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Member
You might want to re-think your position...
While searching through the NCAA web site for an interpretation on this, I came across an "Ask the Expert" section, headed by one Dee Abrahamson. Dee is the NCAA Secretary Rule Editor on their softball rules committee and a member of their Softball Umpires Improvement Program.
I sent her an email with this question, figuring that I probably wouldn't hear anything back. I was sure that the NCAA folks have better things to do with their time!
To my surprise, I received a reply this evening.
First, my question:
"I know that under ASA/NFHS rules it is not a violation for the pitcher to take a signal from the catcher prior to stepping on the pitcher's plate, so long as she subsequently takes, or simulates taking, a signal once she does engage the plate. My understanding is that the intent of this rule is to prevent the pitcher from stepping on the plate and immediately rolling right through with the pitch, in an effort to catch the batter off-balance. The requirement of pausing before starting the delivery is intended to prevent a "quick pitch". My question is if the NCAA rule is interpreted the same way."
The reply:
"You are absolutely correct...she can take as many signals as she wants BUT must take, or simulate taking, the last one once positioned on the pitcher's plate.
Hope you can pass that along to her.
Dee Abrahamson
Senior Associate Athletic Director/SWA
Northern Illinois University
Convocation Center Suite 200
NCAA Softball Secretary Rules Editor"
That works for me!
While searching through the NCAA web site for an interpretation on this, I came across an "Ask the Expert" section, headed by one Dee Abrahamson. Dee is the NCAA Secretary Rule Editor on their softball rules committee and a member of their Softball Umpires Improvement Program.
I sent her an email with this question, figuring that I probably wouldn't hear anything back. I was sure that the NCAA folks have better things to do with their time!
To my surprise, I received a reply this evening.
First, my question:
"I know that under ASA/NFHS rules it is not a violation for the pitcher to take a signal from the catcher prior to stepping on the pitcher's plate, so long as she subsequently takes, or simulates taking, a signal once she does engage the plate. My understanding is that the intent of this rule is to prevent the pitcher from stepping on the plate and immediately rolling right through with the pitch, in an effort to catch the batter off-balance. The requirement of pausing before starting the delivery is intended to prevent a "quick pitch". My question is if the NCAA rule is interpreted the same way."
The reply:
"You are absolutely correct...she can take as many signals as she wants BUT must take, or simulate taking, the last one once positioned on the pitcher's plate.
Hope you can pass that along to her.
Dee Abrahamson
Senior Associate Athletic Director/SWA
Northern Illinois University
Convocation Center Suite 200
NCAA Softball Secretary Rules Editor"
That works for me!