INDIANAPOLIS — High school softball players will no longer be allowed to transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface under a new rule change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
The addition of Rule 1-8-6 to the NFHS Softball Rules Book further clarifies the use of electronic devices after a 2024 update permitted electronic communication for coaching purposes. The change takes effect for the 2026 season and was the primary revision adopted during the NFHS Softball Rules Committee’s annual meeting, held June 15-17 in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors approved the committee’s recommendations.
"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. “As wearable technology continues to evolve, the committee believed it was essential to establish clear guidelines regarding the permissible use of such devices to ensure the safety and integrity of the game."
Other notable changes include an update to umpire uniform guidelines. Under Rule 10-4-2, the acceptable color for umpire slacks has 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.
In addition, Rule 8 in the 2026 Softball Rules Book will be reformatted for improved clarity. Longer sections will be broken into smaller parts, and article references will be added to associated penalties and effects to enhance comprehension.
A full list of rule changes will be posted at www.nfhs.org under the “Sports” section for softball.