Rule 8 - Batter-Runner and Runner

Sec. 1 THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER

a. When he legally hits a fair ball.

b. When the umpire has called four balls.

EFFECT – Sec. 1b:

1. The batter is awarded one base without liability to be put out, provided he advances to and touches first base.
2. The ball is dead and runners may not advance unless forced.
3. If the pitcher desires to walk a batter intentionally, he may do so by notifying the plate umpire who shall award the batter first base.
4. If two batters are to be walked intentionally, the second intentional walk may not be administered until the first batter reaches first base.
5. Co-Ed: If a male is walked on four pitches or fewer, he is awarded second base and the female batter has the option of batting or accepting a walk up until the delivery of a pitch.

NOTE: If the umpire mistakenly allows two walks at one time and the first batter fails to touch first base, no appeal will be honoured on the first batter.

c. When the catcher or any other defensive player obstructs, hinders, or prevents the batter from striking at, or hitting a pitched ball.

EFFECT – Sec. 1c:

1. The umpire shall give a delayed dead ball signal with the ball remaining live until the end of play.
2. If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, “catcher obstruction” is cancelled.

a. All action as a result of the batted ball stands.
b. No option is given.

NOTE: Once a runner has passed a base, even if he misses it, he is considered to have reached that base.

3. If the batter does not reach first base safely and all other runners do not advance at least one base, the manager has the option of:

a. Taking the award for “catcher obstruction”; or
b. Taking the result of the play.

4. If the manager does not take the result of the play, “catcher obstruction” is enforced by:

a. Awarding the batter first base.
b. Other runners only advanced if forced.
d. When a fair ball strikes the person, attached equipment, or clothing of the umpire or a runner. If the runner is hit with a fair ball while touching a base, he is not out.

EFFECT – Sec. 1d: If the contact is made:

1. After touching a fielder (including the pitcher), the ball is in play.
2. After passing a fielder, other than the pitcher, and no other fielder had a chance to make an out, the ball is in play.
3. Before passing a fielder, excluding the pitcher, without being touched, the ball is dead.

a. If the runner is hit by the ball while off base he is out, and the batterrunner mis entitled to first base without liability to be put out.

EXCEPTION: If, in the umpire’s judgement, no fielder had an opportunity to make an out, the runner is not out but the ball remains dead. Any runner not forced by the batter becoming a runner must return to the base he had reached prior to the interference.

b. If the runner is hit while in contact with a base, the ball remains dead or live depending on the position of the fielder closest to the base.

Sec. 2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT

a. When a fielder legally catches a fly ball before it touches the ground, or any object or person other than a defensive player.
b. When, after hitting a fair ball, he is tagged while off base or thrown out prior to reaching first base.
c. When, after he hits a fair ball and touches only the fair portion of the double base on his first attempt at that base and a play is made at the base.
d. When an infield fly is declared.

EFFECT – Sec. 2a-d: The ball is in play and runners may advance at their own risk.

e. When he fails to advance to first base and instead enters his team area:

1) After a fair ball is hit; or
2) Anytime that he may legally advance to first base.

EFFECT – Sec. 2e The ball is live and other runners may advance at their own risk.

NOTE: A batter is not out if his turn at bat is not completed (he has not become a batter-runner) and he enters the team dugout.

EXCEPTION: Sec 2e(2): The ball is dead on a base on balls, the batter-runner is not out because the ball is dead and runners cannot advance unless forced.

f. When he steps back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder.

EFFECT – Sec. 2 f The batter-runner is out and all other runners return to the last base held at the time of the pitch. All outs made prior to the infraction shall stand.

g. When he:

1) Runs outside the three-foot line and, in the umpire’s judgment, interferes with:

(a) The fielder taking the throw at first base; or
(b) The thrown ball, preventing a fielder from making an out at first base.

NOTE: A thrown ball striking a batter-runner does not necessarily constitute interference.

2) Interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.

NOTE: The batter-runner may run outside the three-foot line to avoid a fielder attempting to field the batted ball.

3) Interferes with a fielder attempting to throw a ball.
4) Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball.
5) Interferes with a fair-batted ball (out of the batter’s box) before reaching first base.

EFFECT – Sec. 2g(1-5): If this interference and in the umpire’s judgment is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall also be called out.

h. When he interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at the plate.

EFFECT – Sec. 2h: The runner is also out.

i. If, when using the double base, he collides with a fielder who is using only the fair portion of the base and who is about to catch a thrown ball by any fielder.

j. When a member of the team at bat interferes with a player attempting to field a batted foul fly ball.

EXCEPTION:

1. If a runner creates the interference, then the runner is out.
2. The batter-runner returns to bat with an additional strike on the foul ball, provided the count prior to hitting the ball was less than two strikes.
3. If this is the third strike, the batter-runner is also out , unless the third out of the inning was the runner interference call, in which case the batter-runner shall be deemed to have completed his turn at bat.

EFFECT – Sec. 2 g-j The ball is dead and all other runners return to the last base touched at the time of the pitch.

EXCEPTION: If a play is made on a runner prior to the interference; and

1. An out is made on the runner; the result of that play shall stand.
2. If no out is made on the runner, the result of that play shall stand, unless the interference by the batter-runner is the third out. Other runners not played on must return to the last base legally held at the time of the pitch.

k. When, with less than two out and any time a runner is on first base, a fielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball (including a line drive) that could be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, after it is controlled with a hand or a glove.

NOTE: A trapped ball, or a fly ball allowed to bounce, shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped. If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball.

EFFECT – Sec. 2k: The ball is dead and the runners must return to the last base held at the time of the pitch.

l. When the immediate preceding runner who is not yet out intentionally interferes, (in the umpire’s judgment), with a fielder who is attempting to:

1) Catch a thrown ball; or
2) Throw a ball in an attempt to complete the play.

EFFECT – Sec. 2l: The ball is dead and the runner shall also be called out. All other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the interference.

m. When any person, other than a team member, enters the playing field and interferes with:

1) A fielder about to catch a fly ball; or
2) A fly ball that a defensive player, in the judgement of the umpire, is able to catch.

EFFECT – Sec. 2m: The ball is dead and the batter-runner is out. Other runners may be awarded bases they may have achieved had there been no interference.

Sec. 3. THE BATTER-RUNNER IS NOT OUT

When a fielder makes a play on a batter-runner while using an illegal glove.

EFFECT – Sec. 3:

1. The use of an illegal glove is an appeal play.
2. It must be appealed before the next legal or illegal pitch.
3. If the appeal is successful, the manager of the offended team has the option of:

a. Taking the result of the play; or
b. Having the entire play nullified, and having the player resume batting assuming the ball and strike count prior to the pitch, with other runners returned to the base held at the time of the pitch.

Sec. 4 TOUCHING BASES IN LEGAL ORDER

Runners must touch bases in legal order (i.e. first, second, third and home plate).

EXCEPTION: When the runner starts at second base using the Tiebreaker Rule (5.7).

EXCEPTION: If a runner is obstructed at a base preventing him from touching the base.

a. When a runner is returning to:

1) The base left before a caught fly ball is first touched; or
2) The missed base, while the ball is in play, he must touch the bases in reverse order.

EFFECT – Sec. 4a: The ball is in play and runners must return with liability to be put out.

b. When a runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out, he is entitled to hold the base until he has legally touched the next base in order, or is forced to vacate it for a succeeding runner.

c. When a runner dislodges a base from its proper position neither he, nor succeeding runner(s) in the same series of plays, are compelled to follow a base unreasonably out of position.

EFFECT – Sec. 4b-c: The ball is in play and runners may advance, or return, with liability to be put out.

d. Two runners may not occupy the same base simultaneously.

EFFECT – Sec. 4d:

1. The runner who first legally occupied the base shall be entitled to it, unless forced to advance.
2. The other runner may be put out by being touched with the ball.

e. Failure of a preceding runner to touch a base, or to leave a base legally on a caught fly ball, and who is declared out does not affect the status of a succeeding runner who touches bases in proper order.

f. No runner may return to touch a missed base or one left illegally, after a following runner has scored, or he leaves the field of play.

g. Bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched prior to advancing to awarded bases.

h. Awarded bases must be touched in legal order.

EXCEPTION: Unless a runner is obstructed at a base preventing him from touching the base.

i. When a walk is issued, all runners must touch all bases in legal order.

EFFECT – Sec. 4e-i: The runner shall be declared out, if the defence makes a legal appeal before the next legal or illegal pitch.

Sec. 5 RUNNERS ARE ENTITLED TO ADVANCE WITH LIABILITY TO BE PUT OUT

a. When a pitched ball is batted.

b. On a thrown ball or fair batted ball that is not blocked.

c. On a thrown ball that hits an umpire.

d. When a legally caught fly ball is first touched.

e. When a fair batted ball:

1) Strikes an umpire or a runner after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out; or
2) Has been touched by a fielder, including the pitcher; or
3) Strikes an umpire on foul ground.

f. When a live ball becomes lodged in a defensive player’s equipment or uniform.

EFFECT – Sec. 5a-f: The ball is in play.

Sec. 6 A RUNNER FORFEITS HIS EXEMPTION FROM LIABILITY TO BE PUT OUT

a. If, at any time, he fails to touch a base he is entitled to before attempting to make the next base.

EXCEPTION: If a runner is obstructed at a base preventing him from touching the base.

b. If, after overrunning first base, he attempts to continue to second base.

c. If, after dislodging a base, he attempts to continue to the next base.

d. When advancing beyond an entitled base due to:

1) A fielder contacting a thrown ball with detached equipment.(Rule 8, Sec. 7d, Effect 2)
2) A fielder contacting a batted ball with detached equipment. (Rule 8, Sec. 7d, Effect 1)
3) Obstruction. (Rule 8, Sec. 7b Effect 4bc)

Sec. 7 RUNNERS ARE ENTITLED TO ADVANCE WITHOUT LIABILITY TO BE PUT OUT

a. When forced to vacate a base because the batter was awarded a base on balls.

EFFECT – Sec. 7a:

1. The ball is dead.

2. Runners only advance if forced by the batter becoming a runner.

b. When a fielder obstructs the runner from making a base, or impedes the progress
of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases; if the fielder is:

1) Not in possession of the ball; or
2) Not in the act of fielding the ball; or
3) Making a fake tag without the ball; or
4) In possession of the ball and who pushes a runner off a base or;
5) In possession of the ball but not in the act of making an out on the runner, impedes the progress of that runner, while he is legally running the bases.

EFFECT – Sec. 7b: When any obstruction occurs (including during a rundown):

1. A delayed dead ball should be signalled, with the ball remaining live until the end of the play or until the obstructed runner is called out.

2. The obstructed runner, and each other runner affected by the obstruction, will always be awarded the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had there been no obstruction.

3. In the case of a “fake tag”, a warning should be given to both teams.

a. The next “fake tag” should result in the ejection of said player.
b. If the umpire feels there is justification, a defensive player making a fake tag could be ejected from the game without a warning.

4. If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base he would have reached had there not been obstruction, a dead ball is called.

a. The obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base, or bases, they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, had obstruction not occurred.

b. An obstructed runner may never be called out between the two bases where he was obstructed, unless:

1) an act of interference occurs after the obstruction is ruled, or
2) the runner is legally appealed for:

(a) Missing a base or;
(b) Leaving a base before a fly ball was first touched.

3. If the obstructed runner safely obtains the base he would have been awarded, in the umpires judgment, and there is a subsequent play on a different runner, the obstructed runner is no longer protected between the bases where he was obstructed, and may be put out. The ball remains live.

c. If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base he would have reached, had there not been obstruction, the obstructed runner will be called out. The ball remains live.

d. Catcher obstruction on the batter is covered under Rule 8, Sec 1c.

NOTE: Obstructed runners are still required to touch all bases in proper order, or they could be called out on a proper appeal by the defensive team.

EXCEPTION: If a runner is obstructed at a base preventing him from touching the base.

c. When forced to vacate a base because the batter was awarded first base.

d. When a fielder intentionally contacts, or controls a fair batted ball, or a thrown ball with his cap, helmet, mask, protector, pocket, detached glove or any part of his uniform that is detached from its proper place on his person.

EFFECT – Sec. 7d: All runners, including the batter-runner, shall be entitled to:

1. Three bases from the time of the pitch if on a fair batted ball; or

2. Two bases from the time of the throw if on a thrown ball.

NOTE: In each situation they may advance farther at their own risk, as the ball remains live.

NOTE: If the illegal catch or contact is made on a fair hit ball that, in the umpire’s judgement, would have cleared the outfield fence in flight, the batter-runner shall be awarded a home run.

e. When the ball is in play and is overthrown (beyond the boundary lines) or is blocked.

EFFECT – Sec. 7e:

1. All runners, including the batter-runner, shall be awarded two bases; and

a. The award will be governed by the position of the runners when the ball left the fielder’s hand.
b. If two runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.

2. A runner returning to retouch a missed base or a base left too soon may continue to the base even after the ball becomes dead on the overthrow or blocked ball.

The runner returning must be in the act of returning (running in the direction of the missed base or base left too soon) before the ball goes out of play or is blocked.

EXCEPTION: Effect Sec. 7e:

1. When a fielder loses possession of the ball such as on an attempted tag, and the ball enters the dead ball area or becomes blocked, each runner is awarded one base from the last base touched at the time the ball entered the dead ball area or became blocked.

2. If a runner touches the next base and returns to his original base, the original base he left is considered the “last base touched’’ for purposes of an overthrow award.

3. If the ball becomes blocked due to offensive team equipment, the ball is ruled dead and runners are returned to the last base touched at the time of the blocked ball.

a. If the blocked ball prevented the defence from making an out, the runner being played on is called out.
b. If this player has scored prior to the blocked ball being ruled, the runner closest to home is called out.

f. When a fair-batted fly ball:

1) Goes over the fence.
2) Goes directly off the fielder’s glove or body and over the fence in fair territory.
3) Makes contact with the top of the fence and goes over the fence in fair territory.
4) Contacts the foul pole above the fence level.

NOTE: Sec. 7 f: 2) a fair batted ball that goes directly off a fielder and over the home run fence, is considered a four base award and does not count as a home run toward the home run limit.

EFFECT – Sec. 7f: It is a home run. The ball is dead and all runners are entitled to advance to home plate.

EXCEPTION: If:

1. The ball passes out of the grounds at a distance less than those prescribed in Rule 2, Sec. 1; or
2. A fair batted fly ball goes off a fielder’s glove or body and over the fence in foul territory; or
3. A fair batted fly ball that goes off the fence, deflects off the fielder and then over the fence.

EFFECT – Runners shall be awarded two bases from the time of the pitch.

g. When a fair ball bounces over, or rolls under or through a fence or any designated boundary of the playing field. Also, if it deflects off:

1) A defensive player or an umpire; or
2) A runner, after passing a fielder, excluding the pitcher, and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out; and
3) Goes out of play in foul territory.

EFFECT – Sec. 7g: The ball is dead and all runners are awarded two bases from time of pitch.

h. When a fielder unintentionally carries a live ball, from playable territory into dead ball territory.

NOTE: A fielder carrying a live ball into the dugout or team area to tag a player is considered to have unintentionally carried it there.

EFFECT – Sec. 7h: The ball is dead and all runners are awarded one base from the last base touched at the time the fielder entered dead ball territory.

i. When, in the umpire’s judgement, a fielder intentionally causes a live ball to go from playable territory into dead ball territory.

NOTE:

1. Intentionally causing the ball to go out of play could be pushing, throwing, kicking, blowing or any other method used to cause the ball to go out of play.
2. A dead ball line is considered in play.

EFFECT – Sec. 7i: The ball is dead and all runners are awarded two bases from the last base touched at the time the fielder intentionally entered, or intentionally caused the ball to go into, dead ball territory.

j. When any person, other than a team member, enters the playing field and interferes with:

1) A fielder about to catch a fly ball; or
2) A fly ball that a defensive player is able to catch.

EFFECT – Sec. 7j(1-2):

1. The ball is dead and the batter-runner is out.
2. All other runners will be awarded the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had there been no interference.

3) A fair ball, ground ball; or
4) A fielder about to field or catch a thrown ball; or
5) A fielder about to throw a ball; or
6) A ball thrown by a fielder.

EFFECT – Sec. 7j 3-6:

1. The ball is dead.

2. If an out could be made, had no interference occurred, the batter-runner or runner is out.

a. All other runners will be awarded the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had there been no interference.

3. If no out could be made, the batter-runner and other runners will be awarded the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had there been no interference.

k. When a ball is lodged in:

1) Umpire gear or clothing, or
2) Offensive player’s clothing.

EFFECT – Sec. 7k: The ball is dead and the runners are advanced to the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, had the ball not been lodged.

Sec. 8 A RUNNER MUST RETURN TO HIS BASE

A runner must return to his base, but need not touch the intervening bases:

a. When a batted ball is declared foul.

b. When the umpire declares the ball to have been illegally batted.

c. When a batter-runner is called out for interference.

d. When the on-deck batter, or any other non-playing team member, creates interference.

e. When a fielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball:

1) Including a line drive.
2) With less than two out.
3) Any time a runner is on first base.
4) That could be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, after it is controlled with a hand or a glove.

NOTE: If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball.

EFFECT – Sec. 8a-e: The ball is dead and he must return, without liability to be put out, to the last base legally held at the time of the pitch, unless forced to advance because the batter became a batter-runner.

f. When a batter, or runner, is called out for interference.

g. When a runner steals a base. Under no condition is a runner allowed to steal a base when a pitched ball is not batted. The runner must return to his base.

EFFECT 8g: Base stealing is not allowed.

Sec. 9 THE RUNNER IS OUT

a. When, while running to any base in regular or reverse order, he runs more than 0.91m (3 ft.) from his established base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand or glove of a fielder.

b. When, while the ball is in play and he is not in contact with a base, he is legally touched with the ball in the hand or glove of a fielder.

c. When, on a force play, a fielder:

1) While holding the ball, contacts the base to which the runner is forced to advance.

NOTE – A fielder must touch home plate, not the strike mat, to make a force play on a runner.

2) Touches the ball to the base before the runner reaches the base.
3) Tags the runner before he reaches the base.

NOTE: If a forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason toward the base he had last occupied, the force play is reinstated.

d. When anyone, other than another runner, physically assists him while the ball is in play or when after the ball becomes dead after a home run or an award of bases.

EXCEPTION – 9d: When the runner is assisted on a home run or an award of bases the ball remains dead.

NOTE: Men do not run the bases after a home run in Canadian Championship play.

NOTE: If a fly ball is caught on the play, the batter-runner will also be out.

e. When he physically passes a preceding runner before that runner has been called out.

f. (CO-ED ONLY) When, after crossing the commitment line:

1) The runner does not touch or cross the safe line before he is legally tagged; or
2) Before the ball is legally held by a defensive player who is in contact with home plate.
3) If being played on, the runner shall be called out for stepping on home plate; or
4) Passing home plate in fair territory except if such actions are an attempt to avoid a collision.

g. (CO-ED ONLY) When after crossing the commitment line he does not touch or cross the safe line before the ball is legally held by a defensive player who is in contact with home plate.

EFFECT – Sec. 9a-g: The ball remains in play.

EXCEPTION:

1. When the runner passes a preceding runner during a dead ball play, the ball will remain dead.
2. If a batted ball becomes a dead ball foul, ball the runner is not out for passing a runner prior to the dead ball declaration.

NOTE: (EXCEPTION 2) When the runner passes the preceding runner the umpire will point at the passing runner and say “passing”. No call or signal will be given until the status of the ball is determined. If the ball becomes a dead ball foul ball, no call is made. If the ball’s status is determined to be live, then the out call is made and signalled.

h. When he leaves his base to advance to another base before a caught fly ball has touched a fielder provided:

1) That the ball is returned to a fielder and legally held on that base; or
2) A fielder legally touches the runner before the runner returns to the base.

i. When he fails to touch the intervening base, or bases, in regular or reverse order and the ball is in play and is:

1) Legally held on that base; or
2) The runner is legally touched while off the base he missed.

NOTE: Runners must touch home plate, not the strike mat, to score a run. The runner is out on an appeal if they only make contact with the strike mat.

EXCEPTION: If a runner is obstructed at a base preventing him from touching the base.

j. When the batter-runner becomes a runner by touching first base, passes it, then attempts to run to second base and is legally touched with the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder, while off the base.

k. When, in running or sliding for home plate, he fails to touch it, makes no attempt to return to it and a fielder holds the ball in his hand(s), while touching the plate, and appeals to the umpire for a decision.

EFFECT – Sec. 9h-k: These are appeal plays and the runner will not be out unless the appeal is made legally.

1. Appeals may be made while the ball is live or dead, but the defensive team loses the privilege of making an appeal if it is not made:

a. Before the next legal or illegal pitch.
b. Before all fielders have clearly vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout area.
c. If a fielder makes the appeal, the fielder must be in the infield when making the appeal.
d. In the case of the last play of the game, before the umpires have left thefield of play.

2. DEAD BALL APPEAL

a. Once the ball has been returned to the infield and “Time” has been called by the umpire, or the ball becomes dead, any defensive team player in the infield, with or without possession of the ball, may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base, or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball.

b. The administering umpire should acknowledge the appeal, and then make a decision on the play.

c. No runner may leave his base during this period, as the ball remains dead until the next pitch.

EXCEPTION – 2c: A runner who has left a base too soon on a caught fly ball, or who has missed a base, and who is in the act of returning to retouch the missed base or base left too soon, may continue to return to the base.

NOTE:

1. If the ball goes out of play, the dead ball appeal cannot be made until the umpire places a new ball into the game; and
2. All runners have finished their base running obligations.
3. If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is in contact with the pitching plate when making a verbal appeal, no illegal pitch is called.
4. If the umpire has declared “Play Ball” and the pitcher then requests an appeal, the umpire would again call “Time” and allow the appeal process.
5. Additional out appeals may be made after the third out as long as they are made properly and are to remove a run or restore the batting order.

l. When he is struck with a fair-batted ball in fair territory while off base, and before it passes a fielder, excluding the pitcher, unless in the umpire’s judgement, no fielder had an opportunity to make an out.

m. When he intentionally kicks a ball that a fielder has missed.

n. When he interferes with a fielder attempting to field a fair-batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball.

EFFECT – Sec. 9l-n: If this interference, in the judgement of the umpire,

1) Is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the immediate succeeding runner shall also be called out unless the runner causing the interference is already out, then it is the runner closest to home that will be called out; or

2) Takes away the defence’s ability to make a force out for the third (3rd) out of an inning, no runs can score on the play.

o. When, after a runner, batter or batter-runner has been declared out, or after a runner has scored, and the runner, batter or batter-runner interferes with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play on another runner.

EFFECT –Sec. 9o: The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference will be called out.

p. When one or more members of the offensive team stand at, or collect around, a base to which a runner is advancing, thereby confusing the fielders and adding to the difficulty of making the play.

NOTE: Members of a team include the batboy or any other person authorized to sit on the team’s bench.

q. When the coach near third base runs in the direction of home plate on or near the baseline, while a fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted or thrown ball, and thereby draws a throw to home plate.

EFFECT – Sec. 9q: It is the runner closest to home plate that shall be called out.

r. When a coach:

1) Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in the coach’s box, or
2) Interferes with the defensive team’s opportunity to make a play on a runner, or batter-runner.

EFFECT – Sec. 9r: The runner closest to home plate, at the time of the interference, who shall be declared out.

s. When a defensive player has the ball, and is waiting for the runner, and the runner remains on his feet and deliberately crashes into the defensive player.

NOTE: If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender shall be ejected.

EFFECT – Sec. 9 l-s: The ball is dead and other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the interference, unless forced to advance because the batter became a batter-runner.

t. When he runs bases in reverse order either to confuse the fielders or to make a
travesty of the game.

EFFECT – Sec. 9t: The ball is dead and all other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the runner being declared out, unless forced to advance because the batter became a batter-runner.

u. When he fails to keep contact with the base to which he is entitled, until a pitched ball touches the ground, reaches home plate or is batted.

EFFECT – Sec. 9u: The ball is dead, a “No Pitch” is declared and other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the pitch.

v. When he abandons a base and enters his team area, or leaves the field of play, while the ball is live.

w. When he positions himself behind, and not in contact with, a base to get a running start on any fly ball.

EFFECT – Sec. 9 v-w: The ball remains live.

x. When a batter-runner, interferes with a play at home plate, in an attempt to prevent an obvious out on an advancing runner at the plate.

EFFECT – Sec. 9x: The ball is dead, the batter-runner is also declared out, and the other runners must return to the last base held at the time of the pitch.

y. When runners switch positions on the bases.

EFFECT – Sec. 9y:

1. This is an appeal play and can be made any time until all runners, who switched positions are:

a. In the dugout
b. Or the inning is over.

2. When properly appealed, each runner discovered to have switched positions on the bases shall be declared out (even if they had scored) and the Head Coach shall be ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. The order of outs shall be determined by the location of the runners immediately after the switch. The runner who switched bases and is closest to home plate after the switch shall be called out first. The next runner who switched bases and is next closest to home shall be called out next and so on. Any runs scored by the offending runner(s) shall be nullified.

Sec. 10 THE RUNNER IS NOT OUT

a. When he runs behind, or in front of the fielder and outside the base path, in order to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting to field the batted ball in the base path.

b. When he does not run in a direct line to the base, provided the fielder in the direct line does not have the ball in his possession.

c. When more than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes in contact with the one who, in the umpire’s judgement, was not entitled to field the ball.

d. When he is hit with a fair, untouched batted ball that has passed a fielder, excluding the pitcher, and in the umpire’s judgement, no fielder had a chance to make an out.

e. When he is hit with a fair, untouched batted ball over foul territory and, in the umpire’s judgement, no fielder had a chance to make an out.

f. When he is hit with a fair-batted ball after it touches or is touched by any fielder, including the pitcher, and he could not avoid contact with the ball.

g. When he is touched while off base:

1) With a ball not securely held by a defensive player; or
2) With a hand or glove of a defensive player and the ball is in the other hand.

h. When the defensive team does not request the umpire’s decision on an appeal play until after the next legal or illegal pitch, or until after all fielders have clearly vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout.

i. When a batter-runner becomes a runner, by touching first base, passes it and then returns directly to the base.

j. When he is not given sufficient time to return to a base. He will not be called out for being off base before the pitcher releases the ball and he may advance as though having left the base legally.

k. When he has legally started to advance. He may not be stopped by the pitcher receiving the ball while on the pitching plate, or by the pitcher stepping onto the plate while holding the ball.

l. When he holds his base until a fly ball touches a fielder and then attempts to advance.

m. When hit by a batted ball when touching his base, unless he intentionally interferes with the ball, or a fielder making a play.

n. When he slides into a base and dislodges it from its proper position. The base is considered to have followed the runner.

EFFECT – Sec. 10n:

1. A runner reaching a base safely will not be out for being off that base, if it becomes dislodged.
2. He may return to that base without liability to be put out when the base has been replaced.
3. A runner forfeits this exemption, if he attempts to advance beyond the dislodged base before it is again in proper position.

o. When a fielder makes a play on a runner while using an illegal glove.

NOTE: A pitch by the pitcher is not considered making a play.

EFFECT – Sec. 10o:

1. The use of an illegal glove is an appeal play.
2. It must be appealed before the next legal or illegal pitch.
3. If the appeal is successful, the manager of the offended team has the option of:

a. Taking the result of the play; or
b. Having the entire play nullified, the batter returning to bat assuming the count held prior to the illegal action and runners returning to the last base held at the time of the play.