Anyone who has ever attended an ASA National Council meeting, where changes to softball rules and the ASA Code are debated and approved, most likely has heard the phrase, "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it." This is a common response to some proposed changes, by those who have a difficult time verbalizing an adequate objection. I always found the statement amusing, but it was also effective at times swaying votes to reject certain proposed changes.

After reviewing the changes approved at the most recent council meeting held in November, I’m wondering where were these individuals proclaiming, "If it ain’t broke_" when the voters considered reducing the minimum number of games at ASA Youth Nationals to 3, from the 4 games that had been provided in the past. Since I was not present at the Council meeting, it is difficult for me to understand exactly what the justification could have been to enable this legislation to be adopted.

The old system wasn’t without criticism, as the ASA had received complaints about seeding after pool play, the redrawing into the double elimination bracket, and also from Gold coaches concerning the seeding of the returning teams. But the questions are, does the new system address these problems, was there a better answer, and most importantly, is the new system better? At least for this last question, I, for one, think not.

While the new system does address some of the expressed problems, in my opinion it creates new problems that directly impact the benefits to teams attending Nationals. Specifically, the new system does away with pool games in favor of a new "3 game guarantee" format. This is not a three game elimination. The loss of the pool play games places more significance on all games at Nationals, reducing the opportunities for some players to participate in the championship event. Teams no longer have pool play games to permit non-starters a chance to play. Additionally, only those teams that lose their first two games benefit from the new system.

I guess as a recreation professional, this is my main objection. I’ve always been in favor of increasing opportunities, not reducing or eliminating them. This change reduces opportunities for the entire team, as well as for individual players. I’m sure there were other options available to address the concerns expressed to ASA that would not have required such a drastic change. While the old system may not have been perfect, it sure wasn’t broke.

MAIL BAG
As most regular readers are aware, I receive numerous letters and emails concerning this column monthly. From time to time, I like to print some of these letters, and my responses. Following are a few examples:

Dear Floyd:
I am the coach of a newly formed 12U travel team. I have read all of your columns, and have used your experience and guidance in developing my coaching style and the way I interact with my players. We have played in four tournaments so far, and haven’t won a game. Can you give me some advice?
Claude Walker

Dear Claude:
There is a lot more to being a successful coach than just reading how others, like myself, have become so great at something. If that were the case, all we would have to do is read a book by Donald Trump and we would all be millionaires. Besides those items that I have written here, there are other reasons for my success. Among them being talented players and some luck. But perhaps the most important aspect to my past success was my ability to cheat and get away with it. Try fake birth certificates, and bringing players in from foreign countries. That always worked for me.
Floyd

Dear Floyd:
My 16-year-old daughter has been playing travel softball since she was 10. She has been very successful and her teams have won three ASA Nationals. She has been on the varsity team both years in high school, and this year led them to a CIF SS Championship. Yesterday after we won a tournament in Irvine, she told me she doesn’t want to play softball anymore. She has received letters from most of the top softball colleges in the country. What should we do?
Al Bedarn

Dear Al:
It is very clear what must be done in this situation. Your daughter needs intervention. The moment you receive your copy of Softball West, take the following actions: First, board up, or somehow, block out her bedroom windows so no light can enter. Secondly, mount shackles to her bedroom wall and lock her in them. Thirdly, and this is most important, don’t let her see the light of day until she is begging to play ball again. I think this will take no more than two months, just in time for the new high school season.
Floyd

Dear Floyd:
My daughter played travel ball for 12 years and then went on to play for 4 years for a PAC 10 school. She graduated this past June, so I’m really missing softball. Recently, I have begun attending local tournaments, and I think I have found my calling. I’d like to start writing stories and perhaps a column for a softball publication, just like you. I was hoping that you might be able to provide me with some pointers as to how I might get started?
Jus Jotten

Dear Jus:
This is a very competitive business, with limited opportunities, lack of appreciation and a great deal of plagiarism. However, as a faithful reader, I’m willing to assist you. If you could send me an example of some of the columns or stories, I’ll be glad to look them over and provide comments to you. Please beware that any items submitted shall become my intellectual property.
Floyd

FOUL TIPS
The Gold Sector Tourney has been moved to June 23-26 in Stockton, CA. As always you can contact me at floydeunslip@yahoo.com_and so the ball rolls.