LATEST GHSA NEWS
GHSA SOFTBALL WEEKLY BLAST FOR
SEPTEMBER 16th
|
We will cover issues pertinent to softball including, but not limited to, game issues, rule interpretations, etc. This issue will cover items of importance.
WEATHER RELATED GAME SUSPENSIONS: The policy of postponing the 2nd game of a double header, when the first game is suspended due to weather conditions, only exists when the first game has been started and has exceeded the 2-hour time limit delay. If the first game is never started the 2nd game may be played with a delayed starting time when the field/weather conditions are determined to be safe ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS (Spectators): During outdoor events artificial noise makers are permitted as long as they do not conflict with any timing/sounding device used by game officials. As such, during softball games they are permitted to be used by spectators as long as they are not deemed to have a negative impact on the administration of the game. PROFESSIONALISM/DRESSING: Year after year GHSA informs umpires they are not to dress/change for games in the public parking lot. Host schools are required to provide a location for the umpires to dress. WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE GAME SITE ASK. We just had a situation where an umpire not only dressed in the public lot but also decided to relieve himself. When he did so, students and teachers at the adjacent middle school witnessed it and also took pictures. This action by the umpire is clearly not only unprofessional but also an embarrassment to GHSA. Acts of this nature will be dealt with in a severe manner. COMPLETE GAME: All regular season Varsity games must be played until a winner is determined. This means the game MUST be (7) innings unless shortened due to weather, run rule, darkness, etc. The first game of a Varsity double-header cannot be shortened by coaches’ agreement or unilateral umpire decision. The game must go seven (7) innings. If the game is suspended with the scored tied, and cannot be finished on the same day, the game shall be resumed and completed at the next available date for both schools. |
|
GHSA SOFTBALL WEEKLY BLAST FOR
SEPTEMBER 9th
This is the Third in a series of 2019 season weekly softball umpire bulletins. We will cover issues pertinent to softball including, but not limited to, game issues, rule interpretations, etc. This issue will cover items of importance.
JEWELRY: Rule 3-2-12 prohibits players from wearing any type of jewelry, including cloth and string types. Umpires have been seen allowing players to wear cloth friendship bracelets. This is considered jewelry and cannot be worn. It is your job to enforce the rule as written. There is nothing in the jewelry rule open to interpretation. The rule is clear – NO JEWELRY OF ANY TYPE. The only exceptions are religious medals and medical alert medals, both of which must be taped. You cannot wear tape over earrings. The earring must be removed or the player cannot play.
WARMUP PITCHES: Rule 6-2-5 states the pitcher has 1 minute to take not more than 5 warmup pitches between innings. Upon completion the catcher usually throws down to second base and the ball is eventually returned to the pitcher. Once returned to the pitcher she has 20 seconds to start the pitch. After receiving the ball back the pitcher has 20 seconds to deliver the pitch. If the pitcher throws the ball to another player it is considered an extra warmup pitch and a ball is awarded to the batter.
RESTRICTION TO DUGOUT: Umpires should use this penalty instead of ejection when possible. However, if ejection is warranted use it. When a coach is restricted to the dugout he cannot be on the field nor make defensive visits. He can still coach his team. He can tell players where to position, call pitches, etc. Recently an umpire admonished a coach he restricted to the dugout and threatened to remove him because he was still coaching his team from the dugout. This umpire was incorrect in keeping the coach from coaching the team.
JEWELRY: Rule 3-2-12 prohibits players from wearing any type of jewelry, including cloth and string types. Umpires have been seen allowing players to wear cloth friendship bracelets. This is considered jewelry and cannot be worn. It is your job to enforce the rule as written. There is nothing in the jewelry rule open to interpretation. The rule is clear – NO JEWELRY OF ANY TYPE. The only exceptions are religious medals and medical alert medals, both of which must be taped. You cannot wear tape over earrings. The earring must be removed or the player cannot play.
WARMUP PITCHES: Rule 6-2-5 states the pitcher has 1 minute to take not more than 5 warmup pitches between innings. Upon completion the catcher usually throws down to second base and the ball is eventually returned to the pitcher. Once returned to the pitcher she has 20 seconds to start the pitch. After receiving the ball back the pitcher has 20 seconds to deliver the pitch. If the pitcher throws the ball to another player it is considered an extra warmup pitch and a ball is awarded to the batter.
RESTRICTION TO DUGOUT: Umpires should use this penalty instead of ejection when possible. However, if ejection is warranted use it. When a coach is restricted to the dugout he cannot be on the field nor make defensive visits. He can still coach his team. He can tell players where to position, call pitches, etc. Recently an umpire admonished a coach he restricted to the dugout and threatened to remove him because he was still coaching his team from the dugout. This umpire was incorrect in keeping the coach from coaching the team.
NFHS Softball Pitching Rules 2019
2019 NFHS Softball Rules Changes
September is GHSA Cancer Awareness Month
September is “Cancer Awareness Month” for fall sports in the Georgia High School Association to increase attention and help fight all types of this dreaded disease. Teams may wear colored jerseys, socks, wristbands, and/or headbands during a home game to show support for their chosen fundraiser. For instance, in observance of Breast Cancer (Pink), Childhood Cancer (Gold) and Prostate Cancer (Blue) at hosted events during the September schedule. January (winter) and April (spring) are also “cancer awareness” months later in the scholastic season.
Thank you to everyone in advance for your enthusiasm and action to fight back against cancer. Here are some groups that can support your much appreciated efforts:
American Cancer Society: If your school or team wants to get involved by raising funds for a specific type of cancer, participate in your local breast cancer walk or Relay For Life, host a Coaches Versus Cancer game, join Schools Versus Cancer, or join the fight against ALL cancers in any way, please emailJessica.Hong@cancer.org. If you have already raised funds and wish to donate to the American Cancer Society, please email Jessica and she can notify you where to mail your check or donate online. Read more.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Leukemia affects more children than any other cancer, so, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Series program provides a meaningful way for kids to help kids to support the mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Registering is fast and easy at https://www.studentseries.org/school-registration Teachers, parents and school administrators may also call their local LLS chapter for more information. Read announcement. Contact your local chapter contact, Rachel Newcomer, at (404) 720-7804.
Rally Foundation Against Childhood Cancer: Rally Foundation United Against Childhood Cancer Teams Up with GHSA to #Goldstrong for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September. Each school day in America, 46 kids are diagnosed with cancer, the leading disease killer of children in America ages 1 to 19, yet less than 4% of federal cancer research funding is allocated to childhood cancers. Read announcement. View flyer. Learn more at RallyFoundation.org. Contact Adam@RallyFoundation.org
Blue Week For Prostate Cancer: September 17-22 is fifth annual “Blue Week” for Prostate Cancer in the sport of Football only to alert men about “Know Your Score” with regular prostate testing checkups. Special blue decals and blue wristbands can be worn this week, and the officials will have blue penalty flags to throw. Host schools can stencil blue ribbons on the playing field for this special contest. More info TBA.
Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition: The Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund is a non-profit education and advocacy organization founded by breast cancer survivors. We exist to focus the attention of Georgians on the epidemic proportions of breast cancer. We work diligently to bring together individuals and organizations with a commitment to ending this devastating disease. Since 1994, GABCC has been instrumental in breast cancer education and advocacy work. We remain dedicated to making a difference for the nearly 9,000 Georgians who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. All of the donations, grants and funds that GABCC receives goes directly toward GEORGIA's breast cancer patients. Learn more at gabcc.org.
Thank you to everyone in advance for your enthusiasm and action to fight back against cancer. Here are some groups that can support your much appreciated efforts:
American Cancer Society: If your school or team wants to get involved by raising funds for a specific type of cancer, participate in your local breast cancer walk or Relay For Life, host a Coaches Versus Cancer game, join Schools Versus Cancer, or join the fight against ALL cancers in any way, please emailJessica.Hong@cancer.org. If you have already raised funds and wish to donate to the American Cancer Society, please email Jessica and she can notify you where to mail your check or donate online. Read more.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Leukemia affects more children than any other cancer, so, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Series program provides a meaningful way for kids to help kids to support the mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Registering is fast and easy at https://www.studentseries.org/school-registration Teachers, parents and school administrators may also call their local LLS chapter for more information. Read announcement. Contact your local chapter contact, Rachel Newcomer, at (404) 720-7804.
Rally Foundation Against Childhood Cancer: Rally Foundation United Against Childhood Cancer Teams Up with GHSA to #Goldstrong for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September. Each school day in America, 46 kids are diagnosed with cancer, the leading disease killer of children in America ages 1 to 19, yet less than 4% of federal cancer research funding is allocated to childhood cancers. Read announcement. View flyer. Learn more at RallyFoundation.org. Contact Adam@RallyFoundation.org
Blue Week For Prostate Cancer: September 17-22 is fifth annual “Blue Week” for Prostate Cancer in the sport of Football only to alert men about “Know Your Score” with regular prostate testing checkups. Special blue decals and blue wristbands can be worn this week, and the officials will have blue penalty flags to throw. Host schools can stencil blue ribbons on the playing field for this special contest. More info TBA.
Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition: The Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund is a non-profit education and advocacy organization founded by breast cancer survivors. We exist to focus the attention of Georgians on the epidemic proportions of breast cancer. We work diligently to bring together individuals and organizations with a commitment to ending this devastating disease. Since 1994, GABCC has been instrumental in breast cancer education and advocacy work. We remain dedicated to making a difference for the nearly 9,000 Georgians who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. All of the donations, grants and funds that GABCC receives goes directly toward GEORGIA's breast cancer patients. Learn more at gabcc.org.