Proposed ASA Rule Changes #1

[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.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Dakota

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.

Quite obviously, the JO fastpitch game isn't the intended perspective; it is the 99.9 majority. The womens, FP game also is 99.9 optic. However, men's fastpitch and all levels of slowpitch primarily use white; because they have always used white, because they perceive the optic as the "girl's ball", and because they continue to buy what is available. They have not experienced the visibility (and this safety) advantage, so have made no effort to ask for it.

If the majority of manufacturers changed their production to optic yellow, there would be less inventory items, and less production line changes, thus the perceived cost advantages. Optic yellow 12" balls with .470 .COR, optic yellow 12" balls with .440 .COR, optic yellow 11" balls with .470 .COR, and optic yellow 11" balls with .440 .COR. All currently in production; there is one proposal for Slow Pitch to play with .400 .COR, a ball previously approved with blue stitches. They get to stop making and inventory the five (5) white versions of these (there are two 11" .470 balls, one with white threads, and one with red threads).

The proposal is to be effective 1/1/2010, to allow leagues, teams, suppliers and manufacturers alike a year to dispose of inventory. It isn't my proposal, but it sounds well thought out to me. It may have minimal impact on you, personally; but the JO FP teams may get better prices for the same ball for a longer time if this passes, while the others get the benefit of a more visible and safer ball.

So, what's the downside making this an issue to you, Tom?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

...So, what's the downside making this an issue to you, Tom?

I commented on it because in my view it is a silly rule change since nobody uses white.

And, as you explain the rationale, I am even more convinced it is silly. Somebody has a well-intentioned bug up their butt over the choices other people are making. As I said originally, get a life. Either that, or go after the real safety issue in the men's game - hot bats.

[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.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by topper

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

This last statement is something I must disagree with. While the uniform does not make the umpire better, a professional appearance does greatly influence how others will perceive you. Ask any soldier, "does polishing your boots make you a better soldier?" The answer is, "yes, because I polish my boots." There is NOTHING like a sharp-looking umpire on the field, and while a sharp uniform will not make your calls better or give you a greater understanding of the rules, it will influence how you are perceived on the field.

I'm no fashion expert. I leave that to my wife. However, the heather grey and powder blue is such a bland combination that it gives the umpire zero presence on the field. On the other hand, I'd hate to have ASA completely change up the uniforms. I've already got over $750 invested in shirts, shorts and pants alone, and I'm not about to spend it all again.

[topper]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

This last statement is something I must disagree with. While the uniform does not make the umpire better, a professional appearance does greatly influence how others will perceive you. Ask any soldier, "does polishing your boots make you a better soldier?" The answer is, "yes, because I polish my boots." There is NOTHING like a sharp-looking umpire on the field, and while a sharp uniform will not make your calls better or give you a greater understanding of the rules, it will influence how you are perceived on the field.

I'm no fashion expert. I leave that to my wife. However, the heather grey and powder blue is such a bland combination that it gives the umpire zero presence on the field. On the other hand, I'd hate to have ASA completely change up the uniforms. I've already got over $750 invested in shirts, shorts and pants alone, and I'm not about to spend it all again.

I didn't mean to imply that looking sharp and professional wasn't important. I lump that into "how an official carries him/herself on the field". My mistake for the lack of clarity. I just don't think that color plays nearly as important a role as other factors, like the ones you point out yourself. IMO, looking sharp, like good judgement, hustle, and rules knowledge, should be a given for anyone wanting to be good at what we do. But it's only the starting point. As I'm sure you know, dealing with the unexpected and good game management is where our bones are made; regardless of how much your sweaty grey pants and powder blue shirt fail to compliment each other.