UCSSL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 9, 2016

28 were in attendance, with 20 teams represented (Waxtel Construction was not).

Additional registration materials and team sponsor fees were submitted to the league treasurer; managers were again reminded that the remainder of these materials, as well as initial team rosters are due before the season begins.

The newest member of our officer team was introduced: Acting 60+ Division Coordinator Marty Marks.

Managers received 2 dozen softballs, a 2016 ASA rule book and a scorebook.

Shirt order forms are due to Gary Wiese to ensure that shirts will be available by Opening Night in 6 weeks.

Report from the NJSSA meeting held this past Saturday -- Contact was made with most managers throughout state with the following likely makeup for the 50+ tournament this year: 6 A+ (Super A) teams, 6 A teams, 8 B/C teams. To be held July 16-17, a $100 deposit is due by June 1, the final cost to be determined ($200?). Warren Park and/or other Middlesex County fields to be used.

Information for the NJSSA newsletter is due by May 15. Do we have a person of interest to highlight? Pictures are also wanted.

We have a list have a list of men who would like to join our league. There are 10 for 50+ (6 or 7 are Union County guys) and there are 8 for 60+ (at least 6 are from Union County). Let the commissioner know if you need players.

Ray Datrio came to our meeting to discuss how bat compression testing has been used in the Middlesex County 60+ league, and to demonstrate the testing procedure. Bats are required to be tested and approved prior to each season. The tester cost $850 but is currently out of stock until the end of this month.

A proposal to purchase a bat testing machine to help ensure that all bats conform to ASA standards and have not been altered was approved by managers.  The logistics for the implementation of testing will be further discussed at the April meeting after we know when the testing device will arrive.

Stickers to place on qualifying bats will also need to be ordered at a cost that is not too great.

At the February 28 Union County ASA umpires meeting, it was clearly stated that it is the position of the ASA that a 52/300 softball is safer than the 44/375 SB-12 ball we currently use. ASA approves a 52 COR, 300 compression softball for all leagues except seniors (ASA Rule 3 Section 3E [3]). In future years all leagues may be expected, if not required, to use the 52/300 ball. Softball bats are now being manufactured specifically for use with 52/300 softballs, and their use with 44/375 balls may cause those bats to deteriorate more rapidly. We have already purchased the 44/375 SB-12 ball for 2016.

Managers approved the purchase of several dozen 52/300 balls to use on a trial base in two games per team this season involving teams of similar strength.

Managers approved the recommendation that UCSSL pitchers use a protective mask in all league games.

An attempt was made to define “senior bats,” now allowed for use by players of league age 70+ according to UCSSL Rule 3.4.3., approved at our February 10 meeting.

From the ASA website --

We have been asked to provide an ASA Senior Bat list or a definition of what would be an approved Senior Bat. Below is the definition approved by the ASA Equipment Testing and Certification Committee for the description of a senior bat that will meet Rule 3 Section 1A Exception in our 2012 Rule book. It is as follows:

All bats used in ASA play for the Senior Divisions must be Official Softball Bats certified by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) and / or marked BPF 1.21 or less. Bats must have their original paint markings for complete identification. These bats must still meet all other provisions of Rule 3 Section 1 and pass all bat inspections performed by the National Championship Finals Tournament Official. The Miken Ultra is not allowed (the Miken Ultra II is allowed). -- The Official bat must bear either the ASA approved 2000 certification mark , the ASA 2004 certification mark, or the ASA 2013 Certification Mark and must not be listed on an ASA Non-Approved Bat List with Certification Marks.

Under our insurance, you may use Miken Ultra II and Synergy bats plus all other bats meeting the original 1.21 bpf standard. "Senior bats" will likely be stamped "SSUSA."

BPF (Bat Performance Factor) is simply the increase in the liveliness of a ball hitting a bat compared to throwing a ball against a solid wall (i.e., 20% faster rebound = a BPF of 1.20). The major softball organizations have adopted the BPF standard to determine whether a bat is legal for play.

The commissioner will email a link to managers describing "senior bats" as approved for national tournament play.

Changes will be made and an updated set of 2016 UCSSL Rules will be emailed to managers soon. Please be sure to read the rules carefully and always carry a copy of both the ASA rules -- and our UCSSL modifications to those rules -- to all games.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6, at 7:30 pm.  This meeting will include selection of fields on the UCSSL 2016 schedule, and the distribution of checks for umpire fees.