New NCAA baseball & softball stadium padding rules are coming

T0 mitigate potential injury to student-athletes, the NCAA has have approved a new rule regarding baseball/softball stadium padding: according to Rule 1, “The Game, Playing Field and Equipment,” Section 2e – The Playing Field, it is recommended that padding be placed on all hard surfaces (backstops, sideline, and outfield fences) that a player is likely to collide with during play. The padding must be mounted no more than 1 ft off the ground and must extend to the top of your fence or pole, or to at least 6 ft from the ground, whichever is lower.

Get ahead of compliance with these rule changes—consider adopting these guidelines as much as possible to enhance player safety. This includes padding for dugouts, outfield walls, backstops, and fencing in foul territory, and top rail pads for the top of your fencing.

Read the NCAA rule changes here. If you need assistance outfitting your ballpark or stadium with proper padding, let us know, and we’d be happy to help you get set up with the padding you need. Learn more about the Aer-Flo Sports pads that meet these new NCAA requirements here.