ASA Rule Books

[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.