1. 2019 NFHS softBALL Rules Power Point
Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis

2. National federation of state high school associations (NFHS)

3. Team IP is our corporate sponsor for high school softball
Team IP is our corporate sponsor for high school softball. Just as our athletes strive for excellence, Team IP shares that same goal of excellence for service and products.

4. National Federation of State High School Associations
VISION
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the national leader for education-based high school athletics and activities, which prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the next level of life through innovative programs, healthy participation, achievement, and development of positive relationships.
It is the vision of the NFHS to help prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the next level of life through the many program offerings in education-based athletics and activities.

5. National Federation of State High School Associations
MISSION
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) serves its members by providing leadership for the administration of education-based high school athletics and activities through the writing of playing rules that emphasize health and safety, educational programs that develop leaders, and administrative support to increase participation opportunities and promote sportsmanship.
A significant responsibility of the NFHS is the commitment to writing quality playing rules.

6. National Federation of State High School Associations
NFHS (located in Indianapolis, IN – Est. 1920):
National leadership organization for high school sports and fine arts activities;
National authority on interscholastic activity programs.
Conducts national meetings;
Sanctions interstate events;
Produces national publication for high school administrators;
National source for interscholastic coach training and national information center.
The NFHS is the National authority on interscholastic sports and activities and has been in the educational athletics business since 1920.

7. National Federation of State High School Associations
Membership = 50 member state associations and D.C.
NFHS reaches more than 19,500 high schools and 12 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7.9 million in high school sports.
Services of the NFHS reach more than 19,000 high schools and 12 million participants throughout the 8 NFHS sections across the U.S.

8. NFHS Rules Review Committee
The NFHS Rules Review Committee is chaired by the chief operating officer and composed of all rules editors. After each committee concludes its deliberations and has adopted its recommended changes for the subsequent year, such revisions will be evaluated by the Rules Review Committee.
All rules committee recommended rules changes are vetted through the NFHS Rules Review Committee before advancing to the NFHS Board of Directors for final action. The committee is comprised of all NFHS Director of Sports and chaired by the NFHS Chief Operating Officer.
Davis Whitfield
Chief Operating Officer
Lindsey Atkinson
Volleyball
Girls Lacrosse
Bob Colgate
Football and Sports
Medicine
Sandy Searcy
Softball and Swimming & Diving
Water Polo
Elliot Hopkins
Baseball and Wrestling
Julie Cochran
Cross Country, Gymnastics, Field Hockey and
Track & Field
James Weaver
Boys Lacrosse and Spirit
Theresia Wynns
Basketball and Soccer
Dan Schuster
Ice Hockey

9. National Federation of State High School Associations
The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level.
Publishes 4 million pieces of materials annually.
The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports, publishes High School Today (HST) along with several other key publications totaling over 4 million pieces annually.

10. NFHS Rules Book as e-Books
E-books features:
Searchable
Highlight areas of interest
Make notes
Easy navigation
Adjustable viewing size
Immediate availability
The NFHS Rules and Case Book e-books are available for $6.99 each.

11. NEW NFHS Rules App Rules App features: Searchable Highlight notes
Bookmarks
Quizzes for all sports
Easy navigation
Immediate availability
Free to paid members of the NFHS Coaches and Officials Associations
for more information
Rules app for all NFHS rules books and case books are available on iTunes and Google Play. Rules books and case books are cross-linked and enabled for searchable content.
App is free to download.
Each book subscription is $6.99.
NFHS Coaches and Officials Association paid members get all books for free.
100% states members get books for free in sports designated by their state.

12. Guidelines for Schools and state associations for consideration of accommodations
To assist state associations in working with schools for the inclusion of students with disabilities, the following guide prepared by the NFHS Task Force on the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities is being provided for your review.
Following these guidelines will assist in the individual student assessment by the student and the school.
When requesting a possible accommodation, coaches should work with their school and the state association as early as possible in the sport season.
Contest officials shall defer decisions on rule accommodations to the respective state association.
This information serves as a guide. Each state association may develop its own process.

13. 2019 NFHS sofTBALL RULES CHANGES

14. FIELD AND EQUIPMENT Rules 1-1-7, 2-22-4, Table 5-1, 5-1-1o
Media shall be prohibited from being in live-ball areas. The home team or game management may designate an area for the media in dead-ball territory.
DESIGNATED MEDIA AREA RULES 1-1-7; TABLES 5-1; 5-1-1o
Media shall be prohibited from being in live-ball areas. The home team or game management may designate an area for the media in dead-ball territory.
Creating a media designated area in “dead” ball area minimizes risk for players and media personnel. Home team or game management may still designate media areas but not in live-ball area.
Game management may designate a media area in dead ball territory. The change minimizes risk and continues efforts to improve safety of participants and others. The current rule calls for the ball to become dead if the media area is occupied.  The possibility that any given area is a dead ball area only at certain times during a game could create a situation that might be unfair to one team.

15. FIELD AND EQUIPMENT Rule 1-5-2a
A softball bat is permitted to have an adjustable knob, provided the knob is permanently fastened by the manufacturer.
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT RULE 1-5-2a
A softball bat is permitted to have an adjustable knob, provided the knob is permanently fastened by the manufacturer.
This change clarifies that an adjustable knob is permissible, provided the knob is permanently fastened by the manufacturer.

16. FIELD AND EQUIPMENT Rule 1-8-4
An eye shield may be worn attached to a defensive player’s face/head protection, but it must be constructed of a molded, rigid material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission.
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT RULE 1-8-4
An eye shield may be worn attached to the face/head protection, but it must be constructed of a molded, rigid material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission. 
Defensive players are permitted to wear a shield on their face/head protection in the field but it must be constructed of a molded, rigid material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission. 
The prohibition of tinted eye shields already exists in NFHS Softball Rules (batting helmets) and (Catcher’s Equipment).  In an effort to promote risk minimization, tinted eye shields should be prohibited for defensive face/head protection. Rule minimizes risk and is inline with existing NFHS Softball Rules (batting helmets) and (Catcher’s Equipment).

17. PITCHING RULES 6-1-1 PENALTY, EXCEPTIONS 3 and 4, 6-1-2,3,4 PENALTIES, 6-2-1 PENALTY, 6-2-7 PENALTY
When an illegal pitch is declared by the umpire, the batter is awarded a ball. Previously, the batter was awarded a ball and all base runners were also awarded one base without liability to be put out.
PITCHING
RULES PEN., THROUGH 4 PEN., PEN., PEN.
When an illegal pitch is declared by the umpire, the batter is awarded a ball. Previously, the batter was awarded a ball and all base runners were also awarded one base without liability to be put out.
Language to address the penalty for an illegal pitch was changed. Previously all base runners were advanced one base as well as a ball being called on the batter. The approved change removes the advancement of base runners. Considering that an illegal pitch is designed to hinder the batter, the 2018 NFHS Softball Rules Committee felt that only the batter should receive an advantage from the penalty.

18. pitching Rule 6-1-1 PenALTY ExcEPTION 1
An illegal pitch remains a delayed-dead ball. If there is an illegal pitch and the batter reaches first base safely and each other runner advances at least one base, the illegal pitch is nullified.
PITCHING
RULES PENALTY EXCEPTION 1
An illegal pitch remains a delayed-dead ball. If there is an illegal pitch and the batter reaches first base safely and each other runner advances at least one base, the illegal pitch is nullified.

19. pitching Rules 6-1-1 penalty, ExcEPTION 2
As before under the rules, if the batter does not reach first base safely or any base runner fails to advance at least one base, the coach of the team at bat shall have
PITCHING
RULES PENALTY EXCEPTION 2
As before under the rules, if the batter does not reach first base safely or any base runner fails to advance at least one base, the coach of the team at bat shall have the option of the result of the play or the penalty of the illegal pitch, which is a ball awarded to the batter.
the option of the result of the play or the penalty of the illegal pitch, which is a ball awarded to the batter.

20. Pitching Rules 6-1-1 penalty EXCEPTION 3
If the batter is hit by an illegal pitch outside the strike zone the batter is awarded first base but there is no longer a one-base award to each base runner.
PITCHING
RULES PENALTY EXCEPTION 3
If the batter is hit by an illegal pitch outside the strike zone or ball four is awarded on an illegal pitch, the batter is awarded first base, but there is no longer a one-base award to each base runner.
The base runners are advanced only if forced.

21. Pitching Rules 6-1-1 penalty EXCEPTION 4
If ball four is awarded on an illegal pitch, the batter is awarded first base but there is no longer a one-base award to each base runner.
PITCHING
RULES PENALTY EXCEPTION 4
If ball four is an illegal pitch, the batter is awarded first base, but there is no longer a one-base award to each base runner.
The base runners are advanced only if forced.

22. 2019 softball Major editorial changes
2019 NFHS MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
2019 softball Major editorial changes

23. DEFINITIONS RULE 2-65-2 For the purposes of an appeal:
The intentional walk is considered a time at bat and an appeal of the previous play cannot be made following the intentional walk.
When an intentional walk is awarded by the umpire, it is considered the same as throwing a pitch.
DEFINITIONS RULE
For the purposes of an appeal:
The intentional walk is considered a time at bat and an appeal of the previous play cannot be made following the intentional walk.
When an intentional walk is awarded by the umpire, it is considered the same as throwing a pitch.
This change clarifies there can be no appeal of the play that occurred prior to the umpire awarding an intentional walk. The intentional walk allows the batter to be awarded first base without a pitch being thrown. It is, however, considered a time at bat. The pitcher is charged with a base on balls and the batter is awarded first base. The new language includes all plays where the appeal must occur before the next pitch.

24. DEFINITIONS
Clarifies that there can be no appeal of a play that occurred prior to the umpire awarding an intentional walk.
INTENTIONAL WALK RULE
Clarifies that there can be no appeal of a play that occurred prior to the umpire awarding an intentional walk.

25. pitchING 6-1-2a, 6-1-2b
Clarifies that the pitch starts when the pitcher’s hands are separated after they have come together while the pivot foot is on or partially on top of the pitcher’s plate. Any step back with the non-pivot foot must begin before the start of the pitch.
START OF THE PITCH RULES 6-1-2a, 6-1-2b
Clarifies that the pitch starts when the pitcher’s hands are separated after they have come together while the pivot foot is on or partially on top of the pitcher’s plate. Any step back with the non-pivot foot must begin before the start of the pitch.
This editorial change defines what motion constitutes the start of the pitch and when the step back of the non-pivot foot may be taken. The pitch starts when the hands separate, whether or not the pitcher uses a windup. Any step back with the non-pivot foot must begin before the start of the pitch.  Once the pitch has started (the hands separate), the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward, toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery.

26. DP/Flex Appendix h
A new appendix was created for quick reference regarding the DP/FLEX rule.
DP/FLEX APPENDIX H
A new appendix was created for quick reference regarding the DP/FLEX rule.

27. APPENDIX H (NEW) DP/FLEX
NFHS Softball - DP/FLEX Simplified REMINDERS:
1) The DP can never be on DEFENSE ONLY.
2) The FLEX player can never be on OFFENSE ONLY.
3) The DP and FLEX player can never be on offense at the same time.
4) The STARTER and the SUBSTITUTE cannot be in the game at the same time.
5) The starting DP and FLEX player have one re-entry just as any other player.
6) Once the game is started with the DP/FLEX positions in the lineup, those positions are available for the entire game.
7) The penalty for illegal re-entry of the DP or FLEX player is always restriction to the bench/dugout.
8) If the player is on offense, she is called out. If the player is on defense, the team on offense may have the choice of taking the result of the play or accepting the penalty.
Rationale: An Appendix was added for quick reference.

28. 2019 NFHS softball points of emphasis

29. Simulate taking a sign
The actual signal can be taken while on the pitching plate or while standing behind the pitcher’s plate.
It may be taken from the catcher or coach; it may be a hand signal, a verbal call or may be obtained from looking at her wristband.
However, she must take a position on the pitcher’s plate with the hands separated and simulate taking a signal from the catcher.
SIMULATE TAKING A SIGN
The actual signal can be taken while on the pitching plate or while standing behind the pitcher’s plate.
It may be taken from the catcher or coach; it may be a hand signal, verbal call, or may be obtained from looking at her wristband
However, she must take a position on the pitcher’s plate with the hands separated and simulate taking a signal from the catcher.
By rule, the only requirement is that no matter where or from whom the actual signal is obtained, the pitcher must take a position on the pitcher’s plate with the hands separated and simulate taking a signal from the catcher. Requiring the pitcher to take their position on the pitching plate and simulating taking a signal from the catcher prior to bring their hands together allows the batter to prepare themselves for the start of the pitch.

30. SimulatE taking a sign If the pitcher does not pause
after stepping onto the
pitcher’s plate to simulate
taking a signal prior to
bringing her hands together,
an illegal pitch should be
called.
SIMULATE TAKING A SIGN
if the pitcher does not pause after stepping onto the pitcher’s plate to simulate taking a signal prior to bringing her hands together, an illegal pitch should be called.
While on the pitcher’s plate and prior to bringing her hands together the pitcher must take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher. A signal may be taken from a coach either by hand signals verbal call, or by looking up on a wristband with a playbook/playcard. A signal may be taken from a coach either by hand signals verbal call, or by looking up on the playbook/playcard.

31. Proper technique when sliding
Coaches are responsible for teaching players proper sliding techniques and how to execute legal slides as defined in Rule Proper sliding techniques help reduce potential injuries.
PROPER TECHNIQUE WHEN SLIDING
Coaches are responsible for teaching players proper sliding techniques and how to execute legal slides as defined in Rule Proper sliding techniques help reduce potential injuries.
One of a coaches’ responsibilities is to help reduce risk and injury to players whenever possible. This includes teaching proper sliding techniques as well as educating their players on executing a legal slide (Rule 2-52).
Ensuring their players utilize proper technique when sliding will help reduce the potential injuries seen when a slide is performed. Ensuring that the slide is performed legally will also reduce the risk to the defender when a tag is being applied to a player sliding into a base.

32. Head Coach listed on lineup card
It is a best practice that the head coach list his or her name on the lineup card submitted at the pregame conference. This will assist both the umpire and the other team if game-related communications are required.
HEAD COACH LISTED ON LINEUP CARD
It is a best practice that the head coach list his or her name on the lineup card submitted at the pregame conference. This will assist both the umpire and the other team if game-related communications are required.
Although not a requirement by rule, it is considered a best practice that the head coach list their name on the lineup card submitted at the pre-game conference. By listing their name on the lineup card, it assists both the umpire and other team if communications dealing with the game are required.

33. Illegal Pitch Penalty
The penalty to allow the advancement of runners when an illegal pitch is called has been removed.
The intent of an illegal pitch in softball is to deceive the batter, and only the batter should receive an award when an illegal pitch occurs.
ILLEGAL PITCH PENALTY
The penalty to allow the advancement of runners when an illegal pitch is called has been removed.
The intent of an illegal pitch in softball is to deceive the batter, and only the batter should receive an award when an illegal pitch occurs.
The NFHS Softball Rules Committee voted to remove the advancement of runners when an illegal pitch is called. Since the intent of an illegal pitch in softball is to deceive the batter, the committee felt that only the batter should receive an award when an illegal pitch occurs. Exceptions to the penalty for an illegal pitch in Rule 6, Section 1, Article 1 have also been modified in order to be in compliance with the new penalty and ensure that runners are no longer advanced as a result of an illegal pitch.

34. NFHS OFFICIALS Education

35. SPORTS-SPECIFIC Officiating COURSES www.nfhslearn.com
Introduction to mechanics and techniques used in each sport
Ideal for new officials or those in first few years of officiating
30-45 minutes to complete
Topics vary based on the needs of the officials in the sport
NFHS Officials Association members cost is $10
Non-members - course is $20
API available to state associations to collect results
SPORTS-SPECIFIC OFFICIATING COURSES
Introduction to mechanics and techniques used in each sport
Ideal for new officials or those in first few years of officiating
30-45 minutes to complete
Topics vary based on the needs of the officials in the sport
Course is FREE to any NFHS Officials Association member
Non-members course is $20
Contact NFHS Officials Department for details ( )

36. NFHS OFFICIALS EDUCATION SPORT-SPECIFIC COURSES
Courses Available
Officiating Football
Soccer – Fouls and Misconduct
Swimming and Diving
Officiating Wrestling
Officiating Basketball
Umpiring Softball
Officiating Volleyball – Ball Handling
Future Courses
Officiating Baseball
Basketball – Three-Person Mechanics
Field Hockey
Track and Field
Volleyball – Overlapping
Softball – Mechanics
Communication Among Officials and Coaches
Soccer - Offside
NFHS OFFICIAL EDUCATION
Courses Available
Officiating Football
Soccer – Fouls and Misconduct
Swimming and Diving
Officiating Wrestling
Officiating Basketball
Umpiring Softball
Officiating Volleyball – Ball Handling
Future Courses
Officiating Baseball
Basketball – Three-Person Mechanics
Field Hockey
Track and Field
Volleyball – Overlapping
Softball – Mechanics
Communication Among Officials and Coaches
Soccer - Offside

37. Interscholastic Officiating www.nfhslearn.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
API available to state associations to collect results
THE INTERSCHOLASTIC OFFICIATING COURSE CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
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 ( )

38. UMPIRING SOFTBALL In partnership with USA Softball, the NFHS has developed the first in a line of educational softball courses. This first course addresses game management, as well as obstruction and interference for both rules codes. The course will be ready for release in March. Umpires who are members of 100% states may obtain the course on NFHSLearn for a cost of $10. Umpires belonging to state associations who are not 100% states are charged $20.

39. www.nfhs.org VIDEO FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
The new video library is located at
A variety of video in many sports is provided.

40. NFHS Officials Association Central Hub
Contains:
Sport information
Rules information
Rules library
Searchable rules book
Video content on officiating sport, competition situations and interpretations
NFHS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION CENTRAL HUB
State associations with 100% membership in the NFHS Officials Association and any individual member has access to the Central Hub for officials.

41. NFHS Learning Center NFHS LEARNING CENTER
Digital platform for online professional development courses are available on
NFHS Learning Center

42. Nfhs learning center www.nfhslearn.com
Professional Development For ALL
Coaches
Officials
Administrators
Parents
Students
Performing Arts
NFHS LEARNING CENTER
Professional Development For ALL
Coaches
Officials
Administrators
Parents
Students
Performing Arts

43. www.nfhslearn.com FREE courses include:
Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behaviors
Understanding Copyright and Compliance
Hazing Prevention for Students
Concussion in Sports
Concussion for Students
Heat Illness Prevention
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sportsmanship
Coaching Unified Sports
Positive Sport Parenting
NCAA Eligibility
NFHS LEARNING CENTER
FREE courses include:
Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behaviors
Understanding Copyright and Compliance
Hazing Prevention for Students
Concussion in Sports
Concussion for Students
Heat Illness Prevention
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sportsmanship
Coaching Unified Sports
Positive Sport Parenting
NCAA Eligibility

44. Softball Coaches Education
The NFHS partnered with USA Softball to present the online Softball Coaches Course. Go to to view the trailer, description and outline for this course.

45. NFHS NETWORK
NFHS Network

46. NFHS Network
By 2020, every high school sporting event in America will be streamed live.
The NFHS Network will be THE DESTINATION for fans to view these broadcasts.
NFHS NETWORK
What is the NFHS Network? 
The NFHS Network captures the passion, pride, and energy of the high school experience by delivering live high school sports and events to family members and fans whenever they want, wherever they are.

47. NFHS NETWORK
What is the NFHS Network? 
The NFHS Network celebrates and showcases the unique accomplishments of students, whether they are a student-athlete participating in the 27 different sports covered by the Network, or one of the student broadcasters from schools around the country that produce events through the School Broadcast Program. The NFHS Network also features state playoff and championship events for the 34 state members of the NFHS Network.

48. NFHS NETWORK
What is the NFHS Network? 
All NFHS Network events are available online at  well as iPhone and Android mobile apps. Follow the NFHS Network on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram for the latest news and event information.

49. NFHS Network Media Rights States (43)
CIF Sections (9), TAPPS, VISAA, CNESSPA, OVAC, PSAL
New York
Minnesota
District of Columbia
Ohio
Indiana
Kansas
California
NFHS NETWORK
What is the NFHS Network? 
The NFHS Network is a joint venture among the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state associations and PlayOn! Sports. The NFHS is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. PlayOn! Sports is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is the nation’s largest high school sports media company.  T
Hawaii

50. NFHS Network View from mobile… www.NFHSnetwork.com NFHS NETWORK
What is the NFHS Network? 
For all questions regarding difficulty viewing, inability to find a specific event link, technical issues within a broadcast, trouble subscribing, billing questions, etc., please
There are customer representatives standing by to respond to issues and get fans set-up to view their events as quickly as possible. We are happy to issue refunds if you are viewing a game that is experiencing technical difficulties, as well as for as accidental duplicate charges or unwanted renewal charges for recurring subscriptions.

51. NFHS Softball resources

52. NFHS Softball Publications
NFHS Rules Books, Case Books and other softball resources can be ordered:
online at
by calling
NFHS SOFTBALL PUBLICATIONS
The NFHS softball publications are available to order online or by using the toll free number.

53. Thank You
National Federation of State High School Associations Sandy Searcy, Director of Sports PO Box 690 | Indianapolis, IN Phone: | Fax: |
THANK YOU
National Federation of State High School Associations
Sandy Searcy, Director of Sports PO Box 690 | Indianapolis, IN Phone: | Fax: |