A valve having an improved multiple position notch plate providing a large number of selectable valve positions with enhanced strength, including in the travel stop limiting the range of movement of the valve handle connected to the valve member. The notch plate includes a plurality of intermediate notches extending only partially through a radial outer periphery thereof, at spaced locations along an arcuate path of movement of a detent element in connection with the valve handle. In one embodiment, the intermediate notches are disposed in radial outer tips of fingers defining a plurality of through notches extending completely through the notch plate, also for receiving the detent element for holding the handle. As a result a greater number of valve positions can be achieved, with robustness and strength to withstand hammer blows, kicking and the like.