2007 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES POINTS OF EMPHASIS

2007 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES

INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (2-36; ,3; 8-4-3b; a) 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”

INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (2-36; ,3; 8-4-3b; a) 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

INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (2-36; ,3; 8-4-3b; a) 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

INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES (2-36; ,3; 8-4-3b; a) Other definitions revised: –Obstruction (2-36) –Making a play (2-47-2) Obstruction rule modified (8-4-3b) Interference rule modified (8-6-10a)

INTENTIONALLY REMOVING LINES PENALTY EXPANDED ( 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

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

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

2007 NFHS SOFTBALL EDITORIAL CHANGES

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

“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

“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)

MALICIOUS CONTACT PENALTY CLARIFIED (3-6-18) Malicious contact typically only thought of as committed by a runner –Immediate dead ball, offender is out and ejected

MALICIOUS CONTACT PENALTY CLARIFIED (3-6-18) Penalty now includes enforcement when infraction is by a fielder –Offender ejected at end of playing action

BATTING INFRACTIONS/ BATTER IS OUT (7-3; 7-4) Sections reorganized Articles relating to batter being “out” moved from section on Batting Infractions to Batter is Out

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

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

2007 NFHS SOFTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS

BATTER DELAYS Pace of a game enhanced when 20- second rule enforced (7-3-1) Batter must be ready to step into batter’s box and take turn at bat Pitcher disconcerted with excessive waiting or prolonged signaling from coach

BATTER DELAYS Batter has 20 seconds to take her place in batter’s box Coaches must be concise in signaling from coaching box Penalty for noncompliance is strike being called on batter

BATTER DELAYS Once in the batter’s box: Batter may request “time”, but only granted for valid reason Putting hand up toward umpire does not guarantee time will be granted Requesting time to perform rituals should not be permitted

BATTER DELAYS Once in batter’s box, pitcher entitled to deliver pitch If batter’s hand is up BUT has not been granted time – umpire directs pitcher to “play ball” Stepping in and out of box when pitcher is ready – subject to strike-call penalty (3-6- 9)

OBSTRUCTION Obstruction, especially at first base still concerns committee Umpires ignoring and/or not properly signaling Belief that signal is not necessary if base runner already obtained base she would have reached had there been no obstruction

OBSTRUCTION Not a wasted signal Communicates to defense that they have committed an infraction Important to communicate information so defense doesn’t commit same infraction – when penalty could be more costly Make the call!

DEFLECTED/MISPLAYED BATTED BALL Rules change permits defensive players opportunity to complete an initial play – even if not in immediate control of batted ball By permitting fielder a “step and reach” – protected from obstruction call

DEFLECTED/MISPLAYED BATTED BALL Advancing runner contacts defender during initial play, “step and reach” area = interference Deflected/misplayed ground ball beyond “step and reach” of fielder, no longer protected = obstruction possible

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

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

EQUIPMENT INSPECTION If more than one game played in a day and teams/equipment leave dugout –Umpires check equipment again prior to start of next game Ensures no equipment has been damaged and no unauthorized or illegal equipment has entered game

2007 NFHS SOFTBALL QUESTIONS?