SOFTBALL
EDITOR: BRAD TITTRINGTON
btittrington@referee.com
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
Changes involving the wearing of head coverings and beads were among the rules revisions approved in high school softball for the upcoming 2022 season. Updated language in regard to the runner’s lane and the anchoring of bases were also adopted. Lauren Montgomery, Logan, Utah
EQUIPMENT COMMITMENT By Brad Tittrington
T
he NFHS Softball Rules Committee made two significant changes to player equipment, involving the wearing of head coverings and beads, and approved six other rule changes for the upcoming 2022 season. The Softball Rules Committee becomes the seventh NFHS sports rules committee to modify rules this year related to religious and cultural backgrounds. The committee made those changes at its June 14-16 meeting held virtually and those changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS
38 | REFEREE October 2021
Board of Directors. The rule changes are outlined in perceived order of importance. Special thanks to Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and staff liaison for softball, for reviewing this article. Hair Control Devices (3-2-5b) The committee removed language prohibiting hard items to control the hair. This rule change clarifies adornments such as beads can be worn in the hair and aligns with other NFHS rules codes. The committee did not believe the use of hard items,
such as beads, presented an injury risk to other players. In contrast, the prohibition of such items has been interpreted as adversely affecting one’s cultural background. Plastic visors and bandannas are still prohibited with the rule change, but items such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips no longer have a size restriction as that language was removed from the rulebook. Play 1: While walking the field before the game, the umpires notice two team A players wearing (a) beads in their hair, (b) bobby pins in their hair, (c) bandanas, or (d) plastic visors.
BOB MESSINA
Player Gear Major Focus of NFHS Rule Changes
