The annual Summer Softball Summit was held in August. Much of the discussion centered around the new MSHSL policies and NFHS rules. The NFHS has changed the pitching distance for varsity games from 40' to 43' beginning with the 2011 season. States have the option of making the change in the 2010 season. Our membership had voted against this change in 2009, as a result it was decided to wait until 2011 to move the pitching distance back in order to allow more time for pitchers to prepare for this change. The MSHSL policy eliminating double elimination play prior to the section semifinals will have a huge impact on this season's post-season play. Most sections are currently double elimination beginning with the first or second round of the playoffs. MSHSL policies limiting travel to games and scrimmages has put a hold on many softball programs plan to travel south for games and/or scrimmages. A sanction form is required to play games more in non-bordering states that are more than 600 miles round-trip from the school site. All practices and scrimmages can not be held more than 25 miles from the Minnesota border. Teams are also limited to only three scrimmage dates during a season. A survey of our member coaches indicated they were strongly opposed to these changes. Our association will be working hard to get these policies removed. The final item on the agenda was the Ms. Softball and Pitcher of the Year awards. The voting for these awards will take place with the all-state awards this spring and the awards handed out that the state tournament banquet.

The planning for this year's coaches clinic is underway. The clinic will again be held in St. Cloud on February 5th and 6th. Cindy Bristow will be presenting at this year's clinic. Bristow has coached at the Division I level, the Women's Professional Softball League, and served as National Director of National Teams and Coaching Development for USA Softball. This should make for another very informative and exciting clinic.