National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS

National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2016 Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis Take Part. Get Set For Life. ™

National Federation of State High School Associations 2016 NFHS Softball Information Take Part. Get Set For Life. ™

2016 NFHS Softball Rules and Case Book as E-Books § Electronic Versions of the NFHS Softball Rules and Case Book are now available for purchase as e-books. § Apple users can visit i. Tunes for available books. § Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy ebooks from Amazon. com and view them through the Kindle app. § Price: $5. 99 each § Visit www. nfhs. org/ebooks for more information.

Interscholastic Officiating www. nfhslearn. com § Introduction to skills and concepts used as an official § Ideal for new officials or those in first few years of officiating § 30 -45 minutes to complete § Topics include: basics of becoming and staying an official, science of officiating, art of officiating, how to combine these skills for successful officiating § Course is FREE to any NFHS Officials Association member § Non-members course is $20 § Contact NFHS Officials Department for details (317. 972. 6900)

NFHS Officials Association Central Hub www. nfhs. arbitersports. com Contains § Sport information § Rules library § Searchable rules book and case book § Video content on officiating sport, competition situations and interpretations

National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2016 Rules Changes Take Part. Get Set For Life. ™

NCHSAA Mission Statement Inspiring individuals, encouraging excellence through education based athletics. The mission of the NCHSAA is to provide governance and leadership for interscholastic athletic programs that support and enrich the educational experience of students Core values and beliefs are shared among the stakeholders of an organization. Values drive an organization's culture and priorities and provide a framework in which decisions are made. The core values and beliefs are the principles that guide the association.

Core Values & Beliefs § Sportsmanship - following the rules of the game, respecting the judgment of referees and officials, treating opponents with respect, respect for one's opponent and graciousness in winning or losing § Integrity - consistency of actions, values, methods measures, principles, expectations and outcomes - the truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions § Fair Play - a shared interpretation of the rules, the equal treatment of all concerned, sticking to the agreed rules, not using unfair advantages § Honesty - uprightness and fairness, truthfulness, sincerity, or frankness, freedom from deceit or fraud. To consistently seek and speak the truth § Respect - a positive feeling of esteem for a person or other entity and specific actions and conduct representative of the esteem § Equity - fairness, just and right, equitable treatment of all, dealing fairly and equally with all concerned § Fair Competition - competitors within a competition should have similar performance potential and performance strength § Development of student-athletes - participation in athletics should aid in the physiological and psychological development of the student-athlete

Projected Substitute (2 -57 -4) New A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the lineup.

SUBSTITUTIONS RULE 2 -57 -4 New A projected substitute is the act of entering a substitute without first removing a player from that position in the line -up.

SUBSTITUTIONS RULE 2 -57 -4 New Jackson is batting for Abel; when we go on defense, Abel will re-enter. – PROJECTED SUBSTITUTE (Illegal) Umpire: “I can take Jackson for Abel now, but you will have to re-enter Abel when she goes back into the game. ”

SUBSTITUTIONS RULE 2 -57 -4 New Team is coming to bat in the bottom of the 7 th inning. Coach wants to put in Jackson, Knutson, Larson. This is not a projected substitute, just multiple substitutes.

National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2016 Major Editorial Changes Take Part. Get Set For Life. ™

One American Flag (3 -2 -4) One American flag (2 inch x 3 inch maximum) may be worn or occupy space on the jersey. By state association adoption, for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on the jersey.

EQUIPMENT RULE 3 -2 -4 A flag can be placed on a jersey without state association approval.

EQUIPMENT RULE 3 -2 -4 A commemorative patch may be placed on a jersey with state association approval. A number should not be used in the memorial patch.

National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Softball 2016 Points of Emphasis Take Part. Get Set For Life. ™

STRIKE ZONE (FP) The NFHS Softball Rules Committee believes that improvements have been made in helping umpires identify the strike zone for each hitter. Additional work on this issue is needed to make the game fair for all hitters. There is no such thing as a common strike zone for all hitters.

STRIKE ZONE (FP) The strike zone for fast-pitch is the space over any part of home plate which is between the batter's forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance. Any part of the ball passing through the strike zone in flight over the plate shall be considered a strike. The umpire shall determine each batter's strike zone according to the batter's usual stance.

STRIKE ZONE (FP) The NHFS Softball Rules Committee reinforced its support of the Rule and encourages umpires to call the strike zone according to the Rule.

STRIKE ZONE Enforce the strike zone from the top of the knees and especially the high end of the zone at the batter’s forward armpit.

DP/FLEX EDUCATION (3 -3 -6) Coaches and umpires across the country have expressed confusion regarding the DP/FLEX (3 -3 -6). The NFHS Softball Rules Committee reinforced its support of the rule and encourages coaches and umpires alike to utilize the resources available that thoroughly explain the rule and even provide some strategies for using the rule.

DP/FLEX EDUCATION (3 -3 -6) The DP/FLEX rule was originally adopted because it provides more participation opportunities for student-athletes and more flexibility to coaches.

DP/FLEX Coaches and umpires need to continue to utilize the resources available that thoroughly explain rule 3 -3 -6, including strategies for using the option.

PITCHING (FP) 6 -1 -1 The NFHS Softball Rules Committee believes the pitching rule in fast pitch is in place to allow pitchers with varying degrees of pitching skills to pitch with success. The present rule allows for coaches and pitchers to determine the pitching stance to use based on the pitching strength of the pitcher.

PITCHING (FP) 6 -1 -1 STANCE Pitchers must take (or simulate taking) signals from the catcher with their hands separated. The pivot foot must be on or partially on the pitcher’s plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate.

PITCHING (FP) 6 -1 -1 STANCE The pitcher must bring the hands together in front of the body (one time only) for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball.

PITCHING (FP) 6 -1 -1 24 -INCH PLATE VIOLATION Both feet must start within or partially within the 24 -inch length of the pitching plate. As the pitcher winds up and delivers the pitch, the stride foot and the pivot foot must remain in or partially within the pitching plate.

PITCHING (FP) 6 -1 -1 24 -INCH PLATE VIOLATION Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the plate umpire. Failure to call this infraction gives the pitcher an added advantage not intended by the rule as it allows her to put more movement on the ball.

PITCHING (FP) 6 -1 -1 24 -INCH PLATE VIOLATION The NFHS Softball Rule Committee reinforces its support of the rule and encourages coaches and pitchers to take advantage of the appropriate stance based on skill level.

PITCHING RULE 6 -1 -1 Pitchers are encouraged to choose the starting stance for pitching that supports their skill level. A strong and advanced pitcher may choose to start with the nonpivot foot in contact with the pitching plate while a novice or not so strong pitcher may choose to start with the non-pivot foot behind the pitching plate. Both choices would require the pivot foot to be on or partially on the top of the pitching plate.

National Federation of State High School Associations OTHER SOFTBALL TOPICS Take Part. Get Set For Life. ™

Malicious Contact 2 -35; 8 -6 -14 § Malicious contact is defined as an act that involves excessive force with an opponent. § A runner is out when she remains on her feet and maliciously crashes into a defensive player. § Malicious contact supersedes obstruction.

MALICIOUS CONTACT RULE 2 -35; 8 -6 -14 When malicious contact is initiated by a runner, the runner is out and all other runners must return to the last base touched at the time of interference. The runner is also ejected.

Appeals 2 -1 -1; 8 -3 -2 Effect; 8 -8 -16 § Appeal - A play or rule violation on which the umpire does not make a ruling until requested by a coach or player.

Appeal 2 -1 -2 § Types of Appeals: • Missed a base, either advancing or returning (live or dead-ball appeal). • Leaving a base on a caught fly ball before the ball is first touched (live or dead-ball appeal) • Batting out of order (dead-ball appeal only) • Attempting to advance to second base after making the turn at first base overrunning first base (live-ball appeal only)

Appeals 1 -1 -3 § Methods by which an Appeal can be made: • Live – An Appeal may be made during a live ball by any fielder in possession of the ball touching the base missed or left too soon on a caught fly ball, or by tagging the runner committing the violation if she is still on the playing field (even if she is standing on another base).

Appeals 2 -1 -3 § Method (continued) • Dead – The dead-ball appeal may be made: 1. Once all runners have completed their advancement and time has been called, the coach or any defensive player with or without the ball, may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball. The administering umpire should then make a decision on the play.

Appeal 2 -1 -3 § Method (continued) • Dead – The dead-ball appeal may be made: 2. If the ball has gone out of play, runners must be given the opportunity to complete their base running responsibilities before the dead-ball appeal can be made.

Appeal 2 -1 -3 § Method (continued) • Dead – The dead-ball appeal may be made: 3. If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is in contact with the pitching plate when making a verbal appeal, no illegal pitch is called. 4. If “play ball” has been declared by the umpire and the pitcher then requests an appeal, the umpire would again call “time” and allow the appeal.

APPEALS RULE 2 -1; 8 -3 -2 Effect; 8 -8 -16 Appeal – A play or rule violation on which the umpire does not make a ruling until requested by a coach or player.

Batting Out of Order 2 -7 -2; 7 -1 -2 § Batting out of order is failing to bat in proper sequence as listed on the official lineup card. § After the first inning, the first batter in each inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last batter who completed her time at bat in the preceding inning.

Batting Out of Order § Penalty: A shall be called out on appeal when she fails to bat in her proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in her place.

BATTING OUT-OF-ORDER RULE 2 -7 -2; 7 -1 -2 Batting out of order is failing to bat in proper sequence as listed on the official lineup card.

Obstruction 2 -36 § Obstruction is the act of the defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball or that impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball or is making the initial play on a batted ball. § The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal.

OBSTRUCTION RULE 2 -36 A defensive team member that hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with the pitched ball has committed an act of obstruction.

Interference 2 -32; 8 -2 -7, 8 § Interference is an act (physical or verbal) by a member of the team at bat who illegally impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder; or when a runner creates malicious contact with any fielder with or without the ball, in or out of the baseline. § Other types of interference involve equipment, umpire and spectator.

Interference § Penalty: • The batter-runner shall be called out when: • The batter-runner interferes with a fielder attempting to make an initial play, interferes with a fielder attempting to throw the ball, intentionally interferes with a thrown ball when out at the batter’s box, makes contact with a fair batted ball before reaching first base, or interferes with a dropped third strike. • If this interference, in umpire’s judgment, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home shall be called out.

Interference § A batter-runner being hit with a thrown ball does not necessarily constitute interference. § The batter-runner interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate.

INTERFERENCE RULE 2 -32; 8 -2 -7, 8 Interference is when the offense illegally impedes, hinders or confuses a fielder. This can be physical or verbal and can involve an umpire, spectator or equipment.

2015 -16 Softball Clinic Brad Alford, Director Sports & Championships

Important Dates Date of 1 st Practice: February 15 th Date of 1 st Contest: No earlier than February 29 th

Playoff Dates Reporting Deadline: May 9, 2016 (6 AM) 1 st Round: May 11 th 2 nd Round: May 14 th 3 rd Round: May 17 th 4 th Round: May 20 th Regional: May 24 -28 th State: June 3 -4 th

Dead Periods ² Start of Fall sports practice (Aug. 1 st) through midnight Sept. 1 st ² Start of Winter sports practice (Nov. 2 nd) through midnight Dec. 1 st ² 2016 -17 Summer Dead Periods: ²July 4 th – July 10 th ²July 18 th – July 24 th

Board Approved Items ² Adopt facility standards that must be met in order to host NCHSAA playoffs in all sports ² Standards will be posted on NCHSAA. org ² All NCHSAA member schools are required to have a Cardiac Safety Program to include three(3) components: ² An appropriate number of AED’s on campus relative to athletic facilities ² An AED maintenance program ² Require viewing of short AED/CPR video for all supervising adults

Board Approved Items ² In a split conference, a team must finish 1 st or 2 nd (must have a 34% overall winning percentage) in its division to be an automatic qualifier. ² Adopted a Social Media Policy to be included in the Sportsmanship section of the Handbook

Important Notes & Reminders ² ² ² Protest Committees: A protest committee should include a minimum of three school administrators. Parents are not allowed to serve on this committee. State Championship Series: The higher seeded team will be designated as the home team for games 1 and 3. If equal seeds meet, the NCHSAA will draw to determine the home team. Reminder: Once the seeding process is completed and the brackets have been finalized, no other team or individual will be substituted in or added to the brackets as a result of a change in the reported record (incorrect or adjusted).

Season Limitation ² No more than 23 total games, or 24 with one being an approved Endowment Game ² Handbook update: Teams and individuals are limited to two games on a school day. The limitation extends to four games, if on a non-school day.

Suspended Game Rule ² ² Interruption at any point prior to the completion of 4 ½ innings = Continued at point of interruption. If game cannot be resumed or rescheduled, it is a NO CONTEST. More than 4 ½ played (5 innings complete) AND winner can be determined = Final After 5 innings ² Visitor scores tying or go-ahead run and Home does not have opportunity to bat or complete time at bat = Suspended Game

Suspended Game Rule ² State Association Adoption ² Differs from NFHS ² Game called for any reason AND a winner cannot be determined = Suspended Game ² If game is to be completed, it must be continued from the point of interruption ² Suspended game does not count against weekly limitation in the week in which it is made up

Max. Preps ² Official Statistics Provider ² Records and standings for post-season qualifications ² 2015 -16: Max. Preps Record = Official Record ² Incorrect record subject to DQ from ² playoffs All game results MUST be entered by Saturday, May 7 th at 11: 59 p. m. ² Triple check your record! ² Instructions can be found on the NCHSAA website

Sportsmanship The quality of responsible behavior characterized by a spirit of generosity and a genuine concern for opponents, officials and teammates. Wholesome athletic environment Good Sportsmanship > Victory Modest in victory, gracious in defeat Respecting judgment and integrity of game officials Role modeling good behavior

Eligibility & Compliance

Eligibility Power. Point Required viewing for all coaches Should be done with the athletic director Includes opportunities to discuss concussions/sudden cardiac arrests/sickle cell, etc.

Eligibility Preseason Meeting Required attendance by all parents Time to share rules, regulations, expectations, philosophy etc. Time to get all required signatures--pledges, Gfeller-Waller information, etc. NEW FORM – Eligibility and Authorization

Coaches’ Education NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course All coaches must have satisfied the requirement to take this course by the first date of competition this season. Complete prior to first contest; subject to a $500 fine; continuing to coach without completion = another $500

Coaches’ Education Concussion Management Certification The NFHS Concussion Course (free on-line course) or an equivalent course must be completed by all coaches THIS IS AN ANNUAL COMMITMENT. Must be taken after June 1, 2015 and prior to February 15, 2016. Prior to the first date of practice for that sport; subsequently, the certificate of completion must be on file at the individual school; subject to $500 fine

Gfeller-Waller Concussion Law Requirements of the Law: Concussion signs and symptoms • Given prior to participation • Parents/athletes sign indicating “receipt of” Return to Play (RTP) form signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine • An up-to-date Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Must be on-file Must be posted Must be updated annually “When in doubt, sit them out”

New Safety Policy Effective Aug 1, 2017 That all head and paid coaches must be CPR/AED certified.

Anyone Can Save a Life ² ² ² Distributed to Athletic Directors on this summer Guide for preparing your facilities and training your staff to handle life-threatening emergencies Simple emergency protocol 911, Early CPR, Early AED use, Early transition to EMS Student Response Team ² ² ² Coaches, Administrators and Officials are most likely to have an episode

Coaches’ Education Accredited Interscholastic Coach (AIC) Requires completion of 4 courses: • • • Fundamentals of Coaching 1 st Aid, Health & Safety for Coaches Sport Specific Course or Teaching Sports Skills Concussion in Sports (Free) North Carolina is currently 7 th in the nation.

Coaches’ Education Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC) Completion of AIC requirements Plus: • • Teaching & Modeling Behavior Engaging Effectively with Parents Sportsmanship Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Strength & Conditioning 2 additional courses (User Choice) North Carolina is currently #1 in the nation!

Sportsmanship Teaching & Modeling Behavior Course • Required for any coach ejected during a contest • Required for any coach who has player (s) ejected for fighting NFHS Sportsmanship Course • For any ejected/disqualified player • Free, on-line course (nfhslearn. com) All certificates must be sent to NCHSAA

National Federation of State High School Associations THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON! Take Part. Get Set For Life. ™