HI everyone! I umpired softball in North Dakota for 5 years using ASA rules. I moved to Illinois and after a six year hiatus, I am getting back into fray. After reading my rule book, I see quite a few changes. But what are some of the subtle changes over the past few years that may have escaped my notice?

Welcome to the board. Im not sure what 'fray' is, but your probably not talking about old jeans.
Anyway, some slow-pitch mens leagues are allowing stealing, study up on the INT and OBS rules for sure, illegal bats, balls, mitts/gloves.
Im kinda new as an official, but this is stuff I figured out quickly, what I thought I knew wasnt right.

The new stealing rules really did floor me for slow pitch, but after closer review I realized it was for mostly the upper divisions. I used to see so many catchers just stand behind the plate and if they caught the ball ok, but if not also no big deal. Probably still that way in most Rec leagues, but it sure does slow the game.

"But what are some of the subtle changes over the past few years that may have escaped my notice?"




If you are doing JO stuff (the kids), everybody has gotten younger!

Haven't started any umpiring here yet, but they do seem to get younger every year. What I am concerned about though is knowing the rules the way they were six years ago, making a call, and having somebody say to me they changed that rule 3 or 4 years ago. No one is perfect, but I hate to be just plain wrong because of ignorance.

JEL said - If you are doing JO stuff (the kids), everybody has gotten younger!

After a few glasses of wine with dinner - ROFLMAO
sad, but true.