NF 2012 Rules Changes

[Rich]

I predict some states will continue to require equipment checks.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I predict some states will continue to require equipment checks.

Given the litigous world we live in, that seems likely, Rich. Consider the number of times I have had to tell coaches, "This helmet is broken, it's out.", only to hear, "Yeah, I don't know why he keeps bringing it out." and it is a no brainer. While many coaches are diligent and apologetic for equipment problems, some just see it as a nuisance. With the new bat and helmet rules for next year, it should be easier to do but we'll see.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Given the litigous world we live in, that seems likely, Rich. Consider the number of times I have had to tell coaches, "This helmet is broken, it's out.", only to hear, "Yeah, I don't know why he keeps bringing it out." and it is a no brainer. While many coaches are diligent and apologetic for equipment problems, some just see it as a nuisance. With the new bat and helmet rules for next year, it should be easier to do but we'll see.

I agree with Rich that some states will require this anyway. But like in football that is a much more violent sport and a sport that has much more required equipment and we do not go to every helmet and check those on a football team personally. So it might be a litigious society, but there are other areas where the officials never check this equipment other than a spot check and I cannot think of a single time someone got in big legal trouble if something went wrong. This puts the responsibly squarely on the coaches since they agree to what is to be used anyway. But then again the penalty for every kid that uses equipment that is illegal can go towards a coach being ejected. So the penalty is much harsher where in baseball we only can give an out or not use the equipment based on when it is discovered.

Peace

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

It looks like they are moving towards the game clock rule that is used by the NCAA. The one minute rule was always encouraged but making it a point of emphasis for 2012 suggests that they want a ball called as penalty for non-compliance, no allowances made. Hmmm?

I don't see how this is any different than the current 6-2-2c Exception:

The starting pitchers may warm up by using not more than eight throws, completed in one minute (timed from the first throw). When a pitcher is replaced during an inning or prior to an inning, the relief pitcher may not use more than eight throws. At the beginning of each subsequent inning, the pitcher may warm up by using not more than five throws, completed in one minute (timed from the third out of the previous half-inning) (3-1-2). In either case, the umpire-in-chief may authorize more throws because of an injury or inclement weather.

The only difference is that relief pitchers brought in during an inning have one minute as well (before, it just mentioned 8 pitches). I don't see anything different.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by yawetag

I don't see how this is any different than the current 6-2-2c Exception:



The only difference is that relief pitchers brought in during an inning have one minute as well (before, it just mentioned 8 pitches). I don't see anything different.

I don't see a substantive difference, agreed, but I've taken all of the NCAA practices with the exception of using a stopwatch into my NFHS games and used them to keep things moving as well as possible. I'd be thrilled to add the watch.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by yawetag

I don't see how this is any different than the current 6-2-2c Exception:



The only difference is that relief pitchers brought in during an inning have one minute as well (before, it just mentioned 8 pitches). I don't see anything different.

That was my point. The only thing they are doing is EMPHASIZING the one minute time period. This is undoubtedly a precursor to an NCAA-like rule. Stopwatches will be a necessity or you will find some coaches hooting for a penalty at 61 seconds and umpires ill prepared to say that the time hasn't expired yet.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Actually on the ABUA website I asked:

"If you could change ONE NFHS Rule what would it be?"

The big winner was "no more checking hats and bats!"

I made the post as a little hint to what was coming down the line.

T

I wonder if South Carolina will continue to check them, though. They seem to be 20 years behind any substantive rule change.

[scarolinablue]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I wonder if South Carolina will continue to check them, though. They seem to be 20 years behind any substantive rule change.

Not on this one, my friend. Not on this one...