This provides clarification and elaboration of the rules for the Batter Up! game. These are written for the teacher and should be reviewed with the class prior to the videoconference.

1) The "Line Up/Roster" sheet should be completed in advance of the video conference, and batters step to the plate (attempt a question) in the order indicated. Any number of students may represent one batter - the number of lines provided is arbitrary. Pinch-hitters and substitutes are optional. For example, in a class of 22 students, seven batters may be represented by two students each, two batters by three students each, and the remaining two students may represent a pinch hitter. All students should have an opportunity to participate.

2) Teachers may opt to have the class play as one team or two. If one team is chosen, the class bats around to see how many runs they can score. If two teams are chosen, the class is divided in two and each team takes a turn at bat until all player/groups of players have batted or there are 3 outs. The object is for one team to score more runs than the other team.

3) The batter and all baserunners advance exactly the number of bases corresponding to the "hit" made by the batter. For example, if a batter singles with runners on second and third bases, the runner on third scores, the runner on second goes to third, and the batter goes to first base.

4) Pinch hitters may be inserted at any place in the batting order with or without advance notice. Their use is discouraged, though not prohibited, the first time through the batting order.

5) Batters are asked to respond to the question in a timely manner, which will vary with the nature and difficulty of the question. The Hall of Fame instructor may, after an appropriate wait, give the batter a 30-second warning, after which time an out will be called.

6) Only one answer per batter is allowed. It is left to the students and teacher to determine (in advance if possible) whose answer will be offered in the event of a disagreement among the students representing one batter.

7) It should be expected that questions will vary considerably in their difficulty, generally in accordance with their "hit" designation (e.g., "triples" should be more difficult than "singles" for most students).

8) When a batter is "stumped" by a question, he/she may try for a sacrifice instead. As in real baseball, there has to be at least one runner on base and less than two outs. After soliciting help from the class, the answer is offered. If correct, all runners advance (though an out is recorded). A sacrifice allows a batter to avoid an uncomfortable situation where an out is almost certain anyway, and turn it into something more positive for the team.

9) All questions are based on (or relate to) the content covered in the "Batter Up!" lesson material. The emphasis is on fractions and decimals (with percents and proportions). However, some items test prerequisite skills such as addition or subtraction.

10) Students are expected to be familiar with baseball terminology and protocol to the extent it is covered in the lesson material. For example, terms such as "hit" and "total bases" must be understood, and batting average and slugging percentage must be given as three-digit figures.

11) Most questions provide background information, which will typically set the stage for the question. However, the background information is NOT required to answer the accompanying question.

12) All situations not covered in the rules or these guidelines are left to the discretion of the Hall of Fame instructor.