NFHS acts to slow down games
 

From the NFHS:

That is seriously their reasoning? They want games to last longer, so lets make the coach call time out more often to enter subs and make the umpire make multiple lineup entries rather than just 1?

As if many high school games dont go on longer than they need to in the first place.

I selectively edited their comment on the rule change for sarcastic effect.

I have sent two scenarios to my state rule interpreter, who is on the national rule committee. Both are "common procedures" in the past which may now be disallowed by rule.

Scenario 1: The visiting team entering the DP on defense at the plate conference.
Scenario 2: A sub (not the flex) runs for the DP. After the offensive half of the inning, the coach wants to re-enter the DP as to not forget when it is her time to bat.

In neither of these scenarios will the player "immediately play."

Our (MTD, Jr. and Sr.) two cents.
 

I have not ever allowed a projected substitution in either baseball or fast pitch softball. While it may slow the game down a bit it is one ounce of prevention that prevents one pound of horse manure hitting the fan.

MTD, Sr.

No rule set has ever issued a definition of what a projected sub was (until now). And, their case plays all involved trying to make 2 moves with the same player, not entering multiple players on offense.

Seriously, what is so wrong with say a coach entering a sub and telling you that the player being subbed for will re-enter. Why is it so critical that such change be made in two separate announcements? I don't get the need for it. Easier for me to make a note one time. And don't give me the "but if" excuse. You mean I can't handle that if it happens? Move the game along.

Actual example from about 3 years ago in the playoffs... caused a long delay and a protest...

Sub #10 pinch hitting for Starter # 1. Coach says 1 will be going right back in for 10. Umpire accepts this without clarification, informs scorekeeper.

Team bats around, 10 bats again. On defense, 1 goes back in.

Argument ensues over whether 10 batting again was a 2nd reentry (making 1 ineligible to come back in) as the scorekeeper and umpire were told 1 was reentering after 10's first at bat.

Here is a link to the rule change:

2016 Softball Rules Changes

Didn't see a detailed explanation, but the POE's will be:

• FP Strike Zone
• DP/Flex Education (whatever that means)
• FP Pitching

Whenever I see something like this from NFHS, I quietly say to myself, over and over, "Thank GOD we (New York) don't follow NFHS...." Right, EsqUmp?

NFHS needs to define "participate". Being in the lineup as a replacement for BO #7 while BO #5 is up can be participating.

Any change of the lineup that takes effect immediately is not "projected".

2-57-4 New: Art 4… Projected Substitute. A projected substitute is a player who does not immediately participate in the game. Projected substitutes are not permitted (3-3-3).

Ridiculous wording and the constant discussion about this is just as absurd.

All substitutes are in effect at the moment they are announced. Now, just how difficult is that to understand? No "what ifs" or "buts", just plain and simple.

Apparently, NFHS disagrees. A substitute may now only be accepted when the player is running out on defense, trotting to a base as a PR, or carrying a bat into the batter's box.

Yes, this is is absurd.

As I said, if NFHS insists on this definition as written they need to define "participate".

Being in the lineup as a replacement for the seventh batter while the fifth batter is up is participating.
Just as the starting players lineup is participating as soon as it is official. Including the ninth batter.

Only if they are as stupid as I have accused them of being over the years :)

My statement meets the proposed rule change. All changes are effective immediately and those who are entering are now participating in the game.

I cannot help it if an organization representing the athletic side of an educational institution are not smart enough to word is properly.