;)Thanks

So much to learn, so little time....

I like to umpire SB (so much I do it all year round ;) ), but I have enough trouble keeping up with the rules of the organization that I'm doing.
These finer points (along with the politics) elude me.

NFHS changed the distance to 43', but it doesn't mandate it until the 2010-2011 academic year. It's optional by state for this year. Some states changed immediately, some wait until next year (and FL and OR have been at 43' for awhile).

Ohio is at 40' for this season.

One of the main reasons that ASA DIDN'T change 14U to 43' was the number of states that wouldn't do the change in HS in 2010; Ohio, Texas, and California, as big ones.

The states that DO change now gain an advantage, IMO. Next year, you can expect ASA to add 14U, to cover the rest of the HS players.

I don't think that is necessarily a good thing. I believe it was also noted last year that HS players that were competitive enough to adapt to 43' were probably already playing 16U. And quite a few, if not most players at the 14U are more likely middle school players than varsity or JV.

Personally, I already felt that 14U ball was where the majority of the girls were really maturing into young softball players (as opposed to young girls playing softball). This age class is where many either turn the corner or decide this isn't their game. IOW, this is an important time in a young players career and maybe, just maybe it is the time to leave them alone to become comfortable with their game and learn as much as they can before moving up to a bigger, faster game.

JMHO

Anyone who thinks 14U @ 43' either has never seen a 14U game, has a top 5% pitcher dd, or is in dream land about the skill level at 14U.

Huh?

I just finished 5 games straight at a middle school tourney. To my amasement, the 43' was a non factor. The pitchers that were good adapted and the pitchers that sucked still sucked. Only difference I could tell is that now the pitcher can't completely dominate the game. She will need some help because the other team, unless they are awful, will eventually put a bat on the ball.

Five games....gonna go take a nap now. Luckily it was 65 degrees!!

NY State is staying with 40' and of course we still have snow on the ground and will till April.

All NFHS (any level) goes to 43' in 2011. Optional for 2010.

Michigan chose to stay at 40' for this year.

WMB

O M G!!! :eek:

43 Feet Pitching Distance
 

Had 5 games at last weekend's HS tournament. Pitching was about the same quality as before. I think we had a few more players put the bat on the ball. This increased the pressure on the defense, which I thought was good for the game. Overall, I liked what I saw. :)