6.06 Illegal Batter Actions

6.06 - A batter is out for illegal action when –

(a) - hitting the ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box.

A.R. – If a batter hits a ball fair or foul while out of the batter’s box, he/she shall be called out.

(b) - stepping from one batter’s box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch;

(c) - interfering with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by:

(1) - stepping out of the batter’s box, or;

(2) - making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s actions at home plate or the catcher’s attempt to play on a runner, or;

(3) - failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate a congested area when there is a throw to home plate and there is time for the batter to move away.

EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is retired, or if runner trying to score is called out for batter’s interference.

(d) - the batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat (see bat specifications rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box. The ball is dead. Runners must return if they advanced on the play.

NOTE: If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s box following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat:

(1) - The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play.

(2) - The manager of the team will be ejected from the game, the batter who violated the rule will be ejected from the game, and the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.

A.R. – Any of the remaining adults in the dugout may be used as the one adult base coach at any time during the duration of the game.

A.R. – When an illegal bat is discovered, it MUST be removed from the game at that point.

6.06 - Summary: A batter is out for illegal action when –

(a) - Just as we learned before the batter must be in the batter's box when they hit a fair or foul ball. See page 6.02 & 6.03 Batters Box for more info.

(b) - You must remain in the same batters box during the pitch. 

(c) - You may not interfere with the catcher making a play. You would interfere if you do one of the following. 

(1) - stepping out of the batter’s box into the path of the catcher when they are attempting a throw or to recover the ball, or....

(2) - make any other movement that hinders the catcher’s attempt at a fly. 

(3) - lastly you must make a reasonable effort to vacate the home plate circle when there is a throw to home plate and there is time for the batter to move away.

(d) - If you step into the batters box with an illegal bat than as the batter you are immediately called out if notice. The opposing team does not need to make an appeal. 

NOTE: If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s box following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat:

(1) - The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the penalty and accept the play. 

(2) - The Player, Manager are ejected and the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.