My daughter is playing Varsity softball for a Baltimore County High School. I have had recent discussions with another parent regarding the strike zone. The parent said that he has talked to an umpire, who said that they have been told to 'tighten' the strike zone, because pitchers are getting so much faster and accurate. Of course, I have heard that from many parents through out the years.
As a long time fastpitch coach (not high school), I have always hoped that the umpire followed the rules of the governing associations that oversee the sport. I was told that Maryland High School Softball is governed by the ASA, and we do have ASA umpires. However, I understand that the NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) may be the governing body for Maryland Varsity Softball. Does anyone know for sure?
Meanwhile, I was at my daughter's game yesterday, and all seem to be going well. As with every game, no umpire is perfect and balls and strikes are often questioned (mostly silently) by the "Umpires in the Stands". Sometimes, the pitchers may give a stare to the Coach or umpire, when she thinks it was a good pitch.
Well in yesterday's game and in the last inning, the umpire made a statement to the coach that the ball must come down the middle of the plate, and the strike zone rules have changed. Of course, I can imagine how frustrating that was to the pitcher and coaches. Is the umpire correct?
Finally, I have looked online regarding the NFHS and ASA regarding the 2016 strike zone. I have yet to come across any rule changes regarding the strike zone. In fact, the link below explains the 2016 Strike Zone on the NFHS Site. I am not here to question judgment on the toughest responsibility in sports, which is calling balls and strikes. However, I am hoping to determine which organization governs Maryland High School Softball and the rules, and what is the actual strike zone for which the umpires should utilize their best judgement? (Front arm pit to the knees and ball crossing over any part of the plate?)
https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/softball-points-of-emphasis-2016/
As a long time fastpitch coach (not high school), I have always hoped that the umpire followed the rules of the governing associations that oversee the sport. I was told that Maryland High School Softball is governed by the ASA, and we do have ASA umpires. However, I understand that the NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) may be the governing body for Maryland Varsity Softball. Does anyone know for sure?
Meanwhile, I was at my daughter's game yesterday, and all seem to be going well. As with every game, no umpire is perfect and balls and strikes are often questioned (mostly silently) by the "Umpires in the Stands". Sometimes, the pitchers may give a stare to the Coach or umpire, when she thinks it was a good pitch.
Well in yesterday's game and in the last inning, the umpire made a statement to the coach that the ball must come down the middle of the plate, and the strike zone rules have changed. Of course, I can imagine how frustrating that was to the pitcher and coaches. Is the umpire correct?
Finally, I have looked online regarding the NFHS and ASA regarding the 2016 strike zone. I have yet to come across any rule changes regarding the strike zone. In fact, the link below explains the 2016 Strike Zone on the NFHS Site. I am not here to question judgment on the toughest responsibility in sports, which is calling balls and strikes. However, I am hoping to determine which organization governs Maryland High School Softball and the rules, and what is the actual strike zone for which the umpires should utilize their best judgement? (Front arm pit to the knees and ball crossing over any part of the plate?)
https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/softball-points-of-emphasis-2016/