LATEST GHSA NEWS

GHSA 2020-21 CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

GENERAL GHSA INFORMATION FOR THE
​2020  FASTPITCH AND SLOWPITCH SEASONS

GHSA SOFTBALL WEEKLY BLAST FOR
​SEPTEMBER 1st

​Several reminders already issued:
TIE BREAKER:  The tie breaker procedure for varsity games has been modified this year due to the elimination of the Power Point System. As a result, invitational tournament games and non-region games can end in a tie. In region games if the two teams want to use the tie breaker, which begins in the 10th inning, both head coaches must agree to do so at the pregame meeting at home plate. If they do not agree to do so and the game is tied after 7 complete innings the game will end in a tie.


PLATE MEETING: Both umpires and both coaches SHALL wear facial coverings during the pre-game plate meeting. This is not optional. Umpires do not have to wear masks after the pre-game meeting if they choose.


TEAM FACIAL COVERINGS:  All players, coaches, etc. are required to wear facial coverings when in the dugout.  If they fail to do so the umpires are required to file a game report.  The facial covering worn by the teams can have the school logo on them.


GAME BALLS: Each defensive team is responsible for their own game balls.  At the beginning of each half inning the catcher shall show (not hand) the ball to the home plate umpire for visual inspection. When a ball goes out of play, the defensive team shall retrieve the ball and provide another game ball to the catcher who will repeat the inspection process with the home plate umpire.

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POST GAME SPORTSMANSHIP:  At the conclusion of the game rather than the traditional hand-shakes or high-fives, teams shall gather outside their respective dugout or along the closest foul line and wave to their opponent in a display of sportsmanship.

​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.
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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.