Say goodbye to the single first base. This is the last prep season it’ll exist.
Along with a bevy of other changes in various other prep sports, the National Federation of State High School Associations recently announced the introduction of a double first base in baseball starting in the 2026-27 school year to “minimize the risk of collisions by runners and fielders.”
In a release, Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee said, “Adding the double first base is symbolic to the evolution of the sport. It will immediately address running lane violations, and it will further protect the players from the violent collisions that have occurred at first base. By reducing collisions and enhancing safety, it preserves both the integrity of competition and the well-being of those who play.”
Like prep softball, which already uses the double first base, bases will be white as well as a “contrasting solid color.” The white side will indicate fair ball territory while anything on the contrasting-color base’s side will be foul.
After reaching first base, the batter-runner is required to use the white base, including when they are leading off, returning on a pick-off attempt or tagging up on a fly ball.
Softball
Starting this fall, and in a clarification on a previous standard in the NFHS softball rule book, players can’t transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface.
“While increased media exposure has positively influenced the growth and visibility of softball, the committee determined that the potential risks associated with players transmitting or recording audio or video through devices during live play outweighed the benefits,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee, in a release. “As wearable technology continues to evolve, the committee believed it was essential to establish clear guidelines regarding the permissible use of such devices to ensure the safety and integrity of the game.”
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