Be the Referee: Pitch Counts

February 23, 2017

This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl explains the new baseball pitch count rule that will take effect this spring.

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Pitch Counts - Listen

One of the most significant changes to the game of high school baseball will take place this coming spring with the institution of the new pitch count rule.

In past years, pitchers were limited to how much that they could throw based on outs or innings pitched. Starting in the spring of 2017, pitchers will now be limited to each individual pitch thrown.

The maximum number of pitches is 105 pitches in a game. Pitchers also have to have required days of rest whenever they throw at least 50 pitches, 75 pitches, or the maximum of 105. This new rule is yet another way player safety is the number one priority.

    Past editions
    Feb. 16: Recruiting Officials - Listen
    Feb. 9: Ejections - Listen
    Feb. 2: Wrestling & Technology - Listen
    Jan. 26: Post Play - Listen
    Jan. 19: Ice Hockey Overtime - Listen
    Jan. 12: Free Throw Change - Listen
    Jan. 5: Ratings - Listen
    Dec. 22: Video Review - Part 2 - Listen
    Dec. 15: Video Review - Part 1 - Listen
    Dec. 8: Registration - Part 2 - Listen
    Dec. 1: Registration - Part 1 - Listen
    Nov. 24: You Make the Call - Sleeper Play - Listen
    Nov. 17: Automatic 1st Downs - Listen
    Nov. 10: Uncatchable Pass - Listen
    Nov. 3: The Goal Line - Listen
    Oct. 27: Help Us Retain Officials - Listen
    Oct. 20: Point After Touchdown - Listen
    Oct. 13: Untimed Down - Listen
    Oct. 6: Soccer Penalty Kick Change - Listen
    Sept. 29: Preparation for Officials - Listen
    Sept 22: You Make the Call: Returning Kickoffs - Listen
    Sept. 15: Concussions - Listen
    Sept 8: Equipment Covering the Knees - Listen
    Sept. 1: Play Clock Experiment - Listen
    Aug. 25: Clipping in the Free Blocking Zone - Listen

    Be the Referee: Winter Officials Mechanics

    By Sam Davis
    MHSAA Director of Officials

    December 9, 2021

    Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

    Below is this week's segment – Winter Officials Mechanics - Listen

    This season, MHSAA officials will return to the courts, mats and ice under some different conditions than over the past 20 months.

    Other than a few select instances, all MHSAA protocols, procedures and playing rules have returned to what they were pre-COVID.

    This means the jump ball in basketball returns, postgame handshakes will be permitted as each school sees fit, and traditional ball-handling by officials for free throws and throw-ins is back.

    Of course, individual schools may retain certain precautionary measures, and officials are always permitted to use personal medical protective equipment.

    The health and welfare of athletes, coaches and spectators is our No. 1 priority, and compliance with all local school district and health department mandates is required.

    Previous editions

    Nov. 26: Instant Replay - Listen
    Nov. 11: Tourney Selection - Listen
    Nov. 4: Receiver Carried Out of End Zone Listen
    Oct. 28: Volleyball Back-Row Block Listen
    Oct. 21: Soccer Disallowed Goal Listen
    Sept 30: Field Goal Falls Short Listen
    Sept. 23: Volleyball Obstruction Listen
    Sept. 16: Catch or No Catch  Listen
    Sept. 9: Intentional Grounding – Listen 
    Sept. 2: Pass Interference – Listen 
    Aug. 26: Protocols and Mechanics 
     Listen