Depending on the age and skill level of the players involved, baseball may require modified rules to ensure competitive balance. For instance, since young catchers have difficulty throwing accurately to second base, youth leagues often impose base-running restrictions to prevent stolen bases. Otherwise, speedy base runners could steal on every pitch and force the catcher and infielders into unnecessary errors. One such adjusted rules system is known as tight bases.
Leading Off
Under normal base-running rules, which are sometimes referred to as loose bases, runners will lead off or leave the base early, giving them an advantage in making it to the next base. The runner will typically take a small initial lead and then increase it depending on the pitcher's vigilance. If the runner gets a large enough lead, he may even decide to run during the pitcher's windup, stealing the base without the aid of a hit.
When playing under tight bases rules, runners must stay tight to the base and are prohibited from leading off. This means they must remain in contact with the base and may not take either a first or secondary lead.
Stealing
Tight bases guidelines state the base runner must not leave the base until the pitched ball crosses home plate. As soon as the pitch crosses the plate, the runner may break to attempt a stolen base. Tight bases rules do not necessarily prohibit stolen bases; they merely level the playing field and give the catcher a better chance to defend against aggressive runners. There's no longer an advantage given to the runner. While daring runners may still attempt to steal bases, they now do so at a greater risk.
However, some leagues using tight bases do outlaw stolen bases, as well. In these leagues, the tight bases restrictions merely serve to keep normal base running in check and provide the fielders with a little more time to make plays.
Penalties
According to tight bases rules, if runners leave the base early during an attempted steal, the umpire will order him back to his original base. However, if the runner leaves the base early and the batter hits a fair ball or draws a walk, the umpire will call the runner out. It's the umpire's only recourse, since leaving the base early could be the difference between a run and an out. Of course, the exact penalty may vary from league to league.
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