NFHS Rules Changes

[Stat-Man]

Originally Posted by bbsbvb83

“Hit By Pitch” Procedure Revised in High School Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Theresia Wynns

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 24, 2012) — Batters in high school softball no longer will have to make an attempt to avoid being hit by a pitch in order to be awarded first base.

This revision to Rule 8-1-2 was one of four rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its June 11-13 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

A batter will be awarded first base if “a pitched ball is entirely within the batter’s box and it strikes the batter or her clothing. No attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch is required; however, the batter may not obviously try to get hit by the pitch.”

So if the pitcher throws a slow changeup that the batter has plenty of time to avoid, they can opt to stand there and let it hit them for a free base? I don't like this change at all.

In Rule 6-1, the committee approved the following exceptions to the penalty for an illegal pitch:

1) If the batter reaches first base safely and each other runner advances at least one base, the illegal pitch is nullified. All action stands and the illegal pitch is canceled.

2) If the batter does not reach first base safely or if any base runner fails to advance at least one base, the coach of the team at bat shall have the option of the result of the play or the penalty of the illegal pitch.

3) If the batter is hit by an illegal pitch out of the strike zone, the batter is awarded first base and each base runner is awarded one base.

4) If ball four is an illegal pitch, the batter is awarded first base and each base runner is awarded one base.

So, will this make umpires more inclined or even less inclined to call the IP now?

The final rules change was Rule 3-6-10, which will allow stopwatches to be used in the coach’s box.

Aside from games with time limits, I don't see the need, but whatever works best, I suppose.