NFHS Rules Index
Abbreviations:
Player Positions 2-1
Rule Book Play 2-1-1, 2-1-2, 2-1-3
Accident to Player or Umpire 3-1-5, 3-1-6, 5-2-1d, 10-1-6, 10-2-3k
Announcements:
By Umpires 10-2-3
Appeals:
Improper Batter 7-1-2a, b, e
Half Swing 10-1-4(a)
On Runner 8-2-3 Penalty
On Umpire Decision 10-1-4
Assists 9-5-3
At Bat 2-39, 9-3-1a, 9-7-1
Averages 9-7-2
Awards 1-5-3, 2-2-1, 5-1-3, 5-2-1f, 5-2-2c, 8-1-1e Note 1, 8-1-2, 8-2-6, 8-3
Balk:
Acts Which Result in 6-1-1, 2, 3 Pen, 6-1-4, 6-2-1 Penalty, 6-2-4, 6-2-5
Ball dead 5-1-1k
Definition 2-3
Improper Batter 7-1-2 Penalty b Note
Penalty 6-1-3 Penalty, 8-3-1a, 8-3-5a
Scoring 1-1-1, 2, 9-1-1
Ball:
Awarded 6-2-2 Pen (c)
Bases on 2-4-2, 2-4-3, 5-1-3, 8-1-1c
Batted 2-6
Bounces Out of Play 5-1-1f, 8-3-3c
Called 6-1-4
Dead 2-11, 5-1, 5-2-2, 6-1-4
Dead Ball Table 5-1-1
Defined 2-4-1
Defaced 6-2-1a-e
Delayed Dead 5-1-2, 5-1-3, 7-3-5 Pen., 8-1-1e, 8-3-2, 8-3-3
Fair 2-5-1
Foul 2-16-1
Hits Batter 2-40, 5-1-1a, 7-3-4, 8-1-1d, 8-3-1a
Hits Runner 5-1-1f, 8-4-2k
Hits Umpire 5-1-1f, 8-1-2b
Illegally Batted 5-1-1b, 7-3-2, 7-4-1a
In Flight 2-6-1
Live 5-1-4
Official Game Balls 1-3-1
Passed 2-26, 9-6-1
Pitched 7-2-2
Specification 1-3-1
Thrown into Stands 5-1-1g, 8-3-3c, 8-3-3d
When in Play 5-1-4
Base:
Dislodged 8-4-2h
Double 1-2-9
Home Plate 1-2-10
Missed 8-2-3, 8-2-3 Pen, 9-1-1c
Retouch 8-2-2, 8-2-5, 8-4-2i
Specification 1-2-9
Touch Requirements 8-2
Base Coaches: see Coach
Base Hits 2-5, 9-3-2
Base line:
Abandoning 8-4-1i, 8-4-2p
Definition 8-4-2a 2
Runner Leaves 8-4-1g, 8-4-2a
Base on Balls:
Called 8-1-1c, 8-3-1b
Definition 2-4-2
Intentional 2-4-3, 5-1-3, 8-1-1c
Scoring 9-6-2
Base Runner see Runner
Bat:
Carelessly Thrown 3-3-1b
Deliberately Thrown 3-3-1m
Broken 7-3-6
Illegal 1-3-5, 7-4-1a
Loose 1-3-7
On-Deck Devices 1-3-3
Specification 1-3-2, 3, 4
Thrown 7-3-6
Touched by Batted Ball 8-4-1d
Batter:
Awarded First 8-1-2
Becomes Runner 8-1
Definition 2-7-1
Delays 6-2-4d Note, 7-2-1e, 7-3-1
Disconcerts Pitcher 3-3-1o, 7-3-3
Half Swing 10-1-4a
Hit by Batted Ball 8-4-2k
Hit by Pitch 2-39 Exc, 5-1-1a, 7-3-4, 8-1-1d, 9-6-2
Illegal Action 5-1-1b, e, 7-3
Improper 7-1-1, 7-1-2 Pen
Interference by 5-1-2a, 7-3-5, 7-3-6, 8-4-2l
Obstructed 8-1-1e
Out 7-3, 7-4
Position 2-7-2, 7-1-1, 7-3-2
Strike Out 7-4-1b, d, e; 8-4-1 e, f
Batter-Runner 2-7-3, 8-1-1, 8-1-2, 8-2-3, 8-2-4, 8-4-1
Batter’s Box 1-2-5, 2-7-2, 7-3-1, 7-3-2, 7-3-3
Battery 2-13-4
Batting Helmet 1-4-5
Batting Order 1-1-3, 3-1-1, 4-1-3, 7-1
Batting Out of Order 7-1-1, 7-1-2 Pen
Bench Conduct 3-3
Bunt 2-8, 7-2-1d, 7-4-1e, 8-4-1c, d
Catch 2-9-1
Catcher:
Definition 2-9-2
Error Not Charged 9-5-5 Exc (b)
Glove 1-3-6, Diagram 4
Helmet 1-4-8
Obstruction 5-1-2b, 8-1-1e, 8-3-1c
Interference With 7-3-5, 8-4-1a, 8-4-2l
Position 1-1-4
Catcher’s Box 1-2-5, 2-9-3, 6-1-1
Coach:
Conduct 3-2-3, 3-3-1
Number 3-2-1
Reporting Subs 3-1-1
Restrictions 3-1-1
Interference by 3-2-2, 3-2-3
Visits Pitcher 3-4-1
Conduct, Bench and Field 3-3-1
Conferences:
Definition (charged) 2-10-1
Defensive 3-4-1, 3-4-3, 10-2-3j
Delay of Game 6-2-2b
Offensive 3-4-2
Pre-game 2-10-2
Courtesy Runner see Appendix: Speed Up Rules
Dead Ball 2-11, 5-1, 5-2-2, 6-1-4
Dead Ball Line 5-1-1i
Definitions Rule 2
Deflected Ball:
Batted 8-3-3 a-c
Pitched 8-3-3 d
Thrown 8-3-3 c
Delay of Game:
By Batter 7-3-1
By Pitcher 6-2-2
Forfeit 4-4-1a-d
Start 4-1-1
Designated Hitter 3-1-4
Detached Equipment 8-3-3b, c and end
Diamond See Diagram 2
Disqualification See Ejection
Double First Base 1-2-9
Double-Ground Rule 8-3-3c
Doubleheaders 4-1-1 Note, 4-2-2b
Double Play:
Definition 2-29-2
Interference with 8-1-2b, 8-4-1h, 8-4-2g
Scoring 9-5-4
Double Steal 2-34-2
Earned Runs 9-6-3
Ejection:
Coach 3-3-2
Defacing Ball 6-2-1 Penalty
Delay 6-2-2
Illegal Sub 3-1-1 Penalty
Improper Conduct 3-1-1 Penalty, 4-4-1e
Improper Equipment 1-5-9,10
Ineligible Sub 3-1-1 Penalty
Intentionally Pitching at Batter 6-2-3 Penalty
Out, Also 7-4-1h
Removing Helmet 1-5-1, 1-5-1 Penalty
Umpire Authority 2-27-1, 10-2-3c, 10-3-1
Unsportsmanlike Conduct 3-1-1 g, 10-3-1
Equipment:
Ball 1-3-1
Bases 1-2-9
Bats 1-3-2, 3, 4
Casts 1-5-8
Dangerous 1-5-8, 9
Defective 1-5-6
Detached 5-1-2b, 8-3-3b, c, 8-3-4
Gloves 1-3-7, 1-5-3, 1-5-4
Helmets 1-1-5
Home Plate 1-2-10
Loose 1-3-7
Non-Traditional 1-5-11
Pitcher’s Plate 1-3-3
Rosin Bag 6-2-1 Note
Throat Protector 1-5-4, 1-1-5
Uniforms 1-4-1,2,3,4
Verification 1-5-10
Video 3-3-1e, 10-1-5
Errors 2-12, 9-5-5
Extra Base Hit 2-5-3, 9-3-3
Fair Ball:
Bounces Out of Play 5-1-1f, 8-3-3c
Caught 8-2-2
Defined 2-5-1
Hits Runner 5-1-1f, 8-4-2k
Right to Advance 8-1-1a
Feint 2-28-5, 6-1-2, 3, 6-2-2c, 6-2-4a, b & f, 8-2-6
Fielder:
Definition 2-13
Errors 9-5-5
Falls into Dugout 5-1-1i, 8-3-3d
Intentionally Dropped Ball 8-4-1c
Interfered With 8-4-2g
Obstructs Runner 5-1-2b, 5-1-3, 8-1-1e, 8-3-1c, 8-3-2
Position 1-1-4, 1-1-5
Putouts 2-24-2, 9-5-2
Record 9-5-1
Fielder’s Choice 2-14, 9-3-2c
Fly Ball 2-6-2
Force Out 2-24-1, 9-1-1b, d, 9-5-5
Force Plays 2-29-3, 8-2-7, 8-3-1b, c, 8-4-2 j, f
Forfeits 2-15, 2-27-1, 3-3 Penalty, 4-2-1, 4-4-1, 10-2-2
Foul Ball:
Bat Hit Second Time 8-4-1d
Bunt 2-8-1 Note, 7-2-1d
Caught 5-1-1i, 7-4-1d, 8-2-4, 8-4-1b
Definition 2-16-1
Interference With 7-4-1f
Not Caught 5-1-1d, 8-2-8a
Tip 2-16-2, 8-2-4i
Uncaught 8-2-8
Foul Line 1-2-1
Game:
Beginning 4-1-5
Called 2-17-2, 4-2-3, 4-3
Ending 4-2, 4-4
Forfeited 2-15, 2-27-1, 4-4
Objective 1-2-1, 1-2-2
Protested 1-2-12, 2-17-1, 4-5, 10-2-3i
Regulation 2-17-1, 4-2
Starting 4-1
Summary 2-12-2
Suspended 2-17-3, 4-3-1
Tie 4-3-1
Gloves:
Illegal 1-5-7, 5-1-2g, 8-3-4
Loose 1-3-7
Specification 1-3-6
Thrown 8-3-3b, 8-3-3c
Ground Ball 2-6-4
Hit see Base Hits
Home Plate Diagram 2, 1-2-1, 2, 1-2-10
Home Run 2-5-3, 4-2-2 Note 1
Illegally Batted Ball 7-3-2, 7-4-1a
Illegal Pitch 2-18, 2-27-1, 6-1-3 Pen, 6-2-1 Pen, 6-2-4c, 7-1-2c
Infielder 2-13-1
Infield Fly 2-19, 5-1-1j Exc, 8-4-1c1, 8-4-2j, 8-4-2k 1, 2
Inning / Half Inning 2-20
Intentional Base on Balls 2-4-3, 5-1-3, 8-1-1c
Intentionally Dropped Ball 5-1-1j, 8-4-1c
Interference:
Defensive see Obstruction
Double Play 8-4-1h, 8-4-2g
Offensive 2-21-1, 8-2-8
Ball Hits Runner 5-1-1f, 8-4-2k
Bat Hits Ball Twice 8-4-1d
Bat Hits Fielder 7-3-5
Batter Impedes Fielder 5-1-2a, 8-4-1a, 8-4-2g
Coach 3-2-2, 3-2-3, 7-4-1f
Offensive Team Hinders 3-2-3, 5-1-2d, 7-4-1f
Runner Impedes Fielder 5-1-1e, f, 8-4-1n, 8-4-2, 8-4-2f
Runner Impedes Thrown Ball 8-4-2g
Spectator 2-21-3, 5-1-1f, g, 7-4-1d, 8-3-3e
Umpire 2-21-2, 3-3-1f, 5-1-1f, 5-1-2c
Verbal 2-21-1, 3-3-10, 5-1-2d
Light Failure 4-2-3
Line Drive 2-6-3
Line Up Cards 3-1-1, 4-1-3, 7-1-1
Logos 1-4-4
Losing Pitcher 9-6-6
Malicious Contact 2-21-1b, 3-3-1n, 8-3-2
Media 1-2-3
Missed Base 9-1-1c
Mobility Devices:
Coaches 3-2-1
Umpires 10-1-7
Objective 1-1-1
Obstruction 2-22, 5-1-2b, 5-1-3, 8-1-1e, 8-3-1c, 8-3-2
Official Scorer 9-2-2, 10-2-3a
Overrunning/sliding Base 2-25, 8-2-3, 8-2-4, 8-4-2h Exc, 9-4-1 Exc 1
Passed Ball:
Definition 2-26
Improper Batter 7-1-2 Pen b, Note
Leaves Playing Field 8-3-3d
Scoring 9-6-1
Penalties:
Definition 2-27-1
Ignored 5-1-2, 6-2 Pen, 8-1-1e, 8-3-3
Imposed 5-1-3, 8-3-2 Note, 8-3-3e
Percentages 9-7-2
Pitch 2-28-2
Pitcher:
Ambidextrous 6-1-1
Balks 6-1-3 Pen (b), 6-1-4, 6-2-4, 6-2-5
Becomes Fielder 6-1-4
Changes Field Position 1-1-5, 3-1-2
Conferences 2-10-1, 3-4-1, 10-2-3j
Defaces Ball 6-2-1, 10-3-1
Definition 2-28-1
Delay 6-2-2
Disconcerted 3-3-1o, 5-1-2d, 7-3-3
Feint 6-1-3, 6-2-2c, 6-2-4a, b, f
Foreign Substance 6-2-1a
Glove 1-3-5
Illegal Equipment 1-5-7
Illegal Pitch 6-1-3 Pen, 6-2-1 Pen, 6-2-4c, 7-1-2c
Infractions 6-2-1
Legal Pitch 6-1-4
Legal Position 6-1-1, 2, 3
Pivot Foot 2-28-6, 6-1-1, 6-1-2, 6-1-3
Plate 1-2-11
Preparatory Pitches (Warmups) 6-2-2c Exc
Quick Pitch 6-1-1, 6-1-3, 6-2-4c, 6-2-5
Record 9-6
Saves 9-6-7
Set Position 6-1-3
Substitution 3-1-2
Take Signs On Rubber 6-1-1
Throwing at Batter 6-2-3
Throwing to a Base 6-1-3, 6-1-5, 6-2-4b, e, f
Windup Position 6-1-2
Winning/Losing 9-6-6
Pitching Mound Diagram 3, 1-2-6, 1-2-7
Pitching Restriction 6-1-6
Play 2-29-1
Play Ruling 2-29-4
Player(s):
Captain 1-1-2
Conduct 3-2-3, 3-3-1
Loosening Up to Bat 3-3-3
Positions Diagram 1, 1-1-2, 1-1-3, 1-1-4
Required Number 1-1-2, 4-1-3, 4-4-1f Exc, 7-4-1g
Unconscious 3-1-5, 10-2-3k
Postponement Responsibility 4-1-1
Pre-Game Procedures 1-5-10, 4-1-3, 10-2-3a
Protested Games 1-2-12, 4-5, 10-2-3i
Putouts 2-24-2, 9-5-2
Records 9-2 thru 9-7
Re-entry 3-1-3
Regulation Game 2-17-1, 4-2
Relief Pitcher 3-1-1, 6-2-2c, 9-6-5
Removal from Game see Ejection
Resuming Play after Dead Ball 5-1-4
Restrictions on Players 3-3-1, 3-3-3
Runner:
Advance 8-1-1, 8-2-5, 8-3-3
Awarded Base 8-3-1, 8-3-2, 8-3-3
Batter-Runner 8-1-1, 8-1-2, 8-4-1, 8-2-3
Courtesy See Appendix: Speed Up Rules
Definition 2-30-2
Hit by Batted Ball 2-39, 5-1-1a, 5-2-2, 6-1-5, 8-4-2k
Hit by Pitch 2-39, 5-1-1a, 6-1-4
Interference 5-1-1e, 8-4-1h, 8-4-2g
Interference with See Obstruction
Misses Base 8-2-1, 8-2-3 Pen, 8-4-2p, 9-1-1c
Obstructed 8-3-2
Out 7-3-5 Pen, 8-4-2
Overruns Base 2-25, 8-4-2g Exc, 9-4-1 Exc (1)
Passes Preceding Runner 8-4-2m
Removes Helmet 5-1-2e
Retired 2-30-3, 5-1-1c, 8-4-1h, 8-4-2g
Retouch 5-2-2, 8-2-1, 8-2-5, 8-2-6, 8-4-2i
Return to Previous Base 8-1-1e N2, 8-2-1, 8-2-6, 8-3-4
Reverse Run Prohibited 8-4-2n
Running Out of Base Line 8-4-1g, 8-4-2a
Running Start Prohibited 8-4-20
Stolen Base 2-34-1
Touch Requirements 2-40, 8-2
Runs:
Batted In 9-3-5
Definition 2-30-1
Earned 9-6-3
Scored 9-1-1, 9-1-2
Sacrifices 2-31-1, 9-3-4
Saves 9-6-7
Scoring:
Batting Record 9-3-1
Earned Run Average 9-7-2d
Fielding Record 9-5
Hit 9-3-2, 9-3-3
Official Scorer 9-2-2
Pitcher’s Record 9-6
Run Batted In 9-3-5
Runner Scores 9-1-1
Sacrifice 9-3-4
Strikeout 9-3-6, 9-6-4
Stolen Base 9-4-1
Winning & Losing Pitcher 9-6-6
Scoring Runs 9-1
Sliding:
Illegal 2-32-2
Legal 2-32-1
Runner is Out 8-4-2
Spectators:
Interference 2-21-3, 5-1-1g, 7-4-1d, 8-3-3e, 8-4-1b
Speed Up Rules Appendix: Speed Up Rules
Squeeze Play 2-29-5
Starter, Reentry of 3-1-3
State Association Adoption Rules p69
Stolen Base:
Definition 2-34-1
Improper Batter 7-1-2 Pen
Interference During 2-21-1, 2-21-2
Scoring 9-4-1
Strike:
Called 6-1-4, 6-2-4d1, 7-2-1, 7-3-1 Pen, 8-1-1d Exc.
Penalty 2-27-1f, 7-3-1 Pen
Swinging 7-2-1b
Zone 2-35-1, 6-1-4
Strikeout 2-24-3, 9-6-4
Substitutes:
Illegal 2-36-3
Unreported 2-36-2
General 2-36-1, 3-1-1, 7-1-1, 10-2-3d
Pitcher 3-1-2
Re-entry 3-1-3
Suspension of Play 5-2
Tag Out/Play 2-24-4, 8-2-5 Pen Exc, 8-4-2j
Third Strike:
Bunted Foul 2-8-1 Note, 7-2-1b, 7-4-1e
Catcher Hindered 8-4-1a
Caught 7-4-1c, 8-1-1b Note, 8-4-1e
Not Caught 6-1-4 , 7-4-1b, 8-4-1e, f, i
Right to Advance 8-1-1b
Three-Foot Lane 8-4-1g
Throw 2-37-1
Throw Out 2-24-5
Tie Game 4-3
Time At Bat 2-39, 9-3-1a
Touching 2-40
Triple Play 9-5-4
Triple Steal 2-34-3
Umpire:
Accident 10-1-6
Announces Subs 10-2-3d
Calls “Time” 5-2-1, 6-2-4d1, 7-3-1 Pen, 8-2-5 Pen, 10-2-3b
Charges 3-3-1k
Chief Umpire 10-2
Duties & Responsibilities 10-2, 10-3
Field Umpire 10-3
Handles Live Ball 5-1-1h
Improper Batter 7-1-2b
Inspects Equipment 10-2-3a
Interference 2-21-2, 5-1-1e, 5-1-2c
Judge of Playing Conditions 4-1-1 Note, 10-2-3e
Jurisdiction 10-1-2
Restrictions 10-1-5, 10-1-7
Touched by Batted Ball 2-21-2, 5-1-1f, 6-1-5
Touched by Thrown Ball 3-2-3, 5-1-1g
Unconscious Player 3-1-5, 10-2-3k
Unsportsmanlike Conduct 3-3-1g, 10-3-1
Video Equipment 3-3-1e, 10-1-5
Visiting Team 4-1-4
Visits to Pitcher see Conferences
Walk see Base on Balls
Warmup Pitches 6-2-2c, Excep.
Wild Pitch:
Definition 2-41
Improper Batter 7-1-2 Pen.
Leaves Playing Field 8-3-3d
Scoring 9-6-1
Winning Pitcher 9-6-6
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