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Pete
If I may be so bold:
First, you are assuming that your position is the "correct" one. "All states should follow FEDlandia" to paraphrase your thought.
Maybe "all states should abandon FEDlandia" is the "correct" side. I think we need to digress for a moment and look at many issues.
Second, any administrative issues (i.e. insurance, legal assistance, etc.) would obviously be covered by a system within the state in question so that is not a germane issue.
Third, ANY state can adopt a rule book and make adjustments. Now I have no idea about Rhode Island but they could easily adopt a "bat" regulation and cover that individual issue and still play OBR.
Four, NCAA shools are "voluntary" members of the association. A few years ago the major universities considered in football to split off and form the College Football Alliance. This would allow the universities to not only control playing rules but recruitment issues and eligibility with different regulations than those of the NCAA. Oh yeah, the would also control the MONEY from all NCAA games probably something they NEVER considered. :-}
Five, again the National Federation is a voluntary organization. There are more children involved in other non-sport areas than all sports oriented activities. Not only are you only considering just sport, your true interest lies in BASEBALL -- a sport tht is slowly "dieing" in terms of numbers of players as documented by FED.
Six, again contrary to Jim Porter's posts both MASS and RI ARE "considering" moving to FED in all sports. I hope that never occurs. I LIKE the fact that a group is strong enough to stand on its own.
Last, FED has explained quite clearly that they will ALWAYS sell their rules, case and umpire books. They will never be "on-line". I mention this becasue the reasoning is again what makes FEDlandia different than the NCAA.
NFHS DOES NOT sponsor national championships. Because of this they do not have income streams like those that the NCAA controls. The budget for FED national headquarters comes from the sale of rules books and school fees charged to be a member of the association.
Since there are NO national championships (sponsored by FED) there is no ultimate motivation for a state to follow any rules with the exception of those that govern a state championship level of competetion.
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