2008 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations

Publisher's Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Robert F. Kanaby, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2008

Printing Errors and Corrections: "... batter must take her position in the batter's box within 10 seconds after the ball is returned to the pitcher in the circle." Delete last three words. Correct in the following publications:
1. Rules Book, page 2 Summary, 7-3-1
2. Rules Book, page 83 and Case Book, page 4, "Comments on the 2008 Rules Revisions: Time Reduced for Batter to be in Box"
3. 2008 Preseason Guide, page 2, "Time Reduced for Batters" article, end of first paragraph

SITUATION 1: During the pregame inspection of equipment, the umpires notice that Team A's batting helmets have the exterior NOCSAE warning label on (a) the underside of the bill (b) the topside of the bill or (c) the outside back of the helmet. RULING: Legal equipment in (a), (b) and (c). Provided the warning label is legible and on the exterior of the helmet, it is legal. Both the underside and topside of the bill are considered the exterior of the helmet. (1-6-1)

SITUATION 2: R1 is on third base with no outs. F1 delivers a wild pitch that goes to the screen. F2 goes to retrieve the ball as R1 is advancing to home plate. F1 is covering home for the tag play. R1 is safe and F1 begins to head back to the circle with the ball. At what point does the count begin for F1 (20 seconds) and B2 (10 seconds) since F1 already has the ball? RULING: The count for both begins when the play is completed. In this case, when F1 turns and heads back toward the pitching plate. (6-2-3; 7-3-1)

SITUATION 3: With no runners on base, the ball is returned to F1 in front of and outside the 16-foot pitching circle. F1 proceeds to walk around the outside of the circle loosening up her arm and neck. After approximately 12 seconds, she takes a position on the pitcher's plate and prepares to pitch. B1 has yet to take her place in the batter's box. RULING: A strike shall be called on the batter. COMMENT: The ball need only be returned to the pitcher, she need not be in the circle. (6-2-3; 7-3-1 Penalty)

SITUATION 4: R1 is on second base with one out. B3 hits a ground ball to F1. While advancing to third base, R1 slightly brushes F6, who is in the base path. F1 turns and throws out R1 by 5 feet. RULING: As soon as the contact occurs between R1 and F6, the base umpire signals delayed dead ball for obstruction. F6 cannot be called out between the two bases in which she was obstructed. If the umpire deemed that R1 would not have reached third base safely without the obstruction, the umpire would put R1 back on second base and award B3 first base. If the umpire deemed that the obstruction prevented R1 from reaching third base safely, R1 would be awarded third base and B3 would be awarded the base(s) she would have achieved had there been no obstruction. (8-4-3b)

SITUATION 5: R1 is on second base with no outs. B2 hits a blistering line drive toward F6, who is shifted toward third base. F6 is able to put her glove on the ball, but it defects, in flight, toward F5. F5 is unable to catch the ball in flight for the out, but is able to knock it down. The ball lands at her feet; just as she bends over to field the ball near third base, she and R1 collide. RULING: The umpire signals delayed dead ball for obstruction and the ball remains live. F5 is guilty of obstruction since she is no longer considered to be making an initial play. When the ball becomes dead, R1 and B2 will be awarded the base(s) they would have achieved had there been no obstruction. COMMENT: F5 was protected until the ball hit the ground and she was unable to catch the deflected ball in flight. The "step and reach" provision only applies to the defender making the initial play. (2-47-3; 8-4-3b)

SITUATION 6: R1 is on first base with no outs. B2 hits a (a) pop fly ball or (b) line drive to F4, who has moved to make the catch in the base path of R1 as she advances toward second base. The ball rebounds out of F4's glove and falls directly to the ground between her feet. R1 bumps into F4 while trying to get to second base. RULING: In (a) and (b), the ball is dead and R1 is out for interference. B2 is awarded first base. F4 was in the process of making an initial play since she was within a "step and reach" of the spot of the initial play; it doesn't matter that F4 was attempting to catch a pop up or a line drive. (2-47-3; 8-6-10)

SITUATION 7: No. 11 has been a courtesy runner for the pitcher for several innings. In the seventh inning, the pitcher gets a single; No. 11 again serves as a courtesy runner. When No. 11 gets to third base, the coach wishes to replace No. 11 with a substitute who has not yet participated in the game in any capacity. RULING: A coach may remove the courtesy runner/pitcher for a "pinch runner." In this case, the pitcher has left the game and is subject to the substitution and re-entry rules. COMMENT: A courtesy runner may NOT run for a courtesy runner. In addition, the pitcher/catcher for which they are running may not come back in to run after utilizing a courtesy runner (except for injury or disqualification). (8-9)
During playing action in which the batter-runner is part of a force play at first base, B1 is required to use the colored portion of the base. (8-10-1)