Rule 7

Section 3:

Batting Infractions

A Batter Shall Not:

Article 1...

     Delay the game by failing to take his position on either side of home plate within 30 seconds.

PENALTY:

For failure of batter to be ready within 30 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike. If it is the fourth strike, the umpire shall call “Time” and declare the batter out.

NOTE:

After entering the plate area, the batter leaves it at the risk of being charged with delay. The batter may request “Time” if he desires to step out for a valid reason, and if granted, the 30-second count will be started anew when the ball is declared live. The umpire may refuse to grant “Time” if the batter repeatedly causes delay or if his leaving the plate appears to be an attempt to discomfit or discompose the defense or to gain some other advantage.

Article 2...

     Hit the ball fair or foul while either foot is touching Home Plate (Base).

PENALTY:

Batter is out.

Article 3...

     Attempt to disconcert the defense by switching from one side of the plate to the other without requesting and being granted “Time” for this purpose. Since the defense cannot see the batter, and the spotter may be prevented by the rules from alerting the defense to the fact that the batter has switched batting sides, this act constitutes unfair advantage and umpire will not allow it. If a batter wishes to change from one side of the plate to the other he must ask for and receive “Time” before doing so.

PENALTY:

For failure to request time for the purpose of switching batting sides or switching without permission from the umpire, umpire shall charge batter with strike. If it is the fourth strike, umpire shall call “Time” and declare the batter out.

Article 4...

     If the bat breaks and contacts the ball a second time or hits the batter / runner or hits a fielder, no interference will be called. If a whole bat is thrown and contacts the ball a second time in fair territory or interferes with a fielder attempting to make a play on the ball, interference will be called.

PENALTY:

Batter out.

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