Transcript 2005 GHSA SOFTBALL CLINIC

2007 GHSA
Softball Rules Clinic
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
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 warm-up
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
• Penalty now includes enforcement when
infraction is by a fielder
– Immediate dead ball, offender is out and
ejected
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 20-second rule
enforced (7-3-1). The batter has 20 seconds to
take her place in the batter’s box.
• Batter must be ready to step into batter’s box
and take turn at bat.
• Coaches must be concise in giving signals.
• The penalty for noncompliance is a “strike”
being called on the batter.
BATTER DELAYS
Once in the batter’s box:
• Batter may request “time”, but only granted for valid
reason
• The pitcher is entitled to deliver the pitch
• Putting hand up toward umpire does not guarantee time
will be granted. If the batter’s hand is up, but time has
not been granted, the umpire directs the pitcher to
deliver the pitch.
• Stepping in and out of the box when the pitcher is ready
is subject to a “strike” being called (Rule: 3-6-9)
• Requesting time to perform rituals should not be
permitted
TEAM HUDDLES
(Reminder)
 Teams are NOT allowed to huddle in front of
or outside dugouts after the end of a half
inning.
 Rationale:
minimizes risks to participants
keeps pace of game moving
*One (1) minute between innings
*Twenty (20) seconds to pitch
PENALTY: Coach restricted to the dugout if he/she
ignores the umpires warning.
OBSTRUCTION
 Obstruction requires a “clear” defensive infraction
 Required condition for obstruction:
*A defensive player cannot block the runner’s
access to a base/base path without possession of
the ball
*The runner must be hindered or impeded
Note: If the defensive player is blocking the base
without the ball and the runner has not yet been
impeded, there is NO obstruction
OBSTRUCTION
• Obstruction, especially at first base still concerns
committee
• Umpires ignoring and/or not properly signaling. It is
NOT a wasted signal.
• Belief that signal is not necessary if base runner
already obtained base she would have reached had
there been no obstruction.
• It is important to communicate the infraction so teams
do not continue to commit the same infraction.
• Use the signal and make the call!
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 15 minutes prior to the start of the
game.
• If teams play more than one game in the same day and
the equipment leaves the dugout, the umpires must
check the equipment again prior to the start of the next
game.
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
• When teams play more than one game in the same
day, and leave the dugout with their equipment,
umpires must check their equipment again prior to
the start of their next game.