Pitcher Stepping Back Before Pitch (NFHS)

[Andy]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

Legal in HS. We had several umpires who do both ASA and HS that have repeatedly sent in proposals to the NFHS to get this rule changed to conform to the rules used in all rule sets. Every time the response has been no. They have responded with a reason for not changing it, but to me it is an excuse to be different and nothing more.

For what it's worth.....

NFHS rules are written for a specific subset of players (HS aged youth)

These rules are written with two primary intentions - safety and participation.
For softball, the rule makers have decided that it is easier to pitch using the step back. To them, making the game easier to play will increase participation.

That is the main reason behind NFHS continuing to allow the pitcher to step back.