Table of Contents
Phoenix ASA reserves the right to amend any part of this document at any time.
It is the responsibility of Phoenix ASA members to check for updates.
Since its founding in 1933, the Amateur Softball Association has given the sport direction and strived to have the best program possible for the millions of people who play amateur softball each summer. Many of them started playing in the ASA's Junior Olympic program before moving up to the adult divisions of play.
Today, ASA has more than 90 national championships, ranging from 10-under fast pitch to 75-over slow pitch. Annually more than 40,000 players participate in ASA National Championship Finals and they are assured of playing some of the best teams in America.
Besides playing in national championships, the ASA program offers players, if they are selected, to one of the USA National Teams, an opportunity to compete in the Olympics, Pan American Games and ISF World Championships, as well as other national and international events.
As the NGB of softball, the ASA is the only softball organization that can offer players the opportunity to play in these prestigious events, which are often held throughout the world. In the past three Olympics, 1996, 2000, and 2004 the USA National Team has won the gold medal.
To help players improve their skills for not only these prestigious events but for national championships as well, the ASA offers clinics, camps, publications and videos, all designed to help people become better playing America's summer pastime - softball.
As defined in Article 103 of the ASA Code, the objectives of the ASA shall be:
1. To promote amateur softball for all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry.
2. To establish uniform softball rules and regulations.
3. To provide it with proper safeguards in accordance with the spirit of true sportsmanship and establish principles for ethical behavior and matters relating to conflict of interest as provided by the ASA Council and Board of Directors.
4. To encourage the union of all eligible teams, organizations or groups into such separate associations with active membership in the ASA as may from time to time be deemed best adapted to advance the cause of amateur softball.
5. To establish and maintain by allied membership, alliances with non-profit associations or organizations devoted wholly or partially to the promotion and development of the game of softball on a state, regional or national level.
6. To promote and conduct annual Amateur Softball Championships.
7. To educate and train in the proper skills of amateur softball play and rules of the game through promoting, organizing, and conducting clinics, seminars and training courses.
Phoenix ASA is one of eighty-eight State Associations nationally, which administers the CODE and RULES of the Amateur Softball Association. These eighty-eight Associations each have their own State/Association Commissioner, Junior Olympic Commissioner, Umpire-in-Chief, and Player Representative. Each association belongs to one of fifteen Regions. Phoenix ASA belongs to Region 13, the Rocky Mountain Region.
Rocky Mountain Region 13:
Alpine Division: Wyoming ASA
Utah ASA
Colorado ASA
Cactus Division: Arizona ASA
New Mexico ASA
Phoenix ASA
Each association is independent and administers the Code and Rules of ASA in their own associations. Associations may have different roster freeze dates as well as independent local codes in addition to the National ASA Codes. Associations may have different Invitational tournament rules, but must adhere to National rules when hosting a National Championship event. When entering Championship play, all teams must follow the same National ASA rules. This common thread binds all associations together.
Regional Director - Utah Commissioner Starleen Orullian
Regional JO Commissioner ? Joseph M. Lane.
Regional UIC - Steve Rollins
Regional Player Representative - Devon Hubble
2006
PHOENIX ASA
Commissioner - Bill McGonigle 602-920-6555
JO Commissioner - Joseph M. Lane 602-992-9498
Deputy JO Commissioner - Brian Duggin 602-391-5089
Deputy JO Commissioner - Nancy Funari
Tournament Director - Brian Duggin 602-391-5089
Umpire in Chief (UIC) - Ray Burns 480-460-4064
Commissioner Slow Pitch - TBA
Deputy Commissioner for Legal - Bob Swan 480-675-0956
District Commissioner - TBA
Recreational Leagues
Phoenix ASA is very please to sanction a number of Recreational Leagues throughout the valley. These leagues provide an important service to the softball community and to the local communities they serve.
ASA commends these leagues, their volunteers, and the service they provide to their communities.
Recreational Leagues Currently Sanctioned by Phoenix ASA:
ARIZONA GIRLS SOFTBALL
SCOTTSDALE MISS SOFTBALL
CHANDLER GIRLS SOFTBALL
EAST VALLEY GIRLS SOFTBALL
PARADISE VALLEY GIRLS SOFTBALL
MESA GIRLS SOFTBALL
Competitive teams look for places to play where they can maximize their competition. The "City Leagues" have provided an avenue for teams from around the valley to meet in a central location to play. Phoenix currently hosts the only competitive league in the Metro Phoenix area.
The entire body of ASA Softball meets yearly in different locations to discuss and change the Code and Rules of the game to make it better for all. As the National Governing Body for the sport of softball in the United States, we are obligated to perform those duties required by the United States Olympic Committee as required by the Ted Stevens and Amateur Sports Act as amended April 15, 2000.
The National Office of the Amateur Softball Association is located in Oklahoma City, at the location of the National Softball Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame Stadium. The National Office houses the Executive Director of ASA, Ron Radigonda. Mr. Radigonda is responsible for the employment of the National Office Staff. A key position in the National Office Staff is that of Director of the Junior Olympic Program Megian Douglas. Megian is responsible for the administration of programs designed to maintain the leadership position the JO Program currently enjoys.
2005 proved to be a very successful year for Phoenix ASA Junior Olympic Softball as this was the first time a Phoenix ASA Team WON the ASA Hall of Fame Championship.
Congratulations to 12U 92
Twenty Phoenix ASA Junior Olympic teams participated in Junior Olympic National Championships, nineteen teams in the USA/ASA Junior Olympic National Championship Finals and one team in the ASA Class ?A? Western Championships Finals. No teams participated in the ASA ?B? Nationals Championship West.
The Phoenix ASA Junior Olympic program continues to be one of the strongest in the country. Congratulations to the following that participated in the ASA National Championships:
10U Hotshots
12U Hotshots 92 - Placed 7th at the National Championship Finals
92 AZ Storm
Xplosion
AZ Thunderhawks
14U Killer Bees - Placed 9th at the National Championship Finals
P.V. Premier
AZ Outlaws Sara
AZ Storm
AZ Lil Saints
16U Americans
Team Arizona
AZ Outlaws
AZ Thunder
18U East Valley Pride
AZ Storm Gold
AZ Hotshots Gold ? Placed 2nd at the National Championship Finals
AZ Suncats,
Lil Saints Gold
ASA Class "A" Western: 18U
Congratulations to all those players, parents, and coaches who participated in the 2005 ASA National Championship Finals and ASA Western National Tournament Finals. We appreciate all the teams, coaches, players and parents that continue to support ASA Softball.
Phoenix ASA will be hosting the 10U National Qualifier May 27-28. Phoenix ASA will also host the 18U Class ?A? Western National Championship Aug. 1-6. The Rocky Mountain Regional tournament for the followind ASA associations:
ALL ASA associations in the 10U-18U age groups now have direct berths for the first place winners to the 2006 USA/ASA and ?B? West National Championship. We are in for another fun and interesting summer. Good Luck! We sincerely hope that the 2006 season will be a successful one for everyone. If there is anything we can do to help it be more rewarding, please contact myself or one of the Junior Olympic staff.
Joseph M. Lane
Phoenix ASA JO Commissioner
Prior to 1933, softball was in a state of confusion especially in the rules area when the length of bases and pitcher?s box were constantly changed. Teams from different parts of the country would travel to play one another and rules had to be established before every game. The formation of ASA and its development of ?consistency in rules? provided a solid foundation for the sport to grow to where it is today with more than 25 million people playing softball.
The operating regulations of the Amateur Softball Association are defined as the ASA Code, which is split in to three categories. These are Organizational, Competition, and Procedural.
"ORGANIZATIONAL" Code relates to how the organization is structured, its objectives, and jurisdiction. The ASA is divided into 91 associations each with the objective of promoting amateur softball for all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, or national origin.
"COMPETITION" Code defines eligibility, rosters, championship play, disqualification procedures, and ASA'S Drug Control Policy. It addresses issues such as the definition of divisions and classifications of play within ASA, how many teams go to Nationals, Pick-Up Players, and special events such as the Hall of Fame Tournament.
"PROCEDURAL" Code relates to the actual process by which we are governed. It covers how to bid for a National Tournament, complaint procedures, Hall of Fame Nominations and selection process, and National Team/Coach selection process. The Code relates to the administration of the game of softball and may be changed or modified at the Annual ASA Convention by a vote of the Council Members.
The actual game of softball is governed by its own set of rules called the "Playing Rules". The Playing Rules define the playing field, equipment, game rules, pitching regulations, batting, umpires, protests, scoring, and players and substitutes. These rules are enforced by the Umpires officiating
the contest and may also be changed or modified at the Annual ASA Convention by a vote of the Council Members.
The Code and Rules of ASA were and continue to be designed to create consistency by which to play the game of softball. They are designed to create a safe environment to minimize the risks of playing the game. They are designed to identify the areas of responsibility of Players, Coaches, Umpires, Commissioners, etc. so that an orderly process is in place by which we play and administer the game.
It is the intention of Phoenix ASA to enforce those areas specifically related to safety. The game of softball is in itself risky enough without adding the element of faulty equipment, improperly worn equipment or uniforms, dangerous fields, and unsportsmanlike conduct creating needless injuries. Please report and violations of safety rules and/or dangerous conditions to the Site Director, Umpire or City Official.
Upon registering for the 2006 season. the Rocky Mountain Region # 13, including Phoenix ASA, will make it mandatory that all competitive (A, B and Gold levels) youth teams run background checks on all their coaching personnel through Virtual Tournament Director. Only those individuals registered with Phoenix ASA will be allowed to coach, run practices, request policies for fields, request Travel Permits or receive information regarding the team and/or organization. Only registered Managers may sign the National Championship Roster.
To offset the cost of the background check, all competitive coaches will receive only one (1) ASA Identification card from now on. (The background check is optional for recreational coaches and the cost will be an additional $4.00 per individual should recreational teams or organizations choose to do the background checks).
Keep in mind that doing background checks on all coaches will increase the time needed to process the registrations. Please allow at least fifteen (15) days for registrations to be processed, received and approved by Phoenix ASA. Registrations must be completed fifteen (15 days) before any tournament, so please plan correctly for this additional time needed.
Phoenix ASA will:
Score the applicant as ELIGIBLE if the following circumstances are present on the Criminal Background Check:
▪No record found
▪Traffic or vehicle code infractions only
▪DUI - less than three offenses over 5 years old.
▪Misdemeanor possession conviction if it has not been negotiated down from a felony charge ? only if older than 1 year.
▪Misdemeanor convictions or misdemeanors with pending dispositions except for crimes involving: violence, weapons when used in the commissioned of a crime, deviant sexual activity
Score the applicant as INELIGIBLE if the following convictions are present on Criminal Background Check:
Any Felony charges with dispositions including but not limited to the following:
▪Felony Charge
▪Three or more DUI/DWI or related convictions occurring within the last five (5) years.
▪Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor if convicted within the past two (2) years or two or more within the past five (5) years.
▪Felony records with a pending disposition.
▪If the person is on the Sex Offender Register or is subject to an Extended Supervision Order under the Serious Sex Offender Monitoring Act.
▪If the person has committed relevant offences against the Sex Offender Registration Act or the Serious Sex Offender Monitoring Act.
▪Convictions and findings of guilt for serious sexual, serious violence and drug offences.
▪Pending charges for serious sexual, serious violence and drug offences.
▪ Domestic Violence within the past year or two (2) or more within the past five (5) years.
▪Any conviction (including misdemeanors) involving violence, weapons when used in the commission of a crime, deviant sexual activity, drugs.
▪Sale and delivery of drugs, if the conviction was within the past five (5) years.
Phoenix ASA always puts the safety of the players as its first priority and will not use poly core ball in any or its tournament. Phoenix ASA will only use .47COR cork centered balls in its Championship Play tournaments. The Ball we have chosen is a Worth Yellow ?DREAM SEAM? cork centered high seam ball. We have concluded that these balls are the safest ball on the market and they have held up well. All Championship Play will be played with yellow .47COR stamped balls.
Recruiting of players registered on other teams is NOT ALLOWED in Phoenix ASA during the period of the Roster Freeze date of May 30, 2006, until the end of the last JO National Tournament, August 6 , 2006. For Gold teams, August 14 , 2006 is the end if the last JO National Tournament date. Any time, other than the above-mentioned dates, are open for recruiting. This applies to all teams.
NO TRYOUT FLYERS, POSTERS, OR NOTICES WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE REGIONAL TOURNAMENT.THIS INCLUDES THE PHOENIX ASA MESSAGE BOARD
Rosters codes can be found in Article 502 of the National ASA Code. The local Association may modify Freeze Dates as it sees fit to administer its program. Each team must mail a National Championship roster to the JO Commissioner postmarked no later than the Roster Freeze date, May 30, 2006. Hand delivered rosters must be delivered to Joseph M. Lane by 5:00pm on May 30, 2006. Pick up player policies and codes are covered later in this manual.
A PLAYER LEAVING A TEAM (REGARDLESS OF THE REASON) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURNING ALL UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT, PAYING ALL MONIES OWED THE TEAM, AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY ON ANOTHER TEAM UNTIL THE DEBT IS SATISFIED.
Borderline releases are no longer required in ASA ball. Players are allowed to play ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES. Once a player chooses to play in an Association other than the one where she resides, the player is tied to that Association and its rules for the entire season. This rule is in effect for all divisions and classifications of ASA softball.
Article 503-6 of the ASA Code covers Pick-Up Players. Highlights of the code:
▪ A pick up player may only be picked up once her team has been eliminated from Championship play or elects to not participate in Championship Play. A player who is picked up for a team that subsequently is eliminated from further Championship Play is no longer eligible to be picked up by another team.
▪ A pick up player may only play in Invitational or a National Championship tournament. Pick up players MAY NOT participate in any National Qualifier or Hall of Fame Qualifier.
▪ A team may pick up a maximum of three (3) players between roster freeze and National Championship Play.
▪ A pick up player must play in the age division to which she has been registered for that year. The exception to the rule is that a player may play up in divisions older/higher than the one to which she is registered for the year.
2006 PHOENIX ASA JUNIOR OLYMPIC RULES
These rules are intended for use in all 2006 ASA sanctioned events with the exception of those events designated as Championship Play.
All ASA JO rules apply with these exceptions and additions.
1. TIME LIMITS:
A. 3 Game guarantee
* Pool & Elimination Play. No new inning can begin after 1 hour & 30 minutes
*Championship Games: No new inning can begin after 1 hour & 45 minutes
B. 4 game guarantee
*Pool Play: No new inning can begin after 1 hour & 20 minutes
*Elimination Play: No new inning can begin after 1 hour & 30 minutes
* Championship Games: No new inning can begin after 1 hour & 45 minutes
The tournament director reserves the right to adjust time(s) as necessary to complete tournament within time restraints.
2. FORFEIT TIME:
Posted/Published game time is start/forfeit time. If the previous game is behind then
the start time will be ten (10) minutes after the completion of the previous game.
3. RUN RULES:
12 runs after 3 innings
10 runs after 4 innings
7 runs after 5 innings
15 runs after any complete innings
3.a. 10U ONLY RUN RULES:
6 runs per innings. The side is retired when six runs have scored or three outs have
been made except the last inning. All runs score that are a result of continuous action
in which the 6th run scores.
Last Inning: After 50 minutes of regulation play, the start of the next FULL inning will be
the "last" inning. Each team will continue to bat until three outs have been recorded against them. There is NO run limit in the "last" inning.
4. TIES IN POOL PLAY:
If the game is tied when the time has expired and the inning is completed, the game will
remain at a tie score.
Exceptions:
1. In pools with only two teams, the game in the pool must have a winner
2. If any pool game is tied at the end of 7 innings and time has not expired, the International Tie Breaker process will be used in the 8th inning and every inning thereafter until a winner is decided or time expires. If the game is still tied when time expires and the inning in progress is completed, the game remains a tie score.
4.a. TIES IN BRACKET PLAY:
If the score is tied at the end of 7 innings or when time expires (whichever comes first) the Tie Breaker will be used in the next inning and every inning thereafter until a winner is decided.
5. UNIFORMS:
A. Teams must be in like uniforms. Uniforms must have a unique number of one or two
digits.
B. Player uniforms may not be tied across the back. The whole uniform number must remain completely visible. Ties at the shoulders are permissible.
C. The coaching staff is to be neatly attired and/or dressed in a tem uniform in accordance with the color code of the team. A professional appearance will be maintained in accordance to ASA Rule 4, Section 8.
D. Per ASA Rule 4, Section 8, no communication equipment is allowed between the dugout and the coaches, players or spectators.
6. PRE-GAME MEETING:
All practice by teams will stop once the pre-game meeting starts. The team lineup will be given to the plate umpire and the opposing team. Each team's lineup shall include Player's full name, uniform #, and defensive position. Game clock will start upon the completion of the pre-game meeting. Any lineup corrections will be made before the game starts, after clock starts and play may not start until corrected lineup is returned to the plate umpire.
8. BALL ROTATION & ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS:
Ball rotation will NOT be enforced. Artificial noise makers are not permitted ?
NO AIR HORNS.
9. TEAM HUDDLES:
In the interest of speeding up the game, teams may NOT huddle prior to taking defense, after the pitcher?s warm-ups, or after making an out. One minute between innings will be enforced.
10. SCORECARDS:
The plate umpire will take two identical scorecards to each game with all information except home team and final score filled in. Each team will receive a card and is to return the card with the final score to the Tournament Director at the end of their game.
11. CATCHERS AND BATTING HELMETS:
A. any player warming up a pitcher anywhere must wear a helmet, mask & throat protector. Definition of warming up: One player throwing underhand to another player whether catching in a crouch or standing up. Any catcher found warming up a pitcher who is throwing underhand without the proper equipment on will be recorded on the ASA Incident Report. There will be no warnings.
Repeated offenses may result in player?s disqualification for the game.
B. All batters must use helmets with face masks/guards. Both he helmet &mask/guard require the NOCSAE certification. Batting helmets are to have chin straps and the straps are to be worn properly, snug under the chin.
12. JEWELRY:
Players are not to be wearing jewelry during play. Lance Armstrong or other organizational bracelets are considered jewelry an can NOT be worn. Medical Alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. They must be taped down to the body part per ASA Rule 3,
Section 6, Article F.
13. MANAGER/COACH/PLAYER CONDUCT:
A. All managers, coaches, players, team members, team fans and spectators are expected, at all times, to display good sportsmanship.
B. Managers, coaches, players, team members, teams fans and spectators will NOT make disparaging or insulting remarks to AND/OR about opposing managers, coaches, players, team members, team fans, officials or spectators. Nor will they commit any other acts that could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
C. When the umpire, usually for an unsportsmanlike act or conduct, ejects a manager and/or coach from the game, they will require the manager or coach to leave the grounds IMMEDIATELY for the remainder of the game (out of sight and sound). Any continued involvement of an ejected manager or coach will result in a forfeit of that game.
D. When the umpire ejects a player from the game, the player is then restricted to the dugout. If the player continues to interfere with the game through comments or actions, the Head Coach will be ejected. The Head Coach is to take the player with him/her and leave the grounds IMMEDIATELY. THE HEAD COACH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY AND CARE OF THE PLAYER DURING THIS TIME.
E. Any manager, coach or player ejected from a game will not be allowed to participate in the team's next scheduled game.
1. A second offense within the same tournament will result in the offender sitting out the rest of the current tournament and the next tournament.
2. The third offense within a season will result in a hearing at which the result may be the offender's suspension from Phoenix ASA.
F. The tournament or league staff will ensure that the ejected person(s) follow the correct ejection/suspension.
G. All participants of Phoenix ASA tournaments shall have ASA ID cards with them for the necessary comparison with the team roster (please see more on rosters on page 18 of this coach manual). All players must meet the proper age requirement for the age class they are participating in. Any player found playing out of their age class/requirement and/or are not on that roster will be considered an illegal player and the team will be disqualified from the tournament. The information will be given to the Phoenix ASA Disciplinary Board for possible disciplinary action per ASA Code. At least one coach on the field must be listed on the submitted VTD team roster, and that coach must be present at all times.
PHOENIX ASA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHECK A PLAYER?S AGE AND/OR IDENTITY AT ANY TIME DURING THE TOURNAMENT.
2006 ASA Code/Playing Rules Changes
Effective January 01, 2006 unless noted otherwise
Because there are so many changes each year, Phoenix ASA will list the affected Rule/Code, but will no longer include the specific change definition. All changes are listed in the 2006 edition of the 2006 Official Rules of Softball published by the National ASA.
It is the responsibility of each Head Coach and/or Manager to be aware of these changes.
Ignorance of the rules will not be a valid excuse
should a team or an organization violate any rule or code.
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Article 100 Article 103 A Article 106 13 Article 106 37 Article 201 A 01 Article 201 C Article 201 D 02 Article 302 A Article 311 G 01 Article 311 G 03 b Article 311 I 02 Article 313 A 09 b Article 401 A 01 Article 402 N 04 Article 501 A 01 Article 501 A 01 b Article 501 A 03 Article 501 D 02 Article 501 E 06 Article 502 A Article 506 A 05 Article 506 A 07 Article 506 A 10 Article 506 A 13, 28, 30 Article 507 F 01 Article 507 F 01 f Article 509 D 01 Article 509 D 02 g |
Article 509 D 02 I Article 509 D 04 c Article 509 D 04 d Article 510 O Article 511 A 01 Article 511 A 02 Article 511 A 02 j Article 511 A 03 Article 511 B 02 Article 511 B 03 Article 511 D Article 511 E 02 Article 511 E 04 Article 511 F 05 Article 513 B Article 513 F 07 Article 518 A 06 Article 518 C - Effective 2008 Article 518 F 05 Article 519 A Article 510 P Article 602 H 09 - Effective 01/01/2008 Article 605 A Article 607 B 03 Article 702 Article 703 Article 705 B 02 Article 705 B 02 i |