New ASA Mechanic for 2008

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

the second (SP only) which moves the BU off and to the 1B side of F4 with no runners or one runner on 1B.


WMB

That is a correction they knew of. I have always used and taught this positioning UNLESS F4 is playing to his/her left and deep. Then I move toward the middle

[IRISHMAFIA]

Okay, I can understand why you would like this. This is the way I feel about it.

A. In my area, 10' will often put you on the outside of the backstop. Yes, I know this is for "championship play", but mechanics are something I prefer not vary.

B. Remember, this would also be for SP whose warm-ups are probably more dangerous then that of the youth game.

C. Just because you are off to the side of the plate doesn't mean you are out of range of an "accidental" errant pitch. They originally took the BU off the line to avoid possible confrontations with a player coming off the field. Now you are placing the PU in a position where they could easily be thrown at. Seems to be a little contradictory.

D. I prefer the PU & BU get together between innings. Always have since they are a team and should have the opportunity to communicate with each other without delaying the game or making a very noticable special trip to bring something to a partner's attention. I think it improves their game and if there is a chatterbox, removing that meeting isn't going to speed it up anymore. A chatterbox will talk to anyone within earshot. I'd rather have him on the line with his partner than talking to the fans. That way, the partner can just walk away and the chatterbox must move into position to continue the game.

I have seen games delayed by line-up changes, but I have never been involved in a game where the umpire's chatter has delayed anything.

Well, we will see how this plays out.

[Dakota]

I agree with Mike's points, especially A and D.

There aren't many fields during the "regular season" where this mechanic would be reasonable or safe.

I have never liked the idea that umpires are to be kept separate during the game because they can't be trusted to not waste time.

[Scooby]

I work NCAA and I like the positioning. When getting a change from a coach you move towards her dugout and out of the way of an errant pitch. By the way I have never had to dodge a pitch using this position.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Scooby

By the way I have never had to dodge a pitch using this position.

Okay, lets go back a few steps. The NCAA is one thing, 10U, 12U, etc. is another world. Even moreso when the backstops are closer.

You, also, may have noticed that I mentioned that the SP warm-up can be just, if not more, dangerous. Remember, there is nothing requiring them to toss the ball is a SP manner. That means you get some idiots who wind up and try to do their best Lisa Fernandez imitation or just whip it in overhand. And, yes, there have been reports of umpires experiencing near misses in these situations when distracted by a coach or ODB.

You can give examples of how it works in the NCAA games all you please, this isn't the NCAA and that decorum established on the fields at that level doesn't always ring true throughout the different games, divisions and classifications of ASA softball.

[JPRempe]

Outside of collegiate or maybe HS ball, I think this is stupid as hell...

[IRISHMAFIA]

To be honest with you, the reasoning or "comment" offered is what I don't understand.

Up the foul line ISN'T where batters normally warm up, and why do I need to be "observing" the offense's dugout? Will they be "rolling" their bats in the dugout? I can see some umpires start looking for trouble, but then again, I'm a pessimist.

[Scooby]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Okay, lets go back a few steps. The NCAA is one thing, 10U, 12U, etc. is another world. Even moreso when the backstops are closer.

You, also, may have noticed that I mentioned that the SP warm-up can be just, if not more, dangerous. Remember, there is nothing requiring them to toss the ball is a SP manner. That means you get some idiots who wind up and try to do their best Lisa Fernandez imitation or just whip it in overhand. And, yes, there have been reports of umpires experiencing near misses in these situations when distracted by a coach or ODB.

You can give examples of how it works in the NCAA games all you please, this isn't the NCAA and that decorum established on the fields at that level doesn't always ring true throughout the different games, divisions and classifications of ASA softball.

They only can do their best Lisa Fernandez imitation if you let them. SP can not pitch the ball with excessive speed, even warm up pitches. I also work 10u and 12u, if you pat attention it should not be a problem.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Scooby

They only can do their best Lisa Fernandez imitation if you let them. SP can not pitch the ball with excessive speed, even warm up pitches.

Sorry, but you are misinformed. There is no restriction on how a pitcher may deliver a warm-up pitch. A few years ago, there was an attempt to change that requiring a SP warm-up to assimilate a regular pitch. It was met with such opposition, it was promptly rescinded.

I also work 10u and 12u, if you pat attention it should not be a problem.

And if you are not there, you need not worry about it at all.