2015 NFHS/GHSA GHSA POLICIES & PROCEDURES ...learn.ghsa.net/sites/learn.ghsa.net/files/2015 SB...

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Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

National Federation of StateHigh School Associations

2015 NFHS/GHSA

SOFTBALL RULES CLINICTake Part. Get Set For Life.™


GHSA POLICIES & PROCEDURES



GHSA Points of Emphasis • By-Law 2.71 (c) (1) It shall be the responsibility of the host school

Game Manager to insure crowd and spectator control. This includesthe removal of any and all spectators whom the Game Officials feelare conducting themselves in an unacceptable manner. NOTE: Inaddition to the assigned Game Manager, any staff member fromeither competing school in attendance should be proactive in thismatter, prior to the necessity for Game Officials to get involved.

• SPORTING BEHAVIOR – The contest officials have the authority tohave any spectator(s) removed from the premises whose behaviorhas become a detriment to the fair administration of the contest. Anyverbal and/or visual gesture that is profane, racial, ethnic, or genderthat is derogatory in nature is grounds for dismissal.

� Beginning in the Spring of 2015, schools areallowed to conduct try-outs limited to fiveconsecutive school days between May 1 and thefinal day school is in session. Eligible students mustbe enrolled at the school, or an 8th grader at afeeder school for that program. Rising 7th gradersare NOT allowed to participate in these tryouts.

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� Beginning in the 2016 season varsity level teams are nowallowed to play (25) regular season games, and a regiontournament that does not exceed (8) games. All gamesplayed at invitational tournaments count in the (25) regularseason total. JV teams are allowed to play a total number ofgames not exceeding 70% of the varsity at the respectiveschool. Individual players, who play both varsity and JV, arenot allowed to play more than a combination total of the

varsity level games at the respective school.

� Beginning in the 2016 State Tournament “crossover” serieswill start in the 2nd round, in order to be consistent with theother power ranked sports.

� Effective August 1, 2015 all GHSA contest officials shall have a current year background check completed.

� It shall be the responsibility of each respective GHSA sanctioned contest officials association to insure that the background checks are completed for the current academic school calendar, and keep official records for each registered association member.

� Officials who have not completed a current year background check shall not be assigned to officiate any GHSA sanctioned event.

� Associations that violate any provision of this policy shall be subject to a $250.00 fine per violation, and the possibility of losing their GHSA sanction.

� NOTE: The GHSA Office will secure a contract for the best rate available for the background check and provide that information to the local associations no later than July 1 each year.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

� Beginning in 2015 ALL bats (team and individual)will be required to go through a certified bat testingat the initial team check-in at the Elite Eight inColumbus. Bats that fail the inspection will beconfiscated and returned at the end of thetournament. Bats that pass inspection will receive acertified sticker. If a player uses a bat during agame that has not passed the inspection, The playerand the head coach will be ejected from the game.Bats will continue to be inspected prior to eachgame by the umpiring crew. Take Part. Get Set For Life.™


OFFICIAL STARTING DATES

•Date for 1st official practice is August 1, 2015

•Date for 1st official game is August 7, 2015

•(1) official scrimmage at any time after August 1 and prior to the 1st official game of the competing schools.

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General Information-Con’t.

� TIME LIMITS/SHORTENED GAMES – In varsitylevel invitational tournaments NO game shall beless than (5) innings or (90) minutes unless thehome team is ahead after 4.5 innings, weatherissues, or the mercy rule is in affect. If the game istied after five complete innings, or the (90) minutetime limit, the international tie-breaker will beimplemented until a winner is determined.

� Sub-Varsity games may have time-limits imposedon them during the regular season and invitationaltournaments.

Class A Power Rankings

• Each Class A school, and ALL schools competing against Class A schools, are responsible to submit the results of EACH game within (48) hours of the completion of EVERY game to MaxPreps. ([email protected])

• Failure to provide the required information within the allowed time will result in a $250.00 fine.NOTE: The Power Rankings for Class A schools areaffected by the win-loss record of every school they compete against, regardless of the classification.



End of Regular Season/Region Tournament – Completed no later than October 11 (Classes AA-AAAAAA) October 13 (Class A)

Results to GHSA Office immediately at the conclusion of the regular season.

Round 1 (AA – AAAAAA) – October 14 & 15 @ Higher Seed Hosts

Round 1 (A Private & A Public) – October 21 & 22 @ Higher Seeds

Round 2 – (AA – AAAAAA) - October 21 & 22 – Higher Seed Hosts

Elite Eight – All Classifications – October 29 – 31

STATE TOURNAMENT



STATE TOURNAMENT ADMISSION

•1ST & 2ND Round Games

• Double Headers $7.00

• Single Games $5.00

•Elite Eight (Columbus) - $10.00 per day

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GHSA/GISA Crossover Games

Softball is a Class A Power Ranking sport, and as such shall NOT be permitted to play varsity level games against GISA schools at any level.

GISA Coach/Administrator passes shall NOT be honored at GHSA softball games.



NFHS Softball

2015Rules Changes

Batting & Catching Helmets (1-6-1) (1-7-1) (1-6-6)

The batting and catching helmets shallhave a non-glare surface (not mirrorlike).

The batting and catching helmets shallmeet the NOCSAE standard at thetime of manufacture.

The exterior label may be affixed orembossed at the time of manufactue.

© REFEREE ENTERPISES INC. 2012

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Batting Helmet

Rule 1-6-1

A glare or mirror-like surface on the batting helmet is illegal due to its distracting nature which may be dangerous to other players.

LEGAL ILLEGAL

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Catcher’s Helmet

Rule 1-7-1

Like the batting helmets, a glare or mirror-like surface is illegal and can be dangerous to other players.

LEGAL ILLEGAL


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Equipment

Rule 1-6-1, 1-6-6, 1-7-1

Phrase revised “Meets NOCSAE standard at time of manufacture.”



NFHS Softball

2015Major Editorial Changes

Dead-ball Situation(5-1-4)

After a dead-ball situation, the ball becomes live when the umpire calls and/or signals "Play Ball."

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Dead Ball/Live Ball

Rule 5-1-4

“Gives a beckoning hand signal” removed from rule to reflect current practice of pointing to pitcher and calling, “Play Ball.” Also clarifies Rule 8-6-18 as to whether ball is live or dead should runner(s) leave their bases when pitcher is inside the pitching circle with possession of the ball.

BATTING ORDER - (7-1-1&2 Pen 2)

When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the next pitch (legal or illegal), or prior to an intentional base on balls (S.P.), or before all infielders have left fair territory and the catcher vacates her normal fielding position if a half-inning is ending.

The umpire shall declare the batter who should have batted out (not the improper batter). The improper batter's time at bat is negated and she is returned to the dugout/bench area. All outs stand and runners who were not declared out must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

If a runner advances because of a stolen base, wild pitch, passed ball (F.P.) or an illegal pitch (F.P.) while the improper batter is at bat, such advance is legal.

APPEAL - (7-1-1&2 Pen 2)

If any situation arises which could lead to an appeal by the defense on the last play of the game, umpires should not leave the field until all infielders have left fair territory and the catcher has vacated her normal fielding position.

If teams line up to shake hands there is little chance for an appeal even if the defensive infielders have not crossed the foul line the umpires can leave the at this point. No appeal can be made once the umpires have left the field.



NFHS Softball

2015Points of Emphasis

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Team Essential Personnel(2-59 New)

TEAM ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL - Defined

as team personnel consisting of all school representatives essential to the playing and/or administration of the game located in the team dugout, including coaches, managers, certified athletic trainers and school personnel scorekeepers. Does not include media, photographers, cheer individuals. Umpires have the authority to remove anyone from the dugout deemed as a distraction to the administration of the game.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

1-8-6Rule 1-8-6 allows for team personnel to utilize technology

to transmit or record information pertaining ONLY to their players or team's performance within their team dugout or bench area.

The information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game, but only in the team's dugout or bench area. Rule 3-6-10 allows for stopwatches and electronic score keeping devices in the coaching box.

Rule 3-6-11 prohibits the use of any information obtained from an electronic device to review a decision made by an umpire. Any video recording solely targeting the actions of the opponent is prohibited.


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Electronic Devices

Rule 1-8-6

Rule 1-8-6 allows for team personnel to utilize technology to transmit or record information pertaining only to their players or team's performance within their team dugout or bench area. Information obtained from an electronic device may be used for coaching purposes during the game, but only in the team's dugout or bench area and not on the field..

LEGAL ILLEGAL

INTERFERENCE – (2-32)

Interference is defined by Rule 2-32 as an act (physical or

verbal) by a member of the team at bat who illegally impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder; or when a runner creates malicious contact with any fielder with or without the ball, in or out of the baseline.

The NFHS Softball Rules Committee strongly emphasizes that coaches instruct their players on this definition, and what actions they should take. As stated, these acts may be physical or verbal and intentional or unintentional.

� Batters and runners must be taught to be aware of where the ball is and where the opposing team fielders are in relationship to the ball.

� Other types of interference involves equipment, umpire and spectator.

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Interference

Acts of interference may be physical or verbal and intentional or unintentional. Batters and runners must be taught to be aware of where the ball is and where the opposing team fielders are in relationship to the ball.

OBSTRUCTION - 2-36

Obstruction is defined by Rule 2-36 as the act of a defensive team member that hinders or impedes the progress of a batter's attempt to make contact with a pitched ball or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running the bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball or is making the initial play on a batted ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal.

OBSTRUCTION – (2-36)

Con’t.

The NFHS Softball Rules Committee strongly emphasizes that coaches must instruct their players on this definition. Players need to be instructed that they cannot hinder or impede any runner when they are not making a play on a ball or have the ball in their possession.

Players need to be made aware of where they are on the field in relationship to opposing team members who are running the bases.


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Obstruction

Coaches must instruct their players about obstruction so they know they cannot hinder nor impede any runner when they are not making a play on a ball or have the ball in their possession. Players need to be aware of where they are on the field in relationship to opposing team members who are running the bases.

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OBSTRUCTION – Photo #1

Is the catcher up the base line without the ball?

OBSTRUCTION – Photo #2

The catcher is clearly up the base line without the ball.



OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS

DOUBLE FIRST BASE PERMITTED 1-2-1 Note

� By State Association adoption, a double first base is permitted.

� The base shall be a one- or two-piece unit, 15 inches by 30 inches and manufactured to be of equal height.

� The base in foul territory shall be a color other than white.

� Other areas of concern when using a double first base. NOTE: The defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion when a play is being made on the batter-runner. The offense or defense may use either the white or colored portion on specific situations

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DOUBLE FIRST BASE

1-2-1 Note

By state association adoption, a double first base is permitted. The base in foul territory shall be a color other than white (1-2-1 Note).

Legal Apparel and EquipmentCheck

� The Softball Rules Committee and softballadministrators continue to be concerned about theuse of illegal and/or non-approved equipment.Thus, a rules change was approved this year tostrengthen the penalty for use of altered or non-approved bats.

� Umpires are required to check bats and helmets noless than 15-minutres prior to each contest.

� Teams must make all bats and helmets availablefor the pregame equipment check prior to theumpires arrival at the field.

Legal Apparel and EquipmentPitcher’s Uniform

� A pitcher is prohibited from wearing or using anyitem that, in the umpire’s judgment, distracts thebatter.

� Any use of equipment or part of the uniform that,in the umpire’s view, would distract the batter,shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis andcould require the removal of such equipment.

� Like all teammates, the pitcher’s jersey MUST becompletely tucked in to the game pants/shorts.

Concussion Procedure Reminder (3-3-9; 10-2-3k)

� Procedure requires an athlete exhibiting

signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent

with a concussion to be removed from thecontest.

� GHSA – Player MUST be removed fromthe game and not returned until anAppropriate Health Care Professionalclears her to participate. Failure to have adesignated AHCP on site prohibits theplayer from returning to the game.

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Pitching NFHS Rules

� NFHS pitching regulations were created and aremaintained for high-school-age pitchers of all skilllevels, not just those seeking participationopportunities at other levels, i.e. travel or collegeball.

� A high school pitcher may begin with one or twofeet on the pitching plate, and the ball may be ineither the glove hand or bare hand. The pitchermay also step back (before the hands cometogether) and then forward to gain momentum inher pitching motion.

Pitching

� The NFHS Softball Rules Committee is still concerned over the enforcement of the 24-inch width pitching requirement, when the landing foot is “clearly outside” the 24-inch boundaries.

� It is the primary responsibility of the home-plate umpire to make the illegal pitch call in this infraction, but the base umpire(s) may also make this call based on where the landing foot comes to the ground.

� The committee is concerned about the subject of injuries related to “overuse” by pitchers.

DP/FLEX Simplified

1. The DP/FLEX is not mandatory.11. If the DP plays defense for the FLEX, the FLEX has been removed from the game and the team continues play with nine players.

2. The DP can never be a "defensive player" ONLY.12. The starting DP and the starting FLEX are allowed one reentry as do the other players in the lineup.

3. The FLEX can never be an "offensive player" ONLY. 13. The STARTER and the SUBSTITUTE cannot be in the lineup at the same time.

4. The DP and FLEX can NEVER be an "offensive player" at the same time.14. The FLEX can bat or run, but only for the original DP. As such, the DP and the FLEX CANNOT be on offense at the same time.

5. If used, the DP/FLEX must be noted on the starting lineup card.15. IF the FLEX bats for the DP, she is moved from the 10th spot on the lineup card to the batting order position of the original DP. At that time the DP has left the game.

6. The starting DP can play "defense" for any of the other nine players in the lineup.16. IF the DP reenters the game she must be put back into her original position in the batting order. EXAMPLES in #17.

7. If the starting DP plays defense for another player , the other player becomes the "temporary DP" and continues to bat in the same spot in the batting order.

17. (A) The FLEX is moved back to the 10th position on the lineup card, and the team resumes play with 10 players. (B) the FLEX is removed from the game.

8. The player listed in the 10th position on the lineup card is the FLEX and may only play defense.

18. A SUBSTITUTE may enter the game for either the DP or FLEX. She may enter as a defensive player, pinch hitter, or pinch runner.

9. The DP and the FLEX may play defense at the same time. REFERENCE: Rule 3-1-1 & Penalty and 3-3-6

10. A team using the DP/FLEX starts the game with 10 players listed on the lineup card, but may drop to 9 players during the game.

UMPIRE'S NOTE: Make sure the lineup card is correct prior to accepting it as "official". Don't allow a coach to submit a DP/FLEX lineup that you know is incorrect (preventive umpiring).



Questions?

Good Luck in 2015

2015 NFHS/GHSA GHSA POLICIES & PROCEDURES ...learn.ghsa.net/sites/learn.ghsa.net/files/2015 SB...

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