FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alliance Fastpitch first youth fastpitch organization to approve one-way electronic communication from dugout to field

Alliance Fastpitch strives to provide our athletes with opportunities and experiences that best prepare them for the next level of play. The Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS) was intentionally designed to emulate the NCAA Post Season in order to prepare our athletes for the event format such as learning to beat a team twice in Super Regional play or a best of 3 Championship Series.

With support and collaboration from travel and college coaches across the country, the Alliance Fastpitch has added modifications to the current NFHS playing rules for our National Events to align and follow the NCAA playing rules in the areas of substitution and pitching rules, and one-way electronic communication.

This season, NCAA Softball started allowing “the use of an exclusively one-way electronic communication device from the dugout to the field for the purpose of relaying the pitch or play call.” This rule was implemented to improve the pace and flow of the game, and to maintain the integrity of a team’s signs.

The Alliance Fastpitch leadership and participating organizations believe that leading our sport into the electronic communication world will give players firsthand experience at integrating electronic pitch calling and play calls in-game. This is one more step in preparing our athletes to be game-ready when they step foot on college campuses. Furthermore, we believe improving the pace and flow of the travel ball game will allow more reps in timed games and improve the overall flow.

“It’s important to prepare our travel ball athletes for college in every facet. One way electronic communication, both digital and audio, are becoming the norm in college softball, college baseball and Major League Baseball. This not only prepares our pitchers, catchers, and defense for utilizing this in-game technology, but it will also speed up our game. Oftentimes, tournament ball has to utilize time limits in games to maximize schedules, and implementing electronic signal calling will surely increase efficiency and give back innings to players,” said David McCorkle, Alliance Fastpitch National Event Director.

The Alliance Fastpitch national events rule modification states, “Digital, or electronic, communication can be used for either, or both, Offense or Defense, but must be from the dugout, and not from an on field coach. But must be one way and be used within the time allotted between pitches.”

These rules have been modified for the 2024 Season and will apply to all Alliance National and Regional events, including the AFCS, Open Nationals, Super Cup Finals, and Regional Championships. Note: Alliance Fastpitch national events utilize NFHS rules with certain modifications. The full set of rules can be found here.

For more information about Alliance Fastpitch, please visit alliancefastpitch.com.

About Alliance Fastpitch:

Alliance Fastpitch is a youth fastpitch softball organization dedicated to providing a clear pathway for player development. With a focus on collaboration and celebrating athletes, Alliance Fastpitch offers a revolutionary approach to youth fastpitch, creating opportunities for players at various skill levels.