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Mike
If I understand you correctly, you are stating that ASA rules do not define the black as being part of the "plate" but clinicians have a guide book that instructs them to teach umpires to consider the black as part of the plate.
You say that it has to be this way because the rulebook can not define something that is not manufactured uniformly. But the rulebook does say something; that the "plate" is white and is 17" wide. I suspect that 99.X% of the plates manufactured in this world meet that spec within a very small tolerance. But the black is not spec'd therefore the manufacturer can create his own design. The block can be vary in size, therefore the black will vary in width. The angle of the bevel can vary thus more or less of the black will be showing when installed. The condition and shape and texture of the ground can vary thus the amount of the black that shows can vary.
IF - the white is consistent but the black is variable - and you are going to include the black in your strike zone, then you have a variable strike zone from field to field. Conversely, calling the white does provide a consistent strike zone from field to field.
Question: would you take this interpretation to the FED game? Is there a FED equivalent to the ASA Guide book? Admittedly, FED mechanics do suggest lowering and widening the strike zone from the Rule prescribed zone. But I don't see this as calling the Black; I see it as a dimension off the plate (1", 2", whatever your choice) - that is - off the white.
WMB
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