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New rules for 2012:
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1-3-1 |
The color "white" was removed from the list of permissible
colors for softballs. All softballs used for competition must
now be optic yellow. |
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1-5-2a |
The requirement that the bat knob protrude at a 90-degree angle
from the handle was removed. |
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3-2-5 |
Headwear requirements were revised and clarified. |
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7-4-2 penalty |
A more severe penalty was added when a batter uses an altered or
non-approved bat. |
Major editorial changes:
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1-5-1c |
Clarified that shaving, rolling or artificially warming the bat
barrel are prohibited. |
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2-4 |
The definitions of legal and illegal bats were revised and
updated. |
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2-5-3; 3-5-6; 7-5 New; 7-4-12; 8-6-15; 8-6-16 New |
Several rules were updated and reorganized to clarify offensive
interference. |
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3-2-13 Note |
The Note was revised to clarify that state associations may
grant exceptions to NFHS playing rules for participants with
disabilities, special needs and/or extenuating circumstances. |
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8-9-2 New Exception |
The courtesy-runner procedure was clarified. |
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10-1-2 New Note |
A note was added clarifying the administrative responsibilities
of umpires through the completion of required reports. |
Points of Emphasis:
- Pitching
- Pitching Regulations. NFHS pitching
regulations were created and are maintained for
high-school-age pitchers of all skill levels, not just
those seeking participation opportunities at higher
levels. A high school pitcher may begin with one or two
feet on the pitching plate. The pitcher may also step
back (before the hands come together) and then forward
to gain momentum in her pitching motion. This enables
younger and/or less experienced players to have success
within the rules of the high school game. The
interscholastic community believes the high school rule
in this regard is appropriate for the participants it
serves.
- 24-Inch Width Infractions. The NFHS Softball
Rules Committee is still concerned over the enforcement
of the 24-inch width pitching requirement. Pitchers are
starting and/or finishing outside the 24-inch width
limitation without an illegal pitch being declared,
giving a significant advantage to the pitcher and
defensive team. In addition, research indicates that
pitchers are more susceptible to arm injuries when they
attempt to throw a "screwball." Throwing this pitcher to
release the ball and conclude her natural pitching
motion outside the 24-inch width of the pitching plate.
The home plate umpire must use his or her peripheral
vision to detect this violation, since tracking the
pitch from the release point to the catcher's glove is
the priority. However, this should not be an excuse for
ignoring obvious violations. The base umpire may also
detect this illegal pitch, depending on the field
position, looking for pivot and landing foot marks
outside the lane in the dirt as the pitcher finishes her
motion.
- legal apparel
and equipment
- Equipment Check. The committee and softball
administrators around the country continue to be
concerned about the use of illegal and/or non-approved
equipment. So concerned that a rules change was approved
to strengthen the penalty for use of altered or
non-approved bats. The head coach is responsible to
ensure all equipment used by his or her players is legal
and proper. Umpires are still required to check bats and
helmets prior to each contest. Teams must make all bats
and helmets available for the pregame equipment check.
All equipment is expected to meet safety standards and
rule requirements.
- Pitcher's Uniform. A pitcher is prohibited
from wearing or using any item that, in the umpire's
judgment, distracts the batter. There have been reports
of the pitchers wearing items with optic yellow in
prominent locations. Any use of equipment or part of the
uniform that, in the umpire's view, would distract the
batter, shall be addressed on a case-by=case basis and
could require the removal of such equipment.
- On-deck
batters/location. It is the responsibility of the
home team/game management to place the on-deck circles in
the appropriate locations (2-37) so as to reduce risk to
those players. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the
coach to ensure that his or her players are aware of
the rules related to the on-deck circle. The players must
remain aware of the risks posed by being in the circle
during play. Players must be in the on-deck circle (2-5-3)
and be aware of the status of the ball at all times.
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Mechanics changes:
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There are no mechanics changes for 2012. |
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 with no
one on base or a runner at first base only. This allows the
plate umpire to assist the base umpire with a possible pulled
foot, a bobbled catch and/or a swiped tag near the base. Plate
umpires should exit to the left of the catcher in order to avoid
a possible collision (page 22). |
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Force Plays/Plays at First Base/Tag Plays. Force plays,
plays at first base and tag plays require movement to the proper
position to see the entire play. Obtaining the proper angle and
depth, along with good timing, will give the umpire the tools
needed to make the correct call (pages 31-33). |
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Umpire Systems -- One, Two or Three Umpires. Umpires must
work as a team on the field to cover plays with ease. Being in
the right place at the right time and performing mechanics
effortlessly will ensure proper coverage and help the game run
smoothly (pages 36-55). |
Here are some PowerPoint presentations that may help you with some
interpretations:
Flex/DP
Lineup-Management
Here is the 2012 Study Guide:
2012 Study Guide
Study Guide Answer Sheet
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