2024 Proposed Rules
Proposal 1: Dead Ball
Submitted by: Joey Higdon
This rule proposal seeks to bring back the new count, if a player hits a ball that ceases to function.
The original reads:
Rule 1, Section 4
Article 4…A dead ball determination is made by the Field or Head Umpire after completion of the play. The Umpire will approach the ball (or player holding the ball) and without bending over to the ground, with the base that was activated during the play still on, LISTEN to determine if the ball is audible and playable. If audible, the play is stands as completed. If determined to be a ‘dead ball’ the play will be considered malfunctioning equipment and a no pitch will be awarded UNLESS the defensive team fielded the ball without the aid of hearing the beep for the out. Then the defense is considered to have been at the disadvantage. If the play was completed prior to the runner hitting the base, the play will stand as an “out”.
Change no pitch to new count so that it will now read:
Rule 1, Section 4
Article 4…A dead ball determination is made by the Field or Head Umpire after completion of the play. The Umpire will approach the ball (or player holding the ball) and without bending over to the ground, with the base that was activated during the play still on, LISTEN to determine if the ball is audible and playable. If audible, the play stands as completed. If determined to be a ‘dead ball’ the play will be considered malfunctioning equipment and a new count will be awarded UNLESS the defensive team fielded the ball without the aid of hearing the beep for the out. Then the defense is considered to have been at the disadvantage. If the play was completed prior to the runner hitting the base, the play will stand as an “out”.
Proposal 2: Double Call
Submitted by: zach arambula
The first article is how the rule reads now and the second is what I am proposing.
Current Rule
Article 3…A Spotter is a non-playing member of the defensive team who will assist the defensive team in the field. Each team must have one, but not more than two, spotters. The spotter(s) will take a position on the field in fair territory prior to the Umpire calling “play”. The spotters may assist the defense in position themselves on the field prior to each pitch. Spotter may advise if a batter is right- or left-handed, male or female, or any additional information, which the spotter feels, is necessary for the players to know, prior to the umpire calling “play” and prior to the Time of the Pitch for the first pitch, and subsequent pitches, to that batter. The spotter may use only the numbers one through six when designating which player is in the best position to field a batted ball. If the spotter attempts to convey any other information (such as left or right, in or out, a second call by the same or different spotter [double call], or any other verbal or physical assistance to aid a player or players in locating the ball) the umpire shall award the offensive team a run and caution both the captain and the spotter of that team; if repeated offenses are called for the same or similar infraction in that ball game, the spotter may be ejected from the game. Two ejections in a tournament will result in that spotter being barred from further participation in that tournament in any capacity. Defensive players are allowed to speak freely to aid one another in locating and fielding the ball.
Proposed Change
(Changes the rule such that a double call results in a new count)
Article 3…A Spotter is a non-playing member of the defensive team who will assist the defensive team in the field. Each team must have one, but not more than two, spotters. The spotter(s) will take a position on the field in fair territory prior to the Umpire calling “play”. The spotters may assist the defense in position themselves on the field prior to each pitch. Spotter may advise if a batter is right- or left-handed, male or female, or any additional information, which the spotter feels, is necessary for the players to know, prior to the umpire calling “play” and prior to the Time of the Pitch for the first pitch, and subsequent pitches, to that batter. The spotter may use only the numbers one through six when designating which player is in the best position to field a batted ball. If the spotter attempts to convey any other information (such as left or right, in or out, a second call by the same or different spotter [double call], or any other verbal or physical assistance to aid a player or players in locating the ball) the umpire shall confirm that there was an illegal call after the play is over. If confirmed to be an illegal call the runner stays safe if called safe on the play, if the runner is called out the batter will receive a new count. Both the captain and the spotter of that team will be cautioned; if repeated offenses are called for the same or similar infraction in that ball game, the spotter may be ejected from the game. Two ejections in a tournament will result in that spotter being barred from further participation in that tournament in any capacity. Defensive players are allowed to speak freely to aid one another in locating and fielding the ball.
Proposal 3: Definition of Visually Impaired
Submitted by: Jerry Windell
This Rule is to define Visually Impaired as it is referenced in our Rule Book and never defined. This definition will be as it is currently defined in the Vision Policy and unanimously approved by the Board of Directors.
There has been public discussion over the last several years concerning the current definition and this is to give the membership the opportunity to accept or reject it.
The NBBA has the most inclusive definition of Visually Impaired compared to any national or international sports organization for the blind or visually impaired. This rule change does not change the ability of sighted players to play when there is no eligible Visually Impaired players to play.
Current Rule 1, Section 1, Article 3.
All Players in a team’s line-up shall be visually impaired. EXCEPTION: [a] Each team is
allowed to have sighted members on their official roster. When blindfolded, they are eligible to play as
fielder/batter; HOWEVER, no more than two fully sighted persons may participate as fielder/batter on any
team at one time during any one game, and ONLY IF no visually impaired player is available to play; [b]
Pitcher and catcher should have good visual acuity with corrective eye wear.
Addition of clause [c].
Visually Impaired is defined as a distance visual acuity no greater than 20/70 and/or a visual field no greater than 30 degrees in the best eye with best practical correction. Practical correction does not include low vision devices of
any kind. If the visual impairment can improve or doesn’t meet this definition of Visually Impaired, a new Vision Form must be submitted each year by July 1 unless the visual impairment becomes permanent.
Proposal 4: Designated Hitter
Submitted by: Courtney Williams
This proposed rule change would allow for up to two DH roles simultaneously per game, which may benefit teams with weak or small rosters, and make the games more competitive in some situations.
Current Rule:
Section 14: Designated Hitter
Article 1…The use of a Designated Hitter (DH) is not required but, if a team intends to use a DH it must be announced to the Head Umpire (HU) prior to
the start of the game. Name and uniform number on the lineup sheet presented to the HU or Official Scorekeeper must indicate the DH and the Defensive Player
(DP) for whom the DH is batting. Only one DH role may be used per game. If one team opts to use the DH, the opposing team is not required to do the same.
Article 2…The DH and the DP are “locked” in the lineup. The DP may be substituted for provided the active DH is not the replacement; the DH may be substituted
for provided the active DP is not the replacement. If the active DH takes the field, the DP for whom the DH was batting must leave the game and the role
of DH is terminated for the remainder of the game. If the active DP bats, the DH who was batting must leave the game and the role of DH is terminated for
the remainder of the game.
Article 3…the active DH may be substituted out and, after 6 outs (3 outs under 12-run rule) may re-enter the game as an eligible substitute for any player,
including the DP or DH. The active DP may be substituted out and, after 6 outs (3 outs under 12-run rule) may re-enter the game as an eligible substitute
for any player, including the DH or DP.
Article 4…If a team uses the DH but fails to notify the Head Umpire and/or Official Scorekeeper prior to the start of the game, the penalty for an ineligible
player will be imposed and the role of DH will be terminated for the remainder of the game for that team.
Proposed Rule Change:
Section 14: Designated Hitters
Article 1…The use of Designated Hitters (DH) is not required but, if a team intends to use 1 or 2 DH’s it must be announced to the Head Umpire (HU) prior to
the start of the game. Name and uniform number on the lineup sheet presented to the HU or Official Scorekeeper must indicate each DH up to two and each Defensive Player up to two
for either (DP) for whom either DH is batting. Only two DH roles may be used simultaneously per game. If one team opts to use 1 or 2 DH’s, the opposing team is not required to do the same.
Article 2.. each DH and each DP are “locked” in the lineup. either DP may be substituted for provided either active DH is not the replacement; either DH may be substituted
for provided either active DP is not the replacement. If either active DH takes the field, either DP for whom either DH was batting must leave the game and that role
of DH is terminated for the remainder of the game. If either active DP bats, either DH who was batting must leave the game and that role of DH is terminated for
the remainder of the game.
Article 3…either active DH may be substituted out and, after 6 outs (3 outs under 12-run rule) may re-enter the game as an eligible substitute for any player,
including either DP or either DH. Either active DP may be substituted out and, after 6 outs (3 outs under 12-run rule) may re-enter the game as an eligible substitute
for any player, including either DH or either DP.
Article 4…If a team uses any of the 2 DH roles but fails to notify the Head Umpire and/or Official Scorekeeper prior to the start of the game, the penalty for an ineligible
player will be imposed and that role of DH that it occurs will be terminated for the remainder of the game for that team.
Proposal 5: Three Strikes
Proposed 05 01 2024 by: MIKE MCGLASHON
‘proposal for changing 4 strikes to 3:
rule 1: sec 4: art 3:
original wording:
…
A foul ball which ceases to beep in the proper manner will be called a strike unless it is the fourth strike, in which case the batter will resume with ball and strike count as it was prior to the foul ball, the fourth strike must be a clean miss or a called strike.
proposed change:
…
A foul ball which ceases to beep in the proper manner will be called a strike unless it is the third strike, in which case the batter will resume with ball and strike count as it was prior to the foul ball, the third strike must be a clean miss or a called strike.
rule 2: sec 8: art 2/3:
(article is misnumbered,
skips from art 2 to art 4 in this sec 8);
original wording:
…
The fourth strike must be a clean miss or a called strike.
proposed change:
…
The third strike must be a clean miss or a called strike.
rule 2: sec 12: art 2:
original wording:
Article 2…A Strike Out is the result of the batter having four strikes charged against him.
proposed change:
Article 2…A Strike Out is the result of the batter having three strikes charged against him.
rule 2: sec 17: art 2:
original wording:
[a] A batter is not charged with a time at bat when he is replaced before being charged with three strikes or he is replaced after being charged with three strikes and his substitute does not strike out;
proposed change:
[a] A batter is not charged with a time at bat when he is replaced before being charged with two strikes or he is replaced after being charged with two strikes and his substitute does not strike out;
rule 6: sec 1: art 3:
original wording:
…
A foul ball shall be called a strike unless it is the fourth strike. A foul tip shall be ruled a foul ball and called a strike unless it is the fourth strike. The fourth strike must be a clean miss.
proposed change:
…
A foul ball shall be called a strike unless it is the third strike. A foul tip shall be ruled a foul ball and called a strike unless it is the third strike. The third strike must be a clean miss.
rule 7: sec 2: art 1:
original wording:
Article 1…A strike is charged to the Batter when:
[b] A pitch becomes a foul ball or foul tip when the batter has less than three strikes; or
proposed change:
Article 1…A strike is charged to the Batter when:
[b] A pitch becomes a foul ball or foul tip when the batter has less than two strikes; or
rule 7: sec 2: art 2:
original wording:
Article 2…
In some cases in these rules, the defensive team may be charged with an infraction that results in a no pitch or a “free pitch” to the batter;
this is the equivalent of giving the batter more than four strikes and one pass.
proposed change:
Article 2…
In some cases in these rules, the defensive team may be charged with an infraction that results in a no pitch or a “free pitch” to the batter;
this is the equivalent of giving the batter more than three strikes and one pass.
rule 7: sec 3: art 1:
original wording:
Article 1…
If it is the fourth strike, the umpire shall call “Time” and declare the batter out.
proposed change:
Article 1…
If it is the third strike, the umpire shall call “Time” and declare the batter out.
rule 7: sec 3: art 3:
original wording:
Article 3…
If it is the fourth strike, the umpire shall call “Time” and declare the batter out.
proposed change:
Article 3…
If it is the third strike, the umpire shall call “Time” and declare the batter out.
rule 7: sec 4:
original wording:
Section 4: Batter Is Out As In Above or When:
…
[b] He accrues four strikes; or
…
proposed change:
Section 4: Batter Is Out As In Above or When:
…
[b] He accrues three strikes; or
…
Proposal 6: Foul Ball.
Submitted by: Brandon Chesser
This rule is proposing to keep athletes and spectators safe by extending the Foul lines through the Homerun line which is measured at 170ft. This rule is stating that if at any time the ball put in play bounds, roles or lands crossing the foul line before and/or after the bases at any point from the 40ft line to the 170ft line, it is a foul ball and the batter is issued a strike. If a ball lands in fair territory and touches a player or umpire prior to crossing the foul line, it’s still a fair ball and should be played as such. A hit ball must remain with in the two marked base lines through the homerun line to be considered fair unless it touches a fielders or umpire to be count as a fair ball.
Current Rule as it is written.
Rule 1:
Section 2: The Field
Article 1…
The Playing Field shall be a right angle having sides of at least 100 feet, with their point of origin being the rear point of home plate. All lines of the playing field shall be marked with a material that is not injurious to the eyes or skin. Distance from the rear point of home plate to the nearest obstruction on fair ground should be at least 170 feet down the foul lines and through the center of the field.
Foul lines shall be marked to extend from the rear point of home plate toward first and third base marks for a distance of at least 100 feet. It is recommended that these lines extend at least thirty [30] feet beyond the 100 foot mark. A line ten feet in length shall be drawn at a right angle from the 100-foot mark (hereafter referred to as the spot) of each of the foul lines. The near edge of first and third base shall be placed at the end of these ten-foot lines. The distance between first and third bases shall be no less than 141’3″ and no more than 141’6″ measured spot-to-spot, and not less than 141’4″ or 141’6″ measured from the near edge of either base, or its wind-resistance device, to the near edge of the other base, or its windresistance device.
Proposed Rule Change.
Rule 1:
Section 2: The Field
Article 1…
The Playing Field shall be a right angle having sides of at least 100 feet, with their point of origin being the rear point of home plate. All lines of the playing field shall be marked with a material that is not injurious to the eyes or skin. Distance from the rear point of home plate to the nearest obstruction on fair ground should be at least 170 feet down the foul lines and through the center of the field.
Foul lines shall be marked to extend from the rear point of home plate towards the Home Run Line down first and third base lines for a distance of no less than 170ft.
A line ten feet in length shall be drawn at a right angle from the 100-foot mark (hereafter referred to as the spot) of each of the foul lines. The near edge of first and third base shall be placed at the end of these ten-foot lines. The distance between first and third bases shall be no less than 141’3″ and no more than 141’6″ measured spot-to-spot, and not less than 141’4″ or 141’6″ measured from the near edge of either base, or its wind-resistance device, to the near edge of the other base, or its windresistance device.
Rule 2:
Section 8: Hit, Fair Hit, Foul, Foul Tip, Ground Ball, Fly Ball, No Pitch
As it’s currently written:
Article 1 — A Hit is the act of the batter initiating contact between the bat and the pitched ball. A Fair Hit (commonly called a fair ball) is a batted ball which settles on fair territory between home and first base spot or between home and third base spot, on or inside the base lines and on or beyond the forty-foot line; or contacts fair ground on or beyond the forty-foot line on or between first base line and third base line; or which is on or over fair ground when bounding to the outfield area beyond first or third base spot; or ball first falls on fair ground beyond first or third base spot; or which touches the person of a spotter, or fielder (other than the pitcher); or which, while on or over fair ground, passes out of the playing area. [Note: a fly or line drive hit which passes over or inside first or third base spot in flight and curves to foul ground beyond such spot before touching or being touched is not a fair hit, it is a foul ball.] Article 2…A Foul is a batted ball which settles on foul territory between home and first base spot or between home and third base spot before or after crossing the forty-foot line and before it has passed either base spot in fair territory and before it has been touched by a defensive fielder; or that bounds past first or third base spot on or over foul territory; or ball first falls on foul ground beyond first or third base spot prior to touching or being touched in fair territory; or that stays between first and third baselines but stops moving before it has reached the forty-foot foul line; or that, after touching the ground beyond the forty-foot foul line, rebounds, bounces, or rolls, back across the forty-foot foul line into foul territory before touching or being touched by a fielder; or that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or other official or a player or other person, or any object foreign to the natural ground, including a base or its wind-resistant device. A Foul Tip is a batted ball that goes directly to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught and held by any fielder, a Foul Tip is a foul ball and the batter will remain at bat. The fourth strike must be a clean miss or a called strike.
Proposed Change”
Article 1 — A Hit is the act of the batter initiating contact between the bat and the pitched ball. A Fair Hit (commonly called a fair ball) is a batted ball which settles on fair territory after reaching the 40ft mark, also while staying within the 1st and 3rd base lines marked from Homeplate through the homerun line marked at 170ft; or which touches the person of a spotter, or fielder (other than the pitcher); or which, while on or over fair ground, passes out of the playing area. [Note: a fly or line drive hit which passes over or inside first or third base spot in flight and curves to foul ground beyond such spot before touching or being touched is not a fair hit, it is a foul ball.
Article 2 — A Foul is a batted ball which settles outside the 1st or 3rd base line stretching from the back of Homeplate through the homerun line marked at 170ft. before crossing the forty-foot line, and before it has been touched by a defensive fielder; or ball first falls on foul ground beyond first or third base spot prior to touching or being touched in fair territory; or that stays between first and third baselines but stops moving before it has reached the forty-foot foul line; or that, after touching the ground beyond the forty-foot foul line, rebounds, bounces, or rolls, back across the forty-foot foul line into foul territory before touching or being touched by a fielder; or that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or other official or a player or other person, or any object foreign to the natural ground, including a base or its wind-resistant device.
Proposal 7: Eliminating Obstructions
Submitted by: Brandon Chesser
Proposed rule change for the following is requesting that there shall be no obstruction with in 200ft in the field of play measuring from the rear point of home plate. Or with in 30ft of the outside of the foul lines.
Reading of current ruling.
Section 2: The Field
Article 1 — The Playing Field shall be a right angle having sides of at least 100 feet, with their point of origin being the rear point of home plate. All lines of the playing field shall be marked with a material that is not injurious to the eyes or skin. Distance from the rear point of home plate to the nearest obstruction on fair ground should be at least 170 feet down the foul lines and through the center of the field. Foul lines shall be marked to extend from the rear point of home plate toward first and third base marks for a distance of at least 100 feet. It is recommended that these lines extend at least thirty [30] feet beyond the 100 foot mark. A line ten feet in length shall be drawn at a right angle from the 100-foot mark (hereafter referred to as the spot) of each of the foul lines. The near edge of first and third base shall be placed at the end of these ten-foot lines. The distance between first and third bases shall be no less than 141’3″ and no more than 141’6″ measured spot-to-spot, and not less than 141’4″ or 141’6″ measured from the near edge of either base, or its wind-resistance device, to the near edge of the other base, or its wind resistance device.
Proposed reading after change:
Article 1 — The Playing Field shall be a right angle having sides of at least 100 feet, with their point of origin being the rear point of home plate. All lines of the playing field shall be marked with a material that is not injurious to the eyes or skin. Distance from the rear point of home plate to the nearest obstruction on fair ground should be at least 200 feet down the foul lines and through the center of the field of play and not within 30 feet down the outside of the foul lines. Foul lines shall be marked to extend from the rear point of home plate toward first and third base marks for a distance of at least 100 feet. It is recommended that these lines extend at least thirty [30] feet beyond the 100 foot mark. A line ten feet in length shall be drawn at a right angle from the 100-foot mark (hereafter referred to as the spot) of each of the foul lines. The near edge of first and third base shall be placed at the end of these ten-foot lines. The distance between first and third bases shall be no less than 141’3″ and no more than 141’6″ measured spot-to-spot, and not less than 141’4″ or 141’6″ measured from the near edge of either base, or its wind-resistance device, to the near edge of the other base, or its wind resistance device.
Proposal 8: Official Blindfold
Submitted by: Jerry Windell
Addition of Rule1, Section 3, Article 6:
Blindfolds must be either the Mindfold or Goalfix brand and must be made available to the Home Plate Umpire and representative from the opposing team prior to use in the game. Blindfolds of the starting lineups will be inspected prior to the start of a game and of a substitute when they enter a game. The Home Plate Umpire may request the inspection of a blindfold being worn by a player currently in the lineup at any time and require its replacement if it isn’t in acceptable condition. A player may provide medical documentation stating that he/she is allergic to materials in all Official Blindfolds in order to wear a different blindfold. Under this circumstance, the Unofficial Blindfold is subject to the same inspection requirement as an Official Blindfold.
Proposal 9
Center Line Orientation
This is the language for adding a center orientation line.
The purpose of this change is to standardize this marking so that it is accurately placed on the field for use of correctly placing defenders in position and assisting spotters with calls. This will also eliminate inaccurate lines from being placed on the field that could lead to inaccurate spotting calls.
Rule1, Section 2, Article 5:
A Center Orientation Line will be lined from the center of the 40 foot foul line to the center of the hone run line passing through a mark approximately 70’8.5” between the 100 foot marks of the first and third base foul lines.
End of Document