! MINUTES SOFTBALL RULES COMMITTEE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS Hyatt Regency Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana June 12-14, 2017 Committee members in attendance: Amy Cassell Chair 2018 Trish Witkin Section 1 2020 Tommie Neubauer Section 2 2017 Ernie Yarbrough Section 3 2018 Tracie Henry Section 4 2019 Justin Fletschock Section 5 2020 Scott Owen Section 6 2017 Duane Morgan Section 7 2018 Kathleen Burns Section 8 2019 Bud Ozzello NFHS Coaches Association 2017 Dennis Mader NFHS Officials Association 2018 Guests in Attendance: Dave Chandler Todd Korth Vickie Van Kleeck Sandy Searcy Lori Brown USA Softball Referee Magazine NCAA Softball Secretary-Rules Editor NFHS Staff Liaison NFHS Coordinator of Sports 1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS, GENERAL INFORMATION Amy Cassell, Committee Chair, welcomed committee members and presented new members Trish Witkin, Section 1, Justin Fletschock, Section 5 and Scott Owen, Section 6 with their NFHS portfolio on behalf of the NFHS Board of Directors, staff and membership. She introduced Dave Chandler representing USA Softball, Todd Korth of Referee Magazine and Vickie Van Kleeck, NCAA Softball Secretary-Rules Editor. Ms. Searcy reviewed administrative items for the committee. 2. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Sectional All sectional representatives spoke to or attempted to contact the state softball administrators in their respective sections. Some states failed to respond to the sectional representative when contacted. B. Coaches and Officials The coaches and officials representatives reported some general feedback received from those groups. 3. ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS FROM INVITED GUESTS Each guest gave a brief report regarding their respective organizations and the trends occurring. 4. REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE The committee reviewed the softball questionnaire results.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 2 5. 2017 NFHS SOFTBALL MODIFICATIONS 6. NFHS RULES INTERPRETATIONS 7. 2017 NFHS SOFTBALL EXAMS 8. EXPERIMENTS Kentucky The allowance of the pitcher to intentionally declare a walk on a batter without the need of making pitch. (2-65-2) 9. NFHS GUESTS TUESDAY, JUNE 13TH A. Bob Colgate, NFHS Director of Sports and Sports Medicine, 8:00 a.m., Dr. Dawn Comstock, High School RIO B. John Black, NFHS Counsel, 8:45 a.m. C. Dan Schuster, NFHS Director of Educational Services, 9:00 a.m. D. Theresia Wynns, NFHS Director of Sports and Officials, 9:15 a.m. E. Mike Meenan, NFHS Director of Information Services, 9:30 a.m. 10. EQUIPMENT, HEAD AND EYE PROTECTION, NON-TRADITIONAL EQUIPMENT REVIEW A. The committee discussed head/face protection for defensive players in conjunction with the high school injury report presented by Bob Colgate. B. Non-traditional equipment was presented to the committee for consideration. 11. DISCUSSION/VOTING OF: A. Proposed Rules Changes: Prop Rule Reference Proposed Rule Change Passed Failed No Action 1. 1-2-1 ART. 1... First base shall be a double base securely attached to the ground or an anchor system. The base shall be one or two piece units, 15 inches by 30 inches and manufactured to be of equal height. The base in foul territory shall be a color other than white. Ssecond and third base shall be white bags made of canvas (filled with a soft material), molded rubber or synthetic material and shall be securely attached to the ground or an anchor system. Each base shall be 15-inches square, two to five inches thick and may have tapered edges. Rationale: Umpires have reported a higher than normal occurrence of collisions at first base, and a double first base could serve to reduce the number of collisions at first base. This is in the best interest of the health and safety of the participants. (3-8)
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 3 2. 1-6-1 ART. 1... A batting helmet with a permanently affixed NOCSAE stamp (Figure 1-8) and legible exterior warning label is mandatory for each batter, on-deck batter, players/students in the coach s boxes, runners and retired runners, and non-adult players/students used to protect a pitcher and catcher warming up in a bull pen in live ball territory. The exterior warning label may be affixed to the outside of the helmet, which includes both sides of the bill, in either sticker form or embossed (at the time of manufacture). The batting helmet shall have a non-glare (not mirror-like) surface. X Rationale: The addition to this section will mandate that all non-adults in live ball areas of the field have extra protection from a hit or thrown ball. 3. 1-8-4 ART. 4... Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head protection in the field, except as in 3-2-14, and as specifically required in 1-7. Face/head protection worn by defenders shall have a non-glare (not mirrorlike) outer surface. By state association adoption, defensive players at first base, third base and the pitcher may be required to wear face/head protection. Rationale: Strictly risk minimization. With players creeping closer and closer to the plate, and the slap and slash techniques being used by hitters, these players that are such a short distance from the mound are unnecessarily placed at risk. In our state, we have seen this cause devastating injuries. Making this by state adoption is not a requirement, but proposed as a means of getting the concept discussed. If it please the committee, remove this clause and start the change with Defensive players at, which is also proposed. A comparison to baseball is irrelevant. The distance at which the players are standing from the batter, tactical positioning by coaches and the players themselves, improvements in bat and ball performance, and improvement in player skill all necessitate this change. This is again being proposed for the committee's consideration. 4. 1-8-7 (NEW) Art. 7... The use of wrist play bands/cards by team personnel shall be permitted and shall be considered equipment. Rationale: Since the wrist play bands and cards are worn on the forearm, they are currently considered a sleeve and therefore must meet the color restrictions of Rule 3-2-7. These devices are not a part of the uniform but a piece of equipment used by the teams both on defense and offense. They should not be bound by Rule 3-2-7. (1-10)
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 4 5. 2-65-2 ART. 2... Intentional Walk (Base on balls) (S.P.). A request made to the umpire by the defensive coach or catcher, for the purpose of awarding the batter first base. No pitches are thrown. The request may be made prior to or during the at-bat. Rationale: This change to allow intentional walks was enacted to align fast pitch and slow pitch rules, to keep up with current trends of the sport, and also to maximize the flow of the game. (9-0) 6. 3-2-7c ART. 7... Exposed undergarments, if worn, are considered part of the official uniform. All exposed undergarments shall be a solid, single color: black, white, gray or a school color. c. Other than team uniforms, ggarments other than team uniforms - such as arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and tights - worn on the arms or legs, with the exception of a brace, are permissible, Anything worn on the arm or leg is a sleeve, except a brace, and shall meet the color restrictions. d. Wristbands worn by multiple players must be the same solid color: black, white, gray or school color, but may be a different color than the exposed undergarment. Rationale: Even though it is getting much more common to see players wearing the informational wristbands, it is difficult to find them manufactured in a variety of colors; therefore, it would be very difficult for teams to comply with the current rule as written. 7. 3-2-7c ART. 7... Exposed undergarments, if worn, are considered part of the official uniform. All exposed undergarments shall be a solid, single color: black, white, gray or a school color. c. Garments other than team uniforms such as arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and tights are permissible. Anything worn on the arm or leg is a sleeve, except a brace, and shall meet the color restrictions. EXCEPTION Any wristband with a playbook/playcard attached shall be considered equipment and is permitted as long as it is a single solid color, provided it is not optic yellow. It does not have to match the color of the upper undergarment. It shall only be worn on the non-pitching arm. (11-0) Rationale: The wristband playbook/playcards are worn on the forearm and considered equipment, not a garment. Therefore, these items are not required to adhere to the color restrictions addressed in 3-2-7c.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 5 8. 3-2-15 ART. 15... All equipment shall be inspected by the umpire, and is to be placed outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of the game. Rationale: Rule 4-1-2d already requires head coaches to verify that their players are legally and properly equipped. It is no longer necessary for umpires to check the equipment as the responsibility rests with the coach and administration of the school. Rules 7-4-2 and 10-2-3l provide the authority to umpires to penalize for equipment violations. The umpire is permitted but is not required to inspect equipment. (10-1) 9. 3-2-15 ART. 15... All equipment shall be inspected by the umpire, and is to be placed outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of the game. Prior to the start of the game, the plate umpire shall receive verification from each head coach that his/her participants are properly equipped in accordance with NFHS rules. In addition, each coach shall verify that his/her participants are using only legal equipment, including bats that are unaltered from the manufacturer's original design and production and that meet the provisions of 1-5, and helmets that meet the provisions of 1-6. PENALTY: On the first violation of 3-2-15 for entering the box with an illegal bat, the penalty for an illegal bat is applied (7-4-2) and the head coach shall be restricted to the bench/dugout for the remainder of the game. On the second violation for entering the box with an Illegal bat, the penalty for an Illegal bat is applied and the head coach shall be ejected. On subsequent violations for entering the box with an illegal bat, the penalty for an illegal bat is applied and the designated head coach shall be ejected. On detected violations of 3-2-15 for the use of a damaged helmet, the helmet shall be immediately removed from play. Rationale: The head coach and school are ultimately responsible for a team's equipment. Umpires should not have the responsibility to approve equipment before the start of the game. This change would be consistent with other NFHS rules codes which have eliminated requirements for officials to inspect equipment. The coach is responsible to certify the use of only legal equipment pursuant to NFHS Rules as part of the pregame meeting. No further action should be required on the part of the umpire.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 6 10. 3-2-15 PENALTY (NEW) ART. 15... All equipment shall be inspected by the umpire, and is to be placed outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of the game. PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to the head coach of a team that does not have their equipment ready for inspection. Any further delay in placing equipment outside the dugout for inspection will result in the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench area for the remainder of the game. Rationale: A penalty was added for violation of Rule 3-2-15. X 11. 3-6-7 PENALTY: (Arts. 2 through 10) The umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender on that team shall be restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game. (Art. 2) A fake tag with- out the ball is obstruction (8-4-3b). (Art. 7) The head coach is also restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game for the a second and each additional violation. NOTE: When a head coach is restricted to the dugout, an assistant coach shall be identified as the head coach for the remainder of the game. Rationale: The language clarifies what penalty should be applied when a team has multiple unreported substitutes.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 7 12. 3-7-1 NOTE (NEW) 6-2-5 NOTE 2 Note: When a pitcher is removed by rule and the incoming pitcher has not pitched in the game, the umpire is authorized to allow more warm-up pitches. If the incoming pitcher has already pitched in the game, she will receive 5 warm-up pitches. ART. 5... At the beginning of each half-inning or when a pitcher relieves another, no more than one minute may be used to deliver no more than five balls to the catcher or other teammate. The one-minute time limit begins from the third out of the previous half-inning. Play shall be suspended during this time. NOTES: 1. A pitcher returning in the same half inning will not be granted any warm-up pitches. 2. Umpire is authorized to allow more pitches when weather is inclement or if pitcher was removed by rule or due to an injury. Rationale: Currently there are no guidelines for warming up the incoming pitcher under these circumstances. The default number of pitches used by the umpires is 5 unless there is inclement weather. Only allowing 5 pitches to a player that is cold could become a safety issue. The note will give guidance to all parties involved. (8-3) 13. 6-1 PENALTY PENALTY: (Art. 1) An illegal pitch shall be declared immediately by the umpire (delayed dead-ball signal). The batter is awarded a ball. and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out. Rationale: I have surveyed umpires for about 3 to 4 months and they would like to see the penalty as proposed above. I believe umpires would be more likely to call the illegal pitch when the penalty is not so severe. I believe umpires know it is an illegal pitch but hesitate calling it because of the baserunners advance. (4-7)
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 8 14. 6-1-2b ART. 2... About the Pitch: b. Any step backwards must begin prior to the start of the pitch. The step backward may end before or after the hands come together. Once the hands are brought together and are in motion, Once the pitch has started, the pitcher shall not take more than one step which must be forward, toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery. Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together. The step backward may end before or after the hands come together. Rationale: This is a slight change to help the young student athlete who wishes to pitch softball. She only has to do one thing at a time, hands together, then step backwards as oppose to hands coming together simultaneously with the hands coming together. (8-3) 15. 8-9-2 ART. 2... In the top of the first inning only, the pitcher and catcher are identified as those players listed on the lineup as the pitcher and catcher; both must face at least the first batter on defense (one pitch). Thereafter, the pitcher and catcher are identified as the last players who physically played that position on defense. The pitcher or catcher must bat and reach base legally (or earn their way on base) in order to be eligible for a courtesy runner. Rationale: This rule only applies to the home team in the bottom of the first inning and only if they had used a courtesy runner in the top of the first. Since this is the only time this requirement is in place, removing this requirement would add consistency to the game.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 9 16. 8-9-2 EXCEPTION EXCEPTION: When an injury or disqualification occurs in the top of the first inning to the pitcher/catcher identified on the lineup card and she is unable to face the first batter in the bottom of the first inning, the player who ran for her is retroactively her substitute, no longer a courtesy runner. All substitution rules apply and the pitcher/catcher has left the game. If the pitcher/ catcher is able to play at another position on the field, the player who ran for her is retroactively her substitute and is no longer a courtesy runner. All substitution rules apply. Rationale: The physical demands for the catcher and pitcher's positions might prevent the injured player from being able to face the first batter in the bottom of the 1st inning but they are able to play another position on the field. Currently, the exception infers that the pitcher/catcher's injury is severe enough that they are unable to continue and has left the game. 17. 10-2-3a ART. 3... The duties include those listed in 10-2-1 and also the following: a. conduct the pregame conference as in 4-1-2. Inspect equipment, including batting and catcher s helmets, bats, inspect the condition of the field, define the dugout/bench areas, and if necessary, designate the official scorekeeper. (9-2-2) (11-0) Rationale: Rule 4-1-2d already requires head coaches to verify that their players are legally and properly equipped. It is no longer necessary for umpires to check the equipment as the responsibility rests with the coach and administration of the school. Rules 7-4-2 and 10-2-3l provide the authority to umpires to penalize for equipment violations. The umpire is permitted but is not required to inspect equipment.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 10 18. 1-8-4 Add to end of Article 4 Defensive players at 1st base, 3rd base and the pitcher shall be required to wear face/ head protection. Rationale: Strictly risk minimization. With players creeping closer and closer to the plate, and the slap and slash techniques being used by hitters, these players that are such a short distance from the mound are unnecessarily placed at risk. In our state, we have seen this cause devastating injuries. If it please the committee, consideration could be given to permitting this by state association adoption. A comparison to baseball is irrelevant. The distance at which the players are standing from the batter, tactical positioning by coaches and the players themselves, improvements in bat and ball performance, and improvement in player skill all necessitate this change. This is again being proposed for the committee's consideration.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 11 B. Proposed Editorial Changes Prop Rule Referenc e Proposed Editorial Change Passed Failed No Action 1. 3-2-1 ART. 1... Uniforms of all team members shall be of the same color and style. The uniform may display the player s name, school name, school nickname, and/or the school logo. State associations may, on an individual basis, permit a player to participate while wearing a different style uniform for religious reasons, inclement weather, etc. Rationale: The language provides clarity and consistency among all NFHS sports for what school and player information is permitted on the uniform. 2. 3-6-12 ART. 12...Tobacco products, in any form, are prohibited. No participant, coach, or administrator shall use alcohol or any form of tobacco product (e-cigarette or similar items) beginning with arrival at the competition site until departure following the completion of the contest. (11-0) Rationale: The language provides clarity and consistency among all NFHS sports for restriction of alcohol and tobacco use.
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 12 3. 8-1-2 ART. 2... A batter is awarded first base when: a. a fair batted ball strikes the person, attached equipment, or clothing of an umpire or a runner. b. (F.P.) a pitched ball is entirely within the batter s box and it strikes the batter or her clothing. No attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch is required. However, the batter may not obviously try to get hit by the pitch. c. (F.P.) a pitched ball (not entirely in the batter s box) not swung at nor called a strike touches any part of the batter s person or clothing. It does not matter if the ball strikes the ground before hitting the batter. The batter s hands are not to be considered part of the bat. If no attempt is made to avoid being hit, the batter will not be awarded first base unless it is ball four. Rationale: This requirement was inadvertently removed when the change to allow a hit by a pitch completely within the batter s box without the batter being required to avoid being hit (Article 2b). The intent of this requirement is evident in the umpire s manual where it describes the three situations and how each should be enforced. (11-0) 4. 10-1-6 ART. 6... Umpires shall not use tobacco products in any form in the vicinity of the playing field. No game official shall use alcohol or any form of tobacco product (ecigarette or similar items) beginning with arrival at the competition site until departure following the completion of the contest. (11-0) Rationale: The language provides clarity and consistency among all NFHS sports for restriction of alcohol and tobacco use. C. Case Book/Interpretation Changes The committee discussed interpretations of specific case situations. D. Points of Emphasis 1. Coaches Responsibility Pregame Conference-Equipment 2. Other Equipment 3. Hit by Pitch 4. Courtesy Runner for the Pitcher and Catcher
NFHS Softball Rules Committee Meeting Page 13 8. SUBCOMMITTEE WORK Committee members were divided into subcommittees and worked on their assigned duties. A. Play Rulings - * Cassell, Fletschock, Owen B. Exam - * Yarbrough, Witkin, Morgan C. Power Point * Cassell, Searcy, Korth D. Points of Emphasis - * Henry, Neubauer E. Comments on the Rules * Ozzello, Burns, Mader 9. 2017 QUESTIONNAIRE A. Part II Suggestions: Are you seeing in your area? B. Part III Suggestions: For 2017, would you favor? 10. FUTURE SOFTBALL MEETINGS A. Online Rule Interpreters Meeting Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 2:00 p.m. EST. B. Rules Committee June 11-13, 2018. 12. ADJOURNMENT Sandy Searcy thanked the committee for their hard work and recognized Amy Cassell s leadership as Committee Chair. Ms. Searcy then thanked Tommie Neubauer, Scott Owen and Bud Ozzello for their representation on the committee and hard work during their years of service, and provided them with an NFHS watch. The committee was reminded to complete their rules committee surveys and submit their expense reports within the next two weeks. The meeting was adjourned on Tuesday, June 14 th at Noon EDT.