SPORTS

The new rules redefine what constitutes a legal slide while trying to break up a double play and change the pace-of-game. In the past, runners were given wide bases coming into 2nd base as long as they were close enough to touch the bag. The new rule consist of making a direct with the ground before reaching the base. For example, being able to and attempting to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to and attempting to remain on the base at the completion of the slide. Violators will be called out for interference, and the batter-runner will also be called out. This issue made its front running during the 2015 post season. Another change is that visits to the mound by managers and coaches will be limited. Previously managers and coaches had no time limit. The new rule features 30 seconds visits between inning break times. The timer will be set at 30 seconds and will begin counting down when the manager or coach has exited the dugout and the timeout for a mound visit has been granted by the Umpire. This rule change for the pace-of-game helped reduce the average game time by 6 minutes, 7 seconds per nine-inning game. The New Rules relates by being introduced to something to better the sport as a whole and trying to keep the negative or harmful aspects out of it.