Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
Here's the blow-by-blow as I understand it.
The rule was proposed by a Council Member who did not even support the rule, but submitted only what the coaches in that area requested. As a result, it was only worded to allow them the bat the roster, but no secondary rules that are typically associated with the concept as used in practice (standard at most/many showcases) were included. The intent was clear; allow coaches to showcase the entire roster in meaningless games, to include players that would have limited opportunity once the bracket play began, with as little limitation as deemed reasonable.
The NUS and Umpires Committee didn't like it, either. When it passed thru the National Council despite their opposition, it seems that, rather than attempt to implement what practically EVERYONE understood was desired, the staff showed their disdain for the rule by insisting to continue to enforce the rules that clearly contradict the intent.
The interpretations that followed, not being part of the actual rules, apparently aren't being noticed by the teams, either; so they aren't (yet) complaining to the point of generating new rules submissions. Instead, teams are just disgusted and disappointed, and repeating the mantra that USA/ASA still doesn't listen to what the constituency (teams, coaches, players) want. In some areas (Georgia is currently a great example), the teams are leaving (or minimizing) USA/ASA and being marketed strongly by the competition.
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When it passed, it wasn't the first time it had been proposed.
As I've noted before, it is a bullshit rule that is there to allow teams to make more money. This way they can justify the financial demands and point to Little Susie on the field during these games and tell the parents, "we told you she would play". At the same time they wouldn't even consider Lil' Susie for a game that has any value attached unless they ran out of players.
The "showcase" mentality is, IMO, getting close to the level of absurdity if it is not already there. These teams play enough friendlies and college showcases, there is no reason to turn Championship Play into another.
What showcases there are in today's world are more for coaches to see a predetermined line-up of players. Kids get recruited because they (or their parents) sell themselves through letters, e-mails, video and stats. From what I understand, (at the upper collegiate levels) it is a rare occasion that a player is directly recruited from "being seen" during a tournament. I understand that it happens, but not as much as these teams sell to the parents on the importance of "being seen". Lil' Susie will not get recruited by being seen in pool play. Good possibility she will not even be "seen" unless she accidentally crushes a 300' grand slam while a coach is sitting there to look at another player. And even then, the coach is going to talk to the coach who will not play her before anyone else.
Then again, many of these rules get by because of the fear of competition.
IMO, you need to keep all other rules intact. Umpires have difficulty handling some of the substitution and shorthanded rules as it is, can you imagine when you have a couple sets of these rules?
