Pitching Screen Rules
MSCSA recommends using a pitcher’s safety screen (team provides) for pitcher protection. The screen is placed in front of the pitcher’s plate and must remain positioned there the entire ½ inning unless there is a pitching change. The pitcher MUST be completely behind the screen after the pitch is released. Failure to do so will result in an illegal pitch. While the pitcher must be behind the screen, the pitcher is allowed to move from behind the screen to field batted balls. All pitchers in MSCSA will still be required to wear a protective face mask (MSCSA Playing Rule 6C). The pitcher must maintain contact with the pitching plate (pitching rubber) when releasing the ball. The pitcher may also release the ball from up to six (6) feet directly behind the pitcher’s plate. If a pitcher chooses to pitch from behind the pitcher’s plate, only one foot must be within the width of the pitcher’s plate (MSCSA Playing Rule 6C).
The pitching screen may be used by either team, if only one team uses the screen, they will be responsible to take it on and remove the screen each half inning. The screen shall not be larger than 4’ x 8’ placed no more than 3 feet in front of the pitching plate and the side of screen centered on the pitching plate. A batted ball hitting the screen will be considered a strike (third strike after the courtesy foul is an out). Thrown balls by the defense that hit the screen are in play, and the screen may not be knocked over or pushed to the side to allow a throw by a defensive player. Any thrown ball that becomes entangled in the screen becomes a dead ball. All runners will be awarded one base.