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| June 6, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Bats Discussion: Approved Bats The Vanilla Gorilla has SSUSA/NTS tested stamped on it, which makes it eligible. |
| June 6, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Bats Discussion: Approved Bats Hi Mary - Yes, the Vanilla Gorilla with the SSUSA stamp on it should be eligible for SSUSA play. Since it also has the USSSA and NSA stamps on it, it should be good for those sanctions as well. There isn't a USA/ASA stamp on it, so not sure about that sanction. |
| June 5, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Runner hit by line drive while standing on 1st base The rule is 8.2C "When he bats a fair ball even though it strikes another player, umpire or their attached clothing or equipment. 1. If the runner is hit with a fair batted ball while touching a base, he is not out. EFFECT: The ball is live or dead depending on the position of the fielder closest to the ball. If the closest defensive plyer is in front of the base runner hit by the ball, the ball remains live. However, after the runner in contact with the base is hit by the batted ball, it shall be the same as hitting the ground. Since the ball remains live, the defense is free to make whatever plays are available. If the defensive player is behind the base runner, the ball is ruled dead, the hitter is awarded a base hit and the runners are advanced only if forced to advance. |
| June 3, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Rule Consistency Hi Rick - I do not speak for SSUSA. I am an SSUSA umpire. If you would like an official response from SSUSA, please write them an email. Much of what you have written above is already addressed in the official rulebook, which is online for you to see. Here is my suggestion: If you have an umpire tell you that a game is over due to a 10 point "run rule", calmly ask for a director. The umpire is required then to call the director over. You can then have a discussion with the director, who should know the run rule as well. If for some reason (which I can't imagine) both the umpire and the director are not aware of the official run rule, you can then file a formal protest of the game. All of this can be handled pretty effortlessly and calmly. Another tip: Game time. The game time is usually written on the card. The umpire is supposed to put the beginning of the game time on the card as well. You can then keep time yourself if you like. It's a pretty transparent process. Finally, I have never seen a director who does not have access to the rulebook. So, if you have a question, you can always ask that the director to show you the rule. Of course, you can print out the rules for yourself if you like and keep it with you. Finally, all rule change suggestions need to be submitted in writing (or email) to SSUSA. Suggestions made on this message board are not considered. Hope that helps. |
| May 5, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Bats Discussion: Approved Bats Hopefully this is clear. If the bat doesn't have an SSUSA stamp on it, it generally not legal to use in play. For those who are new to playing SSUSA, this can be a bit surprising. Two days ago there was a player ejected from a qualifier game for stepping into the box and hitting with a USSSA stamped bat with no SSUSA stamp on it. Yes, he was very angry. Yes, he argued that the Utrip bats should be allowed because they are not as hot as senior bats. Yes, this delayed the game over 20 minutes for the dispute, which went to a director. And yes, the umpire's call was confirmed: the player was ejected. The player decided to leave the complex for the entire day. That was his choice. He was only ejected for one game. If for some reason you have a question about any bat, feel free to ask an umpire, umpire in chief, or director at any field. They will be happy to advise. Just look for the SSUSA stamp on it. And please buy your bats from reputable companies. There are companies out there who specialize in altering bats. |
| March 24, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Pitching Steven - Rule 6.6-E "The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher's box until the pitched ball leaves the hand. If a step is taken, it can be forward, backward, or to the side, provided the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher's box and the step is simultaneous with the release of the ball." |
| Feb. 28, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Tournaments Discussion: A wild suggestion for the 12 ft pitching height I love new ideas. Kudos to Kotonk for the idea. Please let's keep them coming. I'm all for debating the value of a new idea. I don't like disrespectful language or sarcasm. Those are attempts to shut down ideas. I tend to weed those types of comments out. The use of profanity, even if delineated with abbreviations, violates the rules of the message board. It states, "offer ideas and constructive suggestions for improving our organization and sport." Thanks. |
| Feb. 28, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Bats Discussion: No Harm no Foul Bat Pre-Tests I think this is a great idea. Thank you, SSUSA. I'll take advantage of it. I have plenty of bats that I honestly don't know would pass or not. They have never been tested. I don't have a bat tester at home. For old bats, that can also help me monitor the condition of the bat. I can monitor the compression over time, for example. For brand new bats, if they fail, that presents me with the opportunity to have a discussion with a representative of the bat manufacturer. Either way, I'd rather know before I swing them in a game. Thank you. |
| Feb. 7, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Batting Box Rules; Front Foot Yes, Bai. Think of it this way for your front foot. At the time you strike the ball, there is no more front line of the box. The front line of the box is considered obliterated at the time you strike the ball. Not to confuse you....but there is a difference between where your feet must be at the beginning of the pitch....and where they are when you strike the ball (two different time periods). Before the pitch is thrown BOTH feet must be in the box. At the time of the pitch, as long as both feet are in the box, you can stand anywhere in that box with both feet. The new rules over the past year only impact the front line of the box at the point the ball strikes the bat. All other parts of the rule remain in effect: You can't stride onto the plate. You can't stride completely out of the sides or back of the box when you hit the ball. But yes, when you strike the ball, if your back foot is parallel to the front edge of the plate (or behind that front edge) AND your front foot is completely over the FRONT line of the box, that is legal. Hope that helps. |
| Jan. 31, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Umpire question As an umpire, I do not ask players what they saw. If there is another umpire or two on the field, I may ask them what they saw. Ultimately, it is an umpire's judgement call. It cannot be protested or appealed. |
| Jan. 31, 2025 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Batting Box Rules; Front Foot Section 1.29: The batter will be called out if he hits the ball when the back foot is completely further forward than the line defining the front edge of home plate. NOTE: All other illegally batted ball infractions regarding the side and rear lines of the batter's box, along with stepping on home plate, remain in effect. Illegally Batted Ball: 1.33 A The entire foot is completely outside the lines of the batter's box on the ground (when the batter hits the ball fair or foul) (excluded is the front line of the box, which is no longer relevant) So, at the time the bat hits the ball, if one foot is completely out of the SIDE of the box, the batter can be called out. It is a judgement call. The back foot must be parallel to or behind the front edge of the plate (which is an imaginary line.) (At the time the bat hits the ball) Both feet must be in the box before the pitch is thrown. The lines of the box are part of the box. |
| Nov. 18, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: New batter box rule The back foot needs to be parallel to the front edge of the plate or behind the front edge at the point of contact between the bat and the ball. If the back foot is in front of the plate and there is no contact, the legal pitch is either or ball or a strike, depending upon where it lands. Hope that helps. |
| Oct. 25, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: One Pitch Softball Thanks for the comments, folks. I'm not advocating for any change in SSUSA play. I just wanted to know what folks thought of the format. In chess, we have classical, which isn't going away. However, we also have rapid and blitz formats as well as the Fischer variation (Chess 960). They are not meant to replace classical. They are just different formats. I understand many folks don't like change. We still have leagues that insist on starting with 0-0 counts, for example. That's ok too. |
| Oct. 23, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: One Pitch Softball "not advocating..." typo... |
| Oct. 23, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: One Pitch Softball Disclaimer - I'm not advocated for a rule change here. Message: I have seen a couple of "1-pitch" softball games. They are super interesting! They certainly change the game. The entire game moves faster. It's like the difference between classic chess and bullet chess. What do you think about that format of softball? |
| Oct. 11, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Online Renewal Hi GMCinCOC - Likely those expiration dates haven't been updated yet as the 2024 season just ended. If I needed to renew, I would just do it online using those prices for the desired duration. You can then check in a day or two in your profile if the correct dates are reflected. If not, a simple call to SSUSA would correct it. |
| Sept. 18, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Cold Softballs from coolers Agree. I'm trained to always examine the ball before it goes to the pitcher. If I feel it is too cold or has been altered, I will stop the clock. I will not entertain any discussion from any player or manager. I will not switch out that ball. I will call for a director to help examine the ball. Should we both concur that the ball has been altered, the game will be forfeited in favor of the defense. That's for an altered ball. If someone throws in something other than the approved SSUSA ball, I'll just give it back and ask for an approved softball. No penalty. |
| Sept. 18, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Player safety I'll opine here, not representing SSUSA. First off, I respectfully disagree with the premise of your question. In my experience, SSUSA does not draw a line between completing a game and player safety. Player safety is always the number one concern. Always. As an umpire, I have an influence on the directors if I strongly feel the situation is not playable (for any reason). I have never had a director force me to continue when I strongly felt it was unsafe. Yes, in certain situations there is some pressure to get games done, but not at the cost of safety. Yes, playing at twilight and then adapting to the lights coming on is not optimal for seniors. Playing in the elements is part of the game. There are many examples of how SSUSA demonstrates they do care a lot about player safety. Here are some: 1. controlling rosters. 2. bat testing. 3. runners must stay clear of the boxes and strike mat when running home. 4. safety base on 1st base. 5. rule allowing runners and defense to switch which bag they touch on first in certain situations. 5. confiscating bats suspected of being altered; ie someone on defense is seriously injured in the infield from a hit ball. Stiffining penalties for altered bats including holding the entire team responsible. While some of these are debated, they are no doubt attempts to protect the safety of the player and promote the fairness of the sport. |
| Aug. 26, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: General and miscellaneous Discussion: Timberworks Construction Doug - A true hall of famer! Thank you so much for what you have done for the softball community. Thank you for giving of your time and extremely valuable advice to me personally. You spent so much time with me explaining how you built and sustained the successful dynasty of Timberworks. I continue to evangelize your message. You made it so clear: "I don't care how good of a player you are. I don't care how much you think you can contribute. I care a great deal about your attitude and how you would fit into the team. I will not tolerate negativity. I will not tolerate negative criticism toward any player. You get one warning. After that, you are off the team...permanently. Every member of my team knows their contribution. The character of a team is not demonstrated through wins. It is demonstrated when the team loses." These are just some of the diamonds you shared with me. Doug, I've personally witnessed how true it is. I've seen teams collapse...not because of the talent....but because of their attitude toward each other....and their conduct on the field. I've talked to other championship teams...be it AA, AAA, major, or major plus....they all say similar things. At any level, you can find great players. However, if their work ethic or attitude stinks, they are ultimately not going to help a team with sustained success. |
| Aug. 14, 2024 Bruce M | Topic: Rules of the game Discussion: Batter Box Rule Again, SSUSA adopted the same rule as in USSSA. So, if you want to criticize the largest softball association in the world's rule, go for it. It is not unique to SSUSA. I am a hitter who drives off of my back foot. This causes a drag of the back foot as I stride into the ball. So, I adjusted. I now stand about six inches behind the front edge of the plate. The adjustment was easy. It also prevents any doubt of where my back foot is at the moment of striking the ball. The largest adjustment I have seen this year is for the "happy gilmore" hitters who like to travel in the box as they hit the ball. That "movement" by the batter usually triggers me as an umpire to take a look at where the feet are at ball strike. Those who plant and drive rarely catch my attention. Keep in mind, the umpire has a bad angle from behind the plate to see where the foot lands. So, it has to be really obvious (for me). I'm still seeing a lot more batters step clear out of the side of the box than in front of it. Yes, they are just as furious when I call them out. But, that isn't new. The sides of the box rule has not changed. Both feet must be in the sides of the box. The suggestion to do completely away with a batter's box brings its own advantages and challenges. It can lead to reduced batting skills. Instead of learning how to hit oppo properly, one can then stand at a 90-degree angle to the pitcher (way off the plate) and "pull" any ball, to the opposite field. Take a look at Ryan Harvey (USSSA star) or Bob O'brien (SSUSA star) hitting oppo. They can do so by staying completely within the box. Of course, there are many others...but those are two examples. |
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