Non-Approved Bats in Local League Play

[Tru_in_Blu]

What if a league is registered w/ ASA but allows non-approved bats as part of their by-laws? As I've been told several times, the official rules are for championship play. Local leagues can adopt additional rules [e.g. maximum of 6 runs can be scored in a half inning] or drop rules they don't want [e.g. I work 2 modified leagues where the players don't wear helmets and if HBP, it's a ball on the batter].

I'm not advocating that leagues allow non-approved bats and/or balls, but is it really their decision?

Thanx.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

What if a league is registered w/ ASA but allows non-approved bats as part of their by-laws? As I've been told several times, the official rules are for championship play. Local leagues can adopt additional rules [e.g. maximum of 6 runs can be scored in a half inning] or drop rules they don't want [e.g. I work 2 modified leagues where the players don't wear helmets and if HBP, it's a ball on the batter].

I'm not advocating that leagues allow non-approved bats and/or balls, but is it really their decision?

Thanx.

Look a couple of post "up" to see the conversation Mike & his commissioner had with Bollingers.
I work a men's league where we ask both mangers if all of their bats are legal. We do not inspect equipment and only check the legality of a bat if the opposing team points out a bat and wants it checked.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Here's the deal, people. If both teams are ASA registered, if all umpires are ASA registered, and if you are assigned by an ASA association, assignor, or officer; you are covered, even if local rules allow hand grenades, flame throwers, and rocket launchers. Ignorance and stupidity do not waive coverage.

At some point, you and the leagues need to realize that when you do these really stupid things, damages will increase the costs to everyone, since the insurance comnpanies are not in business to lose money. Work within the system to minimize the stupidity, so your registration fees stop rising!!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I work a men's league where we ask both mangers if all of their bats are legal. We do not inspect equipment and only check the legality of a bat if the opposing team points out a bat and wants it checked.

Steve, I hope you and your fellow umpires realize that asking that question of the managers does not protect you from a lawsuit or liability, don't you?

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Steve, I hope you and your fellow umpires realize that asking that question of the managers does not protect you from a lawsuit or liability, don't you?

Mike,
That's the league's standpoint that we not inspect & just ask. While all of the teams and the league are registered with ASA, it's also an ISC league - and those folks have their own way of doing things. We wear ISC uniforms for those games.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Steve M

Mike,
That's the league's standpoint that we not inspect & just ask. While all of the teams and the league are registered with ASA, it's also an ISC league - and those folks have their own way of doing things. We wear ISC uniforms for those games.

I understand. But everyone needs to understand that just because the manager makes some sort of statement that you are in the clear.

The manager doesn't have the right to speak for the players and none of them have the authority to waive any rights their insurance company may choose to exercise.

The only reason I mention this is because there are people who believe that umpires simply need to ask the coach if everyone is properly equiped and they are covered (as they do in HS).

[KJUmp]

I back myself up with the insurance I get through NASO.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by Steve M

Look a couple of post "up" to see the conversation Mike & his commissioner had with Bollingers.
I work a men's league where we ask both mangers if all of their bats are legal. We do not inspect equipment and only check the legality of a bat if the opposing team points out a bat and wants it checked.

I did. That situation was ASA umpires working non-ASA games. My take is that you shouldn't even be wearing ASA logo gear to such games.

My question was geared more to ASA-registered teams/leagues, scheduled via an assignor. Because it's non-championship play, I think the leagues can over-ride or eliminate rules via their bylaws.