NFHS Changes Pitching Distance

[BaldNBeautiful]

This change needs to happen for the coming season.

[MCHSCoachT]

Marion County voted yes.

[big_joe]

Well, does anyone know how the votes went? With the different fastpitch associations changing their rules to 43ft this fall. This change now need to happen in the spring for sure. Hope the TSSAA lets everyone know ASAP.

[silverpie]

I think we can expect a decision at the BoC meeting Monday coming...

[BaldNBeautiful]

Looks like the change will happen this year from what I am hearing. I have been told that the majority of the high school coaches have already responded to the TSSAA with a big fat YES

 

I think nearly everyone agrees that the High Schools need to change to 43 feet this season. I wonder what the middle school associations will do. Personally I hope both the TSSAA and the TMSAA will go ahead and do this this season.

What do some of you who work with middle school age pitchers (14 U) think of moving their plate also?

[bluefan23]

My opinion (only an opinion) is that middle school should stay at 40'. Too many 12 yr. old 6th graders still learning the mechanics of pitching. Many of them are just coming up from 35' and 11" ball. As for 14u travel ball I don't know. USFA passed it for this fall starting at 16u. What we don't want is pitchers 14u pitching from 43' (which I am all for) then having to return to 40'. Still waiting to hear from ASA and their options???????

[BaldNBeautiful]

My opinion (only an opinion) is that middle school should stay at 40'. Too many 12 yr. old 6th graders still learning the mechanics of pitching. Many of them are just coming up from 35' and 11" ball. As for 14u travel ball I don't know. USFA passed it for this fall starting at 16u. What we don't want is pitchers 14u pitching from 43' (which I am all for) then having to return to 40'. Still waiting to hear from ASA and their options???????

 

You've got some good points. I was thinking more about the 14 yo eighth graders getting ready for high school. There maybe too wide a range there (12 yo to 14 yo) to change MS to 43 feet.

[jtk]

Is today the day that TSSAA is to decide on this subject?

[silverpie]

Yes, and the decision is, 43 feet this season. Not clear whether or not that applies in middle school--that may require a TMSAA vote.

[jtk]

Thanks for the info silverpie.

[MrSoftball]

My DD threw from 43 feet the other day just to get a feel for it, I don't think it will be a huge adjustment. The movement pitches (curves, drop balls, screw balls, etc) will need to be adjusted, but otherwise should make the game more interesting. I think we will see 16U at 43ft for all travel ball (and metal cleats as well), it will be interesting to see what the sanctioning bodies do with 14U.

[wondertwinpower]

Is it posted on the TSSSA website that they officially went to 43 feet?