The NCAA announced Wednesday that the Women's College World Series will be expanded to a nine-day event, with its debut in 2022.
Doubleheaders are no longer necessary for teams that lose on day one of the tournament.
The finals teams will also get an extra day of rest.
Sandy Atkins, Troy University's deputy director of athletics, stated in a statement that the new format puts emphasis on players' rest, recovery, and preparation while giving them more options for weather delays.
Atkins stated that the National Fastpitch Coaches Association engaged in the engagement, especially the active coaches who participated in the Women's College World Series. These recommendations were key to improving the championship.
"That focus feedback helped us narrow down on an alternative format that addresses those priorities while keeping the format components that allow teams and fans to have a competitive series."
Softball coaches have suggested for years that the tournament be extended, similar to the Men's College World Series during which the teams have a day off.
Carol Bruggeman is the executive director of National Fastpitch Coaches Association. She said that adding days to the calendar will help in the ongoing discussion about gender equality in college sports.
She said that the format change was likely due to increased attention being paid to the welfare and well-being of players.
She said, "It was really difficult for those teams when it came home late and they had to turn around and take on media responsibilities and all the other responsibilities before trying to play a game." They just needed more rest and recovery. "I believe that putting the student-athletes first and that experience played a significant role in it. This is something we fully support.
She said that it was difficult to find the right balance between expanding the tournament's schedule and keeping people interested in it over several days.
Bruggeman stated that "our sport is still growing, our sport is still flourishing." "People are watching and invested. Because of that, we can expand. People will continue to watch even if it takes a few more days to see the results.
"So, I think it's a mixture of all those things. We're just really excited about this." It's in the best interests of our sport and the student-athletes, and we think it's the right thing for them. Coaches are also in favor.
