The National Federation of State High School Associations approved four rules changes from the softball committee at its June meeting in Indianapolis.
Rule 3-2-15 states that all equipment must be inspected by the umpire and is to be put outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of games. The committee agreed that placing all equipment in one location at one time is a more efficient method for inspections.
In Rule 3-2-1, the committee added inclement weather as an exception to the uniform rule for state associations.
The committee also approved new language to Rule 3-2-7 to reinforce the solid color undergarments requirements.
“We felt if was important to standardize the colors of the undergarments not only to reinforce the solid color requirements similar to other NFHS sport rules, but also because it can be a distraction and create a possible safety concern,” said Sandy Search, NFHS director of sports and staff liaison for softball.
In Rule 3-6-7, which states players and substitutes cannot enter the game unreported. The penalty was revised to state the head coach is restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game only for a second violation.
The committee also revised Rule 1-5-2c by eliminating the description of the taper’s surface. The change brings the federation in line with other rules codes concerning the same issue.
