WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

April 29, 2024

Bad Weather Games
Even though we cover this in every rules meeting, the manual and the NFHS Rules book here is a reminder of what happens during bad weather games:
Did weather interrupt this game?
Yes – Can you delay the game and continue after the weather passes? Yes. Then do so. If not, how many innings have you played? If you have completed five innings of play then you have a completed game, assuming the game is not tied. If you have not completed five innings of play then you have a “suspended game.” Therefore, you may return at a later date to complete the game. If both schools cannot find a common date to resume play, then you have a “no game played” scenario. If the score margin was to a point where the other team would concede the game that is an option by mutual agreement.

Update your Win-Loss Form All the Way Through
Please continue to update your scores and schedules all the way through your season. You keep playing, then keep on updating.

Warming up a Catcher
Any nonadult person warming up a catcher would have a legal catching mask. Not a batting helmet.

Pace of Play
Reminder that pace of play was a point of emphasis. We need to be hustling on and off the field. There is one minute in between innings for the pitcher to get her warm-up pitches completed. The one-minute time limit begins from the third out of the previous half-inning. This rule should be used to keep the game moving. Umpires should practice good game management and verbal encouragement, so they are put in a situation to penalize either team.

NFHS Softball Questionnaire
The annual NFHS Softball Questionnaire was emailed Wednesday May 1. It is due May 14. This survey helps decision makers on the softball rules committee be informed of how past rules changes are being implemented and provides information on trending topics within the game. Be on the lookout for this email and complete the questionnaire by the deadline.

Postseason Application
Umpires the postseason application is entirely online. If you submit the application and get games added to your schedule you can go back and add games yourself at any time before the deadline of May 8.

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