The NCAA Softball Rules Committee at its meeting this week in Indianapolis proposed that when pushing off the pitcher’s plate, both feet of pitchers could disengage from the playing surface during their delivery, starting in the 2023-24 academic year.

All rules proposals must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel before they can be implemented. The panel is scheduled to discuss softball rules recommendations via videoconference Aug. 10.

Under the proposal, the pitcher’s pivot foot could become airborne with one push from the pitcher’s plate. However, pitchers would not be allowed to replant their pivot foot, resulting in pushing off from a second point and the pitcher being farther away from the pitcher’s plate.

Committee members think whether the pivot foot stays in contact with the ground or is airborne, there is no advantage gained by the pitcher.

“Pitchers are more athletic today,” said Shena Hollar, committee chair and softball coach at Lenoir-Rhyne. “Other organizations are allowing pitchers to disengage from the ground. This rule puts us in line with everyone else.”

Obstruction

Committee members engaged in a thorough discussion regarding obstruction in baserunning scenarios.

With the rationale of simplifying the rule of when a defensive player impedes the progress of any runner who is legally running bases on a live ball, the proposed change would be the following:

While not in possession of the ball, it is obstruction if the defensive player:

• Blocks any part of the leading edge of first, second and third base or home plate.
• Otherwise blocks the runner from advancing or returning to a base.

However, defensive players would not be called for obstruction if they are in possession of the ball or if they are making a legitimate reaction to the trajectory of the ball after it is thrown. Additionally, if in the umpire’s judgment the runner would have clearly been out, then obstruction is ignored.

“A lot of people had concerns about these types of plays,” Hollar said. “We wanted to make this easier for the umpires to call. It also should allow catchers to be able to play their position without being called for obstruction. It allows catchers to make plays and be athletic.”

Expansion of video review

The committee recommended expanding the scenarios where video review could be used.

They are:

• Runners leaving a base too soon on tag-up plays, or if a runner missed a base.
• Runners leaving a base too early before a pitch. (Note: This would be done only via a coach’s challenge, and the umpiring crew could not initiate this type of challenge even after the sixth inning.)
• All home runs.
• Catch/no catch in any situation.
• Whether a batter was hit by pitch.

Any of the listed reviewable items could be looked at if the action on the field results in a dead ball.

Time between innings and action clock

The committee recommended a modification to the rule regarding the time between pitches and making it optional if teams want to have a visible action clock.

Under the proposal, the time between when the next pitch must be thrown would be reduced from 25 seconds (10/10/5) to 20 seconds.

The batter must still be ready to hit within 10 seconds or a strike will be assessed to the batter. If pitchers do not begin their windup before the rest of the time expires, a ball will be awarded to the batter.

If teams choose to not have a visible clock, the umpires will keep the time on the field.

Currently, the batter and the catcher have 10 seconds to be in position to play after the pitcher receives the ball. Pitchers then have 10 seconds to bring their hands together while receiving a signal as to what pitch to throw. The pitcher then has five seconds to deliver the pitch.

Other rules recommendations

• Allowing the use of a double first base on the field.
• Requiring the fence distance in left and right fields to be 200 feet for new construction.
• Removing the ¼-inch bat knob protrusion requirement to allow for a tapered/flared/cone bat handle.
• Prohibiting assistant coaches from leaving the dugout or bullpen area to appeal, question or argue any play on the field.
• Allowing one-way communication devices to be used during play.
• Allowing batters to use either on-deck circle.
• Allowing the pitcher to throw to any base one time during warmups.
• Allowing a postgame review of ejections that include a suspension.