NCAA Looking at Proposed Rules Changes for Softball

[NewsCopy]

The NCAA will look at a few rules changes for the game of softball, specifically, letting the defense have a choice of penalties for a runner leaving the base too early. As it stands now, when a runner leaves too soon, the ball is dead._ The runner is called out and play resumes. But, according to an article on espn.com, the new rule would make it a delayed dead ball [...]

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[chauncey]

Hopefully, a change in the illegal pitch rule.

[CajunRed]

_ Hopefully, a change in the illegal pitch rule. _

Do you want them to change the rule...and, if so, to what?

Or do you simply want the NCAA to instruct its upires on how to properly assess and call an illegal pitch?

[chauncey]

They need to get rid of the rule or call it consistently throughout the whole season. I am getting tired of getting penalized with the call in regionals.

[Bunch24]

Do you want them to change the rule...and, if so, to what?

Or do you simply want the NCAA to instruct its upires on how to properly assess and call an illegal pitch?

I think a lot of people would argue that illegal pitches in softball is a lot like holding in the NFL. If you have an umpire that's technical about the rule, they could call it on every pitch/play.

I think it definitely needs to be more uniform and they need to explain why certain pitchers may not have it called on them all year and then have 11 called on them in three games at an NCAA regional.

[Frenchie35]

That rule change about leaving the base before the ball is released sucks. With one out they wil take the out everytime.

[jllanclos]

_... they need to explain why certain pitchers may not have it called on them all year and then have 11 called on them in three games at an NCAA regional. _

Hyothetically speaking, of course. No one in particular comes to mind.

[CajunsHat]

I think a lot of people would argue that illegal pitches in softball is a lot like holding in the NFL. If you have an umpire that's technical about the rule, they could call it on every pitch/play.

I think it definitely needs to be more uniform and they need to explain why certain pitchers may not have it called on them all year and then have 11 called on them in three games at an NCAA regional.

Have you ever seen an NFL team go entire season without a HOLDING penalty called, then in round 1 of playoffs the refs just go BALLISTIC and call HOLDING penalties on nearly every play?
I wouldn't relate holding to illegal pitch....not even close.
Holding penalties actually change game results... Lifting a back foot off the ground for 3 inches in a pitch doesn't change anything in a softball game.
igeaux.mobi

[BeauCajun]

_ ... Lifting a back foot off the ground for 3 inches in a pitch doesn't change anything in a softball game.
igeaux.mobi _

That rule has been in effect for a very long time. The lifting of the foot creates an advantage for the pitcher because it allows her to replant prior to release of the ball. It's a good rule and should not be changed. The enforcement and coaching is another story.

You would have to coach the game to really understand it and the advantage it gives.

[NOCajun]

_ That rule has been in effect for a very long time. The lifting of the foot creates an advantage for the pitcher because it allows her to replant prior to release of the ball. It's a good rule and should not be changed. The enforcement and coaching is another story.

You would have to coach the game to really understand it and the advantage it gives. _

It also allows said pitcher to release the ball up to almost a foot closer to the plate than she would if her trail foot stays where it's supposed to be. I'm for instructing umpires on how to be more consistent with that call as well.

[Frenchie35]

Think about it. It would reek havoc with college pitchers. After doing the same thing since they were 10-12 years old it would be hard to play by the exact rule. Think about it, when you get up in the morning how do you put your pant on. I would venture the same way every monrning....my left leg comes up first without thinking about it.

[BeauCajun]

_ Think about it. It would reek havoc with college pitchers. After doing the same thing since they were 10-12 years old it would be hard to play by the exact rule. Think about it, when you get up in the morning how do you put your pant on. I would venture the same way every monrning....my left leg comes up first without thinking about it. _

That all goes back to proper coaching. What they are essentially doing is known as crow hopping for a pitcher. They aren't allowed to re-plant prior to release. Heck even the different leagues we played in during summer ball had different rules for the pitching rubber. USSSA required contact with 1 foot, Babe Ruth required both feet. That'll mess with your windup. Neither allowed crow hopping. Many called it during summer ball.