ISF Changes Pitching Rule

effective in international play only

Just when we thought the dreaded debate was beginning to settle down, it appears the ISF is about to alter the pitching rule once again in an attempt to increase offense.

Fastpitchwest uncovered the story ISF Throws Aussie Pitcher a Curveball which was a follow up to a report that broke in Australia about the possibility of Team Australia losing star pitcher Adam Folkard.

The new rule is designed to prevent pitchers from "hiding the ball" and therefore gaining an unfair advantage. It will only take effect in international play.

It all started with World #1 ranked Adam Folkard of Australia, who was dominating at the 2010 World Championships in shutting out the New Zealand Black Sox.

Many felt that pitching was too dominant for the good of the game and that something had to be done.

Authorities believed that the best way to change the game is to restrict the pitchers motion. In particular, they feel that the pitcher can gain an unfair advantage by "hiding the ball".

Mike Piechnik separates his hands and maintains constant motion without a pause.This motion is legal.

The new rule has two key points; hand separation and continuous motion.

b. The pitching hand with ball must begin separation from the glove when the pivot foot loses contact with the pitcher’s plate or the ground.
c. The pitching arm must maintain constant motion throughout the push off and landing or the end of the push off.
d. The pitcher may hide the ball behind the glove however the pitching hand with the ball and the glove must be separated.
e. Once the pitch or pitching motion starts, the pitching arm may not stop its motion.

Some experts claim this new rule is actually a merger of sorts between the ISF and the ISC.

There is still a difference between the two but they may be moving closer together.

The ISC requires only one foot to begin on the pitchers plate while the ISF still insists on two.

However, the ISC has also identified "continous motion", or a lack thereof, as a problem.

Should the ISF ever relent to allowing only one foot, then the two major players in men's fastpitch would essentially share the same pitching rule for the first time in history.

If this rule interpretation takes hold with the umpires it could result in some pitchers having to alter their motion or risk "illegal pitch" violations.

TIC has searched the gallery and found photos of pitchers who may be affected most.

Derek Mayson

"Mayse" is rapidly becoming synonomous with " horse" on the west coast, however he will have to rebuild his motion to comply with ISF and ISC rules.

The violation is:
b. The pitching hand with ball must begin separation from the glove when the pivot foot loses contact with the pitcher’s plate or the ground.

Lucas Mata

"El Matador" is one of the best in the world. He and many others slow or even pause their arm motion for a fraction of a second at the "K" position.

The violation is:
e. Once the pitch or pitching motion starts, the pitching arm may not stop its motion.

Sean Whitten

A master at inventing peculiar motions while remaining within the rules, Sean will have to re-invent once again.

Kory Gareau

Should Kory return to the game after a one year absense, he could also be called for "illegal pitch" unless a change is made and the hands separate sooner.

Sebastian Gervasutti

Sebastian could be the #1 most wanted on the international pitching police's hit list!

Thanks to Fastpitch West for this photo.