Many folks involved in the 18 and under division of softball were more than shocked that ASA did not take action at their annual Council Meeting in November to move the pitching distance back to 43 feet (currently at 40 feet) for the 18U “A” classification of play. ASA 18U Gold did move their distance to 43 feet though. While I spent considerable space here last year examining the reasons that the “A” classification was not included in the pitching distance change, it should also be discussed how not making this change is very much in line with the philosophy of ASA in dealing with the 18U age division.

While most coaches, players and player parents may disagree with ASA’s direction, ASA has continually taken the position that college recruitment is of no concern to them when adopting policies and rules governing play of the 18 and under age division. This position was, and continues to be, demonstrated in their failure to prohibit returning college players from participating in 18 and under championship play. And yet the coaches that feel that college exposure should be a primary goal of this age division continue to express frustration at ASA’s lack of action on this matter.

But while the ASA “officially” indicates that they are not interested in providing recruitment services to college interested athletes, some of their actions appear to conflict with this philosophy. Perhaps their first effort to accommodate college coaches in their quest to evaluate 18U players was the establishment of the 23 and under division of play. At the time that this division was created, a major justification was to provide a venue for returning college players to play softball during the summer, reducing the number playing in the 18 under program.

In addition to this, ASA, or at least the directors of ASA 18U Gold Regional, Sector and National Championship events are tripping all over themselves in an effort to cater to the college coaches in order to boast about the number of coaches that attend their events. So at times it is difficult to determine exactly what type of position ASA is taking in terms of supporting and/or inhibiting college recruitment at their championship events. It is however, very clear that their failure to move the 18 and under “A” classification back to 43 feet solidifies their position and entrenches their attitude concerning the exposure element of the 18U age division. In my opinion, the move to 43 feet for Gold encourages college players to return for a “final” year of ASA competition. At the time of the move, many coaches, high school players and their parents welcomed the move as providing an opportunity for the Gold players to demonstrate their skills at the “college” pitching distance. Actually the change can reduce that opportunity, as college player’s return to take their place on the field.

The Gold move to 43 feet also did something to the 18U “A” division. It clearly made it a “high school” division. Not many college players would return to “A” ball to play at 40 feet, and in most cases, against inferior competition. So it almost appears that ASA was looking at making the “A” division a high school division and the Gold program would be a “college” division of play. Naturally, some might conclude that this could lead to more college coaches attending “A” tournaments. Though, most successful Gold coaches, who refuse to use college players, or at least limit them, won’t buy into the system. It appears that the only way ASA would approve moving the “A” division back to 43 feet would be if the high school federation moved the high school distance back to that distance as well.

GIVE THE COACH A BREAK

Here we go again; it’s high school softball season. This is the time of year that most of the travel ball parents jump on various softball Internet sites and start slamming their daughter’s high school softball coach. It has become as much a traditional as the running of the bulls and players jumping from one travel team to another. Ah yes; I can smell springtime in the air.

During my time writing this column, I have written a couple of columns on high school softball coaches. After recently reading yet another vicious attack on some poor dummy of a high school coach, I felt it was time to jump into the discussion as well, using my power as a famous columnist for this excellent publication. So here goes.

Knock it off already! Your personal experience with your daughter’s high school may or may not be the norm, but even if every high school coach in the world didn’t know jack about softball, is criticizing, ridiculing and bashing him/her going to change anything? Some coaches may be in it just for the money, but even those that are, still have desires to be successful and hopefully help the team represent their school in a positive manner on the field of play.

These coaches have their own issues they must deal with, such as meddling parents. But more importantly they are trying to field a competitive team with only two travel ball players and 12 girls who couldn’t hit a ball off a tee much less a pitched ball. While your daughter and her travel ball friend may have decent skills, this poor coach has to try to develop the other players into something that can compliment his/her two studs.

FOUL TIPS

Its softball time and I’m pumped. As this issue reaches you, many of the major early season tournaments are getting underway for the younger age groups, which will provide a measuring stick for national qualifying. The high school teams are starting their preseason, and college teams are taking part in some major tournaments. I love it * * * * Again this year, I have plans to provide our readers with some exciting stories surrounding the youth softball game. And once again I’m hoping to following through with these plans * * * * As always, you can contact me at floydeunslip@yahoo.com * * * * and so the ball rolls.