2010 IOWA SOFTBALL ADAPTATIONS

 

The 2010 National Federation Rule Book will be used, subject to the following adaptations:

 

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

 

  1. LEGAL BATS - Rule 1-5 regarding bats will be followed with the following modification to 1-5-1d:  Bats must meet the 2004 ASA Bat Performance Standard, bear the 2004 certification mark, and not be listed on the ASA non-approved bat list.  Bats made entirely of wood are permitted and need not bear an ASA mark.  Bats with the 2000 certification mark are ILLEGAL.

  

3.       DOUBLE FIRST BASE - The following provisions shall supersede Rule 8-10:

-         The batter-runner may use the colored base on her first attempt only at first base. 

-         Once the runner passes first base she must use only the white base.  The colored base is then treated as ground.

-         The defensive player must use the white base in making any play at first; except on a dropped third strike, the defensive player may use the colored base for the put-out throw from her teammate.  In this case, the batter-runner may run in fair territory when the throw is coming from the foul side of first base, and if hit by the thrown ball, it is not interference unless intentional.

-         If the batter-runner does not use the colored base and contact occurs with the first baseman, the runner shall be primarily responsible for the contact.

-         If the batter-runner does use the colored base and contact occurs with the first baseman, the first baseman shall be primarily responsible for the contact.

-         The double first base is required for all games.

 

  1. 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.  If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base she would have reached had there been no obstruction or the base she would have been awarded on the obstruction penalty, the obstructed runner will be called out, and the ball remains live.

 

  1. PITCHING RULE - All levels of play (7-12) will pitch from 43-feet beginning summer 2010.  We will follow Rule 6 with the following exception: Prior to starting the delivery of the pitch, the non-pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching plate.

 

  1. CHINSTRAPS - Chinstraps are required on all batting helmets and must be snapped and worn properly.

 

  1. FENCE COVERING - Any fence that 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. UNIFORMS - We will follow Rule 3-2 regarding uniforms with the following exceptions:

-         There shall be no advertising or sponsorŐs name on the uniform.

-         If worn, headbands shall be any color or multi-colored, and do not have to match among teammates.

 

  1. PRE-GAME INFIELD - VARSITY ONLY - For regular season dual competition and regional tournament, both teams may 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. UMPIRE ATTIRE - Umpires shall wear a white or powder blue collared shirt and grey slacks during the regular season.  A white collared 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 series, all umpires shall dress alike).

 

  1. GAME-ENDING PROTOCOL - It is permissible to use a 12 run differential rule after 3 or 4 innings (2.5 or 3.5 innings if the home team is leading by 12 or more runs) and a 10 run differential rule after 5 or 6 innings (4.5 or 5.5 innings if the home team is leading by 10 or more runs).

 

  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 8th inning if the time limit has expired.  Reminder—the international tie-breaker is NOT used during the regional tournament but is used in the Wednesday consolation bracket at the state tournament.

 

  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. 

 

  1. PROTESTED GAMES – Rule 4-4-1 – The IGHSAU does not recognize protests.