NCAA proposes multiple softball rule changes, clarifies obstruction

The NCAA softball rules committee proposed multiple rule changes for the 2025-26 season. Additionally, the committee clarified obstruction.

The recommended changes include a modified illegally batted ball, meaning it would be a dead ball call if a player has one foot completely out of a batter’s box. A double first base was also part of the proposal as committee members argued it would create a clearer running lane between home plate and first base. Baseball approved a double first base for this current season.

Obstruction took center stage at this year’s Women’s College World Series, though. Some controversial reviews took place, and the committee clarified the rule. Obstruction occurs when a player does not have possession of the ball and either blocks any part of the leading edge of a base or otherwise blocks the runner from advancing or returning.

One note in the clarification centered around if the runner would clearly be out regardless of obstruction. Note No. 5 reads, “If the base runner would have been out, regardless of the defensive player’s movement or positioning, which had no effect on the play, the runner would remain out, and the obstruction would be ignored.” The previous clarification left it up to umpire’s judgment.

“By clarifying this rule, it allows our athletes to make softball plays,” said Tina Phillips, Pitt-Bradford coach and chair of the committee. “We wanted to avoid the scenarios where someone is safe due to a technicality.”

Obstruction became key WCWS storyline

One of the key moments involving an obstruction call came in the Women’s College World Series final between Texas and Texas Tech. Longhorns infielder Leighann Goode went to tag Red Raiders baserunner Logan Halleman out on a stolen base attempt. Goode placed the tag well before Halleman got to the base, but Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco challenged the call and argued Goode obstructed.

Umpires overturned the call after a review, and the reaction was swift as criticism came in from around the sport. ESPN’s Jessica Mendoza was among the voices calling for the NCAA to change the rule.

The NCAA changed the obstruction rule for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The goal is to allow a runner a path to the base while running on a live ball. A play is deemed to be obstruction if a defensive player blocks any part of the leading edge of a base – including home plate – or “otherwise blocks the runner from advancing or returning to a base,” according to Rule 9.5.1.

“Obstruction occurs when a defensive player, neither in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding a batted ball, impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitch or impedes the progress of any runner who is legally running bases on a live ball,” the rule states. “It can be intentional or unintentional.”