Modifications to video review challenges approved in softball

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.