Proposed ASA Rule Changes #1

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

???? This will shorten the catcher's box by almost 6 feet from the current definition, cutting it in half. WHY?

I'd venture a guess and say this one came from our ranks (meaning umpires and not a player). I can't tell you how many times I get catchers who push us all the way back, giving us a crappy view of the strike zone.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I'd venture a guess and say this one came from our ranks (meaning umpires and not a player). I can't tell you how many times I get catchers who push us all the way back, giving us a crappy view of the strike zone.

Can't say who gave him the idea, but it was actually proposed by a voting member from Delaware.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Can't say who gave him the idea, but it was actually proposed by a voting member from Delaware.

Oprah?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I can't tell you how many times I get catchers who push us all the way back, giving us a crappy view of the strike zone.

That is exactly it. This is, or should be, a non-issue in FP.

And you have conflicts within the NUS. Some saying you should never be in front of the catcher, while another telling you to establish a position in which you can see the strike zone and tell the catcher he can stand back there, but you aren't moving out of the way of the ball.

I believe this change will help make this situation manageable. The stand-up guys are off to the side, the crouching catchers within a reasonable range of the plate.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

That is exactly it. This is, or should be, a non-issue in FP.

And you have conflicts within the NUS. Some saying you should never be in front of the catcher, while another telling you to establish a position in which you can see the strike zone and tell the catcher he can stand back there, but you aren't moving out of the way of the ball.

I believe this change will help make this situation manageable. The stand-up guys are off to the side, the crouching catchers within a reasonable range of the plate.

Couldn't submit a rule about crappy catchers stepping back onto my toes?

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

And exactly what is wrong with making the optic yellow ball mandatory?? considering the number of leagues that play under poor or variable light conditions - be it poor night lighting, or just playing into the dusk, its about time! One league around here switched to an OY ball, and after the usual 'OOH..we're playing with a girls ball' crap, everyone settled down - when all realized how much better ALL could see the ball, including US...and STFU....

Next up - the ridiculousness of NOT going to all grey slacks...

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

And exactly what is wrong with making the optic yellow ball mandatory?? considering the number of leagues that play under poor or variable light conditions - be it poor night lighting, or just playing into the dusk, its about time! One league around here switched to an OY ball, and after the usual 'OOH..we're playing with a girls ball' crap, everyone settled down - when all realized how much better ALL could see the ball, including US...and STFU....

Next up - the ridiculousness of NOT going to all grey slacks...

Dont get me started on the foolishness surrounding grey slacks..ASA should be wearing blue and to hell with the whining of the college umpires who dont want to buy an extra color. Hell even the WCWC uses the correct color!

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

And exactly what is wrong with making the optic yellow ball mandatory?? considering the number of leagues that play under poor or variable light conditions - be it poor night lighting, or just playing into the dusk, its about time! One league around here switched to an OY ball, and after the usual 'OOH..we're playing with a girls ball' crap, everyone settled down - when all realized how much better ALL could see the ball, including US...and STFU....

Next up - the ridiculousness of NOT going to all grey slacks...

The point is, why mandate it? Around these parts everyone, SP and FP alike, have been using the optic yellow ball for years. I am sure, though, that there are still some leagues using the white balls. I don't see any reason to penalize these leagues. The rule is fine just as it is now.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

Next up - the ridiculousness of NOT going to all grey slacks...

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

Dont get me started on the foolishness surrounding grey slacks..ASA should be wearing blue and to hell with the whining of the college umpires who dont want to buy an extra color. Hell even the WCWC uses the correct color!

Too late. The ridiculousness/foolishness has now begun.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

The point is, why mandate it? Around these parts everyone, SP and FP alike, have been using the optic yellow ball for years. I am sure, though, that there are still some leagues using the white balls. I don't see any reason to penalize these leagues. The rule is fine just as it is now.

The rationale to mandate it by the rule proposal author(s) are increased visibility, increased safety due to the better visibility, and an assumption that cost would decrease if there were fewer types of balls on the market and in inventory.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

The rationale to mandate it by the rule proposal author(s) are increased visibility, increased safety due to the better visibility, and an assumption that cost would decrease if there were fewer types of balls on the market and in inventory.

As stated, my perspective is JO fastpitch. From the time my DD stated playing in 10U, lo those many years ago, until now, I have never seen anything other than optic yellow used in a game. Never.

If safety is the issue, why not also ban gloves that do not have a pocket?

Wait, that would be a silly rule since no one uses a glove without a pocket. See my first sentence.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

And exactly what is wrong with making the optic yellow ball mandatory?? considering the number of leagues that play under poor or variable light conditions - be it poor night lighting, or just playing into the dusk, its about time! One league around here switched to an OY ball, and after the usual 'OOH..we're playing with a girls ball' crap, everyone settled down - when all realized how much better ALL could see the ball, including US...and STFU....

Next up - the ridiculousness of NOT going to all grey slacks...

You can have your greys.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

Next up - the ridiculousness of NOT going to all grey slacks...

How about because you look like a 1st grader who has pissed their pants when you sweat?

How about the accompanying dark shirt helps the umpire sweat even more?

How about the lack of contrast between the powder blue shirt and heathers makes for a very dull and unauthoritive look on the field?

Of course, just my opinion. You can disagree, but you cannot tell me I'm wrong.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

...You can disagree, but you cannot tell me I'm wrong.

Sure I can... you're wrong. See? That wasn't hard!

[topper]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

How about because you look like a 1st grader who has pissed their pants when you sweat?

At times, yes.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

How about the accompanying dark shirt helps the umpire sweat even more?

Depends on when they're worn. It's best to pick your spots for these.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

How about the lack of contrast between the powder blue shirt and heathers makes for a very dull and unauthoritive look on the field?

I believe uniform colors have less impact on this than athleticism and how an official carries him/herself on the field.