Faces

[IRISHMAFIA]

So far, the UIC Clinic has been informative.

Qualifications for Elite and ISF status have been refined. No "buddy" arrangements or people "accidentally" attaining this level because someone thinks they deserve it or they sneak an application through the system when the umpire hasn't met all the qualifications. From what I understand, this has already been attempted and the individual which submitted aps for a couple of his blues had them returned.

From now on, there will be a $40 non-refundable fee. This is to deter attempts to sneak folks in, not to get more money from umpires.

ISF will only accept ASA Elite umpires for certification IF they are successful in meeting ISF requirements.

It was made quite clear that any application is not a guarantee of acceptence. Have had the pleasure to meet NTxBlue and HeyBlue. Nice to have faces to go with the names.

The premium for the additional insurance for all sports for ASA umpires has no gone to $20 per umpire for 10 umpires ($200 minimum premium). It also now includes game fee reimbursement w/a maximum of $200 a week AFTER the first seven days. This insurance will cover the umpire for all sports officiated, ASA, HS & college softball, but will NOT insure an umpire while working with a competing sanctioning body (i.e., NSA, USSSA, ISA, SSA, AFA, USFA, etc.)

A rule interpretation modification was addressed concerning the safety base. A runner who overruns 1B and returns to the orange bag shall not be ruled out for not returning to the white bag. A little quite preventing umpiring which was suggested a couple of years ago was to quietly suggest to the coach that the runner needs to be on the base wouldn't be discouraged. As I understand it, this runner will not be called out until the pitcher throws the next pitch at which time the runner will be ruled out for not being in contact with the base.

Another note is that apparently NOCSAE will allow manufacturers to use stickers on approved facemasks. However, these stickers ARE NOT presently available and anyone who has already seen some stickers or see them shortly are encouraged to contact the ASA national office immediately.

A batter discovered with an altered, loaded, doctored or non-approved bat in a tournament SHALL be disqualified for the remainder of that tournament. The rule states "may" and your UIC should bring this back to the associations as a correction.

Add to 8.4.G.1 add: Runners not advancing return to the last base legally touched.