High school softball bans player audio, video recording
INDIANAPOLIS — High school softball players will be prohibited from transmitting or recording audio and video from the field under new rules approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations for the 2026 season.
The NFHS Board of Directors approved the rule changes following the organization's annual Softball Rules Committee meeting held June 15-17 in Indianapolis. The primary revision adds Rule 1-8-6 to clarify restrictions on electronic devices after a 2024 update had permitted some electronic communication for coaching purposes.
"While increased media exposure has positively influenced the growth and visibility of softball, the committee determined that the potential risks associated with players transmitting or recording audio or video through devices during live play outweighed the benefits," said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee.
Searcy said the committee acted as wearable technology continues to evolve, believing clear guidelines were essential to ensure player safety and game integrity.
The rule changes also address practical concerns for officials. Under Rule 10-4-2, acceptable colors for umpire slacks have been changed from "heather gray" to "charcoal gray" in response to manufacturing trends.
"Manufacturers have ceased production of heather gray umpire pants, and this update will help guide umpires toward selecting pant options that are actively being produced and readily available," Searcy said.
Additional modifications include reformatting Rule 8 in the 2026 Softball Rules Book to improve clarity. Officials will break longer sections into smaller parts and add article references to associated penalties and effects.
The NFHS oversees high school athletics in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. A complete list of rule changes will be available at nfhs.org under the sports section for softball.
The new rules take effect for the 2026 high school softball season.
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