Pitcher Stepping Back Before Pitch (NFHS)

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

You are mistaken about their explanation. The rules committee, based on member feedback, strongly believes participation would be lessened in areas where the pitchers are so ineffective now with that added advantage that they would simply stop playing if the rules changed. Their official statement is that high school softball is not meant solely for the elite athletes, nor simply as a feeder to NCAA. And that is how they honestly feel.

This year's committee will (in June, I understand), consider a proposal to make that one of the "state adoption" options for the future. That should help in states where the members (or state administrators) believe the rule should be changed. It would be interesting to see how many actually would adopt the tougher pitching rule if it is their decision.

I stand by my idea that it is to be different. Yes they may say participation is the reason for allowing the step back, but I think there are other things in the rules that impact participation much more than a pitcher stepping back or not stepping back.