1. NFHS Softball 2014 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

2. NFHS Softball 2014 Rules Changes

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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 Rule 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. NFHS Softball 2014 Major Editorial Changes

14. 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 (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.

15. 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

16. 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 The intent was always to confine the coach and individual who violated the batting helmet rule to the bench on a subsequent violation.

17. Bat-Ball Shaggers 1-6-3; 3-6-1
PlayPic A shows a non-adult violating rule 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. (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.

21. Batting Infractions 7-3-1
ART 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.

22. (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.

23. 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.

24. (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.

25. Hit By Pitch 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).

26. 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.

27. Leaving Early , 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.

28. NFHS Softball 2014 Points of Emphasis

29. 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 under Softball Resources and Video tab.
Coaches –
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 for the coaches and at 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.

30. DP/Flex
Coaches and umpires should take the information shared at 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.

31. 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

32. Rule Reference and page number for Appendix B are revised.
Player Safety k
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.

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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. .

40. 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.

41. Electronic Devices
Further, Rule 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 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.

42. 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.

43. RESOURCES

44. 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 / Join or Renew / Officials.

45. 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 ( )
The animated video on positioning for umpires are invaluable teaching tools.

46. Fundamentals of Coaching Softball
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.

47. 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.

48. THANK YOU