SOFTBALL---IOWA ADAPTATIONS  2008

 

The National Federation Rule Book will be used subject to the following adaptations:

 

  1. All levels of play (7-12) shall use the optic yellow softball.  In district, regional, and state tournaments, the Dudley SB12 LRF Y FP ball shall be used.

 

  1. All bats (7-12) shall have a 2004 or newer stamp---must indicate either ÒOfficial SoftballÓ or ÒASA approvedÓ.  No approved ASA list will be used.

 

  1. DESIGNATED HITTER---(Old rule still applies).  A tenth player may be utilized as the Designated Hitter (DH).  This option must be exercised prior to the game and commands the same re-entry rule as other players.  The DH may be placed in any of the nine batting order spots with the tenth spot in the line-up being the defensive player not batting, who would not bat or run the bases.  If the DH is placed on defense, she must retain the same position in the batting order or she may be moved to the tenth spot in the line-up---both use up her re-entry---but she could not bat or run the bases for the remainder of the game.  If the tenth spot in the line-up is ever eliminated, then it is eliminated for the remainder of the game.  The player in the tenth position may move into and bat in any position in the batting order---this becomes her re-entry.  She would not be allowed to re-enter if subsequently removed.  This change in status is a substitution under the re-entry rule.

 

  1. CHARGED CONFERENCES---

 

Defensive---allowed 3 per game plus one additional for extra innings

                      Offensive---allowed 3 per game plus one additional for extra innings

 

  1. SAFETY BASE---(OLD RULE STILL APPLIES)---The only time the defensive team is allowed to use the orange base in making an out is on a dropped third strike to the batter.  The safety base is required for all games.

 

  1. INTERNATIONAL TIE-BREAKER---(old rule still applies)---If used during a regular season tournament, it is permissible to begin using the international tie-breaker rule prior to the eighth inning if the time limit has expired.  Reminder—the international tie-breaker is NOT used during the district or regional tournament---but is used in the consolation bracket at the state tournament..

 

  1. UMPIRE ATTIRE---All umpires shall wear a white or powder blue collared shirt and grey slacks during the regular season.  A white knit shirt and grey slacks  are required for all district, regional, and state tournament games.  The white polo shirt with the red or navy side inseam is allowed during regular season and in the tournament series (during tournament, all umpires shall be alike).

 

  1. FENCE COVERING---Any fence which is less than six feet high and made of metal/steel shall be covered with a protective covering.  This now includes all fences on the diamond.  There is no specific color required.

 

  1. MEDIA AREA---Media is allowed inside the fence but must be located from the far end of the dugout toward the outfield along the fence.  They are NOT allowed within the dugout.  They must be standing at all times.   All equipment shall be hand held and no equipment is allowed to be placed on the ground.

 

  1. CHIN STRAPS---Chin straps are required on all batting helmets and must be snapped and worn properly.

 

  1. PRE-GAME INFIELD---A team is allowed to field ground balls either in foul territory in front of their dugout OR behind the baseline from first to second base or third to second base with throws made back toward the foul line OR in a designated area outside the diamond (as determined by home management) which must provide equal opportunity for both teams.

 

  1. NEW (2007)---OBSTRUCTION PENALTY---The obstructed runner shall be awarded a minimum of one base beyond the last base legally touched prior to where the obstruction occurred.

 

  1. NEW (2007)---An umpire may restrict a coach to the dugout for the remainder of the game for a minor unsportsmanlike act.

 

  1. NEW (2007)---Umpires are not required to inspect the game equipment (bats, helmets, masks, etc).  The head coach shall be required to verify that all equipment is legal during the pre-game conference.  If illegal equipment is discovered in use during the game, the head coach at that level of play shall be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game.

 

  1. PITCHING RULE  (replaces 6-1).   Prior to the pitch, the pitcher shall have a portion of the pivot foot on top of the pitcherÕs plate and the non-pivot foot in contact with the pitcherÕs plate.  The pitcher shall be facing the batter with her shoulders parallel with the pitcherÕs plate and the ball in both hands in front of the body and below the top of the head.  The pitcher shall be motionless (set) for at least one second but not more than five seconds prior to the pitch.  The catcher must be legally within the catcherÕs box in order to have a legal pitching presentation.  The pitcher shall continue her pitching motion without interruption or more than one revolution of the arm.  A pitcher may drop the pitching arm to the side and to the rear before starting the pitching motion---the ball does then not have to be released the first time past the hip.  During the pitch, she may lift her non-pivot foot in only one step which must be towards home plate (does not have to be within the 24 inch length—but must be toward home plate).  Any wind-up motion shall cease when the step is taken or the ball is released.  The pitch shall be underhand with the hand below the hip and the wrist not farther away from the body than the elbow.  There shall be a follow-through such that the ball is not in flight before the hand or wrist are in advance of the body.  The pitcher shall not take any pitching position on or near the pitcherÕs plate without having the ball in her possession.  After presentation, the pitcher must step back off the pitching plate within five seconds without taking her hands apart in order to legally throw to any base or to fake a throw.  If a signal is taken, it can be taken while on or off the pitcherÕs plate.  The crow hop (replant) 2-16  and the leap 2-33 are illegal.  The pivot foot must remain in contact with the ground until the ball is released.

 

  1. GAME-ENDING PROTOCOL---It is permissible to use a 12 run differential rule after 3 or 4 innings and a 10 run differential rule after 5 or 6 innings.

 

 

Reminder:

Beginning in 2008, there is a 40 game limit for each level of competition.  Individual player limitation is 65 games.  Loss of school time for softball competition is now left totally to the discretion of each local school Board and administration.