The National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFHS, is a governing body for several high school sports in the United States, including baseball and softball. For the 2010 season, the NFHS updated certain rules for both sports and attempted to clarify the legality of certain plays.
Pitcher's Set Position
In baseball, pitchers often pitch from the set position when there are runners on. This means that the pitcher gets the sign from the catcher, brings the ball in front of him and delivers the pitch by lifting his leg and stepping toward home. Pitchers can stand stationary to get the catcher's sign as long as they do not move their arm. If their arm is moving, a balk is called and the runners advance. If there are no runners, it is deemed an illegal pitch. These rules were introduced by the NFHS for the 2010 season. It is also illegal for the pitcher to rest his hand against his lower abdominals.
Baserunning Rules
New rules were also clarified for baserunners and fielders at the start of the 2010 season. If a ball strikes third base and hits that baserunner, it is deemed interference and the runner is out. The batter who hit the ball is given first base. Additional base runners need to go back to the base they originally occupied. If a fly ball is hit into foul territory near the third-baseman, the runner rounding third base must avoid contact with him if the count on the batter is 1-1, 1-2 or there are two outs. The runner would be called out for interference if this occurs.
Fielding Rules
For the 2010 season, if there is one out and a coach interferes with a player's attempt to catch a foul fly ball, the batter is out. If a baserunner causes interference, he is out. Fielders are also allowed to wear wristbands like those worn by quarterbacks in football. But if the umpire declares that the wristbands are distracting to the offensive team, they are considered illegal and must be removed.
Softball Pitching Changes
Prior to the 2010 season, the NFHS changed the distance of the pitcher's mound from home plate in women's fast pitch to 43 feet. Oregon and Florida had used this pitching distance and it was found that offensive players had a better opportunity to hit the ball into play at 43 feet. Also, in order for a pitcher to be named the game's winning pitcher, she must have pitched half the number of total innings played. The pitcher is allowed to return to the game if she played another position or if she comes off the bench to pitch again. As long as she pitches the required number of innings, she will receive the win.
Additional Softball Rules and Considerations
It is illegal to artificially heat bats in the dugout. This can enhance the performance of the bat and heaters must be removed. If a ball is hit out of play and the umpire gives a new ball to the catcher, she must immediately throw it to her pitcher. If she drops it in the dirt and the ball is altered, the next pitch is illegal. Fielders attempting to catch fly balls in foul territory must make sure they do not put one of their feet on the elevated step in front of the dugout. The rules call this a no-catch.
Players and coaches should familiarize themselves with these new rules so if the situation arises in a game, they are aware of what the on-field call will be.
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