Sliding is a technique that baserunners use to avoid being scored with baseball. When a base runner approaches a base and an outfielder near him has the baseball, the runner falls to the ground and slides his feet into the base first, using his running swing. Although gliding seems counterintuitive, as it is actually slower than running, it is more difficult for outfield players to score a slipping runner. Basic coaches are allowed to leave the coach`s box if they ask a player to slide. NFHS regulations first define legal and illegal films in NFHS Rules 2 through 32. It also regulates illegal slippage conduct in Rule 8-4-2(b). The NFHS rule is more restrictive than the NCAA rule: California sportswriter Bill Shaikin covers baseball and sports affairs for the Los Angeles Times. If a runner slips into a base to interrupt a double play, he must make a real slide. This is defined as the runner who touches the ground before reaching the base, is able to reach the base with one hand or foot, is able to stay on the base at the end of the slide (except on the home plate) and does not change trajectory to make contact with an outfield player. The slide rule prohibits runners from using a „rolling block“ or attempting to make contact with the outfielder by raising and kicking above the outfielder`s knee, throwing his arm or torso, or catching the outfielder. In case of violation of the slide rule, the offending runner and the kick runner are called.

Another wrinkle is how the change will interact with one of baseball`s unwritten rules. For years, infielders were forgiven for not touching second base on a double play while they were close. This so-called „neighborhood game“ is designed to protect infielders from an aggressive baserunner. Yes, gliding is allowed on the first base, but it is not recommended because a rider is allowed to invade the base, which is faster. When sliding to the first base, the runner is allowed to leave the track at a reasonable distance to get to the base. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players` Association have agreed on new rules that redefine what constitutes a legal slide while trying to resolve a double play, and two additions to tempo of play initiatives have been agreed. The slide rule is designed to protect infielders while allowing for aggressive baserunning. The latter continues the efforts begun last season to improve the pace of games.

Here`s the skinny on what you need to know:THE SLIDE RULEThe basics: In the past, runners had plenty of wiggle room when they entered second base, as long as they were close enough to touch the bag. According to new rule 6.01(j), a runner must make a bona fide slide, which is defined as touching the ground before reaching the base, reaching the base with one hand or foot, reaching and attempting to stay at the base at the end of the slide (except on the original plate) and not changing course, for contact with an outfield player. Here`s Utley`s NLDS slide, which is far from legal under the new rules: Such slides can now also be checked with Instant Replay, but in one controversial move, it`s also the so-called „neighborhood game,“ where an outfield player hits the bag near (but not on) while spinning a double play. Even with the new sliding rules, outfield players could be at risk as they have to touch the base during doubles matches or risk a challenge. Mets manager Terry Collins said: „We`re making a slide rule that keeps you in the bag. You must be near the bag. And now we`re making a decision regarding the neighborhood game that you need to stay on the bag. Do you know what that will mean? Tony Clark, MLBPA Executive Director: „Our goal in changing the slide rule was to increase player safety, reduce injuries and do so in a way that respects and preserves the real restless games that are essential to our game.

I am optimistic that this new rule will achieve these goals. • SS Pirates Jung Ho Kang, whose season ended with an aggressive slide by Chris Coghlan: „I`m for it. It`s safe for the players, safe for the players who are in the double game situation. It`s up to the players to protect the players. • Mercer and Kang like the new slide rulePACE OF PLAY/VISIT TO THE MOUNDThe changes come with less fanfare, but can have a more tangible impact on the fan`s viewing experience. The basics: Hilltop visits by managers and coaches – who previously had no time limit – will be limited to 30 seconds, and break times between innings will now match advertising time: 2 minutes, 5 seconds for local broadcasts and 2 minutes and 25 seconds for nationally televised games. Break times were 20 seconds longer last season, but the change should allow the game to resume to get closer to the end of the breaks. The stopwatch for hill tours is the same clock in the stadium that measures breaks between innings. The timer is set to 30 seconds and begins the countdown when the manager or coach has left the canoe and the timeout for a hill visit has been awarded by the referee. Unless the manager (or coach) signals a pitcher change, they must leave the hill when (or before) the clock reaches „0“ (zero) seconds. In 2015, MLB introduced pace of play measures that had a significant impact on playing time. The focus of these changes turned the above clocks between innings and hitters holding in the batter`s box.

Almost all of last year`s initiatives that reduced average playing time by 6 minutes and 7 seconds per nine-inning game will continue. The World Association of Referees has approved the latest changes. What they say• Tony Clark: „Last year`s tempo of play experience revealed positive trends that we want to repeat in 2016.