NFHS dead ball
 

I believe the writers of the NFHS softball rulebook need to go back and rewrite rule 5-1-b. It reads "ball becomes dead immediately when the ball is illegally batted or comes in contact with the bat a second time." we all know it only becomes dead when the batt comes in contact with the ball a second time. By the way it is worded it seems to say it can be a dead ball if the ball contacts the bat a second time. Dave

While the wording may not be as concise as it should be, you will notice that in rule 5:1:b the book references rule 7:4:11, which states "(The batter is out) after hitting or bunting a ball, the bat hits the ball a second time while the ball is on or over fair territory, or is on or over foul territory, and in the umpire's judgement, had a chance to become fair." Therefore, with a little cross-referencing, they have clarified their intent. Remember, the purpose of rule 5 is to establish what constitutes a dead ball, or a delayed dead ball.

I realize what the rule says but what I am saying is that it shouldn't have been that hard to make the two rules co-exist with each other. Besides, in this instance, rule 5 doesn't clarify anything since it is neither a dead ball or a delayed dead ball. Dave

Again, I will state that the wording may be a bit cloudy. However, the rule referenced in 5:1:b, to wit 7:4:11, is in fact a dead ball situation. That is why it is covered in rule 5. Redundant? Yes. Poorly worded? Yes. Reasonable to be covered under both rules? Yes.