Softball Advisory Committee

Agenda
Sept. 4, 2008 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida


I. Introductions and Purpose

II. Review Procedures, Agenda and Expense Vouchers

III. Selection of Chairperson

IV. Review and Adoption of 2007 Committee Minutes

V. R eview of Existing Softball Manual

VI. Review 2008 Softball State Championships

VI.. Review 2008-2009 NFHS Rules Changes:
a. 1-3-3:  Added to the softball specifications a requirement that the dynamic stiffness of softballs not exceed 7,500 lbs/inch when tested under current proposed ASTM test methods. Effective January 1, 2010.
Rationale: This standard will better control softballs and should bring more consistency to the softball marketplace without lowering the current static compression of 375 lbs/inch. Static compression and dynamic stiffness are completely different measurements, so these numbers should not be compared. The additional specification makes NFHS softball consistent with ASA.
b. 2-8-2:  Changed the definition of a bunt attempt to holding the bat in the strike zone and requiring the bat to be withdrawn in order to take a pitch.
Rationale: The new definition will make the bunt attempt easier for an umpire to determine and creates a better balance between offense and defense.
c. 6-1-4d and Note:  Changed the pitching windup requirement to a maximum of one and a half clockwise revolutions. Previous note was deleted.
Rationale: Pitchers are attempting to gain an advantage by deceiving the batter. The rules change will make an illegal pitch easier to identify and enforcement more consistent.
d. 6-2-3 Penalty:  Changed the penalty for a pitcher exceeding the required 20-second time limit to a ball awarded to the batter - not an illegal pitch.
Rationale: The rules change makes a violation of the time to pitch by the pitcher consistent with a batter failing to be ready within 10 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher. An illegal pitch penalty is excessive as it also awards runners one additional base.

VIII. Old Business
a. Condensing FHSAA State Finals to a 3-day format

IX. New Business
a. 43 feet pitching distance experiment – 4th Request for Experiment

X. FACA Recommendations

XI. Sportsmanship Update

XII. Round Table Discussion

XIII. Adjournment