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Don't care what Papa C or other think about the perceived deception of the gorilla stance as it has been called. It has not been specifically prohibited in many codes. My suspicions are that a player cried after being picked off the base so the NF came up with an interpretation so crying would be kept to a minimum. "There's no crying in baseball".
The bottom line is the NFHS Baseball rules committee is a bunch of people who I believe have never ever stepped onto the field of play, and if they have they were clueless as to which sport the were officiating.
I have questioned their logic in numerous situations in which they interpret the rules to require a balk call, but they never give me a rules citation to support their ruling. Instead they say "it is not included in what they can do" therefore is prohibited. But they are selective as to what is prohibited. I could give many examples but one will suffice.
Example 1: The rule says the pitcher shall take his sign with his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate. It does not say he can shake his head yes or no to accept or reject the sign. But that is allowed.
If players/umpires can not grasp the balk concept, that is discern the action which REQUIRES the pitcher to deliver the ball to the plate then they have no business being on the field.
The rules committee has constantly taken the fun out of the game with ridiculous rules all under the guise of player safety. Prohibiting huddling, players on field during DEAD BALL to congratulate a home run hitter, et.al. I'm all for player safety but they are taking it way too far. The sport has inherent risks and if anyone is so afraid of litigation then get off the field.
Sorry I digressed a little.
Back to balks: In announcing the new rule allowing the pitcher to turn shoulders the NFHS Rules committee patted themselves on the back, commending themselves for providing ONE LESS WAY TO BALK. (See cover page of NFHS/RefereeMagazine Baseball Guide 2005)
That my friends still leaves 29 ways to balk in HS. What is wrong with that picture?
You don't see a problem with 29 ways to balk????
Quickly now...name them.
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