- May 29, 2015
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Player Equipment Changes Highlight Rules Revisions in High School Softball
The NFHS is the national leader and advocate for high school athletics as well as fine and performing arts programs. Within our 51 member state associations, we serve 19,500 high schools and more than 12 million young people.
www.nfhs.org
Doesn't look like anything earth-shattering. The major focus is on allowing beads/hard hair items and religious head coverings will no longer need prior approval from the state org. These have also been major points when discussing cultural inclusion in all sports (not just softball).
In other equipment changes:
- There will be a change in ball manufacturing specs starting in 2025.
- Continuing to use a damaged bat after being instructed to remove it will result in the batter being called out and the head coach receiving a bench restriction for the game.
- "Detachable" bases may now be used for safety.
- Reworking of acceptable coach's attire (no details in the article though)
- Administrative language cleanup in the rule regarding a pitcher wearing distracting items.
In what looks to be the only actual "playing" rule change, RLI will now be determined with the runner's foot on the ground (not in the air, as some umpires apparently interpreted that).
Over on the baseball side, preventing coaches sitting on buckets outside the dugout will be a Point of Emphasis. I encourage softball umpires to do this too!