Williamsburg’s Aaron Hatter, left, beats out a throw to first base during a National Division game April 9, 2025, against Bethel-Tate at Williamsburg High School. The National Federation of State High School Associations announced rules changes, including a double first base beginning in 2027.
New rules have been introduced to reduce injury risks in high school baseball, updating this ever-evolving sport.
On July 8, the National Federation of State High School Associations, which establishes the rules of competition for most high school sports and activities in the United States, announced that high school baseball games will be required to use a double first base, beginning in 2027.
It’s similar to softball, which has used the double first base since its introduction as an Olympic sport in 1996.
This rule revision was one of 10 proposed by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee during its annual meeting last month, and the NFHS Board of Directors accepted the changes. A comprehensive list of baseball rules changes is available at nfhs.org.
The double first base must be white and a contrasting solid color. The white portion is situated in fair territory, while the colored half is located in foul territory, divided by the first base foul line. There should be no space between the two sides of the double base.
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