Frequently Asked Questions

Are wrist coaches permissible?
Wrist coaches are permissible provided they are worn/used within the rules of the NFHS Softball Rules Book (i.e. 3-2-9).

Can softball players wear metal cleats?
Yes. (NFHS Rules 3-2-11) Players permitted to wear metal cleats and metal toe plates.

In cold weather, when players wear cold weather gear over their uniform jerseys, must the jacket or sweatshirt have the players' jersey number on it? Also, if players wear hooded sweatshirts, must the hoods be tucked inside?
There is nothing in either book (NFHS Rules or FHSAA Manual) that requires a number to be printed on the back of a jacket or sweatshirt (see Casebook 3-2-1 situation A), nor is a hood on a hooded sweatshirt required to be tucked in.

R1 on 1B with one out.  Batter strikes out on a low pitch (whether caught or uncaught is immaterial, since the batter is out in this case.)  Retired batter takes off for 1B and the catcher throws the ball away down the right field line. What is the ruling?
This is a judgment call.  In Rule 8-6-18 and 8-6-18 Comment in the Case Book this is your key sentence, “A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw may be considered a form of interference.”  In this situation, the umpire should call interference if in his/her judgment, interference is intentional.

6-2-2 says the pitcher may use powdered resin to dry her hand.  Is the pitcher required to wipe it (powdered resin) off her hand before going to the ball?
Rule 6-2-2 only states that “A pitcher who licks her fingers shall wipe them off…”. Therefore, a pitcher using powdered resin to dry her hand is not required to wipe her hand prior to bringing the hand in contact with the ball. However, there is that tricky part of the sentence in there that says “under the supervision and control of the umpire”, which adds a judgment element.  Therefore, if the umpire deems it necessary for the pitcher to wipe her hand after using the powdered resin, then he/she should notify the pitcher/coach as deemed necessary.  The only time I can think of that a pitcher would probably need to be required to wipe after using the resin is if the umpire deems her to be using it for reasons other than simply drying her hand.  When you think about this, the purpose of wiping is to dry the hand, which is the same intended purpose as using powdered resin. The pitcher is not required to wipe.  However, this too is a judgment call.