Circle size

[nativflip]

So what are pros/ cons of having a circle too small (8'). The fields where along of our tournaments are the circles are only 8' in all age groups. I've brought it to their attention but so far refuse to change it. I can't find any rules other than play on about fields. USSSa rules

 

[Dabears17]

Pitching circle should have an 8' radius or 16' diameter. Are they only doing an 8' diameter?

Softball Pitching Circle - Beacon Athletics

The softball pitching circle is a 16′ diameter circle. The center is located along an invisible line extending from the apex of home plate through the center of 2nd base. The front, center edge of the pitching rubber is located in the center of the 8′ radius pitching circle. The distance of the...

ballfields.com

 

[nativflip]

Yes 8' diameter

 

[Dabears17]

Pages 6-8 of USSSA defines field dimensions, including diameter of pitching circle.

https://usssa.com/docs/Fastpitch/Fastpitch_Rules.pdf

 

[Sweet Lou]

The Cons are the pitching circle isn't the proper size so you've got about 25 square feet in which to kill the play or put the LBR on instead of about 200 square feet.

The Pros are it saves on chalk?

 

[Lance Steckler]

Cons? playing on an illegal field? screw it, our H to first is 75 and 3rd to home is 47. 2b is a sheet of plywood. foul lines? drunk chicken drew them. If whoever can't follow simple direction of 8' radius, 16' dia for pitching circle, what chance is there of getting harder directions correct?

Pros - first rate plan to make field crew look like a bunch of idiots.

 

[radness]

So what are pros/ cons of having a circle too small (8'). The fields where along of our tournaments are the circles are only 8' in all age groups. I've brought it to their attention but so far refuse to change it. I can't find any rules other than play on about fields. USSSa rules

Well it is not the worst mistake on the field. However bringing up that it is incorrect and they refuse to change it that's pretty bad.

At least both teams have to deal with the same chalking distance.

Cons are it could throw off visual parameters of the field for both the pitcher and the hitters.

 

[wheresmycar]

The umps will have to guesstimate when pitcher has ball in the virtual circle. The 8" diameter circle on field is irrelevant.