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High School Softball Rules Amended to Permit Metal Cleats in 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Struckhoff
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 9, 2007) -- High school softball players will be permitted to wear metal cleats and metal toe plates beginning with the 2008 season.
This change in Rule 3-2-11 is one of three rules revisions approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 10-12 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
"Metal cleats provide better traction for athletes on nearly all surfaces, including hard, wet or under-maintained fields," said Cindy Simmons, chair of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and assistant executive director of the Oregon School Activities Association. "They also help prevent slippage on the bases, especially home plate."
Current rules prohibit runners from illegal tactics when sliding, and if sliding is executed correctly, the risk of defensive players being "spiked" will decrease.
In another change, Rule 7-3-1 states that a batter shall take her position in the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher in the circle. Previously, the batter was permitted 20 seconds to enter the box, and the pitcher was also allotted 20 seconds to deliver the pitch.
"Before this change, we had two sets of rules in conflict with one another," Simmons said. "By allowing the batter 10 seconds to enter the box, the pitcher now has the other 10 seconds to step on the pitcher's plate and deliver the pitch. This change clarifies previous confusion and keeps the game flowing."
The final rules revision, Rule 3-6-7, restricts the head coach to the dugout when a second, unreported substitution occurs. Head coaches are held responsible for reporting all substitutions, and if a second infraction occurs, he or she is held accountable along with the player.
The committee also approved major editorial changes in addition to the rules changes. Rule 1-5-4 clarifies what constitutes a legal bat, stating that bats must meet the 2004 ASA Bat Performance Standard, bear either the 2000 or 2004 certification mark and not be on the ASA non-approved list.
Rule 2-5-3, new Rule 8-2-13 and Rule 8-6-15 all specify when an on-deck batter is subject to interference and clarifies the penalty associated with the infraction.
Rule 3-6-6 adds that bat and ball shaggers are permitted out of the dugout. In addition, bench personnel are permitted out of the dugout between innings for warm-up purposes.
"There have been misconceptions about where individuals need to be during specific points of the game," said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. "We want state associations to be aware that it is legal for the bench to engage in throwing and running activities during the one minute designated for the pitcher to warm up at the beginning of each half inning."
The committee also identified three points of emphasis for the 2008 season. These include pitching, equipment and the use of proper softball signals by umpires.
2008 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES
3-2-11 Players permitted to wear metal cleats and metal toe plates.
3-6-7 - Penalty
The head coach will now be restricted to the dugout, in addition to the offender, when a second unreported substitution occurs.
7-3-1 Requires the batter to take her position in the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher in the circle.
2008 Major Editorial Changes
1-5-4 Clarifies that a legal bat must meet the 2004 ASA Bat Performance Standard, bear either the 2000 or 2004 certification mark and not be on the ASA non-approved list.
1-6-7 New Adds that if an eye shield is attached to the helmet, it must be constructed of a molded rigid material that is clear and permits 100-percent (no tint) allowable light transmission.
2-5-3, 8-2-13 New, 8-6-15
Clarifies when an on-deck batter is subject to interference and the penalty associated with the infraction.
3-5-5 - Penalty
Adds a penalty when offensive team personnel are near a base to which a runner is advancing or returning.
3-6-6 & New Note
Adds that bat/ball shaggers are permitted out of the dugout. Also adds a new note to clarify that bench personnel are permitted to engage in throwing and running activities during the one minute designated for the pitcher to throw her five warm-up pitches at the beginning of each half-inning.
7-4-4 Clarifies that the batter is subject to interference if she makes any movement that hinders the action at home plate after the pitch reaches the catcher.
2008 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. Pitching
2. Equipment
3. Use of proper NFHS softball signals
2008-10 MAJOR MECHANICS CHANGE
Umpires will once again start from 18-21 feet behind first and third base when no runners are on base. Therefore, with no runners on base, the base umpire(s) should be positioned 18-21 feet behind the base, on the line and "walking the line" as the pitch is released. This mechanic provides for a smoother transition when the ball is hit and the umpire(s) must move to the next position.
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