NCAA Baseball Information

2009-2010 Rules

2008 Rules Changes / Current NCAA Umpiring Info / NCAA National Umpire Improvement Program

 2004 Rules Changes / 2003 Rules Changes / 2002 Rules Changes / Archived News Releases

Major Rules Changes

Rule 1-3-c- Add: “At the time of the pitch, the base coach must remain within the confines of the coaches’ box with both feet. It is legal for the base coach to be positioned farther away from home plate than the boundaries of the coaches’ box.”

 PENALTY: Warning on the first offense; a further violation shall result in the coach being ejected.  

Rule 1-12-b-PENALTY for a. and b: “…cause an unusual reaction on the baseball shall be removed from the game.  If detected after the first pitch the batter shall be declared...”

 **Rationale: Clarifies when a batter should be called out for using an illegal bat.

Rule 1-14-g. It is required that base coaches wear a helmet. Play will not continue until compliance with this rule is met. It is recommended that the helmet meet NOCSAE \ standards.

 **Rationale: To enhance the safety of base coaches, who often are assisting runners and may not be directing their attention to the batter at the time of the pitch. Additionally, base coaches that are outside of the coaching area are in jeopardy of interfering with a live play.

 Rule 3-6-d, A.R.1:  “An umpire first may warn any violator or team before ejecting the individual(s) from the game.

 **Rationale: Clarification that a warning can be issued individually or for the entire team.

 Rule 3-6-d; and Appendix D: 

 A.R. 1, Sight and sound shall mean that the ejected person(s) cannot view the contest, cannot communicate with their team nor be where the umpires may hear them.  It may still be possible for the ejected person(s) to be able to hear the sounds of the game; however, they must have left the confines of the playing field and the grandstands.

A.R. 3, The ejected individual is not allowed to return to the dugout, field or grandstands until the umpiring crew has been escorted to their dressing area by security or game management.

 PENALTY:  A minimum of a one game suspension, in addition to the post-game or post-participation ejection, will apply to any individual in violation of this rule.

 **Rationale: Assists game management and the umpires in identifying what the Committee defines as “sound” as well as defines where an ejected individual must go and sets penalties for violations of 3-6-d.

 Rule 3-6-e:  “… decision and seek its reversal.”     Coaches are not entitled to a second opinion simply because they dispute a call. [See Appendix E, (c) 1-7]

 A.R.:  After a request for an umpire conference has been granted, coaches are not allowed to continue to argue a call once the final decision has been made. If a call is reversed, coaches are entitled to an explanation.

 PENALTY:  Ejection.

 **Rationale: Clarification for Appendix E.

 Rule 3-6-f, A.R. 2:  “If a coach leaves the dugout or their position to argue a ball or strike call (including a checked swing), the coach may be ejected without warning.”

**Rationale: Clarifies that no one should be allowed to argue a ball or strike call which includes a check swing.

 Rule 3-6-k: “Jurisdiction on personal confrontations and conduct towards the officiating staff does not end until the umpires have left the parking lot.”

 **Rationale: Clarifies when an official’s jurisdiction ends with regard to the officiating crew.

 Rule 5-2-f, A.R. 3:  Televisions and any live broadcast (e.g., Internet streaming) shall be turned off in the dugout and clubhouse during a game.

Revise the penalty for “f” to read: …shall be removed from the stands or shall receive a post participation ejection.

 **Rationale: Brings the regular-season code in line with all post-season play regulations.

 Rule 5-16-b. Any threat of physical intimidation or harm to include pushing, shoving, bumping, kicking, spewing, spitting….

 **Rationale:  that any type of spitting or spewing that is directed at an official will be cause for an additional suspension.

  Rule 6-5-f:  Each team shall be allowed three (3) offensive and (3) defensive conferences per game.  If the game goes into extra innings, the team will receive one (1) extra offensive and one (1) extra defensive conference plus any unused conferences from the first nine innings.  

**Rationale: An attempt to improve pace of play. 

 Rule 7-7-e, p. 81: “Hits the batter in the batter’s box or hits the dirt or home plate and then hits the batter or the bat, which is in the hand or hands of the batter, while the batter is still in the batter’s box; or . . .”

**Rationale: Clarifies that when the batter is still holding the bat, a ball should be ruled foul that rebounds from the ground and hits the batter while the batter is still in the batter’s box.  

Rule 8-6-b (1) (b): “… return the ball to the base and the fielder may tag the runner or the base.”

 **Rationale:  Eliminates the ambiguity between 8-6-a and 8-6-b, both rule sections now allow the defensive player the same type of defensive response when playing on a runner.

Rule 9-4-b, A.R. 1: “If after ….the coach goes to the plate umpire to announce a pitching change, the second trip is charged (when the change is recorded on the official line-up card).  If moved to a defensive position, the removed pitcher shall not return to pitch.”

 **Rationale: Clarifies when the second trip is officially charged.

 Rule 9-4-d:  A trip to the mound, that may include a conference with the infielders … begins when the coach crosses the foul line and shall be concluded when the … ”

 **Rationale: Clarifies when a defensive conference begins.

 Appendix B:

Section A-1-a:  Add:   Exception: In-stadium replays of swinging third strikes are allowed, if shown immediately and before the next batter of either team enters the batter’s box. 

 **Rationale: Clarifies the time frame that swinging third strikes may be shown on the video board.

 Section A-3:  Add to the existing sentence, “Any instance in which an umpire has made a judgment call may be replayed only one time at regular speed and must be replayed prior to the next batter (for either team) .   

**Rationale: Defines when a judgment call may be replayed and sets a definite time frame for the replay.

 Appendix E:  Add to F, Line 5: Add: “Also some calls cannot be reversed without creating larger problems.  Examples include a “catch/no catch” with multiple runners or a ball that is ruled foul.”

 **Rationale:  The addition defines that a ball that is ruled foul cannot be changed.

EDITORIAL CHANGES

Number the sections in Rule 2-Definitions as all other rules are numbered. 

**Rationale: Provides for consistency throughout entire rulebook, makes it easier to reference back to Rule 2 by number. 

 Rule 2—Ejection, A.R. 2: If a situation occurs after the last out of a contest or after a player is no longer eligible to participate and such conduct would result in an ejection during the normal course of play, the umpire(s) shall issue a post-participation ejection.  This ejection shall be served in the team’s next regularly scheduled contest …”  

**Rationale: Editorial  

Rule 5-2-c, PENALTY:  Add to read, PENALTY for “c” and d.—

 Rule 5-2-d—Last sentence of that paragraph, “Team personnel ….shall not enter the dirt “area” [delete “circle” and replace with “area” since on some fields the area around the plate is not in the shape of a circle].  

Rule 5-16 a & b, PENALTY:  “If a player, coach or team representative is ejected from a contest because of physically abusing an “umpire” [delete, “official” in the old wording].

2008 NCAA Rules Changes

• Hit by Pitch Rule. This rule has been clarified by the committee for this season. The batter must make an attempt to avoid the pitch. If a pitch freezes a batter and he is not able to avoid a pitch and the pitch is clearly in his batter’s box, first base is awarded. If a pitch hits the batter outside the vertical lines of the batter’s box and the hitter makes no attempt to avoid the pitch, the batter remains at the plate and the pitch is called a ball or strike.

Another way to look at this rule change, if a batter hits the ball with any part of his body by moving his body part towards the pitch, the batter will be kept at the plate and the pitch called a ball or strike, depending upon the pitch’s location. If the ball hits the batter as the batter is attempting to avoid the pitch, the batter is awarded first base. This guidance should assist umpires and coaches with the adjudication of this rule.

• Uniform Jackets. Base coaches may elect to wear a jacket outside their uniform top if it includes the team’s logo and is consistent with a team’s uniform color and apparel.

• Pitching Conferences. The committee changed the rule to define the end of a pitching conference at the mound. A defensive conference ends when the new pitcher begins the first of his eight warm up pitches or when the coach leaves the dirt circle of the mound.

Situation 1: May the coach visit briefly with his infielders, on the dirt part of the mound, before the new pitcher begins the first of his eight warm up pitches? Ruling: Yes. 

    Situation 2: Once a mound conference has been concluded, may the coach return to visit with his new pitcher or stop to talk to his infielders?  Ruling: Under the following circumstances, this may be allowed. If the coach has unused free conferences remaining, he may do one of the above and be charged an additional conference. If the coach does not have any free conferences left, he may have a visit with one of the two entities above (return to his pitcher; stop and talk to the infielders on the grass) but the coach will be required to remove the new pitcher he has just brought in after that pitcher has completed pitching to the obligatory one batter or a runner is retired while he is pitching to the first hitter he has to face.

 The visit that results in the pitching change is not a charged conference. Simply, a visit with the new pitcher and the infielders (if the coach wishes) before the warm ups begin is a conference. When this has concluded, coaches should leave the dirt circle and go to the dugout. This rule change is intended to speed up the pace of play and eliminate unneeded delays.

•         Interference-Obstruction. If a fielder misplays a batted ball and the ball is in the immediate vicinity and the fielder is in the act of picking up (fielding) the ball, when contact is made by the runner, interference on the runner is the correct call.  If the fielder is chasing after a ball that he or a teammate has misplayed and contact with a runner occurs, the fielder is guilty of obstruction. A fielder is entitled to attempt to field a batted or deflected ball that is in his immediate vicinity. The fielder is not entitled to chase after it without being call for obstruction if there is contact with a base runner.

 The ball remains alive on an obstruction call until the play concludes. The umpire will place the runner or runners on the base they would have attained had there been no obstruction. If a play is being made on a runner and that runner is obstructed, that runner is awarded at least one base beyond the last base attained before the obstruction.

• Set Position. The rule requiring the pitcher to have his pitching hand either by his side or on his hip when taking the sign from the catcher was also clarified this   season. This rule has not changed at all. The committee simply asked that the rule be uniformly enforced throughout NCAA baseball in 2008.

The committee members felt that when base runners were not able to see the pitching hand, they were unable to determine when the pitcher had come or had started to come set. The penalty for a first offense is a warning and then a balk is to be called for the remainder of the game. The warning is for a team and not for an individual.  

An approved ruling from 2007 allows the pitcher to bend deeply at the waist with the pitching arm hanging loosely, straight down. This is sometimes referred to as the gorilla position. Bending at the waist is a part of this approved set position. Standing straight up is not considered a part of the gorilla position.

2004 NCAA Rules Changes

Rule 2 & 7-4-b, Strike zone - Continue to have this be a point of emphasis.

Rule 2,  Ejections - Add: "Umpires must file an ejection report with the offending team's athletic director and a conference administrator, if applicable."

Rule 2, Ejection - A.R. - If a game is protested (before or after an ejection), regardless of the outcome of the protest, the ejection(s) shall be counted and suspensions serves, if applicable.

Rule 2, Interference - A.R. 3 - If a fielder has a chance to field a batted ball, but misplays it and while attempting to recover it, the ball is in the fielder's immediate reach and the fielder is contacted by the base runner attempting to reach a base, interference shall be called.
A.R. 4 - If a fielder has a chance to field a batted ball, but misplays it and must chase after the ball, the fielder must avoid the runner.  If contact occurs, obstruction shall be called.

Rule 2, Obstruction - When a runner is obstructed, the umpire shall point and call "That's obstruction."  The umpire shall let the play continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases the are justified.  If a runner(s) advances beyond what the umpire would have granted and is put out, the runner(s) is out.

Rule 3-9, Medical Personnel - Added approved ruling: "A.R.: "In a situation where a player is bleeding, a decision to substitute for the player must be made within 10 minutes from the time the play is stopped.  A substitute player must begin warming up immediately when the blood rule is in effect."

Rule 3-10, Tobacco - Continue to have this be a point of emphasis.  Emphasize the umpires should be reported and punished by the proper authority if they are guilty of tobacco use.

Rule 5-13-a & b, Protested Game - Change wording to read: "For regular season contests, each conference should adopt a procedure for protesting a game..."  Also witched last two sentences for clarity.

Rule 6-1-c, Live Ball - Delete "and no other infielder has a reasonable chance to make a play."

Rule 6-2-e, Immediate Dead Ball-Runners Return - Delete "who have a reasonable chance to field the ball."

Rule 6-3-d, Delayed Dead Ball-Runners Return or Advance - Change penalty to read: "PENALTY - The umpire shall point and call "That's obstruction." The umpire shall let the play continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases that are justified.  If a runner(s) advances beyond what the umpire would have granted and is put out, the runner(s) is out."

Rule 7-1-b (2), A Batter - Change to read: "If the batter refuses to take the position in the batter's box during the time at bat, the umpire shall call a strike.  The batter is declared out after the third strike. 

Rule 7-11-h-A.R. 1 - If, while attempting to advance to first base, the batter-runner intentionally deflects the ball, the batter-runner is declared out, the ball is dead and all runners return.

Rule 7-11-h-A.R. 2 - If, while attempting to advance to first base, the batter-runner unintentionally deflects the ball, the ball is live and in play.  Exception - If there are less than two outs and first base is occupied, the ball is dead and all runners return, unless the runner(s) are stealing on the pitch.

Rule 8-2-d-A.R., Batter Becomes Base runner - Altered to read: "A.R. - If the batter intentionally gets touched by moving or rolling any part of the body into the pitch, the umpire shall call a strike or ball in accordance with Rules 7-4 and 7-5."

Rule 8-2-d-A.R. (2), Batter Becomes Base runner - Added to A.R. to read: " If the batter freezes (makes no attempt to avoid the pitch) and is hit by a pitch that is clearly inside the vertical lines of the batter's box, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded first base."

Rule 8-3-e, Entitlement to Bases - Altered to read: "e. If obstruction by a fielder is committed against a runner, a delayed dead ball situation exists.  PENALTY - The umpire shall point and call "That's obstruction."  The obstructed runner is awarded at least one base beyond the base last touched legally before the obstruction."

Rule 8-3-f, Entitlement to Bases - Change penalty to read: "PENALTY - The umpire shall point and call "That's obstruction."  The umpire shall let the play continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases that are justified.  If a runner(s) advances beyond what the umpire would have granted and is put out, the runner(s) is out."

Rule 8-5-k, When Runners Are Out - Delete "who have a reasonable chance to field the ball."

Rule 8-6-b (9), When Runners Are Out on Appeals - Add additional rule reference directing readers to Rule 2 - Force Play.

Rule 9-1-a & 9-1-b, Pitching Positions - Add, immediately after section regarding pitcher's pivot foot on the rubber: "PENALTY - Warning on first offense.  Illegal pitch shall be called on subsequent offenses."

Rule 9-1-a, Wind-Up - Point of emphasis for determining the start of the pitching motion.

Rule 9-2-e, A.R.2 - A.R. 2 - A substance may be used by the athletic trainer for the purpose of stopping bleeding, provided the substance dried sufficiently before resuming play.

Rule 9-3-m (2), Balk - Add wording to read: "If a balk is immediately followed by a wild throw by the pitcher to a base that permits..."

Rule 9-4-a, A.R.5, Removing Pitcher - "In a situation where a player is bleeding, a decision to substitute for the player must be made within 10 minutes from the time play is stopped,  A substitute player must begin warming up immediately when the blood rule is in effect."

Rule 9-4-a, A.R.6, Removing Pitcher - "During a free trip, a defensive player may warm-up with another defensive player, provided it does not delay the game.  The players warming up must be in the current lineup and remain in fair territory during the charged conference.  For example, a bullpen catcher is not allowed to participate in the type of warm-up."

Points of Emphasis
Tobacco
Strike Zone
Pitching Positions
Obstruction
Batter's Box Rule

2003 NCAA Rules Changes

Coaching/Player's Code of Ethics (pg. 10) - Add "Player's" to heading and change "should" to "must."

Rule 1-13 (pg. 22) - Delete "except for coaches' caps."

Rule 1-13-A.R. - Remove the approved ruling regarding coaches' uniforms.

Rule 1-13 (pg. 22) - Rulebook error: Remove the word caps at end of paragraph.

Rule 1-13-e (pg. 23) - Revised to read: A player or coach may wear a jacket..."  NOTE: Coaches shall wear the standard team jacket.

Rule 1-14-a (pg. 24) - Add new wording at end of third sentence: "Tape of any kind on the helmet is not allowed."

Rule 1-14-a-A.R. (pg. 24) - Delete the second sentence of the approved ruling.

Rule 1-14-b (pg. 24) - New section b: Recommended that all bat handlers wear helmets.

Rule 1-14-c (pg. 24) - Added approval to read: "All catcher's helmets must bear the manufacturer's certification indicating satisfaction of NOCSAE test standards.

Rule 1-14-d (pg. 24) - New section: It is required that all catchers shall wear a protective helmet and face mask when fielding their position, warming up the pitcher (i.e. between innings) or catching in the bullpen.

Rule 1-14-d (pg. 24) - New section for elbow pads: "1. A player is permitted to wear one (1) elbow protection pad that does not exceed 10 inches in length, as measured when the pad is lying flat.  2. A nylon pad shall surround the shell of any elbow protection equipment.  3. No player may wear a non-standard elbow protection pad, or any pad designed to protect the upper or lower arm, unless the player had an existing elbow or other arm injury and the team carries with them the following documentation:
a/ A letter identifying the player and describing the nature of the injury and describing the proposed elbow pad protection pad;
b/ A physician's report diagnosing the injury; and
c/ A physician's determination of length of time the protective pad will be necessary."
NOTE: IF appealed by the opposing team's head coach the umpire-in -chief shall inspect the batter's elbow protection and if necessary, request the required documentation from the head coach or trainer.

Rule 2 - Obstruction (pg. 31) - Gave the interpretation that obstruction shall be enforced regardless of the outcome of a play.  For example, if a player returns to a base safely, but was obstructed by the fielder, obstruction shall be called and bases awarded,  The A.R. will be changed to read: "Obstruction shall be called of a defensive player who blocks off a base, base line or home plate from a base runner while not in possession of the ball regardless of the result of the play."
NOTE: Since a play is being made on the runner the ball is dead immediately at least one base beyond the last must be awarded.

Rule 2 - Strike Zone (pg. 33) - Change definition: The area over home plate from the bottom of the kneecaps to the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants.  The strike zone shall be determined from the batter's stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.
NOTE: This in no way should be interpreted as a shrinking of the strike zone. Umpires are instructed to call the strike zone as now written.

Rule 3-2 (pg. 36) - Add to this section: "Assistant coaches may not leave their position, dugout or bullpen area to appeal any play on the field."

Rule 3-6-a Note (pg. 37) - Change to read: "Umpires should arrive at the game site 60 minutes before game time and notify the home team coaches and/or game management."

Rule 3-6-c A.R. (pg. 38) - If any person is ejected from the game, the individual shall leave the field immediately.  If the person refuses to leave after a reasonable amount of time (not to exceed one minute) or returns to the playing field later in the game, the umpire-in-chief shall contact game management or security personnel for assistance.
PENALTY - The offending person is suspended for one game.  If game management or security personnel cannot restore order and the game resumed in a reasonable amount of time the umpire-in-chief shall forfeit the game.

Rule 3-6-d (pg. 38) - Shall now read: "If there is a reasonable doubt about some decision being in conflict with the rules, the head coach has the right to appeal an umpire's decision and seek its reversal."

Rule 3-6-e A.R. (pg. 38) - Added "Checked swings" to items that may not be argued.

Rule 3-10 (pg. 40) - Added: "Umpires are instructed to take a zero tolerance policy in this area."

Rule 5-5-b (pg. 47) - Changed to read: " Any pitcher may be replaced after the first opposing batter (or the batter's substitute) has been put out..."

Rule 5-8-b (4) (pg. 50) - Deleted.

Rule 5-8-f (pg. 51) - Added "NCAA Championships."

Rule 5-16-A.R. (pg. 56) - First sentence to read: " When applying the suspension rule, penalties shall be served for the team's next previously scheduled and completed contest(s)."  Add new sentence: "Games may not be added after the incident in order to fulfill the requirements of this rule."

Rule 6-1-e (pg. 60) - New second sentence: "If a fielder, after possessing a thrown or pitched ball, steps into a bench or dugout or steps into dead-ball territory but does not fall (lose body control), the ball is in play."

Rule 7-4-b (pg. 70) - Strike Zone - Add strike zone diagram.

Rule 8-3-e (pg. 79) - Split section into two parts:
"If obstruction by a fielder is committed: 
1/ Against a batter-runner before reaching first base, a delayed dead ball shall be called.
PENALTY - The obstructed runner is awarded the bases he would have obtained had there been no obstruction (See Rule 6-3-d).
2/ Against a runner on whom a play was being made, "Time" shall be called.
PENALTY - The obstructed runner is awarded at least one base beyond the base last legally touched before the obstruction.

Rule 8-3-g (pg. 80) - Included mask and helmet in list of equipment that may not be used intentionally to field a ball.

Rule 8-3-1 (pg. 80) - New rule: "If a fair batted or thrown ball become lodged in a player's equipment, the ball shall be declared dead and based awarded."

Rule 8-6-a (3) - A.R. 2 Exception (pg. 85) - Delete rule exception.

Rule 8-7-b (pg. 88) - Change last sentence to read: " The runner is safe and an immediate dead ball shall be called."

Rule 9-1-b (2) A.R. (pg. 89) -  New Approved Ruling: "With the bases unoccupied, the pitcher does not need to come to a complete and discernable stop."

2002 NCAA Rules Changes

Obstruction Definition (rule 2) - A fielder must be in possession of the ball to avoid being guilty of obstruction.  Obstruction is "the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. The words "not in the act of fielding" have been removed.

Collision rule (8-7b) - Reflects change in the obstruction rule.  The defensive player must be in possession of the ball in order to block a runner's path.

Interference definition (rule 2) - The word "deliberately" has been removed, giving the umpire more latitude in calling interference.  The rule gives the fielder the absolute right to make a play on a batted ball.

Balk (9-1b-2) - The word "discernible" has been added relating to the required stop.

Bases awarded (7-11s) - Clarifies what happens to other runners when a pitch hits a runner attempting to steal home.

Fight rule (5-15, 5-15b) - Addresses players serving a suspension for fighting.

Video cameras (5-2f) - Video cameras are now restricted to "the area behind home plate".

Regulation game (5-8b-4) - A fifth scoring option not bearing on the outcome of the game has been added for a game stopped after five innings.

Authorized personnel (4-8) - Specifies "athletic trainers" as personnel allowed on the playing field.

Other minor wording changes have taken place which do not affect the rules themselves.

NCAA National Umpire Improvement Program

A: The vast majority of today’s college baseball umpires progress up through youth league and high school baseball into junior college and ultimately Division I Conferences. Some umpires have worked in professional baseball (minor leagues) and upon release or retirement move into college baseball. No matter what situation you are in you should find out who does the assigning for your local colleges and contact that person. In most cases this will be a local umpire association’s assignment secretary. This person will be able to tell you what the process is in that area. You should expect to work fall games to be evaluated before being assigned to spring regular season games.

Q: I’ve been working college games locally, how do I get into a Division I Conference?

A: Most major Division I conferences have an individual that is responsible for selection, training and assignment of umpires. Please see the chart below for the appropriate contact information.

Q: I’m on a Division I Conference umpire staff, how do I get selected for postseason assignments?

A: Near the end of the season each Division I conference submits a list of recommended umpires to the NCAA for consideration of assignment to the Division I championship. These lists are based on the in-season evaluations within that conference. You must be on a recommended list from your conference in order to be assigned to the championship.

Q: Should I attend an umpire camp?

A: Only if you want to improve your umpiring abilities. The NCAA does not certify or accredit any umpire camps and it is not a prerequisite for assignment to any level of the championship. There are numerous camps across the country, most of which are very well worth your time and energy to attend. Be sure to ask what is taught at the camp (e.g. high school rules and mechanics, Major League Baseball rules and mechanics or some other system) so as to ensure your appropriate level of instruction. It should be clear that no matter who the instructors are, your attendance in no way affects your status as a potential candidate for NCAA postseason assignment.

CAA Baseball Rules Committee Recommends No Immediate Changes In Equipment Rules

7/25/2000
INDIANAPOLIS---There will be no immediate changes in the specifications for manufacturing baseball bats and balls based on recommendations approved today by the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee.

At its annual meeting in Indianapolis, the committee considered recommendations from the NCAA Baseball Research Panel, reviewed results from laboratory testing and performance during the 2000 season, and put forward a set of recommendations that calls for no changes in specifications for the 2001 season.

"We agree with the research panel that the recommendations they made a year ago restored balance between offense and defense in the college game of baseball and made metal bats perform more like wood bats," said Don Kessinger, associate athletics director for internal affairs at the University of Mississippi and chair of the rules committee. "The panel was concerned this year that there may be some loopholes in our testing procedures that we need to address to avoid problems in the future, and we have tried to do that."

Specifically, the committee made the following changes:

A moment-of-inertia (MOI) standard will be set for each bat length and weight based on bats previously certified by the NCAA Bat Certification Program. All currently certified bats will meet the MOI standard. The MOI of future bats may not be less than the lowest MOI for bats of that length and weight recorded during the certification process for the 2000 season. The committee will continue to monitor the effect of MOI on the integrity of the game. Moment-of-inertia affects how weight is distributed along the barrel of the bat during the swing and can affect performance.

During the 2001 season, the NCAA will conduct random testing of baseballs for coefficient-of-restitution (COR) compliance. All baseballs used for regular and postseason play must have a COR value of between .525 and .555 to be eligible for play in the 2002 season. The NCAA will collect data to determine if an additional or substitute standard is necessary.

Effective January 1, 2003, a sliding scale for swing speed based on the bat length will be implemented as part of the NCAA Bat Certification Program. The scale will be based on the original exit speed standard of 97 miles-per-hour for a 34-inch bat.

The committee supported the Baseball Research Panel recommendations that further study be conducted on the possible effects of bat "workhardening" and that the NCAA collect data to determine the accuracy of the NCAA Bat Certification Program testing procedures.

The research panel had recommended a change in the COR for baseballs from .525-.555 to .515-.535. The rules committee voted to certify baseballs for all competition, instead of championship competition only, at the current COR.

"We want to assure that baseballs being used throughout the season are meeting the standard, and we think that is the first important step," Kessinger said. "We may want to make adjustments in the future, but we want to take this one step at a time."

Kessinger said the committee had the same concern about making a change to the MOI. The research panel had recommended creation of a minimum MOI standard for the 2002 season.

"Again, we may want to adjust the MOI in the future, but we want to get another season of competition under our belts with the certified bats we are using today before we do that," Kessinger said. "We agree with the panel regarding a sliding scale for swing speeds during testing, but we want to put that off another two years.

"The bottom line is that two years ago, coaches were calling members of the committee to say that something was wrong and we needed to make some changes in specifications for the bats," he said. "After this season and the changes we saw in the field as a result of the new specifications, those coaches were calling to say they liked how the game was played this year."

According to season statistics in college baseball over the last 20 years, batting averages, scoring and home runs had remained steady until the last five years. From 1981 through 1995, batting averages were steady at .296, home runs at .80 per game, and scoring at 6.49 to 6.52 per game.

From 1995 through 1999, batting averages increased to .301, home runs to .91 per game, and scoring to 6.81 per game. In the just completed 2000 season, following changes to bat specifications, batting averages returned to .297, home runs to .80, and scoring to 6.53.

The Championships Committees in Divisions II and III and the Championships/Competition Cabinet in Division I will consider the rules committee's recommendations when they meet in the fall.

BASEBALL RESEARCH PANEL MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS

Friday, June 9, 2000
INDIANAPOLIS---After a year of research and data collection related to baseball equipment, the NCAA Baseball Research Panel developed several recommendations during a meeting June 2 in Chicago that will enhance equipment standards already in place to preserve the integrity of the game.

The recommendations will be forwarded to the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee this summer and could go into effect January 1, 2002, which will give the baseball community ample time to adjust to the proposed changes.

The panel voted to recommend changes to the ball standard, establishing a "moment-of-inertia (MOI)" requirement, use of a swing-speed sliding scale for non-wood bats in testing, and a uniform ball-exit speed based on a 33-inch wooden bat as the standard for certification of non-wood bats.

"Obviously, college baseball has needed some stability, and I feel we have accomplished that," said Milton Gordon, president at California State University, Fullerton, and chair of the panel. "We have achieved what we were charged to do -- create a safe, fair set of standards for baseball. Now, we must continue to make sure the standard we have is a good one and that changes are made in a timely manner as necessary."

The panel specifically reviewed the issue of safety, including two incidents of pitchers sustaining broken jaws from batted balls during the NCAA Baseball Championship regional competition a week earlier. Based on its review of available data, the panel agreed that bats are performing at an acceptable level of risk.

"No one wants to see players injured," Gordon said. "Unless we fundamentally change the game, however, playing baseball will never be risk-free. Despite the two unfortunate instances in the regionals, I am confident we have reduced risk overall.

"The panel has been pleased overall with the standards," he said. "What we are doing now is taking what we've learned from a year of testing and collecting data and trying to make better what we have in place."

The panel voted to recommend changing the standard for baseballs that will be used in NCAA play. The current standard allows baseballs that meet a coefficient-of-restitution (COR) standard of .525 to .555. The panel voted to make the range .515 to .535.

"What this means is that the baseball will be a bit less lively," said panel member Ken Johnson, professor of physics, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. "This is an important addition to reforms that have been made with the bats."

Moment-of-inertia, which affects how weight is distributed along the barrel of the bat during the swing, was a topic of discussion at the meeting. The current testing protocol does not call for an MOI standard. The panel, however, agreed to recommend a minimum standard based on the length of the bat. The result of the new standard would make metal bats feel and swing more like a wood bat in the field.

Finally, the panel examined adjusting the protocol in such a way that would make the testing procedure more closely replicate field conditions. The panel voted to raise the pitch speed to 80 miles-per-hour, set a specific standard for baseballs that are used during testing, and recommend that bats of different lengths be swung at different speeds during testing.

"With regard to different swing speeds, it only makes sense that you can swing a lighter bat faster," Johnson said. "The additional speed you can generate is offset by a lower mass, however. Changing the swing speeds should make for a more accurate test."

The panel also asked James A. Sherwood of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, who runs the NCAA's baseball testing system, to assist in creating a set exit speed limit based on the highest-quality 33-inch wooden bats available.

The original protocol, finalized in September 1999, stipulated that no changes would be made to the testing procedure or standard until August of 2000. These recommendations will be forwarded to the NCAA's Baseball Rules Committee for discussion at its annual meeting in July. If the rules committee approves the changes, the Championships/Competition Cabinet would have to give its approval before the new recommendations take effect.

Additionally, early data indicates that a phenomenon known as "workhardening" occurs in nonwood baseball bats. Bats seem to improve their performance after being used in the field. The panel instructed Sherwood to collect additional data on the subject. The NCAA will notify manufacturers of the data collected during random testing and reemphasize that bats may fail testing due to workhardening and would be ruled ineligible. The panel noted that manufacturers should be aware that bats could increase performance after use, and should allow room for this increase.

The panel also recommended that the NCAA continue to support workhardening experiments in addition to certification testing. The panel asked Sherwood to have a proposed protocol change with reference to workhardening prepared by October 1, 2000, with additional data for potential implementation by January 1, 2002.

Further, the panel recommended that the NCAA collect data to determine the accuracy of the testing procedures. Overall, the panel hopes these changes will enhance the testing procedure and also provide stability to what has been a chaotic issue.

"The panel's feeling is that the standard is a good one," Gordon said. "We have some changes we would like to see made, but these are not major alterations."

NCAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE APPROVES BAT STANDARDS

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA---The NCAA Executive Committee has approved a batted-ball exit speed standard of less than 97 miles per hour for bats used in all intercollegiate baseball competitions among NCAA member schools.

The committee's decision supports a recommendation from the NCAA Baseball Research Panel that solid northern ash wooden bat performance should become the standard for setting limits on all baseball bat performance.

In addition, the Executive Committee approved the panel's recommendation of January 1, 2000, as the implementation date for the standard and declared a three-year moratorium on changes.

The panel noted that the moratorium will allow researchers to further assess the impact of the new standard and to conduct additional tests on wood and non-wood bats, as well as collecting information related to performance standards for baseballs.

"The moratorium will give the baseball community time to adjust to the new standards and for the panel to do further research," said Charles Wethington, president at the University of Kentucky and chair of the NCAA Executive Committee. "Of course, we reserve the right to make adjustments in the standards for bats and balls at any time if necessary."

The panel, which was convened last March to review issues related to the performance of non-wood bats and baseballs, concluded that a batted-ball exit speed should be adopted for non-wood bats that equates to the highest average exit speed using Major League Baseball-quality, 34-inch, solid wood bats.

The new standard is based on testing of solid northern ash wood bats performed in an independent laboratory at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. The lab will also certify that all non-wood bats used in intercollegiate competition do not exceed the standard.

The committee reaffirmed two other standards approved in August, 1998, that limit the diameter of the bat to 2 5/8 inches and reduce the difference between weight and length for bats to three units (a 34-inch bat can weigh no less than 31 ounces).

A protocol developed by the panel for testing and certification of bats also has received Executive Committee approval.

In a related matter, the Executive Committee announced that Easton Sports, Inc., has indicated that it will drop a lawsuit filed by the company against the Association in August, 1998.

NFHS Rules / Revisions

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