ASA Rule Changes
 

Okay, as usual, I will ask for any ideas you may have for prospective rule changes.

No promises, just looking for input.

43ft for 14-U and up.

I was leaning more toward 16U as many of those true teams are playing 18 and I believe the aggressive 14s are playing 16U.

We'll see what happens.

Modify the unreported substitute rule so that it matches the rules supplement. (A batter not reaching base can still have the advances he caused nullified). This appears to be the intent but is directly contrary to the language as written.
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1 - Unlimited arc for higher classifications of SP play.

Why? Hit the f'ing ball!


2 - Immediate dead ball and an out on any runner who intentionally and maliciously makes contact with a defensive player, regardless of whether or not the fielder has the ball.

Why? They're not playing softball anymore, and the play needs to be killed so teams can prevent and/or mop up the mess.

Isn't this the rule now?

Sort of... I added a clarification.

I meant for it to be regardless whether or not the defensive player has the ball. Currently, the fielder must have the ball for it to be a dead ball, INT call. I'd like it to be dead ball, runner's out, coaches need to get a hold of things NOW.

I was about to change my post, lol. I realized you meant into a fielder without the ball. Gotcha.

I'm with you on this... 43' for 16U and up.

And, speaking of NFHS leading the way, after a couple of HS seasons, I'd suggest that metal cleats be legal for 16U and up, too.

If you're up for it, try again to get a "can't avoid" exception added to the BR INT with a D3K rule.

Already have this one on paper.

Thanks

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


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

I'll dig this out and see if there is any reasonable possibility of getting through.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

That was before all of this bat craziness.