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 ........