The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Wednesday approved modifying video review challenges regarding a runner leaving a base early on a pitch.
The NCAA Softball Rules Committee proposed the change due to unintended consequences, such as challenges to whether a base runner left a base early on home runs, which by rule would take the runs off the scoreboard.
Under the new rule, coaches can challenge whether a runner left early if it is called on the field by an umpire or if a runner successfully advances a base on the play. However, the video review challenge would not be allowed if any of the following occur:
- A home run.
- Hit by pitch.
- Ground rule double.
- Foul ball.
- Lead off.
- When a runner is forced to advance due to:
- A blocked ball base award.
- Base on balls.
- Catcher obstruction with the batter.
Other rule changes
- Umpires can initiate a video review, without requiring a coach's challenge, at any point in the game when a play is not properly covered by an umpire (i.e., uncovered or double covered, with a different signal from each umpire).
- Changed the penalty for a time-between-pitches violation by the pitcher or catcher to an illegal pitch.