In
baseball,
ground rules are special rules particular to each
baseball park (grounds) in which the game is played. Unlike the well-defined playing field of most other sports, the playing area of a
baseball field extends to an outfield fence in fair territory and the stadium seating in foul territory. The unique design of each ballpark, including fences,
dugouts,
bullpens, railings, stadium domes, photographer's wells and TV camera booths, requires that rules be defined to handle situations in which these objects may interact or interfere with the ball in play or with the players.