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NFHS	Softball	ASA
2008 NFHS Rules Changes & Interpretations	2008 ASA NFHS Rules differences	2008 ASA Rules Changes Unapproved Bats

NFHS

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.

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 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.

2008 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations

Publisher's Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented. (Robert F. Kanaby, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2008)

Printing Errors and Corrections: "... batter must take her position in the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher in the circle." Delete last three words. Correct in the following publications:
1. Rules Book, page 2 Summary, 7-3-1
2. Rules Book, page 83 and Case Book, page 4, "Comments on the 2008 Rules Revisions: Time Reduced for Batter to be in Box"
3. 2008 Preseason Guide, page 2, "Time Reduced for Batters" article, end of first paragraph

SITUATION 1: During the pregame inspection of equipment, the umpires notice that Team A's batting helmets have the exterior NOCSAE warning label on (a) the underside of the bill (b) the topside of the bill or (c) the outside back of the helmet. RULING: Legal equipment in (a), (b) and (c). Provided the warning label is legible and on the exterior of the helmet, it is legal. Both the underside and topside of the bill are considered the exterior of the helmet. (1-6-1)

SITUATION 2: R1 is on third base with no outs. F1 delivers a wild pitch that goes to the screen. F2 goes to retrieve the ball as R1 is advancing to home plate. F1 is covering home for the tag play. R1 is safe and F1 begins to head back to the circle with the ball. At what point does the count begin for F1 (20 seconds) and B2 (10 seconds) since F1 already has the ball? RULING: The count for both begins when the play is completed. In this case, when F1 turns and heads back toward the pitching plate. (6-2-3; 7-3-1)

SITUATION 3: With no runners on base, the ball is returned to F1 in front of and outside the 16-foot pitching circle. F1 proceeds to walk around the outside of the circle loosening up her arm and neck. After approximately 12 seconds, she takes a position on the pitcher's plate and prepares to pitch. B1 has yet to take her place in the batter's box. RULING: A strike shall be called on the batter. COMMENT: The ball need only be returned to the pitcher, she need not be in the circle. (6-2-3; 7-3-1 Penalty)

SITUATION 4: R1 is on second base with one out. B3 hits a ground ball to F1. While advancing to third base, R1 slightly brushes F6, who is in the base path. F1 turns and throws out R1 by 5 feet. RULING: As soon as the contact occurs between R1 and F6, the base umpire signals delayed dead ball for obstruction. F6 cannot be called out between the two bases in which she was obstructed. If the umpire deemed that R1 would not have reached third base safely without the obstruction, the umpire would put R1 back on second base and award B3 first base. If the umpire deemed that the obstruction prevented R1 from reaching third base safely, R1 would be awarded third base and B3 would be awarded the base(s) she would have achieved had there been no obstruction. (8-4-3b)

SITUATION 5: R1 is on second base with no outs. B2 hits a blistering line drive toward F6, who is shifted toward third base. F6 is able to put her glove on the ball, but it defects, in flight, toward F5. F5 is unable to catch the ball in flight for the out, but is able to knock it down. The ball lands at her feet; just as she bends over to field the ball near third base, she and R1 collide. RULING: The umpire signals delayed dead ball for obstruction and the ball remains live. F5 is guilty of obstruction since she is no longer considered to be making an initial play. When the ball becomes dead, R1 and B2 will be awarded the base(s) they would have achieved had there been no obstruction. COMMENT: F5 was protected until the ball hit the ground and she was unable to catch the deflected ball in flight. The "step and reach" provision only applies to the defender making the initial play. (2-47-3; 8-4-3b)

SITUATION 6: R1 is on first base with no outs. B2 hits a (a) pop fly ball or (b) line drive to F4, who has moved to make the catch in the base path of R1 as she advances toward second base. The ball rebounds out of F4's glove and falls directly to the ground between her feet. R1 bumps into F4 while trying to get to second base. RULING: In (a) and (b), the ball is dead and R1 is out for interference. B2 is awarded first base. F4 was in the process of making an initial play since she was within a "step and reach" of the spot of the initial play; it doesn't matter that F4 was attempting to catch a pop up or a line drive. (2-47-3; 8-6-10)

SITUATION 7: No. 11 has been a courtesy runner for the pitcher for several innings. In the seventh inning, the pitcher gets a single; No. 11 again serves as a courtesy runner. When No. 11 gets to third base, the coach wishes to replace No. 11 with a substitute who has not yet participated in the game in any capacity. RULING: A coach may remove the courtesy runner/pitcher for a "pinch runner." In this case, the pitcher has left the game and is subject to the substitution and re-entry rules. COMMENT: A courtesy runner may NOT run for a courtesy runner. In addition, the pitcher/catcher for which they are running may not come back in to run after utilizing a courtesy runner (except for injury or disqualification). (8-9)
During playing action in which the batter-runner is part of a force play at first base, B1 is required to use the colored portion of the base. (8-10-1)

ASA 2008
Playing Rule Changes

2008 ASA Rules Changes

There are several important rules changes for this year, including new "Run Ahead" margins.  Click on the link below for complete details.

http://www.softball.org/umpires/rule_changes.asp

[Tips for Judging Interference]

In an effort to help umpires become more uniform in judging interference throughout the country, the ASA has addressed several rules relating to interference that contained the word “intentional”. Specifically, the word “intentional” has been removed from Rule 7, Section 7 Q; Rule 8, Section 2 F [3]; Rule 8, Section 7 J [3]; and, Rule 8, Section 7 P. Umpires now need only to base their decision on whether interference occurred or did not occur, and not the intentions of the offensive player. Moreover, removing the word “intentional” from these sections aligns these rules with the definition of INTERFERENCE in Rule 1.

SITUATION 1: With no outs and R1 on 2B, B2 swings at and misses the pitch. R1 breaks for 3B and while F2 is throwing to 3B in an attempt to retire R1, B2, while remaining in the batter’s box, backs up to readjust their footing and bumps into F2 causing an errant throw. RULING: B2 is guilty of interference. The ball is dead, B2 is out and R1 must return to 2B. (Rule 7, Section 6 Q)

SITUATION 2: With one out, R1 on 3B and R2 on 1B, B4 has a 0-1 count and on the next pitch R2 attempts to steal 2B. The throw is cut-off by F6 as R1 now attempts to steal home. F6’s throw to home plate strikes B4 who is standing out of the box preventing F2 from catching the ball and applying a tag on R1. RULING: B4 is guilty of interference. The ball is dead, B4 is out, R1 is returned to 3B and R2 is returned to 1B. (Rule 8, Section 2 F [3])

SITUATION 3: With no outs and R1 at 1B, B2 hits a ground ball to F6 who fields the ball and throws to F4 at 2B to start a double play. F4 steps on 2B and throws the ball to F3 in an attempt to retire B2. R1, knowing they are out, turns to go back to the dugout where the ball strikes them in the back and ricochets into foul ground. RULING: R1 is guilty of interference after being declared out. In this case, because B2 is the only runner and therefore closest to home plate, B2 is also be declared out. (Rule 8, Section 7 J [3])

SITUATION 4: With no outs, R1 at 3B and R2 at 2B, B3 hits a long shot to the outfield fence. By the time F8 retrieves the ball R1 and R2 have scored. B4 is rounding 3B and coming home when R2 moves back to the home plate area to instruct B3 to slide at home plate for a close play. In doing so, R2 is hit with the thrown ball and it deflects away from F2 as B3 scores. RULING: R2 is guilty of interference. Because R2 has already scored B3 is declared out and only the runs scored by R1 and R2 count.

ASA
Approved and
Unapproved Bats

The official bat in ASA Championship Play must meet all of the requirements of Rule 3, Section 1 and:

1.   must bear either the ASA approved 2000 certification mark or the ASA 2004 certification mark as shown below, and must not be listed on an ASA non approved list, or

2.  must be included on a list of approved bat models published by the ASA National Office; or

3. must, in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been manufactured prior to 2000 and if tested, would comply with the ASA bat performance standards then in effect.

Beginning January 1, 2004, all bats in ASA Championship Play must pass the ASA 2004 bat standard. All bats having the 2004 certification mark will be allowed in ASA Championship Play. Bats that have the 2000 certification mark will not be allowed in ASA Championship Play unless they are listed on an approved bat list on the ASA website. For convenience, the ASA website has a listing of bats that do not pass the ASA 2004 bat standard.

2004 and Beyond Approved Bats

For a list of bats that have been tested and found to comply with the ASA bat performance standards, and therefore are authorized to bear the ASA 2004 certification mark and/or are authorized for use in ASA Championship Play beginning January 1, 2004, please check the ASA web site: www.softball.org.  Manufacturers continue to submit additional bat models for testing, and the ASA will update this list as test results become available.

ASA Non-Approved Bat List

The list of non-approved bats is extensive and frequently being updated. To see the most up-to-date list of non-approved bats (with pictures) of go to: http://www.asasoftball.com/about/build_batlist_w_pics.asp.

2007 ASA/NFHS Rule Differences
ASA Rule	Ref.	NFHS Rule	Ref.
To be a catch a fielder must have both feet back in live ball territory or one in live ball territory and one in the air	1	Must reestablish and have both feet in live territory to be a catch	5-1-1i(d)
Pitcher's plate Distance is 40' except in 18U Gold and Women's it is 43’	2-1	40’	1-3
Batters Box - Erasing the lines carries no penalty in ASA		After an occurrence a team warning is issued and the next violation is a ball/strike and the offender and coach restricted to the dugout.	3-6-17
Ball white or optic yellow with ASA logo	3-3A	NFHS certification mark white or yellow can be used	1-3, 1-3-8
Bat Standards - Must be on approved list or have ASA Certification Mark, 2000/2004 or be manufactured before 2000 and in umpire's judgment would comply	3-1A	Must meet the 2004 ASA Bat Performance Standard, no mention of an approval stamp	1-5-4
Bat - Safety knob distance to be .375 in.	3-1 H, I	Knob shall be securely fastened. Devices, attachments or wrappings that cause handle to become flush with knob are not permitted	1-5-2
Warm up - Only attachments listed on ASA Web site permitted	3-2E	All attachments used must be commercially manufactured specifically for a softball bat, and securely fastened	1-5-9
Catchers mask - JO: must be worn with helmet that has double ear flaps, body protector, and shin guards. Adult - Mask only.	3-5A, C	Same as ASA JO with NOCSAE approval stamp	1-7-1
Glove/mitt - may be worn by any defensive player and must meet dimensional requirements.	3-4	Catcher can wear a glove or mitt of any dimension. Defensive fielders can wear either a glove or mitt but meet the dimensional requirements.	1-4-3
Pitcher's Glove - may be one solid color or multicolor as long as one of the colors is not the color of the ball used in the game played.	3-4	Any player's glove can be a maximum of two colors not distracting. May not be gray, white or optic yellow	1-4-2
Helmet - Must be NOCSAE approved with a NOCSAE approved face mask/guard with visible NOCSAE stamp. Chin strip required. No mention of color.	3-5E	No mention of color. NOCSAE label and warning label must be visible. Face mask/guard must have NOCSAE label permanently attached, "Meets NOCSAE Standards." Chin strap not required.	1-6-6 & 8
Player acting as coach must wear a helmet	3-5E1	Mandatory, if not worn issue warning, next offender and head coach are restricted to the dugout.	3-6-1
Removing helmet intentionally when ball is live is an out. Use discretion as to the intent of the rule concerning player safety.	3-5E	If removed intentionally warning issued, next offender and head coach restricted to the dugout.	3-6-1
Helmets worn by the defense must be like in color to the defensive team's hats.	3-5E	Shall have a non-glare outer surface	1-8-4
Jewelry judged dangerous by umpire must be removed. Religious or medical alert bracelets may be worn but must be taped to the body.	3-6F	Players prohibited from wearing jewelry. 1st offense a team warning and jewelry must be removed. Next offender and head coach restricted to dug/out bench area.	3-2-12
Metal cleats - not allowed. Remove from the game.	3-6G	Prohibited. Offender ejected on 1st offense.	3-2-11
No rule on metal toe plate.	no rule	Metal toe plates are prohibited.	3-2-11
Teams may wear shorts and/or pants as long as they are like in color. They may be mixed.	3-6	May wear shorts or pants but all players on the same team must be attired in the same way. Mixing is not permitted.	3-2-1
Uniform numbers - example 0 and 00 are not the same number. Players may not wear the same number, whether in the game or not.	3-6D	0 and 00 or 03 and 3 are considered the same number	3-2-2
Prior to the start of the game, coach must verify that players are properly equipped.