NFHS website has no such change.

NFHS | 2013 Softball Rules Changes

Went back and checked books back to 2010 and while there is some slight variation in wordings, they all say basically the same thing. I believe whoever was running our rules clinic had read something into the rule that wasnt there.

Thanks Alt I stand corrected. Maybe if I read all the rule that would help. Did seem strange that Fed would do that.

So - my takeaway from the discussion of this situation is that the player is in the game (substitution is official), but does not have to pitch.

That is correct. The substitution, if reported to opposing coach, has been made. If the coach wants to re-enter the starter, then that is what the coach is doing; a re-entry, a new substitution, not undoing the prior substitution.

And, there is no requirement that anyone that has thrown a warmup pitch must pitch to a batter. One of those myths that follow the game, like "the hands are part of the bat". Unfortunately, when the coaches get to write rules, the myths can become reality ("have to pull bat back after to squaring to bunt" is one example starting in NCAA after never actually being a rule anywhere).

Here are a questions though.


Let's say that #21 has been pitching the first 3 innings. To start the 4th inning, #22 (who had been SS), comes in to pitch and #21 goes to SS (they switch places).

#22 takes her 5 warmup pitches, then the coach decides to switch them back.

Does #21 get any warmup pitches when the switch is made.

Now after 4 batters, #22 and #21 are switched back. Does #22, who already took her 5 warmup pitches get any warmup pitches. She had not pitched to a batter, but had already taken 5 warm up pitches and had previously taken a position on the pitchers plate.