SEC announces 3 new ‘clocks,’ 10-run rule for baseball
The SEC has added several new rules for the 2023 season, all designed to help speed up games.
Three different “clocks” have been put in place, in addition to a “mercy rule” and an adjusted weather policy. The changes apply only to conference games and the SEC tournament.
The 20-second pitch clock instituted in 2020 remains in place. Here’s a breakdown of the new rules:
• Between Batters Clock: A 30-second timer will start at the conclusion of a play. The batter must be in the box and ready at the 10-second mark of the clock, and the pitcher must begin his motion before 30 seconds expires.
• Mound Visit Clock: A 30-second time will start when a coach exits the dugout or a defensive player leaves his position to visit the pitcher’s mound. Unless a pitching change is made, the coach must leave the mound before the timer expires. Exceptions will be made in case of injury.
• Pitching Change Clock: A 2-minute, 30-second timer will star when a new pitcher is entering the game, either at the beginning of an inning or during an inning. The timer will begin when the pitcher crosses the warning track or leaves the bullpen area.
• Ten-Run Rule: A conference game shall be stopped after seven innings if one team is ahead by at least 10 runs. The rule can be used in non-conference games with the consent of the non-SEC team’s coach.
• Revised Weather Policy: The curfew for the final game of a conference series on Sunday may be waived if the visiting team does not have classes on Monday. If the curfew is waived, no game may start after 10 p.m. or resume after midnight local time.