If you rewrote the FP pitching rule...

[greymule]

The totality of this is bad for the game; bad for the integrity of the umpires; bad for the confidence of the coaches; bad all around, IMO

Couldn't agree more.

I'd go along with all of Mike's suggestions, except that 6 to 8 feet might be too far back. However, moving the distance back might obviate the need for minute and detailed restrictions on the pitcher. (No hops in the air, but if it's a drag, don't worry about whether or how much the knee buckled, don't worry about how far the arm has progressed at what point—at that distance it doesn't matter.)

How about a line somewhere in front of the rubber? As long as the pitcher doesn't step on or over the line before the release, don't worry about where she plants?

Rec leagues might have a problem with the increased distance.

Definitely lower the penalty to simply a ball on the batter. Reserve the base award for things like faking a delivery and throwing to a base.

I'm puzzled, however, as to how the pitcher can touch the circle during the delivery.