NFHS coaching appeals

Question
I am a volunteer assistant for a JV high school team (NFHS rules)and will be coaching 1st base on occasion.  The head JV coach does not seem to know the rule book very well and does not seem to want to put in the effort.  My question is WHEN AM I able to make appeals?  Not so much by rule; I understand the difference between judgement calls, appeals, and protests.  I'm assuming I can when I'm coaching 1st base. But if I am not a base coach, can I be the coach to call time and make an appeal if I am just a coach in the dugout (offensively and defensively)?

Answer
Hi Don,

It sure helps me to know that you are asking a NFHS question; thank you.

From an umpire's point of view, the term "appeal" has a very specific meaning.  There are four appeal plays and they are initiated by the defense only for violations committed by the offense.  I don't think you are exclusively asking when you are permitted to initiate an appeal.  I think you are asking when you are permitted to confer with an umpire, for whatever reason, including but not limited to initiating an appeal.

Offense: You may confer with an umpire while coaching 1B.  You already correctly assumed this.  The 1B Coach often has a question for the umpires about a pulled foot by F3, or a "phantom" swipe tag of the batter-runner by F3.  Etc.

Offense: You may come out of the dugout to confer with an umpire.  This is totally routine.  The Dugout-Only Assistant Coach might want to ask the plate umpire why their batter wasn't awarded 1B after being hit by a pitch, or to make a lineup change and replace the batter with a substitute/re-entering starter.  Etc.  Just remember that if you do come out of the dugout, you need to be properly attired, Rule 3-5-3.

Defense: You may come out of the dugout to confer with an umpire.  This is totally routine.  The Dugout-Only Assistant Coach might want to ask the umpire why he awarded three bases instead of one base on a "catch and carry," or why the other team's on-deck batters are allowed to swing in his team's on-deck circle.  Etc.  Just remember that if you do come out of the dugout, you need to be properly attired, Rule 3-5-3.

In the Rules Book the only time the Head Coach is differentiated from other Coaches is in regard to the pregame conference.  The Head Coach must attend the pregame conference.  As an Assistant Coach, whether on the field as a 1B Coach or coming from the dugout, you are permitted to confer with the umpire, as long as you are properly attired.

Scott Kelly