ASA 2015 Rule Changes

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Manny A

That's the other thing I thought about last night that made me wonder about the benefit of the rule. A team has 14 players, and wants to bat them all. They could lose five of them and still play shorthanded, but they would give up five outs each time through the line-up. That makes no sense to me.

Yes, I realize the likelihood of that happening is pretty slim. But why couldn't they just leave well enough alone?

Two words....college exposure!

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by Andy

Two words....college exposure!

Realistically, do you think most teams have college material at batting order numbers 6 through n?

Even teams playing at the national level have a lot of "holes" in the lineup. Occasionally you may see a team that is loaded with talent, but they are the exception and not the rule.

Several years ago our intramural modified league allowed for the 10 players in the field and 1 or 2 extra hitters at the coach's discretion. If the coach played 10, 11, or 12, and a player left the game for something other than ejection and there was no available sub, an out was recorded in that slot. That carried through until there were less than 8 players. Maybe a couple of times someone had to leave and an out was taken. It was pretty rare.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Realistically, do you think most teams have college material at batting order numbers 6 through n?

Even teams playing at the national level have a lot of "holes" in the lineup. Occasionally you may see a team that is loaded with talent, but they are the exception and not the rule.

Several years ago our intramural modified league allowed for the 10 players in the field and 1 or 2 extra hitters at the coach's discretion. If the coach played 10, 11, or 12, and a player left the game for something other than ejection and there was no available sub, an out was recorded in that slot. That carried through until there were less than 8 players. Maybe a couple of times someone had to leave and an out was taken. It was pretty rare.

Doesn't look like you got the point of my rolling eyes smiley.....

"More opportunities for college exposure" was the primary reason cited for wanting this rule change. As if 16u and 18u do almost nothing but showcase for the entire season and try to get college scholarships for their players.

My argument against this change was that at ASA National Tournaments, the teams are playing for a championship...let's play the game right!

Too much focus on "college exposure" and not enough on competing on the softball field.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Andy

As if 16u and 18u do almost nothing but showcase for the entire season and try to get college scholarships for their players.

Some, unfortunately.

Originally Posted by Andy

My argument against this change was that at ASA National Tournaments, the teams are playing for a championship...let's play the game right!

Too much focus on "college exposure" and not enough on competing on the softball field.

ditto, ditto, ditto ! ! !

[Tru_in_Blu]

Andy, I'll admit I was a bit confused by the icon. I wasn't sure where the sarcasm was directed.

Coaches at almost every level eventually need to make a decision about trying to win the game or letting everyone play (in) the game.

A church league we work had a similar discussion regarding how their rosters were generated. Some are very diligent about only allowing members of the church (and however that is defined) to be on the roster. Others use some different tactics and call it outreach brotherhood programs or some such.

At the games, their bylaws allow for batting the entire roster, and some teams do that. Other teams hold back several players and only enter them when it is strategically advantageous to do so, even if it's only a pinch-hitting appearance.

Tournament JO games are also telling. Some girls don't get in a game at all. Some may only enter as a CR for pitcher/catcher.

I mostly played prior to re-entry rules. As a player/coach, I'd always try to have a player on the bench available in the event someone was hurt or tossed. Often times, it wasn't an option as we had just enough to play.

If the JO rule goes thru, it may not be long before all age groups follow suit. Many league bylaws already allow for it.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

If the JO rule goes thru, it may not be long before all age groups follow suit. Many league bylaws already allow for it.

There is no "if", it's a done deal.

But I'm with Andy. At some point, it has to become about pure competition and not about participation. They play so many tournaments a year, plus league and HS play and fall ball, I cannot see what the big deal about playing ONE tournament to win. Otherwise, calling it a national championship is as ludicrous as calling the NCAA tournament a world series

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

calling it a national championship is as ludicrous as calling the NCAA tournament a world series

Oh no, you had to push that button.

Of course, I do agree.

[gsf23]

Originally Posted by Andy

Two words....college exposure!

Code for "whiney assed parents"