Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
You are mistaken about their explanation. The rules committee, based on member feedback, strongly believes participation would be lessened in areas where the pitchers are so ineffective now with that added advantage that they would simply stop playing if the rules changed. Their official statement is that high school softball is not meant solely for the elite athletes, nor simply as a feeder to NCAA. And that is how they honestly feel.
This year's committee will (in June, I understand), consider a proposal to make that one of the "state adoption" options for the future. That should help in states where the members (or state administrators) believe the rule should be changed. It would be interesting to see how many actually would adopt the tougher pitching rule if it is their decision.
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I know that Florida uses FED rules for HS softball, but have adopted a state rule to not allow the backward step. They apparently didn't wait for the committee to make it a state option.
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"Let's face it. Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can't resist." -- Bob Uecker
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