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The ball becomes dead under many circumstances. These include whenever an umpire calls time out or a ball foul, or out of play. Other times include certain rule violations, such as balks, interference or obstruction, issuing intentional walks, etc.
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Sometimes the ball becomes dead when a call is made. Other times the ball remains alive until play comes to its natural conclusion when enforcement actions may be made.
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When a dead ball occurs, play is suspended and no action by the Defense can cause a player to be out except on a "dead-ball" appeal.
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The ball becomes dead when time is called to make an award when the any fielder obstructs a runner, when an intentional base on balls is awarded, or when base running penalties are imposed.
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Use the attached Dead Ball Chart as a good reference for when a ball becomes dead and the enforcement action that follows.
NFHS Dead Ball Table
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When the ball becomes dead, no action by the defense can cause a player to be putout, except by making a "Dead Ball Appeal."
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A runner may return to a base left too early on a caught fly ball, or a base untouched while advancing except when the runner has attained and is at or beyond the succeeding base when the ball became dead.
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A runner may advance during a dead ball when awarded one or more bases by the umpire.
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Under OBR the rules are the generally the same, except that "Dead Ball Appeals" are not provided for under OBR rules. Appeals must be made while the ball is alive, and either the base or runner involved is tagged by a defender holding the baseball.
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The ball is dead when a PITCH touches a batter, his clothing or a runner.
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The ball is dead when a FOUL BALL: (1) touches any object other than the ground or any person other than a fielder; or (2) goes directly from the bat to the catcher's protector, mask or person, without first touching his glove or hand; or (3) becomes an uncaught foul ball.
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The ball is dead ball when there is INTERFERENCE by a runner, batter-runner, a retired runner, a batter interfering with a throw (not a pitch) to home plate or any other member of the Offense.
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It is dead ball when a FAIR BATTED BALL: (1) touches a runner or umpire before touching any fielder or passing an infielder other than the pitcher; or (2) touches a runner after passing by an infielder and another infielder could have made a play on the ball; or (3) touches a spectator; or (4) goes over, through or wedges in a fence; or (5) lodges in a player's equipment or uniform.
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It is a dead ball when a PITCH or any other THROWN BALL: (1) is touched by a spectator; or (2) is intentionally touched by a non-participating squad member; or (3) goes into a stand or other dead-ball area or players bench; or (4) goes over, through or wedges in a fence; or (5) lodges in an umpire's, catcher's, or offensive player's equipment (other than his glove or mitt) or uniform.
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It is a dead ball when the UMPIRE: (1) handles a live ball; or (2) calls "Time"; or (3) gives the "Do Not Pitch" signal; or (4) inadvertently announces "Foul" on a ball that touches the ground.
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It is a dead ball when a FIELDER, after catching a fly ball or line drive, leaves the field of play by: (1) stepping out with both feet; or (2) falling into a bench, dugout, stand, bleacher, or over any barrier such as a fence, rope, chalk line, or imaginary line established prior to the game.
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It is a dead ball when an INFIELDER intentionally drops a fair fly ball, line drive or bunt in flight when there are less than two outs with at least first base occupied, EXCEPT during an infield fly rule situation.
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The ball is dead when the PITCHER commits a (1) balk; or (2) throws an illegal pitch.
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The ball is dead when a live ball penetrates or touches anything or anyone fully or partially within in a designated MEDIA AREA.
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The ball is dead when any MALICIOUS CONTACT occurs whether initiated by either team.
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The ball is dead when BACKSWING INTERFERENCE occurs.
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Play is suspended when the ball becomes dead or any umpire calls "Time" for any reason such as granting requests to make substitutions or hold charged conferences.
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Play is suspended when the umpire considers the weather or ground conditions unfit for play. After 30 minutes, he may declare the game ended. Under no circumstances will a game resume less then 30 minutes after the last observed lighting flash or heard clap of thunder.
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Play is suspended when a (1) anyone is ordered from the grounds; (2) or a player is ordered to secure protective equipment; or (3) an umpire or player are injured. Unless the injured participant is at risk of further injury, "Time" should not be called until play has reached it natural conclusion.
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Play is suspended when an umpire suspends play for any other cause such as awarding bases or inspection of the baseball.
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