NFHS Softball 2015 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

National Federation of State
High School Associations
NFHS Softball
2015
Rules Changes
Major Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

PARTICIPATION
 Softball is the fifth-most popular

sport for girls at the high school
level.
 362,488 Participants in 15,067
schools during the 2012-13 season.
High School Participation
Numbers
Year Girls__
2012-13 15,067
2011-12 14,142
2010-11 15,214
2009-10 15,298
2008-09 15,172
2007-08 14,846
|3|
Softball Participation
Numbers
Year Girls
2012-13 362,488
2011-12 367,023
2010-11 371,153
2009-10 378,211
2008-09 368,921
2007-08 371,293
|4|
2015
NFHS
Softball Information

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 e-
books from Amazon.com and view them
through the Kindle app.
 Price: $5.99 each
 Visit www.nfhs.org/ebooks
for more information.
Interscholastic Officiating
www.nfhsofficials.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
 Contact NFHS Officials
Department for details
(317.972.6900)
www.nfhslearn.com
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
Accommodating a Competitor
with a Disability
Rule 3-2-13 NOTE
NFHS Softball
2015
Rules Changes

Batting Helmet
(1-6-1)
The batting helmet shall have a

non-glare (not mirror-like) surface.
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

Catcher’s Helmet
(1-7-1)
The catcher’s helmet shall have a

non-glare (not mirror-like) surface.
Catcher’s 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.

NFHS Softball
2015
Major Editorial Changes

Exterior Warning Label
(1-6-1)
The exterior warning label may be affixed…or

embossed (at the time of manufacture).
NOCSAE Standard
(1-6-6)
The phrase, “Meets NOCSAE

Standard at the time of
manufacture”…
NOCSAE Standard Con’t.
(1-7-1)
The catcher shall wear a catcher’s

helmet…that meets the NOCSAE
standard at the time of
manufacture.
Equipment
Rule 1-6-1, 1-6-6, 1-7-1
Phrase revised “Meets NOCSAE standard at time of

manufacture.”

Dead-ball Situation
(5-1-4)
After a dead-ball situation, the ball

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

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.
BATTING ORDER
(7-1-1&2 Pen 2)
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.
BATTING ORDER
(7-1-1&2 Pen 2)
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
Rule 7-1-1, 7-1-2, Pen. 2
Wording has been revised for an appeal after the last play of the
game. Umpires should not leave the field until all infielders have
vacated fair territory and the catcher has vacated her normal
fielding position. No appeal can be made once the umpires have
left the field.

APPEAL
(7-1-1&2 Pen 2)
NOTE: 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.
APPEAL
(7-1-1&2 Pen 2)
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 and
umpires can leave the game at this
point. No appeal can be made once
the umpires have left the field.
NFHS Softball
2015
Points of Emphasis

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
1-8-6
An electronic device is defined as any device
that accomplishes its purpose electronically.
Technology has presented coaches and

players with a wide variety of devices that
can be used for their improvement. 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.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
1-8-6
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. During the game no electronic
devices are allowed on the field to
video record. Rule 3-6-10 allows for
stopwatches and electronic score
keeping devices in the coaching box.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
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.
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..

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.
INTERFERENCE
2-32
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.
INTERFERENCE
2-32
 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.
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.

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,
OBSTRUCTION
2-36
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
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.
OBSTRUCTION
2-36
Players need to be made aware of

where they are on the field in
relationship to opposing team
members who are running the
bases.
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.

OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS

PITCHING
6-1-1
Starting position for the feet prior to

pitcher starting the delivery of the
ball:
• Pivot foot on or partially on the top
surface of the pitcher’s plate; and
• Non-pivot foot in contact with or
behind the pitcher’s plate.
Pitcher’s Starting Position
Prior to starting the pitching delivery, the pitcher shall take a

position with the pivot foot on or partially on the top surface
of the pitcher’s plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or
behind the pitcher’s plate (6-1-1).
Head and Face Protection for
Defensive Players 1-8-4
 Defensive players are allowed to
wear face/head protection that
meets the NOCSAE standard and
bears a permanent NOCSAE seal.
 This rule is flexible so that the
determination to wear such
equipment may be made by the
state, the school, the coach or the
player.
Defensive Player Safety
 A NOCSAE standard exists for a
helmet with a face guard for
defensive players.
 There is not a NOCSAE standard
for a face guard only.
Face/Head Protection
for Defensive Players
Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head

protection in the field (1-8-4).

Face/Head Protection
Face/head protection worn by defenders shall have a non-

glare outer surface (1-8-4).

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).

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.
Double First Base
 Other areas of concern when using
a double first base
• 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.
Important Dates
Date of 1st Practice: Monday,

February 16th
Date of 1st Contest: No earlier

than Monday, March 2nd
Playoff Dates
Reporting Deadline: May 9th (6 AM)

1st Round: May 13th
2nd Round: May 16th
3rd Round: May 19th
4th Round: May 22nd
Regional: May 26th - 30th
State: June 5th - 6th
Dead Periods
Fall: Aug. 1st through Sept. 1st
Winter: Oct. 29th through Dec. 1st
2015-16 Summer Dead Periods:

June 29th - July 5th
July 20th - July 26th
Board Approved Items
Any student-athlete who is ejected

or disqualified from a contest is
required to complete the NFHS
Sportsmanship course before being
eligible to return to competition.
All 64-team bracketed sports will be

included in the seeding process for
the 2014-15 academic year.
Board Approved Items
Dropping pod system for seeding for 1A

schools
Clarification that “once the seeding

process is completed and the brackets
have been finalized, no other team or
individual will be substituted in or added
to the brackets as a result of a change
in the reported record (incorrect or
adjusted).”
Suspended Game Rule
Interruption at any point prior to the completion

of 4 ½ innings = Pick up at point of interruption if
the game is to be completed
More than 4 ½ played (5 innings complete) AND

winner can be determined = Final
After 5 innings
• Visitor scores tying or go-ahead run and
Home does not have opportunity to bat
or complete time at bat = Suspended
Game
Suspended Game Rule
 State Association Adoption

• Differs from NFHS
 Game called for any reason AND a winner cannot be

determined = Suspended Game
 Suspended game does not count against weekly

limitation in the week in which it is made up
MaxPreps
Official Statistics Provider

• Records and standings for post-season
qualifications
• 2014-15: MaxPreps Record = Official Record
• Incorrect record subject to DQ from playoffs
• All game results MUST be entered by Friday, May

8th at 11:59 p.m.
• Triple check your record!
• Instructions can be found on the NCHSAA website

Qualifying for the Playoffs
 Qualifiers
• Automatic
• Must finish 1,2 or 3 in straight
conference, 1 or 2 in a split
• At Large
• Based off highest 22-game winning
percentage
Playoff Seeding
 Once the 64 qualifiers have been determined

• Split East and West based on geography
 Seed the East then the West based on the

following:
• Seed all #1’s by 22-game record
• Seed all “at large” teams by 22-game record
• 1 v 32, 2 v 31, 3 v 30, etc.

Sportsmanship
The quality of responsible behavior

characterized by a spirit of generosity and a
genuine concern for opponents, officials and
teammates.
Wholesome athletic environment
Good Sportsmanship > Victory
Modest in victory, gracious in defeat
Respecting judgment and integrity of game
officials
Role modeling good behavior
Eligibility
 Preseason Meeting
• Required attendance by all parents
• Time to share rules, regulations,
expectations, philosophy etc.
• Time to get all required signatures--
pledges, Gfeller-Waller information,
etc.
Clinic Attendance
 Head coaches in football, soccer,
volleyball, basketball, wrestling, swimming,
baseball, softball, and track & field and
lacrosse must attend an NCHSAA
approved State Rules Clinic.
• Must be completed prior to coaching in the
first contest; subject to $400 fine, in
addition to a $500 fine if he/she actually
coaches in the contest
Coaches’ Education
 NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
Course
• Currently, all non-faculty and newly hired
coaches must take the Fundamentals of Coaching
Course; certificate of completion must be on file at
the individual school
• Complete prior to first contest; subject to a $500
fine; continuing to coach without completion =
another $500
• All coaches must have satisfied the requirement to
take this course by August 1, 2015.
 Concussion Management
Certification
• Effective August 1, 2014, the NFHS Concussion
Course (free on-line course) or an equivalent
course must be completed by all coaches
• Prior to the first date of practice for that sport;
subsequently, the certificate of completion must be
on file at the individual school; subject to $500 fine
• Accredited Interscholastic Coach
(AIC)
• Requires completion of 4 courses:
– Fundamentals of Coaching
– 1st Aid, Health & Safety for Coaches
– Sport Specific Course or Teaching
Sports Skills
– Concussion in Sports (Free)
• Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC)

• Completion of AIC requirements
• Plus:
– Teaching & Modeling Behavior
– Engaging Effectively with Parents
– Sportsmanship
– Creating a Safe and Respectful
Environment
– Strength & Conditioning
– 2 additional courses (User Choice)
Sportsmanship
 Teaching & Modeling Behavior
Course
• Required for any coach ejected during a contest
• Required for any coach who has player (s) ejected for
fighting
 NFHS Sportsmanship Course
• Replaces the Star Sportsmanship Course for any
ejected/disqualified player
• Free, on-line course (nfhslearn.com)
• All certificates must be sent to NCHSAA
Gfeller-Waller Concussion
Law
 Requirements of the Law:
• Concussion signs and symptoms
• Given prior to participation
• Parents/athletes sign indicating “receipt
of”
• Return to Play (RTP) form signed by a physician
licensed to practice medicine
When in doubt, sit them out”
• An up-to-date Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Must be on-file
• Must be posted
• Must be updated annually
THANK YOU

NFHS Softball 2015 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

NFHS Softball 2015 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

National Federation of State

High School Associations

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

 Softball is the fifth-most popular

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

The batting helmet shall have a

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

The catcher’s helmet shall have a

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

The exterior warning label may be affixed…or

The phrase, “Meets NOCSAE

The catcher shall wear a catcher’s

Phrase revised “Meets NOCSAE standard at time of

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

After a dead-ball situation, the ball

“Gives a beckoning hand signal” removed from rule to

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

If a runner advances because of a

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

If teams line up to shake hands

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

Technology has presented coaches and

Rule 3-6-11 prohibits the use of any

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

The NFHS Softball Rules

 Batters and runners must be taught

Acts of interference may be physical or verbal and

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

unless the fielder is in possession

Players need to be made aware of

Coaches must instruct their players about obstruction so they

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

Starting position for the feet prior to

Prior to starting the pitching delivery, the pitcher shall take a

Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

Face/head protection worn by defenders shall have a non-

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

By state association adoption, a double first base is

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

Date of 1st Practice: Monday,

Date of 1st Contest: No earlier

Reporting Deadline: May 9th (6 AM)

Fall: Aug. 1st through Sept. 1st

Winter: Oct. 29th through Dec. 1st

2015-16 Summer Dead Periods:

Any student-athlete who is ejected

All 64-team bracketed sports will be

Dropping pod system for seeding for 1A

Clarification that “once the seeding

Interruption at any point prior to the completion

More than 4 ½ played (5 innings complete) AND

 State Association Adoption

 Game called for any reason AND a winner cannot be

 Suspended game does not count against weekly

Official Statistics Provider

• All game results MUST be entered by Friday, May

• Instructions can be found on the NCHSAA website

 Once the 64 qualifiers have been determined