In a move aimed at enhancing player safety and minimizing dangerous collisions, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has approved a rule mandating the use of a double-first base in high school baseball games starting with the 2027 season.
The rule change was one of 10 revisions proposed by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee during its annual meeting, held June 8-10 in Indianapolis. The changes were formally approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“Adding the double first base is symbolic to the evolution of the sport,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee in a press release. “It will immediately address running lane violations and further protect players from the violent collisions that have occurred at first base.”
The double-first base will feature two connected sections: a white portion located in fair territory and a solid contrasting colored portion in foul territory, with no space between them. This design aims to separate the paths of fielders and batter-runners, reducing the chance of dangerous collisions.
Rule 1-2-9 was updated to specify the construction of the double base, and Rule 8-2-2a explains how runners and fielders should interact with it during live play.
According to the new rule, batter-runners should use the colored portion on their initial run to first base.
If a fielder is pulled into foul territory (such as during a dropped third strike), the batter-runner can use the white portion.
After reaching base, the runner must always return to the white base for tagging up, leading off, or on pickoff plays.
If a batter-runner uses the white side only on a force play and collides with a fielder, interference will be called. If a defender uses only the colored base and causes a collision, obstruction will be assessed.
A batted ball that hits or bounces over the white portion of the double-base is fair.
If the ball hits or bounces over the colored portion, it is considered foul.
This clear visual distinction aims to reduce confusion for umpires, coaches, and players during judgment calls at the plate.
The NFHS also made other rule changes.
To improve pace of play, Rule 3-4-6 now limits teams to one defensive player-to-player meeting per inning. Any additional player-only meetings during that half-inning will be denied by the umpire.
A new definition (Rule 2-10-3) clarifies a player-to-player meeting as two or more defensive players conferring without a coach.
“Having multiple meetings in a half-inning adds additional time that lengthens a contest,” said Hopkins. “This distinction ensures we honor both the flow of the game and the role of coaching.”
Starting in 2027, uniforms may include school names, logos, mascots, nicknames, or player names on the jersey tops or pants (Rule 1-4-4).
Rule 1-6-3 now bans all players from wearing audio or video recording devices (e.g., microphones, cameras) during games to maintain integrity and privacy.
According to the NFHS, these rule changes reflect its continued focus on safety, pace of play, and clarity in high school baseball. The most visible change — the double-first base — symbolizes a shift toward preventing injuries while maintaining the competitiveness of the sport.
