2017 NFHS Softball Rule Changes

[Stat-Man]

Posted on September 28th:

http://nfhs.org/sports-resource-cont...-changes-2017/

[Dakota]

Rationale: Multi-color undergarments and sleeves are a distraction and create a possible safety concern.

Really? A possible safety concern? Really?

3-2-15 NEW: All equipment shall be inspected by the umpire, and is to be placed outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of the game.

Does this expand the list of what is to be inspected beyond batting helmets, the catcher's helmet, and bats? Or, did they mean to say:

3-2-15 NEW: All equipment that is to be inspected by the umpire is to be placed outside the dugout/bench prior to the start of the game.

With NFHS you can never be sure they write what they actually mean...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Really? A possible safety concern? Really?

That's what happens when someone pays attention to a coach who comes up with a stupid justification for weak/poor play.

[SWFLguy]

Really? A possible safety concern? Really?

What I'm still wondering is why the masks worn by defensive players haven't come under the codification of NOCSAE or the Federation.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

Really? A possible safety concern? Really?

What I'm still wondering is why the masks worn by defensive players haven't come under the codification of NOCSAE or the Federation.

I don't believe this would be done unless mandated by a sanctioning body. Mandating the wearing of a piece of equipment becomes a logistical nightmare that gets a lot of push back from the idiot parents.

Then there is the time and costs of such certification. Because of that, I don't believe any manufacturer would voluntarily pay to have their equipment tested to set the standards and possibly change their existing product to accommodate any required changes.

[AtlUmpSteve]

And why would a sanctioning body mandate performance standards for an optional piece of equipment? If they MAKE you use it, there needs to be a performance standard to protect against liability issues; if YOU choose to use it (and it isn't illegal), why should there be a standard? Anything short of aluminum foil hanging off a bent coat hanger wrapped around the player's ears provides more protection than what is required (none).

Start down that road, and you will be needing performance standards for sweatbands, sliding shorts, socks ..........

[CecilOne]

I often wish Mike and Steve were on the rules committees

[Andy]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

I often wish Mike and Steve were on the rules committees

Unfortunately, it often seems that the various governing bodies don't really seek input from the umpires when considering rule changes and the cascading effects.