Experimental Rule – Technology
Any institution interested in experimenting must submit the request in writing. Conferences granted permission to experiment are required to collect data and submit it to the rules committee at the end of the season. The experimental rules are approved for the 2025 season during conference play only. The experimental rules will not be used during the NCAA postseason.
• Use of bat sensor technology for in-game data collection:
Permit use of metric sensors or data collection devices on or within bats.
Live access to the swing data will remain prohibited.
• Use of in-game data/technology in the dugout during a game:
Permit the use of electronic equipment (tablets) to access scouting and analytics information during the game in the dugout.
Access to pitch location [i.e., balls/strikes] must be restricted during the game.

Double First Base – 1-7-b
• Previous rules already allowed use only during regular-season competition.
• Now Baseball Committees at any level of NCAA play have the option to approve use during the NCAA Championships.
• Added guidelines for the use of the Double First Base to the rule book.

Bat Testing – 1-12-e,g & Appendix G
• For Division I, bat testing is required prior to the start of play for each day of competition.
• For Divisions II and III, required before each regular season series or single date of competition.
• No foreign substance may be added to the surface of the bat beyond 18 inches from the end of the handle.
• Prohibits other substances other than just those that would discolor the ball such as pine tar.
• The bat testing sticker from each team that is being used for that day’s competition shall be placed on the lineup card given to the umpire prior to the game.

Dugout Protective Fencing or Netting – 1-16
• Facilities for collegiate baseball shall have protective fencing or netting on the field side of the dugout at a height not less than 3 feet from field level.
• Now required effective for all divisions as of January 1, 2025.

Ejection of Relief Pitcher – 2-26-e
• Penalty now distinguishes whether the player ejected was a starting pitcher or a relief pitcher during that game.
• Starting pitcher – remains as a four (4) game suspension
• Relief pitcher – two (2) game suspension – This applies whether the ejection occurs while the player is the current game pitcher or after having been removed as pitcher and their last listed position was that of a starting or relief pitcher.
• If a player is removed as pitcher but remains in the game in another capacity (DH or position player) and is then ejected, the penalty for a first-time offense is one additional game suspension.

Use of Electronic Communication – 5-16
• “An exclusively one-way electronic communication device from the dugout, a coaches’ box, or a position player on the field (such as the catcher) for the purpose of relaying the pitch or play call is permitted. The use of direct, live audio communication shall be limited to an in-ear device for the defensive position of catcher.”
• Also allows a pre-recorded message or number code to be transmitted one-way from a specifically designed device to the pitcher or other players.
• Reminder – no information from external sources may be transmitted to the playing field, dugout, or to team personnel during the game. Updated penalty – The violator and the head coach shall be ejected from the game.

Leaving Position– 5-15
• Team personnel (other than coaches) shall not leave their position to go to the area of a confrontational situation.
• Personnel in the immediate vicinity of the dugout or bullpen area are considered to have remained in their area.
• Personnel already on the field in the vicinity of the situation who do not participate in, escalate, or incite the potential altercation will not be penalized.
• Video review may be used to identify violators.

Batter’s Box Rule – 7-1
• Previous Batter’s Box Rule is eliminated.
• Batter’s actions are regulated by the 20-Second Action Clock time limit.
• Batter should remain in the vicinity of the batter’s box between pitches but must be in the box, alert to the pitcher, and ready to hit with 8 or more seconds remaining in the time limit.

Catcher’s Interference – 8-2-e-Exception and 8-3-p
• If R3 is trying to score on a squeeze play or a steal of home, the catcher steps on or in front of any part of home plate without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or their bat, the pitcher is charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the interference, and the ball is dead.
• “In front of any part of home plate” is defined as a step toward the pitcher and any part of the catcher’s foot on the ground beyond the back point of home plate.

Force-Play-Slide Rule – 8-4-Penalty
• Delayed dead ball until the play is completed.
• Point at the violation when it occurs but leave the ball alive and let the play continue as this is a reviewable play.
• If this play is reviewed and overturned, this allows the play at first base on the batter-runner to stand.

Windup Position – 9-1-a
• Rule remains that a pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with the free foot.
• Change eliminates the words “backward or sideward”.
• New language – “…in the actual delivery of the ball to the batter, the pitcher may take one step without gaining ground toward home plate with the free foot.”
• Allows an adjustment step slightly toward the front of the pitcher’s body when turning for the delivery.

Pitcher Drops Ball – 9-2-b-Penalty
• Simplifies the penalty when pitcher drops the ball either intentionally or unintentionally while in contact with the pitcher’s plate.
• With no one on base, it is a ball; With runner(s) on base, it is a balk.
• Ball is dead and each runner advances one base.
Foreign Substance – 9-2-e-Penalty
• Rule remains the same. Penalty is amended to eject both the pitcher and the head coach for violation of this rule.

Warmup Pitches – 9-2-i, Appendix F
• Allow pitcher to throw unlimited number of warmup pitches within the time limit.
• 150 seconds Starting pitchers at the beginning of their first inning.
Any relief pitcher at beginning or during an inning.
• 120 seconds Any continuing game pitcher between innings.

Replacing Pitcher – 9-4-b-Note 2
• After an injury or ejection of current pitcher, the substitute pitcher may warm up from the bullpen or game mound.
• If some warmup pitches are taken from the bullpen and the pitcher moves to the game mound to complete their warmup, the relief pitcher timing protocol shall be followed (150 seconds).

20-Second Action Clock – Appendix F
• Batter must be in the batter’s box, alert to the pitcher, and ready to hit with 8 or more seconds remaining in the time limit.
• Allows the batter extra time to be ready to hit and shortens the time that a pitcher would be able to “freeze” the batter.

20-Second Action Clock – Appendix F
• If pitcher starts a preliminary motion to deliver a pitch or come set before the batter is alert and ready to hit, the umpire will call “time” and issue a warning the first time it happens. Only one warning per pitcher.
• With no runner on base, any further violations after the initial warning will result in a ball.
• With any runners on base, the initial warning is also the reset for that at-bat. Any further violations by that pitcher will result in a ball.

Optional Timing Rules – Appendix F
The following 30-second time limits are permissible by conference policy or mutual agreement:
• Between Batters – Timer starts when ball is in possession of the pitcher near the pitcher’s mound. If batter-runner ends an at-bat on base, the timer starts when they hand protective gear to a base coach.
• Mound Visit –
Timer starts when coach crosses a foul line or player leaves position to visit the mound.
• Offensive Charged Conference

Timing Devices/Action Clock – Appendix F

• The use of visible clocks allows the consistent administration of the pace of play time limits between pitches and between innings. Allows all participants to see how much time remains during each time limit, leading to less violations and more consistent enforcement.
• Effective January 1, 2025 for Divisions I and II, one or more visible clocks will be required during all times of the game to enforce all timing rules effectively.
• For Division III, the use of visible clocks is recommended, but not required. All time limits are expected to be enforced consistently.