[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

Here are some of the possible Fed rule changes for next year (per a survey that has been sent out).

Which would you be in favor of and why?

1. The pitcher starting the pitching motion with both feet on the pitcher’s plate.

I think the rules need to be consistent between all levels of softball with the pitching rules, so if this would make it consistent with other rule codes then yes.

2. Defining electronic device.

Do we really need to clarify what an electronic device is? The only thing I think needs to be addressed is one specific aspect of the rules regarding the use of electronic devices. An electronic scorebook (scorebook only) may be used by the umpire to review issues such as an incorrect batter or score issue. Otherwise, we really don't need help defining an electronic devise.

3. Clarifying obstruction.

Why would we need this clarified? The only reason I can see for clarifying it would be too often umpires are not calling obstruction when it occurs. Maybe obstruction as a POE, but we shouldn't need clarification of what obstruction is.

4. Adding a 10th player to replace the DP/Flex rules for fast pitch.

This question leaves much to be determined. Are we saying 10 players on both offense and defense? If that's what this is asking, then absolutely not. If it is asking to bat 10, but only play 9 on defense, I can see both sides of this issue. I would say don't change it because the DP/Flex rule is designed to allow a team to "hide" a weak batter. The only change I would say yes to is if the team simply went to a Designated Hitter rule and allow the DH to bat for any player in the field, which would basically be what the current DP Flex is anyway.

5. Eliminating the need for the umpire to check equipment prior to the start of the game.

Absolutely. IIRC baseball has already done this. This puts total and complete responsibility on the team to be properly and legally equipped with the umpires simply addressing the situation if violations occur. From a legal standpoint I'm not sure how it would affect umpires though, should illegal equipment be used and someone be injured as a result.

6. Requiring a double first base for fast pitch.


My opinion, ABSOLUTELY. We should have the double first base to at least minimize the risk somewhat of collisions at first base which are preventable.

7. Clarifying illegal pitches.

This would depend in part of #1. I think if the changes are made to the allowed pitching position, then yes, clarification should be made because the rules for pitchers have changed. No change like #1, then a POE should be made because I do see a lot of illegal pitches not getting called, mainly as it related to the timing aspects and the hands together and separated.

8. Clarifying interference by the batter-runner.


This is another one I have to ask myself why the issue would be brought up in the first place. Unless the rules change on batter-runner interference, why would we need to clarify anything.


9. Allowing runner to touch a missed base after the ball is thrown out of play.

I am in favor of this to an extent. Should the ball go out of play, and the runner immediately begin a return to retouch a missed base, then yes it should be allowed. Any rule change like this should have a timing element. We should not have a rule that would allow the coach to come out to appeal (or a player appeal) and then the runner says she needs to go back and retouch a missed base. That is my concern with the way I read #9.

10. Allowing an intentional walk in fast pitch.

I don't agree with this idea. I understand the speed of the game issue, but I think this change does more harm than good. Since we allow stealing as soon as the ball is released by the pitcher, you now penalize the offense by not requiring the pitcher to pitch to batters. Depending on the base runner on base, you could have a runner capable of getting on first, and stealing second and third bases during play even if the defense wants to walk the batter. (which would keep the team out of a Double Play of infield fly situation)

11. Moving “a run ahead” rule from state adoption to a national rule.
Yes, I do favor a national adoption of a run ahead rule, with the state option to make it stricter at sub-varsity levels. The run ahead rule we use in Michigan is 15 after 3, 10 after 5, however one conference has been granted approval to use 8 after 5 for sub-varsity contests.

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