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The “white” language was out of date and white softballs were not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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.