This "mat" rule, as recommended for approval by the Playing Rules Committee (REMEMBER THE PROCESS: THESE ARE NOT YET RULE CHANGES!!) applies only to the Senior Softball divisions.

This was an amendment to the rule that also required ejections for smoking anywhere while the game is in process; and, as amended, was not subject to consideration by the other prior subcommittee's. Even though Playing Rules Committee approved, don't bet on it. Leagues are free to adopt local rules to allow the beer; the points raised were that 1) they would now have to formally approve the practice, whereas before, the "understanding" that is was considered acceptable left umpires and, thus, ASA, potentially liable, and 2) that this provided some teeth and support for leagues, umpires, and associations that did not wish to allow it.

Also, understand that some items that were recommended for rejection can still be reopened by any voting Council Member; it just requires a 60% +1 to override the committee recomendations.

Wait...you have SP players with common sense? Do tell...:D

This proposed rule AND code change is nothing more than a tool for the umpire to use when the presence of alcohol is evident and associated with a participant. No need to go looking for problems, just act on what one observes. This may not be a problem in some places, but it is in others.

We have a few. The others....hmmm, you're right! :D

I know it's not done yet. And I figured when Mike said "Senior players want this rule" that he meant that the senior players proposed it, but that it would apply to all.

Pfft, cant wait to see if this is ever enforced. They'll be drinking their beer, while smearing gorilla gold and pine tar on the ball and swinging their weighted warm up stick at the next tourney I work.. guaranteed.

IMO, no worries about the rule change.. TDs will just insist they sneak it as now.

It should (and probably will soon) apply to all.. its great. All the beer leagues I work, worked, and know of use it.