Under ASA Men's Slo-pitch rules, does anyone know or has anyone ever heard of an umpire making batters turn their hats around to bat?

And if so, is it an enforceable rule under ASA guidelines?

In our association's territory (Mercer and Burlington counties, New Jersey), players must wear their caps properly.

In the Trentonian Tournament (SP), all players on the 350+ teams representing several states must also wear their hats facing forward.

We're ASA. I don't know what NSA or USSSA require.

Even in non-tournament SP play?

I just have never heard the rule enforced before, tournament or non-tournament...

and i would assume that most NJ-ASA rules are standard in most counties, right?

thanks for the help.

If you come to the plate with the hat on anyway, but with the bill forward, I will ask you to wear it properly. You will not bat until you do. Of course, I may get to Strike Three before you decide to adjust it :)

USSSA states that, "Caps are optional, however when worn they must all be alike and worn with the bill forward." Leaves little to the imagination.

ASA states that headgear if worn (male FP mandatory) must be worn PROPERLY. That has to mean bill forward. Even under batting helmet, if its worn, its gotta face forward. That bill sticking out in back can get touched by a pitch, then you hear "it hit her" batting gloves sticking out of pockets can do the same (don't ask me, I don't know why they are batting with batting gloves in pockets, I guess its a fashion statement). Jerseys, also should be worn properly, that means tucked in, not loose, tied up etc. This also applies to defense. Ref is ASA 3-6-A

I was going to agree, except:
- come on the field, not just "come to the plate"
- instead of wasting time on strikes, use 10-1-J-3 ;)

Of course for this, expecting lineups, not allowing bat throwing, starting on time, etc. I get accused of making up my own rules.

[Edited by CecilOne on Jul 3rd, 2003 at 05:01 PM]

<b>Even in non-tournament SP play?</b>

Yes. Even rec league players have to wear the cap forward. Actually, most of the leagues themselves ask that we enforce that rule. And it <i>is</i> in the ASA rule book.

I would not enforce the hat rule in a co-ed picnic league game, however.

Many of our local leagues are trying to keep players from dressing like slobs. When I played, everyone was happy to wear a nice uniform, and most leagues required that players be in uniform. But with time the situation deteriorated. Over the past few years, you could see teams wearing mismatching everything, with maybe only half the players even in a shirt of the same color. Shorts of different colors, types, and lengths; various types of socks; any old T-shirt; different hats; etc. So there's been a reaction against it.

and there you go, again! That rule merely defines responsibilities, not cause.

Besides, once you start call strikes, the players team will take care of the rest :)

;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

Our local leagues have been TRYING to do the same around here...sure makes for a more professional looking game on all ends!