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| Dec. 2, 2015 Allan55 | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RULING • WMC 50-Major Matter I would like to turn this thread to finding a solution to the problem of adding players just before the World Tournament. One of the main reasons the message board exits is to discuss items of importance and allow input, which could possibly lead to improved rules and a better association. I would like to give my opinion and challenge others to voice their opinions that would improve this situation. I know you can find holes in my thoughts, but here goes. Over the last few years, more and more players have been picked up just before the World Tournament. If you pick up one or two players, this can change the dynamics of the team. An average team can become much better. This also belittles the qualification process. However, I understand there are injuries along the way, so I can bend a little in this area. For this reason, I feel a team should be able to pick up no more than two players. These two players should also be the same playing level (EX: 50 AAA team picking up a player of 50 AAA rating or lower...not 55 Major; or 50 Major team picking up a 50 Major player...not 55 Major Plus). A team consisting of ten players could only pick up two players to total twelve players. If a team had seven players, they would not be able to go. If they had eight players, they would have a choice to play with ten (I would not recommend it.) or not play. This would force teams to make sure they had enough players to go and add additional players if injuries occurred earlier. I welcome other views. Maybe, together, we can improve this situation. |
| Nov. 10, 2015 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Best Wishes to Terry Hennessy I would like to also wish Terry the best with his treatments and look forward to seeing him soon. |
| Oct. 8, 2014 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: How to Play More Innings I feel the 1-1 count would speed up the game. However, with the majority of the players opposed, I feel limiting the number of runs in an inning from 7 to 5 (major plus) would be a start. The teams would reach the limit of runs more often and play more innings. I also would allow only one pinch runner per inning. Most teams take too much time deciding who will run. Remember...it only takes 30 seconds twice an inning to burn 10 minutes in a game. I would say the average number of pinch runners for each team in an inning is two. That means there are four every inning. That can be limited. Yet another way of speeding things up is to have a batter ready to hit two minutes after the third out of an inning. If a pitcher wants to pitch between innings, then he should hustle out and do it. If the pitcher is not ready to pitch, then a ball is called. This would hurry things along. Too much time is wasted between innings. A teammate of mine also mentioned all the time that is wasted as balls are thrown in after home runs. We played innings where there were three separate times balls were thrown in (not uncommon), which resulted in nearly three minutes of lost playing time. I know I am scrutinizing, but all of this time adds up and shortens our playing time. I welcome other opinions. |
| Dec. 21, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Handicap System Taits, My first question would be...how many handicaps should a team be given? Another question would be...is reducing the homerun rule for a higher ranked team a handicap? If a major team is playing a major + team, the major team can take runs or the 11th man and open up the offense, while the plus team loses a third of their homeruns. It is easier to free swing rather than change swings. In case you missed some of the stats at the 50 major World, many of the teams were averaging the major + homerun rule of nine or slightly less. However, there were other major teams averaging double digits. So I can compromise...allow the lower ranked teams their choice of runs, an 11th man, or their homerun rule (one of the three). I wonder which choice they would take? |
| Dec. 21, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Handicap System JamesLG, You have voiced what a number of people have mentioned. I also think giving runs, reducing HR's, and spotting an extra player is too much. Most recently, TD's have been allowing teams to choose having an extra player or taking runs and using the lower ranked teams' HR rule. I feel the lower ranked team should have the option of taking runs or an extra fielder. However, each team should play by their own HR rules. |
| Dec. 15, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: players please respond to rule changes At the Worlds in Vegas this past season, there were several age groups that were large. The AAA and Major divisions were incredible. The major + divisions were much smaller. The 50 major + was the largest in years. However, the 55 major + was the lowest in years. The goal of SSUSA should be to promote upward movement. I agree with DBO's at the major level. That is a no-brainer. Who wants to see major teams using up their homeruns by the fifth inning or sooner. Those major teams should not be playing major anyway. The homerun rule that was changed last year at the major + level (12 to 9) was to make the jump to major + easier. That did work. However, the new DBO rule is too drastic at the major + level. It does not promote upward movement. I would like to see a compromise. Should the homerun rule at major + be 10 before DBO's? Something else? I am always amazed at the responses. Players will voice their opinions that they don't like a rule change...but not offer an alternative other than don't change the rule. This message board has many of the brightest softball minds. We need to give SSUSA ideas that are viable. |
| Oct. 9, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: How did SSUSA decide which Division had teams shorted to four gg? rightj1, I understand your point. However, 80 teams X $700 = big money. For that reason, I can't see SSUSA limiting teams. I feel they should choose fields where there are not any restrictions. What I am more concerned with has to do with the number of teams that will be bumped from major to major plus. That is how you build the M+ program so it will mean more than it does now. |
| Sept. 5, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Why Do Some Guys Lose It Sooner HJ, I will start off by saying it is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. I will also mention one method will not work for everyone. Having said that, when I was just starting the game of softball, a player asked me if I wanted to hit the ball farther. I thought that was a "no brainer question." My response was, "Doesn't everyone?" He then informed me I needed to do ball toss or get a tee and hit balls into a fence. So I went to the worst looking chain-link backstop with some old softballs and an old bat and basically straightened the fence. Hitting the ball was only part of the drill. Hitting through the ball, as if there were two balls was the drill. My swing began to lengthen. I could also feel my wrists and triceps getting stronger and the ball did go farther in games. It did take hours and hours of practice. Biceps may look good at the beach, but strong wrists and triceps will benefit you more in softball. The wrist exercises are basic. Just get a PVC pipe and tie a 5 pound weight to it for starters. Then roll the weight up. When it comes to tricep workouts, I will do 3 tricep exercises to 1 bicep exercise. The goal is to have strong extension in the swing. I hope this helps. |
| Sept. 4, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Why Do Some Guys Lose It Sooner HJ, Most of us would agree that as we age, we lose muscle mass and increase the percentage of fat in our bodies. However, to address your point regarding driving the ball, I would like to point out there are a large percentage of players who "muscle the ball" rather than use proper mechanics. These players use mostly their upper bodies. As these players lose muscle, it becomes difficult to "drive the ball." These players will find it difficult to use different muscles to compensate for the power loss. That is why you will see some older players changing their swings. My suggestion is look to your legs and hips. The legs and hips are extremely important in the swing. Another point is older players lose flexibility. All players need to work on their flexibility. That will keep your swing stronger for a longer period of time. |
| Aug. 23, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: NCSSA Championships kudos John Reedy, You did a great job hosting the tournament. KennethH, I understand you would like to play a double elimination tournament. However, the teams that traveled to this tournament went to play good competition...but also other teams. John's format guaranteed every team would play a min. of four different teams. The champion, Legends, played six different teams. We played five different teams. I will add this bit of information. Send your input to John Reedy. If enough teams would like to play a double elimination tournament, he will make it happen. He is a player friendly TD. I will also add Dave does the same. |
| Aug. 9, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Western National Championships LeeLee, You have nailed it. If Aurora threw a sizable check to offset fewer tourney entrants, that would be helpful. However, I feel it might be time to move it to Reno next year. I think that would move the tourney to an attractive venue. Drawing over 200 teams to Rock'n Reno this year was fantastic. I know teams would love the playing conditions at Golden Eagle. I know some would say that is not moving the tournament far enough East. However, the last time the Western National was in Salt Lake City, Utah, it only drew 63 teams. That ended up slightly better than Washington...which wasn't saying much. |
| Aug. 6, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Western National Championships Brock, You are correct regarding the number of teams in the the Western National. When the tournament was in Col. last year, it drew 89 teams (far more than Washington with 51 two years ago). Fifteen teams more generates over $8,000 more. You are correct when it involves money. It could also be argued that the tournament this year was stronger, due to more teams entered. However, I would rather see the tournament in Aurora than Washington. I hate to mention it, but Washington was a mistake. The SSUSA also thought highly of the fields in Aurora. That is why Aurora was given a tournament. It will be interesting to see how many teams show up. |
| July 16, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Western National : 50 and 55 Major Plus Don, I just heard you are coming to the Western National. I thought you were on a budget. Did you rob a bank to get some extra cash? I look forward to seeing you. |
| July 10, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Western National : 50 and 55 Major Plus Don, I can't blame you for sticking close to home. Time off work and having all players available are things you can't overlook. Good luck and see you at the Worlds. Marv19, I can also count the the number of Southern Cal teams that have made the trip to Northern Cal on one hand. It's a big state and a long trip both ways. NCSSA and SCSSA will have to share more info on schedules. Maybe that would increase participation...a little. Or maybe there could be a few tournaments in the middle of the state. |
| July 9, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Western National : 50 and 55 Major Plus I understand some teams have reevaluated their decisions regarding attending the Western National Tournament. Who will be going? GSC? Legends? Nazzareno? Arizona Elite? Nighthawks? Cal Energy? Hendricks? MTC 50 and 55 M+ will be there. If teams are by-passing the tournament, consider the Manteca, CA BLD Hall of Fame Tournament Aug 17-18 two weeks later. This will be the best tournament of the year. The 50 and 55 M+ tams play together. This should be fun. MTC 50 and 55 M+ will be there also. |
| July 8, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Posting Results Dave, Great job of posting 50/55 Cal Cup seeding games. The scores were posted before I was home. Fantastic...keep up the good work. |
| June 25, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Major Plus idahoreb, You mentioned SSUSA needs to make changes. Where have you been? SSUSA changed the M+ rules this year. They reduced the home runs from 12 to 9 and the runs per inning from 9 to 7. You were moved up from major by dominating at that level. Now you are not dominating. Yes...you will be taking your lumps while adjusting. It's not fun being on the other side...I know first hand. Unfortunately, teams are moved up by dominating and then complain when they are beaten in the next tournament or two, or if they can't win the World. Talk to the East Bay Oldies who have been playing at the M+ level for years. They played years before they were moved to major this year. They have my respect. Beasley, You are absolutely correct when you mention imposing tougher rules at the lower levels to force teams to move up. I understand there were a number of AAA level teams hitting more home runs than major teams. |
| May 27, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: VEGAS a month ago vs Reno this weekend Fantastic job of posting the scores for Reno. That's the way it should be done everywhere. Again...great job. |
| May 20, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Vegas Southwest Championships Dbax, I understand your frustration. I was hoping to see the scores also. I know Dave has been busy taking care of a few tournaments...no small task. I hope they will be posted this week. |
| May 17, 2013 Allan55 | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: Rock - n Reno Tim, The Kansas City Barons was another team (not out West) that finished second in the Major Worlds last year and was also promoted to Major Plus. However, I have not heard what they are doing. I checked the ratings and did not see them listed. I did see a Kansas City Baron team listed as a 55 AAA team. I hope that is not the team in question with three or more players. This would be worse than the Fangrabbers' scenario. |
