2011 ASA Rule Changes with Comments

[IRISHMAFIA]

Are now posted. Click here.

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Are now posted. Click here.

Good information, thanks. If 2011 is anything like 2010, I'll be able to apply those during the one or two tournaments that are held in Northern VA.

[NCASAUmp]

Mike, is this wording final? I noticed that in 3-1-H, they're allowing players to engrave or paint their names on the bat. Does this allowance include such actions on the barrel? As written, it would appear so.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Mike, is this wording final? I noticed that in 3-1-H, they're allowing players to engrave or paint their names on the bat. Does this allowance include such actions on the barrel? As written, it would appear so.

Yes.

[darkside]

Approved bats shall be considered altered if they are rolled, shaved, repainted, weighted or modified to change their characteristics from that produced by the manufacturer. Identifying the bat by means of laser marking, engraving, or painting the name or number of the player will not make the bat an altered bat.

They just contradicted themselves. Your bat will be considered altered if you paint it. You can paint your name or number on your bat.

So which is it and why does the council have such trouble with the English language and logic?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by darkside

Approved bats shall be considered altered if they are rolled, shaved, repainted, weighted or modified to change their characteristics from that produced by the manufacturer. Identifying the bat by means of laser marking, engraving, or painting the name or number of the player will not make the bat an altered bat.

They just contradicted themselves. Your bat will be considered altered if you paint it. You can paint your name or number on your bat.

So which is it and why does the council have such trouble with the English language and logic?

One of two things here. Either you're kidding or you are.....well, nevermind.

What's the difference between painting the exterior of your house and putting up the house number on the steps or by the door?

When working in a spreadsheet, what's the different between filling a cell with color and changing the contents to the same color?

I guess it should also be pointed out that it states "repainting" the bat. To me, and probably many others, this means repainting the bat, the entire bat, not just adding an identifying mark on it.

[vcblue]

Originally Posted by darkside

Approved bats shall be considered altered if they are rolled, shaved, repainted, weighted or modified to change their characteristics from that produced by the manufacturer. Identifying the bat by means of laser marking, engraving, or painting the name or number of the player will not make the bat an altered bat.

They just contradicted themselves. Your bat will be considered altered if you paint it. You can paint your name or number on your bat.

So which is it and why does the council have such trouble with the English language and logic?

So are you saying that you have removed a bat because a persons name was marked on the shaft or barrel? WOW

[CecilOne]

Does Effect #2 below, if read literally, mean that the manager has the option without a batted ball or even a pitch?

"Rule 4 Section 1C [3]: If discovered using the wrong number of females or males in the outfield or infield and brought to the umpire’s attention by the offended team:

a) After a pitch legal or illegal or play made,
EFFECT: All action stands.
b) Before the next pitch legal or illegal or play made,
c) Before the defense has left the field,
d) Before the umpires have left the field of play,
EFFECT: b, c and d

1) If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and all other
runners have advanced at least one base. All action of the batted ball
stands.
2) If all runners, including the batter runner, do not advance at least one base.
The manager has the option of taking the result of the play, or awards the batter first base and advances all runners, if forced.

Comment: This adds a penalty for the defensive team not playing the right number of males and or females in the outfield and infield."

Also, in #2, should it read "an award of first base to the batter and all runners advancing if forced"; as a manger can't actually "award".

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Does Effect #2 below, if read literally, mean that the manager has the option without a batted ball or even a pitch?

"Rule 4 Section 1C [3]: If discovered using the wrong number of females or males in the outfield or infield and brought to the umpire’s attention by the offended team:

a) After a pitch legal or illegal or play made,
EFFECT: All action stands.
b) Before the next pitch legal or illegal or play made,
c) Before the defense has left the field,
d) Before the umpires have left the field of play,
EFFECT: b, c and d

1) If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and all other
runners have advanced at least one base. All action of the batted ball
stands.
2) If all runners, including the batter runner, do not advance at least one base.
The manager has the option of taking the result of the play, or awards the batter first base and advances all runners, if forced.

Comment: This adds a penalty for the defensive team not playing the right number of males and or females in the outfield and infield."

Also, in #2, should it read "an award of first base to the batter and all runners advancing if forced"; as a manger can't actually "award".

Last first. The manager has the option to accept the play or the awards.

I don't like this rule from the start as it is an indication the umpire is not doing their job. Also, how can all play stand AFTER one pitch, but not before the "next" pitch? To me, there is a wide range of possible misinterpretations here. Hopefully, it will be cleaned up before the books goes to print. If not, let's hope we get a clarification before the season starts.

And I can guarantee there will be arguments over what area is the infield or outfield and the words "grass" and "dirt" will be used often.

[AtlUmpSteve]

I would certainly believe the intent is identical to every other "appeal" or option situation; batting out of order, using an illegal glove, catcher's obstruction, etc. If discovered 1) while at bat, fixed with no penalty, if discovered 2) after completing the at bat but before a next pitch to a succeeding batter, the option, or if discovered 3) after completing the at bat but after a next pitch to a succeeding batter, play stands.

[BretMan]

This new rule creates a true "appeal" situation (ie: it cannot be ruled upon until brought to the umpire's attention). Will it be added to the all-inclusive list of appeal plays in the Rules Supplement?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

I would certainly believe the intent is identical to every other "appeal" or option situation; batting out of order, using an illegal glove, catcher's obstruction, etc. If discovered 1) while at bat, fixed with no penalty, if discovered 2) after completing the at bat but before a next pitch to a succeeding batter, the option, or if discovered 3) after completing the at bat but after a next pitch to a succeeding batter, play stands.

Originally Posted by BretMan

This new rule creates a true "appeal" situation (ie: it cannot be ruled upon until brought to the umpire's attention). Will it be added to the all-inclusive list of appeal plays in the Rules Supplement?

I completely agree with Steve, just think we are going to see many different variations on the field and a load of excuses. Personally, I don't think the rule is necessary and have never had an issue with it.

And if a see a team set up improperly, I'm going to correct them.