Article in Fastsports (MN Fastpitch clearinghouse). I think our government should worry about bigger things but...
New Bill in Kentucky Would Enhance Safety for Fast Pitch Softball Players
Members of the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly will be asked to toughen safety standards for girl's high school fast pitch softball. The proposed measure would require the pitcher, plus players at first and third base to wear protective masks.
The issue was discussed last week during a legislative meeting in Frankfort. Meade County Softball Coach Mike Harreld testified before the Interim Education Committee.
"It doesn't make sense to me that they made a rule that the batters had to wear a face mask because the pitchers were throwing 60 and 65 miles an hour and some of them were getting hit," said Harreld. "Yet, the ball is being hit back at these pitchers and corners at 100 to a 120 mile an hour."
Committee member Hubie Collins believes the Kentucky High School Athletic Association should act on the issue before it is considered by lawmakers.
KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett says it is an important safety issue, and legislative action would help speed up the process.
"The 2014 meeting in the spring was the first time the national office has really considered the rule. But, for us, it's a little slower process," said Tackett. "This would accelerate it and being a safety issue, it's certainly something we should look at."
If passed, Coach Harreld believes the change would be accepted over time. "Just like batting, the first thing I heard was 'I can't see out of this thing, I can't see.' Pretty soon, that talk stopped, and nobody complains about it anymore," said Harreld.
Bill Sponsor Jeff Greer told the committee some girls object to wearing the mask in the field because of its appearance. Greer expects to file the bill during the 2015 session.
Source: WKU
New Bill in Kentucky Would Enhance Safety for Fast Pitch Softball Players
Members of the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly will be asked to toughen safety standards for girl's high school fast pitch softball. The proposed measure would require the pitcher, plus players at first and third base to wear protective masks.
The issue was discussed last week during a legislative meeting in Frankfort. Meade County Softball Coach Mike Harreld testified before the Interim Education Committee.
"It doesn't make sense to me that they made a rule that the batters had to wear a face mask because the pitchers were throwing 60 and 65 miles an hour and some of them were getting hit," said Harreld. "Yet, the ball is being hit back at these pitchers and corners at 100 to a 120 mile an hour."
Committee member Hubie Collins believes the Kentucky High School Athletic Association should act on the issue before it is considered by lawmakers.
KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett says it is an important safety issue, and legislative action would help speed up the process.
"The 2014 meeting in the spring was the first time the national office has really considered the rule. But, for us, it's a little slower process," said Tackett. "This would accelerate it and being a safety issue, it's certainly something we should look at."
If passed, Coach Harreld believes the change would be accepted over time. "Just like batting, the first thing I heard was 'I can't see out of this thing, I can't see.' Pretty soon, that talk stopped, and nobody complains about it anymore," said Harreld.
Bill Sponsor Jeff Greer told the committee some girls object to wearing the mask in the field because of its appearance. Greer expects to file the bill during the 2015 session.
Source: WKU
