Prior to the season, I'd like to make you aware of a few of the rule changes before the UIC clinic on Wednesday March 7th.

Upcoming change....  Rule 2 Section 3C was intended for 16" slow pitch and not all slow pitch.  There will be Nationwide vote to change this in the next few days!  Until such time as we know for sure, please assume that the box will be 3'W x 7'Long

    a.  Rule 2 Section 3C:  The batter's box for slow pitch games will now measure 4'W X 7' L.

         1.  A side note to this is that the batter's foot may touch the lines of the batter's box prior to the pitch, but unless his/her whole foot is outside of the box upon hitting the ball, the at bat is legal.

         2.  Any part of the batter's foot touching home plate is still a dead ball out.

    b.  Rule 5 Section 10:  For all Championship play, ASA recommends a time limit of 1 hour 40 minutes.

          Where out city JO leagues are not championship play, all I can still do is recommend to each league that we follow the guidelines.

    c.  Rule 7 Section 6B:  When a batter enters the batter's box with or is discovered using an altered or non-approved bat.  EFFECT: The batter shall be EJECTED from the game and if in a tournament shall be EJECTED for the remainder of the tournament.

    d.  Rule 7 Section 6Q:  When actively hindering the catcher while in the batter's box.

                   Comments:  Removes 'intentionally' from the rule and allows the umpire to judge interference and not intent.  It also matches the rule to the definition.

    e.  Rule 8 Section 2F 3:  When a batter-runner interferes with a thrown ball while out of the batter's box.

                    Comments:  Removes 'intentionally' from the rule and allows the umpire to judge interference and not intent.  It also matches the rule to the definition.

    f.  Rule 8 Section 7J 3:  When a runner interferes with a thrown ball.

                    See comments above for rule 7 section 6Q

A few of the rules not changed, but still important:

    a.  Rule 3 Section 1A 3: In regards to legal/illegal bats this section makes clear that in the umpires "sole opinion"  and discretion of the umpire, have 'a bat' manufactured prior to 2000 and, if tested, would comply with the ASA bat performane standards then in effect.

    b.  Rule 3 Section 5E: Offense ... All Junior Olympic Fast Pitch batting helmets shall be equipped with a securely fastened NCOSAE approved face mask/guard.  Again please note the rule book is intended for Championship play.  This rule however will be non-negotiable in leagues we service for safety's sake.  We had a couple of leagues last year that tried to slip by the issue.  I (and I'm sure all of you) do not wish to be part of litigation if/when an injury occurs that could have been prevented.

Please note that there are plenty of other rules I could mention in here.  Remember it's YOUR responsibility to take the time to prepare yourself physically AND mentally prior to the season.

I will set the above in a separate page as the season gets closer, but for now, I insist that you take the time to read the above and enforce the rules as written (not your version of it).