The term dugout came into play for baseball after World War I. The wartime dugouts held approximately the same number of men as a one used for baseball. The dugout now serves as command central for baseball managers, who motivate their teams and give commands that can look like an itchy eyebrow or hat adjustment. There are rules that govern these--some official and some not.
Catching
The Official Baseball Rules say a fielder or a catcher is allowed to step into the dugout with either or both feet to make a catch. But if that fielder falls into the dugout, the ball is considered dead and runners are allowed to advance one base. Major League Baseball has a different policy. Players are not allowed to have a foot or feet in the dugout when catching a ball. This policy was adopted to help prevent injury. Some individual leagues have adopted the "no catch" policy as well.
Parameters
Baseball rules call for off-field players to be in a dugout. The rules say the dugout needs should be not less than 25 feet from the baselines. It also must have a roof and be enclosed at the ends and the back. Only players, managers, bat boys, coaches and trainers are allowed in the dugout.
Behavior
Players and coaches who "misbehave" in the dugout are subject to penalties. Those in the dugout are not supposed to provoke spectators; use foul language against an umpire, a spectator or an opposing player; do something in attempt make the pitcher balk; or show "violent disapproval" of an umpire's decision. These are examples that of acting in an "unsportsmanlike manner." If an umpire cannot identify the offender in the dugout, he can send all substitute players to the clubhouse. A player can only come back when called into the game.
Unofficial Rules
Baseball dugouts are rife with unspoken and unofficial rules. These range from accepted topics of conversation to who sits where to whose gear is placed where. For example, players are never to talk to a pitcher who is in the middle of a no-hitter.
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