High school softball to see electronic communication devices in Kansas in the 2025 season

TOPEKA (KSNT) - It might not look like it by the snow outside, but spring is right around the corner, and with spring comes sports like softball. This season, high schools across the Sunflower State have a tool to level up the game.

This season, high school softball teams across Kansas are getting the opportunity to use a one-way electronic communication device. This was approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in July 2024 for teams to use in the 2025 season.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) rules state that the dugout can communicate one-way to the catcher on the field with devices like a smartwatch or a one-way radio.

"The beauty of the rule, it allows a lot of flexibility for any sort of price point or affordability that the schools have," Jeremy Holaday, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director, said. "So, it can be accomplished in a lot of different ways."

In 2024, baseball teams across the state had the option to use these communication devices. Holaday told 27 News about 40% of baseball teams took advantage of the tool. It is optional for every school, but he expects those same results from softball teams after this season.

Similar technology was introduced in major league baseball and division one college baseball back in 2022 with a purpose to calling pitches.

This technology has been at the Division I level for a while, which Holaday said will be good for athletes dreaming of playing in college someday.

"I think anytime you talk about players that want to play at the next level, much as close as you can, keep the game from one level to the next, they're going to be just that much more comfortable and prepared," Holaday said.

While this doesn't offer much of an advantage skillwise, it allows athletes to get comfortable with the technology if they go on in the sport of softball, and it helps the pace of play at the high school level.

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