News story

SSUSA Announces Major-Plus Task Force

June 1, 2008 – Senior Softball-USA

SACRAMENTO (June 4, 2008) – Senior Softball-USA announced the creation of a Major-Plus Division Task Force today headed by former Summit Chair Gary Tryhorn.

“As an organization, we are dedicated to develop rules for the 50, 55 and 60 Major-Plus divisions that give them the game they want to play within the physical limitations of the major tournaments we offer,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer.

“This Task Force has the mandate to develop a consensus among Major-plus teams about tournament format,” said Hennessy. “We will then determine the added cost, if any. It is possible that we can implement the new rules as early as the World Championships in October.”

The Task Force members include Gary Tryhorn, also manager of 60 Old A’s; Bob Woodruff, GSF manager; Audie Hollis, Hollis 50 and 55; Butch Drake, Travelodge; Randy Hendricks, Hendricks Sports Management; Ken Lipinski, Seacrest Mavericks; Jim Hornus, WE Ruth 55s.

Hennessy said that until new rules could be finalized, the 50, 55 and 60 Major-Plus would play be the rules announced for 2008:

• Teams are limited to 7 runs per half inning.

• Home Run limits: 12 per game for 50 Major-Plus, 10 per game for 55 Major-Plus, 8 per game for 60 Major-Plus. Home runs over the limit are outs.

• Any batted ball striking the pitcher that cannot be fielded is a dead-ball out.

• Standard time limits apply: 60 minutes and an open inning for round robin games, 65 minutes and open inning for bracket games and seven innings for championship games with no time limit.

Major-Plus managers are expected to be surveyed in the next week. Their information will be the basis for the Task Force discussions and decisions concerning the format.

SACRAMENTO (June 4, 2008) – Senior Softball-USA announced the creation of a Major-Plus Division Task Force today headed by former Summit Chair Gary Tryhorn.

“As an organization, we are dedicated to develop rules for the 50, 55 and 60 Major-Plus divisions that give them the game they want to play within the physical limitations of the major tournaments we offer,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA chief executive officer.

“This Task Force has the mandate to develop a consensus among Major-plus teams about tournament format,” said Hennessy. “We will then determine the added cost, if any. It is possible that we can implement the new rules as early as the World Championships in October.”

The Task Force members include Gary Tryhorn, also manager of 60 Old A’s; Bob Woodruff, GSF manager; Audie Hollis, Hollis 50 and 55; Butch Drake, Travelodge; Randy Hendricks, Hendricks Sports Management; Ken Lipinski, Seacrest Mavericks; Jim Hornus, WE Ruth 55s.

Hennessy said that until new rules could be finalized, the 50, 55 and 60 Major-Plus would play be the rules announced for 2008:

• Teams are limited to 7 runs per half inning.

• Home Run limits: 12 per game for 50 Major-Plus, 10 per game for 55 Major-Plus, 8 per game for 60 Major-Plus. Home runs over the limit are outs.

• Any batted ball striking the pitcher that cannot be fielded is a dead-ball out.

• Standard time limits apply: 60 minutes and an open inning for round robin games, 65 minutes and open inning for bracket games and seven innings for championship games with no time limit.

Major-Plus managers are expected to be surveyed in the next week. Their information will be the basis for the Task Force discussions and decisions concerning the format.