playhard314 posted:hitting, throwing, blocking and game management hold more weight. A catcher isn't going to be recruited primarily on his receiving skills. It matters but tertiary at best.A big key here is preventing runners from advancing bases. Of course, a past ball is a free base. A stolen base is advancing a base. A well-framed pitch may, on occasion, get you a strike or, less frequently, an out but is relatively less of a factor in preventing bases. You can argue, situationally, between the importance of blocking vs. throwing/POP but receiving is a clear third at that level, even with the abstract deductions that can be made with buying occasional strikes.
Thanks for your reply, @cabbagedad. When you say game management... are you including pitch calling in that?
When applicable. There are many successful programs in HS and college where the staff calls pitches and plays. That's a whole other discussion that has been had here in depth - you can search the topic. Regardless, there is still plenty for a C to manage... calling throws, calling IF pop flies, getting to the fence to help other fielders on foul pop ups, taking charge of bunts, knowing what each P responds best to (pace, dialog, number of visits/time outs, etc.), calling backpicks, proper umpire relations, on and on.