: League News: Demopolis Dixie Youth Adopts the "O" Zone Rules
Friday, February 10Demopolis Dixie Youth Adopts the "O" Zone Rules
The O Zone or Open Base Rules apply only to the Dixie Majors (11-12) Division. Under the old rules teams played on a field using 60 base lines, a pitching distance of 46, and base runners could not leave the base until the ball reached the plate. Under the O Zone Rules the baselines will be 70 with a pitching distance of 50 and base runners are allowed to lead off and steal just like in major league baseball.
While the O Zone Rules are currently optional, many are of the opinion that it is just a matter of time before they are mandatory. The Demopolis DYB researched and debated this issue for nearly three months before deciding to adopt the rules. Mark Hasty, the Player Agent for the Dixie Majors said, There were many issues to take into consideration and while everyone wasnt in agreement on every aspect, we all agreed that this change would provide a better experience for our kids and better prepare them to move up to the next level. Brian Sellers, Player Agent for the Dixie AA (7-8) also agreed but warned that teams may struggle early. The extended distances make fundamentals even more important but you also have a whole set of new skills to teach. Pitchers have to be taught how to hold runners, runners have to be taught to read pitchers, runners and catchers have to know when a dropped 3rd strike is live and a runner can advance, umpires have to know what a balk looks like. So parents need to be patient. In the long run our kids will be much better off with us being out in front of this change instead of waiting to following the pack.
Handout: "O" Zone Rules