See which rule changes are coming to Ohio high school baseball and softball next season

These are a few major changes that will be in high school baseball and softball next play season. The NFHS has within the past month passed several measures and rule changes to the state high school rules for both spring sports that will start in the 2025 year. 
 
While some of the modification include the following; In softball, communication devices one way between the dugout and the catcher are allowed, two changes in baseball in a bid to reduce risk and encourage good conduct by the players as decreed on the Ohio High School Athletic Association Website. 
 
There can be time to must see what exactly will change between seasons and how it will affect the games in the future seasons before the formation of such changes is finalised for the next season. here's a breakdown of the biggest rule changes implemented by the NFHS:here's a breakdown of the biggest rule changes implemented by the NFHS: 
 
Softball: What was once a one-way communication is now permitted. 
 
Arguably, the most significant modification affecting either sport next season is, as of now, one of the two rules modified by the NFHS’ Softball Rules Committee during its May meeting. 
 
The rule change given above also permits items like earpiece, electronic bands and smart watches being an exception to the rule. This allows the dugout to send one way communications to the catcher, to the player provided that the said device is not used by the player to reply to the coaching staff. 
 
“This change is due to the analysis of current data, state association’s experimentation and a positive response from the membership,” Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison for Softball Rules Committee, said in a statement. “Due to the fact that the rule seems to be somewhat liberal, the one-way electronic communication will give those who would want to adopt the new technology an opportunity to engage the catcher while on the defensive bluff. ” 
 
In addition to this alteration, the new rules that continue to be put in place would not allow the coach to use the said gadgets to communicate with any player other than the catcher while he or she is in the defense mode and any player while in the offense mode; it is allowed to only used in the dugout and bench area. The prohibited actions from this rule can lead to an ejection while an unbelievably minimal infraction is punishable by a warning. 
 
Baseball: The change in grips and sporting behavior 
 
In one of the newest modifications, the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee discussed in their annual meeting and decided to clarify the grips in non-wood bats. Resins, pine tars and other drying agents will now be allowed and must not be within 18 inches of the base of the knob. According to the NFHS, this adjustment levels the works of both wooden and metal bats and assists with grip for reducing hazard in the event. 
 
“Wood bat players have long had a privilege of using Fundamentals that allow them to employ substance that enhances the grasp,” Elliot Hopkins, NFHS Director of Sports and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee said in a press release. “This rule change allows non-wood bat users the same rights as protecting others as well holding a firm and solid handle of the baseball bat. ” 
 
Another rule alteration was also introduced for the following season, regarding referees’ protection; ejected coaches or team personnel who are not escorted off the vicinity may suffer additional sanctions on the said team. One of those penalties might have included an umpire to compel a team to surrender a game. Previous rules stated mentioned require only the ejected players and not the personnel of the respective teams. 
 
‘Rule 4-4 is more or less the coaches ensuring that they set good standards of discipline for their teams’, Hopkins explained. “If the emotional demands which play puts on students and coaches need to be contained, that is, if students and coaches reach for the kind of passionate behavior which will get them thrown out of the educational process as far as sports are concerned, this rule is designed to bring the offending parties back to the focus of Sportsmanship and Recreation. ”