The Softball Rules Committee has recommended a change to the sport’s concussion protocol.
Under the proposed change, a player who is removed from a game to be evaluated for a concussion may be allowed to return to the game if she is cleared by medical personnel. If officially ratified, the proposal would be effective for the 2021 season.
The proposed change initially came from the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, and was supported by the softball rules committee. The proposal must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel; that 12-member group includes three representatives each from the FBS, FCS, Division II, and Division III levels and is set to discuss softball rule changes on July 22nd.
According to an NCAA release regarding the recommendation, “if the injured player is cleared to resume participation, she may reenter in her original lineup position. The temporary replacement player may again participate in the game, but only in the same lineup spot, provided she is not otherwise ineligible (withdrawn substitute or a reentered starter). Should a team have no remaining eligible players, a starter or substitute who has previously participated in the game may replace the player removed for a concussion evaluation.”
The 8-member Softball Rules Committee includes the following members:
- Kelly Gatwood, Conference USA
- Mike White, Texas
- Janelle Breneman, UNC Greensboro
- David Deiros, Florida Gulf Coast
- Todd Buckingham, Saginaw Valley State
- Shena Hollar, Lenoir-Rhyne
- Deanne Tritinger, Chatham
- Lexie Vernon, Knox College
