2026 NFHS Softball Rules PowerPoint

Copyright© 2025 National Federation of State High School Associations. All Rights Reserved.

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.

• Rule Changes
• Editorial Changes
• Points of Emphasis

NFHS INFORMATION

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NFHS Softball Rules Committee

Andi OstersEast Lansing, MI Chair - 2026

Sherry Bryant Franklin, MA Section 1 - 2028

Sarah Bridenbaugh Lexington, KY Section 2 - 2025

Michelle Yeater Prosperity, SC Section 3 - 2026

Kim Williams Swansea, IL Section 4 - 2028

Kerrie Rosati Indianapolis, IN Section 4 - 2027

Lisa Quednow Brooklyn Center, MN Section 5 - 2028

Steve Roberts North Little Rock, AR Section 6 - 2025

Laura Traeger Reno, NV Section 7 - 2026

Tonia Burk Twin Falls , ID Section 8 - 2027

Missy Smith Wilsonville, OR Section 8 - 2027

Eli Field Frenchtown, MT NFHS Coaches 2025

Michiael Shannon Bloomington, IN NFHS Officials 2026

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Guidelines for schools and state associations for consideration of accommodations

Request of Accommodation by School

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State Association Review

Written Determination from State Association Competition with Approval of Accommodation

2026 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES

OTHER EQUIPMENT 1-9-6

RULES CHANGES

• Players shall not transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface.
• Penalty: Ejection of the offender from the game, unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature. If minor, the umpire may warn the offender and eject if the offense is repeated.

BATTER-RUNNER AND RUNNER RULE 8

RULES CHANGES

• NFHS Rule 8 has been reformatted for clarity and consistency.

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• Section 4 was separated into two sections addressing runners entitled to advance with and without liability to be put out.

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• Remaining sections were renumbered.

EQUIPMENT AND APPAREL 10-4-2

RULES CHANGES

• Umpires have the option of wearing heather gray, charcoal gray or navy blue slacks.

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• Effective January 1, 2027, heather gray slacks will no longer be permitted as part of the umpire's uniform.

2026 NFHS SOFTBALL EDITORIAL CHANGES

UNIFORMS, PLAYER EQUIPMENT 1-6 (NEW)

EDITORIAL CHANGES

• Uniform language from Rule 3-2 has been moved to

Rule 1-6 to align with other NFHS rules book language on equipment and uniform.

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• Rule 1 Sections 6 through 8 have been renumbered to reflect this change.

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• Rule 3 has been renumbered.

FORFEITED GAME 4-3-2

EDITORIAL CHANGES

• If a game is forfeited after the number of innings required for a regulation game and the offending team is behind the score remains as recorded.

UNIFORMS, PLAYER EQUIPMENT 3-2-5 CASE BOOK

EDITORIAL CHANGES

• Edits to 3.2.5 Situations B & C reflect rule change for 2025.

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• There are no color restrictions for headbands.

2026 NFHS SOFTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS

OBSTRUCTION

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Obstruction is the act of a defensive team member that:
• hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball, or
• impedes the progress of a runner or batter- runner legally running the bases.

OBSTRUCTION

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• If the runner or batter-runner is not impeded, there is no obstruction.
• With the exception of a fake tag, as shown, a fielder’s actions or positioning alone can never result in an obstruction ruling.

OBSTRUCTION

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Impeding a runner means creating a negative effect on their ability to run the bases. This might include:
• a runner slowing down
• altering their intended path
• stopping altogether
• retreating to the previous base, or
• making contact with a fielder that disrupts their movement
• The umpire must rely on judgment to determine both whether the runner was impeded and to what extent their progress was affected.

MAINTAINING AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Verbiage has been added to the 2026-28 NFHS Softball Umpire Manual to provide guidance to umpires when it is necessary to move from the primary position during a play.

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• This movement allows umpires to keep the following items in view:
• Defense contacting offense with the ball (tagging the runner).
• Defense maintaining control of the ball during the tag.
• Offense contacting the base.

MAINTAINING AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• Umpires must maintain proper

distance while adjusting to keep all

three interactions in view. Prior to

umpires moving from their primary

position, key elements of the play

need to be understood. These include:

• Fielder positioning.
• Location, direction and height of the incoming throw.
• Runner’s path.
• Timing of the throw and the runner arriving near the base.

MAINTAINING AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• On plays at the plate, the plate umpire should start with a primary position near the intersection of the back- left corner of the right- handed batter’s box, as shown.
• Then the umpire should move left or right in order to maintain an unobstructed view of all the key interactions of the play.

MAINTAINING AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• All of these elements must be understood prior to umpires adjusting their positioning.
• This is simply another example of an umpire requiring good timing in order to get calls correct.
• Reading the play correctly allows umpires to adjust their position in order to maintain a view of the play, instead of becoming straightlined.

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Coaching Softball

Copyright© 2024 National Federation of State High School Associations. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Available at

$50

• Identify stages of the throwing motion and recognize the proper receiving body position
• 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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Authentication Mark Update

NFHS Authenticating Mark Update

Specifications

• Do not use the NFHS Authenticating Mark without prior written approval from the NFHS
• This mark is for use of licensees only.

Minimum size

• Inflatable Balls - 2 ½“ in length (Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, and Water Polo)
• Non-Inflatable Balls - 1 ¼" in length (Baseball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey Puck, Lacrosse, and Softball)
• On a ball or puck, the NFHS mark may be smaller than manufacturer’s logo, but should be placed in proximity to the manufacturer’s name for easy identification. Allow enough space around the mark so it can be easily recognized as distinct and separate.
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Current Logo

Old Logos

NFHS Authenticating Mark Update

A current list of NFHS authenticated products can be found at www.nfhs.org, Resources, Authenticating Mark.

Softball

circumference = 12”

circumference = 12”

1.25”

Current Size

Old Size

2026 NFHS SOFTBALL RESOURCES

NFHS SOFTBALL PUBLICATIONS

• NFHS Rules Books, Case Books, and other Softball materials can be ordered online at www.nfhs.com, or by calling

1-800-776-3462.

NFHS SOFTBALL PUBLICATIONS

The new NFHS Softball Pre-Season Guide will be available on or before November 1,

2025.

NFHS SOFTBALL RESOURCES

• Video Exam Questions
• Rules Videos
• Softball General Survey
• Mid-Season Meetings
• Virtual Case Book

NFHS SOFTBALL RESOURCES

• Weekly Rule Interpretations
• Softball Pitching Videos
• DP/FLEX Strategies for Coaches
• PowerPoints for Umpire Training
• Illegal Player Penalty Chart
• Uniform Rules
• Softball Field Diagram

Thank You

NFHS.org

National Federation of State High School Associations

Phone # 317-822-5735 Email: Ssearcy@nfhs.org

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