National Federation of State

High School Associations

2015 NFHS/GHSA

SOFTBALL RULES CLINIC

Take Part. Get Set For Life.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

GHSA POLICIES &

PROCEDURES

Take Part. Get Set For Life.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

GHSA Points of Emphasis

By-Law 2.71 (c) (1) It shall be the responsibility of the host school
Game Manager to insure crowd and spectator control. This includes
the removal of any and all spectators whom the Game Officials feel
are conducting themselves in an unacceptable manner. NOTE: In
addition to the assigned Game Manager any staff member from
either competing school in attendance should be proactive in this
matter, prior to the necessity for Game Officials to get involved.
SPORTING BEHAVIOR The contest officials have the authority to
have any spectator(s) removed from the premises whose behavior
has become a detriment to the fair administration of the contest. Any
verbal and/or visual gesture that is profane, racial, ethnic, or gender
that is derogatory in nature is grounds for dismissal.
Take Part. Get Set For Life.

 ALL GHSA sanctioned officiating associations shall

use the Arbiter program for member registration
and must comply with the state legislature mandated
E-Verify program by July 1 each year.
Beginning in the Spring of 2015, schools are
allowed to conduct try-outs limited to five
consecutive school days between May 1 and the
final day school is in session. Eligible students must
be enrolled at the school, or an 8th grader at a
feeder school for that program.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

OFFICIAL STARTING DATES

Date for 1st official practice is August 1, 2015
Date for 1st official game is August 7, 2015
(1) official scrimmage at any time after August 1
and prior to the 1st official game of the competing
schools.
Take Part. Get Set For Life.

General Information-Cont.
TIME LIMITS/SHORTENED GAMES In varsity
level invitational tournaments NO game shall be
less than (5) innings or (90) minutes unless the
home team is ahead after 4.5 innings, weather
issues, or the mercy rule is in affect. If the game is
tied after five complete innings, or the (90) minute
time limit, the international tie-breaker will be
implemented until a winner is determined.
Sub-Varsity games may have time-limits imposed
on them during the regular season and invitational
tournaments.

Class A Power Rankings

Each Class A school, and ALL schools competing
against Class A schools, are responsible to submit the
results of EACH game within (48) hours of the
completion of EVERY game to MaxPreps.
(kmclarty@maxpreps.com)
Failure to provide the required information within the
allowed time will result in a $250.00 fine.
NOTE: The Power Rankings for Class A schools are
affected by the win-loss record of every school they
compete against, regardless of the classification.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

STATE TOURNAMENT
End of Regular Season/Region Tournament Completed no later than
October 11 (Classes AA-AAAAAA) October 13 (Class A)
Results to GHSA Office immediately at the conclusion of the regular season.
Round 1 (AA AAAAAA) October 14 & 15 @ Higher Seed Hosts
Round 1 (A Private & A Public) October 21 & 22 @ Higher Seeds
Round 2 (AA AAAAAA) - October 21 & 22 Higher Seed Hosts
Elite Eight All Classifications October 29 31
Take Part. Get Set For Life.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

STATE TOURNAMENT ADMISSION

1ST & 2ND Round Games
Double Headers $7.00

Single Games $5.00

Elite Eight (Columbus) - $10.00 per day
Take Part. Get Set For Life.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

GHSA/GISA Crossover Games

Softball is a Class A Power Ranking sport,
and as such shall NOT be permitted to
play varsity level games against GISA
schools at any level.
GISA Coach/Administrator passes shall
NOT be honored at GHSA softball games.
Take Part. Get Set For Life.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

NFHS Softball

2015
Rules Changes
Major Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis

Take Part. Get Set For Life.

2014-15 NFHS Softtball Rules and Case

Book as E-Books
Electronic Versions of the NFHS Softball
Rules and Case Book are now available for
purchase as e-books.
Apple users can visit iTunes for available
books.
Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy ebooks from Amazon.com and view them
through the Kindle app.
Price: $5.99 each
Visit www.nfhs.org/ebooks
for more information.

Coaching Softball

Free Courses on NFHSLearn.com

Heat Illness Prevention
Concussion in Sports
Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment
Coaching Pole Vault
NCAA Eligibility
Engaging Effectively with Parents
Positive Sport Parenting
Sports Nutrition
Coaching Unified Sports
Sportsmanship

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

National Federation of State

High School Associations

NFHS Softball
2015
Rules Changes

Take Part. Get Set For Life.

Batting & Catching Helmets

(1-6-1) (1-7-1) (1-6-6)
The batting and catching helmets shall
have a non-glare surface (not mirror
like).
The batting and catching helmets shall
meet the NOCSAE standard at the
time of manufacture.
The exterior label may be affixed or
embossed at the time of manufactue.

RULE CHANGE

Batting Helmet
Rule 1-6-1

LEGAL

ILLEGAL

A glare or mirror-like surface on the batting helmet is illegal

due to its distracting nature which may be dangerous to
other players.

REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

RULE CHANGE

Catchers Helmet
Rule 1-7-1

LEGAL

ILLEGAL

Like the batting helmets, a glare or mirror-like surface is

illegal and can be dangerous to other players.

REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

RULE CHANGE

Equipment
Rule 1-6-1, 1-6-6, 1-7-1

Phrase revised Meets NOCSAE standard at time of

manufacture.

REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

National Federation of State

High School Associations

NFHS Softball
2015
Major Editorial Changes

Take Part. Get Set For Life.

Dead-ball Situation
(5-1-4)

After a dead-ball situation, the

ball becomes live when the
umpire calls and/or signals
"Play Ball."

RULE CHANGE

Dead Ball/Live Ball

Rule 5-1-4

Gives a beckoning hand signal removed from rule to reflect

current practice of pointing to pitcher and calling, Play Ball.
Also clarifies Rule 8-6-18 as to whether ball is live or dead
should runner(s) leave their bases when pitcher is inside the
pitching circle with possession of the ball.
REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

BATTING ORDER - (7-1-1&2 Pen 2)

When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and
the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the next
pitch (legal or illegal), or prior to an intentional base on balls
(S.P.), or before all infielders have left fair territory and the
catcher vacates her normal fielding position if a half-inning
is ending.
The umpire shall declare the batter who should have batted
out (not the improper batter). The improper batter's time at
bat is negated and she is returned to the dugout/bench
area. All outs stand and runners who were not declared out
must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
If a runner advances because of a stolen base, wild pitch,
passed ball (F.P.) or an illegal pitch (F.P.) while the
improper batter is at bat, such advance is legal.

APPEAL - (7-1-1&2 Pen 2)

If any situation arises which could lead to an appeal
by the defense on the last play of the game,
umpires should not leave the field until all infielders
have left fair territory and the catcher has vacated
her normal fielding position.

If teams line up to shake hands there is little chance

for an appeal even if the defensive infielders have
not crossed the foul line the umpires can leave the
at this point. No appeal can be made once the
umpires have left the field.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

NFHS Softball
2015
Points of Emphasis

Take Part. Get Set For Life.

Team Essential Personnel

(2-59 New)
TEAM ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL - Defined
as team personnel consisting of all school
representatives essential to the playing and/or
administration of the game located in the team
dugout, including coaches, managers, certified
athletic trainers and school personnel
scorekeepers. Does not include media,
photographers, cheer individuals. Umpires have
the authority to remove anyone from the dugout
deemed as a distraction to the administration of
the game.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
1-8-6
Rule 1-8-6 allows for team personnel to utilize technology
to transmit or record information pertaining ONLY to their
players or team's performance within their team dugout or
bench area.
The information obtained from an electronic device may be
used for coaching purposes during the game, but only in
the team's dugout or bench area. Rule 3-6-10 allows for
stopwatches and electronic score keeping devices in the
coaching box.
Rule 3-6-11 prohibits the use of any information obtained
from an electronic device to review a decision made by
an umpire. Any video recording solely targeting the
actions of the opponent is prohibited.

RULE CHANGE

Electronic Devices
Rule 1-8-6

LEGAL

ILLEGAL

Rule 1-8-6 allows for team personnel to utilize technology to transmit or

record information pertaining only to their players or team's performance
within their team dugout or bench area. Information obtained from an
electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game, but
only in the team's dugout or bench area and not on the field..
REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

INTERFERENCE (2-32)
Interference is defined by Rule 2-32 as an act (physical or
verbal) by a member of the team at bat who illegally
impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder; or when a runner
creates malicious contact with any fielder with or without the
ball, in or out of the baseline.
The NFHS Softball Rules Committee strongly emphasizes that
coaches instruct their players on this definition, and what
actions they should take. As stated, these acts may be
physical or verbal and intentional or unintentional.
Batters and runners must be taught to be aware of where
the ball is and where the opposing team fielders are in
relationship to the ball.
Other types of interference involves equipment, umpire and
spectator.

RULE CHANGE

Interference

Acts of interference may be physical or verbal and

intentional or unintentional. Batters and runners must be
taught to be aware of where the ball is and where the
opposing team fielders are in relationship to the ball.
REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

OBSTRUCTION - 2-36
Obstruction is defined by Rule 2-36 as the
act of a defensive team member that
hinders or impedes the progress of a
batter's attempt to make contact with a
pitched ball or that impedes the progress
of a runner or batter-runner who is legally
running the bases, unless the fielder is in
possession of the ball or is making the
initial play on a batted ball. The act may
be intentional or unintentional, physical or
verbal.

OBSTRUCTION (2-36)
Cont.
The NFHS Softball Rules Committee strongly
emphasizes that coaches must instruct their
players on this definition. Players need to be
instructed that they cannot hinder or impede any
runner when they are not making a play on a ball
or have the ball in their possession.
Players need to be made aware of where they are
on the field in relationship to opposing team
members who are running the bases.

RULE CHANGE

Obstruction

Coaches must instruct their players about obstruction so they

know they cannot hinder nor impede any runner when they are
not making a play on a ball or have the ball in their
possession. Players need to be aware of where they are on the
field in relationship to opposing team members who are
running the bases.
REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

National Federation of State

High School Associations

OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS

Take Part. Get Set For Life.

DOUBLE FIRST BASE PERMITTED

1-2-1 Note
By State Association adoption, a double first base is
permitted.
The base shall be a one- or two-piece unit, 15 inches by 30
inches and manufactured to be of equal height.
The base in foul territory shall be a color other than white.
Other areas of concern when using a double first base.
NOTE: The defense must use the white portion and the
batter-runner the colored portion when a play is being
made on the batter-runner. The offense or defense may
use either the white or colored portion on specific
situations

RULE CHANGE

DOUBLE FIRST BASE

1-2-1 Note

By state association adoption, a double first base is

permitted. The base in foul territory shall be a color other
than white (1-2-1 Note).
REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

Legal Apparel and Equipment

Check
The Softball Rules Committee and softball
administrators continue to be concerned about the
use of illegal and/or non-approved equipment.
Thus, a rules change was approved this year to
strengthen the penalty for use of altered or nonapproved bats.
Umpires are required to check bats and helmets no
less than 15-minutres prior to each contest.
Teams must make all bats and helmets available
for the pregame equipment check prior to the
umpires arrival at the field.

Legal Apparel and Equipment

Pitchers Uniform
A pitcher is prohibited from wearing or using any
item that, in the umpires judgment, distracts the
batter.
Any use of equipment or part of the uniform that,
in the umpires view, would distract the batter,
shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis and
could require the removal of such equipment.

Like all teammates, the pitchers jersey MUST be

completely tucked in to the game pants/shorts.

Concussion Procedure Reminder

(3-3-9; 10-2-3k)

Procedure requires an athlete exhibiting

signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent
with a concussion to be removed from the
contest.
GHSA Player MUST be removed from
the game and not returned until an
Appropriate Health Care Professional
clears her to participate. Failure to have a
designated AHCP on site prohibits the
player from returning to the game.

Pitching
NFHS Rules
NFHS pitching regulations were created and are
maintained for high-school-age pitchers of all skill
levels, not just those seeking participation
opportunities at other levels, i.e. travel or college
ball.
A high school pitcher may begin with one or two
feet on the pitching plate, and the ball may be in
either the glove hand or bare hand. The pitcher
may also step back (before the hands come
together) and then forward to gain momentum in
her pitching motion.

Pitching
The NFHS Softball Rules Committee is still
concerned over the enforcement of the 24-inch
width pitching requirement, when the landing foot is
clearly outside the 24-inch boundaries.
It is the primary responsibility of the home-plate
umpire to make the illegal pitch call in this
infraction, but the base umpire(s) may also make
this call based on where the landing foot comes to
the ground.
The committee is concerned about the subject of
injuries related to overuse by pitchers.

Executive Committee Proposals Spring 2015

Subject: Control of the number of softball games currently being played
by GHSA member schools.
Regular Season
NEW C. The number of softball games allowed prior to the state
tournament, including region tournament games, shall be (28), inclusive
of region tournament games.
RATIONALLE Three years ago the policy was changed to; (28) games
in the regular season, a maximum of (8) games in a region tournament.
Then, if a school advances to the state tournament they can possibly
play (3) games in the 1st round and (3) games in the 2nd round. That
provides the potential for any given school to play (42) games in an (11)
week season prior to qualifying for the Elite Eight in Columbus. This
creates a tremendous burden on the student athletes and coaches for
time out of the classroom. Additional hardships are created for the
school administration in the areas of classroom substitutes (for the
coaches) when teams need to leave prior to the end of the school day
for away games, and expense for scheduling additional bus trips for
away games.

Executive Committee Proposals Spring 2015

Region Tournaments
NEW D. In compliance with By-Law 2.66 (d) no game shall be started
on a night that precedes a school day without a reasonable presumption
that the game can be completed no later than 11:30 PM. If started, and
the time reaches 11:30 PM, the umpires will suspend the game and
determine if the game has attained legal game status. At that time the
Suspended Game Rule outlined in the SOFTBALL section of the
GHSA White Book will be implemented.
RATIONALLE In many cases students/coaches are playing games
that finish well beyond the 11:30 PM curfew stated in the White Book.
State Finals
NEW G Upon arrival at the Team Check-In gate, all team/player bats
will be inspected and tested by the Finals U.I.C., using a certified bat
testing machine.
Bats that pass inspection and testing will receive an Approved stamp.
Bats that fail inspection and testing will be confiscated and returned
after a teams final game.

Executive Committee Proposals Spring 2015

Brackets
Begin crossover games in the 2nd round of the State Tournament.
RATIONALLE To be consistent with bracketing in the other Power
Ranked sports.
State Tournament
For the first and Second rounds, For the First, Second, and Third rounds
teams will play a best-of-three series at the site of the higher seed. In the
Third round, if the competing schools are equally seeded a coin toss will
determine the host site.
3. Teams the win the Second Round Third Round series will advance to
the Elite Eight Final Four of the State Tournament.
The Elite Eight Final Four of the State Tournament will be played as a
double-elimination tournament to be held in Columbus, Georgia on
October 30 & 31, 2015.
RATIONALLE This proposal is again related to time out of class for
students and coaches/teachers, with an additional emphasis on reducing
expenses of the schools. This is similar to the change in basketball
implemented with only the Final Four games being played at neutral
sites.

National Federation of State

High School Associations

Questions?
Good Luck in 2015

Take Part. Get Set For Life.