News story

Summit Responds to Advisory Board Recommendations

March 1, 2004 – Senior Softball-USA

WINTER HAVEN, Florida ˆ Twelve members of the National Senior Softball Advisory Board met here during the Summit on Jan. 9-11. National Advisory Board Chairman Carlos Becerra presented the Board's recommendations. Summit delegates then considered the recommendations and Summit Chairman RB Thomas presented the Summit response:

1. Recommend that associations adopt the SSUSA and LVSSA bat specification of 1.20 bpf.

Summit Response: Summit delegates unanimously voted to recommend that all associations strive to adopt a single bat standard for the good of the sport.

2. Recommended that LVSSA be admitted as a member to the Senior Softball Summit.

Summit Response: Summit delegates unanimously approved LVSSA's application to be admitted as a member of the Senior Softball Summit organization. LVSSA will be a probationary member for 2 years (with full voting rights) and then a full member.

3. Recommend that all tournaments have a form, to be signed by all players, indicating penalties regarding knowledge of illegal bats.

Summit Response: Delegates agreed to submit the following proposed language on altered bat notices to their associations to be signed by players at National Tournaments:

"If a bat is suspected of being altered to enhance performance, the tournament director or umpire will determine if the bat will continue in play or be held for inspection. If the player refuses to turn over the bat, the player will be banned for two years and the team will forfeit all games. If the player voluntarily releases the bat and the bat is found to be altered, the player will be suspended for two years. The second offense will result in a lifetime ban of the player. Players have the right to protest a bat if they feel it has been altered, but they must pay the cost of testing the bat."

4. Recommend that all associations allow an 11th defensive player in the 65+ Division.

Summit Response: Delegates unanimously recommended that the six associations currently allowing only 10 defensive players in the 65+ division consider using 11. Decision will be made by the individual associations.

5. Teams in the 50-65 age divisions should only be able to draw one-third of their players from adjoining states.

Summit Response: Associations will consider this change for next year.

6. In the 70+ Division, only 50 percent of players on rosters should be from adjoining states.

Summit Response: Associations will consider this change for next year.