Pitcher Stepping Back Before Pitch (NFHS)

[AtlUmpSteve]

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.

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.