The NMAA, a member-led organization, provides leadership in interscholastic athletics & activities, promoting equitable participation and character development.
Softball Rules Introduction
There are some changes for the upcoming season that was voted on and passes through the softball sports specific committee, NMAA Commission, and the NMAA Board of Directors. Below are the changes that will be put in place for the 2008 spring season:
• A new National Federation rule allows young ladies to wear metal spikes just like boys in baseball. The National Rules Committee felt this was a Title IX equity issue.
• State Softball will be a double elimination format that was approved for this school year. All 89 schools that compete in softball were sent an informal survey so the softball sports specific committee could make date driven decisions when it same to the format for state softball this year. Double elimination was the #1 point total over single elimination.
• Classes AAA, AAAA, and AAAAA will have a 16 team playoff format versus 12 in 2007 season. The format will be a three day double elimination tournament.
• All 16 teams in Class AAA, AAAA, and AAAAA will travel to Farmington for the state tournament bracket of 16 on May 15-16-17, 2008 in Farmington. Make your hotel room reservations early as it is better to have to cancel as opposed to try to find rooms at the last minute.
• Class A-AA will have an eight (8) team double elimination playoff format.
• Class A-AA teams (8) will all travel to Farmington May 15-16-17, 2008 for the State Tournament.
• District contests have to be made up and completed by Saturday May 10 to determine district champions and runner-ups so the Seeding and Selection Committee can meet that Sunday May 11 to seed the 12-16 team brackets. Tune up games or games after May 10 but before May 15 are not allowed under new NMAA By-Laws.
• The first day of official practice for softball will be Monday Week #32 which falls on February 4, 2008. The Board of Directors voted to keep baseball and softball first day of practice the same at their December Board meeting instead of Monday of week # 33.
• The season for softball will be defined as the first day of official practice (Monday February 4) up until the date of the state championship (May 17 in Farmington).
• There will be no out of season coaching during the school year unless during the defined softball season (February 4 to May 17). Schools that do not have an athletic class are allowed one hour per day period prior to the start of the season.
• Remember by state adoption last year, the member schools and Board of Directors voted to adopt the International Tie Breaker (ITB) for competition at all high school levels (varsity, jayvee, and c-team).
• Members of the Softball Sports Specific Committee will meet in January to provide input to assist the NMAA staff in planning the schedule for the state softball tournament in Farmington May 15-17, 2008.
Should you have any questions concerning softball, please do not hesitate to contact me at 505-923-3272. Good luck with the 2008 softball season!
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