Several new rule changes are included in the book, including clarification to dual participation.
The 2015 American Legion Baseball Rule Book is currently in the process of being sent to all state department baseball chairmen to distribute to coaches. The rule book is also available for download here.
Rule changes include:
Rule 1 B. The Batter:
1. The batter shall not leave his position in the batter's box after the pitcher comes to set position or starts his windup.
2. The batter shall keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout the batter's time at bat unless one of the eight exceptions applies (read them on page 7 of the rule book), in which case the batter may l eave the batter's box but not the dirt area surrounding home plate.
Rule 1 Q-4. Pitching Rule: When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.”
a) The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.
b) The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire.
Rule 2 B-4. 2014 Graduated Students: Players who graduated in 2014 shall play for the last senior American Legion team they played for. If a team should fail to form and/or exist, the player must play for the team nearest their parents' domicile. Players who graduated in 2014 shall not be eligible to be transferred (Forms 76 and 77). Their name must have appeared on a previously approved senior team roster.
Rule 9 H. Department Championship Play: Department championship tournaments will comply with national tournament rules and policies outlined in National Rule 9 and American Legion Baseball Tournament Policies adopted by the National Americanism Commission. No department may enter a team in a national regional tournament without first conducting an official department tournament that had two or more certified teams participating.
Additionally, there have been clarifications to Rule 6 D: Dual Participation. American Legion Baseball players or teams may participate in other amateur baseball programs; however, the team manager and player must obtain written approval from the department baseball chairman prior to participating in the event and/or tournament. The use of National Form 6 is strongly recommended and is available online at www.baseball.legion.org.
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