COACHES
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, the third base coach constantly goes in and out of the coaching box. Coach states he / she is standing outside the lines farthest from home plate. Is this acceptable? Is a warning given?
ANSWER: Upon an initial request to remain in box, umpire-in-chief may issue a warning, restriction or ejection for non-compliance. (BB- Rule 3, Sec. 3, Art. 1,i). (SB- Rule 2, Sec. 13. Base coaches are to remain in box prior to release of pitch. SB- Rule 3, Sec. 6, Art. 6).
QUESTION: Before the first pitch of the game, plate umpire notices that coaches of both teams are sitting outside dugout on a bucket which has been turned upside down. Home coach claims he/ she needs to gives signals from that position. Visiting coach states it is a better viewing area. Legal?
ANSWER: Illegal. Coaches are to remain in designated dugout area. Umpire shall issue an initial warning. Any subsequent offender shall be restricted to bench area for rest of the game. ( BB and SB- same rules as above apply).
