Has anyone heard of any new NCAA New Rules for 2016?

[martianr]

Any new rules that will introduced in the 2016 season for college? If not, Please keep us informed when you do hear something. Also,what would like to see changed or introduced for rules.

 

[SoCal_Dad]

Here they are - https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/2016_2017_Softball_Rules_Changes_FINAL_081315.pdf.

 

[Quake Softball]

Is there a rule in ASA, USSSA or NSA regarding artificial noise makers?

 

[Comp]

ASA has 2 statements in rule supplement 49 covering noise makers for championship play.

49-E Use of equipment for other than it's intended design.

49-F The use of artificial noise makers during championship play is prohibited.

 

[MTR]

ASA has 2 statements in rule supplement 49 covering noise makers for championship play.

49-E Use of equipment for other than it's intended design.

49-F The use of artificial noise makers during championship play is prohibited.

I always thought this was one of the dumbest rules in the NCAA or any other organization has instituted.

 

[martianr]

One rule I hope they look at is when the batter "HUGS" the batter box inside line. Meaning, they lean outside the batter box and are almost on top of the plate, hoping to get hit by the pitch. If the umpire would not fall for their tricks this would not be a problem. But, it is a problem when the batter box lines are almost erased by the 2nd inning, which makes it impossible for the umpire to see. You would think with all the technology out there, there would be a way to keep the batter box lines to last longer. Maybe, have the field workers reply the lines after every 2 or 3 innings. JMO

 

[Comp]

One rule I hope they look at is when the batter "HUGS" the batter box inside line. Meaning, they lean outside the batter box and are almost on top of the plate, hoping to get hit by the pitch. If the umpire would not fall for their tricks this would not be a problem. But, it is a problem when the batter box lines are almost erased by the 2nd inning, which makes it impossible for the umpire to see. You would think with all the technology out there, there would be a way to keep the batter box lines to last longer. Maybe, have the field workers reply the lines after every 2 or 3 innings. JMO

ASA still requires the batter to make an attempt to avoid being hit regardless of where the ball is. As for NFHS, USSSA, NCAA, etc. they all still do actually require the batter to make an attempt to avoid being hit, UNLESS, the ball is entirely within the batters box. If the ball is not entirely within the batters box and the batter makes no attempt to avoid, it is suppose to be considered an attempt by the batter to be deliberately hit and they should not be awarded 1st base.

 

[Ajaywill]

One rule I hope they look at is when the batter "HUGS" the batter box inside line. Meaning, they lean outside the batter box and are almost on top of the plate, hoping to get hit by the pitch. If the umpire would not fall for their tricks this would not be a problem. But, it is a problem when the batter box lines are almost erased by the 2nd inning, which makes it impossible for the umpire to see. You would think with all the technology out there, there would be a way to keep the batter box lines to last longer. Maybe, have the field workers reply the lines after every 2 or 3 innings. JMO

The batter's box lines are still there whether they are drawn on the field or not.....

 

[SoCal_Dad]

One rule I hope they look at is when the batter "HUGS" the batter box inside line. Meaning, they lean outside the batter box and are almost on top of the plate, hoping to get hit by the pitch. If the umpire would not fall for their tricks this would not be a problem. But, it is a problem when the batter box lines are almost erased by the 2nd inning, which makes it impossible for the umpire to see. You would think with all the technology out there, there would be a way to keep the batter box lines to last longer. Maybe, have the field workers reply the lines after every 2 or 3 innings. JMO

The latest NCAA rules have a lengthy point of emphasis on HBP and the last line is noteworthy, but not a surprise (http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/SR17.pdf)...

Hit By Pitch

Throughout the course of the 2015 season, there was considerable discussion regarding the proliferation of batters hit by pitches even though there has been no change to the rules since 2012. It is difficult not to be concerned about the well-being of student-athletes and the health of the game itself. Below are five potential contributing factors to pay attention to and ask that you consider doing your part to reverse this undesirable trend.

1. The facility - Attention must be given to the proper placement of the batter’s box lines to verify that the outer edge of the lines do indeed create the six-inch space on either side of the plate and that the paint or chalk is not centered on the line rather than marking the outer edge of the batter’s box.

2. Protective equipment - It is apparent that many protective elbow pads are improperly worn and hang down significantly from the elbow rather than as intended by the manufacturer. They often hang above the space between home plate and the batter’s box which is shared by both the batter and pitcher, but is now being usurped by the batter. Pitchers should not be penalized by a base award to a batter whose elbow guard is hit where it is hanging well below the elbow it is intended to protect.

3. Players may legally position their feet as they deem suitable within the batter’s box, but should be aware that toeing the edge of the batter’s box will result in their arms and hands being a) out of the batter’s box, therefore not entitling them to a base award if they make no effort to avoid the pitch or b) in the strike zone, in which case a strike is called. A few years ago, batters may have felt the need to toe the line to reach far outside pitches, but now that umpires have made a concerted effort to call a more accurate and consistent strike zone, hitting those pitches is no longer desirable.

4. Coaches are responsible for teaching and encouraging proper techniques and strategies of the game that provide for student-athlete well-being and do not put players in harm’s way unnecessarily. While batters hit by pitches will occasionally happen, encouraging batters to allow themselves to be hit or to initiate the contact, or instructing pitchers to pitch at batters, are indefensible.

5. Umpires should mentally note the starting position of each batter while settling into his/her plate stance to pre-pitch prepare in order to accurately and consistently enforce the rule. A batter has no responsibility to help the opposing pitcher avoid the penalty for hitting her when the pitch is entirely in the batter’s box. Similarly, a pitcher has no responsibility to help the opposing batter who is hit by a strike. So it is only on those pitches neither entirely in the batter’s box nor a strike that the batter must make an attempt to avoid being hit in order to be awarded first base. The batter’s failure to make any attempt to avoid these pitches results in just a ball on the batter. From a brief review of video from the 2015 season, it appears that batters were awarded more bases and fewer balls than they actually earned.

 

[Comp]

And exactly what did they think was going to happen when they changed the rule???????? I saw it immediately in high school. Many coaches wasted no time in coaching their teams to crowd the plate. And it doesn't help that many officials only read the rule as far as it says no attempt to avoid the pitch is required.

NCAA baseball also changed the rule to no attempt required a while back with the same results and I believe this past year changed it back to requiring an attempt. Have no clue why softball didn't just change it back also.