Transcript 2002 NFHS Softball Rules Changes

2007 NFHS
SOFTBALL
RULES CHANGES
MAJOR EDITORIAL
CHANGES
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
2007 NFHS
SOFTBALL
RULES CHANGES
INTERFERENCE/
OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
(2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)
• Clearly defines responsibility for
contact when fielder does not initially
control a batted ball
• Creates balance between offense
and defense
• Puts contact into category of
obstruction or interference, not “just
a CRASH”
INTERFERENCE/
OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
(2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)
• Fielder must have opportunity to
make an initial play
• After an initial play attempt on a fair
ground ball, fielder no longer
protected
• After attempting an initial play –
fielder not permitted to obstruct
advancement of runner
INTERFERENCE/
OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
(2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)
Initial Play –
• Reasonable chance to catch or gain control
of a ground ball that no other fielder (except
the pitcher) has touched, OR
• Reasonable chance to catch the ball in flight
after it touches another fielder, OR
• Fails to gain control of the batted ground
ball and is within a step and a reach (in any
direction) of the spot of the initial play
INTERFERENCE/
OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
(2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)
• Other definitions revised:
– Obstruction (2-36)
– Making a play (2-47-2)
• Obstruction rule modified (8-4-3b)
• Interference rule modified (8-6-10a)
INTENTIONALLY REMOVING
LINES PENALTY EXPANDED
(3-6-17 PENALTY)
• Penalty expanded to include restricting
any subsequent offender, not just head
coach
• Second and all subsequent offenses:
– Strike/ball on batter
– Offender and head coach restricted to
dugout
• Change makes penalty consistent with
others of a similar nature
DOUBLE FIRST BASE
RULES EXPANDED (8-10)
• More states using double first base
units
• Base running section expanded for
clarity and understanding:
– When the BR must use
– Penalties for noncompliance
– When the runner/fielder has choice
between the two bases
DOUBLE FIRST BASE
RULES EXPANDED
(1-2-1 NOTE)
• Specifications for the double first
base unit also revised:
– A one- or two-piece unit permitted
– Portion in foul territory required to be a
color other than white
2007 NFHS
SOFTBALL
EDITORIAL
CHANGES
CATCH DEFINITION
CLARIFIED (2-9-5f)
• Change was made to clarify:
– Trap = Ball touching ground, fielder
NOT in control
– Catch = Ball touching ground, fielder
IN control
“CONFINES OF THE FIELD”
DEFINED (2-15)
• Used to determine when umpire
jurisdiction begins (10-1-2)
– Upon arrival within “confines of the
field”
• Term was not previously defined
• Important in determining
responsibilities of umpiring crew
“CONFINES OF THE FIELD”
DEFINED (2-15)
• “Confines of the field” includes:
– Field of play
– Designated dugout/bench areas
– Any enclosed or clearly marked warmup areas adjacent to the field and in
view of the umpire(s)
MALICIOUS CONTACT
PENALTY CLARIFIED (3-6-18)
• Malicious contact typically only
thought of as committed by a runner
– Immediate dead ball, offender is out
and ejected
MALICIOUS CONTACT
PENALTY CLARIFIED (3-6-18)
• Penalty now includes enforcement
when infraction is by a fielder
– Offender ejected at end of playing
action
BATTING INFRACTIONS/
BATTER IS OUT (7-3; 7-4)
• Sections reorganized
• Articles relating to batter being “out”
moved from section on Batting
Infractions to Batter is Out
RUNNING LANE CLARIFIED
(8-2-5)
• Language added for clarification
• Consistent with other rules regarding
being “in” or “out” of a space
• Runner is outside running lane
when:
– Either foot is completely outside the
lane and in contact with the ground
INTENTIONAL
INTERFERENCE
(8-6-10d)
• Clarifies that any intentional
interference will result in an out
• Previous rule only addressed
interfering with a thrown ball
• New language includes intentionally
interfering with a fielder in any way
2007 NFHS
SOFTBALL
POINTS OF
EMPHASIS
BATTER DELAYS
• Pace of a game enhanced when 20second rule enforced (7-3-1)
• Batter must be ready to step into
batter’s box and take turn at bat
• Pitcher disconcerted with excessive
waiting or prolonged signaling from
coach
BATTER DELAYS
• Batter has 20 seconds to take her
place in batter’s box
• Coaches must be concise in signaling
from coaching box
• Penalty for noncompliance is strike
being called on batter
BATTER DELAYS
Once in the batter’s box:
• Batter may request “time”, but only
granted for valid reason
• Putting hand up toward umpire does
not guarantee time will be granted
• Requesting time to perform rituals
should not be permitted
BATTER DELAYS
• Once in batter’s box, pitcher entitled to
deliver pitch
• If batter’s hand is up BUT has not been
granted time – umpire directs pitcher to
“play ball”
• Stepping in and out of box when pitcher is
ready – subject to strike-call penalty (3-69)
OBSTRUCTION
• Obstruction, especially at first base still
concerns committee
• Umpires ignoring and/or not properly
signaling
• Belief that signal is not necessary if base
runner already obtained base she would
have reached had there been no
obstruction
OBSTRUCTION
• Not a wasted signal
• Communicates to defense that they have
committed an infraction
• Important to communicate information so
defense doesn’t commit same infraction
– when penalty could be more costly
• Make the call!
DEFLECTED/MISPLAYED
BATTED BALL
• Rules change permits defensive
players opportunity to complete an
initial play – even if not in immediate
control of batted ball
• By permitting fielder a “step and
reach” – protected from obstruction
call
DEFLECTED/MISPLAYED
BATTED BALL
• Advancing runner contacts defender
during initial play, “step and reach”
area = interference
• Deflected/misplayed ground ball
beyond “step and reach” of fielder,
no longer protected = obstruction
possible
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION
• Head coaches required to attend pregame
meeting with umpires
• Must verify players legally equipped and
players/equipment in compliance with
NFHS rules
• Umpires must still conduct pregame
inspection of team’s equipment
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION
• Inspection includes:
– bats, batting helmets and catcher’s gear
• Teams should have all equipment
displayed and available for inspection
15 minutes prior to start of game
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION
• If more than one game played in a day
and teams/equipment leave dugout
– Umpires check equipment again prior to
start of next game
• Ensures no equipment has been
damaged and no unauthorized or illegal
equipment has entered game
2007 NFHS
SOFTBALL
QUESTIONS?