2008 NFHS Softball Rule Changes
Rule 3-2-11
- Players are now permitted to wear metal cleats and metal toe plates. The soles may be smooth, have soft or hard rubber cleats or rectangular metal spikes. Spikes must not extend in excess of 3/4" from the sole and may not be round. Shoes with detachable cleats that screw into the sole of the shoes are permitted. Metal toe plates are permitted.
Rule 3-6-7
- Players and substitutes shall not enter the contest unreported. Penalty: The head coach will now be restricted to the dugout, in addition to the offender, when a second unreported substitution occurs.
Rule 7-3-1
- Requires the batter to take her position in the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher. OSAA Point of Emphasis: The pitcher does not have to be within the circle in order for the 10 second count to begin.
2008 Major Editorial Changes
Rule 1-5-4
- Clarifies that a legal bat must meet the 2004 ASA Bat Performance Standard, bear either the 2000 or 2004 certification mark and not be on the ASA non-approved list.
Rule 1-6-7 New
- Adds that if an eye shield is attached to the helmet, it must be constructed of a molded rigid material that is clear and permits 100-percent (no tint) allowable light transmission.
Rules 2-5-3, 8-2-13 New and 8-6-15
- Clarifies when an on-deck batter is subject to interference and the penalty associated with the infraction.
Rule 3-5-5
- Penalty: Adds a penalty when offensive team personnel are near a base to which a runner is advancing or returning.
Rule 3-6-6 & New Note
- Adds that bat/ball shaggers are permitted out of the dugout. Also adds a new note to clarify that bench personnel are permitted to engage in throwing and running activities during the one minute designated for the pitcher to throw her five warm-up pitches at the beginning of each half-inning.
Rule 7-4-4
- Clarifies that the batter is subject to interference if she makes any movement that hinders the action at home plate after the pitch reaches the catcher.
2008 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
- Pitching
- Equipment
- Use of proper NFHS softball signals
2008-10 MAJOR MECHANICS CHANGE
- Umpires will once again start from 18-21 feet behind first and third base when no runners are on base. Therefore, with no runners on base, the base umpire(s) should be positioned 18-21 feet behind the base, on the line and "walking the line" as the pitch is released. This mechanic provides for a smoother transition when the ball is hit and the umpire(s) must move to the next position.