NFHS Rule Changes for 2017

[InSider]

Here are some rule changes for NFHS this coming HS season. They are mostly pretty minor.

1-5-2c - The taper of the bat no longer has to be a solid surface.

3-2-1 - All players must have the same uniform. However, the individual states can choose to allow different in the case of religion or inclement weather.

3-2-7 - All undergarments must be solid color in the school colors.  Arm sleeves and such must also be a single solid color.

3-2-15 - All equipment must be outside the dugout or bench prior to the start of the game for umpire inspection.

3-6-7 - All substitutions shall not enter the contest unreported. This is in specific regards to the DP/FLEX.The umpire will issue a team warning. The next offense will result in the player and coach being restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game.

The NFHS points of emphasis this year are to be pitching, uniforms, and DP/FLEX.

 

[cz fastpitch fan]

Are we to expect more illegal pitches being called with this emphasis on pitching?

 

[CARDS]

Are we to expect more illegal pitches being called with this emphasis on pitching?

There was a discussion on here a few months back about pitchers using tacky finger, superglue for blisters, etc. change in 6-2-2 looks to address that with the adding of the word ANY.
http://www.thesoftballzone.com/showthread.php?56479-Pitcher-has-a-boo-boo&p=479871#post479871

Link to Rule changes: http://www.nfhs.org/media/1017087/2017_softball_rules_changes.pdf

 

[jdcii]

I chuckle at the emphasis on DP/Flex. Most umpires (especially at the HS level) still do not understand the rule.

 

[Fairman]

Wouldn't it make more sense rather than to continually attempt to clarify this rule that the powers-that-be adopt a twin rule or some other method that a person of normal intelligence can actually follow, use in a game, explain to a 12 year old girl and finally that a any umpire at any level can consistently enforce??