2014 SOFTBALL ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Y 1. Recommend the following changes to Board Policy #23 on Preseason Interschool Scrimmages-Team Sports:
Softball: b. Additional game rule exceptions:
1. Free Substituting
2. Each half inning will end after three outs or eight five runs, whichever comes first.
3. Prior to the date of the scrimmage, the schools may to agree to implement a time limit per scrimmage. However, they may not exceed the number of innings allowed per scrimmage (3 innings for 4 schools and 4 innings for 3 schools).
4. Schools may agree to create game situations prior to beginning an inning.
Ex: start the inning with a runner at first base.
Rationale: After two years of scrimmages, they feel five runs is a more suitable number and when the games are played on school nights a time limit may be appropriate due to not having lights, etc. The schools felt creating situations could be beneficial. If one team has a dominant pitcher, it gives the offense and the defense a chance to work on situations in game like conditions.
Y 2. Recommend placing on the annual ballot: the scheduling option of 20 games and 1 tournament, in addition to the current options for fall and spring softball.
Rationale: This would align softball scheduling with other team sports (baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball). Currently, softball has 14 games and 3 tournaments or 18 games and 2 tournaments. The main reason for the change is when you schedule 18 games and 2 tournaments and weather impacts the tournament after 1 game, you do not have an option to change your schedule.
Both were approved by the Board of Directors.