The book is out. Received my copy Sat.

As was promised by Walt Sparks back in Feb. of this year,
the "about to receive the ball" wording has been deleted
and the obstructkion rule is same as ASA's.

2006, the face mask/guard will be required on all fastpitch
batting helmets. No mention of chin straps.

Deleted the reference of the ball not being higher than the batter's
head from the definition of both a foul ball and foul tip.
(2-25-1g;

Changed to add that the coach or any defensive player may make a
defensive dead-ball appeal. (8-6-3 PEN)

POINTS OF EMPHASIS:
1. Team Huddles
2. Awarded Bases - Three-Foot Lane
3. Field Markings

The Case Book is not available yet.

I'm OK with the "any defensive player" but coach? It makes the coach an active part of the defense (in effect, allows him to make a play). I know I'm making too much of this, after all, all it really does is speed things up a bit. But, it is the principle of the thing. On that level, I don't like it.

hell Tom,

That keeps the coach in the game.