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Online now: 2 members: TABLE SETTER 11, Tntcnn25; 72 anonymousDiscussion: SSWCI LEADS THE WAY
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| April 24, 2011 DD Men's 75 92 posts | SSWCI LEADS THE WAY When it comes to being responsive to its customers, SSWCI (nee SSUSA or SSWC) leads the way. While not always hitting the mark on some of their rulings, the folks in Sacramento stand out when it comes to modifying their stance if it conflicts with member interests. For example, two years ago we were subjected to a Pitcher Protection Rule designed to increase safety. Instead, the now-repealed PPR infuriated players, confused umpires, did nothing to protect pitchers, and was a monumental misstep. SSWCI's response to player criticism? The PPR was scuttled and a new method of protecting pitchers was initiated that has resulted in a more balanced approach to this important safety issue. Another example deals with time limits. In the face of mounting concern about games being over in fewer than seven innings, SSWCI extended 2011 seeding games to 65 minutes and bracket games to 70 minutes. The early results are very positive, with our team's last 3 tournaments featuring all but one game (15-of-16) going the distance. Bravo! To be sure, there are still areas in the rules that need to be addressed...such as the Major+/Major issue. The concern here is for teams that are pushed to M+...but enter tournaments and are forced to give runs AND play with fewer homeruns...a double-jeopardy equalizer that makes it a sham to be playing Major +. Why have the label if you rarely get to play by those rules? Another concern is the fallout for players who are labeled Major +...(these are solid players, but not necessarily the 'best of the best')...whose presence on lower rated teams forces the team to, a) elevate to a higher division or, b) drop the players involved so that team can remain at the lower level. In Arizona we're seeing this apply to several good players who are currently men without a team...they are in limbo because of a subjective ruling made by a distant authority with little or no personal knowledge of the players involved. All of us can think of other examples of unfair rules and/or practices that affect our playing....but one thing can be counted on...the powers that be in Sacramento will listen carefully to your concerns and if you make a good case, they will very likely act upon it swiftly. What more can you ask? |
