JO levels of play
 

I recall a few years back working a 23U ASA tournament. Looking in the rule book for various national tournament levels, the highest level I see is 18U (gold or otherwise).

Some questions:

Was there a legitimate 23U level a while ago?

We are now sponsoring USA sanctioned 18+ tournaments. Is this a recognized level for JO play?

During this past weekend, a local 18+ tournament had a couple of players come to the plate wearing batting helmets without face shields. Reading the rule regarding helmets, FP play requires helmets w/ face shields for all noted JO divisions of play. Helmets are required for FP adult play, but face shields are not.

So would you consider 18+ to be "adult" play or still under the JO purview? Or left completely up to the tournament's TD and/or UIC?

I would not expect any players in an 18+ category to be under 18 years old.

Thanx.

The rules on equipment, jewelry, etc. apply to the category of play, regardless of the individual player's age or status.

I saw a 23&U category at a National about 5 years ago and I think there was one the following year, whichever year it was.

I yield the rest of my time to those that follow the national organization. ;)

"JO" (Junior Olympic) is youth. (18U and younger).

18+, 23U, etc. is adult.

So a 16-year old should not be able to play on an 18+ team, but could play on a 23U team?

Would she be required to wear a helmet with a face mask on a 23U team?

IDK what an 18+ team is. I assumed you meant "older than 18U eligible".

You'd have to check the code, etc., for minors playing on an adult team.

AFAIK, the rules that differ between minors and adults apply to the level of play for the team, not to the age of individual player.

All players on an 18U team play under the JO rules, even if an individual player might actually be 19 years old at the time.

I'm aware of differences in metal spikes at 10U & 12U (not allowed) and then 14U, 16U, 18U.

Are there different jewelry rules within USA categories of play? Not the difference between NFHS (no-bless no-bling) and NCAA (shine on), for example.

What else differs between/among "categories" of play?

USA/ASA has only one jewelry rule: discretion of the umpire.
3-6-F

As for differences between "categories", there exists some differences between JO and Adult fastpitch, such as facemasks for helmets, and offensive players acting as base coaches must wear helmets/masks (JO only). 3-5-E


There are allowed bat differences for JO and male (the latter can use 2013 stamp).

Pitching difference in males (one foot on, step back, no 24" violation, leaping allowed).

JO catchers have to wear double ear flap helmets, chest protector and shin guards; adults (at least males) only are required to wear a mask. 3-5, A C D; and male FP must wear caps (3 6 A)

All fastpitch divisions are the same for CR's and use of the on deck circle.

You didn't ask, but JO slow pitch requires helmets (offensive; catcher) as well. Senior's slow (and coed) can't wear metal.

23U is an adult level of play. When the division first came into existence (I think 2003), it was classified under JO, but was moved to "non JO" very quickly.

This is the answer ^^^^^ Really nothing more to say.

23U was included in JO for one year and then promptly moved to adult ball. Personally, I believe it to be a redundant and a waste of time, effort and resources.