NEWSLINE STORY

published July-August 2016

World Tournament: What to Expect Your First Day

by Bill Marvin, 5th Vice President and Regional Director and Court Sanctioning Director

First time pitchers at the World Tournament sometimes feel overwhelmed and a bit intimidated on their first day of pitching.  The excitement in the air, adrenaline pumping, ready to go after all the preparation; it can take its toll on the nerves.  There are a few formalities that must be taken care of that first day.  Here is what to expect:

Pitchers should plan on arriving one and a half hours ahead of your pitching time to complete the check-in process, which involves a few steps.  Yes, there will be a line.  Yes, there will be a certain amount of waiting time.  Yes, all the questions are necessary.  Yes, you will eventually make it to the courts and pitch.

You will be asked to show your 2016 NHPA membership card.  Why?  Charters submit membership reports at different times, some monthly, some quarterly, some semi-annually and some once a year.  The only way to ensure that everyone has paid their dues is to ask to see their card.  If you forget to bring it, you will be required to pay a $20 deposit until your 2016 membership can be verified by you Charter Secretary.

Questions two and three: what brand of shoe do you pitch and what is your pitching style?  Why?  Each year members are interested in what shoes are popular and how they are being pitched.  This data is sent to Mel Yockstick, NHPA statistical guru, and he puts it on the web page and in the forum.  Just interesting information, nothing else. “Inquiring minds want to know.”

Your shoes will then be weighed and checked to make sure they are within NHPA specifications.  Each year there are a few that are either warped, have been illegally modified or will not fit in the jig for one reason or the other, and a few are over the weight specification.  If shoes cannot be straightened or ground to fit the jig, they are held until after the competition is completed.  This is a very good reason to bring two pair; if your favorites don’t pass, you will need a backup pair. If you have a pick up stick, it will be checked.  Sticks cannot be longer than 36” in length and the hook cannot extend 2” from the center of the main shaft. 

After these things have been completed, your shirt will be checked to make sure you have your name and state on the back.  Make sure the letters are professionally lettered, at least 1” in size.  No sleeveless shirts, no open toed shoes, no cut-offs are allowed.   You will receive your round robin card for the first day.  So now you are ready to pitch, right?  Well, not quite.

Each class will have their picture taken (and listen to Ernie’s corny jokes).  These pictures make an excellent souvenir.  There will also be a few important announcements so PAY ATTENTION! After this, you will be dismissed to begin your competition.  DO NOT TAKE THE COURTS TO BEGIN PRACTICE UNITL YOU ARE DIRECTED TO DO SO.  There will be plenty of time to warm up so don’t panic.  Shift Directors will tell you when to start your games, so wait until that announcement is made.

On days two and three, be at the arena 30 minutes ahead of time to pick up your round robin card for the day.  No other check in is needed.  Again, do not take the courts to begin practice until you are directed to do so.  If for some reason you cannot pitch the second or third day, please notify the NHPA office as far in advance as possible so a Pacer can be put in your place.

Good luck and lots of ringers to everyone – see you in Montgomery. Easy does it.