By Staff
With the upcoming 2008-2009 sports season, rule changes and amendments have been made in specific sports.
While looking over the rule changes for the 2008-2009, I came across five different rules for five different sports that I thought were the most important for that particular sport.
In baseball, a revision to rule 6-2-3 will not allow pitchers to pitch close to a batter. Rule 7-3-4 prohibits a batter to allow himself to be hit by a pitched ball. The batter will remain at bat unless a third strike or a ball four is called.
In basketball, the two marked lines closest to the baseline will be removed.
Each player will move up one lane space during a free throw and new lines will be applied near the free throw line to designate the last three feet.
In softball, a pitcher exceeding the 20-second time limit to deliver a pitch will result in a ball awarded to the batter in the count.
In track and field, a pole-vaulter will be charged with a foul if their feet leave the ground to permit a vaulter to leave the ground and return in stopping an approach.
Revision to rules 6-4-9c and 6-5-9c allow competitors in those events to enter and exit the throwing circle without a foul provided the throw occurs within the time limit.
In volleyball, rule 1-6-2 will allow a team to have more than one captain at the prematch conference with game officials and coaches.
While all these rules I have mentioned have an impact on their respective sport, I think that the basketball free throw line change will pose the greatest impact on that sport.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association stated the rule change was instituted due to rough play in free throw situations.
Data from the Georgia High School Athletic Association experimented with the lane change last season and helped in the rule change.
Mary Struckhoff, with the National Federation of State High School Association, said after the rule change in Georgia, the number of fouls during free throws reduced and the rebounding percentage for the defensive rebounding fell within the acceptable range.
On a different note, I want to wish all our state bound baseball All-Star teams the best of luck as they travel to their respective state tournament sites this Saturday.
The 10-and-11-year-old Brewton Little League team will be heading to Sylacauga while the 13-year-old Brewton Babe Ruth team will head to Andalusia.
The 14-year-old Brewton Babe Ruth team will be heading to Demopolis. I hope all players, coaches, and fans have a great and safe time.
Until Sunday when we meet again here or out in the world of sports, God bless.