Are you seeing metal cleats in summer play?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

So I take it you disagree with ASA needing a new metal cleat rule since their current rule is so wonderful?

I.e. Go ahead, walk on the field with them, play with them until caught, then when caught by the umpire, get told to go change them... go to the dugout and change them come back on the field.

Thats your idea of a good rule?

I disagree.. that is not a good rule.

They should
A) Legalize them.
(preferred)

B) create a usable rule.

Metal spikes are legal, just not for JO ball. I don't disagree that the higher level of JO competition should be permitted, but that's it.

I believe the rule is fine.

If I were still in the Navy, I think this would be described as a ZBM-2.

[AtlUmpSteve]

So, Wade, can we also assume that ASA also needs a new jewelry rule? It would seem that the same ruling applies, even though it hasn't changed, either, and hasn't been a major issue for years. Same options, just legalize all jewelry, or create a "usable rule"?

Can I assume you do pregame bat checks? Is it difficult to mention to a coach or other team representative at that time that this is ASA rules, and remind them that metal cleats are not allowed? If they already took care of it, no issue; if they didn't, this would give them a few minutes before the start of game time. After that, no pity at all; run the clock, call delay balls or strikes, or forfeit if necessary, you gave them every opportunity.

Still, not ASA's issue; there has been no rule change there, teams should know what the rules are when they show up.

[Dakota]

wade, I have no opinion on whether ASA should legalize metal in some divisions of JO ball, but to blame this on ASA is just silly.

If there is a problem, it is with coaches / players who are trying to get away with wearing what the know to be illegal equipment (and I don't for a minute think they don't know - since metal is illegal in ALL sanctions except NFHS for 18U and below) and gutless pretend TD's and UIC's who refuse to allow umpires to enforce the rule.

It has NOT been a problem here, so far, and I don't expect it to become one.

If it is a problem there, merely remind the coaches during their warmups, etc., that metal is not allowed and please be sure none of their players are wearing them. If they show up at the plate wearing them, send them back to the dugout to change - tell them they have 10 seconds ... tick, tick, tick.

Would it be easier for umpires if metal was legal at 14U and above like for the boys? Maybe. But that doesn't mean the rule is unusuable.

Unless, of course, your local authorities are making it unusuable by not allowing it to be enforced.

[wadeintothem]

Well I guess we'll have to wait and see if ASA thinks there has been any problems and chooses to address the metal cleats or if you guys are correct and there is no problem. It very well could be that metal cleats showing up in JO ball is limited to my area... if you guys arent seeing it and arent having a problem.

[Dakota]

As a general statement, I'd like to see NFHS and ASA get back in sync with high school and 16U / 18U rules for pitching plate distance and equipment. I expect they will eventually, but there are entrenched interests in both organizations (opposing metal in ASA; opposing 43' in NFHS).

Maybe we should remind the NFHS the boys pitch from 60' 6".

Nah, better not, or NFHS would have the girls pitching from 2B!