Final 2008 NCAA Rule Changes

[SRW]

They were posted yesterday on NCAA's website here.

[EdJW]

Looks like the NCAA strike zone language is not consistent with the strike zone picture shown at the bottom of the "changes" document. The problem is the bottom of the strike zone. Is it defined by the "top of the ball" as stated in the new words or is it the "bottom of the ball" as shown in the picture?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by EdJW

Looks like the NCAA strike zone language is not consistent with the strike zone picture shown at the bottom of the "changes" document. The problem is the bottom of the strike zone. Is it defined by the "top of the ball" as stated in the new words or is it the "bottom of the ball" as shown in the picture?

As much as this pains me , I have to agree with Ed here.

Not too impressed with the need for an anatomy class to umpire a ball game. At least the armpits are relatively visible to all. Good luck with some of the umpires trying to figure out where a player's sternum is located

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

...Good luck with some of the umpires trying to figure out where a player's sternum is located

You could get arrested for that!

[BretMan]

Now that's strange...

I've referenced that NCAA diagram before, using it in some internet discussions on the strike zone and in some training classes for local leagues.

That IS NOT the same as the existing diagram. The existing diagram shows the top of the ball touching the horizontal line at the knees. It can be seen here: NCAA On-Line Rule Book (page 152).

[AtlUmpSteve]

The diagram has been wrong in the past, too; they recently got it fixed to match the wording of the rule. My guess is they used an old diagram to be altered, rather than the newest.

I like sternum as a definition. I read that as (pardon my language, ladies) meaning "no ball in the boob", or no ball in the sports-bra. Picture her with one or the other, and the entire ball must be below that point.

Can't think of a more PC way to describe it than the sternum; and I like the location, as one everyone should be able to live with.