Quote:
Originally posted by WestMichBlue
NFHS - opening rounds of H.S. Tournament. Top level big school team, could go fairly deep into tournament. I had this pitcher earlier in the season and the other coaches complained about her pitching. Will probably see her Saturday afternoon in the District Championship game.
F1 lifts her pivot foot heel when she shifts her weight back. This is a technique taught by many pitching coaches. They replant the heel as they shift weight forward, and then drive off the plate.
Problem is that she takes weight off toes and her foot moves. Sometimes her toes come up just a fraction, sometimes a inch or more. (Picture: foot at angle with heel up 2"-4", toes up less.) She then sets (or slides) the foot over the front of the plate so that the toes are down in the depression and only the heel is still on top of the plate.
So she starts with all of her foot on top of the plate, and pushes off with only part of her foot on the plate. (Almost like a baseball pitcher that pushes from the front of the plate.)
Are we getting too technical to call that a replant? These girls have already played 40 games and are now in a "one loss and you're out" run towards the State Championship, and there may be state officials in attendance.
Do you warn them before the game? You know that you're going to get a "nobody's called that all year" response. Do you let it slide and only call it if it is very obvious (ie., toes come up 2")? At this level you can expect the offensive coaches to be complaining to you and demanding that you call it.
WMB
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Congrats on the plate for the final!
I had my state game over a week ago in the 6A in Tampa
Now, from what you describe I think that you might have a situation where the pitcher is clearing her cleats.
There is a reference in the case book ( I don't have mine handy) that allows for "clearing the cleats" on the other hand, I have personally called the IP for this same action when it was "in my judgement" illegal and not part of anything allowable by rule or ruling.
Its your call, judgement and all. Stand by your decision and make sure you have applied the rule then what ever you rule will stand.
Good luck and have a good game
Scott