Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2015 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

PARTICIPATION  Softball is the fifth-most popular sport for girls at the high school level.  362,488 Participants in 15,067 schools during the season.

High School Participation Numbers | 3 | Year Girls__ , , , , , ,846

Softball Participation Numbers | 4 | Year Girls , , , , , ,293

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations 2015 NFHS Softball Information

NFHS Softtball 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 for more information.

Interscholastic Officiating  Introduction to skills and concepts used as an official  Ideal for new officials or those in first few years of officiating  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 ( )

Coaching Softball

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

NFHS Officials Association Central Hub Contains  Sport information  Rules information  Rules library  Searchable rules book and case book  Video content on officiating sport, competition situations and interpretations

Accommodating a Competitor with a Disability Rule NOTE Request for Accommodation by School State Association Review Approval from State Association Competition with Approval of Accommodation

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2015 Rules Changes

Batting Helmet (1-6-1) The batting helmet shall have a non-glare (not mirror-like) surface.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Batting Helmet Rule A glare or mirror-like surface on the batting helmet is illegal due to its distracting nature which may be dangerous to other players. LEGALILLEGAL

Catcher’s Helmet (1-7-1) The catcher’s helmet shall have a non-glare (not mirror-like) surface.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Catcher’s Helmet Rule Like the batting helmets, a glare or mirror-like surface is illegal and can be dangerous to other players. LEGALILLEGAL

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2015 Major Editorial Changes

Exterior Warning Label (1-6-1) The exterior warning label may be affixed…or embossed (at the time of manufacture).

NOCSAE Standard (1-6-6) The phrase, “Meets NOCSAE Standard at the time of manufacture”…

NOCSAE Standard Con’t. (1-7-1) The catcher shall wear a catcher’s helmet…that meets the NOCSAE standard at the time of manufacture.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Equipment Rule 1-6-1, 1-6-6, Phrase revised “Meets NOCSAE standard at time of manufacture.”

Dead-ball Situation (5-1-4) After a dead-ball situation, the ball becomes live when the umpire calls and/or signals "Play Ball."

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Dead Ball/Live Ball Rule “Gives a beckoning hand signal” removed from rule to reflect current practice of pointing to pitcher and calling, “Play Ball.” Also clarifies Rule as to whether ball is live or dead should runner(s) leave their bases when pitcher is inside the pitching circle with possession of the ball.

BATTING ORDER (7-1-1&2 Pen 2) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the next pitch (legal or illegal), or prior to an intentional base on balls (S.P.), or before all infielders have left fair territory and the catcher vacates her normal fielding position if a half-inning is ending.

BATTING ORDER (7-1-1&2 Pen 2) The umpire shall declare the batter who should have batted out (not the improper batter). The improper batter's time at bat is negated and she is returned to the dugout/bench area. All outs stand and runners who were not declared out must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

BATTING ORDER (7-1-1&2 Pen 2) If a runner advances because of a stolen base, wild pitch, passed ball (F.P.) or an illegal pitch (F.P.) while the improper batter is at bat, such advance is legal.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Appeal Rule 7-1-1, 7-1-2, Pen. 2 Wording has been revised for an appeal after the last play of the game. Umpires should not leave the field until all infielders have vacated fair territory and the catcher has vacated her normal fielding position. No appeal can be made once the umpires have left the field.

APPEAL (7-1-1&2 Pen 2) NOTE: If any situation arises which could lead to an appeal by the defense on the last play of the game, umpires should not leave the field until all infielders have left fair territory and the catcher has vacated her normal fielding position.

APPEAL (7-1-1&2 Pen 2) If teams line up to shake hands there is little chance for an appeal even if the defensive infielders have not crossed the foul line and umpires can leave the game at this point. No appeal can be made once the umpires have left the field.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2015 Points of Emphasis

ELECTRONIC DEVICES An electronic device is defined as any device that accomplishes its purpose electronically. Technology has presented coaches and players with a wide variety of devices that can be used for their improvement. Rule allows for team personnel to utilize technology to transmit or record information pertaining ONLY to their players or team's performance within their team dugout or bench area.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES The information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game, but only in the team's dugout or bench area. During the game no electronic devices are allowed on the field to video record. Rule allows for stopwatches and electronic score keeping devices in the coaching box.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES Rule prohibits the use of any information obtained from an electronic device to review a decision made by an umpire. Any video recording solely targeting the actions of the opponent is prohibited.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Electronic Devices Rule Rule allows for team personnel to utilize technology to transmit or record information pertaining only to their players or team's performance within their team dugout or bench area. Information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game, but only in the team's dugout or bench area and not on the field.. LEGALILLEGAL

INTERFERENCE 2-32 Interference is defined by Rule 2-32 as 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.

INTERFERENCE 2-32 The NFHS Softball Rules Committee strongly emphasizes that coaches instruct their players on this definition, and what actions they should take. As stated, these acts may be physical or verbal and intentional or unintentional.

INTERFERENCE 2-32  Batters and runners must be taught to be aware of where the ball is and where the opposing team fielders are in relationship to the ball.  Other types of interference involves equipment, umpire and spectator.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Interference Acts of interference may be physical or verbal and intentional or unintentional. Batters and runners must be taught to be aware of where the ball is and where the opposing team fielders are in relationship to the ball.

OBSTRUCTION 2-36 Obstruction is defined by Rule 2-36 as the act of a defensive team member that hinders or impedes the progress of 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 the bases,

OBSTRUCTION 2-36 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 2-36 The NFHS Softball Rules Committee strongly emphasizes that coaches must instruct their players on this definition. Players need to be instructed that they cannot hinder or impede any runner when they are not making a play on a ball or have the ball in their possession.

OBSTRUCTION 2-36 Players need to be made aware of where they are on the field in relationship to opposing team members who are running the bases.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Obstruction Coaches must instruct their players about obstruction so they know they cannot hinder nor impede any runner when they are not making a play on a ball or have the ball in their possession. Players need to be aware of where they are on the field in relationship to opposing team members who are running the bases.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS

PITCHING Starting position for the feet prior to pitcher starting the delivery of the ball: Pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcher’s plate; and Non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Pitcher’s Starting Position Prior to starting the pitching delivery, the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcher’s plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate (6-1-1).

Head and Face Protection for Defensive Players  Defensive players are allowed to wear face/head protection that meets the NOCSAE standard and bears a permanent NOCSAE seal.  This rule is flexible so that the determination to wear such equipment may be made by the state, the school, the coach or the player.

Defensive Player Safety  A NOCSAE standard exists for a helmet with a face guard for defensive players.  There is not a NOCSAE standard for a face guard only.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Face/Head Protection for Defensive Players Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head protection in the field (1-8-4).

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC Face/Head Protection Face/head protection worn by defenders shall have a non- glare outer surface (1-8-4).

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC DOUBLE FIRST BASE Note By state association adoption, a double first base is permitted. The base in foul territory shall be a color other than white (1-2-1 Note).

DOUBLE FIRST BASE PERMITTED Note  By State Association adoption, a double first base is permitted.  The base shall be a one- or two- piece unit, 15 inches by 30 inches and manufactured to be of equal height.  The base in foul territory shall be a color other than white.

Double First Base  Other areas of concern when using a double first base The defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion when a play is being made on the batter-runner. The offense or defense may use either the white or colored portion on specific situations.

Important Dates  Date of 1st Practice: Monday, February 16 th  Date of 1st Contest: No earlier than Monday, March 2 nd

Playoff Dates Reporting Deadline: May 9 th (6 AM) 1 st Round:May 13 th 2 nd Round: May 16 th 3 rd Round:May 19 th 4 th Round:May 22 nd Regional:May 26 th - 30 th State:June 5 th - 6 th

Dead Periods  Fall: Aug. 1 st through Sept. 1 st  Winter: Oct. 29 th through Dec. 1 st  Summer Dead Periods: June 29 th - July 5 th July 20 th - July 26 th

Board Approved Items  Any student-athlete who is ejected or disqualified from a contest is required to complete the NFHS Sportsmanship course before being eligible to return to competition.  All 64-team bracketed sports will be included in the seeding process for the academic year.

Board Approved Items  Dropping pod system for seeding for 1A schools  Clarification that “once the seeding process is completed and the brackets have been finalized, no other team or individual will be substituted in or added to the brackets as a result of a change in the reported record (incorrect or adjusted).”

Suspended Game Rule  Interruption at any point prior to the completion of 4 ½ innings = Pick up at point of interruption if the game is to be completed  More than 4 ½ played (5 innings complete) AND winner can be determined = Final  After 5 innings Visitor scores tying or go-ahead run and Home does not have opportunity to bat or complete time at bat = Suspended Game

Suspended Game Rule  State Association Adoption Differs from NFHS  Game called for any reason AND a winner cannot be determined = Suspended Game  Suspended game does not count against weekly limitation in the week in which it is made up

MaxPreps Official Statistics Provider Records and standings for post-season qualifications : MaxPreps Record = Official Record Incorrect record subject to DQ from playoffs All game results MUST be entered by Friday, May 8 th at 11:59 p.m. Triple check your record! Instructions can be found on the NCHSAA website

Qualifying for the Playoffs  Qualifiers Automatic Must finish 1,2 or 3 in straight conference, 1 or 2 in a split At Large Based off highest 22-game winning percentage

Playoff Seeding  Once the 64 qualifiers have been determined Split East and West based on geography  Seed the East then the West based on the following: Seed all #1’s by 22-game record Seed all #2’s by 22-game record Seed all #3’s by 22-game record Seed all “at large” teams by 22-game record 1 v 32, 2 v 31, 3 v 30, etc.

Sportsmanship The quality of responsible behavior characterized by a spirit of generosity and a genuine concern for opponents, officials and teammates.  Wholesome athletic environment  Good Sportsmanship > Victory  Modest in victory, gracious in defeat  Respecting judgment and integrity of game officials  Role modeling good behavior

Eligibility  Preseason Meeting Required attendance by all parents Time to share rules, regulations, expectations, philosophy etc. Time to get all required signatures-- pledges, Gfeller-Waller information, etc.

Clinic Attendance  Head coaches in football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, swimming, baseball, softball, and track & field and lacrosse must attend an NCHSAA approved State Rules Clinic. Must be completed prior to coaching in the first contest; subject to $400 fine, in addition to a $500 fine if he/she actually coaches in the contest

Coaches’ Education  NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course Currently, all non-faculty and newly hired coaches must take the Fundamentals of Coaching Course; certificate of completion must be on file at the individual school Complete prior to first contest; subject to a $500 fine; continuing to coach without completion = another $500 All coaches must have satisfied the requirement to take this course by August 1, 2015.

Coaches’ Education  Concussion Management Certification Effective August 1, 2014, the NFHS Concussion Course (free on-line course) or an equivalent course must be completed by all coaches Prior to the first date of practice for that sport; subsequently, the certificate of completion must be on file at the individual school; subject to $500 fine

Coaches’ Education Accredited Interscholastic Coach (AIC) Requires completion of 4 courses: –Fundamentals of Coaching –1 st Aid, Health & Safety for Coaches –Sport Specific Course or Teaching Sports Skills –Concussion in Sports (Free)

Coaches’ Education Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC) Completion of AIC requirements Plus: –Teaching & Modeling Behavior –Engaging Effectively with Parents –Sportsmanship –Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment –Strength & Conditioning –2 additional courses (User Choice)

Sportsmanship  Teaching & Modeling Behavior Course Required for any coach ejected during a contest Required for any coach who has player (s) ejected for fighting  NFHS Sportsmanship Course Replaces the Star Sportsmanship Course for any ejected/disqualified player Free, on-line course (nfhslearn.com) All certificates must be sent to NCHSAA

Gfeller-Waller Concussion Law  Requirements of the Law: Concussion signs and symptoms Given prior to participation Parents/athletes sign indicating “receipt of” Return to Play (RTP) form signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine When in doubt, sit them out” An up-to-date Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Must be on-file Must be posted Must be updated annually

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations THANK YOU