The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has approved several rules changes for high school baseball, softball and track and field that will take effect beginning with the 2027 seasons. The updates are aimed at improving athlete safety, simplifying rules and allowing limited use of new technology. The changes are expected to be adopted by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) for the upcoming school year.
In baseball, schools will have the option of using either an 18-inch first base or a double first base. Both are designed to reduce collisions between runners and fielders while keeping the game unchanged. Coaches will also be allowed to use one-way electronic communication to pitchers and catchers for calling pitches, while remaining in the dugout.
Other baseball changes include allowing coaches to use handheld electronic scoring devices in the coach’s box, banning most electronic devices for players on the field, and requiring eye black to be a simple, solid stripe without words, numbers or logos. Beginning in 2028, players will have another approved non-wood bat option that meets new USA Baseball standards. Schools may also use an optional extra-inning tiebreaker that starts each half-inning with a runner on second base.
In softball, pitchers will join catchers as the only players allowed to receive one-way electronic communication from coaches in the dugout. The courtesy runner rule was also simplified by removing language that often caused confusion before the first inning. Additional changes clarify interference rules after a deflected batted ball and allow each state athletic association to determine umpire uniforms.
Track and field changes focus mainly on safety in the throwing events. Beginning next season, all shot put and discus warm-up throws must be made from inside the throwing circle while facing the throwing area. Athletes will no longer be allowed to make backward, over-the-head practice throws, reducing the risk of someone being struck during warmups.
The NFHS also updated language regarding the use of foreign substances on shoes during throwing events and approved minor changes involving vertical jumps and field event procedures.
According to the NFHS, the rules were developed with input from coaches, officials and state athletic associations across the country. The organization says the changes are intended to improve safety while making high school sports easier to administer and keeping pace with the evolving game.
