NFHS Softball 2016 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes ... · A commemorative patch may be placed on a jersey with state association approval. ... A play or rule violation on which

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

NFHS Softball

2016

Rules Changes

Major Editorial Changes

Points of Emphasis

2016 NFHS Softball Rules and

Case Book as E-Books

Electronic Versions of the NFHS Softball

Rules and Case Book are now available for

purchase as e-books.

Apple users can visit iTunes for available

books.

Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy e-

books from Amazon.com and view them

through the Kindle app.

Price: $5.99 each

Visit www.nfhs.org/ebooks

for more information.

http://www.nfhs.org/ebooks

Interscholastic Officiating

www.nfhslearn.com

Introduction to skills and

concepts used as an official

Ideal for new officials or those in

first few years of officiating

30-45 minutes to complete

Topics include: basics of

becoming and staying an

official, science of officiating, art

of officiating, how to combine

these skills for successful

officiating

Course is FREE to any NFHS

Officials Association member

Non-members course is $20

Contact NFHS Officials

Department for details

(317.972.6900)

http://www.nfhsofficials.com/

Free Courses on NFHSLearn.com

Heat Illness Prevention

Concussion in Sports

Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment

Coaching Pole Vault

NCAA Eligibility

Engaging Effectively with Parents

Positive Sport Parenting

Sports Nutrition

Coaching Unified Sports

Sportsmanship

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

NFHS Officials Association Central Hub

www.nfhs.arbitersports.com

Contains

Sport information

Rules information

Rules library

Searchable rules

book and case

book

Video content on

officiating sport,

competition

situations and

interpretations

http://www.nfhs.arbitersports.com/



NFHS Softball

2016

Rules Changes

Projected Substitute

(2-57-4) New

A projected substitute is the act of

entering a substitute without first

removing a player from that position

in the lineup.

SUBSTITUTIONSRULE 2-57-4 New

A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the line-up.


Jackson is batting for Abel;

when we go on defense,

Abel will re-enter. –

PROJECTED SUBSTITUTE

(Illegal)

Umpire: “I can take Jackson

for Abel now, but you will

have to re-enter Abel when

she goes back into the

game.”


Team is coming to bat in the

bottom of the 7th inning.

Coach wants to put in

Jackson, Knutson, Larson.

This is not a projected

substitute, just multiple

substitutes.



NFHS Softball

2016

Major Editorial Changes

EQUIPMENTRULE 3-2-4

A flag can be placed on a jersey without state association

approval.

EQUIPMENTRULE 3-2-4

A commemorative patch may be placed on a jersey with

state association approval. A number should not be used

in the memorial patch.



NFHS Softball

2016

Points of Emphasis

STRIKE ZONE (FP)

The NFHS Softball Rules Committee

believes that improvements have

been made in helping umpires

identify the strike zone for each

hitter.

Additional work on this issue is

needed to make the game fair for

all hitters. There is no such thing

as a common strike zone for all

hitters.

STRIKE ZONE (FP)

The strike zone for fast-pitch is the space

over any part of home plate which is

between the batter's forward armpit and

the top of the knees when the batter

assumes a natural batting stance.

Any part of the ball passing through the

strike zone in flight over the plate shall

be considered a strike. The umpire

shall determine each batter's strike zone

according to the batter's usual stance.

STRIKE ZONE (FP)

The NHFS Softball Rules Committee

reinforced its support of the Rule

and encourages umpires to call the

strike zone according to the Rule.

STRIKE ZONE

Enforce the strike zone from the top of the knees and especially the high end of the zone at the batter’s forward armpit.

DP/FLEX EDUCATION

(3-3-6)

Coaches and umpires across the country

have expressed confusion regarding the

DP/FLEX (3-3-6). The NFHS Softball

Rules Committee reinforced its support

of the rule and encourages coaches and

umpires alike to utilize the resources

available that thoroughly explain the rule

and even provide some strategies for

using the rule.

DP/FLEX EDUCATION

(3-3-6)

The DP/FLEX rule was originally

adopted because it provides more

participation opportunities for

student-athletes and more flexibility

to coaches.

DP/FLEX

Coaches and umpires need to continue to utilize the resources available that thoroughly explain rule 3-3-6, including strategies for using the option.

PITCHING (FP) 6-1-1

The NFHS Softball Rules

Committee believes the pitching

rule in fast pitch is in place to allow

pitchers with varying degrees of

pitching skills to pitch with success.

The present rule allows for coaches

and pitchers to determine the

pitching stance to use based on the

pitching strength of the pitcher.

PITCHING RULE 6-1-1

Pitchers are encouraged to choose the starting stance for pitching that supports their skill level. A strong and advanced pitcher may choose to start with the non-pivot foot in contact with the pitching plate while a novice or not so strong pitcher may choose to start with the non-pivot foot behind the pitching plate. Both choices would require the pivot foot to be on or partially on the top of the pitching plate.



OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS

Malicious Contact

2-35; 8-6-14

Malicious contact is defined as an

act that involves excessive force

with an opponent.

A runner is out when she remains

on her feet and maliciously crashes

into a defensive player.

Malicious contact supersedes

obstruction.

When malicious contact is initiated by a runner, the runner is

out and all other runners must return to the last base touched at

the time of interference. The runner is also ejected.

MALICIOUS CONTACTRULE 2-35; 8-6-14

Appeals

2-1-1; 8-3-2 Effect; 8-8-16

Appeal - A play or rule violation on

which the umpire does not make a

ruling until requested by a coach or

player.

Appeal

2-1-2

Types of Appeals:

• Missed a base, either advancing or

returning (live or dead-ball appeal).

• Leaving a base on a caught fly ball before

the ball is first touched (live or dead-ball

appeal)

• Batting out of order (dead-ball appeal only)

• Attempting to advance to second base

after making the turn at first base

overrunning first base (live-ball appeal

only)

Appeals

1-1-3

Methods by which an Appeal can

be made:

• Live – An Appeal may be made

during a live ball by any fielder in

possession of the ball touching the

base missed or left too soon on a

caught fly ball, or by tagging the

runner committing the violation if she

is still on the playing field (even if she

is standing on another base).

Appeals

2-1-3

Method (continued)

• Dead – The dead-ball appeal may be

made:

1. Once all runners have completed their

advancement and time has been called,

the coach or any defensive player with

or without the ball, may make a verbal

appeal on a runner missing a base or

leaving a base too soon on a caught fly

ball. The administering umpire should

then make a decision on the play.

Appeal

2-1-3

Method (continued)


made:

2. If the ball has gone out of play, runners

must be given the opportunity to

complete their base running

responsibilities before the dead-ball

appeal can be made.

Appeal

2-1-3

Method (continued)


made:

3. If the pitcher has possession of the ball

and is in contact with the pitching plate

when making a verbal appeal, no illegal

pitch is called.

4. If “play ball” has been declared by the

umpire and the pitcher then requests an

appeal, the umpire would again call

“time” and allow the appeal.

Appeal – A play or rule violation on which the umpire does

not make a ruling until requested by a coach or player.

APPEALSRULE 2-1; 8-3-2 Effect; 8-8-16

A defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with the pitched ball has committed an act of obstruction.

OBSTRUCTIONRULE 2-36

Interference is when the offense illegally impedes, hinders or confuses a fielder. This can be physical or verbal and can involve an umpire, spectator or equipment.

INTERFERENCERULE 2-32; 8-2-7,8

Batting out of order is failing to bat in proper sequence as

listed on the official lineup card.

BATTING OUT-OF-ORDERRULE 2-7-2; 7-1-2

2016 Softball Up-Dates

Recertification Requirements

• Register with a recognized chapter ON-TIME

• Attending an Interpretation Meeting

• Completion of the NFHS Annual Concussion Course

• Passing the Softball Re-certification Online Test

2016 Softball Up-Dates

Recertification Test

• Hosted on the Arbiter

• Test will open on February 10th

• Test will close on March 2nd

• 50 question test from a pool of 80 questions

• Passing score of 80 to work Varsity Softball games

2016 Softball Up-DatesRecertification Requirements

• Your test results will be available after March 3rd

• 2 attempts are available to pass the on-line test

• If a NJSIAA registered official fails 2 attempts at the

on-line test, the chapter is authorized to administer a

3rd written test using the NFHS Softball 100 question

Part 1 test

• The 3rd attempt will preclude the official from being

selected to work in the State Softball Tournament

2016 Softball Up-DatesTournament Selection Process

• All umpires must be registered with their Chapter in a timely

manner

• Complete the NFHS Concussion Certification

• Achieved at least an 86 or better on the online test

• Test scores will be verified on the Arbiter

• The Spring Directory is checked for registration and

information

• Three umpires will be assigned for the Sectional Finals,

State Semi-Finals and the Finals


• An umpire who works a State Semi-Final game shall not

work a Final in the same year.

• An umpire shall accept all assignments within 24 hours or

they will be removed.

• When you accept an assignment, also block the following

day in case of a cancellation.

• No changing of assigned positions is permitted without

NJSIAA approval.


• All umpires must follow NJSIAA protocols.

• In order to be assigned to a Sectional Final, State Semi-Final

or State Final, all umpires assigned to a 3 person crew, must

have attended a 3 person clinic within the last three years.

• An official must not appear on the “Do Not Wish” section of

the Softball Recommended Officials Form or affiliated list

from a school in order to work a game involving said school.

Umpires Assigned To A Tournament Game

2016 Softball Up-DatesUmpires Assigned a Tournament Game

• Download the Softball Tournament Regulations and the

Softball Modifications from the NJSIAA.org Website

• The first round of the Public School brackets for 2016 will be

assigned by NJSIAA

• Non-Public schools will be 1st round games

• All other rounds are the responsibility of the NJSIAA

Sectional, State Semis and State Finals Assignor

2016 Softball Up-DatesUmpires assigned a Tournament Game

• Games will be assigned through Arbiter

• Respond promptly, accept or decline.

• You will be replaced if the game is not accepted within 24

hours.


• Throughout the Tournament, the default uniform for all state

tournament games is located on Page 27 of the 2015-2016

NJSIAA Officials Manual

• Only the NJSIAA Sublimated Uniform Shirt. An optional

American Flag may adorn the shirt.

• Only a white undershirt is permitted, if worn. In the field a

plain fitted navy blue cap must be worn while behind the plate

the cap is optional.

• The uniform pants must be HEATHER GRAY


• Umpires are expected to arrive 1 hour before the posted start

time

• Upon arrival, report to the home (s), Site Director, and/or AD on

site. Arriving late is not acceptable

• All rounds will be assigned by the NJSIAA

2016 Up-DatesUmpires assigned a Tournament Game

• The positions may only be changed with permission from

Allison Munch or Kim DeGraw-Cole

• Allison or Kim must be called if a turn back addition to the

Sectional or State Tournament Assignor

• An umpire may be assigned a game with those from another

Chapter

• It is incumbent for umpires to contact each other on the day

before the game


• Umpires should check Arbiter and make contact with their

partner/partners

• Please remember, an umpire represents the NJSIAA and is

the formal representative of the game of Softball at all times

• Be professional

• Good luck and good umpiring!

Umpire communications with press and social media

• Umpires shall not talk to Media or post on Social Media comments on rulings.

• After officiating a high school baseball game, any questions from the media are to be referred to Kim DeGraw-Cole, NJSIAA Assistant Director. Game officials shall respond, “NO Comment”, when asked a question about a ruling or play.

• Officials shall refrain from commenting or offering a ruling on a play situation in a game that they were not involved in.

• The above also pertains to posting comments on social media sites as well.

2016 Softball Reminder

Rule Modification for Lower Level Play

• 3 Outs or 1 rotation of the batting order can be used

• Permissible by League and Conference adoption with

NJSIAA approval.

• Schools can only implement at the sub varsity levelWhen a Team/Schools goals are the development of

a softball program and really are

challenged to compete

New for 2016 Softball Jacket

Outergarment must be Navy Blue with NJSIAA emblem.

Piping shall be Powder Blue.

Optional for 2016 State Tournament

Mandatory for 2017 State Tournament / Optional for regular season.

Mandarory for 2018 regular season and State Tournament.

Eye Black

Eye Black is permissible but must be worn in a

manner that is not distracting as deemed by the

umpires.

PRE-GAME SPORTSMANSHIP

READING

NJSIAA Tolerance Policy

• The Sportsmanship statement will be read at the start of EVERY Baseball and Softball Game

• It will be read at the pre-game plate conference and include;

– Both Head Coaches

– Both Team Captains

U1

U2

C1

CAP

C2

CAP



THANK YOU AND

HAVE A GREAT SEASON!

Documents

NFHS Softball 2016 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes ... · A commemorative patch may be placed on a jersey with state association approval. ... A play or rule violation on which