NFHS Rules
 

Are there any restrictions on face paint or eye black in NFHS girl's rules.

It is an interpretation to minimize intimidation or superiority.

Our association hands out the Softball 2023 Preseason Guide. It looks to be an NFHS Referee publication.

On the cover this year is a picture of 2 young ladies who are both wearing eye black or some type of face paint.

Is this a state interpretation prohibiting eye black? I don't think there's anything in the rule book about it.

This publication also has a few pictures each year that simply don't pay attention to detail. This year's bloopers include a picture of 2 umpires wearing different jackets (pg. 10). I understand that sometimes officials don't always have the identical jackets, but for a picture in a national publication, find a pair that do match.

Another is regarding obstruction at first base. The picture on page 14 shows what might be a college game. NFHS permits (not required) a safety base and it is up to states to decide if they wish to use it. But again, for a HS publication, why couldn't they use the saftey base in their photo?

NFHS has no such rule. Delaware and Pennsylvania have rules restricting eye black to a single mark under one or each eye. Maryland has no rule about it.

Same as Delaware and Pennsylvania.in NC

And Georgia

But, why? Did someone create something objectionable?

Someone have too much fun?

NFHS Softball Weekly Rule Interpretations
 

Situation 5:
Team A begins to take the field and the umpires notice that several players have eye black in the shape of a heart on their faces. Several other players have eye black that has been applied in streaks down their cheeks. The umpire rules this illegal and requires all of Team A’s players to remove any eye black that is more than a single line below the eyes.
RULING:
Incorrect ruling. NFHS Softball has no rule specifically covering the application of eye black.

Yeah, correct only in States that created their own rule, as above.

The above case ruling would be correct in those States, although like dangerous jewelry, bandannas, etc.; I never say take it off, just that they can't play with it.

We umpire in two States, one with a rule, one without.