Rules Changes

Pitchers will now join catchers as the only players in high school softball permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout, effective with the 2027 season.

This change was one of four recommendations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee during its June 14-16 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommendations were later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“Deliberations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee were spirited and robust,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “Approval of these four rules proposals was the result of data collected form the membership, and specifically state association administrators. The committee is to be commended for its attention to detail, and thorough analysis of information available.”

Updated language now includes pitchers among the players permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout during games, allowing for faster delivery of information. The use of all other electronic devices to transmit or record information remains prohibited on the field of play, and players are still prohibited from transmitting or recording audio or video from the playing surface.

The committee also simplified language regarding whether a pitcher and catcher must face the first batter on defense in relation to courtesy runners. In its comments, the committee said the change eliminates the requirement — or perceived requirement — that the pitcher and catcher listed on the starting lineup card must face the first batter on defense.

“Previously, there was a misconception that the pitcher and catcher listed on the lineup card were always required to face the first batter (one pitch), which was never the intent of the rule,” the committee noted. “This change simplifies the administration of the courtesy runner rule and eliminates a provision that applied only during the transition between the top and bottom halves of the first inning. By removing a unique scenario that applied only to the bottom of the first inning, the rule becomes easier for umpires, coaches, scorekeepers and players to administer and understand.”

Additional changes allow state associations to determine umpire uniforms and clarify the definition of an initial play to better align with other areas of the rules book.

“The committee was intentional in adopting changes that solve real issues encountered on high school softball fields,” said Andi Osters, chair of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and assistant director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. “Whether it’s improving communication between coaches and players, clarifying how interference should be judged after a deflected batted ball, streamlining the courtesy runner rule, or allowing states greater flexibility with umpire uniforms, each change reflects feedback from the coaches and officials who administer our game every day. Our objective is always to make the rules as clear, consistent and practical as possible.”

Beginning next year, one-way electronic communication will now be allowed from the coach to the pitcher and/or the catcher for the purposes of calling pitches. Prior, the catcher was the only defensive player allowed to receive communication from the coach. While the coach must still be located in the dugout/bench area, the committee believes this change responsibly integrates electronic communication that enhances game management.

Bat certification was addressed with USA Baseball assuming bat-testing standards. Effective in 2028, there will be an additional class of permitted non-wood bats. Bats that are not made of a single piece of wood shall meet either the USA Baseball Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (USA Baseball BBCOR) of .50 or the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard (-4, -5, -6). Bats must be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.

“In addition, the NFHS remains committed to fostering the growth and development of high school baseball players,” Hopkins said. “As the game continues to evolve with the adoption of the USA Baseball BBCOR standard, expanding the available drop-weight options provides younger and developing players with additional opportunities to build proper mechanics, confidence and skills while maintaining the safety and performance standards expected in education-based athletics.”

Additional rules changes include:

• Eye shade must be a solid stroke and not include words, numbers, logos or other symbols within the eye shade.
• Use of electronic communication devices by players on the field is prohibited (except as outlined with one-way coach to player communication). This includes amplifying devices, wireless communication devices, headphones, etc., for the purposes of recording, streaming or transmitting audio or video. The prohibition does not include medical devices.
• Coaches will be allowed to use a handheld electronic scoring device or other scoring material while in the coach’s box.
• High school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base. (not approved for New Jersey HS baseball in 2027)
• When using a tiebreaker to end a regulation game, an option is now available to start each half-inning with a runner on second base. The runner would be the last scheduled batter in that respective half-inning. (not approved for New Jersey HS baseball in 2027)