The pitcher fails to come to a complete stop and throws to first base.
If the pitcher is pitching from the wind-up position this is a legal play as long as he steps towards the base. If he steps towards home he must complete the delivery to the plate. If the pitcher is pitching from the set position, that is a balk. In the set position the pitcher must…
The pitcher fails to come to a complete stop and pitches to home.
If the pitcher is pitching from the wind-up position this is a legal play. If the pitcher is pitching from the set position, that is a balk or an illegal pitch. This is the most common balk at the Freshman and JV levels. The pitcher must make a clear and discernible stop in his pitching…
Can a pitcher use the modified stance under NFHS rules?
In high school, there are only two legal pitching positions: the wind-up position and the set position. Any pitch using a modified stance would be illegal and result in either an illegal pitch or a balk.
Pitcher steps off rubber and throws ball into dead ball territory.
If a pitcher attempting to pick off a runner throws a ball that lands in dead ball territory, the ball is immediately dead. Since the pitcher stepped off the rubber, he is now a fielder, not a pitcher. This difference means that the runners are awarded two bases from their position at the time of…
Pitcher attempts a pickoff at first base and ball goes into dead ball territory.
If a pitcher attempting to pick off a runner throws a ball that lands in dead ball territory, the ball is immediately dead. The runners are awarded one base from their position at the time of the throw.
When can a pitcher touch their mouth?
A pitcher can not go to their mouth while on the pitching plate (rubber). If a pitcher brings the pitching hand in contact with the mouth without distinctly wiping off the pitching hand before it touches the ball, that is an illegal act and results in an illegal pitch or balk.
A pitcher commits an illegal pitch.
If a pitcher commits an illegal pitch the ball is immediately dead and a ball is added to the hitters count. If the illegal pitch occurs while a runner is on base, that is a balk and all runners will be awarded one base. For a complete list of illegal actions, refer to NFHS rule…
When can a pitcher take a sign?
A Pitcher can only take a sign while in contact with the pitching plate (rubber).
The batter turns his head to peek at the catcher’s signs.
The player and coach will be given a verbal warning and the next player to commit the offense will be ejected. The Coach may also be ejected or restricted to the bench.
Is wearing jewelry permitted under NFHS rules?
Jewelry is not permissible to be worn except for religious or medical reasons. A player wearing such jewelry must have it tucked inside of their jersey and it can not be showing. If the jewelry is illegal, the player and coach will be given a verbal warning and the next player to commit the offense…
