The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a new rule allowing both feet of pitchers to disengage from the playing surface during their delivery when pushing off the pitcher’s plate.
Under the rule, which takes effect with the 2023-24 academic year, the pitcher’s pivot foot can become airborne with one push from the pitcher’s plate.
However, pitchers will not be allowed to replant their pivot foot, resulting in pushing off from a second point and the pitcher being farther away from the pitcher’s plate.
NCAA Softball Rules Committee members think whether the pivot foot stays in contact with the ground or is airborne, there is no advantage gained by the pitcher.
Obstruction
Panel members approved a rule change regarding obstruction in baserunning scenarios.
The change is intended to simplify the rule covering when a defensive player impedes the progress of any runner who is legally running bases on a live ball.
Under the revised rule, it is obstruction if the defensive player, while not in possession of the ball, does the following:
Blocks any part of the leading edge of first, second or third base or home plate.
Otherwise blocks the runner from advancing or returning to a base.
However, defensive players will not be called for obstruction if they are in possession of the ball or if they are making a legitimate reaction to the trajectory of the ball after it is thrown.
Additionally, if in the umpire’s judgment the runner would have clearly been out, then obstruction is ignored.
Expansion of video review
The panel approved expanding the scenarios where video review could be used.
The following additional scenarios may be reviewed:
Runners leaving a base too soon on tag-up plays, or if a runner missed a base.
Runners leaving a base too early before a pitch.
(Note: This would be done only via a coach’s challenge, and the umpiring crew could not initiate this type of challenge even after the sixth inning.)
All home runs.
Catch/no catch in any situation.
Whether a batter was hit by a pitch.
Any of the listed reviewable items could be looked at if the action on the field results in a dead ball.