ASA Rule Changes

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

This is not a sellable issue. Too many players already complaining about the 12' and too many pitchers cannot throw a strike now! ASA SP is having a hard enough time as it is with the competition which uses a lower restriction.

That's my point, though. One of the biggest criticisms of ASA by the players is that they don't innovate. ASA is considered the "old school" of doing things. I'm not talking doing that crazy sh1t like U-Trip (GOD no!). I'm talking about removing the height limit in a game that's completely favoring the batter. Yeah, they whine about the 12' limit... because there IS a limit. Remove the limit, and that's one less thing for them to b1tch about.

There are plenty of pitchers around the US who play in unlimited arc leagues, can toss 'em 30 feet in the air and will drop it on a dime behind HP. Put your money where your mouth is, boys. You want to hit the ball? Swing away.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I've had this one shot down (twice I think) in the past five years. HP couldn't sell this one.

A shame. I'd like to see this one get through someday. As I've always said, I have a problem with letting any runner score after they've just plowed over a catcher without the ball.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

That's my point, though. One of the biggest criticisms of ASA by the players is that they don't innovate. ASA is considered the "old school" of doing things. I'm not talking doing that crazy sh1t like U-Trip (GOD no!). I'm talking about removing the height limit in a game that's completely favoring the batter. Yeah, they whine about the 12' limit... because there IS a limit. Remove the limit, and that's one less thing for them to b1tch about.

Actualy, ASA was at one time unlimited. BTW, the SP game is SUPPOSED to favor the batter. The pitcher's job is to throw strikes and cover the middle. It's when the pitcher thinks that they win or lose a game is when it gets screwed up.

There are plenty of pitchers around the US who play in unlimited arc leagues, can toss 'em 30 feet in the air and will drop it on a dime behind HP. Put your money where your mouth is, boys. You want to hit the ball? Swing away.

Not in this area! But if you do that, you better bring the mat into play since many of these pitches will NOT pass through the strike zone.

A shame. I'd like to see this one get through someday. As I've always said, I have a problem with letting any runner score after they've just plowed over a catcher without the ball.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid it may take a drastic event to get this through.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actualy, ASA was at one time unlimited. BTW, the SP game is SUPPOSED to favor the batter. The pitcher's job is to throw strikes and cover the middle. It's when the pitcher thinks that they win or lose a game is when it gets screwed up.

That was before all of this bat craziness.

[wadeintothem]

16U is a weak division and that is well known. Often the 14's preparing for nats play 16U most of the season when preparing... as such, I dont think the 43' for 16U will go anywhere.

I like NCAA's proposed rule change

If a hitter is struck by a pitch while in the batter’s box, she will be awarded first base regardless if she tried to avoid being struck by the ball. Previously, the umpire had to judge whether the batter in the box tried to avoid being hit by the pitch. The umpire still can keep the batter in the box if, in his/her judgment, the batter initiated the contact by trying to get hit by the pitch.

I'm sure it will once again be in the proposed changes a few times, but I like metal cleats for 18's and up.

I would like the strike zone wording changed to more of the NCAA wording to be more in line with what is actually taught/called. Arm Pits to Top of knees is not what is called, taught, expected, or wanted.

All available subs must be listed on the line up card. If someone shows up, they can be added to the list of available subs. Intentionally withholding an available sub can result in an ejection of the manager and disqualification of the sub.

Add "visible flexibility" to the list of bat disqualifiers (or some other wording which would indicate you can see/feel the bat wiggling.)

On the umpire side-
I would like to see alloy colored masks added to the color allowed by masks. We are missing out on a great looking quality umpiring mask.

I would like to see scissors and box added to acceptable stances.

Hats worn under the HSM (or even carried in a pocket) are mashed and look terrible. It should not be required.

With a runner on 1B, the PU should trail more towards the circle and not up the line. To many PU's are out of position for the call at 3B because they are held by trail.

I probably could think up more but thats just off the top of my head.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Add "visible flexibility" to the list of bat disqualifiers (or some other wording which would indicate you can see/feel the bat wiggling.)

I'd toss the bat anyway. I'd snag 'em with the following section of 3-1-J

The weight, distribution of weight, and length of the bat as well as all other characteristics of the bat must be permanently fixed at the time of manufacture.

Was the bat like this when it was made? No? Get rid of it, coach. I know it's a stretch, but that's what I'd do.

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

With a runner on 1B, the PU should trail more towards the circle and not up the line. To many PU's are out of position for the call at 3B because they are held by trail.

You mean you don't cheat and go at an angle?

[JEL]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I'd toss the bat anyway. I'd snag 'em with the following section of 3-1-J



Was the bat like this when it was made? No? Get rid of it, coach. I know it's a stretch, but that's what I'd do.

I did that at Nats this year. Guess what? The bat WAS made that way!

There is a Cat Osterman (I believe) bat that has a flex handle and ASA approval! The first one I tossed because of the "wiggle." Told the coach it was leaving, and while the UIC was on his way to tag it, the coach removed the factory grip stating "it's always been like that." Sure enough, the handle was made to flex. I suppose to help stop any sting. Saw one other later on.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by JEL

I did that at Nats this year. Guess what? The bat WAS made that way!

There is a Cat Osterman (I believe) bat that has a flex handle and ASA approval! The first one I tossed because of the "wiggle." Told the coach it was leaving, and while the UIC was on his way to tag it, the coach removed the factory grip stating "it's always been like that." Sure enough, the handle was made to flex. I suppose to help stop any sting. Saw one other later on.

Sheesh... What's next?

This was made with a flex handle, too...

Originally Posted by JEL

I did that at Nats this year. Guess what? The bat WAS made that way!

There is a Cat Osterman (I believe) bat that has a flex handle and ASA approval! The first one I tossed because of the "wiggle." Told the coach it was leaving, and while the UIC was on his way to tag it, the coach removed the factory grip stating "it's always been like that." Sure enough, the handle was made to flex. I suppose to help stop any sting. Saw one other later on.

This got me curious. I found the following description on one website that sells this bat:

Once again, DeMarini leads the industry, this time with the first bat to combine a Fiber Reinforced Carbon fiber handle with a DX-1 alloy aluminum barrel. This bat was specifically designed for better control and feel. DeMarini's battle-proven Single Wall Technology is combined with a new carbon fiber handle and taper that makes this bottle bat design on of the best on the market today. With fiber in the handle and the action in the barrel, the Cat Osterman DXCAT swings like a natural extension of the human body. The new Positac 2 grip gives the player the most comfort at the plate. For the player, Half & Half means more power at the plate. The Demarini DXCAT Cat is ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, and ISF approved. This bat offers an long barrel length with a -13 length to weight ratio. Behold the worlds first bionic bat.

Another website describes it:

This is the DeMarini DXCTF Cat Osterman signature model fastpitch softball model. This bat offers the DeMarini singlewall, bottle bat design with a precision balance for competitive play. The 7046 aluminum alloy makes up the strong and durable outer barrel. The improved n2m end cap helps damper the vibration to make for a better feel and easier swing. The new Variegated Comfort grip gives you the most comfortable feel allowing you to have to most control possible over the bat. With the new rotation index labeling you will be able to rotate your swings to evenly break-in the bat. The new superior graphics provide for optimal look while at the plate. The Cat is stamped “Official Softball,” along with the ASA, USSSA, ISF 1.20, and NSA official markings. This bat also includes a full twelve month manufacturers warranty. The DXCTF Cat Osterman is the standard in bottle bat design. DeMarini: Insane Dedication To Performance.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

16U is a weak division and that is well known. Often the 14's preparing for nats play 16U most of the season when preparing... as such, I dont think the 43' for 16U will go anywhere....

Wouldn't 43 at 16U help keep more of the 16U players "home" (instead of playing up) and thereby strengthen the division? If the division is weak now, what happens once high schools go to 43?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

...Hats worn under the HSM (or even carried in a pocket) are mashed and look terrible. It should not be required....

How about a navy blue with ASA logo dew rag?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

How about a navy blue with ASA logo dew rag?

Haven't been to officialgear.com lately, have you?



My crappy photoshop skills are improving...

[NCASAUmp]

Any other equipment requests?

[DeputyUICHousto]

Make the batter's box more narrow...this way, a pitcher knows he can hit the inside corner with the knowlege the ball won't be coming back at him at 100mph...oops, 98 mph. Make the batter's get up on the plate...and enforce the rule!

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

Make the batter's get up on the plate...and enforce the rule!

Call with me sometime. This won't be an issue.

[ronald]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Call with me sometime. This won't be an issue.

Hey, we might get to call together in Salem!