GHSA SOFTBALL WEEKLY BLAST #9
EACH WEEK THE “WEEKLY BLAST” WILL ADDRESS CONCERNS/ISSUES AS POINTS OF EMPHASIS OBSERVED IN GAMES DURING THE REGULAR SEASON.
TEAM ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL - The team dugout is a designated restricted area for team personnel ONLY. Team essential personnel are defined as; coaches, players, medical personnel ONLY. Scorekeepers (unless one of the team coaches), photographers, managers, etc. are not allowed in the team dugout.
FIELD PERSONNEL – Coaches for the team at bat shall occupy the 1st & 3rd base coaching boxes. No other offensive coaches are allowed on the field. Coaches of the team on defense shall NOT be outside the team dugout. If they come outside the team dugout for more than a quick instruction, a defensive timeout shall be charged.
RUNNER INTERFERENCE – There is no rule that requires a runner to slide to avoid a tag or throw. If the runner clearly interferes with a player fielding a batted ball or making a throw, then interference shall be called. But again, the runner is never required to slide. For references go to; Rule 8-6 in the Rules Book.
HUDDLING – A reminder, team huddling outside the dugout between half-inning changes is prohibited. This is a safety policy and must be adhered to. The umpires shall give a warning for the 1st infraction, and then the head coach shall be restricted to the dugout for a 2nd infraction.
REGION SEEDS – Coaches, please make sure your Region Secretary submits your top four teams for the State Tournament in the MIS System as soon as they are determined, but no later than Sunday, October 16 @ 9:00 AM. Keep in mind Region Tournaments are an extension of the regular season and shall be umpired by the local association that covers the host school(s).
SUPER REGIONALS – The dates for the Super Regionals are; Oct. 18 & 19 for A-D1, 2A, 4A, 6A and Oct. 20 & 21 for A-D2, 3A, 5A, 7A. The game times shall be the responsibility of the #1 seed (host school) in each 4-team Super Regional. Umpires will be assigned by the respective District Coordinator. “Team Instructions” will be posted on the GHSA website Tuesday, October 4. NOTE: For schools that have a home football game on Friday, October 21 your 2nd play day may be moved to Saturday, October 22.
ELITE EIGHT IN COLUMBUS – “Team Instructions” for the Elite Eight will be posted on the GHSA website Tuesday, October 11.
