Rule change allows electronic devices in softball dugouts

CAPTION: Marble Falls softball head coach Alex Lozoya chats with catcher Emma Cayce and pitcher Camille Catalfamo during a timeout in a 2024 contest. A new rules change may mean fewer trips to the circle. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

A rule change in softball may affect the way the pitching coach and the catcher communicate while their team is on defense beginning in 2025.

That’s because the National Federation of State High School Associations announced July 8 it had approved one-way electronic communication in the dugout for the sport. The announcement came as the association’s softball rules committee met, and the association’s board of directors approved it.

The University Interscholastic League, the governing body of extracurricular activities in pubic schools, follows the NFHS, Marble Falls High School softball head coach Alex Lozoya said.

“A lot of equipment has to have the NFHS stamp of approval,” he said. “With the NFHS allowing the use of electronic equipment, the UIL might make some moves. The NFHS is allowing those programs that can afford it to do so.”

The technology comparison is similar to what the NFL does with its quarterbacks. The plays are relayed to the quarterback through a hearing device in his helmet. The quarterback then huddles up with his teammates to tell them the play.

In softball, the catcher looks to the dugout to get the sign on which pitch the pitcher throws then signs it out to the pitcher. Recently, the sport has gone to a wristband system where the pitching coach shouts out a three-digit code. Players find the code on their wristbands to know which pitch is being thrown.

“The one-way communication is not any different than calling signs, whether it’s hand signs or wristbands,” Lozoya said. “It’s cool and nifty the use of technology in the age we’re in. It’s a good use of technology to try and grow the game.”

He added that what would be really neat is if every player had an earpiece to hear the pitch call at the same time.

“Cause you can communicate more of a play,” he said.

It’s very early in the process for Lozoya to make a determination on how the Lady Mustangs will proceed, he said. He pointed out that Texas high school softball has someone, Billy Hicks, who looks out for the sport, the coaches and the players.

“He’s a retired private school and UIL coach,” Lozoya said. “He’s a big advocate for softball in Texas. He attends a lot of meetings. I’m sure this is something he’ll dig into.”

Typically once Hicks has done his own research and conversations and has a clear understanding what’s happening, he communicates that to the coaches, Lozoya said. That way programs stay in compliance.

The Texas high school softball season begins in February.

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