[AtlUmpSteve]

I was told by my NFHS contacts that a similar discussion was held in June by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee. The considerations suggested that if the illegal pitch penalty was simply a ball on the batter, and no awarded bases to the baserunner(s), then 1) it would be a more appropriate penalty, since the baserunners were not deceived (compared to a baseball balk) and should not be rewarded by the pitcher's mistake, and 2) it might be called more regularly and consistently by umpires that might currently hesitate, afraid to make impact calls.

I wasn't advised how close that may have come to passing as a rule change; was simply advised it was discussed at substantial length.