1. 2007 GHSA
Softball Rules Clinic

2. GHSA
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOLS
The Host School must have a “Game Manager” on site at all GHSA contests
The “Game Manager” must identify themselves to the contest officials/umpires
The “Game Manager” is responsible to assist in spectator control
The “Game Manager” cannot be a member of the specific sport’s coaching staff

4. PAYMENT OF CONTEST OFFICIALS
Payment of game fees must be paid within thirty (30) days of the end of the regular season. Failure to do so will result in a 10% late fee being charged.
Game fees are to be charged as they are listed in the GHSA White Book, and cannot be be reduced or increased by schools and/or officiating associations.

5. PAYMENT OF CONTEST OFFICIALS
The “transfer of cash” for the payment of game fees, in any manner, is NOT permitted at GHSA games/contests.
By arrangement, schools can be invoiced for payment of game fees by the game, week, month, or at the end of the regular season.
Large school systems are to be invoiced through the system’s central billing office.

6. Contests using one(1) official - $15.00
OFFICIALS – During the regular season schools will pay the following travel fee:
Contests using one(1) official - $15.00
Sports using two (2) officials - $20.00 per crew/per competition day
Sports using three (3) officials - $25.00 per crew/per competition day
NOTE: Crews assigned to work more than one (1) game per day will only be paid one (1) travel fee. Example: “double headers”
The respective association will distribute the travel fees in accordance to their policies.
Please thoroughly review the notes section of the presentation. Many slides have case plays, actual rules book language and teaching tips included to assist in presenting the material.

7. Out of Season Coaching GHSA By-Law 2.69(c)
End of season to the end of school year:
1. Only one (1) coach and no more than two (2) athletes, at any given time, in “skill building activity” only! (Not in competition or team practices)
2. Teams CANNOT participate in camps, clinics, etc.

8. Out of Season Coaching GHSA By-Law 2.69(c)
End of school year to 1st official practice date:
1. No restrictions on number of athletes or nature of the activity. (competition, practices, etc.)
2. MUST be voluntary
3. CANNOT be deemed a “tryout”
4. CANNOT cut athletes based on participation
NOTE: The 2.69 By-law restrictions apply to ALL coaches; (full-time, part-time, community)

9. Conditioning Week Dead Week
Effective Immediately; The one week period prior to the start of official practice, previously called the “conditioning week”, has been eliminated in ALL sports.
Dead Week
2007: June 30 – July 7
NO activities of any kind during this week. (games, camps, practice, weight training, etc.)

10. Heat/Hydration Policy
Every school must have a policy that is signed by the “Head Coach” of the respective sport and distributed to every athlete.
The policy must have guidelines for modifying or canceling practices.
A scientifically-approved heat index instrument must be on site at every practice

11. Physical Exams
Pre-participation physical exams may be administered by an MD, Osteopath, Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner.
Still must be signed by an MD or Osteopath only.
Heal history questionnaire must be reviewed.

12. Eligibility Issues
Eighth grade students who are retained for academic reasons are not eligible to play on sub-varsity high school teams
There is no longer any appeal process for students who are affected by the “Age Rule”

13. Eligibility Issues
Requests to investigate transfer rule violations must provide valid evidence of a violation and must be filed with the GHSA Office (20) calendar days before the end of the regular season.
Requests filed after the required date will NOT be resolved until after the playoffs.

14. WEATHER ISSUES
Until the time that playing rules give jurisdiction to the umpires, the host management determines if game can be played.
Games that are interrupted for a cumulative period of 60 minutes shall be terminated.
This time frame does NOT include time needed to get the field ready for play.
Umpires may terminate the game after 30 minutes if it is apparent that field is in unplayable condition

15. LIGHTNING DETECTOR
Part of required game equipment at all outdoor GHSA contests
Operated by Game Manager
When alerted, Game Manager notifies head official
Officials may stop game before being notified by Game Manager
Play will be resumed 30 minutes after last episode of lightning detected.

16. POSSIBLE RESULTS OF TERMINATED GAMES
NO CONTEST
COMPLETE GAME
SUSPENDED GAME

17. “NO CONTEST”
If game is terminated before the team that is behind has completed 5 turns at bat
Not legal game, so no winner can be determined
Any replay of the game will begin from the first pitch
In baseball, the pitchers’ innings count

18. “COMPLETE GAME”
If game is terminated and the team that is behind has had at least five full turns at bat
And if the score is computed at the end of the last full inning (unless home team gained lead in the last half-inning)
A winner can be determined and the game is over

19. “SUSPENDED GAME”
If the visiting team has had at least five full turns at bat
And the score is tied after the last full inning of play
Or if the home team tied up the game in the half-inning in which game is terminated
Game will be replayed from the point of interruption

20. GHSA BY-LAW 2.93 Contains specifics about weather delays
Including the payment of officials
If the first game of a doubleheader is terminated, so is the second game

21. Slow Pitch Softball No longer a “State Championship” sport
* Has dropped to (14) competing schools
* Have been aligned in (2) seven team areas
* May have an end of season “GHSA Invitational Tournament” to be played in the metro Atlanta Area.

22. Pre-Season Scrimmage One (1) pre-season scrimmage now allowed
1. Can be played any time after the 1st official day of practice and the beginning of the regular season.
2. Opposing varsity teams only who have not played their 1st regular season game.
3. Must use registered GHSA umpires

23. 2007 Sectional Sites October 19 & 20
A-South Southern Pines, Dublin
A-North Alto Park, Rome
AA-South Paulson Complex, Savannah
AA-North Alto Park, Rome
AAA-South Southern Pines, Dublin
AAA-North Lanier Pointe, Gainesville
AAAA-South Lovejoy Regional, Hampton
AAAA-North Twin Creeks, Woodstock
AAAAA-South Lovejoy Regional, Hampton
AAAAA-North Central Park, Cumming

24. Official’s Pass
Individuals who are members of the GAOA (Georgia Athletic Officials Association) will be issued an ID card that can be used as a pass at all GHSA sanctioned events.
The ID card can only be used by the bearer of the card (name on the card) and will require a photo ID for proof of identity.
Individuals guilty of abuse of the ID card will face penalties by the GHSA Office and GAOA.
For GAOA membership information contact Alan Smith at or go to the website at gaathleticofficials.org
Please thoroughly review the notes section of the presentation. Many slides have case plays, actual rules book language and teaching tips included to assist in presenting the material.

25. Miscellaneous Passes for Community Coaches
- Each school must submit a list of coaches to the GHSA Office
- No coaching, or passes issued, until the courses are completed
When competing out-of-state:
Play according to the game rules of that state
Must follow GHSA policy concerning ejections, playing times, etc.

26. 2007 NFHS SOFTBALL
RULES CHANGES

27. INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)
Clearly defines responsibility for contact when fielder does not initially control a batted ball
Creates balance between offense and defense
Puts contact into category of obstruction or interference, not “just a CRASH”
Case Book Plays:
SITUATION A: With R1 on 2nd, B2 hits a ground ball to F6. The ball deflects off of F6's arm and lands (a) one step in front or to the side of her; (b) one step behind her; (c) more than one step behind her; or (d) more than one step in front of her. In all situations, as F6 attempts to make a play on the ball, R1 makes contact with F6, preventing her from making the play. RULING: In (a) and (b), R1 one is out for interfering with the initial play on a batted ball. The ball is dead and R1 is out. In (c) and (d), since F6 is not within a "step and a reach" of the ball, R1 is not guilty of interference. If F6 does not have possession of the ball when contact occurs, she is guilty of obstruction. If F6 has gained possession of the ball when contact occurs, it is simply a collision. (2-36; ; 8-4-3b; a)
SITUATION B: With R1 on second, B2's batted ball is deflected by (a) F1; or (b) F5. In both cases the ball goes directly to F6 who attempts to make a play on the ball. R1 makes contact with F6 preventing her from making the play. RULING: In (a), R1 is out for interfering with F6 since the ball was deflected by the pitcher. F6 is still considered to be making the initial play on the batted ball. In (b), since the ball has been touched by a fielder other than the pitcher, R1 has not interfered with F6. If F6 is not in possession of the ball, she has committed obstruction. (2-36; ; 8-4-3b; a)

28. INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)
Fielder must have opportunity to make an initial play
After an initial play attempt on a fair ground ball, fielder no longer protected
After attempting an initial play – fielder not permitted to obstruct advancement of runner

29. INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)
Initial Play –
Reasonable chance to catch or gain control of a ground ball that no other fielder (except the pitcher) has touched, OR
Reasonable chance to catch the ball in flight after it touches another fielder, OR
Fails to gain control of the batted ground ball and is within a step and a reach (in any direction) of the spot of the initial play
2-47-3: Initial Play. A fielder is considered to be making an initial play on a fair batted ball when she has a reasonable chance to catch or gain control of a ground ball that no other fielder (except the pitcher) has touched or a reasonable chance to catch the ball in flight after it touches another fielder. The fielder is still considered to be making an initial play if she fails to gain control of the batted ground ball and is within a step and a reach (in any direction) of the spot of the initial play.

32. INTENTIONALLY REMOVING LINES PENALTY EXPANDED (3-6-17 PENALTY)
Penalty expanded to include restricting any subsequent offender, not just head coach
Second and all subsequent offenses:
Strike/ball on batter
Offender and head coach restricted to dugout
Change makes penalty consistent with others of a similar nature
3-6-17: Team personnel shall not intentionally remove any lines of the batter’s box or on the field of play.
PENALTY: (Art. 17) A strike shall be called on the batter if a member of the offense intentionally removes the line and a ball awarded to the batter if a member of the defense intentionally erases a line. A team warning shall be issued, with the next offense resulting in a strike/ball, the offender and the head coach being restricted to the dugout.
Case Book Play:
SITUATION: In (a), B1, before or during her turn at bat, intentionally covers up or removes a line(s) of the batter's box. In (b), F2 intentionally covers up or removes a line of the catcher's box. RULING: In (a), a strike is called on the batter and a team warning issued to the offensive team. In (b), a ball is called on the batter and a team warning issued to the defensive team. In both (a) and (b), a subsequent violation by any member of that same team shall result in the offender and the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game.

34. DOUBLE FIRST BASE RULES EXPANDED (8-10)
More states using double first base units
Base running section expanded for clarity and understanding:
When the BR must use
Penalties for noncompliance
When the runner/fielder has choice between the two bases
SECTION 10 DOUBLE FIRST BASE (STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION)
ART The defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion when a play is being made on the batter-runner.
PENALTIES:
1. The batter-runner is out when there is a play being made at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion provided the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to touch the white or colored base.
2. The batter-runner is out for interference when there is a force play and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while on the white. See Rule Penalty.
3. Obstruction is called on the defense when there is a force play on the batter-runner, who touches only the colored portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball, while also on the colored portion. See 8-4-3b Penalty.
ART The defense and the batter-runner may use either the white or colored portion:
a. On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base.
b. On an errant throw pulling the defense off the base into foul ground.
ART The batter-runner or runner may touch the white or colored base:
a. When advancing or returning on balls hit to the outfield with no play being attempted.
b. When tagging up on a fly ball.
c. (F.P.) When returning on an attempted pick-off play.

38. DOUBLE FIRST BASE RULES EXPANDED (1-2-1 NOTE)
Specifications for the double first base unit also revised:
A one- or two-piece unit permitted
Portion in foul territory required to be a color other than white
1-2-1 NOTE: By state association adoption, a double first base is permitted. The base shall be a one- or two-piece unit, 15 inches by 30 inches. The base in foul territory shall be a color other than white. (8-10)
Case Book Plays:
SITUATION: During a game, in which the double first base is being used, B1 hits a ground ball to F5. In advancing to first base, B1 touches (a) the white portion of the base or (b) the colored portion of the base, and collides with F3 who is about to catch a thrown ball and is touching the white portion of the base. RULING: In (a), interference is ruled and B1 is out. In (b), obstruction is ruled and B1 is awarded first base. During playing action in which the batter-runner is part of a force play at first base, she is required to use the colored portion of the base.
SITUATION A: During a game, in which the double first base is being used, R1 is on first and B2 hits a fly ball that is caught by F9. While attempting to advance toward second base, R1 realizes the ball is caught and returns to first to legally tag up. F9 throws to first in an attempt to retire R1, but the throw is wide and goes to foul territory. F3 retrieves the ball in foul territory and tags the colored portion of the bag before the runner gets back to the white portion of the bag. RULING: R1 is out. The offensive and defensive players may use either the white or colored portion of the double first base in all situations that are not force plays on the batter-runner at first base. (8-10-2a)
SITUATION B: During a game, in which the double first base is being used, F3 touches a batted ball in fair territory and misplays the ball into foul ground. F3 retrieves the ball and touches the colored part of first base before the B1 reaches. RULING: B1 is out. The initial fielding attempt resulted in the ball being misplayed and going into foul territory. In any force-out attempt from the foul side of first, the defensive player may use either the white or colored portion of the double first base. (8-10-2a)

40. 2007 NFHS SOFTBALL
EDITORIAL CHANGES

41. CATCH DEFINITION CLARIFIED (2-9-5f)
Change was made to clarify:
Trap = Ball touching ground, fielder NOT in control
Catch = Ball touching ground, fielder IN control
Rule 2-9-5f: A catch shall not be credited if:
f. The fielder traps the ball. A batted fly ball or line drive is considered trapped if it hits the ground or a fence on a short hop before being caught. A thrown ball is considered trapped if it is on the ground and the glove/mitt or hand is over it, and the player does not have control. A pitched ball is considered trapped if it is a strike but touches the ground on a short hop before being caught by the catcher.

43. “CONFINES OF THE FIELD” DEFINED (2-15)
Used to determine when umpire jurisdiction begins (10-1-2)
Upon arrival within “confines of the field”
Term was not previously defined
Important in determining responsibilities of umpiring crew
2-15: CONFINES OF THE FIELD
The confines of the field includes the field of play, the designated dugout/bench area, and any enclosed or clearly marked area designated as a warm-up area that is adjacent to the field and within the view of the umpire(s).
10-1-2: Umpire jurisdiction begins upon the arrival of one umpire within the confines of the field and ends when the umpires leave the field of play at the conclusion of the game.

44. “CONFINES OF THE FIELD” DEFINED (2-15)
“Confines of the field” includes:
Field of play
Designated dugout/bench areas
Any enclosed or clearly marked warm-up areas adjacent to the field and in view of the umpire(s)
2-15: CONFINES OF THE FIELD
The confines of the field includes the field of play, the designated dugout/bench area, and any enclosed or clearly marked area designated as a warm-up area that is adjacent to the field and within the view of the umpire(s).
10-1-2: Umpire jurisdiction begins upon the arrival of one umpire within the confines of the field and ends when the umpires leave the field of play at the conclusion of the game.

45. Illustration does NOT include any enclosed or clearly marked warm-up areas adjacent to the field and in view of the umpire(s).

46. MALICIOUS CONTACT PENALTY CLARIFIED (3-6-18)
Malicious contact typically only thought of as committed by a runner
Penalty now includes enforcement when infraction is by a fielder
Immediate dead ball, offender is out and ejected
3-6-18: Initiating malicious contact is prohibited.
PENALTY: (Arts. 18, 19) Considered serious offenses, the offender shall be ejected. (Art. 18) If by the offense, the play is dead immediately, the offender is declared out unless she has already been put out or scored and all runners return to the last base touched at the time of the malicious contact (8-6-14). If by the defense, the offender is ejected at the end of playing action.

48. RUNNING LANE CLARIFIED (8-2-5)
Language added for clarification
Consistent with other rules regarding being “in” or “out” of a space
Runner is outside running lane when:
Either foot is completely outside the lane and in contact with the ground
8-2-5: She runs outside the three-foot (0.91m) lane and, in the judgment of the umpire, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base (there must be a throw); however, the batter-runner may run outside the three-foot (0.91m) lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. A runner is considered outside the running lane if either foot is completely outside the lane and in contact with the ground.

51. INTENTIONAL INTERFERENCE (8-6-10d)
Clarifies that any intentional interference will result in an out
Previous rule only addressed interfering with a thrown ball
New language includes intentionally interfering with a fielder in any way
8-6-10: The runner interferes:
a. with a fielder attempting to make the initial play on a fair batted ball.
b. with a fielder attempting to field a fly ball over foul territory.
c. with a fielder attempting to throw the ball.
d. intentionally with a fielder or thrown ball.

53. 2007 NFHS SOFTBALL
POINTS OF EMPHASIS

54. BATTER DELAYS
Pace of a game enhanced when 20-second rule enforced (7-3-1). The batter has 20 seconds to take her place in the batter’s box.
Batter must be ready to step into batter’s box and take turn at bat.
Coaches must be concise in giving signals.
The penalty for noncompliance is a “strike” being called on the batter.
7-3-1: A batter shall not delay the game by failing to promptly take her position in the batter's box within 20 seconds, or by stepping out of the box when the pitcher is on the pitcher's plate.
PENALTY: (Art. 1) If a pitcher is committed to delivering the pitch, the batter leaves the box at the risk of having a strike called while being out of position. For failure of the batter to be ready within 20 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike. If it is the third strike, the umpire shall call time and declare the batter out.
EFFECTS:
1. After entering the batter's box, the batter leaves it at the risk of being charged with delay. The batter may request time-out if she desires to step out for a valid reason and, if granted, the 20-second count will begin anew when the ball is declared live. The umpire is authorized to refuse to grant time-out if the batter repeatedly causes delay or if her leaving the batter's box appears to be an attempt to worry the pitcher or to gain some other advantage.
2. If the pitcher stops or hesitates in her delivery as a result of the batter stepping out of the box or holding up her hand to request time, it shall not be an illegal pitch. However, if the batter steps out of the box or holds up her hand to request time and the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike and the ball remains live. If a pitch is not delivered, a rule has been violated by both the batter and the pitcher. The umpire shall call time, declare "no-pitch" and begin play anew. If the umpire judges the batter's action to be a deliberate attempt to create an illegal pitch, the umpire will penalize according to

56. BATTER DELAYS Once in the batter’s box:
Batter may request “time”, but only granted for valid reason
The pitcher is entitled to deliver the pitch
Putting hand up toward umpire does not guarantee time will be granted. If the batter’s hand is up, but time has not been granted, the umpire directs the pitcher to deliver the pitch.
Stepping in and out of the box when the pitcher is ready is subject to a “strike” being called (Rule: 3-6-9)
Requesting time to perform rituals should not be permitted

59. TEAM HUDDLES (Reminder)
Teams are NOT allowed to huddle in front of or outside dugouts after the end of a half inning.
Rationale:
minimizes risks to participants
keeps pace of game moving
*One (1) minute between innings
*Twenty (20) seconds to pitch
PENALTY: Coach restricted to the dugout if he/she ignores the umpires warning.

60. OBSTRUCTION Obstruction requires a “clear” defensive infraction
Required condition for obstruction:
*A defensive player cannot block the runner’s access to a base/base path without possession of the ball
*The runner must be hindered or impeded
Note: If the defensive player is blocking the base without the ball and the runner has not yet been impeded, there is NO obstruction
3-6-6: A coach, player, substitute or other bench personnel shall not be outside the designated dugout/bench or bullpen areas unless they are a batter, runner, on-deck batter, in the coaches box or one of the nine players on defense.
6-2-5: At the beginning of each half-inning or when a pitcher relieves another, no more than one minute may be used to deliver no more than five balls to the catcher or other teammate. The one-minute time limit begins from the third out of the previous half-inning.
6-2-3: Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch.

61. OBSTRUCTION
Obstruction, especially at first base still concerns committee
Umpires ignoring and/or not properly signaling. It is NOT a wasted signal.
Belief that signal is not necessary if base runner already obtained base she would have reached had there been no obstruction.
It is important to communicate the infraction so teams do not continue to commit the same infraction.
Use the signal and make the call!

63. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION
Head coaches required to attend pregame meeting with umpires.
Must verify players legally equipped and players/equipment in compliance with NFHS rules
Umpires must still conduct pregame inspection of team’s equipment 15 minutes prior to the start of the game.
If teams play more than one game in the same day and the equipment leaves the dugout, the umpires must check the equipment again prior to the start of the next game.

64. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION Inspection includes:
bats, batting helmets and catcher’s gear
Teams should have all equipment displayed and available for inspection 15 minutes prior to start of game
When teams play more than one game in the same day, and leave the dugout with their equipment, umpires must check their equipment again prior to the start of their next game.

65. 2007 GHSA SOFTBALL
QUESTIONS?