MEMORANDUM

TO: MEMBERS OF GWINNETT SENIOR SOFTBALL, INC.
FROM:  GSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DATE: February 2, 2016

 

The Gwinnett Senior Softball, Inc., Board of Directors met on January 13th, 2016, to conduct the business of the league, review the 2015 season, plan for the 2016 season and consider and discuss the comments and suggestions made by league members during the year and at the annual membership meeting in December 2015.

 

After much debate and careful deliberation, it was decided that the wearing of the pitcher facemasks and use of pitcher screens will remain mandatory in both the National and American Leagues for the 2016 season.

 

This was not an easy decision.  A great many players have expressed a desire to do away with the pitcher screens, as they felt the screens diminish their enjoyment of our wonderful game.  But the risk of injury to pitchers carried the most weight when arriving at the determination to retain the use of screens.

 

With the adoption of fortified softballs hit with composite senior bats, more and more players are able to drive the ball harder than in the past, resulting in the ball arriving at the pitcher in less time than ever before.  Given the changes in reaction times and eyesight that we all experience, it was deemed most important that the protection afforded by the facemasks and screens continue.

 

The umpire will place the screen in place and it will not be adjusted by any player.  A pitcher may attempt to field any batted ball.  

 

A batted ball that strikes the screen will be a dead ball strike.  If a batted ball strikes the screen after a count of two strikes, then an out is declared.  

 

The screens are provided for the protection of the pitcher.  There will be no restrictions on the movement of the pitcher, who may come from behind the screen to field a pop fly, move left or right to field a ground ball or line drive or simply stick out a hand in an attempt to make a fielding play.

 

With these safeguards in place, the risk of injury has been minimized and we can all enjoy a safer softball experience.