1. 2012 SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES Rule 1-3-1 The color “white” was removed from the list of permissible colors for softballs. All softballs used for competition must now be optic yellow. Rationale: The “white” language was out of date and white softballs were not being used in the field. The change will assist schools in ordering and manufacturers in producing, the actual product being used in the field.

2. Rule 3-2-5 Headwear requirements were revised and clarified. Headwear (caps, visors, headbands, ribbons, etc.) may be mixed, but if worn, they must be white, black, beige or school colors (the colors are not required to be the same for team members). The logo may be any color. Flat items, no longer than 2 inches, used to control the hair, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips are permitted. Plastic visors, bandannas and hair-beads are prohibited. Rationale: Permitting more colors and options for players regarding headwear is consistent with other NFHS sports. A less restrictive rule may improve enforcement and school spirit. The exception formerly found in 3-2-12 has been moved into the new text of 3-2-5.

3. 7-4-2 Penalty A more severe penalty was added when a batter has used an altered or non-approved bat. In addition to an out being called on the batter, the batter and head coach will be ejected from the contest. Rationale: Coaches and players must be held accountable for using this type of illegal bat. Coaches must be responsible for the equipment being used in each game, even when it is not issued by the school, but a player’s personal equipment. Player safety and the integrity of the game must be maintained and this type of illegal equipment has no place in the game.

4. 2012 NFHS SOFTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS PITCHING A. Pitching Regulations. NFHS pitching regulations were created and are maintained for high-school-age pitchers of all skill levels, not just those seeking participation opportunities at higher levels. A high school pitcher may begin with one or two feet on the pitching plate. The pitcher may also step back (before the hands come together) and then forward to gain momentum in her pitching motion. This enables younger and/or less experienced players to have success within the rules of the high school game. The interscholastic community believes the high school rule in this regard is appropriate for the participants it serves.

5. LEGAL APPAREL AND EQUIPMENT A. Equipment Check. The committee and softball administrators around the country continue to be concerned about the use of illegal and/or non-approved equipment. So concerned that a rules change was approved to strengthen the penalty for use of altered or non-approved bats. The head coach is responsible to ensure all equipment used by his or her players is legal and proper. Umpires are still required to check bats and helmets prior to each contest. Teams must make all bats and helmets available for the pregame equipment check. All equipment is expected to meet safety standards and rule requirements.

6. Pitcher’s Uniform. A pitcher is prohibited from wearing or using any item that, in the umpire’s judgment, distracts the batter. There have been reports of the pitchers wearing items with optic yellow in prominent locations. Any use of equipment or part of the uniform that, in the umpire’s view, would district the batter, shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis and could require the removal of such equipment.

7. ON-DECK BATTERS/LOCATION. It is the responsibility of the home team/game management to place the on-deck circles in the appropriate locations (2-37) so as to reduce risk to those players. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that his or her players are aware of the rules related to the on-deck circle. The players must remain aware of the risks posed by being in the circle during play. Players must be in the on-deck circle (2-5-3) and be aware of the status of the ball at all times.

8. 2011 - Rules 3-1-3 Penalty Added a new penalty of a team warning and then restriction to the dugout/bench area for a head coach who submits a lineup card that must be subsequently corrected with a proper name/number or substitutes added. Rationale: This penalty establishes a consequence for a head coach who submits an inaccurate lineup card. Coaches and scorekeepers use a player’s jersey number to identify them as the proper batter and for substitution purposes. Previously, when the number was incorrect or substitutes were not listed, it caused a great deal of confusion without penalty. The new rule establishes a penalty if a coach fails to submit an accurate lineup card regarding name and number; similar to other team sports where a team’s roster and a specific playing order are paramount. This new penalty does not affect the illegal substitution or batting out of order rules.