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New rules for 2010:
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1-1-2b |
Changed the female fast-pitch pitching distance
to 43 feet effective with the 2010-2011 academic year. NOTE:
Individual state associations are permitted to adopt the 43 feet
distance in 2009-2010, if desired. (California will remain at 40
feet for this season.) |
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1-5 |
Identified and specified guidelines for each part
of the bat, including knob, handle/grip, taper, barrel and end
cap. In addition, the rule clarifies that the taper must be a
solid surface. |
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3-2-12 |
Added an exception to permit hard, unadorned
devices, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips, no longer
than 2 inches, to be worn to control a player's hair. |
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9-6-6 |
Changed the required number of innings pitched to
half of the total number of innings played in the game for a
starting pitcher to be credited with a win. |
Major editorial changes:
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1-3-3 |
An eighth of an inch was added to the maximum
circumference of both 11- and 12-inch softballs, to 11¼ and 12¼,
respectively. |
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2-20-1f |
Clarified that a batted ball is fair if it first
falls or is first touched on or over fair territory beyond
first, second or third base. |
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3-1-3 |
Clarified that a team's lineup shall include the
first initial and last name of each player. |
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8-2-9 Note |
Added a note to clarify that the batter-runner is
called out when she hits an infield fly even when the infield
fly is not initially called, if brought to the umpire's
attention before the next pitch. |
Points of Emphasis:
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Illegal pitch enforcement. |
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Three-foot running lane. |
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Non-traditional game equipment. |
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DP/Flex Rule |
Mechanics changes:
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Navy blue slacks were added as a uniform option. |
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Positioning for a field umpire was changed back
to being no closer than 18 feet from the base for force plays. |
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Between innings, the plate umpire will now take a
position facing the field at the first-base line extended when
the team in the first-base dugout is coming to bat and the
third-base line extended when the team in the third-base dugout
is coming to bat. |
Mechanics Points of Emphasis:
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Trailing the batter-runner. Plate umpires must
develop the habit of trailing the batter-runner to first base in
order to assist the base umpire with a possible pulled foot, a
bobbled catch and/or a swiped tag near the base. Exit to the
left of the catcher in order to avoid a possible collision. |
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Walking the line. Field umpires should walk the
line when there are no runners on base. This mechanic provides
for a smoother transition when the ball is hit and the umpire(s)
must move to the next position. |
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Holding up play. Use the do-no-pitch signal when
the pitcher may appear ready to pitch, but the batter has yet to
take her place in the batter's box. This is considered
preventative umpiring and may well prevent a "no pitch" or an
"illegal pitch" from occurring. |
Here are some PowerPoint presentations that may help you with some
interpretations:
Flex/DP
Lineup-Management |
