Confusion Between 9 Man and 10 Man Pitching Rules

Is there confusion? In one word - YES. There are several reasons for the confusion which I will try and address.

  1. Many tournaments and leagues that utilize 10 players allow ANY type of Modified pitching.
  2. There are very few good 10-Man style pitchers. So if we hold fast to the rules then we do not have a competitive league.
  3. Many umpires and players do not have enough experience to know the difference. So even if you are following the 10-Man ASA/ISA rules, the 9-Man style if often allowed.
  4. Unless you were umpiring or playing in the early 70’s you may have never seen anything but 9-Man "sling shot".
  5. Some Tournaments play 9 defensive players but use 10-Man Pitching rules.
  6. Finally, some 10-Man tournaments allow the 9-Man sling shot style of pitching.
Suffice it to say, there is confusion out there. That is why this site was developed.

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