Baseball Comments on the Rules - 2026

Mandating Double First Base (Effective January 1, 2027) and associated rules (1-2-9, 2-5-1h,2-16-1h, 8-2-1, 8-2-2(a) 1-7, 8-2-7, 8-4-1g(1) — A double first base enhances player safety by reducing the risk of collisions between the batter-runner and the first baseman on close plays. It provides a separate space for each player—fair territory for the fielder and foul territory for the runner—helping to prevent injuries while maintaining the integrity of the game.

School Uniform (1-4-4) — Clear uniform guidelines help maintain the integrity, fairness, and educational purpose of high school baseball. Uniforms represent the team and school, not individual expression, and must comply with NFHS rules. Defined standards prevent confusion, promote equality, and teach values like respect, discipline, and accountability— hallmarks of education-based athletics.

Player Communication Equipment (1-6-3) — In high school baseball, players are not permitted to wear any audio or video equipment for the purpose of broadcasting or live recording while actively participating in the contest. This rule protects safety, fairness, competitive integrity, privacy of others, focus on education and the educational mission of high school sports.

Definition of Player to Player Meeting (2-10-3, 3-4-6) — Utilizing the rule additions, clarifies that the defensive players can offer support and provide camaraderie to their pitcher and limits the occurrences. The new rule also clarifies that it is not a charged conference and maintaining the integrity of the existing rule. It is hopeful that these changes prevent teams from stalling to gain an unfair advantage when weather or darkness is approaching.