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Online now: 4 members: Andy215, Born to run, TABLE SETTER 11, TonyA; 119 anonymousDiscussion: Major (?) Rule Change
| Posted | Discussion |
| Dec. 21, 2021 OnTheOutz Men's 60 6 posts | Major (?) Rule Change In the Winter Edition of SSUSA softball, it states that a "major change" in rules includes: LIMITING ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS AT THE COMPLEXES I don't see any discussions on this and, in between laughs, I have to ask for more details here. What prompted this "major change"? What does it pertain to? Cowbells, clappers, kazoos, music in the dugouts, etc. etc. Are fans going to be judged by the tournament directors and/or umpires when the 'limit' is reached? What will be the punishment for exceeding the 'limit'? Who had the thin skin to even put this on the agenda? I'd sure like to know some more information on this major rule change because, right now, it is amusing and somewhat embarrassing that it was even considered, let alone passed. |
| Dec. 21, 2021 JimmyG Men's 55 52 posts | You can read the minutes from the rules committee meeting and a summary of rule changes by clicking on the Rules link under Tournaments at the top of this website. Here is a direct link: https://www.seniorsoftball.com/?page=7 |
| Dec. 21, 2021 SSUSA Staff 3485 posts | OnTheOutz ... The matter was brought to the attention of the National Rules Committee for consideration by a Regional UIC and National Director following a multi-incident series of verbal altercations that occurred at Sunset Park at the World Championships in Las Vegas ... This was the result a disagreement over the volume, and underlying content, of amplified "boom box" music affecting multiple diamonds at the same complex ... Reference to the actual Minutes should lead you to be better informed on this ... __________ Motion: Artificial noise makers, including music, are not allowed if they interfere with any games being played, or if they contain vulgar or inappropriate language. If team refuses to eliminate source of complaint, after a team warning, a violation will involve a manager ejection or game forfeiture. |
| Dec. 21, 2021 Chad303 Men's 40 11 posts | I for one don't want to come to the ballpark and hear "M--F--" this and "Sh--", etc., coming from music so loud you can't even talk to the guy on the bench next to you. If you can't play ball without music blaring in your ear, then get earbuds. I remember listening to that garbage when I was in my teens but eventually, I grew up! |
| Dec. 21, 2021 OnTheOutz Men's 60 6 posts | JimmyG, thank you for the link/path. I was unaware that the minutes were posted and I was only going off of the SSUSA PDF Winter Edition. Staff, I didn't equate 'artificial noise makers' with boom boxes, phones, radios, etc. I immediately focused on clapper sticks, cowbells, and other fan related items. I am now better informed. I was more concerned with the fans being unable to cheer, encourage, and root on their players and thus, ruining their involvement. Because it can't be fun for them just sitting at the fields from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Chad, I get it. The explicit language isn't appropriate but personally, I have no issues with a team having G rated music for their bench at a reasonable volume. |
| Dec. 21, 2021 TimMcElroy 942 posts | This was a tough one for the rules committee but I think that some action needed to be taken. Times are changing and there are more music boxes, etc coming into the park. We (SSUSA) don't want to be the "no fun association" but we can't afford to run off a segment of the customer base by turning a deaf ear to loud, offensive and / or degrading lyrics. We've also been around the block a time or two.... There is always "that guy" who will insist that you "show me the rulebook" where I can't do this or that. And, once we show him the rule, the music box will get rolled to the bleachers where some other person (conveniently not on the roster) will take ownership of said music box and think it is cute for to play it. |
| Dec. 22, 2021 Chad303 Men's 40 11 posts | @OnTheOutz - I have no problem is music is playing in the background. Always down with 80's-90's rock but you know some people will take it the next step further so if they cut all music, I am fine with that. If you need music to stay loose and/or get warmed up/physic up, that's why they invented Bluetooth headphones/earbuds. With the new entitled generation coming into seniors, you know they are going to want to take it across the line so I think being proactive instead of reactive is a better strategy. |
| Dec. 24, 2021 DJ12 18 posts | I for one have no problem with teams using music to get "hyped", however, when the game starts it should not be heard outside of their own dugout. Just my .02 |
