Tag: NFHS

by Mike Pavlichko

NFHS approves “double first base” for 2027 high school baseball season in effort to curtail injuries, interference calls; player meetings also addressed

In a huge and wide-ranging rules change for high school baseball, the National Federation of State High School Associations – which makes rules for sports nationwide – has adopted the use of a double first base, which adds an extra base of the same size in foul territory, in an effort to cut down on injuries, and avoid interference calls.

The additional base is often used in lower levels of the sport, such as little league, but now will be mandated nationwide starting in the 2027 season, including here in New Jersey.

The NJSIAA has allowed it in recent years, but at the option of each school. Starting in 2027, it will no longer be an option, unlike other “permissive” rules, such as the shot clock in high school basketball. NFHS allows it to be used, but states have the option, and New Jersey – so far – does not.

But it will have to add the extra base.

First base is positioned from the outer edge of the foul line into fair territory, but is only 18 inches across. The additional base would be connected to the existing base and be entirely in foul territory. As always, a ground ball that hits or crosses the main base – which will remain white – is considered fair. Anything that hits or crosses the secondary base – which is to be a different color, most often orange – is considered foul, as the base sits entirely in foul territory.

Additionally, on a play at first, the fielder is permitted to step on the white portion of first base only, and the batter-runner is allowed to step only on the colored portion of the base. A fielder stepping on the secondary base will be ruled obstruction, and the batter-runner will be ruled safe. Likewise, a batter-runner stepping on the white part of the base will be called out on interference.

In the case where there is not a play at first – such as a walk, or making the turn on an extra base hit to the outfield, though not a single because a force play is still a possibility – the batter-runner can use either part of the base.

Once a batter-runner is safely on base, only the white part of the base can be used. For example, on a pickoff play from the pitcher, if the runner is only touching the orange part of the base and is tagged, the runner would be out. The same would apply for tagging up on a foul ball.

Another NFHS rule change addresses player defensive meetings, considering them as “charged conferences.” Each team will be limited to no more than one player-to-player meeting during an inning. A meeting is defined as two ore more defensive players.

by Mike Pavlichko

It’s officially Spring! Here’s an early look at high school baseball changes for 2024, including high-tech devices and pitch count rules

11:06 pm Tuesday: While many of you were sleeping, or getting ready to turn in, Winter officially turned into Spring, and that means high school baseball is almost here.

Opening Day is less than two weeks away, and over that time period, we’ll be previewing the season, including the reveal of our 2024 Broadcast Schedule later this week.

For now, we’re taking a look at some changes to high school baseball for the upcoming season.

New Technology…

As sports at all levels continue to embrace technology in their games – issues with basketball aside – the NJSIAA will follow newly-adopted NFHS rules on electronic communication equipment.

The new rules allow one-way devices from the dugout to the catcher while that team is on defense for the purpose of calling pitches. Only catchers could be on the receiving end of such a system, and coaches must communicate only from the dugout or bench area. Violations carry a warning for the first offense; subsequent violations will result in ejection of any offenders and the head coach.

Surely, not all schools may be able to afford the technology, and some may just not use it at all. One coach told Central Jersey Sports Radio the technology may not be that much of a help since the catcher can’t communicate back. Additionally, they felt it might be more worthwhile for their players to learn how to communicate without it.

…And Older Technology:

The NFHS cleared up rules for wristbands worn by players in the field, allowing them as long as they are a “single, solid color.” In addition, a wristband worn by a pitcher may not contain the colors white or gray, not shall it “be distracting.” It doesn’t necessarily have to match the color of the uniform or longer sleeves of any shirt worn under a uniform, but it must be work on a player’s wrist of forearm, and pitchers must wear it on their non-pitching arm.

Previously, there were no regulations on arm or wristbands, and they had been worn in various places. The new rules aim toward uniformity.

Who’s The Boss?

The NFHS eliminated “spectators” from the list of those whose infractions could result in the forfeit a game. Its rationale is that “umpires have jurisdiction over the confines of the field, players, coaches and team/bench personnel. If there are issues with spectators, it is the responsibility of game management to deal with spectators and to ensure that the facility is safe for all involved.”

Last season, during a state playoff game at Rutgers Prep – in a game covered by Central Jersey Sports Radio – we observed a visiting fan who appeared to be supporting visiting Morris Catholic haranguing the umpires all game. Eventually, he sat on a ledge area about 15 feet from the backstop and continued to shout at them. The umpire ejected the fan from the game, and though he moved away and was quiet the rest of the game, he never left, instead mingling among the visiting fans.

In this instance, it would appear that it would now be up to school officials to handle the situation, rather than the umpires.

Standardized Pitch Count Rules

Last season, Ridge was disqualified from the state playoffs when they were made to forfeit a game after starter Connor Byrne threw 151 pitches, one over the maximum allowed by NJSIAA rules.

And though the rules were clear in print, they were also inconsistent. No pitcher can throw more than 110 pitches in a day, and 150 in a five-day period. Daily pitch limits can be reduced depending how much rest a pitcher has had since their last outing.

But the daily pitch limits allowed a pitcher to finish facing a batter, even if it meant going over that limit. While the five-day limit required a pitcher to come out of the game even if it was in the middle of an at mat.

To avoid confusion, the NJSIAA changed the rule back in September to make it uniform: pitchers are now allowed to finish facing a batter, regardless of which limit is reached.

Many coaches statewide supported the change for clarity’s sake, and the NJSIAA’s Chief Operating Officer and baseball director Tony Maselli told NJ.com after it was made that “Every one of these 150-pitch violations, the coach thought they could finish the batter. We’re saving the coaches from themselves with this rule.”

by Mike Pavlichko

OPINION: New Jersey needs a shot clock in high school basketball, but not for the reason you may think

As another high school basketball season in New Jersey wraps up, the debate continues among coaches, administrators and fans over whether or not to institute a shot clock in the Garden State.

The NJSIAA generally follows the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules, such as it did this year with changes that got rid of the one-and-one bonus, and resets fouls at the end of each quarter, with only two-shot bonus sets. It also followed uniform rule changes, requiring home teams to wear dark colors and road teams to wear white.

But the NFHS rules only say state associations may utilize a shot clock, meaning it’s not mandatory. As of this season, 27 states utilize the shot clock. And New Jersey is not one of them.

Some of the reason is financial. Schools would have to not only purchase the equipment, which comes at a cost, but also pay an additional game official to operate it, besides the person who runs the game clock and scoreboard.

There are also some who suggest that game clock/scoreboard operators don’t always get that job right, and that adding another clock would mean more things that potentially could go wrong in a game where officials already are under heavy scrutiny for calls gone wrong.

But those in favor point to end-of-period or end-of-game situations where a teams just holds the ball. And of course, it takes two to tango. If the defense were to step up and force the action, officials would begin their five-second count on the player with the ball, but they can still play catch to run down the last minute of a half.

This came into play in the controversial Manasquan-Camden Group 2 semifinals, where ‘Squan ate clock with a lead and didn’t score until the final play of the game, a basket that was initially ruled good but waved off after officials conferred near the scorer’s table. Some said maybe Manasquan shouldn’t have held the ball in that scenario, but then again, if they don’t maybe they’re not even in a position to win it.

But this isn’t about one particular game. Or about instant replay, which is another issue.

Earlier this season, St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Bob Turco told Central Jersey Sports Radio in a pregame interview that he had initiated some zone defense into his game plan this year, something he doesn’t traditionally do. Some of that was due to personnel, but he also admitted he’s had players who go on to college and say something to the effect of, “Coach, we never played any zone in high school, so wasn’t prepared for it.”

Preparation is key. Teaching is critical.

So whether there’s a question about the cost, or the skill level of a clock operator, or whether watching a team take the air out of the ball at the end of a game is boring and “not really basketball,” let’s put all those arguments aside.

Sure, not every high school basketball player in New Jersey will go on to play in college. A few go to big-time schools every year. But many will go and play at smaller schools, or at junior colleges. Having a shot clock in New Jersey will prepare them for the next level of basketball, wherever it may be.

And that is why New Jersey needs the shot clock.

by Mike Pavlichko

Coming soon to a football field near you: jersey numbers you can read!

“What number was that?”

You can hear that shout of frustration in the stands, in the press box, and probably also in the coach’s office when he’s watching game film.

Why? Numbers that are virtually impossible to see because they’re a similar color to the jersey itself, or – worse yet – just an outline.

Ask that question no more in 2024, as the National Federation of State High School Associations – the NFHS – has come up with new guidelines aimed at eliminating difficult or impossible-to-see numbers on football jersey across the country.

Of course, high school student-athletes these days want those jerseys that are “fire!” Their enthusiasm will now have to be tempered a bit.

The NFHS adopted the rules last year, and they’ll be going into place in 2024, though a reminder was sent out last Tuesday by the NJSIAA to all member schools.

The official new NFHS rule states: “Effective with the 2024 season, the entire body of the number (the continuous horizontal bars and vertical strokes) shall be a single solid color that clearly contrasts with the body color of the jersey.”

Below are some examples of legal jersey in 2024:

The grey numbers on a “garnet” colored jersey like Phillipsburg wears would be acceptable in 2024 under new jersey guidelines established by the NFHS and adopted by the NJSIAA. (file photo)
North Hunterdon’s blackout jersey with gold numbers would also be allowed under the new NFHS jersey guidelines the NJSIAA will adopt in 2024. (File photo)
by Mike Pavlichko

Bound Brook’s Derevjanik named NFHS girls basketball Coach of the Year in NJ

by Mike Pavlichko

Five sectional titles in a row has to amount for something.

And this week, the recognition came for Bound Brook girls basketball coach Jen Derevjanik: she was named Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in New Jersey by NFHS, the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Derevjanik is about to begin her seventh season as head coach of the Crusaders, who have won the last five Central Jersey Group One championships in a row. They are 136-39 under her tenure.

Not bad for a program that hadn’t had a winning season in more than a decade. That 11-15 record in her first season? Just a stepping stone en route to becoming one of Somerset County’s elite programs.

The Bound Brook girls’ basketball team celebrates its 2020 Central Jersey Group 1 title. The Lady Crusaders took the crown with a 56-41 road win against neighboring Middlesex, on March 10, 2020. (Source: Twitter)

Last year, just a win away from a Group 1 title, Bound Brook’s quest was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, which ended the state tournament just after their 48-32 Group 1 semifinal win over Woodbury. The Lady Crusaders would have faced North 1 champ Cresskill in the semifinals.

The recognition by the NFHS also means recognition by the NJSIAA, which submits nominees to NFHS, according to Bound Brook Athletic Director Jeffrey Steele. He said he was notified of the honor this week, and quickly arranged for the team to help her celebrate.

Bound Brook will be one of the first two girls basketball teams in the area to be broadcast on Central Jersey Sports Radio this coming week, when the Lady Crusaders entertain Manville at 5:30 pm. Click here to listen live.

Derevjanik – who played collegiately at George Mason, and after the playing days was an assistant at Wagner College – has a pro pedigree. She played professionally in Europe for seven seasons, and spent five years in the WNBA: two of them with the Connecticut Sun alongside Olympian Lindsay Whelan, followed by three years in Phoenix, where she won a WNBA Championship as a teammate of Diana Taurasi.