******  Local Leagues have the option to allow 12 year old players to play in Dixie baseball**********

DBB’s ultimate goal was to determine the set of supporting rules (MLB – NFHS) that are easiest to administer while also having the capability to fully supplement the existing rules of the program.  In all situations, we will continue to administer our Dixie rules as found in our book and then revert to the use of the supporting rules of NFHS for any rule not covered in our book.  An electronic copy is located on our website. Some editorial changes were made  to replace the wording Major League Baseball with National Federation of High Schools.

As with any significant change it is important that we relay the information to our current franchised leagues, potential 2022 teams/leagues, participants, and the umpires. Communication by everyone involved with the program will be essential to conveying the change.  We will always have the opportunity to institute rule change suggestions for any rule that would be found in any current year NFHS Rule Book.  In other words, DBB rules are the prerogative of the organization and this will not change.  If anything, going forward the organization will have much more of a say in the rules that govern the organization.  

Not all National Federation High School rules and/or Major League Baseball rules are the best fit for our program.  As a prime example, Boys/Majors Baseball should be very proud of the steps taken regarding our pitching rules.  More people than ever before are now at least looking at instituting pitch count rules instead of the traditional innings pitched rules.  I am proud to say that we were a leader in the movement to protect those that pitch in youth baseball.

Our mission is to provide all youth the opportunity to play baseball.  We have a wide range of ages and skill levels among our participants.  It is important that we never lose sight of what might be beneficial for a high school age participant might not be the best fit for a young man that has not reached puberty.  For this reason alone it is important that we have the flexibility to determine our rules.  The leagues are in the best position to know what works at the local level.  Equally the board of directors through their experiences with youth baseball should be fully attuned to the needs of the participant.