ASA Rule Change Proposals for 2008

[IRISHMAFIA]

These are the changes eventually submitted. I will post others of interested once I receive them.

ASA Code Change

Article 304

Add as voting council members after B:
C. Local Association Player Representatives

Comments: Allows each local association the option of carrying a minimum of two council seats. Allows increased participation of new members from smaller association at no additional expense to ASA unless the BOD chooses to provide such via Article 401.b

Status: Submitted

ASA Rule Changes

Rule 1

Change "Substitute": Any member of a teams roster who is not listed as a starting player or a player who reenters the game.

Comments: Brings definition up to date with present rules.

Status: To be handled as housekeeping

Rule 1

Add "Legal Slide": Dropping or diving to and contacting the ground with part(s) of the body other than the feet in an effort to reach a base or avoid a collision.

Comments: The term is used throughout the rules, but not defined

Status: Submitted


Rule 2.1

Change slow pitch pitching distance for men’s, women’s and Co-ed to 53’.

Comments: High tech equipment is making present distance a safety concern

Status: Submitted


Rule 2.1

Change all 18U A to 43’

Comments: Players participating at thie level are athletically capable of competing at this distance

Status: Consolidated with group


Rule 3.1.I

Remove from second sentence "and may be taped as long as there is no violation of this section"

Comments: Eliminates the taping of the bat safety knob. This is an entry point for some altering a bat so that this area is visible for inspection. Change will not lessent the safety knob’s purpose.

Status: Submitted


Rule 3.6.G

Change exception to read: JO 16U & below, all JO slow pitch, Co-ed slow pitch and senior slow pitch play.

Comments: Permits 18U players to wear metal spikes. Players at this level are accomplished athletes and can safely use this equipment.

Status: Consolidated with group


Rule 4.6

Change first sentence to read: "A substitute may take the place of any player whose name is in the teams line up".

Comments: Allows a substitute for the Flex who is not part of the "batting order".

Status: To be handled as housekeeping


Rule 4.6.D

Delete paragraph: "The pitcher is not required to pitch until the first batter faced completes their time at bat or the side has been retired".

Comments: Rule is unnecessary and causes confusion among coaches and umpires.

Status: Submitted


Rule 5.5.C

Change to read: No run shall be scored if a "fourth out" is the result of a base left too soon by a runner that scored or a base missed. Note: A base cannot be missed unless runner physically passes it.

Comments: The offense should not be able to gain an advantage or confuse the defense by violation rules governing runner the bases.

Status: Submitted


Rule 5.5.A

Remove the sentence, "A pitcher who licks their fingers must wipe the fingers off before bringing the in contact with the ball".

Comments: Moistening one’s fingers and applying them to the ball has little to ne effect on the pitched ball and is not easily enforceable.

Status: Submitted