According to Aer-Flo Sports, the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee and the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a new rule regarding stadium padding for baseball and softball. The rule aims to mitigate potential injury to student-athletes who may run, slide, or come into contact with hard surfaces during play.
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.