2007

Steve Suckling
Umpires Coordinator
DDMSA

BATTERS AND CATCHERS BOX INFO AND RULINGS

Subject: UNMARKED BATTING BOX AND RULES

It has been brought to my attention that there appears to be some confusion as to what constitutes a batters box particularly when there are no lines marked.

The first thing that I need to clarify is that regardless of whether there are lines marked or not the Rules relating to the Batter's Box do apply.

I have included a picture with dimensions so that everyone can see where the Batter's Boxes are positioned. It is important to note that the Batter's Boxes are 2.13m (7ft) long by 91cm (3ft) wide and they are 15.2cm (6in) from the side of the home plate. Please also note that the length of the Batter's Box is also broken up into two sections. They are 1.22m 4(ft) forward of the centre of Home Plate and 91cm (3ft) behind the centre of Home Plate. Please see diagrams below.

		If the Batter takes a position outside of these parameters he will be told by the Umpire to move to a position that the Umpire deems to be correct. If the Batter makes contact with the Ball while one or both feet are outside these parameters the Umpire shall call the Batter out for batting outside of the Box.
		Rule 7 Sec 9 : THE BATTER IS OUT D: When the Batter's foot is completely outside the lines of the Batter's Box and touching the ground, or any part or a foot is touching is touching Home Plate, when he hit the ball fair or foul. E: When the Batter leaves the Box to gain a running start, but has returned to the Box when he makes contact with the ball. Exception to Sec 9E: If no contact is made with the Pitched ball there is no penalty, if the Batter swings and misses, the ball remains alive.