NCAA Baseball, Track and Field Rule Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (August 9, 2024) – Expanding the use of one-way communication devices in baseball, beginning with the 2025 season, was approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel. Under the new rule, a player on the field or coaches in the third base or first base boxes can initiate one-way communication to relay signals to offensive or defensive players.

Previously, the use of an exclusively one-way electronic communication device from the dugout to the field for the purpose of relaying the pitch or play call was allowed. 

While one-way communication devices will be allowed, any other electronic devices (such as tablets) being used during a game will result in the individual violator of the rule and the head coach being ejected from the game. The individual violator also will also receive a one-game suspension. Umpires will not issue a warning in this scenario.

Other baseball rule changes include:

• A double first base will be an optional rule for all games, including NCAA championship competition.
• In Division I, bat testing will be conducted before each day of competition.
• The bat stickers being used that day for games will have to be placed on the lineup cards given to the home plate umpire. 
• Visual action clocks will be an optional rule in Division III. 

Track and Field

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved new rules on the shoes competitors can wear in men’s and women’s track and field. The shoe rule brings the NCAA in line with World Athletics rules regarding the shoes that can be worn in cross country and indoor and outdoor track competition. That allows student-athlete performances to be accepted for eligibility in world competitions.

Other track and field rule changes include:

• Pacing light technology will be allowed at nonchampionship competitions.
• As of Dec. 1, 2026, equipment used for timing, weighing and measuring implements must be certified annually.