2014 SCISA Softball State Rules Presentation Coaches shall: 1. Review this rules presentation by February 3rd. 2. Complete and return softball rules questionnaire by February 7th.

SCISA Softball Important Dates On-Line - completed by February 3rd State Rules Clinic January 20 Schedules Due Monday, January 27 First Practice Date Monday, February 24 First Playing Date * May play 1 preseason game / tourney Monday & Tuesday, March 17th & 18th Student Government Spring Convention no Game on the 17th / after 4:00 on the 18th Tuesday, May 6 Last Playing Date (tie-breaker/non-region) Season Reports Due / All-Region Teams due Fri. & Sat., May 9, 10 State Tournament Mon. – Wed., May 12-14 Best of Three Championship Series Saturday, May 17 North-South All-Star Games

Requirements for SCISA Softball Coaches The HEAD COACH must be CPR certified. All softball 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)

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!

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.  

Good Sporting Behavior Coaches and team members should respect their opponents and officials. Pursuit of an official to the locker room, car or parking lot is unacceptable. School administration is responsible for security of the officials. Post-game ejections do exist. Coaches or parents who pursue officials after a game should be reported to the state association office. This issue is becoming a common theme, which is quite disturbing and counter-productive to the purpose of education based athletics.

SCISA permits a post-game ejection!

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!

SCISA Academy “Blazers” 2014 Varsity Girls’ Softball Schedule Home Field Address: 134 SCISA Drive, Orangeburg, SC 29115 Tuesday, March 5 Home 5:00 Orangeburg Prep Friday, March 8 Away 6:00 * Holly Hill Academy Monday, March 18 4:00 Jefferson Davis (DH) Two 5-inning games Tuesday, April 2 5:30 Colleton Prep * Indicates Region Game SCISA Academy Blazers State Champions - 1989, 94, 2005 State Runners-up – 1984, 93, 99, 2009, 2011 Region Championships – 1975, 82, 89, 93, 94, 2005, 2010 Head Coach: Larry Watt (cell) 803-000-0001 Assistant Coach: Lyndi Bonnette (cell) 803-000-0002 School Number: 803-000-0000 Sample Schedule

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 $80 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 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 - Double First Base is legal

Note: Requirement for 2014-15 Beginning with the fall of 2014, all schools will have in place, an on-site lightning detection system or subscribe to lightning detection service.

NFHS Softball 2014 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

NFHS Softball 2014 Rules Changes

Taper (1-5-2C) The taper of the bat shall have a solid surface and shall have a conical shape. Its length and material may vary. The taper is the transition area which connects the narrower handle to the wider barrel portion of the bat. Previously the taper of the bat was defined as having a smooth, solid surface. The rules committee determined there were bats that met the specifications outlined whose tapers were not smooth. The inclusion of this term eliminated several bats that would have been otherwise legal. Previously the taper of the bat was defined as having a smooth, solid surface. The rules committee determined there were bats that met the specifications outlined whose tapers were not smooth. The inclusion of this term eliminated several bats that would have been otherwise legal.

Bat Taper 1-5-2c LEGAL ILLEGAL LEGAL The removal of the term smooth from the description of the taper allows the bat in the PlayPic A to be legal. The bat in PlayPic B is not legal because its taper is not a solid surface. PlayPic C meets the definition as well. LEGAL ILLEGAL LEGAL The removal of the term smooth from the description of the taper allows the bat in the PlayPic A to be legal. The bat in PlayPic B is not legal because its taper is not a solid surface. PlayPic C meets the definition as well.

Electronic Devices (1-8-6 New) The use of electronic devices by team personnel to transmit or record information pertaining to his/her player or team’s performance shall be permitted within the team’s dugout/bench area only. Information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game. The technology rule was changed to allow coaches to teach and coach players with the technology available. This rule change brings softball in-line with other sports that are allowing the use of technology during the contest in specific locations. This will be the first time outside information may be brought into the dugout for the coach to review and share with his/her players in the dugout during the game.

Electronic Devices 1-8-6, 3-6-11 Electronic devices may not be used on the field except for scoring material. The coach cannot video the contest or players from the coaches box as in PlayPic A. In PlayPic B the coach is legally using an electronic note pad to review a play A coach may not use an electronic device to review a play with an umpire as in PlayPic C ILLEGAL LEGAL ILLEGAL Electronic devices may not be used on the field except for scoring material. The coach cannot video the contest or players from the coaches box as in PlayPic A. In PlayPic B the coach is legally using an electronic note pad to review a play A coach may not use an electronic device to review a play with an umpire as in PlayPic C

Team Members (2-58 New) TEAM MEMBERS - Defined Team members are players listed on the team’s roster and lineup as submitted to the umpire at the pregame meeting. A definition of Team Members was added for clarification for enforcing rule coverage in the areas of lineups, equipment, uniforms and field access. All team members must be submitted on a lineup card to the plate umpire at the pregame meeting. If a team member arrives after the start of the game or a coach left a member off the lineup by mistake, a name may be added but is subject to rule 3-1-3. Rule 3-1-3 applies a penalty to the coach for the addition of a player to the roster or a change in player/substitute name or number. The umpire will issue a team warning to the head coach of the team involved. Subsequent changes will result in the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench area for the remainder of the game.

Team Members 2-58 All team members must be submitted on a lineup card to the plate umpire at the pregame meeting. If a team member arrives after the start of the game or a coach left a member off the lineup by mistake, a name may be added but is subject to rule 3-1-3. Rule 3-1-3 applies a penalty to the coach for the addition of a player to the roster or a change in player/substitute name or number. The umpire will issue a team warning to the head coach of the team involved. Subsequent changes will result in the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench area for the remainder of the game. Team members must be submitted to the plate umpire at the pregame meeting.

Team Personnel (2-59 New) TEAM PERSONNEL - Defined Team personnel consist of all school representatives located in the team dugout, including but not limited to coaches, managers, certified athletic trainers and scorekeepers. A definition of team personnel was added to distinguish those individuals who have an official role on the school’s softball team. Only team personnel should be in the dugout/bench area.

Team Personnel 2-59 LEGAL ILLEGAL PlayPic A shows team personnel carrying out their responsibilities. PlayPic B shows a non-adult with no school connection to the team in the dugout/bench area, which is not permitted. This person would need to be removed from the dugout/bench area. LEGAL ILLEGAL PlayPic A shows team personnel carrying out their responsibilities. PlayPic B shows a non-adult with no school connection to the team in the dugout/bench area, which is not permitted. This person would need to be removed from the dugout/bench area.

Electronic Devices (3-6-11 New) The use of electronic devices for coaching purposes is permitted during a game; however any information obtained shall not be used to review decisions made by the umpires. The umpire should not be burdened with the task of answering questions based on a video. The umpire has one opportunity to see a play, make a judgment on that play and make a call. Second guessing decisions is not the correct usage of video equipment. This information is implied in this rule. The umpire should not be burdened with the task of answering questions based on a video. The umpire has one opportunity to see a play, make a judgment on that play and make a call. Second guessing decisions is not the correct usage of video equipment. This information is implied in this rule.

Electronic Devices 1-8-6, 3-6-11 PlayPic A shows coach filming plays while in live ball territory which is not permitted. PlayPic B shows a coach legally filming from the dugout/bench area. A coach may not review a play with an umpire via electronic equipment as in PlayPic C. ILLEGAL LEGAL ILLEGAL

NFHS Softball 2014 Major Editorial Changes

Knob (1-5-2A) Knob. The knob may be molded, lathed, welded or permanently fastened. Devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the knob to become flush with the handle are permitted. The knob may be covered with grip tape. A one-piece rubber knob and bat grip combination is illegal. Choke-up devices are not permitted. The bat shall consist of the following components (see Figure 1-7): Bats being used in NFHS play must meet the 2004 bat performance standard, bear either the 2000 or 2004 certification mark and not be listed on the ASA Non-Approved bat list as found on www.asasoftball.com (rule 1-5). This would include a flared or a cone shape handle bat. Devices may be added to a bat to make it a cone-shaped handle, but must be securely attached. However, a choke-up device may not be used.

Bat Knob 1-5-2a LEGAL ILLEGAL LEGAL PlayPic A shows a legal grip molded for the fingers. PlayPic B shows an illegal grip with a knob/handle grip combination. PlayPic C shows an axe handle grip which is legal. LEGAL ILLEGAL LEGAL PlayPic A shows a legal grip molded for the fingers. PlayPic B shows an illegal grip with a knob/handle grip combination. PlayPic C shows an axe handle grip which is legal.

Violation in Live-ball Area (1-6-3) A violation, while in live-ball area, shall result in a warning to the coach of the team and the individual. A subsequent violation may result in the individual and coach not being permitted on the field. The word “coach” was inadvertently left out of the wording in rule 1-6-3. The intent was always to confine the coach and individual who violated the batting helmet rule to the bench on a subsequent violation. The word “coach” was inadvertently left out of the wording in rule 1-6-3. The intent was always to confine the coach and individual who violated the batting helmet rule to the bench on a subsequent violation.

Bat-Ball Shaggers 1-6-3; 3-6-1 PlayPic A shows a non-adult violating rule 1-6-3. The non-adult bat/ball shagger is required to wear a batting helmet while in live-ball territory, even if the ball is dead. PlayPic B shows both the coach and individual who violated the rule being suspended to the dugout/bench area. A batting helmet is required for non-adult bat/ball shaggers. The individual and head coach are restricted to the bench after second violation. PlayPic A shows a non-adult violating rule 1-6-3. The non-adult bat/ball shagger is required to wear a batting helmet while in live-ball territory, even if the ball is dead. PlayPic B shows both the coach and individual who violated the rule being suspended to the dugout/bench area.

3-2-13 Note The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage. Each state has the authority to allow reasonable accommodations to the rules for a person with special needs and/or a disability. The state should be careful to consider the impact the accommodation may make on the game. Each state has the authority to allow reasonable accommodations to the rules for a person with special needs and/or a disability. The state should be careful to consider the impact the accommodation may make on the game.

Player Equipment 3-2-13 Note Accommodations to participants with disabilities and/or special needs should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage. States are encouraged to accommodate participants with disabilities and/or special needs. The accommodations should not put the other participants at risk. States are encouraged to accommodate participants with disabilities and/or special needs. The accommodations should not put the other participants at risk.

(7-3-1 Effects 1) Paragraph rearranged for clarity – 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. 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 10-second count will begin anew. 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. 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 10-second count will begin anew. 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.

Batting Infractions 7-3-1 ART. 1 . . . A batter shall not delay the game by failing to promptly take her position with both feet completely inside the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch, or by stepping out of the box when the pitcher is on the pitcher's plate. PENALTY: (Art. 1) If a pitcher has brought her hands together, 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 10 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike. If the pitcher releases the ball and the batter has one foot outside of the batter’s box, it is an automatic strike. ART. 1 . . . A batter shall not delay the game by failing to promptly take her position with both feet completely inside the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch, or by stepping out of the box when the pitcher is on the pitcher's plate. PENALTY: (Art. 1) If a pitcher has brought her hands together, 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 10 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike.

(7-3-2) A pitched ball that is entirely within the batter’s box strikes the batter or her clothing. No attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch is required. However, the batter may not obviously try to get hit by the pitch. Rule change in 2012, allows for a hit batter to be given first base. The batter must not attempt to get hit in this situation.

Hit By Pitch 7-3-2 The PlayPic shows the batter making no attempt to avoid the pitch which is permitted by a 2012 rule change. If the pitched ball is within the batter’s box, the batter does not have to avoid being hit.

(7-3-2 Penalty) If the batter made no attempt to avoid the pitch which is not entirely in the batter's box or she obviously tried to get hit by the pitch, the ball is dead. The pitch is a ball or strike depending on its location and the batter remains at bat unless it is strike three or ball four. A batter who attempts to get hit by a pitched ball remains at bat. The pitch is a ball or a strike depending on its location unless it is strike three or ball four.

Hit By Pitch 7-3-2 Penalty PlayPic A shows the batter in the batter’s box ready for the pitch. PlayPic B shows the batter stepping out of the batter’s box in an attempt to be hit by the ball. The umpire will declare the ball dead. The pitch is a ball or strike depending on its location and the batter remains at bat unless it is strike three or ball four. After the batter pulls the bat back (PlayPic A), she cannot obviously try to get hit by the pitch (PlayPic B).

Leaving the Base Early 8-6-17; 8-6-18 Penalty The ball is dead, “no pitch” is declared when applicable and the runner is out. The Penalty was in the book but was in the wrong place. The placement of the penalty has been corrected. Correction in the rules book on the placement of the Penalty. It was labeled wrong and placed incorrectly as well.

Leaving Early 8-6-17, 8-6-18 Pen. This is a correction to the book. The penalty was previously placed under the wrong articles. The penalty has been moved to Arts. 17, 18 for when a base runner fails to keep in contact with a base in slow pitch and fast pitch.

NFHS Softball 2014 Points of Emphasis

Flex/Designated Player Education The DP/Flex Rule was instituted to encourage further participation and flexibility of the game. The overall impact of this rule has been positive, however there still remains some confusion/challenges with the understanding of the rule. Support Information can be found at Officials – NFHS Central Hub www.arbitersports.com under Softball Resources and Video tab. Coaches – www.nfhs.org Coaches and umpires across the country have expressed confusion regarding the DP/FLEX (3-3-6). The NFHS Softball 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. Information about the DP/Flex can be found at www.nfhs.org for the coaches and at www.arbitersports.com for the officials. The information gives a clear description of what happens in the steps taken to use the DP/Flex. It should be studied intensely by coaches as well as officials.

DP/Flex Coaches and umpires should take the information shared at www.nfhs.org and on the NFHS Central Hub at Arbiter and study it carefully to get a full understanding of how the use of the DP/FLEX will assist the team and how it should be managed by the umpire. Resources are available in the NFHS rules book and on NFHS Arbiter Central Hub and NFHS website for an explanation of the option as well as strategies for using it.

Player Safety The NFHS Sports Medicine Committee has expressed concern with the number of injuries that are related to Sliding. Injuries to the knees and ankles, along with concussion, occur most often on the bases. The Softball Committee and Sports Medicine Committee are encouraging coaches to take additional time to teach proper sliding techniques to prevent collisions at each base, but especially home plate. On the defensive side of the ball, proper attention needs to be given to appropriate techniques for tagging the runner and defensive positioning on the base paths and home plate. Coaches are encouraged to teach the correct techniques for several skills that are used in softball - sliding to players to avoid injuries that occur because of collisions at the bases and at home plate - tagging runners - defensive positioning on the bases and home plate

Rule Reference and page number for Appendix B are revised. Player Safety 10-2-3k Immediately remove from the game any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion. Rule Reference and page number for Appendix B are revised. Immediately remove from the game any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion.

Player Safety PlayPic A shows a runner sliding into the base feet first with the buttock and one leg on the ground and is within reach of the base at the end of the slide. PlayPic B shows the first base person blocking the base. Coaches are encouraged to take extra time to teach players proper sliding techniques. Attention needs to be given to defensive positioning on the base paths.

Equipment Check/Bats The NFHS Softball Committee has determined that the head coach is the person most responsible for the safety and well-being of the players on his/her team. Although the committee has recommended that umpires continue to check equipment prior to each game, it is the head coach’s responsibility to ensure that his/her players are legally equipped. The coach is responsible for checking all equipment to determine if it meets the NFHS requirements for use. Any equipment not meeting this standard should be remove from use.

Equipment Check/Bats Coaches need to know the condition of each helmet and bat in the dugout; and remove those that do not meet the specifications outlined in the Softball Rules Book. The NFHS Softball Committee strongly recommends that state associations look at options available to them for testing bats. Helmets and bats that do not meet specifications should be remove from use.

Equipment Check/Bats Cracks and other flaws that make bats illegal cannot always be apparent on the umpire checks during pregame. The NCAA and ASA have offered to loan pressure testing machines to test bats during your state tournaments with the underlying theme of player safety. States are encouraged to pressure test bats at your state tournament venues and send the list of bats disallowed to NFHS. The local ASA group or local university with a bat pressure testing machines are willing to loan their machines for this purpose. It requires that bats are pressure tested before the contest and those bats that do not meet standards should be removed. The pressure testing machine may eliminate bats that may not be eliminated with the naked eye. Umpires should be vigilante in visually checking bats during the season for cracks, flats areas and other abnormalities.

Equipment Check The coach has an obligation to provide safe equipment for the players. It is his/her responsibility to check all the equipment before the umpire does so. The head coach is responsible for the safety and well-being of the players on his or her team, and is accountable for the condition of each helmet and bat in the dugout/bench area.

Electronic Devices The role of technology has expanded significantly in recent years and with it, coaches and players have sought a variety of ways to incorporate that technology into the game of Softball. The NFHS Softball Rules Committee respects and embraces the growth of the game through technology and as an instrument to teach the game. The rules committee wanted to stress to coaches and umpires its recognition of technology and how it has advanced. There are undoubtedly a number of electronic devices available to assist in teaching and coaching players. This situation will be monitored to determine if it becomes an interruption to the game.

Electronic Devices A new rule (1-8-6) allows for coaches to utilize technology to transmit or record information pertaining to his/her player or team’s performance within the team’s dugout only. Any information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game. .

Electronic Devices Note that this technology can be used only in the dugout or bench area. The electronic devices are not allowed on the field at any time due to safety considerations and game time restraints. The committee emphasizes there are limitations to the use of electronic devices. They cannot be used outside of the dugout/bench area for any reason.

Electronic Devices Further, Rule 3-6-11 prohibits the use of any information obtained through the use of electronic devices being used to review decisions made by the game’s umpires. Rule 3-6-10 allows for coaches to have stopwatches and scorekeeping material/devices in the coaching box. Electronic devices may not be used to question the call of the umpire.

Electronic Devices Information may be received and used in the dugout/bench area only. Information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during a game only in the dugout/bench area.

RESOURCES

NFHS Officials Association Central Hub www.nfhs.arbitersports.com Contains Sport information Rules information Rules library Searchable rules book and case book Video content on officiating sport, competition situations and interpretations This web site is dedicated entirely to members of the NFHS Officials Association. If your state is a 100% state or a Tier 2 state you, as an official, already have access to the “Home Plate” Central Hub. If your state is not a 100% state or a Tier 2 state, you may join as in individual. This site is committed to delivering the most current online resources available to assist the official in his/her season. “Home Plate” provides information about the sport, rules information, resources and will include video content relating to softball umpiring. A special rules library is available and provides a searchable rules database of NFHS softball rules and situation interpretations. For information to join the NFHS Officials Association log on to www.nfhs.org / Join or Renew / Officials.

Interscholastic Officiating www.nfhsofficials.com Introduction to skills and concepts used as an official Ideal for new officials or those in first few years of officiating 30-45 minutes to complete Topics include: basics of becoming and staying an official, science of officiating, art of officiating, how to combine these skills for successful officiating Course is FREE to any NFHS Officials Association member Non-members course is $20 Contact NFHS Officials Department for details (317.972.6900) The animated video on positioning for umpires are invaluable teaching tools.

Fundamentals of Coaching Softball www.nfhslearn.com Unit Titles 1.Basic Skills 2. Offensive Skills 3. Position Play 4. Team Defense 5. Developing a Practice Plan 6. Coaching Tips 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.

NFHSLearn.com Free Courses A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention A Guide to Sports Nutrition Coaching Unified Sports® Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Engaging Effectively with Parents NCAA Eligibility Coaching Education Pole Vault: Successful Skill Development Sportsmanship The Role of the Parent in Sports World Book: Learning Pro (4) Coaches and officials alike are encouraged to review the course offerings at NFHSLearn. There are a number of free courses that would be of interest to coaches, officials, parents, fans.

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