NFHS 2026 SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES
July 9, 2025
- 1-8-6: No player shall transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface. New language further clarifies the use of electronic devices and what is not permitted. Rationale: This change clearly defines the types of electronic devices prohibited by the rule.
- Rule 8: Rule 8 has been reformatted for clarity. Changes have separated longer articles, and organized exceptions, penalties, and effects into outline format for better comprehension. Rationale: Added article references to PENALTIES and EFFECTS, and Section 4 was separated into two sections addressing runners entitled to advance with and without liability to be put out to delineate differences.
- 10-4-2: NFHS umpire slacks may either be charcoal gray or navy blue. The heather gray option was stricken from the rules book. Rationale: Manufacturers have discontinued producing heather gray umpire pants. This change will assist umpires in the purchase of pants that are currently being manufactured.
- 2026 SOFTBALL EDITORIAL CHANGES
- 1-6-6, 2-25-3, 3-2-3a & b, 3-2-5, 3-6-PENALTIES (Arts. 11 through 16), 4-3-1f & g, 4-3-2, 6-2-NOTE
- 2026 SOFTBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS
- 1. Obstruction
- 2. Maintaining an Unobstructed View
