International Softball Federation moves pitching distance for women's fast pitch
11/20/2001
Tampa, FL---In a move designed to bring even more excitement to women’s fastpitch softball, the International Softball Federation (ISF) voted to move the distance of the pitching rubber from 40 feet to 43 feet and moved the fence-distance from 200 to 220 feet. Both changes will take effect on January 1, 2002.
"This change will certainly open up the field and will put more offense into the game," siad Merle Butler, ISF Rules Interpreter.
The drive to change the rule came after the Sydney Olympics where it was evident the game had progressed to the point that pitching dominated the game and that fences only 200 feet away gave the power hitters a bit of an advantage.
The new rules will be in effect for all international softball involving female athletes. Its first big test will be in July when the Women’s Fastpitch Championship will be held in Saskatoon, Canada.