The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee has slightly altered its obstruction rule to simplify the penalty and help umpires consistently enforce the rule. Also discussed at the group's annual meeting July 7-11 in San Francisco were uniform standards, tobacco use, batters intentionally being hit and the state of the game.

Obstruction, which generally occurs on the base paths between a runner and fielder, will now be a delayed dead ball. Previously, it depended on whether a play was being made on the runner who was obstructed.

"Obviously, this will make it easier for umpires to administer," said Tom Burnett, Southland Conference commissioner and a member of the committee. "But the other part of this change is that it makes the rule fairer."

The fairness aspect comes into play when obstruction occurs and the fielding team makes an errant throw that goes out of play. Previously, if a play was being made on the runner, the obstruction was an immediate dead ball. In this example, the dead ball penalizes the offensive team.

Now, the umpire must vocally call the obstruction but allow the play to continue and determine after the play where runners should be placed. Runners remain at their own risk if they attempt to advance past the base that they would have obtained without obstruction.

Team uniform -- specifically relating to coaching attire -- was a point of contention this season after the committee decided to require the traditional uniform without exception at last year's meeting. The committee decided to alter the rule to alleviate the burden on umpires and clarify the intent of the rule.

The committee passed the following, which is Rule 1-13-f: "When coaching the bases, the uniform game jersey must be worn. If a team jacket or windshirt is worn, it must be worn under the official uniform. At all other times, coaches are allowed to wear a team-issued jacket or windshirt (in the dugout, during dead ball situations, etc.)."

The group felt leeway should be allowed since the uniform coaches wear in the dugouts and in dead-ball situations has little bearing on play.

"The intent of the rule remains to ensure that base coaches are not confused with other fielders by the defensive team," said Jim Paronto, secretary-rules editor of the committee. "The committee also decided that whatever is worn should be a team-issued piece of apparel."

Hit batsmen

The committee spent considerable time examining rules regarding batters being hit by a pitch.

First, the discussion centered on batters who intentionally get hit by pitches. The committee altered the approved ruling regarding this situation to more clearly penalize batters in those situations. Previously, the batter was not penalized unless he moved or rolled into a pitch outside the batter's box. The committee decided to eliminate wording in this area and instruct umpires to call a ball or strike when the batter takes the hit intentionally.

The additional portion of this rule is a situation in which a batter simply freezes and is unable to avoid the pitch. The committee added an approved ruling to cover that situation and award first base.

"We feel like some batters are very good at being hit and they are gaining an advantage," Burnett said. "We hope this rule will assist umpires and help curb this type of action."

State of the game

The committee also focused on the state of the game and noted the growth of collegiate baseball in the last decade. The group also noted that the balance between offense and defense, as well as promising results from the NCAA's Injury Surveillance System, point to continued success in baseball.

"While we did make a few changes to our rules, the overall health of our game is high," Burnett said. "Watching the tremendous success of the three championships and institutional involvement is proof of that."

The group did continue its discussion of tobacco use in the game and found that the zero-tolerance policy instituted last season had a positive impact. Still, there were some instances noted, and concern remains that the rule is not being enforced. Continued focus on the rule is needed and the committee made it a point of emphasis for 2004.

Other points of emphasis are the strike zone, pitching positions, obstruction and the batter's- box rule.

Finally, the committee honored Chuck Anderson, who chaired the committee this season. Anderson, longtime head coach at Florida Southern College, died earlier this year after battling cancer. The group decided to dedicate the 2004 rules book to Anderson for his lifelong service to the college game.

"Chuck was a tremendous person and was an ambassador of college baseball and collegiate athletics in general," Burnett said. "We are proud he was part of our committee and worked tirelessly for the NCAA."

Other highlights

Baseball Rules Committee
July 7-11/San Francisco

Added an approved ruling that will allow a defensive player to warm up with another defensive player who is in the current lineup and in fair territory during a free trip to the mound by a coach. This allows, for example, a third baseman who also is a relief pitcher, to warm up with the shortstop (or other fielder) when a coach goes to the mound. A bullpen catcher is not allowed to participate in this type of warm-up.

Voted to require umpires to file an ejection report with the offending team's athletics director and conference administrator, if applicable. The form will be made available online.

Heard a report from Dave Yeast, national coordinator of umpires, and Eddie Day, who represented the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Heard a report from the Baseball Research Panel, including plans for additional research.

Asked the secretary-rules editor, national coordinator of umpires and staff liaison to formulate guidelines for umpires to help determine bat legality. The committee believes guidelines regarding denting and flattening of bats will help umpires enforce those rules consistently.

Recommended Dennis Womack from the University of Virginia as chair of the group.