The NCAA Softball Rules Committee has recommended changes that, while seemingly minor, could affect every position on the field.

During its annual meeting July 6-9 in San Diego, the committee clarified the definitions of "within" and "on" a line. When a player is "within" a line, her foot or feet must not extend beyond the outermost edge of the line. To be considered "on" a line, a player or coach may extend over the boundary as long as the foot is in contact with the line. In either case, the player or coach must not have one entire foot in contact with the ground completely outside the line that defines the space.

"We wanted to solve two issues with this rules change," said committee Chair Marge Willadsen, head coach and senior woman administrator at Buena Vista University. "First, we wanted to eliminate any ability to use different widths of lines to manipulate the rule. So a four-inch line to mark the batter's box doesn't change the size of the batter's box. It is the outside edge of the lines that determines the size the space specified.

"Secondly, we wanted to make the terminology easy to understand and use. I think we've managed both."

The rules change affects the batter in the box, who can now stand "within" the line, which means her foot can extend to the outside edge of the line but not over. The catcher also can now be "within" the line before the pitch is released. The pitcher should be "on" the pitcher's plate when delivering the ball. A player may now be "on" the line that marks dead-ball territory.

The chart in Appendix A on page 215 of the 2004 rules will be updated to list the possible foot position for each of the lines in question, specifying "on" or "within" for the 2005 book.

This and other rule changes the committee recommended will be forwarded to the Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) for review in August. If an item is flagged by PROP, it will be reviewed by the NCAA governance structure and will not be included in the 2005 rules book. All approved items will be effective and included in the 2005 rules book.

Obstruction remains unchanged

The committee discussed issues related to obstruction but did not recommend changes for 2005. Obstruction will be a point of emphasis to ensure it is understood that the defensive player may continue to set up in front of the plate or base when she is about to receive the ball. The term "about to receive the ball" should be interpreted as the ball being between the offensive player and the plate or base.

"(The National Federation of State High School Associations) and the Amateur Softball Association have deleted the qualification 'about to receive the ball,' and we considered it," Willadsen said. "The committee believes this would be detrimental to the defense and eliminate any opportunity to tag a runner out in a close play, especially when holding runners on base. We want to see if the emphasis on this rule during the next year will help."

Other points of emphasis will include the new clarification regarding lines, sportsmanship and the use of non-approved bats. Although the bat rule has not changed, the committee wants to remind coaches of the responsibilities and dangers involved with the use of non-approved bats in practices and games.

In other rules issues, the committee agreed to add misconduct penalties to specify that neither coaches nor players may leave a team area (dugout or bullpen) or coaching box to initiate or join a fight -- a situation not previously addressed. The group also agreed that if an ejected player communicates with opponents or umpires or has any kind of subsequent violation, the game will result in a forfeit.

"It is a difficult situation when a player is ejected because you can't have her leave the facility for safety concerns," Willadsen said. "This makes sure that the coach controls the player or the game is a forfeit. It is a severe act and a severe punishment."

Equipment

The bat changes made at this meeting were minimal and will specify that the handle must be cylindrical (round or oblong), which will allow for the handle to be a different shape than the mandatory round barrel. Bat innovations may change the shape of the handle, which the committee does not oppose.

The 2005 rules book will include a suggestion that attachable face masks should meet the NOCSAE standard for the mask and helmet combination. This is a new certification for NOCSAE. The face mask is not required in the collegiate game.

In another equipment issue, the committee specified that the use of adhesive or any tacky or sticky coating on a glove is illegal.

Other highlights

Softball Rules Committee
July 6-9/San Diego

In addition to the rules modifications noted in the accompanying article, the Softball Rules Committee recommended the following changes: