By Staff
Coaching Management, 12.9, October 2004, http://www.momentummedia.com/articles/cm/cm1209/bbncaarules.htm
Revisions to the wording that governs the placement of feet within lines on a softball field top NCAA rules changes approved for the 2005 season. The rules changes will most significantly affect play in and around the batter’s box.
Under the new rules, players who are required to position themselves within a line—primarily batters and catchers—will be allowed to extend their feet to the outside edge of that line, as long as they don’t reach beyond that edge. Players and coaches who are required to position themselves on a line—primarily pitchers, who must keep one foot in contact with the pitching plate while delivering a pitch—may extend one foot over the edge, as long as that foot maintains contact with the line.
Whether they’re required to stand on or within a line, players and coaches will not be allowed to have either foot completely outside that line.
Other rules added for 2005:
• Misconduct penalties will be assessed for any player or coach who leaves a team area (dugout or bullpen) to initiate or join a fight.
• If an ejected player or coach communicates with opponents or umpires or has any subsequent rules violation, the game will be forfeited.
• Appeals, such as when a coach believes that the opposition has batted out of order, may be made after the third out in the half inning after they believe the infraction has occurred.
• Batting gloves are to be worn only on the hands and are not permitted to be carried while a player is running the bases.
• A pitcher who brings a resin bag to the mound is responsible for removing it at the end of each half inning after she pitches.