One-Way Communication Rulebook

One-way electronic devices are allowed for pitch calling from the coach to the pitcher. The device cannot have any capability for the player to communicate back.

Restrictions

• One-way communication only
• Coach to pitcher direction only
• No player-to-coach communication capability
• Must not delay the game

Rule reference

Section 7 - Coach C.5

Effective

2025

USA Softball is the national governing body for softball in the United States and sets rules for amateur play at various levels.

One-way electronic pitch-calling devices are permitted. Devices must only allow communication from coach to player with no return communication capability.

Restrictions

• One-way communication only
• No two-way devices permitted
• Must not interfere with game pace

Rule reference

Rule 2. Equipment Section 13

Effective

2025

USSSA hosts tournaments and leagues for youth and amateur softball across the country.

One-way electronic communication devices are permitted for the purpose of calling pitches and/or defenses. Devices must be one-way only (coach to player) with no capability for the player to respond electronically.

Restrictions

• Must be one-way communication only (coach to player)
• No two-way communication capability
• Cannot be used for any other purpose during the game
• Subject to state association adoption

Rule reference

SECTION 9 OTHER EQUIPMENT ART. 6 /EXCEPTION

Effective

2026

ART. 6 . . . During the game, the use of electronic devices by team personnel to transmit or record information pertaining to their players or team's performance shall be permitted for coaching purposes within the team's dugout/bench area only, provided the point of origin of the electronic communication is outside of the field of play. No player shall transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface. EXCEPTION: A coach may use an electronic device for one-way communication from the dugout to the catcher while the team is on defense.

A one-way communication device (transmitter) may be used to relay signals/plays to the offense and defense.

Restrictions

• Allowed on offense
• Allowed on defense

Rule reference

Rule 5, Section 11

Effective

2026

SECTION 11 ELECTRONIC DEVICES A one-way communication device (transmitter) may be used to relay signals/plays to the offense and defense. a. Approved wearable may be worn by all players. b. Approved earpiece may be worn by the catcher. a. When on offense, the coach (from either the dugout or coaches box) may transmit signals. b. When on defense, the coach (from the dugout) may transmit plays. c. If a device fails, all repairs and replacements will be made when the player is off the field. PENALTY: If the transmitter is discovered on the field, or repair/replacement is attempted on the field, or 2 way communication is discovered, the first violation is a warning to the head coach. The second violation will be an ejection of the head coach.. No DRONES are to be flown over playing fields during any NSA event

A team may utilize electronic one-way communication technology only while on defense and only for communication from the dugout to the catcher. Use is not permitted by the offense.

Restrictions

• Electronic Communications
• i. A team may utilize electronic one-way communication technology only while on defense and only for communication from the
• dugout to the catcher. Use is not permitted by the offense. The device must be worn as designed by the manufacturer. No
• two-way communication devices, such as cell phones, pagers, walkie-talkies, etc., are allowed to be worn or carried onto the
• playing field. The penalty for misuse of this technology is the removal of the technology from all players and coaches for the
• balance of the game. Any continued violation will result in the ejection of the manager from the game.

Rule reference

4. Game Play / d. Electronic Communications

Effective

2/25/2026

Coaches can use electronic devices in the dugout for one-way communication to the catcher while on defense.

Restrictions

• Not allowed on offense
• Defense limited to Coach-to-Catcher

Rule reference

Rule 1-8-6

1-8-6 – Exception & Penalty – A high school coach will be able to use electronic devices in the dugout for one-way communication to the catcher while the team is on defense. The penalty from Rule 3-6-11 was added to Rule 1-8-6 as well, with violators subject to ejection unless the offense is ruled to be of a minor nature. 3-6-11 – This rule change specifies that coaches are prohibited from using the device to communicate with any other team member while on defense or any team member while on offense and the coach cannot use the device outside the dugout/bench area.

Electronic communication devices allowed on offense and defensive positions (See Notes.

Restrictions

• No in ear or in helmet devices allowed.
• One-way electronic communication device

Rule reference

Internal Rules

Electronic Devices One way electronic communication devices will now be allowed. Defense: An exclusively one-way electronic communication device may be used by the defense to relay a pitch or play from the dugout to the field. An in-ear audio earpiece device may only be worn by the catcher, but a digital transmission watch/wristband style may be worn by any player on defense. Offense: One-way exclusive electronic communication device may be used by the offense to relay plays from playing field to offensive players. Only wristband style devices are allowed. No in ear or in helmet devices allowed. Offense Coach may use while coaching 1B or 3B **Electronic devices do not have to be approved by tournament director, but must adhere to the rules or could be subject to penalties ** **If at any time a team is found guilty of misuse of electronic devices for cheating purposes the Head Coach shall be disqualified from tournament ** ***A Player being "Mic'd Up" is acceptable

One-way electronic communication devices permitted for defensive purposes only. In-ear/hat/helmet audio devices limited to catchers. Digital transmission devices (wristband-style) available to any defensive player. If worn on offense, device shall not be used in any capacity.

Restrictions

• Not allowed on offense
• In-ear/hat/helmet limited to catchers
• Pitchers may look at device prior to pitcher's plate

Rule reference

Rule 5.9.9

Effective

2024

Offense: No, Defense: All Positions. Umpires may issue warnings and require removal if misuse suspected.