OK, you other areas using the Fed's experiment with the DP - how are the coaches, teams, and non-ASA/NCAA umps feeling about it? Here in north central PA, no games yet. So I am seeing a number of folks getting ready to panic over this.

Steve M

Steve........I don't think Tx is using the DP/DEFO experiment this year.........but I wish they would........

I have seen more goofey crap coaches have tried with the FED DH than I ever remember with the ASA rule.........:D

We are 17 games into our HS season (district starts Monday)and I have been the official book for most of them.........

Good luck to all with your upcoming season.........work is finally slowing a bit and I hope to contribute more.........

I have my first tourney this weekend and we start our annual Umpires tournament next Wednesday...........

We are all hoping the wet weather is behind us.............

Again...........good luck to all...........

Joel

Steve & Joel

I have had two different coaches utilize the DP/DEFO. Both
liked the "flexability" it offers. All our association umps
are used to the procedure since we call AFA and ASA. Most
coaches I have chatted with are scared of it since they are
unfamiliar with it. Sorta like the DH. Around here only a
handful of the teams utilize the rule cause coaches don't have
a handle on it.

Here in Texas we {TASO} are calling it the FLEX Rule.

Joel, there was a handout from the State meet about the FLEX
rule {DP/DEFO]}. Had a lot of other good information in it also.

Good to see you are back on the board Joel.

glen

I have only seen the FLEX rule used once this season, and that was Monday. So...as far as telling you how the coaches feel about, I would say that most of them don't understand it and therefore are steering clear of it. (Just a hunch.)

Scott

AZ is using the DP/FLEX rule experiment this year. I have done 8 games so far and seen it used twice. Some comments from coaches are "If you can figure it out, great", "I won't use it", "I am confused by it".

We have a fairly strong ASA program in the Phoenix and Tucson areas, not so much in the rural areas. Most of our umpires in Phoenix and Tucson also do ASA, so the change on the umpire side is not as drastic.

I expect that as the season goes on, more coaches will figure out the flexibility the rule offers and use it more frequently.

DP rule
 

Could someone please describe the "experimental rule"? Just got the new Fed Rules package in the mail today (here in Oregon, it is raining with ice pellets, most of us won't see a field until sometime in April), and don't see anything about it, probably because Oregon isn't using it. Admitedly, I haven't had time to read all 3 books cover to cover yet, but I don't think it is in the Rules, Case Book, or Umpires Manual. I have seen a press release, but it didn't include the actual rule. Even if we aren't using it here this year, it would be nice to know what it says. Thanks in advance.

Panda,
The experimental DP rule that Fed is using is identical to the DP rule that both ASA and NCAA use. There is a single word that is changed - Fed calls the defensive player the "Flex" player, ASA calls this player the "DEFO", and NCAA calls this player the "Tenth" player. If Fed does make this a permanent change for 2004, both ASA and NCAA have agreed to change their verbage to match Fed's - or so I'm told.

There are 4 states that are using this experimental rule, but I understand that over 40 states supported it at last year's Fed meetings. The 4 states are, AZ, IN, NM, and Pa. I've even heard that the head Fed baseball guy likes it so much that it is being considered for baseball.

Steve M

Steve,

As usual , you are correct. Only the four states that you listed were
utilizing the FLEX {DP/DEFO} experimental rule. However, I, as earlier
stated, did have two schools use it and no questions were brought forward
by the opposing team's coach. I think Scott also had a game or two
where it was used. It was a good learning experience for both teams.
The opponents in one of the games did mention how he could see using
the rule would give his team some flexibility and make his coaching more
effective. Hmmmmmmm. :D

glen