The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has rolled out a comprehensive set of rule adjustments that will take effect at the start of the 2026‑27 school year, touching a wide range of sports from baseball to volleyball.
Expanded communication tools
In baseball and softball, the use of on‑field electronic devices has been broadened. Pitchers can now wear earpieces that receive one‑way instructions from the dugout, while coaches are permitted to employ handheld devices in the coach’s box solely for scoring purposes.
New base specifications
Baseball will see the introduction of enlarged or double bags at first base. Schools that prefer a smaller footprint may opt for an 18‑inch base, providing a flexible approach to the traditional single‑bag design.
Starting in 2028, bats that meet the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard with drop weights of -4, -5 or -6 will be eligible for competition, expanding equipment options for teams.
State‑level implementation
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced that it will adopt the NFHS changes for all sports it sponsors, ensuring that member schools will align their rulebooks with the national updates.
Other sport‑specific modifications
Basketball officials may now use silent counts to correct timing errors, while girls lacrosse teams gain the option to install a 90‑second shot clock. Beginning in 2031, all home team jerseys in girls lacrosse must be white, and only visiting squads may wear white socks in soccer; a bite offense will result in a direct free‑kick penalty. In swimming, competitors may remain fully submerged once their head passes within five yards of the finish, and in volleyball the libero’s bottom garment no longer needs to match the rest of the team’s color, with only one libero allowed on the court at any time.