1. National Federation of State
High School Associations
NFHS Softball
2009
Rules Changes
Major Editorial Changes
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
Please thoroughly review the notes section of the presentation. Many slides
additional information that will assist in presenting the material.
At the January Interpreter’s Meeting, this presentation will included video.
Instructions will be given at that time to those in attendance, and through an email
after the meeting for those not in attendance, regarding where to find and how to
integrate the video segments.
1

2. National Federation of State
High School Associations
NFHS Softball
2009
Rules Changes
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
2

3. Softballs – Dynamic Stiffness
(1-3-3)
ƒ Ball specifications changed to included
dynamic stiffness measurement
ƒ Dynamic stiffness measurement more closely
resembles the bat-ball collision occurring on
the field
ƒ Rule becomes effective January 1, 2010
ƒ Measurement must not exceed 7,500
pounds/inch
ƒ Compliance through NFHS Authenticating
Mark Program
3

4. National Federation of State
High School Associations
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
4

5. Bunt Attempt Definition
(2-8-2)
ƒ Changed to require batter to
withdraw bat in order to take pitch
ƒ Holding bat in the strike zone
without withdrawal will be
considered a bunt attempt
ƒ Makes bunt attempts easier for
umpire to determine
ƒ Creates better balance between
offense and defense
2.8.2 SITUATION: F1 pitches the ball; B1 squares to bunt and (a) leaves the bat in
the strike zone without making any movement towards the ball; (b) makes a forward
movement with the bat towards the ball; or (c) withdraws the bat prior to the ball
entering the plate area. RULING: In (a) and (b), a strike is called on the batter.
Holding the bat in the strike zone or making any movement of the bat toward the
ball is considered a bunt attempt. In (c), a ball is awarded to the batter; the bat was
withdrawn from the plate area. (2-2-1; 2-56-1)
5

6. 6

7. Pitching Windup Revolutions
(6-1-4d)
ƒ Pitcher may not exceed 1½
clockwise revolutions in windmill
windup
ƒ Clockwise as viewed by first base
umpire
ƒ Previous rule interpretation of
anything less than 2 revolutions
was an advantage for pitcher
6.1.4 SITUATION: F1 steps on to the pitcher's plate, brings her hands together and
after pausing one second, removes the ball from her glove with her throwing hand
and swings her arm backward to approximately shoulder height. She continues
forward in a windmill delivery, releasing the ball the second time it passes the hip.
RULING: Legal. The starting point is where F1's arm started forward (behind her,
shoulder height). Even though the ball passed her hip twice, F1's arm did not
exceed one and a half clockwise revolutions. (6-1-4d)
7

8. Pitching Windup Revolutions
(6-1-4d)
ƒ Rule changed to provide better
balance between offense and
defense
ƒ Illegal pitches easier to identify and
enforce by umpires
8

9. Pitcher Time Limit Penalty
(6-2-3 Penalty)
ƒ When pitcher exceeds 20-second
time limit to release next pitch
ƒ Ball is awarded to batter
ƒ Previous rule of illegal pitch was
severe as runners were also
advanced
6.2.3 SITUATION: With R1 on third base, F2 returns the ball to F1 following a pitch.
B2 steps out of the box to take a signal from the third-base coach, then returns to
her position in the batter’s box within 10 seconds of F1 receiving the ball. F1 fails to
make the next pitch within 20 seconds of receiving the ball. RULING: A ball shall be
called on B2 and R1 remains at third base. COMMENT: The 20-second count for
the pitcher begins when she receives the ball from the catcher to prepare for the
next pitch, not when the batter steps into the box. (7-3-1)
9

10. Pitcher Time Limit Penalty
(6-2-3 Penalty)
ƒ Change makes time-limit penalties
consistent for batter (strike) and
pitcher (ball)
ƒ Pitcher may NOT intentionally
violate time limit four times to issue
an intentional walk to the batter
ƒ Umpire shall issue a warning to
pitcher and coach – subsequent
violation results in ejection of both
10

11. 11

12. National Federation of State
High School Associations
NFHS Softball
2009
Major Editorial Changes
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
12

13. American Flag on Glove/Mitt
(1-4-2)
ƒ More and more American flags are
attached to gloves/mitts
ƒ Without the new provision, the flag
would make the glove/mitt exceed
the number of permissible colors
ƒ Now consistent with other apparel
and equipment guidelines
*1.4.2 SITUATION A: (F.P.) Members of Team A take their positions in the field and
all are wearing gloves with (a) 2 inch by 3 inch American flags; or (b) red, white and
blue fingers. RULING: Legal in (a). Illegal gloves in (b). Gloves/mitts may be a
maximum of two colors. The illegal gloves are removed from the game and the
umpire issues a warning to the head coach. The next player not properly equipped
will result in the player and the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench for
the duration of the game. (3-5-1; 3-6-1)
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14. 14

15. Cather’s Helmet Eye Shield
(1-7-1)
ƒ Attached eye shields MUST:
• Be constructed of rigid material
• Permit 100-percent allowable light
transmission – NOT TINTED
ƒ Does not affect required face
mask/guard
ƒ Now consistent with batting helmets
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16. 16

17. Uniform Style Exceptions
(3-2-1)
ƒ Permits the state association to
make an exception to the uniform
color/style rule for religious reasons
ƒ Schools wanting to request an
exception for a student-athlete’s
uniform should contact the state
high school association
*3.2.1 SITUATION: In (a), a player asks to wear a jacket over her uniform while
running the bases; (b) the player-coach is wearing a jacket while in the coach’s box;
or (c) eight members of a team are wearing red shorts and the ninth player is
wearing a red skirt for religious reasons. RULING: Legal in (a) and (b). In (c), the
state association may on an individual basis permit a player to participate while
wearing a different style uniform for religious reasons.
17

18. 18

19. Exposed Undergarments
(3-2-7)
ƒ Clarified that all exposed
undergarments must be a solid
color
ƒ Permissible colors include:
• Black
• White
• Gray
• A school color
*3.2.7 SITUATION B: Players of Team A are wearing solid red, lower-body
undergarments. S1 for Team A is wearing a gray, lower-body undergarment. Team
A's coach claims the gray, lower-body undergarment may be worn because their
uniforms are gray. RULING: Gray may not be worn because all players must wear
the same solid color lower-body undergarments. The illegal lower-body
undergarments shall be removed (or made legal). The umpire shall issue a warning
to the head coach. The next player not properly equipped will result in the player
and the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench for the duration of the
game. (3-5-1; 3-6-1)
19

20. 20

21. Timeframe to Deliver Next Pitch
(6-2-3; 7-3-1)
ƒ Clarified that the time frame to
deliver the next pitch begins when
the ball is returned to the pitcher to
prepare for the next pitch
ƒ Alleviates any confusion when the
ball is “returned” to the pitcher for a
play at the plate after a wild
pitch/passed ball
21

22. Timeframe to Deliver Next Pitch
(6-2-3; 7-3-1)
ƒ The count would not begin until the
play at the plate was over and the
pitcher was returning to the circle
ƒ In this case, it is umpire judgment
as to when she is “preparing for the
next pitch”
22

23. 23

24. Pitcher Committed to Delivery
(7-3-1 Penalty)
ƒ Penalty clarified to state that a
pitcher is “committed to delivering
the pitch” when the hands have
been brought together
ƒ If the pitcher has brought the hands
together, the batter leaves the box
at the risk of having a strike called
24

25. National Federation of State
High School Associations
NFHS Softball
2009
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
25

26. Pitching
ƒ Second consecutive year as POE
ƒ Improvements have been made
ƒ Still room for more improvement
ƒ Rule in place for a reason
ƒ Dominant pitchers receive an unfair
advantage if illegal pitches are not
called
ƒ Umpires refusing to enforce the rules
do a disservice to the game
26

27. Leap
ƒ Leap = Both feet are airborne by the
pitcher prior to the release
ƒ Pivot foot must stay in contact with
the ground as it drags away from the
plate until the lead foot touches the
ground
ƒ If both feet are off the ground at the
same time – an illegal pitch shall be
called by the base umpire
27

28. 28

29. Crow Hop
ƒ Crow Hop = A replant of the pivot
foot prior to releasing the ball
ƒ This is done by:
• Sliding the foot in front of the plate
• Lifting the pivot foot and stepping
forward
• Jumping forward with the pivot foot
off the plate prior to starting the
pitch
29

30. Crow Hop
ƒ Pitcher must have:
• Pivot foot partially on top of the
plate
• Both feet within 24-inch length of
plate
30

31. Crow Hop
ƒ Umpires can determine a replant by
looking at the location of the pivot
foot when the hands separate to
start the pitch
ƒ If the pivot foot is off and in front of
the plate before the hands
separate, a crow hop has occurred
– an illegal pitch is called by the
base umpire
31

32. 24-Inch Plate Violation
ƒ Both feet must start within or
partially within the 24” width of the
pitching plate
ƒ The stride and pivot foot must
remain in or partially within the 24”
width of the pitching plate
throughout the windup and delivery
ƒ Home plate umpire is responsible
for this call
32

33. 33

34. Obstruction/Interference
ƒ Improvements made in this area
due to clear definitions and rules
changes
ƒ Umpires must continue to enforce
the rules properly
34

35. Obstruction
ƒ Requires a clear defensive
infraction
ƒ Two conditions must exists for
obstruction to occur:
• Defensive player is blocking
runner’s access to a base or path
without being in possession of the
ball
• Runner is impeded or hindered
35

36. Obstruction
ƒ Both situations must be present
ƒ If a fielder is blocking a base without
the ball and the runner has not been
impeded in any way – NO obstruction
• Impede = slowed down or path is
altered
ƒ If fielder obtains the ball before
runner is hindered – NO obstruction
36

37. Obstruction
ƒ If the fielder’s location limits the
runner’s access to the base or path
AND the fielder does NOT yet have
the ball – OBSTRUCTION
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38. 38

39. 39

40. Interference
ƒ Base runner has responsibility to
avoid contact with a fielder
attempting an initial play on a fair
batted ball
ƒ If contact occurs, interference is
called, the ball is dead and the
runner is out
ƒ Other runners return to last base
touched at time of interference
RULE 2-47-3:
ART. 3…Initial Play. A fielder is considered to be making an initial play on a fair
batted ball when she:
a. Has a reasonable chance to gain control of a ground ball that no other
fielder (except the pitcher) has touched.
b. Has a reasonable chance to catch the ball in flight after it touches
another fielder.
c. Fails to gain control of the batted ball and is within a step and a reach
(in any direction) of the spot of the initial contact.
40

41. Interference
ƒ Responsibility changes after initial
play opportunity has passed –
fielder no longer protected
ƒ Once a fielder (except the pitcher)
misplays the fair batted ball, and
the ball is beyond a step and reach
from that fielder and contact occurs
– obstruction is called and a
delayed dead ball is signaled
RULE 2-47-3:
ART. 3…Initial Play. A fielder is considered to be making an initial play on a fair
batted ball when she:
a. Has a reasonable chance to gain control of a ground ball that no other
fielder (except the pitcher) has touched.
b. Has a reasonable chance to catch the ball in flight after it touches
another fielder.
c. Fails to gain control of the batted ball and is within a step and a reach
(in any direction) of the spot of the initial contact.
41

42. 42

43. Umpiring –
Obstruction/Interference
ƒ Umpires must maintain proper
positioning and stay attuned for
potential obstruction or interference
violations
ƒ Proper calls and signals are
essential
ƒ Even when the award may be the
base already obtained by the
obstructed runner
43

44. Umpiring –
Obstruction/Interference
ƒ Defense must be aware they have
committed an infraction
ƒ So they don’t commit the same
infraction again – when the
situation is more significant and the
penalty more costly
44

45. DP/FLEX
ƒ POE is refresher for coaches and
umpires to better understand and
utilize DP/FLEX rule
ƒ Originally adopted in 2004 because it
gives coaches more flexibility and
student-athletes more participation
opportunities
45

46. DP/FLEX – For Coaches
ƒ Basic rules to remember:
1.Decide the ten players you want as
starters
• List those who will bat is slots 1 thru 9
• List the remaining player – FLEX – on
the 10th line
2.Fill in the defensive positions and the
player not initially playing defense as
the DP
46

47. DP/FLEX – For Coaches
3. When making lineup changes:
• The DP cannot play defense only;
the FLEX cannot play offense only
• When the DP spot in the order
comes up – the DP, FLEX or a legal
substitute must bat or run bases
• The DP may replace anyone on
defense at any time, any number of
times
47

48. DP/FLEX – For Coaches
• The FLEX may replace the DP any
time, any number of times
• When any of the first nine leaves the
batting order – they have left the
game
• When the FLEX doesn’t play
defense – she has left the game
48

49. DP/FLEX – For Coaches
ƒ Coaching Strategies – how to
utilize the DP/FLEX rule based on
the skills of your players
ƒ Two strategies listed in POE
portion of Rules Book
ƒ Three additional strategies found
on NFHS Website
Two Strategies From Rules Book POE:
1. Objective: to utilize a fast runner who is a weak hitter (FLEX) to run for the
solid hitting DP.
Matchup: assuming your pitcher can hit for herself, pair up an solid hitter
(DP) with a player of exceptional speed but who is a weak hitter (FLEX).
Typical sequence: DP hits safely; FLEX enters to run for her; DP reenters
and hits safely; FLEX enters to run for her; sub #1 hits for DP (since the DP
already used her one reentry), FLEX enters to run for sub #1; sub #1
reenters and hits safely; FLEX enters to run for sub #1; sub #2 hits safely;
FLEX enters to run for her; and so on.
2. Objective: list a power hitter as the FLEX player when you have a platoon
of players who will be the DP’s.
Matchup: assuming your pitcher can hit for herself, pair up an average player
(DP) with a good hitting, but slow runner (FLEX) who also plays defense.
Also used for a good hitting pitcher (FLEX) who you do not want running the
bases unnecessarily.
Typical sequence: as the spot in the batting order comes up, enter the FLEX
who hits safely; reenter the DP to run; enter the FLEX who hits safely; sub #1
enters to run (since the DP already used her one reentry); enter the FLEX
who hits safely; sub #1 reenters to run; FLEX hits safely; sub #2 enters to
run; and so on.
49

50. DP/FLEX – For Umpires
Maintaining your lineup card:
1. DP/FLEX option may be used
provided it is made known prior to start
of game
2. DP’s name is on lineup as one of nine
hitters in batting order
3. Player for whom DP is batting (FLEX)
placed in 10th position in lineup
50

51. DP/FLEX – For Umpires
4. Legal substitute may replace DP
at any time or FLEX may bat for
DP – DP has left game
5. DP may play defense at any
position
6. Legal substitute may replace FLEX
at any time or DP may play defense
for FLEX – FLEX has left game
51

52. DP/FLEX – For Umpires
7. Illegal substitution if FLEX goes in to
bat for anyone but the DP
8. Team may go from 10 to 9 players
any number of times or end the
game with 10 or 9 players
9. DP and FLEX may never be on
offense at the same time – but may
be on defense at the same time
52

53. National Federation of State
High School Associations
DP/FLEX RULE
SAMPLE EXERCISES
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
53

54. Sample Lineup Card
All samples
will use this
lineup card
and progress
through a
series of
substitutions
54

55. Sample Exercise #1
ƒ“Jones" (DP) bats and gets
on base safely
ƒThe offensive coach asks for
time for a change
ƒ“Green will run for Jones"
55

56. Sample Exercise #1
Green
(FLEX)
running for
Jones (DP)
This slide contains several “layers” of the lineup card that can only be seen when
the slide show is being viewed.
56

57. Sample Exercise #1
Note –
ƒJones has left the game
57

58. Sample Exercise #2
ƒTwo innings later, Green
singles to left
ƒThe offensive coach asks for
time to make a change
ƒ"Smith running for Green and
Green will still be playing right
field”
58

59. Sample Exercise #2
Smith (sub)
running for
Green (FLEX)
Green
remains in
game playing
right field only
This slide contains several “layers” of the lineup card that can only be seen when
the slide show is being viewed.
59

60. Sample Exercise #2
Note –
ƒSmith enters the game for the
first time and is the new DP
ƒGreen (FLEX) has NOT left
the game – back to defense
only
60

61. Sample Exercise #3
ƒIn the 4th inning, the offensive
coach asks for time to make
another change
ƒ“Jones to re-enter and bat for
Smith”
61

62. Sample Exercise #3
Jones (DP)
re-enters
for Smith
This slide contains several “layers” of the lineup card that can only be seen when
the slide show is being viewed.
62

63. Sample Exercise #3
Note –
ƒJones has used her re-entry
ƒSmith has left the game and
has a re-entry remaining
63

64. Sample Exercise #4
ƒIn the next half inning, the
defensive coach asks for time
to make another change
ƒ“Jones (DP) will play defense
in center field for Thomas”
64

65. Sample Exercise #4
Jones (DP)
to play
defense in
center field
for Thomas
This slide contains several “layers” of the lineup card that can only be seen when
the slide show is being viewed.
65

66. Sample Exercise #4
Note –
ƒJones the DP is now playing
offense and defense
ƒThomas still bats in the 3rd
position in the lineup and is
playing offense only
66

67. Sample Exercise #5
ƒAn inning later, the defensive
coach asks for time to make
another change
ƒ“Jones will move to right field
and play defense for Green;
Thomas will go back to center
field”
67

68. Sample Exercise #5
Jones (DP) to
play defense in
right field for
Green (FLEX)
Thomas goes
back to center
field
This slide contains several “layers” of the lineup card that can only be seen when
the slide show is being viewed.
68

69. Sample Exercise #5
Note –
ƒJones (DP) is still playing
offense and defense
ƒGreen (FLEX) has left the
game since she is not playing
defense (still has a re-entry
remaining)
69

70. National Federation of State
High School Associations
QUESTIONS?
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
70