New Rule for 2018: 1-1 Count Expanded Into Men's 50s - 60's Divisions & Women's 50s Division

Jan. 1, 2018

In an extremely close 7-6 vote, the Senior Softball Rules Committee launched the 1-1 count (3 balls and 2 strikes) for men’s 50, 55 and 60 divisions and women’s 50 divisions.

The vote this Tuesday came after the committee reviewed a survey of players that showed a clear preference among “younger” senior divisions for the 1-1 count. (Click HERE to see the survey results).

“Older” men’s divisions (65, 70, 75, 80 and 85) and women’s divisions 60, 65 and 70 retain the 0-0 count (4 balls and three strikes).

The Men’s and Women’s 40 Masters divisions already play with the 1-1 count, with no extra foul.  The Masters 1-1 count was put in place on a trial basis in 2017 and the committee said it was so successful, that members voted to make it permanent at the SSUSA Convention in December.

Senior divisions using the 1-1 count will receive a courtesy, or extra, foul in the pilot program approved for the 2018 season.

While there appeared to be strong support for going to the 1-1 count in the younger senior divisions, there was considerable discussion concerning the extra foul.

Some rules members argued that one of the main reasons for going to the 1-1 count was to get more 7-inning games, but the extra foul would defeat that purpose.  Others said the “no extra foul” rule had been successful in the 40 Masters divisions.

Opponents said that most of those who wanted the 1-1 count in the survey wanted the extra foul.  They also argued that it would be an easier transition for those teams used to the 0-0 count to transition to the 1-1 count with the extra foul ball.

In the end, the opponents won out, narrowly, and the younger senior divisions went to the 1-1 count with the extra foul.

The change goes into effect immediately.  The only exception is the Tournament of Champions, which is played under 2017 rules.
 

In other action, the Rules Committee:

1. Agreed that staff could institute Co-Ed rules designed for the International Co-Ed Division being launched at the World Masters Championships. (Click here to see the rules).
2. Based on a study by staff, confirmed that there were not enough “pure” 45 teams to make into new Men and Women Master divisions. (For study results, click here).
3. Approved the Ratings Panel recommendations for five teams that dominated their top ratings categories in 2017.

There are a limited number of Major Plus teams that tend to dominate competitive tournament play. Staff was instructed to help identify such teams in order for the Rules Committee to consider possible rules amendments to ensure more competitive balance.

Staff identified five teams that have tended to dominate competition in their divisions and made these recommendations:

    1. JK Inc in the 50 Major-Plus.  There are a number of stronger 40 Masters Major-Plus teams that are moving into the 50 Major-Plus Division.  We believe this will resolve the issue in the 50 Major-Plus and recommend we wait and see what happens as these new teams start competing.

    2. Dreamgirlz 50 Major.  We have already addressed this issue by making the Dreamgirlz 50 Major-Plus.  They will be giving an equalizer to the 50 Major teams they play.

    3. Timberworks 65 Major-Plus.  We will be adding an equalizer when Timberworks team plays other 65 Major-Plus teams for the upcoming season, which should address the inequality.

    4. Seals 75 Major-Plus. Two stronger teams will be in their division this year: the WE Ruth 75s and PDR. We believe these teams will be competitive.

    5. Florida Investment Properties (FIP) 80 Major. We have already addressed this issue by making the FIP Major-Plus.  They will be giving an equalizer to the 80 Major teams they play.