[Chess Ref]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

For a few of reasons.

#1. The moment anyone mandates anything it places them in jeopardy of litigation for something that has absolutely nothing to do with the reason the item was mandated in the first place.

#2. Anything mandated requires rules and/or code changes, studies executed, standards set, rounds of testing, probationary period(s), possible legal challenges and negotiations equipment manufacturers.

#3. Think about it as an umpire. Bat restrictions = multiple bat lists; Helmet certification = equipment checks; Mandatory chin straps = more umpire administrative duties; Mandatory face masks for batters = MORE umpire administrative duties. And any failure places the umpire in legal jeopardy.

#4. But the biggest reason of all is that it placates the cowards.

If something is that important, why would anyone wait for an organization to make it mandatory? There are NO rules forbidding a player or coach from wearing any protective gear. That is until it is mandated and then there IS a restriction on what the players and coaches may wear on the field because the sanctioning body is now liable.

If you don't believe me, check out any of the old posts about the face masks on coach/parent boards. Constant whining and crying and DEMANDING ASA mandate the use of them. Well, ASA council did just what was DEMANDED by the customer. At first, everyone complained that they failed to enact the rule fast enough even though they clearly told everyone it would take at least a year for NOCSAE to test and observe for the required probationary period prior to certification.

Once it did go into effect, guess what? The same people whined and cried like spoiled little babies that ASA should have grandfathered all the masks on the market, they enacted it too quickly and every other petty excuse for not wanting to abid by the rule THEY demanded.

Of course, if it was so damn important, WHY was there a need for a mandate? The sorry excuse for intelligent adults is just unbelievable.

If your child is going to get into competitive skateboarding and you believe he should wear a helmet, are you going to ignore your beliefs and feelings because it isn't mandated by some organization? Or are you going to whine and cry at the next town council meeting, "I can't make my son wear his helmet, you need to pass a law!"

Nice. I enjoyed reading that.

PS saw a Delaware rock star last night. We went and saw George & The Destroyers.