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: YMTC - Sleeper Play

    November 13, 2018

    This week, MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl discusses the "sleeper play" and if it's legal in high school football. 

    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 – You Make the Call: Sleeper Play - Listen

    Let’s finish up the football season with this “You Make The Call.”

    It’s 4th down-and-5 at the 30-yard line, and the offense begins to leave the field as the field goal unit comes on. One of those offensive players, however, doesn’t make it all the way to the bench. He stops a step short of the sideline, essentially hiding out there.

    The ball is snapped, the holder stands and throws a perfect pass down the sideline to a wide open player – that player who was hiding out at the sideline. Is this legal?

    The answer is no. This is a foul for illegal participation. A team can never use a substitution or pretended substitution to deceive the defense.

    Past editions

    November 8: 7-Person Football Crews - Listen
    November 1: Overtime Differences - Listen
    October 25: Trickery & Communication - Listen
    October 18: Punts & Missed Field Goals - Listen
    October 11: What Officials Don't Do - Listen
    October 4: Always 1st-and-Goal - Listen
    September 27: Unique Kickoff Option - Listen
    September 20: Uncatchable Pass - Listen
    September 13: Soccer Rules Change - Listen
    September 6: You Make the Call: Face Guarding - Listen
    August 30: 40-Second Play Clock - Listen
    August 23: Football Rules Changes - Listen