NJSBUA - New Jersey Baseball / Softball Umpires Association: Interpreter's Corner

The NJSIAA has 4 softball rules that have been modified for New Jersey games.

This is for Softball only…..

1) A Player may wear a different style uniform for religious reasons

2) The TEN RUN RULE is used in New Jersey Tie breaker is in effect at the top of the10th inning

3) In the 4th inning if a team is behind by 15 or more runs and both Coaches and Umpire agree the GAME IS TERMINATED

4) Players are NOT allowed to wear Metal Cleats

A Copy of these modifications can be found at www.NJSIAA.org website.

There are three (3) non-wood baseball bats that the NFHS has decertified for use in high school competition in 2013. This short list is subject to change.

Additional non-wood baseball bats could possibly be added to this list.

The decertified bats are the following:

Marucci Cat 52 33" non-wood baseball bat (Decertification notice date: February 21, 2012)
Reebok Vector TLS 32" non-wood baseball bat (Decertification notice date: March 26, 2012)
Reebok Vector TLS 33" non-wood baseball bat (Decertification notice date: March 26, 2012)

These bats should be considered non-compliant and subject to NFHS Baseball Rules 4-1-3b and 7-4-1a.

NJSBUA's own Andy Pecora has provided us with the up-date 2013 Baseball vs Softball Rule differences.

If you Umpire both Baseball and Softball this list is for you. It breaks down the differences rule by rule.

SOFTBALL DP/Flex UPDATE!
From Andy Pecora
Here are some helpful hints to understand the DP/ FLEX:   
1. The use of the DP/FLEX is optional.
2. There are still only NINE hitters.
3. FLEX is listed in the tenth(10) position in the batting order and does NOT bat.
4. DP Must always bat in the same position in the batting order.
5. A starter and a sub may NOT be in the game at the same time.
6. DP may be substituted for by:
          a) FLEX
          b) Legal sub
      In either case the DP has left the game;there are now 9 players
          c) If DP is replaced by a legal sub,the DP position remains in the game
   7. Any player may reenter once. (Starting player or substitute)
   8. If the DP is replaced by the FLEX, there are now nine players in the game. Game may end with 9 players. (GAME MAY STILL END WITH  EIGHT)
   9. If DP reenters or a substitute as DP,if FLEX was batting, FLEX may:                    

            a) Return to tenth (10) position and play defense.
            b) Leave the game if the DP plays defense for the FLEX.

10. DP may play defense, if the DP plays defensefor a playerOTHER than the FLEX, this player may bat but NOT play defense. She has NOT left the game.

11. If the DP plays defense for the FLEX or the FLEX bats for the DP she must report to the umpire. Also add:
                                                REMINDERS   
                     A. DP can never be on defense only
                     B. FLEX can never be on offense only
                     C. DP and FLEX can never be on offense at the same time.
                     D. DP and FLEX can play defense at the same time.