Larger first base, other new rules approved for high school baseball

High school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or double first base beginning next year. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which also goes into effect in 2027.

The larger first base option was one of seven rule changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its June meeting in Indianapolis and which were then approved by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and NFHS Board of Directors.

According to the NFHS, in conjunction with the double first base, allowing a larger first base has proven to be effective in reducing player collisions and enhancing player safety.

“The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee believes that providing schools with the option of using either an 18-inch first base or double first base gives administrators the flexibility to enhance player safety while recognizing the varying needs and resources of member schools,” said Elliot Hopkins, director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee. “Both options are designed to reduce the potential for collisions at first base and support a reduced risk playing environment without changing the fundamental nature of the game.”

Other rule changes include pitcher and catcher communications with coaches and bat certification.

One-way electronic communication will now be allowed from the coach to the pitcher and/or catcher to call pitches. Previously, catchers were the only defensive players allowed to receive communication from a coach. While coaches must still be located in the dugout/bench area, the committee said this change responsibly integrates electronic communication that enhances game management.

Additionally, bat certification was addressed with the USA Baseball assuming bat-testing standards. Starting in 2028, there will be an additional class of permitted nonwood bats. Bats that are not made of single piece of wood shall meet either the USA Baseball Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) of 0.50 or the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard. Bats must be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.

“In addition, the NFHS remains committed to fostering the growth and development of high school baseball players,” Hopkins said. “As the game continues to evolve with the adoption of the BBCOR standard, expanding the available drop-weight options provides younger and developing players with additional opportunities to build proper mechanics, confidence and skills while maintaining the safety and performance standards expected in education-based athletics.”

Other rule changes include:

• Eye shade must be a solid stroke and not include words, numbers, logos or other symbols within the eye shade.
• Use of electronic communication devices by players on the field is prohibited expect as outlined with one-way coach-to-player communication, including amplifying devices, wireless communication devices, headphones, etc., for the purposes of recording, streaming or transmitting audio or video. This prohibition does not include medical devices.
• Coaches will be allowed to use a handheld electronic scoring device or other scoring material while in the coach’s box.
• When using a tiebreaker to end a regulation game, an option is now available to start each half-inning with a runner on second base. The runner would be the last scheduled batter in that respective half-inning.

According to the 2024-25 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, baseball is the fifth-most popular sport for boys with 472,598 participating at 16,110 schools across the country and 1,381 girls participating.