WBSC introduces key rule changes to enhance Baseball5 safety and game flow

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced several important rule changes aimed at improving player safety, promoting fair play and enhancing the game experience in Baseball5.

The updates are included in the latest edition of the WBSC Baseball5 Rulebook, which is now published on the WBSC website as part of the WBSC's ongoing efforts to refine the sport and ensure a safer, more dynamic environment for all participants.

The major updates include a new rule allowing runners to use the batter's box to score and therefore avoiding collisions at home plate, the introduction of timeouts to give teams more strategic flexibility, and stricter regulations on unsportsmanlike behavior to ensure fair play.

Batter's Box - The WBSC has introduced a new rule to reduce collisions at home plate by allowing runners coming from third base to use the batter's box to score a run instead of having to step directly on home plate. This change is designed to lower the risk of collisions between runners and fielders, making the game safer while keeping the competition fair.

Timeouts - Another key update is the introduction of timeouts. Each team is now allowed one 30-second timeout per set. This gives teams a chance to regroup, make adjustments, and manage the game more effectively. The coach must request the timeout and communicate it directly to the Home Plate Official for proper documentation.

Unsportsmanlike behavior - The WBSC has also tightened rules on unsportsmanlike behavior. If a Game Official detects unsportsmanlike conduct from any delegation member, including players, coaches, or team managers, the individual may be ejected from the game. If a delegation member protests a Game Official’s decision, they may receive a verbal or written warning. A second warning will result in automatic ejection.

Foreign substances - the use of foreign substances like pine tar or glue to improve the grip of the ball is now explicitly forbidden. Players caught using such substances will be automatically ejected from the game.

You can find a complete document detailing all the adjustments to the rulebook in English and Spanish.

This is the sixth edition of the Official Baseball5
Rulebook. The first set of rules for WBSC’s new urban discipline was publishedon 1 March 2018, along with a dedicated website and an instructional video ofthe sport. Subsequent updates were released in January 2019, February 2020,September 2020, and October 2022, just before the maiden WBSC Baseball5 WorldCup in Mexico City.

On 7 September 2023, the WBSC released the new Baseball5 rulebook and game management system ahead of the inaugural WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup.