Well - here is a further update. Seems like our UIC has tried to stay on top of this issue because it is being called a lot down here during HS. Here is what he got from the NCAA, NFHS and ASA regarding the "leap, crowhop and replant" controversy. I know I will make it a point to ask the TD's and UIC's at our qualifiers and Showcases if they interpert it the same way. Hopefully the TD's will make it a point of clarification during their pretournament meetings.
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Subj: IMPORTANT - GUIDANCE ON CALLING the Crow Hop/Replant from NFHS and ASA
Umpires,
Sometimes from controversy comes clarity. The illegal pitch controversy has created quite a stir since the NCAA SUIP made it a point of emphasis with the umpires some 3 years ago. It resulted in people losing jobs. However, what was being taught was never refuted or clarified until recently, when after a rash of illegal pitches being called this spring for replanting, Dee Abrahamson, rules editor and interpreter for the NCAA, published the following clarification/directive:
[FONT=times new roman, new york, times, serif]If the pivot foot remains in contact with the pitcher's plate prior to the initial drive and then remains in contact with the ground throughout the pitching motion, and the pitching arm circle is continuous without hesitation, and the drive of the front foot remains inside the pitching plate, then we have a LEGAL pitch. It is LEGAL footwork if the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher's plate prior to the initial drive, and then remains in contact with the ground throughout the pitching motion as the front foot land inside the pitcher's lane.
Many of you have seen the illegal pitch video/powerpoint presentation that was a produced during that time frame. It was recently posted on the FHSAA web site under the belief that this was a correct interpretation and a sanctioned presentation. Many of the points on the video are valid but the section on crow hopping and replant is NOT. This video/powerpoint will be removed from the web site.
After the directive from the NCAA, I sent an e mail to Julie Johnson of the NFHS asking for guidance from NFHS and the ASA. I wanted to make sure that the umpires in Florida were operating on the same page as the rest of the country. I have since heard back from Julie that the NCAA interpretation and guidance is the same interpretation and guidance from NFHS and ASA.
What does that mean to us?
We will continue to call the leap. The only time we will call a crow hop is if there is a noticeable hitch or stoppage in movement when the pitchers arm circle has begun and the foot has already pushed away from the pitching plate. As long as the arm circle is continuous and the foot remains in contact with the ground, we have a LEGAL pitch.
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