College Baseball Rules

In every sport, there are always the rules. According to some baseball pros, rules do not always necessary drive how a game is played; it’s the passion and power. Nonetheless, in the case of baseball, rules are catalysts of discipline and professionalism. From its very first simple games to the colossal tournaments of today, rules have helped in the making of the baseball sport.

Since 1845, baseball has been played with many versions of rules. Under the Major League Baseball, rules that are being set are considered to be an international standard. College baseball rules, or those that are applied in NCAA, are somehow similar to the Major League although there are some exceptions due to the varying profile of college-level athletes.

Baseball rules in general cover three specific codes: the first is the Official Baseball Rules. It is considered to be the universal code for baseball. It’s been used in recent years now. Among the baseball organizations that use the Official Baseball Rules are the North American baseball professional leagues and amateur leagues. The official publisher for the Official Baseball Rules is The Sporting News.

The second code is for college baseball, as written in the NCAA baseball rulebook. College baseball rules apply to Division 1, 2 and 3, and other amateur college leagues in the United States and international teams. The third code is for the high school baseball leagues in the United States. This code is called the NFHS rules or the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Other leagues like the IBAF or the International Baseball Federation, Little League that represents grade school baseball, PONY League and the Cal Ripken League are all dependent of the Official Baseball Rules but with slight modifications only.

The College Baseball Rules, although it has roots coming from the Official Baseball Rules, is in a way unique. This is because of the profile of the players of NCAA baseball. Players in the league are yet to be professionals. And academics are one thing that colleges and universities are always prioritizing. Baseball is a big opportunity for students especially for those who are inclined to participate in future Major League games. But sometimes academics and fun don’t really mix well.

A recent change in the NCAA baseball world is the introduction of a new college baseball rule that states a baseball scholar transferee should be held to stay for at least a year before the joining the current season. The new rule which is yet to take effect in 2009 has already made rants from many NCAA baseball scholars and coaches.

College baseball rules and regulations have always been subject to changes but this one is really making heads turn. The Board of Directors for the NCAA Division 1 approved the new rule and aimed at improving the APR or the academic progress rating of college baseball teams. Furthermore, the new college baseball rule defined that colleges and universities with below 900 academic progress rate within a 4 year period will have their number of games reduced from the usual 56 to only 50.

One NCAA baseball coach commented that it’s putting more weight and is indirectly penalizing the schools. Another NCAA coach from a university reacted that the new transfer rule will help bring in more qualified players.

Mickey White of Tampa Bay Devil Rays once said that college is also a big homework not only for students but also for parents. White further encouraged parents that whilst academics is a priority, they must also look for institutions that allow students to play. College baseball rules are constantly updating. It’s good to remember however that rules are made not to suppress, but they are made to guide.