NFHS Rule 3 - T/F
1. Each team must start with at least nine players.
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-1
2. A team captain may provide the plate umpire with the team's lineup card.
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-2
3. A player who has been rendered apparently unconscious during the game may resume participation
that day when cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.
ANS: F
REF: CIF State Article 3-1-3
4. A team's lineup card must include each starting player's first initial and last name, jersey number,
position and batting order
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-3
5. Lineups become official after they have been exchanged, verified and then accepted by the plate
umpire during the pregame conference.
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-35
6. The pitcher is also known as fielding position number 2 or F2.
ANS: F
REF: 3-1-4; Figure 3-1
7. A player is designated in the scorebook by name, jersey number and by fielding position.
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-4
8. The shortstop is also known as fielding position No. 6 or F6
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-4; Figure 3-1
9. All fielders, except the catcher, must be on fair ground at the time of the pitch.
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-5
10. A player may change to a different fielding position at any time, except the pitcher, who may only be
removed and return to pitch once per inning.
ANS: T
REF: 3-1-6; 3-3-2 note
11. Once a defensive position is established in an inning, a player may not switch to another defensive
position.
ANS: F
REF: 3-1-6
12. A state association may, on an individual basis, permit a player to participate while wearing a
different style uniform for various reasons, including religious reasons and inclement weather.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-1
13. A number at least 6 inches high is required on the back of each player's jersey.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-2
14. F1 and F6 may switch defensive positions any number of times in the same half-inning.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-2 note
15. A school's official uniform may bear only a single manufacturer's logo/trademark/reference not to
exceed 2 1/4 square inches on each item.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-3
16. Visible or exposed undergarments are considered part of a player's official school uniform
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-3; 3-2-7
17. Caps, visors and headbands may be mixed but must be the same color for each team member.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-5
18. Flat items used to control the hair, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips, may be worn
provided they do not exceed one inch.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-5
19. Players may wear plastic visors provided they are in school colors.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-5
20. Players on the same team may have different uniform sleeve lengths from each other
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-6
21. Exposed undergarments are considered part of the official uniform and shall be black, white, gray or
a solid school color.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-7
22. Exposed undergarments are considered part of the official uniform and may be of any solid color.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-7
23. Uniforms may have reflective buttons or ornaments provided they are not judged to be distracting.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-8
24. A pitcher may not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, arm or thighs, which may, in the
umpire’s judgment, be distracting to the batter.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-9
25. Players must utilize equipment properly and as designed by the manufacturer.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-10
26. Players on the same team are not permitted to wear a combination of metal cleats and non-metal
cleats.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-11
27. Metal cleats are permitted and must be round or rectangular.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-11
28. Wearing metal cleats is prohibited and results in a team warning.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-11
29. Metal cleats on shoes must not extend in excess of 3/4 inch from the sole.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-11
30. Players on the same team are not permitted to wear a combination of metal cleats and non-metal
cleats.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-11
31. Jewelry that is judged to be “soft” by an umpire may be worn by that player.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-12
32. A player in the game may wear earrings provided they are covered by tape.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-12; 3-6-1
33. Religious and medical-alert medals are considered jewelry and are prohibited.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-12
34. Small-post earrings covered by tape are permitted during the game
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-12
35. Unadorned devices, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips may be worn to control a player’s
hair provided they do not exceed one inch.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-12 exception
36. Knee and ankle braces that are unaltered from the manufacturer's original design/production are
permitted if all exposed hinges are padded or covered.
ANS: F
REF: 3-2-13
37. Casts and splints may be worn, if padded with closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than
one-half inch thick.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-13
38. Any equipment judged to be potentially dangerous by the umpire is illegal.
ANS: T
REF: 3-2-14
39. A player not listed as an eligible substitute on the lineup card is permitted to enter the contest.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-1
40. A player not listed as an eligible substitute on the lineup card shall be prohibited from playing.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-1
41. It is legal for S1 to substitute for the starting pitcher F1 in the third inning, and then re-enter the
original pitcher in the fifth inning in the same position in the batting order.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-2 note
42. Substitutions may be reported to the plate umpire at the time of the change or projected for a future
change.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-2
43. F1 and F5 switch defensive positions after one out in the third inning. Later in the third inning, the
same two players may switch positions again.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-2 note
44. A substitution may be reported by the substitute or the coach.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-2
45. A coach is not permitted to project a substitution.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-3
46. An offensive substitute has officially entered the game when the ball is live and she replaces a
runner on base or takes her place in the batter's box.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-3a; 3-4-1a
47. The plate umpire shall announce any substitutions to the opposing team’s head coach immediately
after the substitution has been made.
ANS:
T
REF:
3-3-3
48. Umpires may accept a projected substitution from a coach for the next inning.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-3
49. In the fifth inning, F8 is injured. Team A has no eligible substitutes remaining. In the sixth inning, an
eligible substitute arrives at the ballpark. She may enter the game in the vacated batting position.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-5
50. A substitute who is withdrawn may re-enter once per game provided she does so in the same batting
position.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-5
51. B7, who was a starting player batting in the seventh batting position and who left the game in the
third inning, may re-enter the game in the sixth inning in the fourth batting position.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-5
52. It is legal for S1 who entered the game in the third inning in the fourth batting position to leave the
game in the fifth inning, and re-enter the game in the sixth inning in the ninth batting position.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-5
53. The use of the DP/FLEX is required.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-6
54. A team may use the DP/FLEX option provided it is made known at the pre-game conference.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-6
55. After the DP/FLEX option is declared at the pregame conference with the submission/verification of
the lineup card, a team may go down to nine players before the first pitch is thrown.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6; 3-1-1; 4-1-2b
56. The DP starts as one of the nine hitters in the batting order.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6a
57. The role of the DP is terminated for the rest of the game when the FLEX bats.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-6d
58. The DP can be substituted for by the FLEX or any legal substitute.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6d
59. When the DP/FLEX option is used, the lineup may be reduced to nine and then returned to 10 any
number of times.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6d
60. If the DP enters the game to play defense for the FLEX, she is considered a substitute.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6e; 2-57-1
61. It is possible for the DP and the FLEX to both play defense at the same time.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6e
62. At the pregame conference, the home team tells the plate umpire that his/her flex is pitching and his
DP will be playing first base when they go out on the field. The umpire tells the coach the first-base
player must play at least one batter in the first inning before the DP can play that position.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-6e
63. If the DP plays defense for the FLEX, the FLEX has left the game.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6e
64. The DP and the FLEX are locked into the same position in the batting order.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6g
65. It is possible for the DP and the FLEX to both play offense at the same time.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-6g
66.
Placing the FLEX into one of the first nine positions in the lineup for someone other than the DP’s
position is considered an illegal substitution.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-6g
67. If a base runner is unable to continue and there are no available substitutes, the previous batter not
on base is permitted to replace her as a temporary runner until she is put out, scores or the halfinning ends.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-8a
68. In the fifth inning, F8 is injured. Team A has no eligible substitutes remaining. In the sixth inning, an
eligible substitute arrives at the ballpark. She may enter the game in the vacated batting position.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-8d
69. If there is an excessive amount of blood on any part of the uniform, that part of the uniform shall be
changed before that individual may participate.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-8d
70. A player who has been rendered apparently unconscious during the game may resume participation
when physically able to do so.
ANS: F
REF: 3-3-9
71. A bleeding player may be treated and remain in the game provided the medical treatment can be
administered in a reasonable amount of time.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-10
72. If there is an excessive amount of blood on any part of the uniform, that part of the uniform shall be
changed before that individual may participate.
ANS: T
REF: 3-3-10
73. A player who violates the courtesy-runner rule is an illegal substitute
ANS: T
REF: 3-4-1c; 2-57-3
74. Whenever an illegal offensive substitute is discovered on base, she is called out and restricted to the
dugout/bench.
ANS: T
REF: 3-4-2 penalty
75. Any adult coach may attend the pregame conference with the umpire(s) and verify that the team is in
compliance with all Federation rules.
ANS: F
REF: 3-5-1
76. The head coach is required to attend the pregame conference with the umpire(s).
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-1
77. The game may not begin until the head coach attends the pregame conference and verifies
equipment compliance
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-1 penalty
78. A team member ejected for unsporting conduct may occupy a coach’s box.
ANS: F
REF: 3-5-2
79. Only adults may occupy the coach’s box.
ANS: F
REF: 3-5-2
80. Coaches performing duties in live ball territory must be attired in school colors, khaki, black, white
or gray.
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-3
81. While in the coach's box, coaches may not wear any type of jeans or "cut-offs."
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-3
82. A coach not dressed in appropriate attire shall be ejected.
ANS: F
REF: 3-5-3 penalty
83. When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, the assisted runner is out and any
other additional outs on the play stand at the end of playing action.
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-4 penalty
84. If a coach physically assists a runner during playing action, the ball is dead immediately, the assisted
runner is out and all other action on the play is nullified.
ANS: F
REF: 3-5-4 penalty
85. When a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach in foul territory, the ball is live and in play.
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-5 exception
86. When offensive team personnel interfere by being near a base to which a runner is advancing, the
ball is dead and the runner closest to home is out.
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-5 penalty
87. The penalty for interference on a batted ball is the same whether it is by an on-deck batter or a
blocked ball is caused by offensive team equipment
ANS: T
REF: 3-5-5; 7-4-12; 7-5-4
88. Deliberately removing the batting helmet when it is required to be worn results in a team warning.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-1 penalty
89. Illegal equipment must be made legal or removed.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-1 penalty
90. A second offense for illegal equipment results in the offender and the head coach being restricted to
the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-1 penalty
91. A player deliberately removing a batting helmet when it is required to be worn shall immediately be
restricted to the dugout/bench area for the remainder of the game.
ANS: F
REF: 3-6-1 penalty
92. A team warning shall be issued for a player faking a tag without the ball.
ANS:
T
REF:
3-6-2 penalty
93. Entering the area behind the catcher while the opposing pitcher and catcher are in their positions is
prohibited.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-5
94. Bench personnel are permitted to engage in throwing and running activities during the one minute
designated for the pitcher to throw warm-up pitches.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-6 note
95. Coaches sitting outside the team’s dugout to watch their team play defense shall be issued a warning
and instructed to return and coach from the dugout.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-6 penalty
96. When a second unreported substitution occurs, only the offending player is restricted to the
dugout/bench.
ANS: F
REF: 3-6-7 penalty
97. A team’s second unreported substitution results in the offender and the head coach being restricted
to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-7 penalty
98. A team warning is issued and the next offender restricted to the dugout for entering the contest
unreported.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-7 penalty
99. Coaches are only permitted to have stopwatches and other scorekeeping devices/materials in the
coach’s box.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-10
100. A base coach may use a stopwatch while coaching at first or third base.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-10
101. A coach may be in possession of electronic communication devices in the coaching box, provided
they are being used for coaching purposes.
ANS: F
REF: 3-6-11; casebook 3.3.2 situation F
102. Instant replay to protest an umpire's decision is legal.
ANS: F
REF: 3-6-11
103. Deliberately throwing a bat or helmet always results in the offender being ejected.
ANS: F
REF: 3-6-16 penalty
104. Deliberately throwing a bat or helmet may result in the offender being ejected.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-16 penalty
105. A second offense for removal of a boundary line results in a ball/strike called on the batter and the
offender and head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench area.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-17 penalty
106. A strike is called on the batter who deliberately removes a chalk line of the batter's box.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-17 penalty
107. B1 intentionally removes the front line of the batter's box; in the next inning her teammate, B2,
removes the inside line of the batter’s box. B2 and her head coach are restricted to the dugout. B2’s
replacement comes to bat with a strike added to the count.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-17 penalty
108. When a base coach intentionally removes a coach's box boundary line, a strike is charged to the
batter and a team warning issued.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-17 penalty
109. A strike/ball is called on the batter and a team warning is issued to the offense/defense when the
team intentionally removes a boundary line on the field of play.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-17 penalty
110. Only the offense can be penalized for malicious contact.
ANS: F
REF: 3-6-18
111. When a fielder tags a runner with malicious, excessive and unnecessary force, the ball is dead
immediately and the fielder is ejected.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-18; 3-6-18 penalty
112. Initiating malicious contact is a serious offense and results in the offender being ejected.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-18 penalty
113. A player who is restricted or ejected shall remain in the dugout/bench area.
ANS: T
REF: 3-6-20
114. If F2 goes out to confer with F1, a defensive conference is charged.
ANS: F
REF: 3-7-1
115. Each team, when on defense, may be granted not more than three charged conferences without
penalty during an seven-inning game.
ANS: T
REF: 3-7-1
116. Time granted for an incapacitated player shall constitute a charged conference for the offense or
defense.
ANS: F
REF: 3-7-1; 3-7-2
117. A coach who calls time, goes out to speak with F6 and then replaces F1, is charged with a defensive
conference.
ANS: F
REF: 3-7-1
118. The defensive-charged conference rule is in effect when the ball first becomes live at the start of
each half-inning.
ANS: T
REF: 3-7-1
119. The offensive-team charged conference rule is effective when the ball first becomes live at the start
of each half-inning.
ANS: T
REF: 3-7-2
120. During a defensive charged conference, the offensive team may meet provided the non-charged
conference concludes when the charged conference ends or doesn’t delay the game.
ANS: T
REF: 3-7-3