1. USSSA 2015 R ULE B OOK Changes in Thirteenth Edition Playing Rules 2015 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 1

2. O VERALL Rule books to be printed on a two year cycle. References to “he” and “his” were replaced to make rule book non gender specific. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 2

3. R ULE C HANGE 2.1 B ATTING HELMET Batting helmet deliberately removed Penalty for subsequent violations coach ejected; player restricted Clarify penalties for coach and player. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 3

4. R ULE C HANGE 2.5 C OACHES W RISTBANDS Player Equipment Coaches Wristbands (Play Indicator) are Legal Explicitly states that wristbands to decode signals, such as the type quarterbacks wear, are legal 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 4

5. R ULE CHANGE 5.5.A-N OTE COURTESY RUNNER ADD If a courtesy runner is used in the first half inning for the starting pitcher or catcher who does not pitch or catch to start the first inning then the player who was a courtesy runner is considered a substitute. Clarify effect if courtesy runner used for player who never pitches or catches. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 5

6. R ULE CHANGE 5.5.A-N OTE COURTESY RUNNER PLAY On the home team line up card Piper is listed in the 2 nd batting position as the Pitcher. Cory Ray is listed as an available substitute In the top of the first inning, Piper gets on base and Cory Ray comes in as a courtesy runner. In the bottom of the first half inning, Piper does NOT pitch or catch. EFFECT Cory Ray is considered a substitute not a courtesy runner. She may reenter but only in the 2 nd batting position. She may NOT be used as a courtesy runner. Piper left the game when Cory Ray replaced her on base. Piper reentered when she took a defensive position. She may NOT reenter again. Piper may NOT pitch (5.5.A). 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 6

7. R ULE C HANGE 6-1-I TACKY OR STICKY SUBSTANCES ADD No tacky or sticky substances can be used as a substitute for a powdered drying agent. Disallow substances that may deface the ball. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 7

8. R ULE C HANGE 11.2.Z RULE BOOK A coach, player, substitute, attendant or other bench personnel shall not bring the rule book (hard copy or electronically) onto the playing field while the game is in progress to discuss/dispute the umpire(s) ruling and/or decision. Penalty: The offender is ejected Explicitly state accepted ruling 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 8

9. R ULE C HANGE 12.2 YOUTH PLAYER EJECTED ADD Any youth player who is restricted or ejected shall remain in the dugout/bench area. Ensure that all youth players are properly supervised at all times. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 9

10. E DITORIAL C HANGE 2.8.C DUPLICATE NUMBERS ADD 0 and 00, 1 and 01 are examples of different numbers. Clarifies that “00” and “0”, etc are not considered duplicate numbers. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 10

11. E DITORIAL C HANGE 2.6 P ROHIBITED E QUIPMENT ADD Any equipment deemed distracting or dangerous by the Tournament Director or Umpire shall be prohibited. Explicit statement of current interpretation. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 11

12. E DITORIAL C HANGE 3 BATTER TIME AT BAT ADD The batter has completed their time at bat when they become a batter-runner or put out. Define completed time at bat. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 12

13. E DITORIAL C HANGE 6.1.L WARM - UP PITCHES ADD A pitcher returning to pitch in the same half- inning shall not be allowed warm-up pitches. Explicit statement of current interpretation. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 13

14. E DITORIAL C HANGE 8.13 OBSTRUCTED RUNNER When a runner is obstructed Section REWRITTEN for clarity. Section was rearranged and rewritten to make current rule and interpretation more understandable. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 14

15. E DITORIAL C HANGE 8.13 OBSTRUCTED RUNNER When a runner is obstructed …, it shall be a delayed dead-ball. EFFECT : If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base that would have been reached had there not been obstruction, a dead ball is declared the Umpire shall award the obstructed runner, and each other runner affected by the obstruction, the bases they would have reached, in the Umpire’s judgment, had there been no obstruction. A. If the obstructed runner advances beyond the base the runner would have reached, in the Umpire’s judgment, the delayed dead ball is terminated and the runner advances with liability to be put out. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 15

16. E DITORIAL C HANGE 8.18.J APPEAL PLAY Runner out if left too soon on a caught fly ball or missed base ADD if properly appealed. Rule was missing the statement that defense had to appeal for the runner to be out. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 16

17. E DITORIAL C HANGE 8.18.N NOTE2: RUNNER HIT When a runner is hit with a fair batted ball after it is touched or has passed an infielder, except the pitcher, and the Umpire judges that another infielder had no opportunity to make a play, the runner is not out and the ball remains live. Explicit statement of current interpretation. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 17

18. E DITORIAL C HANGE 1 4.12.R DELAYED DECISION ADD “delayed or” to reversed Rectify any situation in which an Umpire’s decision that was delayed or reversed has placed either team in jeopardy. Explicit statement of current interpretation. 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 18

19. USSSA 2015 R ULE B OOK Changes in Thirteenth Edition Playing Rules 2015 2015 USSSA Fastpitch Rule Changes 19