Under NFHS rules, an intentional base on balls can be awarded under which circumstances?

• A. The coach of the defensive team can alert the plate umpire.
• B. All of the above.
• C. The awarding of first base can occur prior to pitching to the batter or on any ball and strike count.
• D. The catcher of the defensive team can alert the plate umpire.

Answer: (B)

In NFHS baseball, an intentional base on balls is something the defense can request by signaling to the plate umpire. Both the catcher and the defensive coach are allowed to alert the plate umpire that an intentional walk should be awarded. The umpire then grants first base to the batter, without the pitcher delivering a pitch.

The timing is flexible: this award can be made before the pitcher throws to the batter or at any point during the at-bat, regardless of the current count. When awarded, the batter goes to first base, and any runners on base advance if they are forced by the batter taking first.

All of these ways—signal from catcher, signal from a coach, and timing before pitching or at any count—are valid under NFHS rules, so the correct choice reflects that all are possible.