Marking starting spot

[jhnastn]

We have a short distance pitcher that has painted a bright orange spot about 2 inches across at 34 feet on the right side of the pitching platform on all 4 of our indoor courts to mark his starting position.  The question came up whether this is permissible.  Any thoughts?

[rza49311]

I was looking through the rule book and it sort of sounds like the same thing as imaginary stakes. That's all I found.

SECTION B – Court Specifications
5. Imaginary Stakes - Imaginary stakes are a useful reference, for short-distance pitchers, on where to stand. They shall be marked (often by a spot of paint or other marker of the same diameter as the official stake) midway between the extended platforms, or on the inside edge of the extended platforms, at distances of thirty feet (30’) and twenty-three feet (23’) from the opposite stake.

[Debby M]

Although it is technically not "illegal", it is not advisable to make such a bright mark that is almost permanent, on an indoor court.   When it is that bright and is NOT on a regulation foul line, it might confuse other pitchers OR distract them.   Better to make a small mark with masking tape or chalk.    However, if all who play there are questioned and agree that it is acceptable, that might be fine.   We did have a similar occurrence with a legally blind pitcher.    We asked his opponents if we could paint the foul lines on their courts a flourescent orange so he could see them and they agreed.    Then he went out and won his class!    But this is not allowed at the World Tournament - no permanent marks.    Again, a small amount of masking tape or a chalk mark is more acceptable as it is not as bright and can be removed easily.   As the previous writer noted, if the stake marks are clear, he might not even need another mark as he can measure his starting point off the stake mark. 

[The Machine]

 :)This problem has been around a long time. I'm a forty foot pitcher and I use the stake to line up and pitch. Place an imaginary stake for the thirty footer so he can line up to pitch. So simple!!!!

[ringergirl]

Debbie made the comment that "NO Permanent " markings on the courts at the WT were allowed. Since some materials are easily washed away, does this include colored Chalk or any other type of marking material? Should all pitchers, regardless if they are Juniors - 30 ft. Men 40ft. or any other pitcher, be allowed to mark on the mats or floors at the WT during Tournament Play?

Is there a RULE on this issue?

Does this give the pitcher an edge or an upper hand on the opponent when the opponent does not do this themself? 

Opinion: I believe that by the time you arrive at the WT, you should be able to know your spot without marking it, having a visible marker on the floor can distract the other pitcher and even may distract pitchers on the opposite courts, you have more than enough time to practice and figure this out before you begin to pitch!

Thanks

[moshoe]

Wow, Im surprised that a simple little mark such as chalk or tape would be any problem. I agree with Debbie. I would be a little more concerned with bright paint such as a big line, unless special arrangements have been made such as a pitcher with blindness.

I have experienced many of these marks during world tournament play. While pitching in Cedar Rapids, IA my game against the Legendary Alan Francis, he would make a little chalk mark prior to the game, This in no way effected my game. small marks such as these on your court or a court next to you should have no bearing on your game. Here's a TIP for everyone - Concentrate on your game and stay as focused as possible, do not let outside issues distract your game. If you are worrying about the 1" chalk mark your opponent just put down, your head is not in the right place.

Good Luck to all at the 2012 World Tournament!

[fliptoon]

If you are worrying about the 1" chalk mark your opponent just put down, your head is not in the right place.

Good point "moshoe". Too often something is made out of nothing and we insert more unnecessary rules or regulations. Lets just pitch.

[ringergirl]

Understood, however the question is still not answered! Is there a RULE that states no markings on floor or mats at the WT? Per the previous post, It is NOT recommended period...... Is that Correct? If we send people to the WT that have never entered before, we need them to be prepared and know the "RULES" so they do not get removed for such things without having proper information. No different than the Judges following a "RULE" of stepping on or over the "Fowl Lines" those rules are followed at the WT "NO Exceptions".

There will be many First Timers there and they need to be prepared of what to expect. That's All.

Thanks

[adpizza]

Here it is right from the rules section:  "Imaginary stakes are a useful reference, for short-distance pitchers, on where to stand. They shall be marked (often by a spot of paint or other marker of the same diameter as the official stake) midway between the extended platforms, or on the inside edge of the extended platforms, at distances of thirty feet (30’) and twenty-three feet (23’) from the opposite stake."

Remember this is horseshoe pitching, do not over read anything into the rules or over think it. If you think that one little mark or line would be a distraction I just wonder what you would do if someone is just walking around. I do understand where you are coming from on the marking of a court by any pitcher. I think it looks tacky. How many weird motions do some people make to "get their horseshoe lined up"? Trust me I have seen some pretty wild things over the years. If the personal marks are so bright that they become distracting this we all have a problem.

Their is no rule that I am aware of that prevents anyone from making a personal mark on where to start pitching from. If clubs would use the Imaginary stake as a reference for short distance pitchers that may alieviate some of the issues with marking courts.

[Tina Hawkins]

All entrants into the 2012 World Tournament should be receiving their schedule (or can read it online if that was their preference) and "welcome letter" which begins by stating:

"As a participant, you should know the "Official Rules of Play" and the special requirements of this tournament."

Among these special requirements is the statement, "No permanent marks are allowed on the
walkways."

All you have to do to be informed is read the information that is provided for you. Please take the time to read the cover letter, as it may contain other items that are particular to THIS tournament and not found in the RGS book.

[moshoe]

That is correct... Chalk or marking tape is not a permanent marking and is legal on the courts.

[2ringer6]

Key word is "permanent"!

[Jerry]

If a player uses tape to mark their starting spot, they will be asked to remove it from the courts at the end of EACH shift they play. If they make a NORMAL chaulk line, they will not be asked to remove it, (although it would be the courteous thing to do). All one has to do is rub your foot over a chaulk line a few times to remove it. The NHPA, (and that includes all of it's members) paid a lot of money for the rubber walkways you all enjoy at the world tournament. Marking them up with anything permanent will not be tolerated. And although tape is not permanent, somebody has to take the time to remove it, and that responsibility is going to fall upon the player who put it down.
We have no problem with short distance pitchers making temporary chaulk marks on the walkways, but let's all please use common sense and make sure it doesn't become a problem.
Let's all have FUN in Knoxville !!!