USSSA Fast Pitch 2011 Rule Changes

1. USSSA Fast Pitch2011 Rule Changes January 2011

2. Major Rule Changes Three Major Rule Changes were adopted for the 2011 Season. Rule 1.1 Pitching Distances for 13U & 14U is 43 feet. Rule 5.4 Adopt DP/FLEX to replace DH. Rule 6.1 Require Two Feet on the pitching plate & No Backward Step. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

3. Pitching Distance Rule 1 Sec 1 The Pitching Distance is 43 feet for 13U thru 18U. Increasing the pitching distance from 40 feet to 43 feet for 13U/14U in addition to 15U-18U. Brings USSSA into line with both college and high school. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

4. DP/FLEX Adopt DP/FLEX to replace DH. Change was made to be consistent with high school and college rules. This adoption imposes additions to Definitions and Changes to Rules 3.61, 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, and 8.3. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

5. DP/FLEX Rule 3 Sec 23,29,61 Add Definitions DESIGNATED PLAYER (DP) plays offense FLEX plays defense STARTING PLAYER. A starting player is one of the first nine, ten, eleven or twelve (if using the optional DP/FLEX and/or APs) listed on the lineup card that is approved by the Plate Umpire. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

6. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 1 A team may elect to include a DP/FLEX and/or up to two Additional Players (AP). The maximum number of players in the lineup is 12; The maximum number of batters in the lineup is 11. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

7. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 4 A,B,C DP/FLEX must be declared before game. The DP’s name listed where batting. FLEX listed last. The DP must remain in the same position in the lineup for the entire game. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

8. DP listed where batting FLEX listed Last Substitutes USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

9. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 4 F Any 9 in lineup can play defense. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

10. NOT on Defense NOT on Defense Substitutes USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

11. NOT on Defense NOT on Defense Substitutes USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

12. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 4 F Any 9 in lineup can play defense. If FLEX not on defense, FLEX out of game. Eliminates non-batting position. Reduces number in lineup. Must be reported. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

13. NOT on Defense NOT on Defense; Out of Game Non Batting Position Eliminated Substitutes USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

14. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 4 D,E May substitute for DP at any time. DP may re-enter. If DP not on offense, DP out of game. FLEX batting for DP eliminates non-batting position. Reduces number in lineup. Must be reported. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

15. NOT on Defense Evans NOT on Offense; Evans Out of Game Batting for DP Non Batting Position Eliminated Substitutes USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

16. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 4 G May substitute for FLEX at any time. FLEX may re-enter. The DP or an AP may play defense for the FLEX. In either case, the FLEX will leave the game. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

17. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 4 G The Non Batting Position can be Re-established. If FLEX re-enters into non batting position. If DP re-enters and FLEX moves backinto non batting position. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

18. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 4 H FLEX can only bat/run for DP. The FLEX is ejected for batting/running for someone other than the DP. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

19. FLEX can only go Here Batting for DP in DP spot Non Batting Position Eliminated Substitutes USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

20. DP/FLEX Rule 5 Sec 5 The DP may play any defensive position, any time and any number of times. Does not count as a substitution for anyone except the FLEX. Must be reported. The FLEX may play offense in DP’s position any time and any number of times. This is a substitution for the DP. Must be reported. The DP & FLEX can both be on defense at the same time. The DP & FLEX can NOT be on offense at the same. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

21. DP/FLEX Rule 8 Sec 3 No courtesy runner for DP. Unless DP is the pitcher or catcher of record. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

22. NOT on Defense Courtesy Runner Only if Evans pitcher or catcher, NOT on Defense Substitutes USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

23. Pitching Prerequisites Rule 6 Sec 1 Must haveTwofeet on the pitching plate. Can NOT have one foot behind the pitching plate. Change was made to be consistent with college pitching rules. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

24. Pitching Prerequisites Rule 6 Sec 1 • Part of the pivot foot must be on top of the pitcher’s plate. • The non-pivot foot must be in contact with the pitcher’s plate. • Both feet must be within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

25. Legal • Pivot foot on top; non-pivot foot touching. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes PF PF

26. Illegal • Pivot Foot NOT on top of Pitcher’s Plate USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes PF PF

27. Illegal • No part of foot may be outside 24”. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes PF PF

28. Pitching Prerequisites Rule 6 Sec 1 Must take one step Forward. Can NOT take a step Backward. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

29. Additional Rule Changes Further Rule Changes adopted for 2011 Season • Rules 3.10 and 5.1.B Lineup – Require first and last names on lineup • Rule 6.1.D Pitcher removing them self from pitching position • Rule 9.6.A Retouch on awarded bases • Rule 17.13.a and Rule 18.18.a Pitching Coach Restrictions • Rule 17 Coach Pitch Rule rewritten USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

30. First & Last Names Rules 3 Sec 10 and 5 Sec 1 Require first and last names on lineup Resolve inconsistency in Rules 3.10 and 5.1.B. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

31. Withdraw from Pitching Position Rule 6 Sec 1 D The Pitcher may stop the pitchwhen in the pitching position but before the pitch starts. She may step back or Request time. Explicit language as to how a pitcher who is on the rubber can remove them self from pitching position. . USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

32. Retouch on awarded bases Rule 9 Sec 6 A It should be explicitly stated that a runner may complete their advance or return. Old: A runner may not return to touch a missed base or one left too soon on a caught fly ball if:he has reached a base beyond the base missed or left too soon and the ball becomes dead. New : he has advanced, touched and remainsbeyond the base missed or left too soon and the ball becomes dead. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

33. Coach Pitch Changes Rule 17 Rule 17 Coach Pitch Rule rewritten Made restriction for coach pitching in Rule 17 Coach Pitch or feeding machine in Rule 18 Machine Pitch the same – Can only coach batter prior to pitch. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

34. Editorial Changes Editorial Changes were made – No intent to change current interpretation • Rule 2 Equipment – Bat warmers • Rule 3 Definitions – Base on Balls - Intentional Walk • Rule 3 Definitions - Catch. • Rule 3 Definition - Coach’s Box - NEW • Rule 3 Definition - Trap - NEW • Rule 7 Sec 4. Clarify Batter’s feet in box. • Rule 8.17 and 8.18.I - tagging runner resolve inconsistent wording USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

35. Bat Warmers Rule 2 Sec 11 Bat Warmers approved by USSSA are permitted. Explicitly state current policy USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

36. Intentional Walk Rule 3 Sec 3 Old statement: “There is no intentional walk in Fast Pitch.” produced misinterpretation New statement “The defense may not notify the umpire nor cause illegal pitch(es) to intentionally walk a batter. A team may intentionally walk a batter. However they must throw four pitches. They cannot simply declare to put the batter on base nor can the pitcher commit repeated illegal pitches. No change to current interpretation; Clarify meaning. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

37. Catch – Definition Rewritten Rule 3 Sec 15 Rewrite/Rearrange Section; Move definition of trap to separate definition A catch is the act of a fielder getting secure possession in a hand or glove of a live ball in flight and firmly holding it. In establishing a valid catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove complete control of it and that the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. Conditions for Valid Catch. Conditions when a Catch shall not be credited. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

38. Trap – Separate Definition Rule 3 Sec 69 Move definition of Trap from Catch to separate definition Establishes existing criteria in its own definition. Rule 3 Definition - Trap - NEW A batted fly ball or line drive is considered trapped if it hits the ground or a fence on a short hop before being caught. A thrown ball is considered trapped if it is caught but the ball is on the ground and the glove/mitt/hand is over, rather than under, it and the fielder does not have secure possession. A pitched ball is considered trapped if it is a strike but touches the ground on a short hop before being caught by the catcher. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

39. Coach’s Box Rule 3 Sec 17 NEW Definition The coach’s box is the area to which the two base coaches (one per box) are restricted prior to release of the pitch. Inserts Standard Definition USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

40. Apparently Unconscious Rule 5 Sec 9 Under Injured Player, Change “unconscious” to “Apparently unconscious”. Easier definition to apply. Consistent with other associations. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

41. Time to Release Pitch Rule 6 Sec 1 K Modify Rule: Once the ball has been returned to the pitcherto prepare for the next pitchor after the Umpire calls “Play”, the pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch. Penalty: Dead ball; a ball on the batter Added “to prepare for the next pitch” and Reworded for Clarification USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

42. Batter’s Feet in Box Rule 7 Sec 4 A Current Rule: Prior to the pitch, the batter must have both feet completely within the lines of the batter’s box. The batter may touch the lines, but no part of the foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch. Change to: Prior to the pitch, the batter must have both feet completely in the batter’s box. The batter may touch the lines, but no part of the foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch. Reworded for Clarification USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes

43. Tagging Runner Rules 8 Sec 17 D & Sec 18 I Make Rules 8.17.D and 8.18.I consistent regarding tagging runner Current Rule 8 Sec 17.D - The batter-runner is out: • If, after a third strike or a fair hit, any fielder, while holding the ball, touches the batter-runner before the batter-runner touches first base; Modification • If, after a third strike or a fair hit, any fielder tags out the batter-runner before the batter-runner touches first base; Current Rule 8.18.I Any runner is out when: • Touched by a live ball securely held by a fielder or is touched by a fielder’s glove or hand with the live ball held therein while the runner is not touching base. Modification • Tagged out. USSSA Fast Pitch Rule Changes