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PrintJournal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Issue: May/June 2010
The Danger of Selectively Changing the Rules in Youth Sport: The Case of the Strike Zone
Cesar R. Torres
Abstract: Albeit well-intentioned, the practice of selectively changing the strike zone to promote young players’ welfare is critically flawed. After discussing the central purpose of competitive sport, the duty of officials, and the significance of impartiality in officiating, this article demonstrates that this practice presents numerous practical challenges, disregards one of competitive sport’s foundational moral standards, and distorts the competitive process. In addition, it fails to teach young baseball players the point and significance of competitive sport and disrespects their capacity for personal growth. Neither the selective changing of the strike zone nor analogous officiating practices should be implemented in organized youth sport.
Article category: Philosophy of Sport