SOFTBALL

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

Player Gear Major Focus of NFHS Rule Changes

By Brad Tittrington

The 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 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.

Ruling 1: Legal in (a) and (b); illegal in (c) and (d) and those items must be removed before the players may participate.

Religious Headwear (3-2-5c)

Players are permitted to wear soft and secure headwear for religious purposes without prior state association approval. In the past, players needed to secure prior approval from their respective state high school association in order to wear religious head coverings. The revised rule states head coverings worn for religious reasons must still be made of non-abrasive, soft materials and must fit securely so they are unlikely to come off during play. Head coverings worn for medical reasons still require state association approval, however.

Play 2: The pitcher for team A is wearing a (a) hijab, (b) yarmulke, or (c) helmet made of polyethylene foam due to a history of concussions. Ruling 2: In (a) and (b), the items are legal provided they fit securely and are made of non-abrasive, soft materials. In (c), the player must have prior state association approval to wear it as it is being worn for medical reasons.

Runner’s Lane Interference (8-2-6)

The committee clarified a runner is considered outside the running lane when either foot last contacting the ground is completely outside the lane. The new language more adequately describes the intent of the rule and will provide more consistent enforcement of the rule. The rule previously stated either foot had to be completely outside the lane and in contact with the ground. This led to inconsistency in calling interference when a runner had a foot in the air, but that foot had contacted the ground completely outside the line prior to being in the air.

Play 3: B1 lays down a bunt in front of home plate. F2 fields the ball and throws it to first base to try to retire B1. The ball hits B1 five feet in front of first base while (a) both feet are in contact with the ground completely outside the running lane, (b) one foot is completely outside the running lane in contact with the ground, (c) both feet are in the air and her left foot is completely outside the lane when it last contacted the ground, (d) her left foot is in contact with the chalk of the running lane and her right foot is completely inside the lane, or (e) both feet are in the air and both feet touched the chalk of the runner’s lane when they last contacted the ground. Ruling 3: In (a), (b) and (c), the runner would be guilty of interference if the umpire judged she interfered with the fielder taking the throw at first base. In (d) and (e), the runner is legally inside the runner’s lane when contacted by the ball and would not be out for interference.

Damaged Bat (3-6-21 & Penalty)

A new article was added to the “bench and field conduct” area of the rulebook regarding damaged bats. While the committee made a significant rule change in 2019 to define a damaged bat, the rule didn’t specify what happens if a player brings back into the game a damaged bat that had been previously removed by an umpire. The new article and penalty addresses this situation with the batter called out and the offender and head coach restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.

Play 4: In the third inning, the umpire notices a crack in the bat A1 is using and removes it from the game. In the fourth inning, A2 comes to bat and after the first pitch, the umpire notices the bat is the same one that was removed the inning prior. Ruling 4: A2 is declared out and both A2 and team A’s head coach are restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.

Coach Attire (3-5-3)

This rule change clarifies items which can be worn by a coach in live-ball area. The new language helps clear up for umpires what is appropriate and inappropriate attire. The new rule states a coach shall be attired in a school uniform or jersey/ coaching shirt with slacks, shorts, or other leg coverings in school colors or colors of khaki, black, white or grey. The previous wording of the rule stated coaches had to be in slacks,

SIDELINE

NPF Suspends Operations

In August, National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) announced it was suspending operations indefinitely. NPF is the longest-running professional softball league in the U.S. The league, which began operating in 2004, was on uneven ground financially as the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic and the 2021 season was canceled to allow players to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. The 2018 season employed 45 umpires on its roster, which saw a significant drop in 2019 as fewer teams participated in the league.

QUICKTIP

On pitches that come up and in on a batter and make contact with something, give yourself an extra second to figure out what

happened. The batter will give you an indication of what the ball hit. If they start writhing in pain or shaking a body part, chances are the ball hit them. If they remain motionless, chances are the ball hit the bat. The last thing you want to do is kill the ball and have the ball roll into fair territory. Once you’ve ruled a foul ball, you can’t unring that bell, so take an extra second to read and process what happened before making a ruling.

TOOLS

Binder Clips

Umpires often struggle to keep lineup cards neat and tidy in their lineup card holder. An easy way to fix this is to attach the lineups to the lineup card holder with binder clips. The clips are inexpensive and can be purchased from your favorite retail market for just a few dollars. The clips will prevent the lineups from blowing away on windy days and the clips will help keep the lineups neat and folded inside of the holder. They will help to keep you looking professional and organized and save both time and headaches when it comes to tracking lineup changes.

TEST YOURSELF

Each of the following includes a situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for USA, NFHS, NCAA or USSSA rules and which might vary. Solutions: p. 81.

1. With R1 off on the pitch, B2 hits a fair ground ball along the first-base line. F3 fields the ball and moves toward B2 to tag her. R1 slides into second and touches second base shortly before B2 steps back toward home plate to avoid F3’s tag. a. The ball remains live and play continues. b. The ball remains live, but B2 is ruled out for stepping back. c. The ball is dead, B2 is ruled out for stepping back toward home plate and R1 is returned to first base. d. The ball is dead, B2 is ruled out for stepping back toward home plate and R1 remains at second base.

2. Team A has only 10 eligible players and uses Adams as a courtesy runner in the third inning for pitcher Baines. While Adams is on second base, Chase is hit by a pitch and unable to continue. What option does team A have? a. No courtesy runners are allowed. b. Adams must enter as a substitute for Chase and Baines must replace Adams on second base. c. Adams must enter as a substitute for Chase and team A will take an out as Adams is removed from second base. d. Team A may continue with eight players in the batting order and Adams may remain on second base.

3. R2 attempts to steal third base on the pitch. B2 swings at and misses the pitch and then takes a step back after finishing her swing. As B2 is stepping back, F2 tries to throw the ball to third base to retire R2, who has not reached third base. The ball ricochets off B2’s helmet and rolls into the third-base dugout. a. The ball is immediately dead and R2 is awarded home. b. The ball is immediately dead, B2 is guilty of interference and R2 is ruled out. c. The ball is immediately dead, B2 is guilty of interference and ruled out, and R2 is returned to second base. d. The ball is immediately dead, B2 is guilty of interference and ruled out, and R2 remains at third base. e. The ball is delayed dead and the defensive coach has the option of taking the result of the play or the batter is out and R2 is returned to second base. shorts or warmup suits and the new language allows more options for leg coverings.

Play 5: At the pregame meeting at the plate, team A’s coach is wearing (a) black leggings, (b) grey dress slacks, or (c) blue jeans. Ruling 5: Both (a) and (b) are legal attire for the coach. In (c), the coach would not be permitted in the field of play after the pregame conference for the duration of the game or until the coach changed into appropriate attire. Blue jeans are not allowed.

Distracting Items on the Pitcher (6-2-2 and Note)

The rules committee removed language from rule 6-2-2 and placed it into a note under the penalty. The reasoning was to remind players, coaches and umpires about distracting items worn by a pitcher, but that is not part of rule 6-2-2’s penalty, which is an illegal pitch. Instead, the penalty is addressed in 3-2-9 and the distracting item is considered illegal equipment and shall be removed.

Play 6: Team A’s pitcher has an optic-yellow wristband on the wrist of her throwing arm. Ruling 6: The pitcher shall remove the wristband before she is allowed to participate.

Base Anchor Systems (1-2-1)

This rule change clarifies bases may be designed to disengage from their anchor system. The change places rule language with other regulations covering the field and its equipment. The language was added to rule 1 where all field and equipment rules exist. Similar language is already addressed in rule 8-8-14 Eff., which states that a runner reaching a base safely will not be out for being off the base if it becomes dislodged.

Ball Specification (1-3-3)

This rule change states new ball specifications will be required effective Jan. 1, 2025, for high school competition. Balls manufactured with current specifications will be permitted through the 2024 season. The change in 2025 will occur in compression and weight/circumference for balls in fast-pitch competition. The changes in the way the requirements are specified do not represent a difference in ball performance but allow for better control over the manufacturing process. This change aligns ball tolerance specifications with other rule codes.

“High school softball is indeed in a good place relative to rules,” Searcy said. “Most rule modifications can be considered editorial in nature, simply clarifications to current rules. However, it is vital to continue to monitor changing trends in equipment, injuries as they relate to overuse, and how rule changes affect risk. The NFHS Softball Rules Committee continues to be vigilant in this regard.”

Points of Emphasis

Huddles between innings. Player safety is always a concern. For this reason, huddles between innings by the defensive team coming off the field is a point of emphasis for the 2022 season. If a team chooses to huddle on the field after the third out while the other team is warming up, it should do so in a safe location. In between innings as the defensive team takes the field and begins to throw the ball, the offensive team should only huddle in an area that does not impede the warmup of the defensive team nor places it in an area where overthrows are likely. Huddling should be limited to the amount of time needed for the defensive players to make their warmup throws, during the one minute permitted by rule. Huddling in appropriate areas will assist minimizing risk to participants.

Guidance for pitcher utilization.

The past several seasons have seen an increasing concern regarding overuse injuries of the shoulder and elbow among softball pitchers at the high school level. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the NFHS Softball Rules Committee continue to monitor injury rates through the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study (RIO), which is an annual collection of injuries experienced while participating in high school sports. At this time, the available injury data do not warrant the implementation of pitch or inning

limitations, however the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and the NFHS SMAC will continue to monitor RIO and other available research regarding shoulder and elbow injury risk for high school softball pitchers.

Assisting a runner. Coaches or any other team personnel are not permitted to assist a runner in any manner during playing action. When a home run occurs, although the ball is out of play, runners have live-ball running responsibilities and are still required to run the bases legally. If someone other than another runner physically assists a runner, the assisted runner is ruled out. Similarly, a runner would be out for passing another runner. If a runner misses a base and it is properly appealed, the runner would also be ruled out.

Pitcher simulating taking a sign.

While the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and prior to bringing the 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 signal, verbal call or by looking at a wristband with a playbook/playcard. This signal can be taken while in contact with the pitcher’s plate or while standing behind the pitcher’s plate prior to taking a position in contact with the pitcher’s plate. None of these actions are illegal by rule; the only requirement is that no matter where or from whom the actual signal is obtained, the pitcher must take a position with the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate with the hands separated and simulate taking a signal from the catcher. Requiring the pitcher to take a position in contact with the pitcher’s plate and simulating taking a signal from the catcher prior to bringing the hands together allows the batter to prepare for the start of the pitch. If the pitcher does not pause after stepping onto the pitcher’s plate, an illegal pitch shall be called. Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He is a collegiate and USA Softball umpire. He also officiates women’s college and high school basketball, high school volleyball and high school football. 

Catch That Obstruction

There is one type of obstruction that can catch plate umpires off guard if they aren’t prepared for it and that is catcher’s obstruction on a swing, as shown in the PlayPic below. Plate umpires should be aware if the batter is deep in the batter’s box or if the catcher is up close to the batter’s box and has a tendency to reach for the pitch, there is a good chance of obstruction occurring.

This type of obstruction can occur at all levels and plate umpires need to be ready for it. The one thing to be aware of with this type of obstruction is you will most likely hear it more than you will see it. If a bat just tips the glove, it will be hard to see with the naked eye. However, you will hear a second sound that will clue you in to what happened. Depending on how hard the contact is, sometimes the catcher will recoil or the glove may come completely off. If the bat just knicks the glove, neither of these will likely happen and you will have to go on sound alone.

Usually when this type of obstruction occurs, the ball doesn’t travel very far as the glove will slow the bat down. However, it is important for plate umpires to slow down and process this situation and

it is imperative to keep the ball live. This is a delayed dead ball in all codes and the plate umpire should give the delayed dead ball signal as shown below. In all codes, if the batter reaches first base safely and all runners advance at least one base, the obstruction is canceled. If the batter does not reach first base safely or if any baserunner does not advance at least one base, the offensive team coach has the option to take the result of the play or have the batter awarded first base and all baserunners advance one base if forced or returned to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch if not forced (NFHS 8-1-1d Eff.; NCAA 9.5.2 Eff.; USA Softball 8-1d; USSSA 8-4e). In these types of situations, base umpires may be able to help discern if there was catcher’s obstruction if the plate umpire did not signal it. If the plate umpire misses it, typically a coach will approach the plate umpire to ask the plate umpire to get help. Base umpires should provide information that could assist the plate umpire in these situations. It should not be a guessing game, however. If slow the bat down. However, it is base umpires are not 100 percent sure important for plate umpires to slow there was catcher’s obstruction, it down and process this situation and should not be called. 

base umpires are not 100 percent sure there was catcher’s obstruction, it should not be called. 

CASEPLAYS

Helmets Off

Play: With R2 on second base and R1 on first base, B3 hits a ground ball down the third-base line. B3 intentionally removes her helmet and tosses it toward the first-base dugout as she leaves the batter’s box. F5 fields the ball, steps on third base and throws to F4 at second base, which beats R1 to second base. B3 arrives safely at first base ahead of F4’s throw to F3. Ruling: In NCAA and USA Softball, B3 is ruled out for intentionally removing her helmet and the ball remains live. The outs at third base and second base are both considered force outs as intentionally removing the helmet does not remove the force, even though B1 is immediately out. Three outs are recorded and the half-inning is over (NCAA 3.7.1 Eff.; USA Softball 3-5e-1 Eff.) In NFHS, the umpire will issue a team warning to the head coach. The next offender and the head coach will be restricted to the dugout/ bench for the remainder of the game (3-6-1, 1.6.2A). In USSSA, the umpire will issue a warning to the coach. For a subsequent violation the coach is ejected and the offender is restricted to the bench area (2-1).

Two Conferences, One Inning

Play: Team B’s head coach conducts her first defensive conference with her pitcher in the second inning after the pitcher loads the bases. After going 3-0 on the next batter, the head coach requests time and wishes to hold a second conference. Ruling: Legal in NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA as there is no restriction on when a team may hold its three defensive conferences during a seveninning game (NFHS 3-7-1; USA Softball 5-7b; USSSA 4-8a). In NCAA, only one defensive conference is allowed per half-inning. A coach or team representative who initiates another charged conference shall be immediately ejected. There is no penalty to the pitcher in this situation and only the coach is penalized (6.12.4 Eff.)

Runners on Second and Third, Batter Bunts

Any time there are multiple runners on in the two-umpire system, things can get a little chaotic. This is especially true when the batter chooses to bunt.

In this situation, the plate umpire must see the bunt and decide movement based on the location of the bunt. If responsible for fair or foul, the plate umpire must get to a spot first- or third-base line extended in order to get an angle to rule on that. If there is a throw to first, the plate umpire must move to get an angle to help with a swipe tag or a potential pulled foot, and must also read if R3 is running home. If so, take a few steps back along the first-base line extended in foul territory to avoid getting hit by the runner. After watching for the pulled foot or potential swipe tag at first and seeing R3 touch the plate, be prepared to move up the third-base line for any potential plays on R2 at third base.

If the bunt does not require a ruling on fair or foul, first step back and clear the catcher and allow the field to open up. If the play goes to first, that movement is the same as detailed above. If the play comes home, simply take a step or two back and then read and react. If there is the potential for a swipe tag, move to keep an open angle to see between the fielder’s glove and the runner to get a view of the play, while not losing sight of the plate. After the play at the plate, be prepared to take any plays on R2 at third base as well.

The base umpire needs to be prepared for a variety of plays as well. If the play goes to first, read R2’s movement. Avoid R2’s running path, but also make sure there is a clear, unobstructed view at first base to make a call. That may require just a step or two to the left or it may require stepping in toward the back of the pitcher’s circle. R2’s movement dictates the base umpire’s movement.

If the play doesn’t go to first, read and react to the play. If there is a throw to third, be ready to make a call there. Since there is no play at first, there is no reason to abandon the runners at second and third. Move to get an angle to see an unobstructed view of the tag at third base, either on R3 diving back in or on R2 diving in. 

R2

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R3 B

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VISION ACTION IN

2021 SUMMIT@HOME ONLINE, ON-DEMAND

More than 12,000 sports officials, administrators, assigners, supervisors and association leaders signed up to experience the 2021 Sports Officiating “Summit@Home” online event held from August 3-5..

The digital event took the place of the annual NASO Sports Offi ciating Summit due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Summit@Home featured more than 20 different seminars, panel sessions and mini-clinics all devoted to a wide variety of offi ciating topics, such as the current state of the offi ciating industry, recruitment & retention, law and legal topics, messages from such organizations as the NFHS, and leadership and self-improvement seminars.

The Summit@Home also showcased six fully-realized miniclinics during “Training Night in America” on Wed., Aug. 4, in the sports of basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, softball and soccer. Those sport clinics featured video breakdown by offi cials and coordinators as well as “You Make the Call” segments that allowed attendees the interactive ability to make their own rulings. The clinics also featured video quick tips and techniques from some of the top offi ciating minds in the country.

Making the Summit possible as always were the 78 Summit Support Organizations that committed

funds and resources to the event. Due to their contributions, the Summit was able to be presented free of charge to attendees and will remain available to anyone who wants to access it on demand at sportsoffi ciatingsummit.com/ athome. Shortly after the Summit event, NASO archived all of the sessions to a dedicated webpage, and they remain available to anyone for easyto-access on-demand viewing. “The entire Unlimited Free On-Demand Access digital Summit has been archived for the benefi t of the offi ciating SPORTSOFFICIATINGSUMMIT.COM/ATHOME industry, helping to fulfi ll NASO’s mission to provide continuing and ongoing offi ciating education not only to our member offi cials but to all offi cials everywhere,” said NASO President Barry Mano. “Without our sponsors and without the individual offi cials who pay dues and support NASO’s work fi nancially, NASO simply could not lead the way in advocating on behalf of sports offi cials and offi ciating. We thank each of them for their commitment.” The Summit closed with a message from Colorado High School Activities Association Commissioner Rhonda BlanfordGreen who welcomed everyone to next year’s 2022 NASO Summit in Westminster, Colo., a suburb of Denver. The 2022 Summit will be held July 31-Aug. 2 and will celebrate the return of in-person Summits.

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