The NCAA News - News and FeaturesJune 15, 1998
Pitching change, warm-ups top softball rules actions
Modifications in pitching rules, warm-up limits and artificial noisemakers were notable topics discussed during the NCAA Softball Rules Committee's annual meeting May 31-June 3 in Kansas City, Missouri.
The committee discussed a pitching rule change stipulating that pitchers may not make more than 11/2 revolutions of their pitching arm during the wind-up and delivery of a pitch. The committee noted that the rule change, which was published in the 1998 NCAA Softball Rules book, will go into effect for the 1999 playing season.
A new strike-zone diagram also will be included in the 1999 NCAA Softball Rules book that will visually display the boundaries of the strike zone as described in the text.
The committee also addressed equal warm-up opportunities for both the home and visiting teams. The committee will implement in 1999 a rule stating that each team must be allowed 30 minutes to warm up.
Competing coaches will decide which team will take the time slot 90 minutes before game time and which team will warm up 60 minutes before play begins. All warm-ups must be completed 30 minutes before game time.
Other highlights
Softball Rules Committee
May 31-June 3/Kansas City, Missouri
Reviewed the unintended use of softball equipment as artificial noisemakers in the dugouts during competition. The committee introduced a new rule that would prohibit the use of bats and balls in any way other than the manufacturer's intent. Also, artificial noisemakers, air horns and electronic amplifiers will be prohibited during competition.
Voted to prohibit jewelry, with the exception of necklaces and medical alert bracelets, which must be taped to the body before competition begins.
Revised the catcher's box dimensions from 10 feet to 7 feet.
Clarified rules regarding fielder obstruction and revised rules regarding obstruction as it relates to players in a rundown.
Added the exception of an appealed checked swing on a third strike to the rule that requires a catcher to return the ball directly to the pitcher.
Added restrictions on band play during competition. The band is limited to playing immediately before the team's offensive half inning and/or for 10 seconds immediately following a home run.
Altered the time that an umpire must report to a site before competition. An umpire must now be on site 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.
Established a new dispute and protest procedure that includes an umpire's utilization of a rules book on site.
Will recommend that the softball championships committees consider a new dispute and protest procedure to be used during games that determine NCAA automatic qualifiers and during the NCAA championships.
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