These changes were made to the field requirements in the 2020-2021 Rule Book: Fence height – for all new construction, including Institutional fields, the minimum height is 6 feet. These changes were made to the field requirements in the 2022-2023 Rule Book. • Fence distance – the distance in left and right fields shall be a minimum of 190 feet
Community Colleges exceptions to NCAA Rule Book
The California Community College Athletics Association has approved the following exceptions to the NCAA rules. Barrel Compression Testing (BCT) NCAA – BCT required for all games (5.2) Community College – this rule is waived for 2022. Softballs provided for games NCAA – host team shall provide a minimum of 12 game softballs of the same specifications and manufacturer (3.2.2) Community
Ejections – Administrative and Behavioral
Umpires are empowered to remove a player and/or other team personnel from further participation in a game for rule violations, unsporting acts, or behavioral or verbal misconduct. This is one of the tools in an umpire’s bag of tools, but it should never be taken lightly. It should be used only after all efforts have been made to keep the
No Right or Wrong Call?
As college softball umpires, we study the rule book, case book and other resources in the hopes of getting all of our rule decisions correct. We do not just read the rule book; we study the rules, learn complex situations, review video, and get feedback from our fellow umpires. All that work does not ensure perfection. Nor does it
Rules Related to Ejections
This article discusses only the rules related to ejections. There are articles in the other Corners which cover the how to deal with ejections: Mechanics – The Mechanics for Ejections Game Management – Handling Ejections Protocols Corner – The Protocols for Ejections ADMINSTRATION INFORMATION Types of ejections There are two categories of ejections in college softball: • An administrative ejection
Illegal Player Rules
Criteria For college softball, the definition of an illegal player is a player who competes in the game in a way in which they are not entitled to play: • Player who is not listed on the lineup card/roster. • Starter who has entered or reenter the game to which she is not entitled. • Nonstarter who has entered the
Player substitution rules
Reporting substitutions Player substitutions Any player may be substituted for at any time when the ball is dead. Any coach may notify the umpire of a substitution; it must be a coach, not a player. Substitutes are considered officially in the game when all of the following is completed: • Reported and accepted by the plate umpire by his/her recording
The College Softball Playing Field
The college softball playing field is similar to the playing field for other softball organizations. The following is a summary of the requirements which may be different. See the rule book for the details. Basic layout The basic layout is the same with these exceptions: • If artificial turf is used, the recommendation is that the outfield portion be green
Field Requirements 2016-2018
The below chart is an informative listing of the changes to the college softball field in 2016-2017. It also includes the requirements for new or renovated fields after the 2016 season
Required Equipment
It is often stated that a concise summary of the responsibilities of umpires is to ensure that the game is played safely and fairly. To keep the student-athletes safe, we must have a good understanding of the rules covering equipment. As stated in the introduction to the Equipment rule – only equipment that meets the specifications written in the NCAA
Optional Protective Equipment
Optional protective equipment includes those items not required by rule but worn or used by personal choice. In all cases, they must be worn or used as intended by the manufacturer. Braces/casts/elbow guards/splints These items may be worn as long as the equipment is well-padded to protect not only the affected player, but also her opponents. If it has exposed
Player uniform regulations
The NCAA is more conscientious than other codes with regard to the rules covering the players’ uniforms. There is more emphasis on the appearance of players during a game because it wants to project a more professional image for its student-athletes. The college uniform rule can be categorized into three parts – official uniform, accessories, and inclement weather apparel. This
College softball roster and lineup requirements
The lineup card requirements are explained in rule 5.7 of the NCAA Softball Rules Book (2020-2021). It must list all eligible players and the starting offensive players in the order in which they are to bat (batting order). The lineup card becomes official when it is reviewed and accepted by the plate umpire at the pregame meeting. Once it is
Interpretation of Rule 5.9.8 – Medical Devices
An interpretation has been issued with regard to medical devices and how they relate to the electronic equipment use.
Batting cage use during the game
Some teams have been observed using their batting cages during and game and on some occasions the opposing coach has brought this to the attention of the umpires. We have received a rule interpretation from the NCAA Softball Rules Editor about this: Ruling:”There is nothing in the rules addressing batting cage activities during a game because the committee believes it
Personnel during live ball
Breaking some bad habits that violate the rules Over the last few seasons, the NCAA Softball Rules Committee has noticed an increase for players on some teams to be on the field during a live ball. This may happen after a successful sacrifice fly ball or bunt, an extra base hit, a good defensive play, etc. This led to them
DP/Flex
For this entire discussion it is assumed that the team starts with the DP/Flex option. To better understand the DP/Flex rule, you must understand these basic concepts: o The DP and Flex are spots in the lineup card, occupied at at specific time by a player. o Do not confuse the DP spot with the player who is acting currently
Inaccurate Lineup and Unreported/Misreported Players
NCAA has a significant difference in its rules for inaccurate lineup and unreported/misreported players. It is important that college umpires study and understand these rules. To start with, NCAA rules use a phrase which is not found in other rule books – inaccurate lineup. It also differs with the terms used for a substitution which is not reported – most
Projected Substitutions
The rule that deals with projected substitutions was changed in the 2018-2019 rule book. The new wording now allows substitutes to be reported to the umpire without being required to immediately participate in the game. The rationale and intent of this new wording changes two situations which in the past were considered projected substitutions, but now are not considered projected
Conferences – the Rules
There are many situations which require a suspension of play during a college softball game. A separate article in the Game Management Corner/General/Managing the game section, entitled Normal Suspensions of Play game situations, covers most of these. This article will focus on charged conferences. The best way to better understand the difference between meetings during the game and charged conferences
The Intent of the Rules
Some of this material taken from Umpire.com 8/13/19 When studying the rules, make sure you consider the spirit and intent of the rule. It would be easier if every rule was black and white and there is no “wiggle room.” We either have a look-back rule violation or we do not. The pitch was either legal or it was not.
Media Format Guidelines
Clarification 3/2/20/18: If a coach want to make a substitution(s) between innings, it must be done with enough time to allow proper recording, etc. so the half inning can begin on time. A charged conference may be used if the substitution is not made in a timely manner.
Valuable Rules for Unusual Problems
The Rules The plate umpire has the authority to make decisions on any situations not specifically covered in the rules. (4.10.4.2) The umpire shall not impose an effect on a team for any infractions of a rule when imposing the effect would be an advantage to the offending team. (4.10.5) The umpires are empowered to rectify any situations in which
Scoring Runs
The object of each college softball team is to score more runs than its opponent. The “definition” in the rule book for how a run scores is – each time a runner legally touches first, second, and third bases and home plate before the third out of an inning. There are two exceptions. Can you name them? (Hint; read the