GHSA Sets Baseball Requirements for 2021
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the GHSA recently announced a series of rule modifications ahead of the 2021 baseball season.
Among the most notable changes made to the rules is the prohibition of sunflower seeds in the dugout and on the field. This, coupled with the prohibition of pitchers “licking fingers, touching any part of their hands to the mouth, or blowing into their hands prior to delivering a pitch” is an effort to limit the spread of fluids during games.
The official GHSA release noted that recent alterations to rules were “meant to decrease potential exposure to respiratory droplets” through various measures.
Other special considerations and rule modifications include: enforcement of social distancing in dugouts, mandatory sanitization of equipment, restriction of on-field celebration following home runs or runs scored, prohibition of sharing bottles or beverages and elimination of postgame handshakes.
The use of face masks or coverings are recommended by the GHSA, but will not be mandatory. Similarly, the GHSA recommends — but will not enforce — the usage of face shields on catching and batting helmets.
Diamond Canes Coach Brady McMichael said the rules and restrictions dictated as a result of COVID-19 should not be difficult to adjust to.
“Fortunately for us, the majority of our players have already been involved with a sport this school year so they are familiar with the new COVID-19 rules such as getting their temperatures checked before practice,” McMichael said. “That being said, baseball doesn’t require as much close contact as other sports such as football or wrestling.”
Perhaps the toughest COVID-19-related rule to adjust to will be not leaving the dugout to congratulate teammates.
“Our players are close and have been competing together since T-ball,” McMichael said. “That will make it hard to adjust to that rule.”
GHSA baseball teams were able to begin practice Monday of this week. Team are permitted to play regular season games starting Feb. 15.
“One rule that will be different is having to sanitize the baseball so much,” McMichael said. “We are definitely in new territory when it comes to the way baseball games will look from the stands with social distancing.
However, it will be pretty much the same game on the field. There will be some differences but the coaches and players have been looking forward to this season since last March when the GHSA closed everything down.”
The Canes are scheduled to open the season February 16 against Mount de Sales. They will then host Newton High on Feb. 17.
Piedmont Academy athletic director Mary Catherine Sikes and baseball coach Matt Britt said the GISA has not issued any restrictions for its upcoming season. The Diamond Cougars, who also had their 2020 season cut short due to COVID-19, will look to begin a new baseball campaign in a month.