TCS Fastpitch adopts NFHS rules starting Jan. 1, 2020

Effective January 1, 2020, Triple Crown Fastpitch will be using National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball rules with a few modifications.

PITCHING MODIFICATION:
While the pitcher takes the signal, her stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired.  Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride foot, she CANNOT move it to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate. In addition, the pitcher must take or appear to take a signal while in the pitching and signal-taking positions.

INTENTIONAL WALKS:
All pitches including a pitchout must be legally pitched to the catcher and ball is live.

LINEUP MODIFICATIONS:
Any option listed below may be used:
Option 1: Straight nine – Those nine can play any position on defense without reporting to the umpire.
Option 2: DP/Flex – 10 players are listed on the lineup, but only nine bat. The DP can bat for any player that you designate prior to the start of the game. That player is designated as the Flex and should be listed in the 10th spot on the lineup card. Any of the 10 players can play on defense.
Option 3: EH/EP – The option to bat 10 players and any nine can play defense. This player can be placed anywhere in the lineup.
Option 4: DP/Flex and the EP/EH – This allows you to have 11 players listed on the lineup; only 10 will bat and any nine of these players can play defensively. The Flex is listed at the bottom of the lineup.

RUN RULES and GAME TIMES: 
Run rules and game times used will be per the Event Director’s discretion. The run rules and game times being used will be listed for each event under the rules section of the event website.

If you would like to order a NFHS Softball rule book, go to https://nfhs.com and select the 2020 Softball Rules Book. Triple Crown Sports DOES NOT receive any portion of the cost of the NFHS rule book; all proceeds go to NFHS.