[teebob21]

The new rules:

10.1.1 – The pitcher is considered to be in the pitching position when she has her hands apart, her pivot foot in
contact with the pitcher’s plate, both feet on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate, the hips
in line with first and third bases, she steps forward, puts both feet on the pitcher’s plate, and the catcher is in
position to receive the pitch.

10.2.1.1 – Both feet must be on the ground in contact with the pitcher’s plate. Any part of each foot in contact
with the ground or pitcher’s plate must be completely within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. The stride
foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired. Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her
stride foot, she may not step back any farther to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s plate.

Basically, starting next year, NCAA is going to NFHS-style pitching rules with a minor tweak -- one foot (pivot foot) only on the pitcher's plate & no step back allowed.

Thoughts?

Personally, I'm OK with this. The rationale was that (1) it's hard for umpires to see if the stride foot is "toed up" to the plate, and; (2) the change will "provide pitchers with greater balance and take into account their variances in sizes and strengths without creating any type of unfair advantage" which is very similar to the NFHS rationale.

Now I put on my "conspiracy theorist" hat: Is this a change made to benefit USA NCAA pitching in preparation for Olympics 2020? The new pitching rule has a lot in common with the international rule, and I sure didn't see this rule change listed on the postseason rules survey. Maybe I missed it.