NCAA 1-2 The Playing Field

Infield, Outfield Dimensions

SECTION 2. a. The infield shall be a 90-foot square. Note in the diagram in this section that the center of second base is one corner of the 90-foot square and the measurement to first and third bases is to the back edge of each base. All measurements are to be made from the apex or back point of home plate. The outfield shall be the area between two foul lines formed by extending the two outer sides of the square.

b. The recommended distances for outfield fences are 330 feet from the apex of home plate to each foul pole; 375 feet in both right- and left-center field; 400 feet in straightaway center field. If the distance to the foul pole is less than 330 feet, the fence should be rounded out to the recommended distances in rightand left-center field and straightaway center field, if possible. The foul poles shall be painted fluorescent yellow for new construction and for repainting of existing foul poles.

Note: This requirement will apply only to college baseball facilities owned by NCAA member institutions.

Rule 1 / The Game, Playing Field and Equipment 11

c. It is highly recommended that the outfield be enclosed completely by a solid and secure outfield fence. If possible, a permanent fence should be at least 6 feet high and preferably 8 feet high.

1) If a snow fence must be used, the posts must be placed on the outside of the fence, and the top of each post must be below the top of the fence. The top of the snow fence should be bonded with 1-by-4-inch boards on both sides and flush with the top of the fence. Snow fences are potentially dangerous, and their use is discouraged.

2) The flexible nylon windscreen-type fence is neither solid nor secure and presents a problem when determining if a ball is caught within the field of play. In such a case, caught within the field of play shall mean that the defensive player must have possession of the ball (legal catch) while inside the boundary of the fence. The catch cannot be made legally while the player’s foot is stepping on, over or against the fence. All other rules pertaining to a legal catch shall be the same as Rule 2, definition of a catch.

Note: A defensive player may touch or lean against the fence with the body or hands and make a legal catch even though the fence is pushed back, but may not push back or down with either foot. This rule also pertains to an out-of-bounds fence.

d. All college baseball facilities shall have a regulation bullpen for both teams constructed to the exact measurements of the mound on the playing field (see 4-3-e).