The NCAA Softball Rules Committee has once again embarked on their yearly crusade to leave their mark on the sport.
The committee has proposed that when pushing off the pitcher’s plate, both feet of pitchers could disengage from the playing surface during their delivery, starting in the 2023-24 year. “Under the proposal, the pitcher’s pivot foot could become airborne with one push from the pitcher’s plate. However, pitchers would not be allowed to replant their pivot foot, resulting in pushing off from a second point and the pitcher being farther away from the pitcher’s plate. Committee members think whether the pivot foot stays in contact with the ground or is airborne, there is no advantage gained by the pitcher.”
Other interesting debate to come out of the committee is the obstruction by a defensive player, deemed as such if said player blocks any part of the leading edge of any base or otherwise blocks the runner from advancing or returning to a base. The committee also recommended expanding video review, and a possible option regarding a visible action/pitch.