ground rule
Fundamental operating standard
A ground rule is a basic principle governing how something operates.
In baseball, ground rules are specific regulations for a particular ballpark—how to handle balls hitting speakers or landing in unusual spots.
More broadly, ground rules are the agreed-upon terms for any activity or discussion: Let's establish some ground rules before we begin.
Twice the amount
- home runFull-circuit scoring hit
- foulOffensive or illegal
- fair ballIn-play batted ball
- bounceSpring back after impact
outfield · infield · umpire · stadium · ballpark · obstruction · interference · spectator
Recommended standard for action
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- normAccepted behavioral standard
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- stipulationCondition in an agreement
understanding · framework · boundary · condition · parameter · prerequisite · code of conduct · terms
double
Twice the amount
bounce · outfield · infield · umpire · stadium · ballpark · obstruction · interference · spectator · fan interference
guideline
Recommended standard for action
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- normAccepted behavioral standard
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
stipulation · understanding · framework · boundary · condition · parameter · prerequisite · code of conduct · terms · baseline
ground rulesuggestion
Idea proposed for consideration
recommendation · guideline · hint · preference · wish
ground ruleexception
Deviation from standard
special case · technicality · edge case · loophole · amendment
rule, ground, background, underground, playground, grounded, groundwork, grounding, groundbreaking