The NCAA Baseball and Softball Rules Committee and Playing Rules Oversight Panel have introduced a new rule focused on improving player safety. The goal is simple, reduce injuries for student-athletes who might collide with hard surfaces during play.
For Baseball:
- Effective Now: All collegiate baseball facilities should have protective fencing or netting at least 3 feet high on the field side of each dugout.
- Required By 2025: Division I schools must already comply, while Divisions II and III need to meet the rule by January 1, 2025.
- Padding Recommendations: Add padding anywhere players could make impact, such as backstops, sideline fences, and outfield walls.
For Softball:
- Mandatory By 2027: Any sideline or homerun fence made from hard materials (like concrete, brick, or wood) must be padded up to 6 feet high or to the top of the structure. Backstop padding is also required for these materials.
- Goal: Reduce potential issues for softball student-athletes during play.
Why These Changes Matter:
This rule puts athletes safety first making sure walls, fences, poles, and backstops are properly padding to prevent injuries. Read more about the NCAA Rule changes.
If your athletic facility needs to update padding, now’s the time to act! Sportsfield Specialties pads are designed to meet these new NCAA standards. Our sales teams can help you outfit your ball field or stadium with the right padding to stay compliant and keep your players safe. Contact Us for more information!