ASA 16U pitching distance

[Dakota]

Now that NFHS has moved to 43', ASA (and the other summer ball sanctions) have some thinking to do.

I would expect that the top 16U pitchers who also play high school ball will be motivated to play up at 18U rather than spend the summer pitching from 40'.

Those of you on the inside of the ASA rules changes conversations, has any discussion been going on about changing 16U to 43' (at least 16U-A)?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Now that NFHS has moved to 43', ASA (and the other summer ball sanctions) have some thinking to do.

I would expect that the top 16U pitchers who also play high school ball will be motivated to play up at 18U rather than spend the summer pitching from 40'.

Those of you on the inside of the ASA rules changes conversations, has any discussion been going on about changing 16U to 43' (at least 16U-A)?

People tend to forget the "U" part of the classification. Many of the 16U participants are not in HS. I would think that most decent HS pitchers are already playing 18U.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

People tend to forget the "U" part of the classification. Many of the 16U participants are not in HS. I would think that most decent HS pitchers are already playing 18U.

Perhaps, especially since the starters tend to be seniors. But those contending to be the starters won't want a wasted summer.

[coachmike]

How many 16u's are NOT in high school?

Most high school freshmen are 14 so unless you have exceptional players playing up I would say most 16u's are already in high school.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by coachmike

How many 16u's are NOT in high school?

Most high school freshmen are 14 so unless you have exceptional players playing up I would say most 16u's are already in high school.

And in some areas, half the HS seniors throw a pitch with a hump on it.

[JefferMC]

The main issue as I see it with this age breakdown is that the JV programs will be playing on the same fields as the Varsity, and many JV players are playing 14U ball. The grounds crew are not going to be troubled to move the pitching plate 3' between the JV and Varsity double-headers (or between their separate practices on the same day), so 90%+ of JV will be at 43' this spring, and back at 40' come the summer.