Pitcher's toeing the rubber NFHS rule set

In Florida it is two feet on the pitchers plate for the last couple of years. Like [MENTION=2664]quincy[/MENTION] said Jake used to start with one foot back and would change for TB. It did give a bit more velocity but the main thing was that it is easier to pitch. She could utilize her lower body much more efficiently.

Orange Socks said:

This is a new rule for Texas HS. I guess I should have highlighted this "Rationale: This is a change to assist the developing pitcher." I am not taking anything away from this pitcher as she has worked hard to get where she is and I really enjoy watching her pitch. My DD did get the only hit for her team with a stand up double to the RC fence. (yes I'm proud) and this team will win the district too. For a developing pitcher I could see how this could help a bit, but it does give a sort of "walk through" start for the developed pitcher who frankly does not need the extra help. And Yes our pitchers could benefit from this rule change if they were to utilize this method.

Another rule change that I hate: No pitch Intentional Walk. Another thread.

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Orange- This rule has been in place in Texas for as long as I can remember. Not new at all but if you have anything that states this is a new rule in Texas this year please send my way or post.

With that said, I have had this rule printed out the last couple of years to show umpires who call an illegal pitch on a HS kid who steps back or starts off the rubber. Last year I about lost my cool on an ump after a game because he would absolutely not admit it was a rule and he was used to travel/select etc. I handed him a copy (wrote my cell phone on it) and asked to please give me a call when he could admit he was wrong. The phone call never came but he came up to me a few weeks later at a travel tournament and admitted he was wrong. I thanked him for that as nobody is perfect

So lets boil this down. A superior player should not be allowed to use the best legal method for them to succeed. To do otherwise is unfair to the rest of the players.

So really fast girls shouldn't be allowed to slap, really strong players should only use one hand on the bat during the swing, Really good fielders with great jump on the ball should not be allowed to play in...

Yes I am being absurd, but its to show the flaw in the OP's argument.

STRIKE3 said:

Orange- This rule has been in place in Texas for as long as I can remember. Not new at all but if you have anything that states this is a new rule in Texas this year please send my way or post.

With that said, I have had this rule printed out the last couple of years to show umpires who call an illegal pitch on a HS kid who steps back or starts off the rubber. Last year I about lost my cool on an ump after a game because he would absolutely not admit it was a rule and he was used to travel/select etc. I handed him a copy (wrote my cell phone on it) and asked to please give me a call when he could admit he was wrong. The phone call never came but he came up to me a few weeks later at a travel tournament and admitted he was wrong. I thanked him for that as nobody is perfect

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https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/softball-rules-changes-2018/

You all are missing my point, flawed or not. I am not challenging the rule I am challenging the "Rationale." I am reading they now allow the step back to assist the developing pitcher. So the novice pitcher needs the back step for help in becoming a better pitcher? Does the already developed pitcher need this added help??? I understand that the rules apply to all pitchers and if you are good enough you will adapt to the rules set forth.

The umpire stated they follow the Federation Rule set and it is a new rule. I looked it up and I am now an informed softball fan. I have talked to other pitcher parents in the area and they were not aware of the change either.

6-1-2b: The pitcher may now step back with the non-pivot foot at any time prior to the start of the pitch. Rationale: This is a change to assist the developing pitcher.

I have no Issue with your rant and think I understand, I have ranted for less of a reason.

I do not know if you pitch yourself but I think stepping back is easier.

DD's school has almost all TB players that have pitched for years before hitting HS, would not miss a beat with the no step back.

I used to live in Texas and in some ways it is same as IL. Big areas with a lot of players, smaller areas were you try to get a team if anyone cares enough.

little league allows step back for the same rational.

You can not have a sort of rule, it has to be one or the other.

Only thing off the top of my head is 4A and above both feet on plate, below allowed to step back.

SB is a lousy sport if the pitcher can not pitch strikes.

(Back to comp's post, they just adjusted the rule. Back foot has been allowed off the plate for years)

Orange Socks said:

You all are missing my point, flawed or not. I am not challenging the rule I am challenging the "Rationale." I am reading they now allow the step back to assist the developing pitcher. So the novice pitcher needs the back step for help in becoming a better pitcher? Does the already developed pitcher need this added help??? I understand that the rules apply to all pitchers and if you are good enough you will adapt to the rules set forth.

The umpire stated they follow the Federation Rule set and it is a new rule. I looked it up and I am now an informed softball fan. I have talked to other pitcher parents in the area and they were not aware of the change either.

6-1-2b: The pitcher may now step back with the non-pivot foot at any time prior to the start of the pitch. Rationale: This is a change to assist the developing pitcher.

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Again, there is nothing new about the rule at all. Nfhs has allowed the step back for years,the only change that was made for this year was the step back can now occur after the hands come together. It used to be it had to occurred before the hands come together and the rationale was always to assist the developing pitchers.

Orange Socks said:

https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/softball-rules-changes-2018/

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I understand what you are saying now Orange and thanks for pointing the modification to the rule out to me. I don't think it needed to be modified in my opinion and didn't realize it was so thanks for that!

As far as the rationale of why they made this change I am not sure. While watching the Kentucky Florida game 2 last night on Watch ESPN one of the announcers Cheri Kemp or Melissa Lee made the comment that belief was that pitching is not strong across the country in the lower levels but it gets stronger in college. I wish I had the exact comment to quote but my take away was Kemp obviously is very involved with softball in the US and is in the know. My guess is that if the belief is truly that pitching is weak then this is the reason they did it this year in an effort to "develop" pitchers and make pitching stronger.

I personally think pitching is getting stronger every year but what do I know.

It should also be noted, the NFHS has no authority. Their rules are merely suggestions to each local organization. Each local can utilize any, all or none of the NFHS Rules as they determine appropriate for their organization.