NEW RULES

Experimental changes
New softer ball,
simplified lineup?

A new softer, lively softball for fall 2014 competition has been approved on an experimental basis by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel.

As Wesley Wolverines know, a softball's polyurethane core and a leather cover hardens in lower temperatures. That should be less the case with the new ball. The change serves double duty in cold weather: the ball gains some added bounce (approx 10%) when struck, while also causing less tissue damage should it strike a player (approx 27% less impact) plus less broken bat potential. 

“With the new ball, whether you are playing in Arizona or North Dakota there should not be much of a difference in the softball’s performance,” said NCAA Softball Secretary-Rules Editor Dee Abrahamson.

► Flex rule adjustment

Another experimental rule for fall simplifies the designated player/(DP)/flex rule. The 10th line on the lineup card for flex players is now dropped. Instead, two players share a spot in the batting order, allowing either to bat and/or run any number of times without a substitution limit.

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