Payson Roundup

High school softball pitchers will, within the next two years, find themselves pitching from 43 feet rather than the 40 feet they now do.

The change in distance from the pitching rubber to home plate occurred as the result of a rules revision adopted in June by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The change could occur in Arizona next softball season, but also might not take place until the 2010-11 season.

It will be up to the Arizona Interscholastic Association to decide when to implement the change that will place the pitching distance in high schools the same distance as it is on the college level. Some club teams also pitch from the longer distance.

It’s unclear exactly what the change will mean for prep fast pitch softball, but most expect it to result in more offense since hitters will have a longer time to focus in on the pitched ball.

In the 4A and 5A “big school” ranks, elite pitchers can dominate a game resulting in low scores.

In 3A, however, there are not as many top-notch pitchers, so often there is more hitting and runs scored.

Some coaches predict the change won’t hinder the seasoned, top-notch hurlers, but could hurt the younger pitchers, especially those on the freshman and junior varsity level.

Some already struggle with control problems, moving the mound back three feet might render those difficulties even worse.

However, some highly motivated varsity pitchers around the state already train by throwing from longer distances, some as far away as second base.

Last chance

The Rim Country’s aspiring young football players have one last chance to register for Payson Youth League play.

It unfolds from 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Aug. 1, at Chapman Auto Center.

“Due to the water shortages all around, we will not be having the car wash but will continue with registration” league officer Pamela Way said.

This season promises to be an exciting one since the league is switching from the Central Arizona Youth Football Association to one in the White Mountains.

Also, height and weight restrictions have been moved. Team placement will be based on grade level. The league is open to players and cheerleaders entering kindergarten through eighth-grade.

The participation fee is $100, but scholarships are available for children who need financial assistance.

Practices begin Aug. 3 and the first games are scheduled for Sept. 5.

The league is also accepting applications for coaches.

To apply, or for more information about the league, call (928) 978-6723.

Adult football

The upcoming Adult Flag Football League will be limited to 12 teams.

Which means those who wish to participate in the gridiron fun should register as soon as possible at the town parks and recreation department located at Green Valley Park Park. The deadline is Aug. 20 and the fee is $200 per team. Players must be at least 16 years of age. Games begin Aug. 31 and will be played Wednesday and Friday evenings on the Rumsey II softball field.

Teams will consist of eight players on the field at one time.

Golf to clothe a child

The annual Elks Clothe-a-Child Golf Tournament will be played tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 1. Check-in is at 7 a.m. and an hour later the fray gets off with a shotgun start.

The format is four-man teams of best-ball play, but golfers who do not have a team will be assigned one.

The fee is $80 per golfer, $65 for members of PGC, which covers 18 holes of play with a cart, lunch, raffle prizes and awards for closest-to-the-pin and longest drive.

For more information, call Becky Waer (928) 476-3678.