RULES

National Beep Baseball Association

2026 Edition

As of November 13, 2025

• TABLE OF
  CONTENTS

RULE 1 PLAYERS, FIELD, PLAYING
EQUIPMENT

Section 1: Positions, Equipment, and Players

Article 1

Article 2

Article 4

Article 5

Article 6

Section 2: The Field

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Article 5

Section 3: Equipment

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Article 5

Article 6

Section 4: Defective Field and Player Equipment,
Non-Regulation Facility, Malfunctioning Equipment

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4…A dead ball determination is made by the Field or Head
Umpire after completion of the play. The Umpire will approach the ball
(or player holding the ball) and without bending over to the ground,

Section 5: English is the official language of the
NBBA

Article 1

RULE 2: PLAYING TERMS AND
DEFINITIONS

Section 1: Ball, Passed Ball, Dead Ball, Ball in Flight,
Bases

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Article 5

Section 2: Batter, B1, B2,

Article 1

Article 2

Section 3: Catch, Catcher, Catcher’s Box

Article 1

Article 2

Section 4: Charged Conferences

Article 1

Section 5: Interference, and Obstruction

Article 1

Section 6: Fielder, Battery, F1, F2, and Spotter

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 7: Game, Called Game, Tie Game, Inning, and Half
Inning, Forfeit

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 8: Hit, Fair Hit, Foul, Foul Tip, Ground Ball, Fly
Ball, No Pitch

Article 1

Article 2

Article 4

Article 5

Section 9: Pitcher, Pitch, and Pivot Foot

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 10: Penalty

Article 1

Section 11: Play, Play Ruling, and Appeal

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 12: Putout, Strike Out

Article 1

Article 2

Section 13: Run, Batter/Runner

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 14: Designated Hitter

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Section 15: Speed-Up Rules

Article 1

Section 16: Team and Player Abbreviations

Article 1

Section 17: Time, Time At Bat

Article 1

Article 2

Section 18: Touching Ball, Base, or Runner

Article 1

Section 19: Double Play

RULE 3 SUBSTITUTING, COACHING, BENCH
AND FIELD CONDUCT, CHARGED CONFERENCES

Section 1: Substituting

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Article 5

Article 6

Section 2: Coaching

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 3: Bench, Field and Spectator Conduct

Article 1

Article 2

Section 4: Charged Conferences

Article 1

Article 2

RULE 4 STARTING AND ENDING A
GAME

Section 1: Starting a Game

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Article 5

Section 2: Ending a Regulation Game

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Section 3: Called Game

Article 1

Section 4: Forfeited Game

Article 1

Article 2

Section 5: Protested Game

Article 1

RULE 5 DEAD BALL-SUSPENSION OF
PLAY

Section 1: Dead Ball

Article 1

Section 2: Suspension of Play

Article 1

Article 2

RULE 6 PITCHING

Section 1: Pitching Regulations

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Section 2: Infractions By Pitcher

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

RULE 7 BATTING

Section 1: Position and Batting Order

Article 1

Article 2

Section 2: Strikes, Balls and Hits

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 3: Batting Infractions

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Section 4: Batter Is Out As In Above or When

RULE 8 BATTER
RUNNING

Section 1: When Batter Becomes a Runner

Article 1

Article 2

Section 2: Touching and Return To A Base

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 3: Base Running Awards

Article 1

Article 2

Section 4: Runner Is Out

Article 1

RULE 9 SCORING AND
RECORD-KEEPING

RULE 10 UMPIRING

Section 1: General

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Section 2: Head Umpire

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Section 3: Field Umpire

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Article 4

Article 5

Article 6

Section 4: Protest Procedure

CHANGES IMPLEMENTED November 13 , 2025

Update Rule 1, Section 3, Article 6,

Add Targe as an Official Blindfold.

CHANGES IMPLEMENTED FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Update Rule 1, Section 1, Article 3,

Add Clause [c] defining Visually Impaired.

Update Rule 1, Section 2,

Add Article 5 addition of Center Orientation Line.

Update Rule 1, Section 3,

Add Article 6 identification of Official Blindfolds.

CHANGES IMPLEMENTED JANUARY 1, 2024

• Updated Rule 1, Section 1, Article 6(b)

  • Removed the words “and defense has left the field,
    unless otherwise instructed by the head umpire”

• Updated Rule 1, Section 2, Article 3

  • Added a description of a line 10 feet from home plate to aid the
    umpire in determining an illegal pitch.

• Updated Rule 3, Section 1, Article 1

  • Added a paragraph [a] that will cause a run to be awarded if the
    fielding team has an illegally substituted player.

• Updated Rule 4, Section 4, Article 1, Paragraphs (f) and (g)

  • Replaced five players with four players

• Updated Rule 6, Section 1, Article 2

  • Added language that describes an illegal pitch if a pitcher does
    not give the second verbal signal at the approximate time the ball
    leaves their hand.

• Update Rule 6, Section 2, Article 3

  • Added language describing the penalty for an illegal
    pitch if the pitcher gives a verbal signal after the ball has gotten
    half way to home plate.

• Updated Rule 7, Section 3, Article 4

  • Added language that will cause a thrown bat that comes to
    rest more than 20 feet from the home plate to result in an immediate
    out.

CHANGES IMPLEMENTED JANUARY 1, 2023

• Updated Rule 1, Section 4, Article 4

  • Added language requiring the umpire to turn on the base which had
    been active during the play, while determining if a ball is
    dead

• Updated Rule 2, Section 3, Article 1

  • Clarified the language around the caught ball to match that of
    the double play rule, whereby the defender who catches a ball is awarded
    all three outs for the purposes of stats, even if there were less than
    three outs remaining in the inning.

• Added Rule 2, Section 19, Article 1: Double Play

• Updated Rule 3, Section 1, Article 1

  • Added language requiring the umpire to announce to the field all
    substitutions

  • Changed the language to be gender neutral

RULE 1 PLAYERS, FIELD,
PLAYING EQUIPMENT

Section 1: Positions,
Equipment, and Players

Article 1…In Beep Baseball, each of the
two teams is permitted six turns at bat during which it attempts to
score runs by having its batters hit the beeping ball into fair
territory and reach a buzzing (activated) base before the ball is
legally fielded by the defense. The team in the field attempts to end
the turn at bat of the opponent by causing three of its batters to be
put out. Each of the two teams consists of six batters / fielders
throughout the game (except as noted elsewhere in these rules), at least
one but no more than two of who must be designated Captain. The captain
and the coach represent the team in all communication with the umpires
and other game or tournament officials. The captain’s duties can
include: providing the head umpire with the name, shirt number,
position, and batting order of each starting player; and informing all
players of his team as to special ground rules as announced by the Head
Umpire. Each team must also furnish its own pitchers and catchers on
offense and at least one, but not more than two, spotters on defense. It
shall be a forfeit if a team cannot provide these support personnel.

Article 2…A Player is designated on the
official line-up sheet by his fielding position, name, and shirt
number.

** Article 3…All Players in a team’s
line-up shall be visually impaired. EXCEPTION: [a] Each team is allowed
to have sighted members on their official roster. When blindfolded, they
are eligible to play as fielder/batter; HOWEVER, no more than two fully
sighted persons may participate as fielder/batter on any team at one
time during any one game, and ONLY IF no visually impaired player is
available to play; [b] Pitcher and catcher should have good visual
acuity with corrective eye wear; [c] Visually Impaired is defined as a
distance visual acuity no greater than 20/70 and/or a visual field no
greater than 30 degrees in the best eye with best practical correction.
Practical correction does not include low vision devices of

any kind. If the visual impairment can improve or doesn’t meet this
definition of Visually Impaired, a new Vision Form must be submitted
each year by July 1 unless the visual impairment becomes permanent.

Article 4…At the time of the pitch, all
defensive players, including the spotters, shall have both feet in fair
territory, and shall be at least forty feet from home plate.

Article 5…An active player may change to
a different fielding position at any time without notifying the Head
umpire.

Article 6…Uniforms are recommended for
all players.

[a] Uniforms of all team members should be the same color and style.
Caps are recommended and shoes are required equipment (no track spikes
are allowed). Metal cleats are prohibited. For individual
players, sleeve lengths may vary. A uniform shall not have any dangerous
buttons, pins, or ornaments. Each player shall be numbered on the back
of the shirt with a plain number of a solid color contrasting with the
color of the shirt. The number shall be at least 8” (eight inches) high
and no players on the same team shall wear identical numbers;

[b] It is mandatory for each batter and fielder to wear a blindfold.
The on-deck batter shall have the blindfold in place and properly
adjusted before entering the on-deck circle or area and shall
leave it in place until being put out, striking out, or scoring, unless
permission to lower it is given by the umpire. Each fielder is required
to have the blindfold in place and properly adjusted before assuming
initial position on the field. If the head umpire has given permission
to enter and leave the field with blindfolds down, fielder must face
away from home plate and adjust blindfold before turning to face home
plate after reaching initial position on the field and prior to the
first pitch, legal or illegal, to the next batter. Fielders shall leave
blindfold in place until the batting team has been retired. Blindfolds
will be determined by the NBBA Board and recognized as the minimum
standard blindfold. Homemade blindfolds must be accepted by the NBBA
Head Umpire and both team captains and coaches before being used; coach
or captain should request this approval prior to the start of each game.
Each blindfold shall have firm elastic bands that do not droop and shall
be worn in such a manner as to completely prohibit any possible use of
vision. [Note: These blindfolds are designed to be worn with the upper
elastic band over the top of the ear and the lower band below the ear to
insure a firm, close fit at all points of contact with the face]. The
umpire has the right to inspect the blindfold of any player at any time;
if the umpire determines that the blindfold is not being correctly worn
he may issue a team warning to that team that the next player found to
be wearing a blindfold improperly or wearing a blindfold that does not
meet minimum specifications may be ejected from the game;

[c] Protective equipment of the type approved for use in baseball or
softball is allowed and encouraged for any player on any team;

[d] Loose equipment of either team may not be on or near the
field;

[e] All splints, casts, and braces must be padded. No protective
equipment shall have exposed metal or any other hard material.
Prostheses may be worn. The head umpire prior to the game to evaluate
the potential for danger must examine any equipment, which has exposed
metal or other hard surface. Any equipment, including prostheses, judged
by the head umpire to be potentially dangerous is illegal and will not
be allowed;

[f] Prior to the start of the game, the coach and/or captain(s) of
each team shall be responsible for verifying to the head umpire that all
that team’s players are equipped in compliance with these rules. The
Head Umpire and/or tournament officers shall determine any questions
regarding legality of a player’s equipment;

[g] Non-traditional playing equipment must be reviewed by the
National Board of Directors for Beep Baseball before it will be
permitted;

[h] Jewelry is prohibited to be worn by all players with the
exception of medical alert bracelets or necklaces. If a player must wear
a medical alert bracelet/necklace, it should be taped to the body so as
to remain visible but not present a possible hazard.

Section 2: The Field

Article 1…The Playing Field shall be a
right angle having sides of at least 100 feet, with their point of
origin being the rear point of home plate. All lines of the playing
field shall be marked with a material that is not injurious to the eyes
or skin. Distance from the rear point of home plate to the nearest
obstruction on fair ground should be at least 170 feet down the foul
lines and through the center of the field. Foul lines shall be marked to
extend from the rear point of home plate toward first and third base
marks for a distance of at least 100 feet. It is recommended that these
lines extend at least thirty [30] feet beyond the 100 foot mark. A line
ten feet in length shall be drawn at a right angle from the 100-foot
mark (hereafter referred to as the spot) of each of the foul
lines. The near edge of first and third base shall be placed at the end
of these ten-foot lines. The distance between first and third bases
shall be no less than 141’3″ and no more than 141’6″ measured
spot-to-spot, and not less than 141’4″ or 141’6″ measured from
the near edge of either base, or its wind-resistance device, to the near
edge of the other base, or its wind-resistance device.

Article 2…An additional Foul Line shall
be marked at a point beginning 40 feet down the first base line from the
rear point of home plate and extending across the field to a point 40
feet down the third base line from the rear point of home plate. This
foul line shall also be forty feet from the rear point of home plate
through the center of the field. The distance between the 40-foot marks
on each baseline shall be no less than 56’3″ and no more than 56’6″.

Article 3…A Pitcher’s Mark shall be
placed on the field of play a distance of 21′ 5″ from the rear point of
home plate. The pitcher’s mark shall be no longer than 30″ in length and
shall be centered between the first and third base foul lines. A mark
shall be place halfway (10 feet) from the front edge of Home plate and
the Pitcher’s mark to act as an aid for the head umpire in determining
whether a pitch is illegal as described in Rule 6, Sect. 1, Article
2.

Article 4…A batter must have at least one
(1) foot behind the front edge home plate at the start of the swing.

Article 5…A Center Orientation Line will
be lined from the center of the 40 foot foul line to the center of the
home run line passing through a mark approximately 70’8.5” between the
100 foot marks of the first and third base foul lines.

Section 3: Equipment

Article 1…First and Third base shall meet
the following requirements:

A. Height- 48″ minimum, 54″ maximum

B. Diameter- 8″ minimum, 10″ maximum

C. Shape- A cylinder, square, or cone from top to bottom.

(Exception: see I, Wind-resistance devices)

D. Weight- Five pounds maximum

E. Covering- Vinyl (1st choice), Canvas (2nd choice)

F. Sound Device Location; centered no less than 34″ and no more than
40″ above ground level.

G. Sound Frequency (Pitch)- Variable

H. Sound Level (Loudness); Medium on an adjustable device.

I. Wind-Resistance Devices- Magnets, Velcro, or any other means
accepted by the NBBA to hold base in an upright position.

Article 2…Home Plate (base) shall be a
five-sided slab of whitened material. It shall be a 12″ square with two
of the corners filled in so that one edge is 17″ long, two are 12″, and
two are 8 ½”. It shall be set in/on the ground so that the two 12″ edges
coincide with the base lines extending from the rear point of home plate
to first and third base spots with the 17″ edge facing the pitcher’s
mark.

Article 3…The Ball shall be a “softball”
weighing approximately 16 ounces, 16 inches in circumference, with a
hollow core containing a sound emitting device and a rechargeable power
supply. The ball shall be spherical in shape, of solid construction, and
shall fly and roll true. The ball shall be designed in such a way that
the sound emitting device can be switched on and off. The NBBA Board of
Directors, or its appointed representative, shall be the sole judge if
any ball design is acceptable for use in NBBA sanctioned games or
tournaments.

Article 4. NOT allowed: any DeBeer brand
Clincher or two part construction bats. There shall be no
devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the handle to become flush
with the knob. Only bats may be used for loosening up (including
weighted bats for this purpose) at any location. Devices designed to
remain part of the bat, such as batting donuts and wind resistant
devices, are legal for warming up only. It is mandatory that the knobs
on aluminum or magnesium bats be securely fastened. The aluminum or
magnesium bats must have a sound deadening material inside. Aluminum or
magnesium bats must have a safety grip of cork, non-slip tape, or
composition material. The grip must extend a minimum of 10″ but not more
than 18″ from the handle end of the bat. Slippery tape or similar
material shall be prohibited. A wooden bat may be roughened or wound
with tape or twine not more than 18″ from the handle end of the

bat. No foreign substance may be added to the bat beyond 18″ from the
end of the handle. Each bat shall be:

A. Diameter at thickest part- 2 3/4″ or less

B. Length- 36″ or less

C. Weight- 38 ounces or less

Bats that do not meet these specifications are illegal.

Article 5…any fielder may wear Leather gloves or
mitts. There is no distinction

between a glove and a mitt. The glove/mitt worn by all fields shall
conform to the following specifications:

A. Height- (measured from the bottom edge or heel straight up
across

the center of the palm to a line even with the highest point of
the

glove/mitt): 14″

B. Width of palm (measured from the bottom edge of the webbing

farthest from the thumb in a horizontal line to the outside of
the

little finger edge of the glove/mitt): 8″

C. Webbing- (measured across the top end along any line parallel
to

the top): 5 3/4″

Article 6… Blindfolds must be either the
Mindfold, Goalfix or Targe brand and must be made available to the Home
Plate Umpire and representative from the opposing team prior to use in
the game. Blindfolds of the starting lineups will be inspected prior to
the start of a game and of a substitute when they enter a game. The Home
Plate Umpire may request the inspection of a blindfold being worn by a
player currently in the lineup at any time and require its replacement
if it isn’t in acceptable condition. A player may provide medical
documentation stating that he/she is unable to wear an Official
Blindfold. Under this circumstance, the Unofficial Blindfold is subject
to the same inspection requirements as an Official Blindfold. Some of
the Official Blindfolds only have one strap. If this is the case, that
strap should be worn above the ears. For blindfolds having two straps,
one should be worn above, and one below the ears.

Section
4: Defective Field and Player Equipment, Non-Regulation Facility,
Malfunctioning Equipment

Article 1…Defective Equipment must be
replaced or repaired immediately.

Article 2…Any game started on a
Non-regulation Facility by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and
team captains shall not be protested for this reason.

Article 3…A ball, which ceases to beep in
the proper manner after it is hit and before it is fielded, shall be
considered to have malfunctioned. A base, which is noticeably late
coming on, or which is not properly placed so that the speaker is facing
home plate, or which falls over or is blown over, or which fails to
sound or ceases to sound prior to the end of the play shall be
considered to have malfunctioned. In the case of Malfunctioning
Equipment, this is a “delayed decision” and the Head Umpire shall allow
the team at the disadvantage to attempt to complete the play before
calling a no pitch. If the team at the disadvantage can successfully
complete the play, the Head Umpire may allow the play to stand. EXAMPLE:
Legally fielding a malfunctioning ball prior to runner legally touching
base; or legally touching malfunctioning base prior to ball being
legally fielded. If the ball ceases to beep and does not pass the
40-foot foul line, it is a foul ball. A foul ball which ceases to beep
in the proper manner will be called a strike unless it is the fourth
strike, in which case the batter will resume with ball and strike count
as it was prior to the foul ball, the fourth strike must be a clean miss
or a called strike.

Article 4…A dead ball determination is
made by the Field or Head Umpire after completion of the play. The
Umpire will approach the ball (or player holding the ball) and without
bending over to the ground, with the base that was activated during the
play still on, LISTEN to determine if the ball is audible and playable.
If audible, the play is stands as completed. If determined to be a ‘dead
ball’ the play will be considered malfunctioning equipment and a no
pitch will be awarded UNLESS the defensive team fielded
the ball without the aid of hearing the beep for the out. Then the
defense is considered to have been at the disadvantage. If the play was
completed prior to the runner hitting the base, the play will stand as
an “out”.

Section
5: English is the official language of the NBBA

Article 1…English is the official
language of the NBBA. All on-field calls and all documentation presented
to or by the league are to be made/submitted in English.

RULE 2: PLAYING TERMS AND
DEFINITIONS

Section
1: Ball, Passed Ball, Dead Ball, Ball in Flight, Bases

Article 1…The Ball is one of the playing
implements. It emits an intermittent “beep” when activated.

Article 2…The term “Passed Ball”, or
“Pass”, is used to designate a pitch, which is not swung at, by the
batter. A batter is allowed one passed ball without penalty. Additional
passed balls will be called strikes.

Article 3…A Dead Ball is a ball which has
ceased to function properly; or has been touched by a non-playing team
member or spectator; or has been picked up by the umpire to be
inspected; or is touched by or touches the pitcher after being hit by
the batter and before it has crossed the forty-foot line.

Article 4…A batted ball is in Flight
until it has touched the ground or some object or person in fair or foul
territory.

Article 5…The Bases are playing
instruments of the game. There shall be three bases: Home base (plate),
1st base, and 3rd base. First and third bases will emit a steady ‘buzz’
when activated; home plate does not emit a sound.

Section 2: Batter, B1, B2,

Article 1…The Batter must have at least
one foot behind the front edge of the plate at the start of the swing.
When the head umpire calls “Play”, the batter has thirty seconds to
approach and occupy the plate. An “On-Deck Circle” for each team is a
circle five feet in diameter located a safe distance to the side of and
behind home plate where each batter will stand while awaiting his turn
at bat. When the head umpire calls “Play”, the on-deck batter will have
thirty seconds to occupy the on-deck circle. The

batter-on-deck must have blindfold in place prior to entering the
on-deck circle. The penalty for batter not being at the plate and/or
on-deck batter not being ready in the circle within thirty seconds shall
be a strike on the current batter; the penalty for the on-deck batter
not having blindfold in place prior to entering the circle shall be a
strike on the current batter. Once the batter-on-deck has the blindfold
in place, it shall not be lowered or removed without permission from the
umpire until that person has completed his turn at bat by scoring,
striking out, or being put out: PENALTY- The batter or the
batter-on-deck who removed the mask illegally shall be declared out. The
Umpire may, at his discretion, issue one, but no more than two, team
warnings for batter or batter-on-deck violations of the mask rule before
charging the penalty strike or declaring the batter or batter-on-deck
out.

Article 2…The player who bats first in
his half of an inning is designated B1, the second player to bat is B2,
and so on through the inning.

Section 3: Catch, Catcher,
Catcher’s Box

Article 1…A Catch is the act of a fielder
in getting secure possession of the ball, in hand(s) or glove, above the
ground, and away from the body. In the rare event that a
defensive player catches a live, batted fly ball in flight prior to the
ball touching the ground, a spotter or umpire, or any object on fair or
foul ground other than another defensive player, this will automatically
retire the side and the offensive team will immediately take the field.
The defensive player who makes the catch will be credited with 3 outs
for the purpose of their stats, regardless of the number of outs
remaining in the inning.

Article 2…The Catcher is the person to
whom the pitcher throws when delivering the ball to the batter. When
ready to receive a pitch, the catcher must be in the area immediately
behind home plate. This area shall be called the catcher’s box and is
entirely in foul territory.

Section 4: Charged
Conferences

Article 1…Charged Conference is one,
which involves the coach or his non-playing representative, and a player
or players of the team.

Section 5: Interference,
and Obstruction

Article 1…Interference and
Obstruction

[a] Offensive Interference is any act by a member of the team at bat
which interferes with, obstructs, hinders, impedes, or confuses any
fielder attempting to make a play or a runner comes in contact with any
fielder, with or without the ball, on or inside the baseline when the
fielder is attempting to field the ball;

[b] It is Umpire Interference when he inadvertently moves so as to
hinder a player’s attempt to field a batted ball or a runner’s attempt
to reach the activated base, or is hit by a fair ball (page 22: No
Pitch);

[c] Spectator Interference is any action by a spectator, which
impedes the progress of the game;

[d] Obstruction is any act by a member of the defensive team which
interferes with, obstructs, hinders, impedes, or confuses a batter
attempting to hit or a runner in his attempt to reach the activated base
or fielder comes in contact with a runner outside the baseline,
regardless of which base is activated (even if the runner is advancing
to the wrong base);

[e] Defensive interference by a spotter, whether the ball hits them
directly off the bat or deflects off of a defensive player and then hits
the spotter, shall be a run.

Section 6: Fielder,
Battery, F1, F2, and Spotter

Article 1…A Fielder is any one of six
players of a team when it is not at bat (defensive team). There is no
specific distinction between outfield and infield positions in beep
baseball. The terms “infield” and “outfield” are used in these rules to
distinguish between positions 1, 3, and 5; and 2, 4, and 6 respectively,
although a team may place the players occupying these positions anywhere
on the playing field. The pitcher and catcher are the Battery.

Article 2…In play rulings and discussion,
the fielders are referred to as F1, F2, etc. F1 is infielder at first
base, F3 is infielder at shortstop, F5 is infielder at third base, F2 is
outfielder in right field, F4 is outfielder in center, F6 is outfielder
in left field, P is pitcher (non-fielding position), C is catcher
(non-fielding position), and Sp is spotter (also a non-fielding
position).

Article 3…A Spotter is a non-playing
member of the defensive team who will assist the defensive team in the
field. Each team must have one, but not more than two, spotters. The
spotter(s) will take a position on the field in fair territory prior to
the Umpire calling “play”. The spotters may assist the defense in
position themselves on the field prior to each pitch. Spotter may advise
if a batter is right- or left-handed, male or female, or any additional
information, which the spotter feels, is necessary for the players to
know, prior to the umpire calling “play” and prior to the Time of the
Pitch for the first pitch, and subsequent pitches, to that batter. The
spotter may use only the numbers one through six when designating which
player is in the best position to field a batted ball. If the spotter
attempts to convey any other information (such as left or right, in or
out, a second call by the same or different spotter [double call], or
any other verbal or physical assistance to aid a player or players in
locating the ball) the umpire shall award the offensive team a run and
caution both the captain and the spotter of that team; if repeated
offenses are called for the same or similar infraction in that ball
game, the spotter may be ejected from the game. Two ejections in a
tournament will result in that spotter being barred from further
participation in that tournament in any capacity. Defensive
players are allowed to speak freely to aid one another in locating and
fielding the ball.

EXCEPTIONS: Exceptions to the spotter ejection are:

[a] In the event a ball in flight presents a chance of injury to a
defensive player, the spotter may call out a warning without
penalty;

[b] If a collision between fielders is imminent, the spotter may, and
should, call out a warning without penalty;

[c] If a collision between a fielder and the runner is imminent, the
spotter may, and should, call out a warning. In this case the umpire
shall decide if the play should be awarded to the defense, if the
collision was/would have been in fair territory; or the offense, if the
collision was/would have been in foul territory; or if the play will be
redone with ball and strike count starting over;

** [d] A spotter may knock down an unusually hard hit ball traveling
toward a defensive player to protect the player. In this case, a replay
will be awarded.

NOTE: It must be stated here that a simultaneous or
near-simultaneous call by two spotters is possible. The head umpire will
be the sole judge of whether or not a simultaneous or near-simultaneous
call has occurred. The head umpire may confer with the other officials
on the field before announcing a decision. This occurrence is not a
double-call and shall not be penalized as such. If the head umpire
decides the call was simultaneous, the play will stand; otherwise he may
call a replay and the batter shall resume with ball and strike count
starting over.

Section
7: Game, Called Game, Tie Game, Inning, and Half Inning, Forfeit

Article 1…A Regulation Beep Baseball Game
is six innings (turns at bat) for each team unless shortened as allowed
for elsewhere in these rules, or unless extra innings are necessary to
break a tie score. A Called Game is one, which is ended by order of the
umpire, and/or tournament officials according to regulations printed
elsewhere in these rules. A Suspended Game is a called game that will be
completed at a later time.

Article 2…An Inning is that portion of
the game, which includes a turn at bat for each team. A Half Inning is
the interval during which one team is on offense (batting) and the other
is on defense (fielding). A half inning ends when there is a third out
of when a fly ball is caught as in R2-s3-a1 or when, in the last inning,
the winning run is scored. An Extra Inning is one, which extends the
game in an attempt to break a tie score. If it is necessary to end the
game when the score is tied, it is a Tie Game.

Article 3…A Forfeited Game is one awarded
to the opponent of the offending team.

Section
8: Hit, Fair Hit, Foul, Foul Tip, Ground Ball, Fly Ball, No Pitch

Article 1…A Hit is the act of the batter
initiating contact between the bat and the pitched ball. A Fair Hit
(commonly called a fair ball) is a batted ball which settles on fair
territory between home and first base spot or between home and third
base spot, on or inside the base lines and on or beyond the forty-foot
line; or contacts fair ground on or beyond the forty-foot line on or
between first base line and third base line; or which is on or over fair
ground when bounding to the outfield area beyond first or third base
spot; or ball first falls on fair ground beyond first or third base
spot; or which touches the person of a spotter, or fielder (other than
the pitcher); or which, while on or over fair ground, passes out of the
playing area. [Note: a fly or line drive hit which passes over or inside
first or third base spot in flight and curves to foul ground beyond such
spot before touching or being touched is not a fair hit, it is a foul
ball.]

Article 2…A Foul is a batted ball which
settles on foul territory between home and first base spot or between
home and third base spot before or after crossing the forty-foot line
and before it has passed either base spot in fair territory and before
it has been touched by a defensive fielder; or that bounds past first or
third base spot on or over foul territory; or ball first falls on foul
ground beyond first or third base spot prior to touching or being
touched in fair territory; or that stays between first and third
baselines but stops moving before it has reached the forty-foot foul
line; or that, after touching the ground beyond the forty-foot foul
line, rebounds, bounces, or rolls, back across the forty-foot foul line
into foul territory before touching or being touched by a fielder; or
that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire
or other official or a player or other person, or any object foreign to
the natural ground, including a base or its wind-resistant device. A
Foul Tip is a batted ball that goes directly to the catcher’s hands and
is legally caught and held by any fielder, a Foul Tip is a foul ball and
the batter will remain at bat. The fourth strike must be a clean miss or
a called strike.

Article 4…A Fly Ball is a batted ball,
which rises an appreciable height above the ground. A Line Drive is a
batted fly ball which travels parallel or nearly so with the ground
through most of its flight. A Ground Ball is one, which is neither a fly
nor a line drive.

Article 5…A No-Pitch is a batted ball,
which touches the pitcher or his clothing. The count to the batter shall
remain the same as it was before that pitch. A no-pitch may also be
called for spectator interference or late “ready” or other call by the
spotter after or at the same time the pitcher has made the first of two
required verbal signals to the batter. It may also be a no-pitch when an
official is hit by a fair ball (pg. 42). For a no-pitch, the batter will
resume with ball and strike count as it was before the no-pitch
call.

Section 9: Pitcher,
Pitch, and Pivot Foot

Article 1…The Pitcher is the person
designated in the scorebook as being responsible for delivering the ball
to the batter. A live ball delivered to the batter is a Pitch. The term
implies a legally delivered ball unless otherwise stated. Time of The
Pitch is when the pitcher has committed himself to deliver the pitch to
the batter. Commitment shall be defined as any motion by the pitcher
customarily associated with his/her pitching style.

Article 2…The pitcher’s Pivot Foot is
that foot which the pitcher contacts the pitching mark when he delivers
the ball. Normally, for a left-handed pitcher it is the left foot; for a
right-handed pitcher it is the right foot.

Article 3…An Illegal Pitch is a pitch
which is delivered to the batter when the pitcher’s pivot foot is not in
contact with the pitching mark or which is delivered to the batter in
violation of the pitching rule. [See Rule 6, Sect. 2, and Art. 3 for
penalties.]

Section 10: Penalty

Article 1…A Penalty is the loss assessed
by the umpire against a player, spotter, team or other person for a rule
infraction. Penalties include, but are not limited to, ejecting or
disqualifying the offending person; declaring batter or runner out;
awarding run to batter/runner; charging batter with strike (for delay by
batter, pitcher, or on-deck batter); forfeiting game (Umpire must
suspend game and confer with tournament officials unless offense is of
highly serious nature: i.e. physical threat or abuse toward umpire or
players of opposing team, or repeated unsportsmanlike conduct or acts in
Rule 4, Sect. 4, Art. 1 occur); or removing non-players from the bench,
field or spectator area.

Section 11: Play, Play
Ruling, and Appeal

Article 1…”Play” is the order given by
the umpire when it is time for the game to begin or to be resumed after
having been suspended when he called “Time”. The term is also used to
denote a unit of action, which begins when the pitcher has the ball in
his possession in pitching position and ends when the ball is no longer
in play, or the pitcher again holds the ball while in pitching
position.

Article 2…A Play Ruling is a statement of
a play situation and the correct ruling. It is considered an integral
part of the rules and applies to analogous situations.

Article 3…An Appeal is a situation where
the umpire ignores a batting out of order infraction or illegal
substitution unless his attention is called to it. Batting out of order
must be appealed before the first pitch, legal or illegal, to the next
batter. [Penalty: The out of order batter is declared out.] EXAMPLE:
Batter two is due up but batter three bats instead. After B3 has
completed his turn at bat, B2 comes to the plate; but before the first
pitch, legal or illegal, to B2, the defense notifies the head umpire
that a batter was out of order. Since batter two did not appear at the
proper time, B2 is out and batter four is up. If B2 receives a legal or
illegal pitch prior to the appeal, batting out of order is ignored and
batter three will be the next batter up after batter two completes his
turn at bat.

Section 12: Putout, Strike
Out

Article 1…A Putout is the act of a
fielder in retiring a batter/runner by legally fielding the ball before
the runner has legally touched the activated base. An “out” is one of
the three required retirements of the players of the team at bat.

Article 2…A Strike Out is the result of
the batter having four strikes charged against him.

Section 13: Run, Batter/Runner

Article 1…A Run is the
score made by a runner who legally advances to and touches the activated
base before being put out by the defense.

Article 2…A Home Run is
a ball that travels at least 170 feet in the air over
fair territory. The Head Umpire or Field Umpire will declare a Home Run
and the defense will cease attempts to field the ball. The runner will
have thirty seconds to advance to and touch the activated base in order
to record a score. The Malfunctioning Equipment rule does not apply to a
Home Run; except, if neither base will function, the Head Umpire may
award the run. If the runner fails to advance to and touch the activated
base in thirty seconds, the runner will be declared out.

Article 3…The Batter/Runner is a player
who has hit a pitched ball into fair or foul territory and is proceeding
to the activated base and has not yet been put out or scored. Also
referred to as runner.

Section 14: Designated Hitter

Article 1…The use of a Designated Hitter
(DH) is not required but, if a team intends to use a DH it must be
announced to the Head Umpire (HU) prior to the start of the game. Name
and uniform number on the lineup sheet presented to the HU or Official
Scorekeeper must indicate the DH and the Defensive Player (DP) for whom
the DH is batting. Only one DH role may be used per game. If one team
opts to use the DH, the opposing team is not required to do the
same.

Article 2…The DH and the DP are “locked”
in the lineup. The DP may be substituted for provided the active DH is
not the replacement; the DH may be substituted for provided the active
DP is not the replacement. If the active DH takes the field, the DP for
whom the DH was batting must leave the game and the role of DH is
terminated for the remainder of the game. If the active DP bats, the DH
who was batting must leave the game and the role of DH is terminated for
the remainder of the game.

Article 3…the active DH may be
substituted out and, after 6 outs (3 outs under 12-run rule) may
re-enter the game as an eligible substitute for any player, including
the DP or DH. The active DP may be substituted out and, after 6 outs (3
outs under 12-run rule) may re-enter the game as an eligible substitute
for any player, including the DH or DP.

Article 4…If a team uses the DH but fails
to notify the Head Umpire and/or Official Scorekeeper prior to the start
of the game, the penalty for an ineligible player will be imposed and
the role of DH will be terminated for the remainder of the game for that
team.

Section 15: Speed-Up Rules

Article 1…Speed-up Rules may be adopted
for any single game by mutual agreement of the coaches and captains of
the opposing teams prior to the start of the game. The tournament
committee or tournament chairperson(s) prior to the start of the game(s)
to be affected must institute speed-up rules for any game or series of
games in tournament play. All coaches and umpires for the affected games
must be notified prior to the start of the first affected game.

Section 16: Team and
Player Abbreviations

Article 1…For brevity in play rulings,
the home team is “H” and the visiting team is “V”. Players of the team
at bat are B1, B2, etc. Fielding players are F1, F2, etc. Substitutes
are S1, S2, etc. Spotters are Sp1 and/or Sp2. Pitcher and catcher are P
and C respectively.

Section 17: Time, Time At Bat

Article 1…”Time” is the command given by
the umpire to suspend play. The ball becomes dead when it is given and
no game action can occur, except for penalties or awards. The term is
also used in recording the length of the game.

Article 2…Time At Bat is the period
beginning when a batter first enters the plate area and continuing until
he is put out, strikes out, or scores a run.

[a] A batter is not charged with a time at bat when he is replaced
before being charged with three strikes or he is replaced after being
charged with three strikes and his substitute does not strike out;

[b] When Illegal Substitution occurs as in Rule 3, Sect. 1, and Art.
1, a time-at-bat will be charged for the replaced player for each time
his illegal substitute batted.

Section 18: Touching
Ball, Base, or Runner

Article 1…Touching is contact with, and
there is no distinction between the act of touching and being touched
by. For the runner touching the base, the term applies to contact with
any part of the runner or his clothing (if the clothing is reasonably
well-fitted) with any part of the base or its wind-resistant device. For
battered ball touching batter, pitcher, or any other player or
non-player; or bat touching ball a second time, the term applies to
contact with any part of the person, object or clothing (if the clothing
is reasonably well-fitted).

Section 19: Double Play

Article 1…A double play is at any time a fielder
catches a ball off one hop after being put in play by the batter. If a
fieldable ball is caught off one hop, the defense will be awarded two
outs, unless there are already 2 outs, in which case the side will be
retired as normal. The fielder that makes the play will always be
awarded the two outs for scoring purposes.

RULE
3 SUBSTITUTING, COACHING, BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT, CHARGED
CONFERENCES

Section 1: Substituting

Article 1…Unlimited substitution is
permitted, subject to the conditions set forth in RULE 3. After the head
umpire has received the official lineup card prior to the start of the
game, the pitcher shall pitch to the first batter until the batter has
been put out, strikes out, or scores a run (unless the pitcher is
removed due to injury or ejection). In any other case, a substitute may
replace a player of their team when the ball is dead and time out has
been called or a half inning has been completed. The substitute or their
coach or captain shall report to the head umpire prior to the next pitch
by stating the substitute’s name, shirt number, the name of the player
they are replacing in the batting order, and the position they will play
in the field. Where the umpire will then announce to the field
“Substitution team ****, ## in for ##.” A projected substitution shall
not be reported to the head umpire prior to the actual change. If a
player fails to report and enters the game, the player they replaced is
considered to have remained in the game. Any play in which the illegal
substitute earned a run on offense or made a putout on defense for their
team shall have the play ruling reversed. The illegal substitute may
also be removed from the game for six outs or until the end of the game,
whichever comes first. The player they replaced will return to the game,
unless the replaced player left the game because of injury. If the
replaced player cannot return to the game, some other eligible player
must replace them. If there are no more eligible replacements the team
must play the game one player short, taking an automatic out whenever
that spot in the batting order comes up, until a replacement becomes
eligible or the game ends, whichever occurs first. SIX OUT PENALTY
REMOVAL FOR ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION APPLIES UNDER REGULAR OR TWELVE-RUN
RULE. If enforcement of this article results in the affected team
having less than five players to continue the game, the game shall be
forfeited to the other team. [Rule 4, Sect. 4, Art.1-f,g] NOTE: The Head
Umpire will ignore Illegal Substitutions unless the opposing team
through appeal as outlined in Rule 2, Sect. 1, Art.3, calls their
attention to it. The six out penalty for Illegal substitution will begin
at the time the Illegal Substitution is reported to the umpire.
Enforcement of the penalty for Illegal Substitution will not result in a
team replaying any part of any previous inning, even if it causes more
or less than three outs to be recorded in that previous inning. Since
the replaced player is considered to have remained in the game, the
result of any times at bat by the Illegal substitute will be recorded on
the replaced player’s record. [Rule 2, Sect. 17, Art.2-b]

[a] If a defensive team illegally substitutes a player and that
player is on the field when a defensive play is made, that play will be
reversed to a run and the illegal player must be removed from the game
per article 1.  A maximum of one run can be awarded. 

Article 2…If a pitcher is replaced while
his team is at bat, the replacement pitcher shall pitch to the batter
then at bat until such batter has been retired or has scored a run.

Article 3…Once a player is removed due to
injury, that player cannot return for the remainder of the game unless
approved by the head umpire, or the tournament committee if in
tournament play. Any player who is removed from a game due to a serious
head injury or suspected broken bones or dislocations may not return
without a signed release from a licensed physician permitting that
player to participate in the remainder of the game or tournament.

Article 4…Once a player other than the
pitcher or catcher has been replaced by a substitute, the
player who has been taken out of the game must remain out of the game
for the completion of six outs from the time of the
substitution, or to the end of the game, whichever comes first; except
as provided for in Article 1, or Article 6. If a substitution occurs
prior to institution of the Twelve Run Rule, or after the Twelve
Run Rule has been revoked, the players involved shall remain subject to
this rule, EVEN IF THE TWELVE-RUN RULE IS INVOKED IMMEDIATELY AFTER
THE SUBSTITUTION. The rule, which applies, is the rule in
effect at the time the substitution is reported to the head umpire.
(For substitution during the Twelve Run Rule, see Article 6.)

Article 5…TWELVE RUN RULE: If a
team establishes a lead of twelve or more runs at the end of any full
inning, the head umpire will inform both teams that the Twelve Run Rule
is in effect. At this time, the trailing team will become the batting
team and will remain at bat until they tie the score, take the lead or
use all of their remaining outs for the game. The outs remaining will be
recorded in units of three (½ innings). If the trailing team should tie
the score or take the lead, play will continue to the nearest full unit
of three outs when the opposing team will come to bat and complete their
half of each inning played until both teams have had an equal number of
at bats; at this time the head umpire will check with the official score
keeper to determine if the Twelve Run Rule should be revoked or
continued in effect. If a team comes to bat under the Twelve Run Rule
and fails to tie the score or take the lead after using all of their
remaining outs for the game, the game ends.

Article 6…SUBSTITUTION UNDER THE TWELVE
RUN RULE differs from substitution under the normal rule. When a
substitution occurs under the Twelve Run Rule, the players involved must
remain in/out of the game while three outs are recorded from the time of
the substitution; or, until the end of the game, whichever comes first.
If the Twelve Run Rule is revoked immediately after the substitution,
the players involved will remain subject to this rule since it was the
rule in effect at the time of the substitution.

Section 2: Coaching

Article 1…The coach may keep statistics
on the opposing team and may communicate them to his team on defense
prior to the time of the pitch for the first pitch to the current
batter.

Article 2…A coach or any other person
associated with a team may not assist a runner or a fielder by giving
any verbal or physical assistance in locating the activated base or the
ball (Exception: A team’s legal spotters). If such assistance is noted
by an umpire, the offended team will be awarded a run or an out.

Article 3…Any person not a batter/runner
or one of the six defensive players in the field, shall not fail to
vacate any area needed by a runner or fielder attempting to reach a base
or field a batted ball. This shall apply to a runner going to the wrong
base, a malfunctioning base, the correct base; or a fielder trying for a
live ball, foul ball, malfunctioning ball, going toward the ball or away
from it in the attempt to field the ball. For failure to vacate, the
offended team shall be awarded an out or a run subject t Rule 2, Sect.
5, Art. 2a-b-c-d.

Section 3: Bench,
Field and Spectator Conduct

Article 1…A coach, player, substitute,
attendant, spotter, other team personnel, or spectators shall not:

[a] Carelessly throw a bat; or

[b] Deliberately throw a bat or equipment; or

[c] Call “Time” or use any command or commit any act for the purpose
of trying to confuse the batter or fielders or disrupt the rhythm of the
pitcher; or

[d] Use word or act to incite or try to incite spectators to
demonstrations, or use profanity or remarks which reflect upon opposing
player, umpire or spectator; or

[e] Remain in the area behind the catcher within a distance of twenty
five feet while the pitcher and catcher are in their legal positions;
or

[f] Use amplifiers or bullhorns from the bench, spectator area, or on
the field during the course of the game; or

[g] Maliciously approach or contact a player, bench personnel, a
spotter, an umpire, or other game official; or

[h] Be outside the vicinity of the designated bench area if not a
batter, on-deck batter, in the coaches area, spotter, battery, or one of
the six players on defense; or

[i] Verbalize in any way with the opposing team for the purpose for
intimidation; or

[j] Exhibit behavior that is not in accordance with the spirit of
fair play; or

[k] Charge an umpire; or

[l] Players in the game shall not wear jewelry (safety hazard).
Exception: Medical Alert bracelets or necklaces. (This rule is not
heavily enforced.)

PENALTY: In (a) and (l) the umpire shall issue a warning to the coach
of the team involved which will result in the next offender being
ejected. In (b), (g), and (k), umpire shall eject the offender from the
game. Failure to comply shall result in game being forfeited. However,
in (c), (d), (e), (f), (h), (i), and (j) if the offense is judged to be
of a minor nature, the Umpire may warn the offender and then eject him
if he repeats the offense. Also, in (c) and (g), an ejected player may
be declared out if on offense and run scored if on defense.

Article 2…Any player, coach, spotter, or
bench personnel removed from the game by the umpire for disciplinary
reasons may not reenter that game under any circumstance and , in
tournament play, is barred from participating in the next game for that
team or any other team present at the tournament. Two ejections in a
series or tournament will result in the individual being barred from
further participation of any kind, other than as a spectator, for the
remainder of the series or tournament.

Section 4: Charged
Conferences

Article 1…Each team, when on defense, may
be granted not more than four (4) Charged Conferences during a
six-inning game without penalty, to permit a coach or his non-playing
representative to confer with a defensive player or players. In any
extra-inning game, each team shall be permitted one (1) charged
conference each inning on defense without penalty. The number of
charged conferences in not cumulative. A coach, player, substitute, or
attendant may make a request for time for this purpose. Time granted for
an obviously incapacitated player shall not constitute a charged
conference. For a defensive charged conference in excess of four in a
six-inning game or in excess of one in each extra-inning, the current
batter shall be awarded a “free” pitch (one strike deducted from current
count).

Article 2…Each team, when on offense, may
be granted not more than two Charged Conferences per inning to permit a
coach or any of that team’s personnel to confer with the batter. The
Umpire shall deny any subsequent requests for time for this purpose.

RULE 4 STARTING AND ENDING A
GAME

Section 1: Starting a Game

Article 1…The Home Team coach or a
tournament official charged with that duty of the Head Umpire shall
decide if the grounds and other conditions are suitable for starting the
game. After the game has started, the Umpire and other game officials
are sole judges as to whether conditions are fit for continued play, or
whether conditions are suitable for starting a second game on that field
in a double-header or tournament series.

Article 2…If there are unusual
conditions, such as spectators or obstacles on or too near the playing
field, the home team coach or tournament officials shall propose special
Ground Rules. If sanctioned by the Visiting Team, these rules shall be
in effect for the duration of that game and subsequent games played on
that field on the same day with the same teams. If the teams cannot
agree, the Umpire(s) and other tournament officials shall formulate
ground rules. All special rules shall be announced.

Article 3…Before Game Time, the home team
and the visiting team shall deliver their respective batting orders in
duplicate to the Head Umpire. The head umpire shall then permit
inspection by both captains and/or coaches. At this time, the
regulations governing substitution (Rule 3) shall go into effect.

Article 4…The Visiting team shall be the
first to take its turn at bat. On a neutral field or by agreement,
either team may be designated as Home team.

Article 5…The Game begins when the Umpire
calls “Play” at the scheduled game time, but not prior to 30

minutes from the conclusion of either team’s previous game without
the consent of that team(s) coach/captain.

Section 2: Ending a
Regulation Game

Article 1…A Regulation Game consists of
six innings (turns at bat) for each team, unless extra innings are
necessary because of a tie score; or unless shortened due to time limit,
inclement weather, darkness on an unlighted field, or because the home
team needs less than its complete half-inning at the bottom of the last
inning of play. Each team must have six blindfolded players in its
line-up throughout the game, plus a pitcher, catcher, and at least one
spotter, otherwise the game may be forfeited (see EXCEPTION Rule 4,
Sect. 4, Art. 1-f). A forfeited game is regulation, regardless of the
number of innings played.

Article 2…The Game ends when the team
behind in score has completed its turn at bat in the sixth inning, or
any inning thereafter if extra innings are necessary. If the home team
scores a go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth or subsequent inning,
the game is terminated at that point.

Article 3…If weather or darkness
interferes with play so that the game is called (ended) by the Umpire,
it is a regulation game: (a) if four full innings have been played, or
if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in three
and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in four
turns at bat; or (b) if play has gone beyond four innings. In (b), if
the game is called when the teams have not had an equal number of
completed turns at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end
of the last completed inning; except that if the home team has scored a
run to tie the score or take the lead in its half of the incomplete
inning, the final score shall remain as recorded at the time the game
was called.

Article 4…A game called due to exceeding
a pre-set time limit is a regulation game: (a) if both teams have
completed an equal number of turns at bat; or (b) if the home team has
scored a run to tie the score or take the lead at or prior to the
expiration of the pre-set time limit. In both (a) and (b), it shall be a
regulation game regardless of the number of innings played. If an inning
is started before the pre-set time limit has expired that inning will be
completed, unless; 1) the visiting team does not tie the score or take
the lead in its half of the inning, or 2) the home team scores a
go-ahead run before its half of the inning is complete, thus ending the
game.

Section 3: Called Game

Article 1…If a game is called before the
completion of the number of innings and/or conditions as specified in
Sect. 2, Art. 3 and/or 4; the Umpire shall declare the contest “No
Game”. A game called for any reason where a winner cannot be determined,
or a game called at any time due to mechanical failure (i.e., lack or
failure of artificial lights, lack of properly functioning bases or
balls, etc.) will be treated as a suspended game. If the game is to be
completed at a later time, it will be continued from the point of
suspension, with the line-up and batting order of each team the same as
it was at the moment of suspension, subject to the rules of the game. If
the game is not to be completed, it shall count as ½ game won, ½ game
lost for both teams.

Section 4: Forfeited Game

Article 1…A game shall be Forfeited to
the offended team by the umpire when a team:

[a] Is twenty minutes late in appearing or in beginning play after
the umpire calls “Play” at scheduled game time. This may be set aside if
the umpire deems the delay unavoidable; or

[b] Refuses to continue play after the game has begun; or

[c] Delays more than a reasonable amount of time in resuming play, or
in obeying the umpire’s order to remove a player, coach, spectator, or
other team personnel for violation of the rules; or

[d] Persists in tactics intended to delay or shorten the game; or

[e] Willfully and persistently violates any of the rules after being
warned by the umpire, even though a warning is not mandatory; or

[f] Cannot provide six players or the necessary support personnel to
complete the game. EXCEPTION: If it is necessary because of illness,
injury, or penalty, a team may be allowed to complete a game with four
players. An out will be called each time the empty spot in the line-up
comes to bat [Rule 3, Sect. 1, Art.1]; or

[g] If a team drops below four players due to ejection, penalty,
injury, or the pitcher, catcher, or the last or only spotter is eject
and there is no legal replacement; or

[h] On its home field fails or refuses to comply with the umpire’s
order to put the field in condition for play.

Article 2…score of a forfeited game is 6
to 0 except if the game is forfeited after the number of innings
required for a regulation game and the offending team is behind in the
score. Then the score remains as recorded. If the offending team is
leading the score are 6 to 0.

Section 5: Protested Game

Article 1…It is optional on the part of a
Tournament Committee and officials as to whether protest are permitted.
When protests are allowed, they must be submitted in accordance with a
prescribed procedure. The Protest Procedure for the National Beep
Baseball Association is in Rule 10, Section 4.

RULE 5 DEAD BALL-SUSPENSION
OF PLAY

Section 1: Dead Ball

Article 1…Ball becomes Dead immediately
when:

[a] a batted ball touches the pitcher or any part of his clothing. If
the pitcher makes no effort to avoid being touched by a batted ball
umpire may declare batter out, if the umpire determines that the pitcher
could not have avoided contact or could not have reacted in time to
avoid being touched by the batted ball, he may declare a “no pitch” and
batter will resume with ball and strike count as it was before the “no
pitch”. If the umpire determines that the pitcher deliberately initiated
contact with the batted ball in an effort to cause a call of no pitch,
the batter may be declared out; for a repeated occurrence, the pitcher
may be ejected; or

[b] The ball is illegally batted or is struck a second time with the
bat, or the batter enters the plate area with an illegal bat (for first
occurrence of illegal bat, umpire will issue a team warning, the next
occurrence will be an out); or

[c] Any batted ball, while on or over foul ground touches any object
other than the ground or any person other than a fielder; or goes
directly from the bat to the catcher’s protector, mask, or person
without first touching catcher’s glove or hand; or becomes an uncaught
foul; or

[d] There is interference by a retired or previous runner; or by any
non-fielding person or player; or

[e] a batted ball which is on or over fair ground touches an umpire
or other field official, or a spotter, before touching any fielder and
before passing any fielder or before passing the forty-foot line; or
touches a spectator; or goes over, through, or wedges in a field fence;
or

[f] when a pitched or batted ball is intentionally touched by a
batter, or non-playing team member of either team; or goes into a stand
or player’s bench; or lodges in an umpire’s equipment or clothing, or a
player’s clothing; or

[g] The umpire handles a live ball or calls “Time” for inspecting the
ball or for any other reason, including items in Section 2. (If an
umpire is hit by a fair ball it is umpire interference, no-pitch);
or

[h] A fielder, in the act of fielding or catching a fair or foul ball
(including a grounder or fly ball), leaves the field of play by stepping
with both feet or by falling into a bench, stand, dugout, bleacher, or
over any boundary or barrier such as a fence, rope, chalk line, or a
pre-game determined imaginary boundary line; or

[i] An illegal pitch is committed.

Article 2…Ball becomes dead at time of infraction if infraction is
not ignored when:

[a] There is interference by a runner; or obstruction by a fielder;
or

[b] Any fielder obstructs a batter; or obstructs the ball through use
of detached player equipment; or

[c] Umpire or other field official interferes with runner, or
fielder; or

[d] Any personnel connected with the defensive team calls “Time” or
uses any other command or commits any act for the purpose of trying to
distract or disconcert the batter or disrupt the pitcher; or

[e] Any personnel connected with the offensive team calls “Time” or
uses any other command or commits any act for the purpose of trying to
confuse or disorient any fielder attempting to field the ball.

Article 3…Ball becomes dead when time is taken to make an award
after interference, obstruction, or delay.

Article 4…After dead ball, the ball becomes live when the pitcher
in legal position on the pitching mark holds it and the umpire calls
“Play” and/or gives hand signal to the pitcher.

Section 2: Suspension of Play

Article 1…the umpire and play suspended
when shall call “TIME”:

[a] The ball becomes dead; or

[b] The umpire considers the weather, ground, or lighting conditions
unfit for play (NOTE: after 30 minute delay, umpire may declare game
ended); or

[c] A player, coach, bench personnel, or spectator is ordered from
the grounds or player is ordered to secure protective equipment; or
repair or replace defective equipment; or

[d] An umpire or player is incapacitated, except that if injury
occurs during a live ball, time will not be called until play is over;
or

[e] A player or coach requests time and it is granted by the umpire
for substitution, conference, or similar cause; or

[f] He suspends play for any other reason including awards following
infractions, inspection of the ball, ending the half-inning; or due to
outside disturbances which may make it difficult to hear the activated
base or the ball (i.e. loud cars, trucks, buses, planes, music, too much
noise from the bench, stands, or other cause).

{NOTE: The Head Umpire or Field official is the only person with
authority to call “Time” and suspend play. Any other person desiring
“Time” should request it from an official and wait until the Umpire has
granted the request before assuming that play has been halted and a
“Dead Ball” situation exists.]

Article 2…When the ball becomes dead, no
game action can occur, unless ball is dead for awards or penalties.

RULE 6 PITCHING

Section 1: Pitching
Regulations

Article 1…The pitcher shall pitch while
facing the batter and having at least one foot in contact with the
pitching mark at the time he releases the ball. He may receive a verbal
signal from the catcher. This signal indicates that the batter is ready
and the pitcher shall quickly proceed to pitch.

Article 2…The pitching sequence requires
that two verbal signals be given when delivering the ball to the batter.
Prior to the pitcher beginning any motion customarily associated with
his/her pitching style, at least 1 verbal signal (either set or ready),
must be made by either the (catcher or pitcher) and should be clearly
audible to the defense at the start of each pitching sequence, the
second signal, “Pitch” or “Ball”, should be given by the pitcher at
approximately the time the ball is released. These are
the only signals considered to be legal; failure to use the required two
signals in the pitching sequence will result in an illegal
pitch call. 

To aid the home plate umpire in determining the
“approximate” release from the Pitcher, a 10 foot mark shall be place
between the front edge of home plate and the 20 foot Pitchers mark. Any
pitched ball that reaches or passes the 10 foot mark prior to the
Pitcher saying the required second signal of “pitch or ball” shall
result in an immediate “illegal pitch” call and the play ruled dead. Any
and all subsequent illegal pitch calls to that batter, in that at bat,
will result in a strike being called on the batter”.

(See Sect. 2, Art. 3 for penalties)

Article 3…Each legal pitch shall be
declared by the umpire to be a strike, pass (ball), foul hit, or dead
ball. A pitch dropped during delivery shall be a no pitch. A foul ball
shall be called a strike unless it is the fourth strike. A foul tip
shall be ruled a foul ball and called a strike unless it is the fourth
strike. The fourth strike must be a clean miss.

Article 4…The pitcher is not a fielding
position and must make every effort to avoid touching or being touched
by a batted ball.

Section 2: Infractions By
Pitcher

A Pitcher Shall Not:

Article 1…Deface the ball or deliver a
defaced ball. Illegal acts include:

[a] Applying foreign substance to ball or glove; or

[b] Attempt to alter tone of ball; or

[c] Attempt to soften ball by bouncing into against the ground or
other hard surface; or

[d] Allow a batted ball to touch his person or clothing for purpose
of receiving a “no pitch” ruling. If, in umpire’s opinion, pitcher
allows batted ball to come in contact, or initiates such contact prior
to umpire calling ball dead, umpire may call batter out. Repeated action
of this type may result in ejection of offending pitcher.

Article 2…Delay the game. This
includes:

[a] Consuming time as the result of the coach or his representative
conferring with batter, pitcher, or catcher after having been charged
with two offensive charged conferences for that inning; or

[b] Failure to make a pitch, legal or illegal, within 30 seconds
after receiving the ready signal from the catcher. NOTE: At the
beginning of each half-inning the pitcher may warm up for eight pitchers
or two minutes, whichever is less, timed from the moment the third out
of the previous half-inning is called. If a pitcher is replaced during
an inning, the new pitcher may warm up with no more than eight throws.
In either case, the head umpire may authorize more than eight throws
because of an injury, inclement weather, or other reason. Umpire shall
suspend play and the batter shall remain away from the plate.

Article 3…Since runners do not hold or
occupy the bases in Beep Baseball, there is no Balk. However, there is
the possibility of an Illegal Pitch. The following acts shall constitute
an Illegal Pitch:

[a] Failure to release the ball after the second of two required
verbal signals or releasing the ball before the second verbal signal;
or

[b] Dropping the ball after beginning the pitching motion, even
though accidental; or

[c] Making a pitch from any position other than as required in Rule
6, Sect. 1, and Art. 1; or

[d] Failing to pitch to the batter in one continuous motion
immediately after giving the first of two required verbal signals;
or

[e] Failure to say Pitch or Ball prior to the ball reaching or
passing the 10 foot mark between Home Plate and the Pitchers mark.
[f] Failure to give either of the two required verbal signals, or
failure of the pitcher or catcher to make the first signal of “set or
ready” audible to the defense

PENALTY for Illegal Pitch: For (a) (b) a no-pitch call; for (c), (d)
and (e) on the first occurrence, the home plate umpire shall immediately
call an illegal pitch and the play is ruled dead. Any and all
subsequent illegal pitch calls regardless whether it is (c), (d)
or (e) to that batter, in that at bat, will result in a strike
being called on the batter, for (f) on the first occurrence, the
home plate umpire shall warn the pitcher or catcher (the one giving the
start of pitching sequence signal) to speak louder or more clearly, each
subsequent infraction may result in a strike being charged to the
batter. 

Penalties will be imposed in precedence over any action by the batter
(i.e., regardless of what the batter does, whether a foul ball, miss,
hit or pass, that action will be ignored and the result will be a
penalty call as set forth above.)

RULE 7 BATTING

Section 1: Position and
Batting Order

Article 1…Each player of the team at bat
shall become the batter and shall take his position on either side of
home plate, in the order in which his name appears on the line-up card
as delivered to the Head Umpire prior to the game. This order shall be
followed during the entire game except that an entering substitute shall
take the replaced player’s place in the batting order. A batter is in
the proper order if he follows the player whose name precedes his in the
line-up, even though such preceding batter may have batted out of order.
An improper batter is considered to be at bat as soon as he is at the
plate and the ball is alive. When improper batter’s infraction is first
discovered, time may be requested and improper batter replaced with
proper batter with the improper batter’s ball and strike count still in
effect, provided the infraction is detected before improper batter is
put out, or scores a run.

Article 2…After the first inning, the
first batter in each inning shall be the player whose name follows that
of the last batter who completed his time at bat in the preceding
inning.

PENALTY for Batting Out of Order (Art. 1 & 2):

[a] A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when he fails to bat in
his proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in his place;
provided the appeal is made prior to the first pitch, legal or illegal,
to the next batter;

[b] When an improper batter scores, is put out, or strikes out, and
the defensive team appeals to the Head Umpire before the first pitch,
legal or illegal, to the next batter; or before the fielders leave the
field if a half-inning is ending, the umpire shall declare the proper
batter out and nullify any score made by the improper batter. NOTE: If
the improper batter hits and is put out by a fielder, credit for a put
out will remain in the defensive player’s record; likewise, if the
improper batter strikes out, the pitcher’s record will reflect the
strike out, as it would if there had been no batting out of order;

[c] When an improper batter scores or is put out or strikes out and a
legal or illegal pitch has been delivered to the next batter or all
fielders have left the field ending a half-inning before an appeal is
made, the improper batter becomes the proper batter, and the results of
his time at bat become legal;

[d] When the proper batter has been called out because he failed to
bat in his proper turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose name
follows that of the proper batter thus called out; unless an improper
batter has been legalized by receiving a pitch, legal or illegal; or
through failure of the defensive team to appeal prior to the end of a
half-inning or prior to leaving the field;

[e] When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal
is properly made as above, the next batter shall be the batter whose
name follows that of such legalized improper batter. The instant an
improper batter’s actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with
the name following that of the legalized improper batter.

NOTE: When several players bat out of order before the defense
appeals, the only out that can occur is the last out of order batter,
provided the batter now at the plate has not received a legal or illegal
pitch; all previous out of order batters were legalized as soon as the
following batter received a legal or illegal pitch.

Section 2: Strikes, Balls and
Hits

Article 1…A strike is charged to the
Batter when:

[a] A pitch is swung at and missed (even if pitch touches batter);
or

[b] A pitch becomes a foul ball or foul tip when the batter has less
than three strikes; or

[c] A batter delays more than thirty (30) seconds in taking a
position on either side of home plate when the pitcher has the ball and
the umpire declares “Play”; or

[d] A pitch is not swung at when the batter has taken one pass
(ball); or

[e] Batter, pitcher, catcher, or other offensive team personnel
charged with infraction for which the penalty is a strike to the
batter.

Article 2…A ball is credited to the
batter when a pitch is not swung at and the batter has a count of less
than one pass (ball). In some cases in these rules, the defensive team
may be charged with an infraction that results in a no pitch or a “free
pitch” to the batter; this is the equivalent of giving the batter more
than four strikes and one pass. Also, there are some cases in which an
infraction by the pitcher results in a no pitch. This may seem to be a
reward or reprieve to the batter by giving him, in effect, an extra
pitch; it is not meant to be so, since the no pitch call has precedence
over a score and the batter must resume the plate to complete the turn
with ball and strike count as it was prior to the no pitch. If this
procedure seems to be unfair to the defense in some cases, it is not
intended but is the most reasonable alternative under particular
circumstances.

Article 3…A Foul Hit or Fair Hit occurs
when the bat of the batter who is at the plate touches a pitch.

Section 3: Batting
Infractions

A Batter Shall Not:

Article 1…Delay the game by failing to
take his position on either side of home plate within 30 seconds.
PENALTY: For failure of batter to be ready within 30 seconds after the
ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike.
If it is the fourth strike, the umpire shall call “Time” and declare the
batter out.

NOTE: After entering the plate area, the batter leaves it at the risk
of being charged with delay. The batter may request “Time” if he desires
to step out for a valid reason, and if granted, the 30-second count will
be started anew when the ball is declared live. The umpire may refuse to
grant “Time” if the batter repeatedly causes delay or if his leaving the
plate appears to be an attempt to discomfit or discompose the defense or
to gain some other advantage.

Article 2…Hit the ball fair or foul while
either foot is touching Home Plate (Base). PENALTY: Batter is out.

Article 3…Attempt to disconcert the
defense by switching from one side of the plate to the other without
requesting and being granted “Time” for this purpose. Since the defense
cannot see the batter, and the spotter may be prevented by the rules
from alerting the defense to the fact that the batter has switched
batting sides, this act constitutes unfair advantage and umpire will not
allow it. If a batter wishes to change from one side of the plate to the
other he must ask for and receive “Time” before doing so. PENALTY: For
failure to request time for the purpose of switching batting sides or
switching without permission from the umpire, umpire shall charge batter
with strike. If it is the fourth strike, umpire shall call “Time” and
declare the batter out.

Article 4…If the bat breaks and contacts
the ball a second time or hits the batter/runner or hits a fielder, no
interference will be called. If a whole bat is thrown and contacts the
ball a second time in fair territory or interferes with a fielder
attempting to make a play on the ball, interference will be called. If
the bat is thrown, and comes to rest, anywhere beyond the pitchers mound
(20 foot diameter from home plate), the batter will be automatically
called out

PENALTY: Batter out.

Section 4: Batter Is Out As In Above or
When:

[a] Batter steps to the plate with an illegal bat or is discovered
using an illegal bat after the umpire has issued one team warning. If
the infraction is discovered before the next pitch, legal or illegal,
following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat, the
defense may take the penalty or the result of the play; or

[b] He accrues four strikes; or

[c] His fly hit (fair or foul) is caught by a fielder or such catch
is prevented by: a spectator, offensive team member (player or
non-player), the batter/runner or umpire interference; or by any attempt
at verbal or physical intimidation of the defense by any person present;
or

[d] When his/her fair hit ground ball is legally fielded by a
defensive player; or

[e] As the result of a penalty.

RULE 8 BATTER RUNNING

Section 1: When Batter
Becomes a Runner

Article 1…A batter becomes a runner with
the right to attempt to score by advancing to the activated base when he
hits a fair ball.

Article 2…Runner scores one point for
legally advancing to and touching the activated base before his fair hit
ball is legally fielded by the defense. In the case of a Home Run, the
runner scores two points by legally advancing to the base as defined in
Rule 2, Section 13, Article 2.

NOTE: In case of a “tie” between the runner and fielder, the runner
shall be called out.

Section 2: Touching and
Return To A Base

Article 1…An advancing runner shall touch
first or third base, whichever is activated at the time the ball is
hit.

Article 2…A runner who overruns the
activated base may attempt to return to touch it prior to the defense
legally fielding his/her hit ball. Any person may give no verbal or
physical assistance to a runner who misses a base and attempts to return
to it. PENALTY: Runner is out.

Article 3…For the act of the runner
Touching the Base, touching applies to contact of any part of the runner
or his/her clothing, if the clothing is reasonably well-fitted, with any
part of the base or its wind-resistant device.

Section 3: Base Running
Awards

Article 1…When a runner is obstructed
while advancing to the activated base by a fielder in direct pursuit of
the ball, the umpire shall award a score if the obstruction occurred in
foul territory; or an out to the defense if the obstruction occurred in
fair territory (interference). If there is doubt as to whether the
proper call is obstruction (defense, foul territory) or interference
(offense, fair territory), the head umpire may call a replay. If there
is interference away from the ball by a defensive player not in direct
pursuit of the ball, the umpire may award a run to the offense if the
umpire feels that the runner could have touched the activated base prior
to the ball being legally fielded had there been no interference. Award
may be made whether interference was in fair or foul territory. EXAMPLE:
The ball is it to the first base side, third base is activated, and the
third baseman interferes in foul or fair territory with the runner
attempting to reach third base preventing him/her from touching the
activated base before the defense legally fields the ball. The umpire
may award the run since the third baseman was obviously not in direct
pursuit of the ball. Judgment is necessary to assure the runner did not
seek the third baseman to instigate the contact and draw the award.

Article 2…When a runner is obstructed by
an umpire, or other game official, while advancing to the activated
base; or a fielder is prevented from fielding a hit ball by
umpire/official interference, the head umpire may award a score to the
offense or an out to the defense, or call a replay.

Section 4: Runner Is Out

Article 1…The Batter/Runner is Out
When:

[a] His/her fair hit ball is legally fielded (caught) by a fielder
before he/she touches the activated base; or

[b] His/her fair or foul fly ball is caught by a fielder before it
touches the ground, an umpire or other game official, a spotter, the
pitcher or catcher, any object foreign to the natural ground, or any
person other than another defensive fielder; or

[c] After hitting the ball, his/her bat again touches the ball in
fair territory, or touches the ball before it has passed the forty-foot
line when there is a chance that the ball could have crossed the line if
contact had not been made, the ball is dead and the runner is out.
EXCEPTION: If the bat and the ball come in contact a second time while
the batter is still holding the bat at or in the plate area, it is a
foul ball; or

[d] Runner is out when he is touched by or touches a fair hit ball
before the ball is touched by a fielder, unless such touching occurs
while the batter is still at the plate (foul ball); or

[e] He/she touches or is touched by his/her hit ball which is rolling
toward first or third base, inside the base line, before the ball has
crossed the forty-foot line and there is a possibility that the ball
could have crossed the line if the runner had not had contact with the
ball; or

[f] There is interference with a fielder by any person associated
with the offensive team.

RULE 9 SCORING AND
RECORD-KEEPING

TEXT TO BE PROVIDED AT A LATER DATE

RULE 10 UMPIRING

Section 1: General

Article 1…Game officials are the Head
Umpire and one or two field umpires. Any umpire has the authority to
order a player, coach, team attendant, spectator, or other person to do
or refrain from doing anything that affects the administration of these
rules, or the conduct of the game, and to enforce prescribed penalties.
Other game officials may include the official scorekeeper, base operator
(optional), and base judges. If there is not a person available to keep
score who is unconnected with either of the teams playing, the official
scorekeeper will be the scorekeeper for the home team.

Article 2…If there is only one umpire,
he/she has complete jurisdiction in administering the rules and may take
any position he/she desires on the field.

Article 3…Any umpire’s decision, which
involves judgment, such as whether a hit is fair, or foul, ball is
legally fielded, or whether base is touched prior to legal fielding of
ball, etc.. is final. If there is reasonable doubt about some decision
being in conflict with the rules, the coach or captain may ask that the
correct ruling be made. The umpire making the decision may ask another
umpire or official for information before making a final decision. No
umpire shall criticize or interfere with another umpire’s decision, on
or off the field, unless asked by the one making it.

Article 4…No umpire may be replaced
during a game unless he/she becomes ill or is injured. His/her right to
disqualify players or to remove non-players for unwarranted objection to
decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct is absolute.

Section 2: Head Umpire

Article 1…If there are two or more
umpires, the Head Umpire shall stand in the vicinity of home plate.
He/she shall call and count passes (balls) and strikes, signal fair
hits, and call out “Foul Ball” while signaling a foul hit, he/she shall
make all decisions on the batter/runner (i.e. safe, out, replay, dead
ball, interference, obstruction, malfunctioning equipment, etc.).

Article 2…The Head Umpire has authority
to suspend a game and/or recommend forfeiture in tournament play, he/she
may forfeit a game in non-tournament play, and he/she has jurisdiction
over any rules matters not mentioned in Rule 10, Sect. 2, Art.1, and not
assigned to the field umpire in Rule 10, Sect. 3. NOTE: The Umpire’s
jurisdiction begins with the pre-game conference.

Article 3…The duties of the Head Umpire
are those listed in Rule 10, Sect. 2, and Art. 1, 2 and the
following:

[a] Inspect equipment, condition of field, receive batting order of
both teams, announce special ground rules and formulate such if the two
teams cannot agree, designate the official scorer and see that each
player takes his/her glove and other loose equipment to the bench at the
end of his/her term in the field; and

[b] The Head Umpire will allow each batter to hear the bases one at a
time on that batter’s first urn at bat in each inning. Subsequent
request by the same batter to hear the bases sounded will be allowed for
valid reason; and

[c] Call “Play” and give hand signal to start the game or to resume
play; and call “Time” whenever ball becomes dead; and

[d] Eject a player, coach, spotter or clear the bench or send coach
or any other person from the field or spectator area if it becomes
necessary; and

[e] Announce each substitution to the official scorekeeper; and

[f] Call or suspend game if conditions become unfit for play; and

[g] Penalize for rule infraction s(i.e. interference, obstruction,
delay, unsportsmanlike conduct, unwarranted disputing of decision,
etc.); and

[h] Make final decision on points not specifically covered by the
rules; and

[i] Forfeit or recommend forfeit of the game for proscribed
infractions by spectators, coaches, players, spotters, or attendants;
and

[j] When protest are allowed, he/she shall report the protest to the
proper person(s) along with all related conditions at the time of the
protested play, provided the protest is entered by the offended team at
the time of the play and before the next pitch, legal or illegal, after
such play, or before both teams leave the field if the play in question
is the last play of the game (see Section 4); and

[k] Keep a written record of defensive team charged conferences for
each team and notify the respective coach each time a conference is
charged to his/her team. He/she shall also be responsible for keeping a
line-up card for each team and recording all substitutions; and

[l] Not allow a player who has been rendered unconscious or sustained
a serious head injury or suspected broken bone or dislocation to resume
playing without written authorization from a physician.

Section 3: Field Umpire

Article 1…A Field Umpire may assist the
Head Umpire in administering the rules. He/she shall make all decisions
in the field except those reserved for the Head Umpire. He/she shall
have concurrent jurisdiction with the Head Umpire in calling time,
attempt to alter tone of ball by pitcher, use of illegal pitch, caught
fly ball, legal catch, double call by spotter(s) or in ejecting any
coach, player, spotter, spectator or other person for flagrant,
unsportsmanlike conduct or other infraction as proscribed by the rules.
In some instances he/she will rule on the ball being fair or foul.

Article 2…When there is only one Field
Umpire, he shall make all decisions in the field as set forth in Article
1 and any other decisions delegated to him by the Head Umpire

Article 3…When more than one Field Umpire
is used, they will position themselves so as to provide the best
coverage of the field. They will have concurrent jurisdiction with the
first Field Umpire.

Article 4…When there are only two
officials, one shall be the Head Umpire and the other shall be
designated Field Umpire. The Field Umpire shall rule on the legality of
a “catch” by calling “Caught” when the ball has been legally fielded.
The Head Umpire shall watch the runner for obstruction, interference,
and legal touch at the base, he/she shall call “There” when he observes
a legal touch. The final decision of safe, out, replay, or penalty
belongs to the Head Umpire.

Article 5…If there are three or more
officials, one shall be designated Head Umpire, and shall assign the
others as follows: Two will be Field Umpires and will call the field and
bases. The Field Umpire at the activated base will rule on a legal touch
by the runner by calling “There” when he has observed a legal touch. The
second Field Umpire will rule on the catch, calling “Caught” when he/she
observes a legal catch. The Head Umpire will make the final decision of
safe, out, replay, or penalty. Other personnel may be assigned as the
Head Umpire sees fit.

Article 6…The Head Umpire of a field can
and should confer with any other officials present on that field at any
time to acquire information prior to making a decision on a play or
other situation.

Section 4: Protest Procedure

At the request of the NBBA Board of Directors, the following formal
procedure was developed for use in NBBA sanctioned Beep Baseball
play:

[a] The coach or captain of the offended team must request “Time” to
discuss the situation with the Head Umpire of the field before the first
pitch, legal or illegal, to the next batter. The Umpire will not refuse
to grant such time out for this purpose, nor will an offensive or
defensive conference be charged; and

[b] after being granted time out, the coach or captain of the
offended team must inform the Head Umpire of the game that a protest
will be filed concerning the previous play; and

[c] The Head Umpire will inform the official scorekeeper and note in
the score book or on the score sheet, the facts of the protest and the
game situation existing immediately prior to the protest; and

[d] Both coaches and captains, the Head Umpire of the game, the Field
Umpire (if there is one), the Official Scorekeeper, and the scorekeepers
for both teams will sign the score sheet; and

[e] The game will resume and continue to its conclusion or to the
next protest; and

[f] Immediately following the game, the coach and/or captain of the
protesting team will prepare a full written or dictated report of the
protested play, giving the game situation existing prior to the play,
details of the play, and reason for protest, citing any rules references
believed to apply (judgment decisions are not protest able). This report
should contain as much detail as necessary to clearly convey the
situation to another person not on the scene. The report must be
presented to the head of the Tournament Committee or a person designated
by the Tournament Committee or the NBBA to hear protest before the next
game in which the protesting team will participate; and

[g] The Head Umpire and the Field Umpire for the game will also
prepare and present written reports of the protested play before the
next game in which the protesting team will participate; and

[h] The person designated to hear protests should not be a coach,
captain, or player for any team participating in the game, series, or
tournament. The designated person will select at least two, but not more
than three, additional persons to sit as a protest committee to hear the
protest. At least one of these persons much be a coach or player and at
least one person must be an Umpire and none of them may have any
connection with either team or specific interest in the outcome of the
protest game; and

[i] The Protested Committee will read the reports and issue a ruling
within 24 hours of the time the first report was received. In the
process of making a decision, either team’s score book, the official
Score book, and personal interview with nay reliable witness, team
member, coach, and/or Umpire or other official may be used, unsolicited
testimony will be ignored; and

[j] If the protest is upheld, the game will be resumed at the point
of the protested play with the game situation exactly as it was
immediately prior to the protested play and will be played to its
conclusion as if the protested play had not occurred. The Official Game
Record will be that of the resumed game and all previous records from
the protested play to the end of the game will be erased; and

[k] If the protest is denied, the Official Record will be that of the
protested game; and

[l] There is no protest of an Umpire’s judgment, only rule
applications may be protested; and

[m] It is suggested that a protest fee of not less than twenty-five
dollars nor more than fifty dollars be assessed with each protest filed.
Only one play may be protest per report. The protest fee is to be paid
in cash by the protesting team at the time the protest report is filed.
If the protest is upheld, all or part of the fee may be returned; if the
protest is denied, the entire fee is forfeited to the Tournament Fund or
the NBBA general fund. A low fee or no fee may encourage frivolous
protests; and

[n] If a protest is upheld and a game is to be replayed from the
point of protest, the line-up of both teams is the same as listed on the
Official Score sheet for the protested game at the time of the protested
play. The Head Umpire and the Field Umpire should also be the same.

National Beep Baseball Association Concussion Policy Adopted
April 11, 2015

Policy: In cases when an athlete is not cleared to return to play the
same day as he/she is removed from a contest following a possible head
injury (i.e., concussion), the athlete shall not return to play or
practice until the athlete is evaluated by and receives written
clearance from a licensed health care provider to return to play. For
the purposes of this policy, licensed health care providers consist of
physicians licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in the host
state and certified athletic trainers working in conjunction with
physicians licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in the host
state.

Return to Play (RTP) Policy

This policy requires any player who exhibits signs, symptoms, or
behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness,
headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be
immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until
cleared by an appropriate health care professional. It has been
determined that only certified athletic trainers and physicians licensed
to practice medicine in all its branches including EMT’s can clear an
athlete to return to play the day of a contest in which the athlete has
been removed from the contest for a possible head injury.

THE FACTS

A concussion is a brain injury. All concussions are serious.
Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness. Concussions can
occur in any sport. Recognition and proper management of concussions
when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? A concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury,
is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also
occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move
quickly back and forth—causing the brain to bounce around or twist
within the skull.

This sudden movement of the brain can cause stretching and tearing of
brain cells, damaging the cells and creating chemical changes in the
brain.

HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION? To help spot a concussion,
you should watch for and ask others to report the following two
things:

A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in
rapid movement of the head.

Any concussion signs or symptoms, such as a change in the athlete’s
behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Signs and symptoms of concussion generally show up soon after the
injury. But the full effect of the injury may not be noticeable at
first. For example, in the first few minutes the athlete might be
slightly confused or appear a little bit dazed, but an hour later he or
she can’t recall coming to the practice or game.

You should repeatedly check for signs of concussion and also tell
family members what to watch out for at home. Any worsening of
concussion signs or symptoms indicates a medical emergency.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs Observed by Coaching Staff and/or Volunteers:

A. Appears dazed or stunned B. Is confused about assignment or
position C. Forgets an instruction D. Is unsure of game, score, or
opponent E. Moves clumsily F. Answers questions slowly G. Loses
consciousness (even briefly) H. Shows mood, behavior, or personality
changes I. Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall J. Can’t recall
events after hit or fall

Symptoms Reported by an Athlete

A. Headache or “pressure” in head B. Nausea or vomiting C. Balance
problems or dizziness D. Double or blurry vision E. Sensitivity to light
F. Sensitivity to noise G. Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy H.
Concentration or memory problems I. Confusion J. Just “not feeling
right” or “feeling down”

IF ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTONS ARE REPORTED TO A GAME OFFICIAL OR
COACH, THE PLAYER SHALL BE REMOVED FROM PLAY AND REFERRED TO THE RETURN
TO PLAY (RTP) POLICY (ABOVE).