Softball pitchers may receive electronic communications

BY VAL TSOUTSOURIS

Sports Editor, RTC

Softball

Pitchers will now be allowed to receive one-way electronic communication with the dugout in high school softball, according to a rule passed by the National Federation of State High School Associations at its June 14-16 rules committee meeting and revealed in an NFHS media release Thursday.

Previously, only catchers could receive the electronic communication. A similar change was made for high school baseball.

The NFHS said the change allows for “faster delivery of information.”

The NFHS also clarified what a “deflected ball” was.

“Once a fair batted ball has touched any fielder, including the pitcher, it is treated as a deflected ball rather than an untouched batted ball for purposes of determining interference and subsequent play responsibilities,” according to Rule 2-46-3a. 

The NFHS said it made the change for a more consistent application of rules and to reduce confusion between umpires, players and coaches.