The NCAA Softball Rules Committee approved several changes for this season.

Pitching: Both pitcher's feet can be off the ground with one push from the pitcher's plate. This change allows for further exploration of pitching styles.

Obstruction: This rule will simplify obstruction calls from umpires. Obstruction is when a defensive player impedes the progress of a runner. It is now always considered obstruction if the defensive player, not in possession of the ball, blocks any part of the leading edge of any base/plate or blocks a runner from advancing or returning to a base. This is a simplification of the previous rule.

Video Review: The Rules Committee increased the number of use cases for video review. This includes runners leaving a base too soon on tag-up plays, a runner missing a base, runners leaving a base too early before a pitch, all home runs, catch/no catch in any situation, and whether a pitch hit a batter

Pitch and Action Clock: Each pitch must be thrown in 20 seconds, shortening the clock from 25 seconds. The batter must be ready to hit within 10 seconds, and teams can have a visible clock.

Other Rule Changes:

• Allowing the use of a double first base on the field.
• Requiring the fence distance in left and right fields to be 200 feet for new construction.
• Removing the quarter-inch bat knob protrusion requirement to allow for a tapered/flared/cone bat handles.
• Prohibiting assistant coaches from leaving the dugout or bullpen area to appeal, question, or argue any play on the field.
• Allowing one-way communication devices to be used during play.
• Allowing the pitcher to throw to any base one time during warmups.
• Allowing a postgame review of ejections that include a suspension.