LL HQ has put out its changes to the 2009 LL Rulebook. The ones that affect actual play that umpires need to be aware of include:
1. Definition of "Three Consecutive Defensive Outs" in Minors: Under the mandatory five-run rule limit for Minors, the defense could go an inning without recording an out. Because the LL Mandatory Play Rule is spelled out in terms of consecutive defensive outs and at-bats, a clarification was needed in Minors play for a player to meet MPR when he/she doesn't actually see an out on defense. If the player plays the complete half-inning on defense, he/she gets credit with three consecutive defensive outs. If he/she enters the half-inning defensively in the middle of the inning, he/she only gets credit for the number of outs recorded while he/she is on the field.
2. New changes in pitching regulation: There are a number of changes in Regulation VI on pitchers that go into effect in 2009. These are:
a. Limitation on pitchers becoming catchers: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot move to the catcher position the rest of the day. That rule is meant to prevent a coach from requiring a kid who has delivered numerous pitches to continue throwing from the catcher position, which could cause arm problems.
b. Two options on rest requirements: Local leagues have two options to choose from on rest requirements for pitchers. Option 1 involves less days but one game of rest under certain thresholds. Option 2 requires no game of rest, but adds days for those thresholds. Specifically for Options 1 and 2:
--61 or more pitches (76 or more for Seniors/Big): 3 days + 1 game OR 4 days
--41 to 60 pitches (51 to 75 for Seniors/Big): 2 days + 1 game OR 3 days
--21 to 40 pitches (26 to 50 for Seniors/Big): 1 day OR 2 days
--20 or less pitches (25 or less for Seniors/Big): No rest under both options
3. Bat rule modifications: Rule 1.10 was modified to implement the requirement that non-wood bats in Majors/below must be marked with a Bat Protection Factor (BPF) of 1.15 or less. Additionally, non-wood bats in Juniors cannot exceed a diameter of 2-5/8 inches. Get rid of those 2-3/4" metal bats that were allowed in Juniors last year!
4. Cast limitation on managers and coaches: Rule 1.11(k) was modified to include managers and coaches who wear casts. They are no longer allowed out of the dugout (e.g., the coaches boxes) during play.
5. Pitcher scuffing the ball: In the past, if the pitcher scuffed a baseball, or knowingly used a ball that another teammate scuffed, the umpire was to eject the pitcher from the game. Now, Rule 3.02 was modified to simply remove the pitcher from the mound.
6. A sub for a sub can't enter until...: Rule 3.03 used to allow one sub to enter for another before the first sub met his/her mandatory play requirement. That can no longer take place. A sub cannot be removed by anyone--either the re-entering starter OR another sub--until the sub plays his/her MPR.
7. Clarification on appeal procedures: Rule 7.10(d) used to say that an appeal at the end of an inning could not take place after all players enter foul territory. In 2009, an exception to that requirement was made to allow a player to enter foul territory to retrieve the ball and then make an appeal.
Click the website link (the blue heading above) to see all of the changes for the upcoming season!
Interested in going to Williamsport for umpire training? Here are the dates for the upcoming 2009 clinics/schools!
TBD -- Umpire Clinic
TBD -- Umpire School
TBD -- Umpire Clinic
(Note: As of January 22, 2009, there are no clinics or schools currently scheduled at Williamsport)
As an alternative, you can attend one of the Southern Region clinics.
February 6-8 -- Florida umpire clinic
March 6-8 -- Georgia umpire clinic
TBD -- Umpire school
(Note: As of January 22, 2009, there are no specific locations identified yet for the Florida and Georgia clinics)
Attendance at any one of the clinics will lead to your certification for the 2009 season! For more information, please email me, Manny Aponte, and I'll be happy to give you all the particulars!
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