2019 PRESEASON GUIDE
BASEBALL
Starting with the 2019 season, pitchers in the set position are no longer required to have their entire pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate.
Off on the ‘Right’ Foot NFHS Rule Change Targets Pitcher’s Pivot Foot
KEN KASSENS
T
he NFHS Baseball Rules Committee approved a modification of rules regarding the pitcher’s pivot foot. From the set position, it will no longer be an illegal pitch (balk with runners on base) if the entire pivot foot isn’t in contact with the pitcher’s plate. At its June 3-5 meeting in Indianapolis, the committee made that change and extended the
implementation date for baseballs meeting the NOCSAE standard. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
Removing an Element of the Pivot Foot Requirement (6-1-3) Starting with the 2019 season, pitchers will no longer be required to
PUBLISHED BY REFEREE IN COOPERATION WITH THE NFHS
have their entire pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate while in the set position. The rules committee recognized that the condition of many pitching mounds makes it problematic for the pitcher to have his/her entire pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate. No advantage is gained by a pitcher who had some SEE “‘RIGHT’ FOOT” P. 2