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Clarifying Softball Rules: Major Changes and Points of Emphasis

Detailed overview of 2007 NFHS Softball rule modifications, highlighting interference/obstruction guidelines, intentional acts penalties, and running lane clarifications to balance offense-defense dynamics.

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Clarifying Softball Rules: Major Changes and Points of Emphasis

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  1. 2007 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES POINTS OF EMPHASIS

  2. 2007 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES

  3. 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”

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. INTERFERENCE/ OBSTRUCTION GUIDELINES(2-36; 2-47-2,3; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a) • Other definitions revised: • Obstruction (2-36) • Making a play (2-47-2) • Obstruction rule modified (8-4-3b) • Interference rule modified (8-6-10a)

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 2007 NFHS SOFTBALL EDITORIAL CHANGES

  11. 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

  12. “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

  13. “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)

  14. MALICIOUS CONTACT PENALTY CLARIFIED (3-6-18) • Malicious contact typically only thought of as committed by a runner • Immediate dead ball, offender is out and ejected

  15. MALICIOUS CONTACT PENALTY CLARIFIED (3-6-18) • Penalty now includes enforcement when infraction is by a fielder • Offender ejected at end of playing action

  16. BATTING INFRACTIONS/BATTER IS OUT (7-3; 7-4) • Sections reorganized • Articles relating to batter being “out” moved from section on Batting Infractions to Batter is Out

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 2007 NFHS SOFTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS

  20. BATTER DELAYS • Pace of a game enhanced when 20-second rule enforced (7-3-1) • Batter must be ready to step into batter’s box and take turn at bat • Pitcher disconcerted with excessive waiting or prolonged signaling from coach

  21. BATTER DELAYS • Batter has 20 seconds to take her place in batter’s box • Coaches must be concise in signaling from coaching box • Penalty for noncompliance is strike being called on batter

  22. BATTER DELAYS Once in the batter’s box: • Batter may request “time”, but only granted for valid reason • Putting hand up toward umpire does not guarantee time will be granted • Requesting time to perform rituals should not be permitted

  23. BATTER DELAYS • Once in batter’s box, pitcher entitled to deliver pitch • If batter’s hand is up BUT has not been granted time – umpire directs pitcher to “play ball” • Stepping in and out of box when pitcher is ready – subject to strike-call penalty (3-6-9)

  24. OBSTRUCTION • Obstruction, especially at first base still concerns committee • Umpires ignoring and/or not properly signaling • Belief that signal is not necessary if base runner already obtained base she would have reached had there been no obstruction

  25. OBSTRUCTION • Not a wasted signal • Communicates to defense that they have committed an infraction • Important to communicate information so defense doesn’t commit same infraction – when penalty could be more costly • Make the call!

  26. DEFLECTED/MISPLAYED BATTED BALL • Rules change permits defensive players opportunity to complete an initial play – even if not in immediate control of batted ball • By permitting fielder a “step and reach” – protected from obstruction call

  27. DEFLECTED/MISPLAYED BATTED BALL • Advancing runner contacts defender during initial play, “step and reach” area = interference • Deflected/misplayed ground ball beyond “step and reach” of fielder, no longer protected = obstruction possible

  28. 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

  29. 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

  30. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION • If more than one game played in a day and teams/equipment leave dugout • Umpires check equipment again prior to start of next game • Ensures no equipment has been damaged and no unauthorized or illegal equipment has entered game

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