One-way electronic communications OK’d for high school softball pitchers

Pitchers will now join catchers as the only players in high school softball permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout beginning with the 2027 season.

The change was part of a series of recommendations by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee during its mid-June meeting in Indianapolis.

“Deliberations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee were spirited and robust,” Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee, said in a news release in early July. “Approval of these four rules proposals was the result of data collected from the membership and specifically state association administrators. The committee is to be commended for its attention to detail and thorough analysis of information available.”

The updated language now includes pitchers among players permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout during games, allowing for faster delivery of information. The use of all other electronic devices to transmit or record information remains prohibited on the field of play and players are still prohibited from transmitting or recording audio or video from the playing surface.

The Softball Rules Committee also simplified language regarding whether a pitcher and catcher must face the first batter on defense in relation to courtesy runners. In its comments, the committee said the change eliminates the requirement or perceived requirement that the pitcher and catcher listed on the starting lineup card must face the first batter on defense.

“Previously, there was a misconception that the pitcher and catcher listed on the lineup card were always required to face the first batter (one pitch), which was never the intent of the rule,” the committee said. “This change simplifies the administration of the courtesy runner rule and eliminates a provision that applied only during the transition between the top and bottom halves of the first inning.

“By removing a unique scenario that applied only to the bottom of the first inning, the rule becomes easier for umpires, coaches, scorekeepers and players to administer and understand.”

Additional changes allow state associations to determine umpire uniforms and clarify the definition of an initial play to better align with other areas of the rulebook.

“The committee was intentional in adopting changes that solve real issues encountered on high school softball fields,” said Andi Osters, chair of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and assistant director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

“Whether it’s improving communication between coaches and players, clarifying how interference should be judged after a deflected batted ball, streamlining the courtesy runner rule or allowing states greater flexibility with umpire uniforms, each change reflects feedback from the coaches and officials who administer our game every day. Our objective is always to make the rules as clear, consistent and practical as possible.”

According to the 2024-25 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, 338,315 girls participated in fast-pitch softball at 15,726 schools across the country, making it the fifth-most popular girls sport. A complete list of the softball rule changes will be available on the NFHS website.