ASA Rule Books

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

Wow, have things gotten to the point they had to include this guide? I know some blues haven't got a clue as to what is unsafe when it comes to field conditions, or weather conditions, but didn't think we would need a whole section added to our rules book/mechanics manual to cover this stuff.

Simple bottom line. The risk management group believe strongly that the participants (coaches, parents) need that education and information; in fact, future insurance premium cost relates to ASA having made that information available in defense of anticipated lawsuits (if not already a proven factor).

While there are already two separate rule books (the teams don't get the umpire manual), there is certainly a proven trend that the participants (coaches, parents) don't read it, and that they learn more from the umpires. At worst, it cost ASA a few thousand $$ to include it in the umpire version of the rule book; at best, it may protect someone, or help successfully defend a lawsuit alleging ASA was negligent because ........

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Simple bottom line. The risk management group believe strongly that the participants (coaches, parents) need that education and information; in fact, future insurance premium cost relates to ASA having made that information available in defense of anticipated lawsuits (if not already a proven factor).

While there are already two separate rule books (the teams don't get the umpire manual), there is certainly a proven trend that the participants (coaches, parents) don't read it, and that they learn more from the umpires. At worst, it cost ASA a few thousand $$ to include it in the umpire version of the rule book; at best, it may protect someone, or help successfully defend a lawsuit alleging ASA was negligent because ........

Or help the plaintiffs successfully prove their case that the umpire was negligent because...

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Or help the plaintiffs successfully prove their case that the umpire was negligent because...

Exactly. Once it is in writing, the umpire would be well advised to follow the worst-case interpretation by the book each time, every time. Just what we don't need, IMO.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Or help the plaintiffs successfully prove their case that the umpire was negligent because...

Originally Posted by Dakota

Exactly. Once it is in writing, the umpire would be well advised to follow the worst-case interpretation by the book each time, every time. Just what we don't need, IMO.

Of course, you two haven't seen it, so your statements might be true if the manual implied or stated any added umpire responsibilities.

However, that is not the case, in every case but one, the coaches and participants are told THEY are responsible for knowing the issues and dangers, and to have a plan how THEY will address a stated case.

The one exception is that the umpire is primarily responsible to determine when to stop and start a game when lightning is pressent. Of course, everyone knew that already, so it hardly adds any liability.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Of course, you two haven't seen it, so your statements might be true if the manual implied or stated any added umpire responsibilities.

However, that is not the case, in every case but one, the coaches and participants are told THEY are responsible for knowing the issues and dangers, and to have a plan how THEY will address a stated case.

The one exception is that the umpire is primarily responsible to determine when to stop and start a game when lightning is pressent. Of course, everyone knew that already, so it hardly adds any liability.

Funny, but I don't see anything about lightning in the 2008 rule book (is 2009 different?).

ASA 5-3-C: The umpire is empowered to call a game at any time because of darkness, rain, fire, panic or any other cause that places the patrons or players in peril.

It doesn't say "required," it only says "empowered." Very vague, which is how I want it.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Preamble to Safety Awareness Guide:

"Use of the techniquet in this Softball Safety Awareness Guide should not be considered a guarantee that participants, spectators or others will be safe or free from injury or harm while participating in the contact sports of amateur softball. ...."

There is also an entire page of disclaimers at the end.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Funny, but I don't see anything about lightning in the 2008 rule book (is 2009 different?).

It has always been (as it still states) a published guideline, available, and thus a potential liability; it is (and has been for several years) a link on the National ASA website. http://www.softball.org/about/lightning.asp Now it is incorporated into the safety manual.

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

It doesn't say "required," it only says "empowered." Very vague, which is how I want it.

And that language hasn't changed. Nor any requirement. Once you have seen and read the actual document, that would be a good time to state a conclusion, rather than jump to an unfounded assumption.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

... Once you have seen and read the actual document, that would be a good time to state a conclusion, rather than jump to an unfounded assumption.

Now you're just trying to ruin this for everyone...

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

It has always been (as it still states) a published guideline, available, and thus a potential liability; it is (and has been for several years) a link on the National ASA website. http://www.softball.org/about/lightning.asp Now it is incorporated into the safety manual.

Seen it already. Got no problems with it.

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

And that language hasn't changed. Nor any requirement. Once you have seen and read the actual document, that would be a good time to state a conclusion, rather than jump to an unfounded assumption.

Okay, I'll offer my opinion when I see it. Might resurrect this thread then.