It’s hard to believe we’re already in the third week of the softball season. Here’s a few items to consider as the season progresses.

DP/Flex – There appears to be significant confusion among some coaches and umpires regarding the DP/Flex rule. This was expected with a new and complex rule. Keep these fundamental points about the rule in mind, and don’t give up. You’ll get the hang of it.

- The DP must remain in the same position in the batting order throughout the entire game and can only bat/run for the flex—no one else.

- The flex may remain in the 10th position for the entire game, or may assume the DP’s position in the batting order and bat/run for herself—no one else.

- The DP may go in and out of the game for any player (including the flex), at any defensive position, any time and any number of times without it counting as a substitution for anyone except the flex. When the DP plays defense for the flex, the flex has left the game and must use her re-entry if she returns to the game. This movement in and out of the game must be reported to the plate umpire to avoid an unreported substitute violation.

o Consider this example. The DP is listed in the 4 spot in the batting order. She plays defense for the pitcher listed in the 7 spot in the batting order. The DP is still batting in the 4 spot and is now pitching. The previous pitcher, listed in the 7 spot, HAS NOT LEFT THE GAME. She is now playing offense only. No re-entries are used in this example. If the pitcher in the 7 spot returns to pitch, the DP goes back to offense only, and still no re-entries are used.

- The flex may go in and out of the DP’s position in the batting order any time and any number of times. However, remember that when the flex replaces the DP on offense, the DP has left the game. The DP must use her re-entry to return to the game.

- The DP may be substituted for at any time, either by the flex or by a pinch hitter/pinch runner off the bench. If replaced by the flex, the number of players in the game is reduced from 10 to nine. If the DP does not re-enter, the game may legally end with nine players.

- The flex may be substituted for at any time, either by the DP or by a player off the bench. If replaced by the DP, the number of players in the game is reduced from 10 to nine. If the flex does not re-enter, the game may legally end with nine players.

- The starting DP, once replaced offensively, may re-enter (return to her original position in the batting order) one time. If she does re-enter, she must bat/run for the flex. She may just play offense for the flex or, at the same time that she plays offense, she may either play defense for the flex or play defense for another player in the batting order.

- If the DP re-enters and the flex was batting in her spot, the flex can: Return to the 10^th position in the lineup and play defense only, anywhere on the field; Leave the game and let the DP play defense for her; or Leave the game and let a player come off the bench to become a substitute flex.

Pre-Game Infield

The 7-minute infield is the maximum amount allotted to each team on the playing diamond for varsity contests. The host school is responsible for the pre-game plan. Please communicate this plan prior to or upon the arrival of the visiting team. There has been a lack of communication with visiting coaches and a lot of confusion as to when to take infield. A team may take infield on the playing diamond or hit balls in front of their dugout during their 7 minutes. Upon mutual agreement, both teams are allowed to concurrently hit balls in front of their dugouts – but only for 7 minutes TOTAL, if at the same time. Warming up concurrently does not allow you to take a 14-minute infield. While the opposing team is taking infield, it is permissible for the pitcher and catcher to warm up in a safe area if a bullpen is not available. These are the only players that could be within the confines of the field while the opponents are taking infield. Alternate diamonds may be used for warm-ups, but the visiting team MUST be allowed to take infield on the playing diamond if they desire.

Double First Base – Please review our double first base adaptation listed below.

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.

Consider the following situations:

- The batter receives ball four or hits a fair ball. She touches the orange base as she OVERRUNS first base. She does not make any attempt toward second base. She returns to first base by either going directly to the white or stepping on the orange and then the white. In either case, this is LEGAL. The batter-runner may not be tagged out when she overruns first base just because she stepped on the orange on her way back to the white.

- The batter receives ball four or hits a fair ball. She touches the orange OR the white on her first attempt at first base – either rounding the base or overrunning it. This also is LEGAL. The batter-runner may always use the orange in this situation. She may also use the white, as long as she doesn’t interfere with the first baseman (if there is a play).

Checking Equipment – Umpires, be sure that you are inspecting equipment before your games. This is required and is a safety and liability issue.

Concession Stands & Umpires - Please do not go to concession stands to request free food when you are umpiring. We ask that all schools provide you with cold water. Any additional food or drink is provided at their discretion. Many schools have for years provided hamburgers, candy bars, etc. free of charge. Many others just don’t have it in the budget. Please don’t go in with the expectation of receiving free food, and certainly don’t go ask for it unless you’re willing to pay a few dollars for it.

Coaching Attire – Any time a coach is in live-ball territory to confer with players or umpires or when occupying the coaching box, the coach must be attired in school uniform or jersey/coaching shirt with coaching shorts/slacks or warm-up suits in school colors or khaki, black, white, or gray. Jackets are not considered part of the uniform and may be any color/style. Jeans and jean shorts are not permissible. A coach not properly attired will not be permitted on the field of play.

Pay Recommendation for Weather-Shortened Contests

I have received a number of questions regarding pay for contests affected by inclement weather. Here is the suggested MINIMUM policy: If the contest of a doubleheader has begun and is not half completed (3 innings), 50% of the contract plus mileage should be paid. If the first contest is half or more completed (beyond 3 innings), the entire contract should be paid. If the official arrives at the contest site and no contest will be played, the official should be paid mileage for his/her travel.

3-Umpire Crews - We are changing our regional final and state tournament umpire format beginning this summer. We are now going to use three umpires on all regional final and state tournament games. This will provide the best possible coverage for our state qualifying contests and will provide consistency throughout our state tournament. We will continue to use 48 umpires at the state tournament, but 30 umpires will now work two days. The remaining 18 umpires will work one day.

Hydration – As we enter the hottest and most humid part of the season over the next couple weeks, coaches, umpires, and players need to remember to drink plenty of fluids. I’ve already had a couple reports of players and umpires heading to the ER for heat exhaustion and dehydration. Take care to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the game.

Regional Tournament - Regional tournament pairings will be released in the late afternoon on Friday, June 18. Regional umpire assignments will be released on Friday, June 25.

I hope you are enjoying the softball season so far. Keep up the good work, and thank you for your dedication to our high school softball athletes.

Joel Oswald

Assistant Director