2009 Rule Changes NFHS
 

Here are the Rule Changes and POE for 2009 High School posted @ nfhs.org

2009 Softball Rules Changes
1-3-3 Added to the softball specifications a requirement that the dynamic stiffness of softballs not exceed 7,500 lbs/inch when tested under current proposed ASTM test methods. Effective January 1, 2010.
Rationale: This standard will better control softballs and should bring more consistency to the softball marketplace without lowering the current static compression of 375 lbs/inch. Static compression and dynamic stiffness are completely different measurements, so these numbers should not be compared.The additional specification makes NFHS softball consistent with ASA.

2-8-2 Changed the definition of a bunt attempt to holding the bat in the strike zone and requiring the bat to be withdrawn in order to take a pitch.
Rationale: The new definition will make the bunt attempt easier for an umpire to determine and creates a better balance between offense and defense.

6-1-4d
and Note Changed the pitching windup requirement to a maximum of one and a half clockwise revolutions. Previous note was deleted.
Rationale: Pitchers are attempting to gain an advantage by deceiving the batter. The rules change will make an illegal pitch easier to identify and enforcement more consistent.

6-2-3 Penalty Changed the penalty for a pitcher exceeding the required 20-second time limit to a ball awarded to the batter - not an illegal pitch.
Rationale: The rules change makes a violation of the time to pitch by the pitcher consistent with a batter failing to be ready within 10 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher. An illegal pitch penalty is excessive as it also awards runners one additional base.
2009 MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES

1-4-2 Clarified that one American flag (2 inch x 3 inch maximum) is permitted on the glove.

1-7-1 Clarified that if an eye shield is worn attached to the catcher's helmet, it must be constructed of a molded, rigid material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission.

3-2-1
New Note Clarified that a state association may, on an individual basis, permit a player to participate while wearing a different style uniform for religious reasons.

3-2-7 Clarified that exposed undergarments must be a solid color.
6-2-3;
7-3-1 Clarified that the timeframe for delivering the next pitch or being in the batter's box begins when the ball has been returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch. Also clarified that a pitcher is committed to delivering the pitch when the hands are brought together.

2009 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. Pitching
2. Obstruction/Interference
3. DP/FLEX

I don't believe this is a good change and not for a second do I believe this makes anything easier for the umpire.

What?

This one I like.

Sure, a ball glove never gets thrown around in the mud, dirt or gets soiled with sweat.

Oh, this is cute.

Well, that certainly puts a crimp in a pitcher needing to back off the pitcher's plate.

I think Irish for the most part pretty much summed up my thoughts on the major issues.

What likely brought that about: D.C. High School Track Star Disqualified Over Muslim Uniform

OK so Irish was wrong, its not cute, its lame.

Does anybody with a clue vote on NFHS rules changes?

What was the prvs definintion?
Is this "new" definition significantly different?

same as ASA.

From what I am seeing here, not likely.

If I read it correctly, this brings the Fed closer to NCAA's rule

It is a significant, and extremely stupid change. The old rule required that the batter must offer at a pitch for it to be called a strike, and that the mere holding of the bat in the strike zone does not constitute a strike. Obviously, the NFHS felt the need to cave to coaches pressure to want a cheap strike, in much the same way as the NCAA always does on these types of rules. I am really hoping that the NFHS will recant this rule. It is stupid. Did I mention that I thought that this was stupid???

Sadly. All it is is a desire by coaches to get a really cheap strike.

Yes. Her name is Diane Kolb, and she is my neighbor and friend. She is YOUR representative on the NFHS committee. She listens to anyone who has a clue about taking the time to call, e-mail or write instead of just being a reactionary and leashes out about stuff.

A list of rule changes to be considered was available to the public, including umpires, on the NFHS web site.

Anyone wanting to get in touch with Diane can PM me and I can make the connection happen.

does anybody know what the penalty will now be for exceeding the 20 seconds? I like how NCAA has it broken down.... ten for the batter and ten for the pitcher to step on the pitchers plate.... 10 for her to come together and 5 to pitch.... that makes the most logical sense... but again I didnt see what the penalty will now be? if its not an illegal pitch what will it be ? a dead ball award? or just a ...hey uh pitch you gotta throw it not make friends with it...??????

Just as stated in the OP, it will be a ball awarded to the batter.

JMO, but I believe the NCAA breakdown of time allowance is a bit too much. What can be simpler than, "here's the ball, you have 20 second to throw it"?

I guess it is my fault, but I had no idea that there was a publicly available list of pending rule changes. Or any idea what to do with my complaints.

Post them here.

Its about as productive as anything else... or moreso.

Kind of funny...

The rationale for item number one is, "The additional specification makes NFHS softball consistent with ASA".

Then, item number two introduces a rule change that is the polar opposite of the ASA ruling- and opposite the ruling for every other softball code (save NCAA, which is one rule set that should have no bearing on amateur youth play).

So, is being "consistent with ASA" a valid goal, or not?

Me too, especially the flag, the arm rotation inconsistency with everyone else, and religious uniform.


Also, several of us responded to Diane Kolb' request for comments about 2008 rules on the NFHS site, but receipt was never confirmed.
http://www.nfhs.org/cgi-bin/ultimate...;f=13;t=000976

To me NFHS is aligning itself more with the NCAA code in rule specifications and with ASA on equipment specifications.

3 good examples of how the NFHS and NCAA codes are merging.

Allowing metal cleats last year
This new bunt rule that moves it to the NCAA rule for bunting.
Pitching and batting time rules.

I guess they are caving in to the coaches / parents at large schools, etc., who are SOOOOO concerned about preparing their daughters for college play.

Where is the actual mission of NFHS sports is all of this?

I won't be surprised if the step back in pitching is not the next to go, and the plate is moved back to 43'.

and it is stupid. :D

I responded to a NFHS survey on rules changes (for all the good it apparently did).

We've been at 43' in Florida for three years, and have NFHS approval for a "fourth-year experiment." It has not been an issue. The good pitchers are still good and the bad pitchers are no worse than before.

And the step back should go away, IMHO.

Sadly? When I'm on the field, hearing a strike called is not a sad moment as we're now one strike closer to an out.

And yet, HS ball is just about at the end of the list when a player is being recruited behind ASA, NSA, PONY U-trip, AFA, USFA, Triple Crown and about every other acronym-labeled organization which promotes softball.

I think Tom may be on to something. Could this be the NFCA influence?

It is the same thing with basketball. Most of the exposure to college coaches is through AAU summer ball/tournaments. The college coaches can't get out and see the players since the seasons are at the same time of the year so there best look is at the travel team/summer tournament circuit.

That would be nice... and if ASA would allow metal cleats, there would be a little common zen between the two (and NCAA) orgs

A little confused....
 

7-3-1 Clarified that the timeframe for delivering the next pitch or being in the batter's box begins when the ball has been returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch.

Well, that clarifies everything!!! Is this saying that we have judgment as to when the pitcher is prepared for the next pitch? Am I missing something here?

It just means that the 20-second and 10-second clock starts for the pitcher and batter, respectively, when the pitcher receives the ball.

Not that it matters. I can almost guarantee at clinic will be a non hardline approach to this, a few "intent" comments, a dab of "let them play ball", and a smidgen of "wink*wink* we dont have a stop watch".

Which is fine by me... but its pretty much useless to revamp unused rules.

You are correct. This is a game-control rule that is usually enforced when you have a problem child on the PP or a proverbial cat-and-mouse game between the batter and pitcher.

What many umpires do not understand is that they do not have to grant a batter or pitcher time. Just say "no" and indicate both to play. If either do not move immediately to continue, make the call.

If the time rule was enforced more often, maybe we could stop coaches from giving useless signals with nobody on base and no outs. Or maybe we could break the batter from standing outside the box and beating their backs with 5 or six practice swings while looking at the coach giving useless signals.:D

Hmmm...

If F1 is viewed from her left side, she's clockwise, but from her right side is counter-clockwise...

This must mean that every F1 should be viewed from the 1B side always?

I'd hate to tell the coach that his F1 is illegal every time because her arm isn't going clockwise when we're working 3-umpire mechanics and I'm the rabbit...

Just another case of overthinking a rule. Of course, they will say it was meant from the pitcher's viewpoint. But wouldn't that make a lefthander illegal? ;)

No $hit!!! Isn't that their job? Wouldn't that be the purpose of a curve ball, riser, drop, change up, etc.?

I guess my DD needs to find a new position.:rolleyes:

Thats now two new rules I'm pretty sure I wont see next year.