1. Rules Changes, Clarifications POEs
2018 OHSAA Softball Season

2. 2018 NFHS Rules Change Equipment Inspection no longer required
Make inspection if asked by coach
Umpires still responsible for enforcing rules
Know rules and penalties – likely to come into play
Broken equipment – fix or remove – no penalty
Illegal equipment – removed (warning/ejection)
Illegal bat (non-approved or altered) –
Out, play nullified
Player and head coach ejected
2018 NFHS Rules Change

3. 2018 NFHS Rules Changes Intentional Walk – may be verbalized
Anytime during the At-Bat
Called by Coach, Pitcher or Catcher
Dead Ball called
Batter awarded 1B – other runners advanced if forced
Dead Ball – No Other Advancement Permitted
2018 NFHS Rules Changes

4. Pitching – Step Backwards permitted anytime before the start of the pitch
NFHS only rules that did not require non-pivot foot in contact with pitchers plate
Previously allowed backward step before hands brought together
Backward step can occur anytime before the hands are separated to start the pitch
2018 NFHS Rules Changes

5. 2018 NFHS Point of Emphasis Hit By Pitch Rule – 3 Categories
Pitch totally in the batters box
No attempt necessary
Pitch in area between batters box and strike zone
Attempt is necessary
Pitch is in the strike zone
Attempt is necessary; regardless, dead ball, strike
2018 NFHS Point of Emphasis

6. 2018 NFHS Point of Emphasis Keep Coaches Inside Dugout
Applies to all non-playing personnel
Watch throughout the game
Penalty
Warning
Bench restriction if persists
2018 NFHS Point of Emphasis

7. 2018 NFHS Point of Emphasis Courtesy Runner Used in Top of 1st Inning
If P or C is unable to play her position in the bottom of the 1st inning, Courtesy Runner becomes a charged sub for that player in the top of 1st.
Sub and re-entry rules now applied to these players
2018 NFHS Point of Emphasis

8. 2018 NFHS Clarifications Wrist Play Cards
Defined as equipment (not uniform)
Do not need to be same color for all teammates
Solid Color – any color but optic yellow
Inserted card not subject to rule
Must be worn on wrist (pitcher: non-throwing arm)
If judged to be distracting – ask pitcher to adjust
2018 NFHS Clarifications

9. Prohibition of Tobacco Products expanded to include e-cigarette products
Remember – this rule applies to umpires
Public laws prohibit smoking on school grounds
2018 NFHS Clarifications

10. 2018 NFHS Clarifications Conferences
Occur when time is granted for a coach to confer with batter or runners – offensive conference
Occur when time is granted for a coach to confer with a fielder or pitcher - defensive conference
No conference is charged with play is suspended unless it prolongs the suspension
No conference is charged for pitching change
Limits
Offense – 1 per half inning
Defense – 3 per 7 inning game (1 each extra inning)
Must be recorded by umpire
2018 NFHS Clarifications

11. 2018 NFHS Clarifications Use of arm sleeves – 2017 POE
Defined sleeves as part of the uniform
Subject to restrictions for exposed undergarments
Solid color – white, black, gray or school color
No cammo
Same color for all players
2018 NFHS Clarifications

12. 2018 OHSAA Rules Changes Uniforms and Inclement Weather
2017 – did not adopt the NFHS exception allowing for sweatshirts or jackets to be worn in inclement weather
2018 – jackets, sweatshirts, other inclement weather clothing allowed to be worn over uniform.
Inclement weather clothing is not subject to uniform rules
No requirement for uniform color
No requirement for jersey number to be displayed
2018 OHSAA Rules Changes

13. 2018 OHSAA Rules Changes Jewelry Prohibition
Daith Ear Piercing allowed for medical reasons
Not considered jewelry
Must carry a waiver form from OHSAA
2018 OHSAA Rules Changes

14. 2018 OHSAA POE Use of Noisemakers Prohibited
Bans pounding of equipment to make noise
Bans noise-making gadgets from being used in the dugout
2018 OHSAA POE

15. 2018 OHSAA POE Safety Base Required – 2017 State Rule
If not used, must be reported to the state (play the game)
Safety base rules applications
Applies when there is a play/potential play on batter-runner
Fielder=white base; BR=orange base – errant throw, throw from foul
Penalty - Obstruction or Interference
All other situations, two bases are considered one base
2018 OHSAA POE

16. 2018 OHSAA POE The Game is over Trailing team bats in the 7th inning
Trailing team is down by 10 or more runs and bats in the 5th inning (or any inning thereafter)
Trailing team bats in the 5th or any inning thereafter and the game is halted by peril (weather, darkness)
The Home team takes the lead in the 7th inning (or any thereafter)
The coaches mutually agree to end the game
2018 OHSAA POE

17. 2018 OHSAA POE The Game is a Suspended Game
If halted before the completion of 5 innings (4½ Home ahead)
If halted with the score tied after the 5th inning
After 5 innings, if halted after the Visiting team has tied the game or taken the lead but before the Home team has completed its bat
We never take runs off the board or revert to previous inning
We never re-start a game
Suspended games must be completed – there are no ties
2018 OHSAA POE

18. 2018 OHSAA POE Forfeits and Protests
A game not started is No Contest – never a forfeit
Once started, a game may be forfeited if one of the teams cannot legally continue to play or refuses to play
Team cannot field 8 players
Umpire decisions on the field at final—there are no protests
Umpires’ responsibility – take your time, consult rule books, get it right
2018 OHSAA POE