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2024 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES POWERPOINT

Rules changes

Major Editorial Changes�Points of Emphasis

National Federation of State

High School Associations

This copyrighted power point is presented by the NFHS. This material shall only be reproduced or distributed by member state associations for teaching and training purposes. Distribution to the public is prohibited without the express written consent from the NFHS. Please contact Davis Whitfield, COO at dwhitfield@nfhs.org with requests.

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�ABOUT THE NFHS

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NFHS

NFHS (located in Indianapolis, IN – Est. 1920):

National leader and advocate for �high school athletics and �performing arts programs.
Serves 51 state associations, 19,500 �high schools and 12 million student �participants.
Writes playing rules for 17 high school �sports for boys and girls.
Offers online education courses for high school coaches, �officials, parents, students and others.
Ensures that students have opportunity to enjoy healthy participation, achievement and good sportsmanship in education-based athletics.

www.nfhs.org

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NFHS RULES REVIEW COMMITTEE

The NFHS Rules Review Committee is chaired by the chief operating officer and composed of all rules editors. After each committee concludes its deliberations and has adopted its recommended changes for the subsequent year, such revisions will be evaluated by the Rules Review Committee.

www.nfhs.org

Davis Whitfield

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Colgate

Football and Sports

Medicine

Elliot Hopkins

Baseball and Wrestling

Lindsey Atkinson

Basketball, Girls Lacrosse and Volleyball

Julie Cochran

Cross Country, Gymnastics, Field Hockey, Soccer and

Track & Field

Dan Schuster

Ice Hockey

James Weaver

Boys Lacrosse

and Spirit

Sandy Searcy

Softball, Swimming & Diving and Water Polo

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NFHS RULES COMMITTEE

Dr. Karissa Niehoff

NFHS

Publisher

Sandy Searcy

NFHS

Editor

Andi Osters

Michigan

Chair - 2026

Dennis Crowe

Maine�Section 1 - 2024

Sarah Bridenbaugh

Kentucky

Section 2 - 2025

Michelle Yeater

South Carolina

Section 3 - 2026

Cathy Creighton

Iowa

Section 4 - 2023

Diane Smith

Kansas

Section 5 - 2024

Steve Roberts

Arkansas

Section 6 - 2025

Laura Traeger

Nevada

Section 7 - 2026

Kelly Foster

Oregon

Section 8 - 2023

BJ Kuntz

NFHS Coaches Association - 2025

Michiael Shannon

NFHS Officials

Association - 2026

www.nfhs.org

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NFHS

The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports �for boys and girls at the high school level.

Publishes 4 million pieces of materials annually.

www.nfhs.org

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NEW NFHS All Access – WEBSITE

All Access is the New NFHS Digital Publications Platform that includes:

Rules Publications
High School Today Magazine
Policy Debate Quarterlies
Other NFHS Digital Publications

Website organized for associations and individuals to assign books and manage purchases
Visit www.allaccess.nfhs.org

www.nfhs.org

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NEW NFHS All Access – MOBILE APP

Access Via Website or Mobile App:

View available publications for sale
View publications assigned to you
Download books for offline viewing
Read publications as an e-book

Book features include:

Table of contents
Highlighting text
Creating ‘sticky notes’ on pages
Searching for terms
Mark-up pen feature
Viewing highlights and notes on data page

Available on App Store and Google Play

www.nfhs.org

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�GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS AND STATE ASSOCIATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION OF ACCOMMODATIONS�

www.nfhs.org

Request of Accommodation by School

State Association Review

PITCHING REGULATIONS (F.P.)�6-1-2c & 2-47

The pitcher may now have both feet off the ground at the same time as long as both feet remain with the 24-inch width of the pitching plate and the pitcher does not replant the pivot foot.

A replant of the pivot foot occurs when the pitcher pushes off the playing surface from anywhere other than the pitcher’s plate prior to the act of delivering the pitch.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

Rules 6-1-2c & 2-47: The pitcher may now have both feet off the ground at the same time as long as both feet remain with the 24-inch width of the pitching plate and the pitcher does not replant the pivot foot. A replant of the pivot foot occurs when the pitcher pushes off the playing surface from anywhere other than the pitcher’s plate prior to the act of delivering the pitch.

Rationale: The rule change permits both feet to disengage from the playing surface while delivering a pitch. The addition of Rule 2-47 defines that a replant of the pivot foot occurs when the pitcher pushes off the playing surface from anywhere other than the pitcher’s plate prior to the act of delivering the pitch.

Comments: The pitcher may now have both feet off the ground at the same time as long as both feet remain within the 24-inch width of the pitcher’s plate and the pitcher does not replant the pivot foot. A definition for the replant was added.

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INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER (F.P.)�6-2-2

Pitchers may only use dirt, powdered rosin or comparable drying agents that are listed on the USA Softball’s certified equipment webpage to dry the hand.

www.nfhs.org

Rule Change

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�2024 NFHS SOFTBALL EDITORIAL CHANGES

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BATS�1-5-1c & 2-4-3

Adds the words “when initially detected” to clarify what occurs when a damaged bat is initially discovered in the game.

www.nfhs.org

“It needs to be

removed

from the

game.”

Editorial Change

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BATTING AND CATCHERS HELMETS�1-6-1 & 1-7-1

Rule 1-6-1: Updates the current stamp used by NOCSAE for approved batting helmets.

Rule 1-7-1: Updates the current stamp used by NOCSAE for approved catcher’s helmets.

www.nfhs.org

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PITCHING REGULATIONS (F.P.)�6-1-1b

text

www.nfhs.org

Adds the wording “in contact with the pitcher’s plate” to clarify where the pitcher is required to take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.

Editorial Change

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POSITION AND BATTING ORDER�7-1-2 PENALTY 2

text

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Changes the formatting in the penalty to clarify the effects of when an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the next pitch.

Editorial Change

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POSITION AND BATTING ORDER�7-1-2 PENALTY 3�

text

www.nfhs.org

Formats the penalty to clarify the effect for when an improper batter has completed their turn at bat and no appeal has been made before the next pitch.

Editorial Change

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BATTER IS OUT�7-4-4

text

www.nfhs.org

Formats the rule to clarify the various ways the batter can interfere with the catcher’s fielding or throwing.

Editorial Change

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�2024 NFHS SOFTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS

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GAME MANAGEMENT

Umpire and coach communication should be conversational, not confrontational. �
Professionalism should be followed by coaches and umpires to maintain a successful working relationship. �
Although umpires are not there to “rush” players, one of their responsibilities is to help maintain a good flow of the game.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

GAME MANAGEMENT:�

Coach and umpire communication should be conversational, not confrontational.
There must be a mutual respect for each other and a professionalism that is followed by both coaches and umpires to maintain the working relationship that is imperative to have a successful game.
Last year, there was a point of emphasis about the 60 seconds between innings. Although umpires are not there to “rush” players, one of the responsibilities of an umpire is to help maintain a good flow of the game. This can be done without being overly aggressive.

Game Management �Coach and umpire communication should be conversational, not confrontational. Passion for their team is often the root of fiery responses from coaches about plays or rulings that they felt went against their team. As an umpire, it is important to balance an understanding of the passion coaches hold for their teams and the sporting expectations of education-based athletics. There has to be a mutual respect for each other and a professionalism that is followed by both coaches and umpires to maintain the working relationship that is imperative to have a successful game. Listening to understand a coach’s issue so you can properly respond to their concerns is a huge part of defusing the situation. Maintaining a calm demeanor when speaking to the coach also often helps to lower the temperature of the conversation and assists in having a more meaningful discussion. Another helpful tool for the umpire is utilizing rule book terminology to help keep discussions on topic and achieve resolution more quickly. ��Another key aspect of game management is managing the flow of the game. Last year NFHS had a point of emphasis about the 60 seconds between innings. Although umpires are not there to “rush” players, one of the responsibilities of an umpire is to help maintain a good flow of the game. This can be done without being overly aggressive, often just a simple “here we go” or “let’s get ready to play red” is all the encouragement that a team needs to know that it is time to get back to playing. Utilizing these simple reminders during each half-inning as well as during charged conferences can help make sure a good game flow is maintained.

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UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS

Umpire jurisdiction is limited to the confines of the field of play. Issues outside of the field of play such as spectator behavior is monitored and controlled by event management. Absent a designated event manager, the home team’s head coach assumes this responsibility. However, if conditions become unacceptable for play due to spectator conduct, umpires have the authority to call (end) the contest.
In addition to spectator behavior, other external conditions could result in the umpire having to call (end) the contest. For example, at the start of a game, a wildfire might be a safe distance with winds carrying the smoke away from the field. If these conditions change and result in conditions becoming unacceptable for play, it may result in an umpire having to call (end) the game.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS:

Umpire jurisdiction is limited to the confines of the field of play. Issues outside of the field of play such as spectator behavior is monitored and controlled by event management. Absent a designated event manager, the home team’s head coach assumes this responsibility. However, if conditions become unacceptable for play due to spectator conduct, umpires have the authority to call (end) the contest.
In addition to spectator behavior, other external conditions could result in the umpire having to call (end) the contest. For example, at the start of a game, a wildfire might be a safe distance with winds carrying the smoke away from the field. If these conditions change and result in conditions becoming unacceptable for play, it may result in an umpire having to call (end) the game.

Unacceptable Conditions �Umpire jurisdiction is limited to the confines of the field of play. Items outside of the field of play, like spectator behavior, is monitored and controlled by event management. Absent a designated event manager, the home team’s head coach assumes this responsibility. Most spectator behavior never reaches a level that would be considered dangerous or severe enough to cause a concern for participant safety. However, if conditions become unacceptable for play due to spectator conduct, umpires have the authority to call (end) the contest. Again, this is a very rare occurrence and all attempts should be made to have event management control the situation prior to ending a contest.

In addition to spectator behavior, other external conditions could result in the umpire having to call (end) the contest. For example, at the start of a game, a wildfire might be a safe distance with winds carrying the smoke away from the field. If these conditions change and result in conditions becoming unacceptable for play, it may result in an umpire having to call (end) the game.

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UNREPORTED VS. ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTIONS

An illegal substitute is a player who is ineligible to occupy a position in the lineup. This can occur when a player:
Enters or re-enters the game without eligibility to do so (illegal re-entry).
Re-enters the game in the wrong position in the batting order.
Is the (F.P.) FLEX and enters the game as a batter or runner in a different position in the batting order than the DP.
Violates the courtesy runner rule.
All of these violations result in an illegal substitution and the offender is restricted to the bench/dugout for the first offense.
In contrast to an illegal substitute, an unreported substitute is a�player that could legally occupy the position they are in the lineup but has simply failed to report that they are entering the game. The first offense results in a team warning.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

UNREPORTED VS. ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTIONS:

An illegal substitute is a player who is ineligible to occupy a position in the lineup. This can occur when a player:

Enters or re-enters the game without eligibility to do so (illegal re-entry).
Re-enters the game in the wrong position in the batting order.
Is the (F.P.) FLEX and enters the game as a batter or runner in a different position in the batting order than the DP.
Violates the courtesy runner rule.

All of these violations result in an illegal substitution and the offender is restricted to the bench/dugout for the first offense. Additional penalties for offensive violations are defined in rule 3-4-2 and defensive violations are detailed in rule 3-4-3.

In contrast to an illegal substitute, an unreported substitute is a player that could legally occupy the position they are in the lineup but has simply failed to report that they are entering the game. The first offense results in a team warning.

In contrast to an illegal substitute, an unreported substitute is a player that could legally occupy the position they are in the lineup but has simply failed to report that they are entering the game. All substitutions and courtesy runners are required to be reported to the plate umpire upon entering the game. When a player enters the game unreported, a warning is issued to the head coach. Any subsequent violation results in both the head coach and player being restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.

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PITCHING MECHANICS: REPLANT

A replant prior to the delivery would result in an illegal pitch. �
It is an illegal action if the pitcher slides their foot forward

past the pitching plate pushing off to start their movement from a position in front of the pitching plate (no part of their foot is still in contact with or over the pitching plate).

“Closing the hip,” is pushing with the pivot foot while delivering the pitch. Depending on the pitching style, the pitcher will either bring their pivot foot forward to square up toward the batter or they will tuck the pivot foot behind the non-pivot foot. This push is during the act of delivering the pitch and is legal.

www.nfhs.org

Points of Emphasis

PITCHING MECHANICS: REPLANT:

The allowance for both feet to disengage from the playing surface while delivering a pitch has increased the concern about pitching mechanics involving a replant of the pivot foot. A replant prior to the delivery would result in an illegal pitch.
It is an illegal action if the pitcher slides their foot forward past the pitching plate pushing off to start their movement from a position in front of the pitching plate (no part of their foot is still in contact with or over the pitching plate).
Another common action, often referred to as “closing the hip,” is pushing with the pivot foot while delivering the pitch. Depending on the pitching style, the pitcher will either bring their pivot foot forward to square up toward the batter or they will tuck the pivot foot behind the non-pivot foot. This push is during the act of delivering the pitch and is legal.

Pitching Mechanics: Replant�The allowance for both feet to disengage from the playing surface while delivering a pitch has increased the concern about pitching mechanics involving a replant of the pivot foot. A replant during the delivery would result in an illegal pitch. To help assist in enforcement of this rule, a new definition of replant was created. Rule 2-47 now defines that a replant of the pivot foot occurs when the pitcher pushes off the playing surface from anywhere other than the pitcher’s plate prior to the act of delivering the pitch. With this definition in mind, it is an illegal action if the pitcher slides the foot forward past the pitching plate pushing off to start their movement from a position in front of the pitching plate (no part of their foot is still in contact with or over the pitching plate). Another common action, often referred to as “closing the hip,” is pushing with the pivot foot while delivering the pitch. Depending on the pitching style, the pitcher will either bring the pivot foot forward to square up toward the batter or the pitcher will tuck the pivot foot behind the non-pivot foot. This push is during the act of delivering the pitch and is legal.

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�NFHS OFFICIALS EDUCATION

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OFFICIALS EDUCATION

CONTENT REMAINS FREE OF CHARGE

TEACHING

AIDS

RULES

CHANGES

DIAGRAMS

VIDEO

LIBRARY

OFFICIALS

COURSES

Sport-Specific Officiating courses are offered in several sports. They are ideal for new officials and those in the first few years of officiating. These courses introduce officials to the mechanics and techniques used in the sport and provide specific information on an area within that sport. Individuals can complete a course within 30-45 minutes. These courses are free to all officials and prospective officials.

“Interscholastic Officiating” is a general course on sports officiating, and it is free to all officials and prospective officials. This course provides an introduction to skills and concepts used as an official. Several topics are covered such as: basics of becoming and staying an official, science of officiating, art of officiating, how to combine these skills for successful officiating.

Video clips are made available to NFHS Officials Association members. The video is clipped on specific topics and provides the rules references as well as dialogue on the topic.

The courses and videos are offered at www.NFHSLearn.com .

Courses Available:

Officiating Football

Officiating Volleyball – Ball Handling

Officiating Volleyball – Alignment

Officiating Volleyball – E-Whistle

Officiating Basketball

Officiating Basketball – Three-Person Mechanics

Officiating Basketball - Pre-Game Conference

Soccer – Fouls and Misconduct

Soccer – Offside

Soccer - Pre-Game Conference

Swimming and Diving

Officiating Wrestling

Umpiring Softball

Officiating Field Hockey

Officiating Track and Field

Future Courses to be Considered:

Umpiring Baseball

Umpiring Softball – 2 Person Mechanics

Communication Among Officials and Coaches

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100% FREE to your state as a NFHS-Member Benefit.

Year Two Accomplishments

16

States �Registering�Officials

194,810

Contests

Assigned

$29M

Payments

Sent to

Officials

Future Developments:

Auto Assign
Mobil Assign
Customized Game and Travel Fees
Mass Update Capabilities
Integrated Playoff Financial Reporting

Improvements:

Invoicing
Updated Financial Reporting
Playoff and Tournament Bracketing
Eligibility Tracking Notifications
NFHS Learn Integration

Coming Fall 2023:

NFHS Exam Center
New Team App
New Form Builder

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www.nfhs.org

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�NFHS LEARNING CENTER

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www.nfhs.org

The NFHS Learning Center is the home to more than 90 online professional development courses for everyone within the interscholastic community - coaches, students, officials, parents, administrators, and individuals within performing arts programs. More than 60 courses are available for free.

The NFHS is an Accredited Institution and has delivered more than 15 million courses on its NFHS Learning Center platform since its inception in 2007. In receiving national accreditation by Cognia, the NFHS has upheld itself to rigorous standards that focus on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meet the needs of learners, and effective leadership.

The NFHS Learning Center features its flagship coaching course, “Fundamentals of Coaching,” as well as several health and safety courses that have been completed by millions of individuals, such as “Concussion in Sports,” “Heat Illness Prevention,” “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” and “Protecting Students from Abuse.” The NFHS Learning Center offers several national credentials that can be earned by individuals who complete specific NFHS courses. Through the School Honor Roll Program, schools can earn a physical banner to hang in their school.

To learn more and start your professional development journey, please visit the NFHS Learning Center at NFHSLearn.com.

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Coaching Softball

Identify stages of the throwing motion and recognize the� proper receiving body position

Available at

$50

Understand the mechanics of hitting, baserunning, leads and sliding

Identify key elements of the swing including phases and positions�

Recognize the starting positions and footwork for all players

Identify defensive responsibilities and tactics for all positions

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�NFHS NETWORK

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NFHS NETWORK

By 2025, every high school sporting event in America will be streamed live.
The NFHS Network will be �THE DESTINATION for fans �to view these broadcasts.
Covering 27 different sports and activities.

www.NFHSnetwork.com

The NFHS Network is the leader in streaming Live and On Demand high school sports.

Partnered with the National Federation of State High School Associations, 45 high school state athletic/activities associations, and PlayOn! Sports, the NFHS Network is a joint venture created to provide fans with the ability to stream high school sports on any device, from wherever they are.

All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at www.NFHSnetwork.com and through the NFHS Network Live App for iOS and Android. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Watching high school sports and events has never been easier.

The NFHS Network’s goal to broadcast live all 2 million high school sporting events by 2025.

The NFHS Network covers 27 different regular season and postseason sports, as well as other high school activities, celebrating the accomplishments of students-athletes, student broadcasters, and high schools across the country.

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Over 1 million events this year…

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�2024 NFHS SOFTBALL RESOURCES

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NFHS SOFTBALL RESOURCES

NFHS Rules Books, Case Books �and other softball resources can be ordered:

online at www.nfhs.com or

by calling 1-800-776-3462

www.nfhs.org

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THANK YOU

National Federation of State High School Associations�PO Box 690 | Indianapolis, IN 46206�Phone: 317-972-6900 | Fax: 317.822.5700�www.nfhs.org | www.nfhslearn.com | www.nfhsnetwork.com

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