From what I understand, the Louisville Slugger TPS OneX bat was voluntarily recalled and was removed from the approved bat list by the softball governing bodies (ie, ASA, NSA, USSSA, etc). What, if anything, should happen when a high school catcher notices that this bat is being used by one of the opponents (in a district tournament game) and alerts the home plate umpire?

From what I understand, the Louisville Slugger TPS OneX bat was voluntarily recalled and was removed from the approved bat list by the softball governing bodies (ie, ASA, NSA, USSSA, etc). What, if anything, should happen when a high school catcher notices that this bat is being used by one of the opponents (in a district tournament game) and alerts the home plate umpire?

 

The home plate ump should take appropriate action?

The home plate ump should take appropriate action?

 

I guess that is my question, what is appropriate action? All that happened (after a 10-15 minute umpire conference) was a verbal warning to not use the bat and a pat on the catcher's helmet that SHE should have caught it earlier!! Isn't it the ump's job to inspect the bats before the game?

I guess that is my question, what is appropriate action? All that happened (after a 10-15 minute umpire conference) was a verbal warning to not use the bat and a pat on the catcher's helmet that SHE should have caught it earlier!! Isn't it the ump's job to inspect the bats before the game?

 

Don't know the rule but I would think it would be some kind of ejection bc the bats were to be inspected before the game.

Don't know the rule but I would think it would be some kind of ejection bc the bats were to be inspected before the game.

 

That's what I would think. The umpires did not inspect anything in either dugout. My DD and I are more than ready for the summer schedule to start!!

The home plate ump should take appropriate action?

 

The approproate action (link below) was specified by the NFHS and was to be effective with the 2012 season.

 

NFHS | High School Softball Rules Change Enforces Stricter Penalty for Illegal Bats

The approproate action (link below) was specified by the NFHS and was to be effective with the 2012 season.

 

NFHS | High School Softball Rules Change Enforces Stricter Penalty for Illegal Bats

 

Being the umpires are supposed to inspect all bats prior to the game, I'd think the umpires bear some of that responsibility unless the bat was withheld from inspection.

 

Tough call, but sounds like the umpires used their own discretion vs applying the actual rule interpretation. They probably just didn't feel like doing the ejection paperwork.

 

If a bat was shaved, I think that's a whole different story, but I'd be hard pressed to think a team may have intentionally used a non-approved bat, but who knows.

Sounds like typical sloppy work by our umps. I have seen alot of that this year.:banghead:

From what I understand, the Louisville Slugger TPS OneX bat was voluntarily recalled and was removed from the approved bat list by the softball governing bodies (ie, ASA, NSA, USSSA, etc). What, if anything, should happen when a high school catcher notices that this bat is being used by one of the opponents (in a district tournament game) and alerts the home plate umpire?

 

Was it the old ONEX or is it the replacement ONEX. I hear that so people have already started receiving their warranty bats.

Was it the old ONEX or is it the replacement ONEX. I hear that so people have already started receiving their warranty bats.

 

It was the old OneX. The batter knew she had been caught. She bumped the catcher and said "thanks for ratting on me".

I guess that is my question, what is appropriate action? All that happened (after a 10-15 minute umpire conference) was a verbal warning to not use the bat and a pat on the catcher's helmet that SHE should have caught it earlier!! Isn't it the ump's job to inspect the bats before the game?

 

They ask during the pregame meeting if your team is equipped properly. The OneX has been on the banned bat list all year. By rule, the coach can be ejected... Usually doesn't happen though.

They ask during the pregame meeting if your team is equipped properly. The OneX has been on the banned bat list all year. By rule, the coach can be ejected... Usually doesn't happen though.

 

Not to take a side, however, here is some insight into "why" this penalty may not be enforced consistently. Rule 7 Section 4 : Batter is Out. Article 2 "The batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat..." There is no annotation of ejection here. The only place ejection for this is mentioned is under the Improper Conduct Penalty Summary Chart under Ejection. The rule is both player and head coach are ejected. The NFHS published the press release, but failed to make ejection for unapproved bats a Point of Emphasis, nor did they add that to the Rule section. Since the penalty is a major change either of these would have been a great idea. Yes it is in the rule book, on page 86. The rule itself is in Section 4 / Article 2 on page 57. A good pre-game equipment check will usually get this, unless the bat was not disclosed.

Not to take a side, however, here is some insight into "why" this penalty may not be enforced consistently. Rule 7 Section 4 : Batter is Out. Article 2 "The batter enters the batter's box with an illegal bat..." There is no annotation of ejection here. The only place ejection for this is mentioned is under the Improper Conduct Penalty Summary Chart under Ejection. The rule is both player and head coach are ejected. The NFHS published the press release, but failed to make ejection for unapproved bats a Point of Emphasis, nor did they add that to the Rule section. Since the penalty is a major change either of these would have been a great idea. Yes it is in the rule book, on page 86. The rule itself is in Section 4 / Article 2 on page 57. A good pre-game equipment check will usually get this, unless the bat was not disclosed.[/QUOTE]

 

Here's where the issues occur.

Sounds like typical sloppy work by our umps. I have seen alot of that this year.:banghead:

 

 

Maybe you should consider becoming an umpire if you don't like what you've seen this year. They are always looking for a few good men/women who are willing to take constant verbal abuse from parents at games as well as in forums such as this. Just a thought.

 

Officiating Information | Kentucky High School Athletic Association

Maybe you should consider becoming an umpire if you don't like what you've seen this year. They are always looking for a few good men/women who are willing to take constant verbal abuse from parents at games as well as in forums such as this. Just a thought.

 

Officiating Information | Kentucky High School Athletic Association

 

Thanks for getting this info out we DESPERATELY need more quality umps in the NKY area.