Korean pro baseball league KBO makes changes in line with WBSC International/Olympic rules

The Rules Committee of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) decided on 19 February a number of rule changes in order to comply with the WBSC international rules, which will be the regulations applied by the WBSC at this summer's Tokyo Olympic Games, where the Korean National Baseball Team will look to defend their 2008 gold medal.

The biggest change will be about the wind-up motion of the pitcher. According to the new rule, the pitcher won't need to place his back foot entirely on the pitching rubber. He will be allowed to touch only with a part of the foot.

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A ball will be ruled a foul-tip even if it hits the catcher's hand or mitt before hitting the ground.

Necklaces or bracelets worn by players will not be considered parts of the player's body.

If the third out is called due to a runner's defensive interference, the batter will have completed his at-bat.

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In the case of collisions at home plate, the rules that protect the catcher will protect any other fielder covering home.

Pitchers won't be allowed to wear undersleeves in colours such as grey or white, that may interfere with the batter's view.

The new rules will be in effect with the 2021 season. The regular season is set to open on 3 April and will have a three-week break during the Tokyo Olympics.