Foul Pole Color

[SBBlue]

I received a call from a coach, who had a parent tell her, that the foul poles must be yellow. I told her that I have never heard of any such rule, but that I would check. I have read everywhere I can think of, but I cannot find anything on it. Does anyone know for sure if there is anything about this? I don't think there is, but not 100% for sure.

[NCASAUmp]

ASA has no such rule. In fact, foul poles are not even a requirement.

[SBBlue]

Thank you!

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by SBBlue

Thank you!

But remember: that's ASA. I don't know about NFHS, USSSA, etc.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by SBBlue

I received a call from a coach, who had a parent tell her, that the foul poles must be yellow. I told her that I have never heard of any such rule, but that I would check. I have read everywhere I can think of, but I cannot find anything on it. Does anyone know for sure if there is anything about this? I don't think there is, but not 100% for sure.

Neither ASA and NFHS rules even mention foul poles in the rule books. I'm pretty sure both often deal with fields that don't have many of the normal amenities. NCAA softball "recommends" that the foul pole be a a contrasting color to the background so that it will stand out, "preferably white, yellow, or optic yellow".

As a matter of logic, why would you want the foul pole to be a similar color to the ball? Wouldn't it make sense that a contrasting color to the ball, as well as the background, would make determining fair or foul easier?

I often think that when walking a field and seeing the effort and expense used to put a yellow piping on the top of the fences.

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Neither ASA and NFHS rules even mention foul poles in the rule books.

This is not quite true. The ASA rule book mentions the foul pole several times. However, it does not describe it in any way, shape or form. It merely states what happens when the ball strikes the "foul pole," etc.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

ASA has no such rule. In fact, foul poles are not even a requirement.

And neither are fair poles.

[silverpie]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

NCAA softball "recommends" that the foul pole be a a contrasting color to the background so that it will stand out, "preferably white, yellow, or optic yellow".

As a matter of logic, why would you want the foul pole to be a similar color to the ball? Wouldn't it make sense that a contrasting color to the ball, as well as the background, would make determining fair or foul easier?

I often think that when walking a field and seeing the effort and expense used to put a yellow piping on the top of the fences.

First, NCAA changed that recommendation this year. The third recommended color is now optic orange.

Second, you're right about the logic. (I suspect that someone at the NCAA figured it out too.)

On the third, that is pretty silly--plain old metal fence gives you enough contrast...