Quote:
Originally posted by oatmealqueen
"Bats and balls" are the hottest topic in slowpitch it seems. JMHO, but I believe that the manufacturers have pretty much ruined the game the way it was meant to be played.
I just wish that one organization (ASA, NSA, USSSA, NF) would forget how much money that someone is making and fix the problem.
Many people will be hurt..or worse.
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You're about 6 years late and a few changes short. ASA was the first to take a stand in July of 1997 when they dumped the titanium bats and began their program to begin testing bats and holding the bats at a certain level.
Last year, ASA proved they were serious when they banned a group of bats that did not meet specs even though the offered prototype won certification through testing. Then, another group a month later at the head of National Championship play.
USSSA has lived with the 1.20 BPF these years and have outlawed a number of bats though I'm not familiar with their testing.
NFHS is the only organization to adopt the ASA original scheme and stick with it.
NCAA basically follows ASA's guidelines.
Last July, ASA passed emergency legislation mandating a change in ball's COR and compression in SP so that the manufacturers would have time to get them into production for play this year. Next year, FP/MP join in the ball change.
The players are just as guilty as the manufacturers in this issue. They know the risks and many make up a bundle of excuses to justify their use of such equipment. The manufacturers are the ones who are gouging the players.
For once, the sanctioning bodies have been the level-headed ones in what many consider a crisis situation.
BTW, ASA has a conference happening this week which may result in the further banning of bats, most likely those of a composite structure.