Rationale: A definition of a lodged ball was necessary and appropriate to differentiate when it is stuck on the field or in an apparatus, compared to when it is stuck in a glove. You can also read the documentation to learn about Wordfence's blocking tools, or visit wordfence.com to learn more about Wordfence. There must be a collaborative, working relationship between contest officials and game administration to promote good sportsmanship and safely conduct the contest. 6-1-4Each legal pitch shall be declared by the umpire as a strike, ball, fair or foul hit or a dead ball. uuid:d5b38849-2b6e-4b36-bf82-8fcb9fbda204 Otherwise, it will be called no pitch. %XK`-Z|a _/ yf_A_y!_VJGQ(++nJ1i4d3 C1g3} }} }} }} }=ztp-Q?w$l:Y<4Q|>|q]_O 8 endstream endobj 41 0 obj <> endobj 42 0 obj <> endobj 43 0 obj <>stream RULING: Both the NFHS Authenticating Mark and the SEI/NOCSAE mark are required to be on all baseballs used in high school competition. During these preliminary motions and during the set position until a delivery motion occurs, the pitcher may turn on his pivot foot or lift it in a jump turn to step with the non-pivot foot toward a base while throwing or feinting as outlined in 6-2-4 and 2-28-5, or he may lift his pivot foot in a step backward off the pitchers plate which must be in or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitchers plate. 6-1-5When a pitcher is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball or is throwing to a base while his pivot foot is clearly off his plate, his status is that of an infielder except that if a batted ball passes but does not touch him and then strikes an umpire or a runner, the ball may become dead because of interference (8-4-2g, 8-4-2k). 3-1-4: Designated Hitter (DH) can be used in two ways. (a) (1) bring the pitching hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in the 10-foot circle (18-foot circle in Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/ Senior/ Big League) surrounding the pitcher's , This rule, which applies to each pitcher who enters a game, governs the visits of the manager or coach to the pitcher at the mound. During delivery, he may lift his non-pivot foot in a step forward, a step sideways, or in a step backward and a step forward, but he shall not otherwise lift either foot. He is limited to not more than two pumps or rotations. Exceptions are covered under other existing rules (1-5- 12) Any jewelry worn that poses harm or injury to the player or their opponent is covered in existing rules. The home club pitcher may not warm up on the mound prior to the start of the game. 0000019932 00000 n A pitcher assumes the windup position when his hands are: (a) together in front of the body; (b) both hands are at his side; (c) either hand is in front of the body and the other hand is at his side. With no runner(s) on base, it is . 2013 nfhs baseball rules interpretations publishers note the national federation of state high school associations is the only . A pitch delivered to the batter without the pitchers pivot foot in contact with the pitchers rubber or the pitcher making a quick return pitch. If the ball impacts any object in the course of play, stops abruptly, and does not fall or roll immediately, it is considered lodged. (6-1-1, 6-1-2, 6-1-3), SITUATION 9: A group of spectators, as well as some of the opposing players, have been taunting the plate umpire on the strike zone being called. ART. Besides affecting scoring plays, obstruction can occur anywhere on the field resulting in some unsportsmanlike behaviors. RULING: Only part of the pivot foot is required to be touching the pitcher's plate with the pivot foot being parallel to the pitcher's plate. In this scenario, that is an illegal pitch or balk. requiring S1 to pitch to one batter or retire the side as stated in the NFHS Baseball rule book. Pitchers 8.02 Pitcher Rules The pitcher shall not - (a) (1) bring the pitching hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in the 10-foot circle (18-foot circle in Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/ Senior/ Big League) surrounding the pitcher's Can a pitcher use the modified stance under NFHS rules? Pitching Positions 2014 NFHS Rule 6 - Pitching (Selected items dealing with pitching stances) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (Article 1) The pitcher shall pitch while facing the batter from either a windup position (Art. With a runner on base the pitcher drops the ball. 12 . Spectator interference is when a spectator for either team impedes the progress of the game in any way. Rationale: Updating signals to further enhance umpire mechanics and communication between officials, coaches, players and fans. As one might realize, there are many nuances to both obstruction and the multi-layers of interference. A coach, player, substitute, attendant or other bench personnel shall not: sub-articles a-e remain the same. The pivot foot will be the determining factor to decide if the pitcher is in the wind-up or set pitching position. Legal eye shields, attached at the time of manufacture, must be clear without the presence of any tint. The NFHS is concerned that unsporting behavior in education-based athletics has increased across all sports. With his feet in the wind-up position, the pitcher may only deliver a pitch or step backward off the pitchers plate with his pivot foot first. Copyright 2023 NFHS. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site, please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send". May 6th, 2018 - Feedback Positive on Pitching Restriction Policy in High School Ba Hall of Fame Baseball Coach Ken Schreiber Passes Away High School Baseball Rules Changes Focus on Player Safety . If the wearing of jewelry is judged by the plate umpire to be distracting to the batter, the plate umpire may direct the pitcher (or any other fielder) to remove the jewelry until conditions are such that the jewelry is no longer distracting to the batter. The pitchers His hand shall be down at the his side or behind the his back. NFHS does not allow a pitcher to make any move to a base as long as the pitcher is in the windup position, even if he has not engaged the batter. (8-1-1b, 8-3-3d). If the ball impacts any object in the course of play, stops abruptly, and does not fall or roll immediately, it is considered lodged. Rationale: Any jewelry worn that poses harm or injury to the player or their opponent is covered in existing rules. Sportsmanship Good sporting behavior is one of the fundamental ingredients to the continued success and enjoyment of education-based high school sports and activities. xmp.id:a398337b-0307-3641-a9cf-e6ba0d1ed4c8 One of the two legal pitching positions, usually used with runners on base (see 9-1-b). (6-1-1, 6-1-2, 6-1-3) Bandannas are still prohibited. A pitch dropped during delivery and which crosses a foul line shall be called a ball. 2022-02-07T09:23:15-05:00 Your access to this service has been limited. A proactive approach by school administration includes monitoring the behavior of spectators and intervening as needed. RULING: In both (a) and (b), the helmet is not legal for use. . The Head Coach and S1 are ejected from the game. The pitcher will be considered to be in the set position when the pivot foot is in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitchers plate. Eye shields shall not be attached to the catcher's mask after manufacture. Exception: if a ball becomes stuck in the webbing of the fielders glove, it remains in play. If he steps towards home he must complete the delivery to the plate. Eye shields that are attached to the catcher's mask at the time of manufacture will be constructed of a molded rigid material and be clear without the presence of any tint. from application/x-indesign to application/pdf A pitcher assumes the windup position when the his hands are: (a) together in front of the body; (b) both hands are at the his side; (c) either hand is in front of the body and the other hand is at the his side. In reference to the high school pitching rule, the position of both the pivot and non-pivot foot was the determining factor to deem if a pitcher was pitching from the windup position or the set position. Exception: if a ball becomes stuck in the webbing of the fielders glove, it remains in play. Natural preliminary motions such as only one stretch may be made. Plans to Preserve High School Sports, Performing Arts Continue Amid NFHS Senior Salute Looks Back at Staff Members' High School Years, NFHS De-certifies Louisville Slugger Meta Bat. , The time of pitch is the moment the pitchers movements commit the pitcher to deliver the ball to the batter. Clarified that umpire signals have been separated into two categories. After the pitcher has placed his pivot foot on the ground clearly behind the plate, he then has the right to throw or feint to a base the same as that of any other infielder. 2021 Pitch Count Rules and Directions for Submitting Pitch Counts Rules Documents Sportsmanship Information Become an Official Regular Season Tournaments MaxPreps Scores and Statistics There are currently no upcoming events in this calendar. / After the pitcher has placed his pivot foot clearly behind the plate, he has the right to change to the set position or throw or feint to a base the same as that of any infielder. F1 may not return to the pitching position until S-2 has completed pitching to one batter or retired the side. Balks are such an important part of NFHS rules; they are mentioned in most of the sections of the rule book. and misses at strike three. Generated by Wordfence at Sat, 4 Mar 2023 5:40:18 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. Additionally, with that freedom to wear jewelry, please note that any jewelry that contains profanity, taunting, language to intimidate or baiting an opponent would not be allowed under our sportsmanship rule, bench and field conduct policies. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented. Eye shields that are attached to the catcher's mask at the time of manufacture will be constructed of a molded rigid material and be clear without the presence of any tint. (10-2-3h), SITUATION 10: The batter, with a runner on second base and no outs, swings and misses at strike three. This "hybrid" position was previously illegal by NFHS rule. . Is it a Balk if a Pitcher Drops the Ball While in his Set Position? Natural preliminary motions such as only one stretch may be made. Unsporting actions that reflect unfavorably upon the other team cannot be allowed. For the wind-up position, the pitcher is not restricted as to how they shall hold the ball. You can also read the documentation to learn about Wordfence's blocking tools, or visit wordfence.com to learn more about Wordfence. Before starting his delivery, he shall stand with his entire non-pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitchers plate. A left handed pitcher steps towards home plate but throws to first base. The owner of this site is using Wordfence to manage access to their site. the pitching motion. Before starting his delivery, he shall stand with his entire nonpivot foot in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitchers plate and with his pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitchers plate. 4 . hb```b``AX,x670^p-&`v9 ]"'56 6-1-4Each legal pitch shall be declared by the umpire as a strike, ball, fair or foul hit or a dead ball. The NFHS is concerned that unsporting behavior in education-based athletics has increased across all sports. These concerns are identified as Points of Emphasis. For the 2023 high school baseball season, attention is being called to:Sportsmanship, Obstruction and Interference, Jewelry and Usage of Eye Black. Section #1 location of players at time of pitch, section # 2 gives a definition, section #3 dugout 0000007795 00000 n NFHS Official Baseball Signals APRE-PITCH SITUATIONAL CHANGES - 8 signals to demonstrate situations & their explanations! Nfhs Baseball Rules Test Answers is available in our digital library an online access to it . The pitching regulations but not both. Adobe InDesign 17.1 (Windows) RULING: To be in the set position, the pitcher must have his pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher's plate. failing to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting there in an attempt to put out, or drive back a runner; or throwing or feinting to any unoccupied base when it is not an attempt to put out or drive back a runner; making an illegal pitch from any position (. The game has evolved throughout high school baseball for the pitcher to pitch with the pivot foot in a windup description with the non-pivot foot in a set description. High school sports and other activities exist to lift people up, not demean or tear people down. He shall go to the set position without interruption and in one continuous motion. 0000006825 00000 n We are hopeful that coaches direct their players to use this convenient tool in a more productive way. A pitcher assumes the windup position when his hands are: (a) together in front of the body; (b) both hands are at his side; (c) either hand is in front of the body and the other hand is at his side. Images and/or sayings are being drawn on the faces of the players to try to intimidate and/or taunt an opponent. 0000007341 00000 n Copyright 2023 NFHS. 0000007672 00000 n Turning the shoulders after bringing the hands together during or after the stretch is a balk. Rule 6 Section 2 INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER, Rodger Clemens explains his Pitching Delivery, First Baseman Positioning with Runner on Base. The top of the pitchers rubber must be 10 inches above the top surface of home plate. Officials should focus on the actions of players, coaches and other bench/sideline personnel. 0000039804 00000 n season games, nfhs rules differences baseball fast pitch softball original content compiled by andrew 2rJa:2?xBF&. 0000037087 00000 n . Nfhs Football Rules 2017 nfhs football rules powerpoint nmaa, nfhs football videos, 2017 18 nfhs basketball rules book, robert b gardner publisher bob colgate editor nfhs, merit awards exam nfhs org, 2018 whsaa nfhs football rules video, 2019 nfhs football rule changes orange county forums, 2015 nfhs softball rules book, 1999 nfhs football rules changes football refs org, national federation of 2020 NFHS Baseball Exam II 41. Clarified that eye shields that are not intended for baseball catchers helmet and mask combination and any tinted eye shields should not be attached to face masks (1-5-4) There has been an increase of catchers attaching aftermarket eye shields to their face masks that are tinted and not approved by the face mask manufacturer. Three Things a Pitcher May Do from the Stretch Position, To Step Off Legally, a Pitcher Must Step off with his Pivot Foot and Drop his /hands to his Side. application/pdf The pitch gets by the catcher and goes into a dead-ball area. (8-1-1b, 8-3-3d) 2023 NFHS BASEBALL RULES INTERPRETATIONS 6-1-3For the set position, the pitcher shall have the ball in either his gloved hand or his pitching hand. If these individuals act in a sportsmanlike manner, their behavior sets the tone for players, spectators and others. The helmet (a) was purchased with a tinted, attached eye shield, or (b) the catcher later purchased a clear eye shield and had it installed. These areas of concern are often cyclical some areas need more attention than others, and that is why they might appear in the rules book for consecutive editions. Where May a Pitcher Place his Foot on the Rubber? The pitcher now steps to and gains ground as a pickoff is made to occupied third base. Whlle Pitching From the Stretch with No Runners on Base the Pitcher does not Need to Come to a Stop, With Runners on Base, a Pitcher May Not Start and Stop his Delivery, The Dirt on MLBs Newest Pitching Delivery Rule, 5.07 (e) (8.01(e)) Effect of Removing Pivot Foot From Plate. Any pitch using a modified stance would be illegal and result in either an illegal pitch or a , Pitchers Mound As a result, the NFHS has made sportsmanship the No. Speech, Debate & Theatre Directors & Judges, Fouls and Misconduct Clarifications Headline High School Soccer Rules Changes for 2023-24, Emergency Planning, AEDs Saving Lives in Nations High Schools, BAND Named Official Team Communication App of the NFHS, Eight High School Officials Named Award Recipients by NFHS Officials Association, 6 schools claim 2023 TMSAA basketball titles, Major Rule Differences NFHS, NCAA, and USA Softball, Boys Lacrosse Rules Interpretations - 2023. 0000005478 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n If jewelry is worn that poses harm to the player or their opponent, there is existing rules support to handle the situation. PENALTY: If physical evidence is presented to USA Baseball, or a team admits to using an illegal player, all games in which the It takes the efforts of everyone every day to ensure that sportsmanship remains one of the top priorities in education-based activity programs. Rule 1 - Section 2 - THE FIELD Rule 1 - Section 2 - THE FIELD 1-2-1 A diamond (or infield) shall be a 90-foot square. The game has evolved throughout high school baseball for the pitcher to pitch with the pivot foot in a windup description with the non-pivot foot in a set description. Obstruction and Interference Obstruction and interference are two familiar terms that have been in the game of baseball since the early beginnings of the sport. Baseball/Chest Protector Updated Guidelines - **Updated for 2021. For the set position, the pitcher shall stand with his: . An illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base entitling all runners to advance one base (see 9-3). RULING: This is an illegal pitch. Good sports win with humility, lose with grace and do both with dignity. Follow-through interference is when the bat of the batter in the batters box hinders action at home plate or when the catcher is attempting to make a play on a runner. With a runner on base the pitcher bobbles the baseball. What shall the umpire do? The pitcher shall pitch while facing the batter from either a windup position (Art.2) or set position (Art.3). 6-2-4BALK. These changes, which all reference the 2020 NFHS Baseball Rules Book, will be in effect for the 2021 season. . 6-1-6Each state association shall have a pitching restriction policy based on the number of pitches thrown to afford pitchers a required rest period between pitching appearances. The glove/ball combination is treated as a live ball. If there is a runner on base, than that is a balk. lPy A medical alert must be taped and may be visible. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for the 13U National Team Championship North Carolina, players must be born on or after May 1, 2009 OR have an expected graduation date of 2028. . The new substitute, S-2, will be given his full warm-up throws prior to pitching. It is any act, verbal or physical by the team at bat that impedes, hinders or confuses any defensive fielder attempting to make a play. d. wear jewelry (players participating in the game) or wear bandannas; Rationale: This is a companion rule change with the deletion of Rule 1-5-12. Simply stated, obstruction is any act accidental, intentional, verbal, or physical that a fielder or any member of the defensive team (or team personnel) that hinders a runner or affects the pattern of play. The rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. When a topic is included in the Points of Emphasis, these topics are important enough to reinforce throughout the academic year because additional attention is warranted. The tinted eye shield is problematic because it would prevent a medical professional from accessing the eyes of the catcher to determine their condition. It has evolved to a less messy version as a plastic sticker placed under the eye socket that does not run when wet from perspiration or soils the uniform. 0000005022 00000 n Louisiana adopted pitch limit rules, but delayed implementation until 2018. During these preliminary motions and during the set position until a delivery motion occurs, the pitcher may turn on his pivot foot or lift it in a jump turn to step with the non-pivot foot toward a base while throwing or feinting as outlined in 6-2-4and2-28-5, or he may lift his pivot foot in a step backward off the pitchers plate which must be in or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitchers plate. If you think you have been blocked in error, contact the owner of this site for assistance. 6-1-2For the wind-up position, the pitcher is not restricted as to how he shall hold the ball. The pitcher's non-pivot foot shall be in any position on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher's plate. The pivot foot will be the determining factor to decide if the pitcher is in the wind-up or set pitching position (6-1-1, 2, 3) In reference to the high school pitching rule, the position of both the pivot and non-pivot foot was the determining factor to deem if a pitcher was pitching from the windup position or the set position. He shall go to the set position without interruption and in one continuous motion. Because both violations are sportsmanship-centered at their core, the penalties are commensurate to the overarching concern regarding fair and equitable play in interscholastic baseball. 6-2-3Intentionally pitch close to a batter. For infraction (f-i), the infraction must be corrected before the next pitch. (a) A manager or coach may come out twice in one . ART. xmp.did:5042f741-64d8-c44d-bdf0-771ae0235006 Besides those examples, there is existing rule coverage that gives guidance on any player equipment that presents a danger to the player, teammate or opponent. Any speech or harassment that is insulting, demeaning or hurtful will not be tolerated. 6-1-2For the wind-up position, the pitcher is not restricted as to how he shall hold the ball. 0000033494 00000 n 1 0 obj <>>> endobj 2 0 obj <>stream . 2) or a set position (Art 3). wear jewelry (players participating in the game) or. Modified the pitching rule with the elimination of the relevance of the non-pivot foot. That also included medical-alert bracelets and some religious, cultural or tribunal adornments. The catcher's helmet and mask combination shall meet the NOCSAE standard at the time of manufacture. %PDF-1.7 % As the pitching movement begins, the pitcher rotates the pivot foot such that it is still in contact with and now parallel to the front of the pitchers plate. Decertification of 33 inch Stinger Bat Missile II - **New for 2022-2023 Season. (NFHS Official Signals) A PRE-PITCH SITUATIONAL CHANGES 8 signals to demonstrate situations and their explanations; B-DURING PLAY & RESULTS 8 signals to demonstrate calls. In NFHS baseball, the pitcher must take a position with both feet on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher's rubber. proof:pdf 0000006729 00000 n Eight High School Officials Named Award Recipients by NFHS Officials . Turning the shoulders to check runners while in contact with the pitchers plate in the set position is legal. Clarified the definition of a lodged ball (2-4-4) A definition of a lodged ball was necessary and appropriate to differentiate when it is stuck on the field or in an apparatus, compared to when it is stuck in a glove. (1-5-9) A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform. NFHS Official Signals: Change: NFHS Official Baseball Signals APRE-PITCH SITUATIONAL CHANGES - 8 signals to demonstrate situations & their explanations! After the pitcher has placed his pivot foot clearly behind the plate, he has the right to change to the set position or throw or feint to a base the same as that of any infielder. Adobe InDesign 17.1 (Windows) RULING: All players may wear jewelry while on the bench and/or while participating in the game. B--DURING PLAY & RESULTS - 8 . The position of his feet determine whether he will pitch from the windup or the set position. It is a dead ball (5-1-1f-3,4; 5-1-1g-4). Originally, the first introduction of eye black was a grease substance made out of beeswax, paraffin and carbon to help players reduce glare from the sun. 0000030391 00000 n National Leaders Address Bad Behavior Against Officials at High Schoo. ,f].l@GxK Vv9fY$3d]D}}0{}Kr\lt2, uCS,oc+6D tXvmJrOEy:N^[meL9(nCVxSY1:2tRg'3rqm}OwT=9`2g(lr.m9qRG*t\WyK6r*\`b7.xYZ.P}tT&V=Pb @\91Xi]Po#z'^8/:;)4#3)}*nsdM~eckX{]f/3Ozhci>(MFnW*_M/sM|D1=WmfW5<>6wr>Ld#GgA#upOZtWo,sM d85E\1epLU7/$ dO-H\,[' G NFHS Baseball Rule Changes: Prohibition of Jewelry Removed in High School Baseball Rules . (1-3-1) failing to pitch to the batter when the entire non-pivot foot passes behind the perpendicular plane of the back edge of the pitchers plate, except when feinting or throwing to second base in an attempt to put out a runner. Wordfence is a security plugin installed on over 4 million WordPress sites. During the Initial Stage of the stretch position, the pitcher must stand with his glove side towards home plate. With his feet in the windup position, the pitcher may only deliver a pitch or step backward off the pitcher's plate (R 6.1). H\n@b"27H@#J `R11s|P|lfpRM[zUtxj(]T7.um{dU}9,o{=|w?rxL?u}^u:t{]9T:^}}{b>KxOe6mc{gb.T|m5r6M#2"W+77dZJ,iH9?mRs=@.Kdz<90de{=~/4B 4B 4B 4B 4B M7Ao {[@o g3p: g3hvI'Grbrbrbrb!sbE?JL*Q(. . HWYo8~ ]Yl9.(@bBZ#E)) =3=_(~+KA(oGS:4&'/P8"i}L,!O7Y|jxx$G6?Od?wmB~SvlAi^P>g2]:l)Kd,G=? Jewelry shall not be worn be permitted (3-3-1d) except for including religious and medical medals. Deleting the use of the non-pivot foot does no damage to the existing pitching position rule and having only the pivot foot determine makes it clean and easily discernible for all involved. RULING: Award one base to all runners, including the batter-runner. 0000004334 00000 n Feedback & Comments to NickG@UmpireBible.com, Copyright 2019 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Feedback & Comments to NickG@UmpireBible.com. (Billy Hefton / Enid News & Eagle) On Monday, the National . PENALTY(6-1-1,6-1-2,6-1-3): The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch occurs. The catcher shall have both feet in the catchers box at the time of the pitch. 6-2-6[New NFHS pitch-count rule // TBW]. You will then receive an email that helps you regain access. These changes, which all reference the 2020 NFHS Baseball Rules Book, will be in effect for the 2021 season. 0000037156 00000 n default Rule 6 - Section 2 - INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER 6-2-1 Illegal acts include: applying a foreign substance to the ball; spitting on the ball or glove; rubbing the ball on the glove, clothing or person if the act defaces the ball; discoloring the ball with dirt; If a throw from a pitcher while in contact with the rubber deflects off a fielder and goes directly out of play, the award is one base. Generated by Wordfence at Sat, 4 Mar 2023 5:40:20 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. All rights reserved. NFHS playing rules are written to encourage sportsmanship. A. If there is a runner, such illegal act is a balk. The Baseball Rule: Liability to Spectators for Foul Ball Injuries Adjustment Made to Pre-Pitch Sequence in High School Baseball Rules Changes Baseball Rules Changes - 2023 Publications The NFHS offers rules and case books digitally through its NFHS Rules App. 2-4-4 (New):Change: Note: Add Lodged Ball to Section Title ART. (HTTP response code 503). If game administration is not present or unable to remedy the situation, the game should be suspended. 48. RULING: The umpires shall require that the bracelets be removed. 1 . A pitch dropped during delivery and which crosses a foul line shall be called a ball. Set Position Coaches, umpires and players have a role in understanding the rules of two extremely powerful rules. A pitch dropped during delivery with at least one runner on base would be a balk if it does not cross a foul line. A pitcher is required to take the sign or simulate taking the sign from the catcher when legally on the pitching plate. His pitching hand shall be down at his side or behind his back. 4 . For infraction (e), a ball shall be awarded each time a pitcher violates this rule and subsequently engages the pitching plate. (6-1-2, 6-1-3), SITUATION 8: The pitcher takes a position on the pitchers plate such that the umpire is in doubt if the pivot foot is simply in contact with the pitching plate or in contact and parallel to the pitching plate.