Reporting Delegate Voting Results on Proposed Rules Changes
by Dan Sanders, 1st Vice President and Bylaws/Rules/Grievance Director
The voting results for the 12 Proposed Rules Changes (PRCs) that were brought before our convention delegates this year are presented below. As there were 113 possible delegate votes, and a two-thirds vote is required for passage, a total of 76 'yes' votes was required for the approval of each proposed change.
Voting results are below. A more complete and detailed wording of the PRCs can be found on the NHPA website (link to: http://www.horseshoepitching.com/rules/proposals.html). The PRCs that were passed will be included in the next revision of the RGS Book to be published after January 1.
2015 NHPA Proposed Rules Changes – Condensed
PRC #1 - This proposal requires all new court construction to have a five-foot-high protective barrier, and includes any rebuilt fences after January 1. FAILED 63/50
PRC #2 - Describes additional requirements for a conditional court sanction. It will require that a minimum of three courts have short distance platforms. This proposal would take effect in 2019. PASSED 102/11
PRC #3 - This proposal clarifies where a contestant should stand during the game while not pitching. PASSED 106/7
PRC #4 - Defines what the term “modified shoe” includes. Does not allow anything but paint to be applied to the shoe. PASSED 111/2
PRC #5 - Adds a complete set of guidelines for handling unsportsmanlike conduct at sanctioned events. PASSED 105/6
PRC #6 - Lowers the age of the Elders Division from 70 to 65 years of age. FAILED 34/79
PRC #7 - Lowers the age of the Cadets Division from 12 to 10 years of age. FAILED 16/97
PRC #8 - Removes the alternate pitch format requirement from handicapped classes. PASSED 93/20
PRC #9 - Allows a player in a pacer game to choose the format of who pitches first. FAILED 68/45
PRC #10 - Decides how class playoff game ties are to be broken, using the extra inning method. PASSED 110/3
PRC#11 - Allows state tournament directors to mix any championship class if there is a lack of entries into a division. FAILED 46/67
PRC #12 - Abolishes the Senior Men’s Division. (The Elders’ age vote results were known before this vote was taken.) FAILED 27/86
There were also three decisions made by the NHPA Council that required delegate approval:
1. Allows Juniors to receive their award money upon reaching age 18. PASSED 104-9
2. Requires all United States and Canadian world tournament entries to have four sanctioned events. PASSED 112- 1
3. Allows all minor changes (too numerous to be listed) needed in reference to converting Newsline to an online publication. PASSED 110-3