The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Modifications of the Major League Baseball Rules, for High School Baseball Games in Massachusetts:

These modifications are found in the MIAA Blue Book, on pages 56, 57

65.1 The rules pertaining to baseball are the same as major league baseball and

can be found at http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/foreword.jsp

65.2 Leagues may amend a rule, provided such an amendment is not a substantive change to MIAA rules. However, leagues may wish to change such things as the type of ball, free substitutions, or similar acts to speed the game.

65.3 Batting helmets of the full-protection type must be worn by all players while at bat or on the bases. These helmets of the full-protection type shall have extended ear flaps which cover both ears and the temples. In addition, the helmet must carry the NOCSAE stamp, indicating it meets the NOCSAE standards, and must have an exterior warning label regarding the risk of injury. Batting helmets of this type shall be required of each batter, base runner, and on-deck batter. After an initial warning to a player and the coach by an umpire, failure to adhere to the rule by any subsequent player shall result in that player being removed from the contest (but for that game only). The penalty is to be enforced when the batter is in the box and the pitcher is in contact with the rubber ready to pitch.

Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head protection in the field. If a pitcher or any defensive player wears face/head protection, its outer covering shall have a non-glare surface. (This experimental rule was adopted by the Board of Directors to be effective during the Spring, 2006 season. Before voting, the Board was encouraged by both the Baseball, and

Sports Medicine Committee to adopt this Federation rule.)

65.4 Metal bats may be used, but they must meet the safety specifications adopted by the National Federation. All non-wood bats shall meet the Ball Exit Speed Ration (BESR) performance standard and such bats shall be labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certificate mark.

65.5 A full-crown helmet must be worn by the catcher while behind the plate.

65.6 All catchers during game competition and any player warming up a pitcher at any location shall wear a mask with a throat protector.

PENALTY: First violation by a team will result in a warning. Second violation by a team will result in the offending player being removed from the contest.

65.7 Schools may not schedule five (5) inning baseball games.

65.8 Mouth guards are recommended for all baseball players while on the field.

65.9 Jewelry may not be worn by baseball players during practice or games.

65.10 Safety bases are recommended. The Sports Medical Committee recommends a breakaway or impact base.

65.11 The NCAA sliding rule will be in effect. (see rule below)

65.12 Any coach ejected from an Interscholastic Baseball game will be suspended for the next 2 games.

65.13 A Strike Two Program is in force:

A baseball umpire at any time will voice "strike one" when a warning for inappropriate comment or actions is warranted, and that "strike one" will be recorded in the scorebook. Upon the need for a "strike two" call, an ejection of the coach would occur.

Exception: In the case of a flagrant unsportsmanlike infraction and/or physical assault an immediate ejection will occur.

NCAA Force-Play-Slide Rule:

The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety of all players. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.

a. On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground before the base and in a direct line between the two bases. It is permissible for the slider’s momentum to carry him through the base in the baseline extended (see diagram).

Exception— A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder. Interference shall not be called.

(1) “On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground before the base.

(2) “Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.

b. Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner makes a legal slide directly to the base and in the baseline extended (see diagram).

A.R.—If contact occurs on top of the base as a result of a "pop-up" slide, this contact is legal.

c. Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:

(1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact);

(2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder;

(3) The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee when in a standing position;

(4) The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or

(5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.

PENALTY for 1-5—(1) With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

(2) With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

(3) If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the contest.

A.R.—If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.

Note: On a force play, with a two-man umpiring system, if the plate umpire does not have a potential play at the plate, he should move toward the base to observe the runner going into second or third base. In this situation, the base umpire must follow the throw and may not see the true effect of the lead runner’s action.