| 1st baseman's glove can be worn by any fielder | 1-3-6 | 1.13 3.05 |
1st baseman's glove has specific size specifications which differ from fielder's gloves |
| Loose equipment interferes with play: umpire judgement as to outs/award or return runners | 1-3-7 | 3.10a | Loose equipment prohibited. Penalty not addressed |
| Uniform requirements - should / shall | 1-4 | 1.11 3.03 |
Uniform requirements - 2 sets, etc. |
| Pitcher may wear batting glove if not distracting to the batter | 1-4-2 | 3.12 - MiLB Umpire Manuel | Pitcher may not wear batting glove while pitching |
| Catcher's helmet testing restrictions-must be full helmet or two piece tested together, full ear protection, NOCSAE standard | 1-4-8 | No rule | Ear protection not required, no testing standards |
| Helmets must have non-glare surface. meets NOCSAE standard at time of manufacture |
1-5-1 |
No rule |
|
| Catch definition 1 foot or part in fair territory |
2-9-1 | 2.0 Def. of terms 5.09a1 |
Catch definition: includes voluntary & intentional release No part of body touching dead-ball territory |
| 7 inning game | 2-17-1 | 4.10 (a-d) 4.03 |
9 inning game |
| Verbal obstruction | 2-22-1 | No rule | |
| Obstruction: Always a delayed dead ball. Any obstruction entitles runner to minimum of one base beyond his position when it occurs |
2-22-1, 8-3-2 |
7.06 6.01 |
If no play is being made on obstructed runner, play proceeds, award if necessary (type B). If play is made on obstructed runner (type A), ball is dead and runner is awarded a minimum of one base. Dead ball immediately if the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching 1st base |
| Illegal slide: See rule 2-32-2 a-f |
2-32 |
6.01(j), 5.04(b)(4) |
See 2016 change |
| Courtesy runner for pitcher or catcher, player may be listed as both fielder and DH | 2-33-1 | No rule | Not permitted |
| Unreported sub in game when ball is live and is in position | 3-1-1c | 5.10j3 | Not entered game until play commences |
| Tobacco (all) chewing illegal | 3-1p | No rule | No longer permitted in minors |
| If the pitcher is replaced while on defense...shall pitch to the batter then at bat, or sub until put out or 3rd out is made | 3-1-2 | 5.10l, 5.61 | Must pitch to a minimum of 3 consecutive batter or until the offensive team is put out |
| Re-entry of starting players |
3-1-3 |
No rule
|
No re-entry |
| Designated Hitter for any player, DH and player must remain in same spot in batting order; no multiple substitution to alter batting order permitted. DH permitted to be starting defensive player |
3-1-4 |
6.10(b) 5.11 |
No DH, NL. Pitcher only, AL. Pitcher may only bat in same slot in order if enters game as batter or runner for DH. If DH enters game on defense, pitcher must bat in slot vacated by player replaced on defense, multiple substitution permitted which terminates DH |
| ...any amount of blood on uniform...changed or cleaned before individual participates again |
3-1-6 |
9.17 MiLB Umpire Manual |
.. garment penetrated by blood or other infectious material...removed immediately or as soon as feasible...In most cases it is expected...can be resolved between innings...may be cases...must be acted upon immediately |
| Base coaches: "One player or coach may occupy each coach's box..." | 3-2-1 | 4.05(a) 5.03 |
"The offensive team shall station two base coaches...". Implies that the offensive team must have two base coaches |
| Assistant coach leaving dugout or coaching box to argue: he and head coach restricted to bench | 3-2-3 | No rule | |
| Fielder without ball fakes tag: Obstruction |
3-3-1a, 8-3-2 |
No rule |
Permitted |
| Malicious contact, collisions |
2-21-1b, 3-3-1n |
No rule |
|
| Umpire discipline of coach: restriction to dugout |
3-3-1 Penalty |
9.01(d) 8.01 |
Ejection. No restriction to dugout provision |
| Team warnings |
3-3-1 Penalty |
No rule |
|
| Request for additional pitcher warm ups due to weather,plate umpire may grant |
3-3-2 |
5.07b |
Can not be authorized |
| Malicious Contact-offense or defense-player ejected |
3-3-1m |
No rule |
|
| Dugout empty, shouting, shoving match - all who left bench ejected & suspended | 3-3-1p | 8.01d | Net neccesarily ejected, may be suspended based on league policy |
| Defensive conferences. Pitcher must be removed on 4th trip. Can have 3 conferences in 1 inning with no pitching change. 1 conference per inning in extra inning game |
3-4-1Penalty |
8.06(b) 5.10 |
The second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning results in the pitcher's removal from the game. After conference with pitcher is complete, pitcher must complete pitching to current batter or retire the side before he can be removed, unless offense pinch-hits after conference. 5 visit max.for mound visits/game |
| Offensive conferences: 1 per inning |
3-4-2 |
NRC |
No limit, umpires should not allow repeated requests that delay the game |
| Umpires decide if 2nd game of doubleheader is started (unsuitable weather or unfit field) | 4-1-1 | 3.01(b) 4.01 |
Umpire-in-Chief of 1st game makes the decision |
| "Mercy" (10 run) rule after 5 innings or 4 1/2 if home team is leading; can end after 3 full innings if both head coaches & UIC agree (Casebook 4.2.4) | 4-2-2 | No rule | |
| Game called after visiting team takes lead or ties the score in top half of inning, score reverts back to last completed inning | 4-2-3 | 4.12(5i) 7.02 |
Game is suspended |
| Backswing interference - ball is dead | 5-1-n | No rule | |
| Fair batted ball lodged in equipment: ball is dead immediately | 5-1-1f | Pro interpretation | Fielder may toss glove with lodged ball in attempt to make a play |
| Player removing helmet in live ball territory w/live ball - delayed dead ball - team warning - 2nd violation same team: bench restriction | 5-1-2e | No rule | |
| Umpire handles live ball: Ball immediately dead |
5-1-1h |
5.10(e) 5.12b5 |
No effect on play if immediately released, ball remains live |
| Umpire makes inadvertent foul call: Ball immediately dead |
5-1-1h |
No rule |
|
| Fielders momentum carries him into dead-ball territory after catch. Ball is dead, no throw permitted |
5-1-1i |
5.6b3C |
Ball remains in play unless fielder falls or loses body control, otherwise throw from dead-ball territory permitted |
| Balk: Ball immediately dead |
5-1-1k |
8.05 Penalty 6.02a AR 1&2 |
If balk is followed by a pitch, play continues. If all runners including the batter-runner advance at least one base, balk is nullified, runners liable to be put out. If there is a balk to a base and ball is thrown to the base, ball remains alive. If runner from first advances to second and continues to third while missing second, he is out on appeal |
| Fair ball lodges in players equipment or uniform - dead ball | 5-1-1f (5) | No rule | |
| Making ball live: ...held by pitcher...umpire calls "Play"... | 5-1-4 |
5.11 5.12 |
See rule: ...with a new ball... |
| Injury during live ball...time shall not be called until no further advance or putout is possible. However, if there is a medical emergency or if the umpire's judgment further play could jeopardize the injured player's safety, play should be stopped immediately and bases awarded accordingly | 5-2-1d | No rule | Practice is to continue play until no further advance or putout is possible |
| Obstruction: Delayed dead ball | 5-1-2b | 6.01h | Ball dead immediately if obstructed runner is being played on |
| Illegal pitch: Ball dead immediately... | 6-1 (1-2-3 pen.) | 8.01(d) 6.02 |
Illegal pitch: Ball unless batter reaches 1st... |
| If a pitcher is ambidextrous, the umpire shall require the pitcher to face a batter as either a left-handed pitcher or a right-handed pitcher, but not both |
6-1-1 |
8.18 MiLB Umpire Manual |
Pitcher must visually indicate which way he
will pitch...pitcher must throw one pitch to the batter before any "switch" by
either player is allowed...afterwards each may switch once per at bat |
| Allowable movements from the windup position: Can't throw to a base without stepping back off the rubber |
6-1-2 |
8.01(a) 6.02a3 |
Legal. The Windup Position. The pitcher shall... |
| Pitching restrictions - state association mandated rest period | 6-1-6 | No rule | |
| Pitcher must distinctly wipe pitching hand after bringing in contact with mouth before touching ball | 6-2-1e, 6-2-1a | 8.02(a) 6.02c1, 6.02c2 |
Pitcher may go to mouth if not in contact with pitcher's plate and clearly wipes the fingers dry |
| 8 warm-up pitches for starting pitcher, 5 in subsequent innings. Within 1 minute from 1st pitch (starting pitcher), from last out of previous 1/2 inning (relief pitcher) | 6-2-2(c) exception |
8.03 5.07 |
2:15 to throw unlimited warm-ups (nationally televised game) or 1:55 (locally televised game) |
| Pitcher must pitch within 20 seconds of receiving ball | 6-2-2c | 8.04 5.07 |
With bases unoccupied, pitcher must deliver ball within 12 seconds after receiving ball |
| Beanball after team warnings. Pitcher ejected. Head coach may be ejected. | 6-2-3 | 6.02c9B | Head coach must be ejected. |
| Balk: Any feinting toward the batter or 1st base...NOTE: feinting toward 3rd (3rd to 1st move) not listed as Balk | 6-2-4a | 6.06a2 | Balk: ..feints a throw to 1st or 3rd and fails to complete the throw. Pitcher 3rd to 1st move |
| Pitcher feet on or astride pitchers plate or within approx. 5 feet of the plate without ball or makes any movement naturally associated with his pitch while off plate:Balk. (hidden ball trick) | 6-2-5 | 8.05(i), 8.05 comment 6.02a9, 6.02a comment |
Pitcher without ball on or astride rubber or while off the plate, feigns pitch: Balk |
| Batter delays after 20 sec: strike, ball is live | 7-3-1 | 6.02(c) 5.04 |
Batter refuses to take position in box: strike, ball is dead |
| Batter is out for hitting ball w/foot completely out of the box OR stepping on home plate: (heel on line, foot on plate... out)* |
7-3-2 |
6.06(a) 6.03a1 |
Batter is out for hitting ball with entire foot out of box |
| Batter interference on strike 3 with runner stealing, batter is out, runner may be called out | 7-3-5 Penalty | Batter and runner automatically out | |
| Batter follow-thru contact w/catcher in act of throwing to retire a runner, batter is out, runners return | 7-3-5c |
6.03a3 comment |
Time called at end of playing action, batter only out on a 3rd strike, runners return unless throw retires runner |
| Playing short: one less than in starting lineup, out recorded when at-bat reached | 7-4-1 | Not permitted | Forfeit |
| Batter-runner out & loses ability to advance when he enters dugout | 7-4-1b | 5.05a2 comment |
Out when he leaves dirt area surrounding home plate |
| Batter-runner on uncaught 3rd strike out when he enters the dugout | 8-1-1b case book | 5.05a2 comment | Batter out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home base |
| If a batter's loose garment...not worn properly, is touched by a pitched ball, the batter is not entitled to 1st base | 8-1-1d2 | No applicable rule | |
| Catcher interference, ball hit. Umpire will ask offensive coach if he would like the result of the play or the obstruction enforced | 8-1-1e | 5.05b3 | Offensive coach must request, not automatically offered |
| Missed base or leaving too soon on a caught ball (Verbal appeal) | 8-2 Penalty | 7.10 5.06 |
No verbal appeals. No dead ball appeals. Must throw to base while time is in. If defense attempts a play, even if initiated by the offense, they lose the right to appeal. Feint of a throw is not a play. Throw to retire a runner is a play |
| Ball hit over any fence is a home run | 8-3-3a | 1.04 2.01 |
Ball hit over fence less the 250 feet from plate can be a ground rule award |
| Batted ball touched by illegal glove (over size limits) 3 base award, glove removed if illegal. Play stands if legal. | 8-3-3b 1-3-6 |
3.07c | Play stands, glove removed |
| Each runner is awarded two bases if a fair batted or thrown ball becomes dead because of ... if a live thrown ball including a pitch, is touched by an illegal glove or mitt, or by detached player equipment which is thrown, tossed, kicked or held by a fielder. | 8-3-3c-1 | 7.04(e) 5.06 3e |
Each runner, other than the batter, may without liability to be put out, advance one base when a fielder deliberately touches a pitched ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play, and the award is made from the position of the runner at the time the ball was touched. |
| Fielder steps into dead ball territory after catch: Each runner awarded one base | 8-3-3d | 5.10(f), 7.04(c) 5.12, 5.06 |
Any boundary lines are out of play. To make a catch the fielder must have both feet in live area. If catch is made in live area and fielder enters dead ball area while standing ball remains live. It becomes dead if any part of the body, other than hands or feet, touches ground in dead area |
| Runner interference: Not in 45-ft. lane. Must be in lane up to bag. Any throw. Fielder must be in possession of ball to legally obstruct runner. Return to base occupied at time of interference | 8-4-1g | 6.05(k) 5.09 |
Last stride before touching base may be outside lane. Must be "true" throw (legitimate chance to be caught by fielder). Fielder may be in immediate act of receiving a throw to legally obstruct runner. Return to base occupied at time of the pitch. |
| Runner is out: On a dropped 3rd strike, he gives up by entering the bench or dugout area or with 2 outs does not attempt to reach 1st base before all infielders leave the diamond... | 8-4-1i | 5.05a2 comment |
...once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate |
| Illegal to dive over fielder | 8-4-2d | No rule | Permitted |
| Runner shall slide or avoid contact on a force or tag play | 8-4-2b,c,d,e,f | No rule | |
| Interference on a double play attempt. ...runner including batter-runner interferes in any way and prevents a double play anywhere two shall be declared out (runner who interfered and the other runner involved). | 8-4-2g | 7.09(g) 6.01a7 |
Interference must be willful and deliberate for a double play to be called. Otherwise, only the runner is out. If interference is on the first play, runners return to base occupied at time of pitch. Willful and deliberate, runner involved and the runner closest to home is called out. |
| No bowling over catcher | 8-4-2f | 7.13 6.01 |
Limited collisions at home plate See rule: 2014 |
| Runner may only jump over defensive player if he is lying on the ground | 8-6-10 | Jumping over defense permitted | |
| When the winning run is scored in the last half inning of a regulation game, or in the last half of an extra inning, as the result of a base on balls, hit batter or any other play with the bases loaded which forces the runner on third base to advance, the umpire shall not declare the game over until all runners have advanced to the next base. All runners must touch up. | 9-1-1 note 2 |
4.09(b) 5.08 |
When the winning run is scored in the last half-inning of a regulation game, or in the last half of an extra inning, as the result of a base on balls, hit batter or any other play with the bases full which forces the runner on third to advance, the umpire shall not declare the game ended until the runner forced to advance from third has touched home base and the batter-runner has touched first base. Only runner on 3rd & B-R must touch up. |
| Winning starting pitcher must pitch 4 innings | 9-6-6a | 10.19(a) 9.19 |
Winning starting pitcher must pitch 5 innings |
| Umpire jurisdiction - begins when the umpires arrive at the confines of the field for the purpose of officiating the game; ends when umpires leave the playing field, but retain clerical authority | 10-1-2 | 4.01 4.03e |
Umpire jurisdiction - begins when the home team's lineup is presented to the plate umpire; no rule addressing end of jurisdiction |
| UIC may ask for help on checked swing, not required | 10-1-4a | 9.02(c) notes 8.02c comment |
If requested by catcher or manager, plate umpire must ask for help |
| Rectify any situation in which a reversed umpire's decision has placed either team at a disadvantage (example: an overturned check swing) | 10-2-3l | 8.02c Cmts 2 & 4 | Baserunners must be alert to possible reversal on appeal, can be called out |
| Not a balk | No rule | 8.05 (c) comment 6.02 |
Balk: 3rd to 1st move from the rubber |
| Replay prohibited | Limited replay |
Have another difference or an update? Email Steve with the rule references for inclusion.
This list is for informational purposes only and is not
recognized by the NFHS or MLB. It is entirely the obligation of the user to verify all information for errors and / or omissions.
Rules copyright © by the Commissioner of Baseball, NFHS. All Rights Reserved.