NCAA 9-2 Pitching Violations

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NCAA 9-2 Pitching Violations

Pitching Violations

SECTION 2. The pitcher shall not:

a. Make an illegal pitch or quick pitch with the bases unoccupied;

PENALTY— Call a ball unless the batter reaches first base.

b. Intentionally or unintentionally drop the ball while in contact with the rubber;

PENALTY—With no one on base, if the ball drops or slips out of the hand, intentionally or accidentally, it is no pitch if the ball does NOT cross the foul line. If it does cross the foul line, it is a ball. If there is a runner(s) on base and the ball is dropped, it is a balk.

c. Delay the game at any time. With the bases unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball within 20 seconds after receiving the ball on the mound;

PENALTY—After a warning for each pitcher, a ball will be called each time the rule is violated.

Note: Coaches and team personnel are prohibited from arguing a 20-second rule violation. A warning shall be given for the first offense and an ejection of the offender on subsequent violations.

d. If the pitcher is not in contact with the pitching rubber, the pitcher may go to the mouth while in the dirt area; however, the pitcher must wipe off the fingers before engaging the rubber.

Note 1: A pitcher may not go to the mouth while in contact with the pitching rubber.

Note 2: In cold weather, the umpire may announce to both teams that it is permissible for the pitcher to blow on his hand, on or off the rubber.

PENALTY—A ball shall be called each time a pitcher violates this rule.

e. Apply any foreign substance or moisture to the ball or to the pitching hand or fingers, or do anything to deface the ball. The pitcher may use bare hands to rub up the ball.

Note 1: The pitcher shall not use a bandage or any other distracting item on the pitching hand or fingers. A cast or bandage may be used on the nonpitching hand if it is not white in color or distracting to the batter or umpire, in the umpire’s judgement.

Note 2: A substance may be used by an athletic trainer for the purpose of stopping bleeding, provided the substance dries sufficiently before resuming play.

Note 3: The home team shall supply a rosin bag before the start of each game.

Note 4: A batted or thrown ball is in play after it hits the rosin bag. In the case of wet weather, the umpire may request the pitcher put the rosin bag in his pocket. The pitcher may apply rosin to his bare hand/hands. The ball may not be dusted with rosin from the bag or with the rosin bag. Rosin from the bag may not be applied to the glove or to any part of the pitcher’s uniform. PENALTY—Warning on the first offense; ejection from the game on the second offense.

f. Intentionally delay the game by throwing the ball to players other than the catcher when the batter is in position, except in an attempt to retire a runner;

PENALTY for e. and f.—Warn the pitcher one time and, upon the second offense, eject the pitcher from the game.

g. Intentionally pitch at the batter;

PENALTY for g.—If the umpire believes such a violation has occurred, a warning shall be issued to the pitcher and both opposing coaches that future violations by any pitcher will be cause for immediate ejection of the pitcher and the coach from the game.

1) If, in the umpire’s judgment, the situation warrants drastic action to defuse a potentially volatile situation, the umpire may eject the pitcher without a warning. Each coach should be warned, but the coach of the offending team should not be ejected at that time unless the umpire believes it is appropriate (see 5-16-d).

2) A warning may be issued to both teams before the start of the game or at any time during the game.

3) A pitcher who is ejected from a game for intentionally throwing at a batter shall be suspended under the provisions of the fight rule (see 5-16-d).

4) Team personnel may not come onto the playing field to argue or dispute a warning of their pitcher intentionally throwing at a hitter. After a warning, they are subject to an immediate ejection.

h. Wear a garment with ragged, frayed or slit sleeves, or attach tape or other material of a color different from the uniform or glove to the glove, arms or clothing. The pitcher shall not wear another glove under the regular glove. If a pitcher wears a helmet, it must have a nonglossy finish. A pitcher shall not wear jewelry or clothing items that a batter or umpire considers distracting (e.g., chains, white logos, wrist bands, loose lacing on glove). Tattoo’s on a pitcher’s body that a batter or umpire consider distracting must be legally covered.

PENALTY for h.—The pitcher shall remove or cover the distracting item or cover the distracting tattoo upon request of the umpire or be ejected from the contest.

i. At the beginning of an inning, throw more than five pitches to the catcher. For nontelevised games, teams will be allowed a maximum of 120 seconds between half-innings. For televised games, it is recommended that the time between each half-inning will be 120 seconds. For games being played under a television agreement, the time between innings may be extended by contract. The clock starts when the defensive team starts to return to the dugout following the last out or appeal of the half inning and stops when the pitcher and batter are in position to begin the next inning and the umpire calls “Play” (see Appendix F).

A relief pitcher is allowed eight pitches but these pitches shall not consume more than 120 seconds. However, should the clock expire, the relief pitcher will be allowed to complete his eight warm-up pitches. In case of an injury or an ejection of the pitcher, the umpire-in-chief shall allow the relief pitcher an adequate time to warm-up;

PENALTY for i.—A ball shall be called on the defense or a strike on the offense for each violation of this rule.

j. Take the signs from the catcher with the pivot foot not touching the pitcher’s rubber; or

PENALTY for j.—A ball shall be called each time a pitcher violates this rule. If the pitcher pitches from this illegal position and the batter reaches first base and no other runner is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation.

k. Pitch both right-handed and left-handed to the same batter during a plate appearance (ambidextrous-pitcher rule).

PENALTY—If a pitcher changes pitching hands during a batter’s time at bat, the umpire shall:

        1) Call a balk if a runner(s) is on base;

        2) Call a ball for an illegal pitch if no runner(s) is on base;

        3) Warn the pitcher; or

        4) Eject the pitcher if the offense is repeated.

Note 1: When facing a switch hitter, an ambidextrous pitcher shall declare the hand with which to pitch to the hitter.

Note 2: If a pinch hitter replaces a batter during a turn at bat, the pitcher may change pitching hands.

l. A pitcher is not permitted to jump or push forward off the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot and then bring his foot to the ground and make a second push-off prior to delivering the pitch.

PENALTY—This is an illegal pitch and shall be called a balk with runners on base.

Note: A pitcher is not in violation if he pushes off the pitcher’s plate with the pivot foot and maintains contact with the ground with the pivot foot without a second push-off from the ground.

November 4, 2019
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