2016 SCISA Softball State Rules Presentation Coaches shall: 1. Review this rules presentation by February 10. 2. Complete and return baseball rules questionnaire by February 17th.

Requirements for SCISA Softball Coaches The HEAD COACH must be CPR certified. All baseball coaches must have successfully completed an on-line Concussion Course. Your AD will keep documentation verifying that all coaches are in compliance. (NFHS website or CDC) 3. NFHS Online Course: Sportsmanship - Required of all coaches 4. NFHS Online Course: Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment - Required of all coaches

2016 SCISA Point of Emphasis Umpire “Halo” New for 2016: SCISA is establishing a “halo” around all softball umpires. This “halo” is an area of approximately two feet around an umpire. If a coach in arguing a call, breeches the “halo”, the coach will at least be automatically restricted to the dugout.

Equipment Adoption Beginning this season, 2016, SCISA will permit softball players to wear metal cleats. High school softball players are  permitted to wear metal cleats and metal toe plates

Designated Representatives SCISA Requirement: Designated Representatives It is responsibility of each school’s administration to be an active agent at every athletic event enforcing the SCISA Code of Conduct. In the absence of the Head of School or Athletic Director, each school is Required to provide a Designated Representative at all athletic events, both home and away. The Designated Representative will represent the school’s administration and will assist with the enforcement of the Code of Conduct.  

SCISA adopted Speed-up Rules: Courtesy Runner. May be used, not required. For pitcher and/or catcher May use same runner but not in same half inning Intentional walks will be issued upon request. The 15 run rule after 3 innings and the Ten (10) Run Rule in 5 innings are in effect in all SCISA Games.

What you permit, you promote! Sportsmanship Pre-Season Parents Meeting Code of Conduct review with players / coaches Designated Representatives Sportsmanship message before game Coach – Umpire Conference What you permit, you promote!

SCISA permits a post-game ejection!

Umpires SCISA umpires must be used for all home games. District Directors: - Teddy Weeks – Midlands - Upstate - Phillip Poston – Pee Dee - Poncho Myers - Low Country - Booking Fee of $75 Mark-offs: Must be filed in writing with SCISA Up to 3 Umpires State-wide No more than 2 from one district

Fields – Now is the time to be inspecting/repairing fields and facilities Safe? Playing field – rocks, holes, ant mounds Fencing - Bleachers - Signage Examples of appropriate types of warning signage are presented bin the next slide.

Double First Base is legal Fields Fields Properly Marked: Batter’s boxes, coach’s boxes, 3 ft. runner’s lane, – dead-ball areas On Deck Circle - Double First Base is legal

Non-Appeal Play On failing to proper tag-up or a runner missing a base, SCISA umpires will declare the runners out once the ball is declared dead.

SCISA Policies Assistant Coaches Rule prohibits any member of the coaching staff who is not the head coach from leaving the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire. Penalty: both the head coach & the offending coach is restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.

JV / Varsity Participation A Team and a Player has a 26 game limit for the season. A player cannot participate in a JV and varsity game in the same day. All eligibility rules must be followed.

Schedules Basic Information: Schedules Mailed To: Opponents Media School Date – Home/Away Time Opponent Field Location Level of Competition One Game/DH/JV – Var. DH School Phone # and Coach’s cell number Schedules Mailed To: Opponents Media District Director SCISA Factor in class trips, school functions and prom NOW!

Coaches in Dugouts While on Defense The rules & SCISA Policies prohibit the practice of coaches sitting in front of his/her dugout or creating a dead ball area in front of his/her dugout for purpose of calling pitches.

Double First Base is legal Fields Properly Marked: Batter’s boxes, coach’s boxes, 16 ft. circle, 3 ft. runner’s lane, Pitching mound distance (43 feet) – dead-ball areas On Deck Circle - softball Double First Base is legal SCISA Requires An On-Site Lightning Detection Device Or Service.

NFHS Softball 2016 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis Other Softball Issues

PARTICIPATION Softball is the fifth-most popular sport for girls at the high school level. 364,103 Participants in 15,115 schools during the 2014-15 season. Softball is the fifth-most popular sport for girls at the high school level. 364,103 Participants in 15,115 schools during the 2014-15 season.

Participation Data

2016 NFHS Softball Information

2016 NFHS Softball Rules and Case Book as E-Books Electronic Versions of the NFHS Softball Rules and Case Book are now available for purchase as e-books. Apple users can visit iTunes for available books. Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy e-books from Amazon.com and view them through the Kindle app. Price: $5.99 each Visit www.nfhs.org/ebooks for more information. Electronic Versions of the NFHS Softball Rules and Case Book are now available for purchase as e-books. Apps are no longer produced. Apple users can visit iTunes for available books. Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy e-books from Amazon.com and view them through the Kindle app. Price: $5.99 each Visit www.nfhs.org/ebooks for more information.

Coaching Softball Fundamentals of Coaching Softball provides information to a coach or prospective coach on teaching the fundamentals of the game. It is highly recommended that coaches and assistant coaches take this course.

Free Courses on NFHSLearn.com Heat Illness Prevention Concussion in Sports Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Coaching Pole Vault NCAA Eligibility Engaging Effectively with Parents Positive Sport Parenting Sports Nutrition Coaching Unified Sports Sportsmanship Sudden Cardiac Arrest Take one! Why not? They’re free! All are available at www.nfhslearn.com! Coaches, officials, parents and the community are encouraged to take advantage of the free courses.

NFHS Softball 2016 Rules Changes

Projected Substitute (2-57-4) New A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the lineup. A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the lineup.

SUBSTITUTIONS RULE 2-57-4 New A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the line-up. A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the line-up.

SUBSTITUTIONS RULE 2-57-4 New Jackson is batting for Abel; when we go on defense, Abel will re-enter. – PROJECTED SUBSTITUTE (Illegal) Umpire: “I can take Jackson for Abel now, but you will have to re-enter Abel when she goes back into the game.” Substitutions: Rule 2-57-4 new Jackson is batting for Abel; when we go on defense, Abel will re-enter. – PROJECTED SUBSTITUTE (Illegal) Umpire: “I can take Jackson for Abel now, but you will have to re-enter Abel when she goes back into the game.”

SUBSTITUTIONS RULE 2-57-4 New Team is coming to bat in the bottom of the 7th inning. Coach wants to put in Jackson, Knutson, Larson. This is not a projected substitute, just multiple substitutes. Substitutions: Rule 2-57-4 New Team is coming to bat in the bottom of the 7th inning. Coach wants to put in Jackson, Knutson, Larson. This is not a projected substitute, just multiple substitutes.

NFHS Softball 2016 Major Editorial Changes

One American Flag (3-2-4) One American flag (2 inch x 3 inch maximum) may be worn or occupy space on the jersey. By state association adoption, for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on the jersey. One American flag (2 inch x 3 inch maximum) may be worn or occupy space on the jersey. By state association adoption, for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on the jersey.

A flag can be placed on a jersey without state association approval. EQUIPMENT RULE 3-2-4 A flag can be placed on a jersey without state association approval. A flag can be placed on a jersey without state association approval.

EQUIPMENT RULE 3-2-4 A commemorative patch may be placed on a jersey with state association approval. A number should not be used in the memorial patch. A commemorative patch may be placed on a jersey with state association approval. A number should not be used in the memorial patch.

NFHS Softball 2016 Points of Emphasis

STRIKE ZONE (FP) The NFHS Softball Rules Committee believes that improvements have been made in helping umpires identify the strike zone for each hitter. Additional work on this issue is needed to make the game fair for all hitters. There is no such thing as a common strike zone for all hitters. STRIKE ZONE (FP) The NFHS Softball Rules Committee believes that improvements have been made in helping umpires identify the strike zone for each hitter. Additional work on this issue is needed to make the game fair for all hitters. There is no such thing as a common strike zone for all hitters.

STRIKE ZONE (FP) The strike zone for fast-pitch is the space over any part of home plate which is between the batter's forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance. Any part of the ball passing through the strike zone in flight over the plate shall be considered a strike. The umpire shall determine each batter's strike zone according to the batter's usual stance. STRIKE ZONE (FP) The strike zone for fast-pitch is the space over any part of home plate which is between the batter's forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance. Any part of the ball passing through the strike zone in flight over the plate shall be considered a strike. The umpire shall determine each batter's strike zone according to the batter's usual stance.

STRIKE ZONE (FP) The NHFS Softball Rules Committee reinforced its support of the Rule and encourages umpires to call the strike zone according to the Rule. STRIKE ZONE (FP) The NHFS Softball Rules Committee reinforced its support of the Rule and encourages umpires to call the strike zone according to the Rule.

STRIKE ZONE STRIKE ZONE (FP) Enforce the strike zone from the top of the knees and especially the high end of the zone at the batter’s forward armpit. Enforce the strike zone from the top of the knees and especially the high end of the zone at the batter’s forward armpit.

DP/FLEX EDUCATION (3-3-6) Coaches and umpires across the country have expressed confusion regarding the DP/FLEX (3-3-6). The NFHS Softball Rules Committee reinforced its support of the rule and encourages coaches and umpires alike to utilize the resources available that thoroughly explain the rule and even provide some strategies for using the rule. DP/FLEX EDUCATION Coaches and umpires across the country have expressed confusion regarding the DP/FLEX (3-3-6). The NFHS Softball Rules Committee reinforced its support of the rule and encourages coaches and umpires alike to utilize the resources available that thoroughly explain the rule and even provide some strategies for using the rule.

DP/FLEX EDUCATION (3-3-6) The DP/FLEX rule was originally adopted because it provides more participation opportunities for student-athletes and more flexibility to coaches. DP/FLEX EDUCATION The DP/FLEX rule was originally adopted because it provides more participation opportunities for student-athletes and more flexibility to coaches.

DP/FLEX DP/FLEX Coaches and umpires need to continue to utilize the resources available that thoroughly explain rule 3-3-6, including strategies for using the option. Coaches and umpires need to continue to utilize the resources available that thoroughly explain rule 3-3-6, including strategies for using the option.

PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1 The NFHS Softball Rules Committee believes the pitching rule in fast pitch is in place to allow pitchers with varying degrees of pitching skills to pitch with success. The present rule allows for coaches and pitchers to determine the pitching stance to use based on the pitching strength of the pitcher. PITCHING (FP) The NFHS Softball Rules Committee believes the pitching rule in fast pitch is in place to allow pitchers with varying degrees of pitching skills to pitch with success. The present rule allows for coaches and pitchers to determine the pitching stance to use based on the pitching strength of the pitcher.

PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1 STANCE Pitchers must take (or simulate taking) signals from the catcher with their hands separated. The pivot foot must be on or partially on the pitcher’s plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate. STANCE Pitchers must take (or simulate taking) signals from the catcher with their hands separated. The pivot foot must be on or partially on the pitcher’s plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate.

PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1 STANCE The pitcher must bring the hands together in front of the body (one time only) for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. STANCE The pitcher must bring the hands together in front of the body (one time only) for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball.

PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1 24-INCH PLATE VIOLATION Both feet must start within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitching plate. As the pitcher winds up and delivers the pitch, the stride foot and the pivot foot must remain in or partially within the pitching plate. 24-INCH PLATE VIOLATION Both feet must start within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitching plate. As the pitcher winds up and delivers the pitch, the stride foot and the pivot foot must remain in or partially within the pitching plate.

PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1 24-INCH PLATE VIOLATION Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the plate umpire. Failure to call this infraction gives the pitcher an added advantage not intended by the rule as it allows her to put more movement on the ball. 24-INCH PLATE VIOLATION Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the plate umpire. Failure to call this infraction gives the pitcher an added advantage not intended by the rule as it allows her to put more movement on the ball.

PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1 24-INCH PLATE VIOLATION The NFHS Softball Rule Committee reinforces its support of the rule and encourages coaches and pitchers to take advantage of the appropriate stance based on skill level. 24-INCH PLATE VIOLATION The NFHS Softball Rule Committee reinforces its support of the rule and encourages coaches and pitchers to take advantage of the appropriate stance based on skill level.

PITCHING RULE 6-1-1 Pitching Rule: 6-1-1 Pitchers are encouraged to choose the starting stance for pitching that supports their skill level. A strong and advanced pitcher may choose to start with the non-pivot foot in contact with the pitching plate while a novice or not so strong pitcher may choose to start with the non-pivot foot behind the pitching plate. Both choices would require the pivot foot to be on or partially on the top of the pitching plate. Pitchers are encouraged to choose the starting stance for pitching that supports their skill level. A strong and advanced pitcher may choose to start with the non-pivot foot in contact with the pitching plate while a novice or not so strong pitcher may choose to start with the non-pivot foot behind the pitching plate. Both choices would require the pivot foot to be on or partially on the top of the pitching plate.

OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS

Malicious Contact 2-35; 8-6-14 Malicious contact is defined as an act that involves excessive force with an opponent. A runner is out when she remains on her feet and maliciously crashes into a defensive player. Malicious contact supersedes obstruction. Malicious Contact: 2-35; 8-6-14 Malicious contact is defined as an act that involves excessive force with an opponent. A runner is out when she remains on her feet and maliciously crashes into a defensive player. Malicious contact supersedes obstruction.

MALICIOUS CONTACT RULE 2-35; 8-6-14 When malicious contact is initiated by a runner, the runner is out and all other runners must return to the last base touched at the time of interference. The runner is also ejected. When malicious contact is initiated by a runner, the runner is out and all other runners must return to the last base touched at the time of interference. The runner is also ejected.

Appeals 1-1-3 Methods by which an Appeal can be made: Live – An Appeal may be made during a live ball by any fielder in possession of the ball touching the base missed or left too soon on a caught fly ball, or by tagging the runner committing the violation if she is still on the playing field (even if she is standing on another base). Appeals: 1-1-3 Methods by which an Appeal can be made: Live – An Appeal may be made during a live ball by any fielder in possession of the ball touching the base missed or left too soon on a caught fly ball, or by tagging the runner committing the violation if she is still on the playing field (even if she is standing on another base).

Batting Out of Order 2-7-2; 7-1-2 Batting out of order is failing to bat in proper sequence as listed on the official lineup card. After the first inning, the first batter in each inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last batter who completed her time at bat in the preceding inning. Batting Out of Order: 2-72; 7-1-2 Batting out of order is failing to bat in proper sequence as listed on the official lineup card. After the first inning, the first batter in each inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last batter who completed her time at bat in the preceding inning.

Batting Out of Order Penalty: A shall be called out on appeal when she fails to bat in her proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in her place. Batting Out of Order Penalty: A shall be called out on appeal when she fails to bat in her proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in her place.

BATTING OUT-OF-ORDER RULE 2-7-2; 7-1-2 Batting out of order is failing to bat in proper sequence as listed on the official lineup card. Batting out of order is failing to bat in proper sequence as listed on the official lineup card.

Obstruction 2-36 Obstruction is the act of the defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball or is making the initial play on a batted ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal. Obstruction Obstruction is the act of the defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball or is making the initial play on a batted ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal.

OBSTRUCTION RULE 2-36 Obstruction A defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with the pitched ball has committed an act of obstruction. A defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with the pitched ball has committed an act of obstruction.

Interference 2-32; 8-2-7,8 Interference is an act (physical or verbal) by a member of the team at bat who illegally impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder; or when a runner creates malicious contact with any fielder with or without the ball, in or out of the baseline. Other types of interference involve equipment, umpire and spectator. Interference: 2-32; 8-2-7,8 Interference is an act (physical or verbal) by a member of the team at bat who illegally impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder; or when a runner creates malicious contact with any fielder with or without the ball, in or out of the baseline. Other types of interference involve equipment, umpire and spectator.

Interference Penalty: The batter-runner shall be called out when: The batter-runner interferes with a fielder attempting to make an initial play, interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the ball, intentionally interferes with a thrown ball when out at the batter’s box, makes contact with a fair batted ball before reaching first base, or interferes with a dropped third strike. If this interference, in umpire’s judgment, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home: Interference: 8-2-7, 8 Penalty: The batter-runner shall be called out when: The batter-runner interferes with a fielder attempting to make an initial play, interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the ball, intentionally interferes with a thrown ball when out at the batter’s box, makes contact with a fair batted ball before reaching first base, or interferes with a dropped third strike. If this interference, in umpire’s judgment is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home

Interference Shall be called out. A batter-runner being hit with a thrown ball does not necessarily constitute interference. The batter-runner interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate. Interference Penalty: continued Shall be called out. A batter-runner being hit with a thrown ball does not necessarily constitute interference. The batter-runner interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate.

INTERFERENCE RULE 2-32; 8-2-7,8 Interference is when the offense illegally impedes, hinders or confuses a fielder. This can be physical or verbal and can involve an umpire, spectator or equipment. Interference is when the offense illegally impedes, hinders or confuses a fielder. This can be physical or verbal and can involve an umpire, spectator or equipment.

THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON!