Top of the first, one out, second batter of the game, full count. Umpire gives the pitcher a slick, brand new ball. While NOT in pitching position, she drops the ball and rolls it on the ground to make it less slick. The next pitch is a ground out at 1B for out #2. Blue calls delayed dead ball/illegal pitch for "defacing the ball" which changes the ground-out to a BB. Pitcher is obviously upset and the next batter hits a double (runners now on 2nd and 3rd). Pitcher strikes out the next batter for out #2 (should have been out #3). Next batter hits a 3-RBI home run which ends up being the team's game-winning runs (final score 3-2).
In the 2024 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations, Situation 2 C & D "defacing the ball", states this action as being illegal with no rule book citation. When one looks for the rule in the rule book, no such rule seems to exist. "Defacing the ball" is not defined in the rule book. The only pitching infraction that results in a delayed dead ball is 6-2-1, which is unrelated. Rule 6-2-2 addresses "non-approved or foreign substances" being applied to the ball; and dirt is specifically stated as not being a "foreign substance".
Help me out! How can a softball that has touched the dirt be considered "defaced"!! How can a NFHS rules committee publish "Rules Interpretations" or Case Books explaining rules that do not exist. When a rule is emphasized or explained, the actual rule should be cited!
If anyone can enlighten me on the specific rule in the NFHS Softball Rule Book that is violated when a pitcher uses dirt to improve her grip on a ball, please do so. The notion that a softball is "defaced" when it touches dirt is beyond ridiculous!
In the 2024 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations, Situation 2 C & D "defacing the ball", states this action as being illegal with no rule book citation. When one looks for the rule in the rule book, no such rule seems to exist. "Defacing the ball" is not defined in the rule book. The only pitching infraction that results in a delayed dead ball is 6-2-1, which is unrelated. Rule 6-2-2 addresses "non-approved or foreign substances" being applied to the ball; and dirt is specifically stated as not being a "foreign substance".
Help me out! How can a softball that has touched the dirt be considered "defaced"!! How can a NFHS rules committee publish "Rules Interpretations" or Case Books explaining rules that do not exist. When a rule is emphasized or explained, the actual rule should be cited!
If anyone can enlighten me on the specific rule in the NFHS Softball Rule Book that is violated when a pitcher uses dirt to improve her grip on a ball, please do so. The notion that a softball is "defaced" when it touches dirt is beyond ridiculous!