[NCASAUmp]

ASA uniform rules are primarily meant for championship play, not for Tuesday night local ball. As such, most leagues have greatly relaxed their uniform rules so that the emphasis is more on participation than nit-picking the color of players' pants. I, for one, think this is a good thing.

Now, for the sake of argument, let's assume that the umpire doesn't know when the uniform deadline is. Let's also assume that there is no one from the league hierarchy present anywhere near the fields.

First, the typical "uniform" is just a matching shirt with a number. Well, what is that? Is that supposed to be some sort of "proof" that they are who they say they are? Is that meant to prevent them from bringing in ringers? No.

The first thing I'd do is talk to the coach of the player who's "out of uniform." If he knows his player is out of uniform and that we're past the deadline, the player doesn't play. If the coach honestly has no clue about the deadline, and finding out the deadline isn't a quick phone call away, AND the player's clothes don't match the opposing team's colors, I'll let it slide.

Regardless of what happens, I'm definitely going to have a "little chat" with the coach of the player who's missing his uniform. I don't appreciate my nuts getting put through the ringer over something as stupid as a uniform.

If the opposing team is worried the guy's a ringer, then there are other rules for that, and they can protest his eligibility to their hearts' content. No shirt is ever going to make a difference, though.

C'mon. This is local league softball. Yes, local "uniform rules" (if I can say that with a straight face) should be followed. But if it's just a day or two after the deadline, is it REALLY going to make that big of a difference?

I mean, really.

Fortunately, where I call, I have field supervisors right there behind the backstop at all times. I leave it up to them. Most of them, in all honesty, don't care one way or the other. As long as the uniform-less player doesn't look like a member of the opposing team, they've never raised any concerns over it.