Proposed ASA Rule Changes #1

[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.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

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

Actually, you would be wrong. I saw just as many white balls, maybe more, than optic yellow in the past year.

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.

They did. They want to make Gorilla Gold legal so the players won't have to carry around the syringes they use to inject it into the glove

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actually, you would be wrong. I saw just as many white balls, maybe more, than optic yellow in the past year....

I said several times my comments were from a JO fastpitch perspective only.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actually, you would be wrong. I saw just as many white balls, maybe more, than optic yellow in the past year.

Get away from the coed beer leagues irish, there is real ball being played.