One-Way Electronic Communication Approved for High School Softball

The rule change takes effect in 2025.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS – A landmark change has been approved for high school softball.

Beginning in 2025, high school softball coaches will be able to use electronic devices in the dugout for one-way communication to the catcher while the team is on defense.

The rule change was approved by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee last month.

The chance is the result of analysis of current data, state association experimentation and a positive response from the membership.

Being a permissive rule, the use of this one-way electronic communication will allow those who choose to embrace technology an additional option to communicate with the catcher. It also maintains a more traditional approach to communicate with a playbook/playcard or signals.

A complete listing of the softball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org