SOFTBALL---IOWA ADAPTATIONS  2009

 

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---if moved to the tenth spot 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----- When used in a regular season game, the international  tie-breaker rule starts in the top of the 8th inning.  To apply the rule, determine the first legal batter and then place the player immediately preceding her in the line-up on second base with no outs.  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 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 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---NEW (2009)---VARSITY ONLY---For regular season dual competition and regional tournament, both teams are allowed to take infield practice on the actual playing diamond.  There is a seven minute limit.  The timing shall be done by the home management---preferably by the PA Announcer or scoreboard operator.  A reminder shall be issued with one minute remaining.   A team still has the option of hitting ground balls in front of their dugout in foul territory during their seven minute warm-up time if they prefer.  But both teams must be afforded the opportunity to use the playing diamond for their seven minutes if they choose.  Regular season tournaments and sub-varsity warm-up protocol remains at the discretion of the home management.

 

  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)---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.  A player who is required to leave the game to remove jewelry must use her re-entry in order to re-enter.

 

  1. PITCHING RULE---Prior to starting the delivery of the pitch, the non-pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching plate and within the 24 inch length.   Please follow the NF pitching rules (Rule 6) with this exception.

 

  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.

 

  1. TOURNAMENT ROSTER/TEAM PARTY---Each team is limited to not more than 28 people in their team group for all regional and state tournament games.  Each school shall decide who their group will consist of.  All coaches, players, managers, statisticians, bat boy/girls, etc. are included.  A team may now have more than the previous limit of 18 players in uniform---just so there are no more than 28 in their team group. 

 

  1. UNIFORM----The school name, nickname, mascot, logo, etc. is permitted as well as the playerÕs name on the back.  THERE SHALL BE NO ADVERTISING OR SPONSORÕS NAME ON THE UNIFORM.  A single manufacturerÕs logo is legal but cannot exceed 2 ¼ square inches with no single dimension exceeding 2 ¼ inches.

 

  1. BUNT ATTEMPT---RULE 2-8-2   As per 2009 rule change---If the bat is in the strike zone at the time of a pitch---a strike shall be called.  The batter no longer has to attempt at the pitch.

 

  1. NO PROTESTS!

 

  1. SUSPENDED GAME---Apply Rule 4-2-1 and 2 to determine if you have a regulation game  with a winner decided.  If not, the game shall be suspended at that point and if made up at a later time, the game shall be resumed from the point of interruption. 

 

 

 

 

Reminder:

There is a 40 game limit for each level of competition.  Individual player limitation is 65 games. A team or player may not participate in more than 3 games per calendar day.   Loss of school time for softball competition is now left totally to the discretion of each local school Board and administration.