For someone who is going to be new to the whole NFHS scene in Pennsylvania (Don't ask me why I would like to do HS ball at my age.), what is this new FLEX rule I've been hearing about? Could someone explain it to me? Thanks.

It is Desiginated Player rule, as ASA, and NCAA have used for years. It will eliminate the DH rules. It is experimental, but MAY be implemented in 2004.I got a NFHS handout at a rules clinic, with a short primer, and lineup card examples on it. I can e-mail you a copy if you want it.

[email protected]

"It is experimental, but MAY be implemented in 2004."

HAS been implemented for 2004.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 19, 2003) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee adopted the designated player/FLEX rule at its annual meeting June 8-9 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Go here - http://www.nfhs.org/press/softball_rules_changes03.html

Not mandatory; optional for coaches; but is part of the high school rules next year.

WMB

John,

If you call ASA or NCAA, this rule is nothing new. The NAME is new, but the rule isn't.

Take the ASA rule, and everywhere you see "DEFO" substitute "FLEX" and you'll have it.

Damn arrogant "we have to be different to assert our presence" attitude of NFHS. I pray for the day someone finally realizes there is no real benefit to the girls by being different than the next guy. I still believe there is too much testosterone in the administration of the HS game.


JMHO,

It's my understanding that ASA will adopt the FLEX name in 2004! http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smiley-041.gif

FYI....
 

Here is a link to an excellent PowerPoint presentation on how to keep a lineup card and track changes during a game using the FLEX rule.

http://www.cactusumpires.com/pdf/hs-asa-lineup-x.pps

Thanks Andy. That helped a great deal. Now, I just gotta play it about 3 more times to fully understand it. :D

John,
When you go to your chapter meetings, make sure that your interpreter goes over this. Make sure it's at a regular chapter meeting, not the mandatory rules interp meeting that the coaches attend. When it gets closer to the date - my chapter starts meeting at the end of Feb and I'm about 100 miles north of you - let me know which chapter you're in and who your interp is. You could also visit Joel's site at eTeamz - I don't have the link handy - Joel has most of the stuff that Tom & I put together on the DP & Flex/DEFO.

Steve M

That's not a shock, though I think it is stupid. Using the terms DH & DEFO is more descriptive as it relates to the function taking place.

Hell, there are Fed-only umpires out there who are still calling automatic outs instead of waiting for an appeal. If they can't grasp that, they'll never get the "FLEX" straight.

Hell, there are FED coaches that don't understand the DH rule
as it is now...What will they do with the DP/DEFO or FLEX?
And most coaches still believe that when OBS is called that
their runner should receive the next base....Even some umpires
still want to do that....

John and Steve,
Joel site----once there go to handouts...hell, go to the albums
and you can see Steve and Glen...http://www.spao.de/pict/smilies/biglaugh.gif

http://www.eteamz.com/sites/GCBUmpire

glen