South Atlantic Invitational 

Umpire / Coaches Meeting Rules

Umpire & Coach Communication

Head Coach Only will discuss any rule interpretation or miss-application of a rule with umpire(s). Head Coach must attend the pre-game plate conference with umpires.

When Umpires Need to Confer on a Call:

• Coaches return to respective positions (coaching box/dugout)

• After a decision is made:

  • If call is reversed: Umpire explains the call to the affected coach

  • If call is confirmed: Umpire affirms call and moves on

• Coaches CANNOT come back out to argue/discuss the call

• If Coach returns to argue: Immediate restriction to dugout

Assistant Coaches:

• Are to coach only — No Exceptions — Seen & not heard

• If an Assistant Coach leaves the coaching box/dugout or makes gestures/postures/animation to object to a call, they are subject to immediate ejection

• Like NASCAR: Stop/Turn Left!

No Discussion on Judgement Calls:

• Balls/Strikes (including check swings)

• Outs/Safe

• Fair/Foul

• Do not get personal

Warn – Restrict – Eject Policy (Head Coach)

Appeals

Normal appeal process applies as long as the ball is alive. Once it's apparent no appeal will be made, the umpire will step in and make the call regarding missed bases or leaving early.

Interference & Force Play Slide Rule

• Slide straight through bag, away from fielder

• Give self up — cannot go in standing up, raise hands, or alter play in any way

Coaches Box

Base coaches must be no closer to Home Plate than the coaches box prior to the pitch.

Dugouts

• Head Coach is responsible for conduct of players and Assistant Coaches

• If Assistant Coach is ejected, Head Coach is automatically restricted to dugout

• Everyone must stay INSIDE dugouts during live ball play — no closer to plate than normal warning track (@ 5 feet from dugout)

• Homerun/Extra Base Hit: Players cannot come out past the warning track (@ 5 ft) in front of the dugout

• Bat Flips: Result in immediate ejection at the end of playing action

Batters Box – Interference / Running Lane Violation (Home to 1B)

Batter must stay in box and avoid interference violations.

Pitcher's Apparel

• Neoprene single arm sleeves (single arm/dark color only)

• No white or gray except what is part of uniform

• Nothing deemed distracting by UIC

• Non-glare hard hat only by pitcher

• Hat MUST stay on pitcher's head during delivery

Pitcher Positioning

• Stretch/Set position: Pivot foot parallel with rubber

• Wind Up: Anything else; non-foot does not matter

• Hat must remain on pitcher's head during delivery

Pace of Game Issues

• Keep one foot in box at all times

• Pitcher leaving mound to meet throw from catcher — walk back to mound

• Avoid excessive signals with lead-off hitter (no one on base)

• On-deck hitter handles foul balls on your side of field; balls not live behind plate

• Don't huddle with team coming off field while clock is running

• Have catcher dressed and ready when you get 2 outs

Courtesy Runner (CR) for Pitcher/Catcher

• Legal sub who has NOT participated in game in any fashion

• CR is running for position, not player

• Same player CANNOT run for both positions in same game

• CR cannot run in a 1/2 inning & then PR or PH in same 1/2 inning

• Get signals to catcher quickly if calling pitches from dugout

• Only hitter batting & on-deck hitter outside of dugout during pitching change

Ejections

Head Coach Ejected:

• 1st Ejection: $300.00 fine + minimum 2-game suspension

• 2nd Ejection in tournament: Finished for tournament

Assistant Coach Ejected:

• Head Coach automatically restricted to dugout

Player Ejected:

• Case-by-case basis depending on actions

• Minimum 1-game suspension

Rain

No throwing down between innings, back to pitcher on strikeout, or out at 1B.

3rd to 1st – Legal/No Fake to 1B

• Jump turn & throw to 1B is legal

• Cannot jump turn & fake to 1B

Foul Balls

Outfielder throws foul balls down either line back to base coach.

20-Second Pitch Clock

Clock Starts: When pitcher, catcher, batter, and runner are in position and ball is put in play by Plate Umpire. Otherwise, when pitcher receives ball from catcher and passes front edge of dirt circle.

Pitcher Requirements:

• Must start delivery to plate within 20 seconds

• Violates = Ball on batter

• Allowed one "reset" per batter (stepping off without pickoff attempt or catcher requesting "time")

Batter Requirements:

• Must be in box, alert & ready within 10 seconds of 20-second clock

• Violates = Strike on batter

Avoid Violations: Either offense or defense can request time out for a charged conference if available.

120-Second Between Innings Clock

Starts when defensive players start off field at end of inning.

Failure to Comply:

• Defense violates = Ball on batter

• Offense violates = Strike on batter

Additional Enforcement

• Hat continually coming off pitcher's head during delivery: Pitcher removed as pitcher

• Bat Flips by hitter: Enforced at end of playing action — hitter ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct/safety issues