One of the new rules for 2025 is the Defensive Conference Rule. Below is a closer look and rule interpretation. 2.11 Defensive Conference Rule Each team shall be allowed six (6) defensive conferences per game, no more than three (3) of which may include a coach. If the game goes into extra innings, the team will receive one (1) extra defensive conference plus any unused conferences from the first seven innings. A coach may be involved in any "extra" conference added to be used during extra innings. 1) All umpires shall record offensive and defensive conferences, and the plate umpire should notify the coach when each conference is charged. 2) After the maximum number of offensive (1 per inning) and defensive conferences have been used, the umpire shall warn the coach before penalizing the offending team. PENALTY for (2)—The player (pitcher) involved in the conference must be removed from the mound at the time of the offense. If it is in the middle of an at bat, the pitcher will finish the batter. The coach is ejected from the game.
Interpretation of Rule 2.11 If the coach goes to the mound and makes a pitching change before the end of his conference, it does not count as a conference. Pitching changes do not count as a conference.
If the team huddles around the mound at the start of the inning this would constitute a conference. If the third baseman hands the ball to the pitcher after the throw down this would not be a conference. Be proactive and warn the team the first time it happens. If it happens again, it is a conference.
After a pitching change, if the catcher goes back out to the mound after the pitcher finishes warming up, this would be considered a conference. Be proactive and warn the catcher about it being a conference before he goes out. If he still goes out, it is a conference.
If after using all the conferences the catcher and pitcher get crossed up and need to get their signs down, this is allowed but the home plate umpire will walk out with the catcher to ensure only the signs are discussed.
A catcher (or any defensive player) may use all 6 defensive conferences. Coaches are limited to no more than 3 visits during a regulation game, unless defensive players have already used the conferences. (Example - If a defensive player uses 4 conferences, the coach would only have 2 left. If the players use all 6, the coach would not have any conferences and could only come out to make a pitching change.)
The pitcher must be removed from the game on the second visit to the same pitcher in any inning. Make sure you do not allow 2 visits during the same at bat. |
The national office has released the rates for the 2025 American Legion Baseball Season and they are listed below. Policies will be available to purchase on February 17th.
Junior Liability $102.00
Senior Liability $149.00
Junior Med Seasonal $109.00
Junior Med Annual $159.00
Senior Med Seasonal $129.00
Senior Med Annual $200.00
The 2025 Mid-Year Coaches & Managers Meeting Minutes are below. Read up on the information shared to include the 2025 tournament locations, rule changes and other remarks from the committee. We have added a new tab called Meeting Minutes and this will be your place to see the committees minutes from past meetings.
The 2025 Umpire Registration is now open. Select the Umpire Registration Tab on our homepage and you will see the 2025 Umpire Presentation and Registration Link Invite. Follow the instructions and contact my office with any questions.
New for this season: NALB has set up a communications page for anyone to register their contact information and be included in all baseball emails for the upcoming season.
The Department Athletic Committee recommends that all Nebraska American Legion Baseball teams follow all local, State and Federal health guidelines.
Participation in the American Legion, Department of Nebraska baseball (NALB) is completely voluntary. Any participant, umpire, player, coach, volunteer, organizer, parents and fans is not required or solicited. If at any time, you feel that participating in NALB makes you uncomfortable, you should just not participate, at any level.
Reminder for NE Legion teams: ONLY the training provided by the PYS company will be accepted. Previously we accepted the training provided by USA Baseball. NALB will no longer utilize that training – When a team administrator registers a team and inputs the coaches, those coaches will receive an email indicating they have been listed and are required to take a background check and the SAM training. That email comes from the National system and still includes the option of USA Baseball training and the option of PYS. Disregard the USA Baseball. A Coach does not need to provide a PYS certificate to the office as that information is linked to their name in the background check system on PYS. When a person applies for a background check, they should receive an email providing a link to take the SAM training on the PYS system. That link is only good for 14 days. After 14 days, you must contact me so I can have it resent.
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Program Administrator
Phone: 402-464-6338