Section II. Player Eligibility , Paragraph E

[rnagy1761]

Neill -- In Section II, "Player Eligibility", Paragraph E, it states that to "avoid forfeit of a game, a player may be brought up from a team in a younger age division to fill out the roster for a team in an older age division". At the meeting, you stated that it would also be acceptable to bring a player down from an older division to avoid a forfeit, provided that the player still meets the age requirements of the division she would be substituting in. In other words, if a 12 year old player was playing in the 14U division, the player could be brought down and play a game in the 12U division, to avoid a forfeit. (I don't think that this restriction is necessary when a girl is brought up from a lower division).

I just wanted to get this option documented and suggest a slight modification in instances when an age eligible player is being brought down to a lower division for a game. My suggestion is that when an age eligible player is being brought down to a lower division, the player should be restricted from playing at the key positions of pitcher, catcher and shortstop. This modification would reduce the possibility that a team would try to bring a girl down to improve their chances of winning, versus trying to avoid a forfeit.

Please confirm that it is OK to utilize a player from a older division as long as the player is age eligible in the division they would be utilized in. Also, let me know if the suggested modification for use will also be incorporated.

Also, in general, what is the process for notifying the league and/or opposing team that a player from another division is being utilized to avoid a forfeit? I assume that you don't want to make an actual roster change for this type of situation.

Thanks,


Bob Nagy
GM 10U Fastpitch

[ADMIN]

Keeping in mind that I have no formal position with the DBA, the idea that an "age appropriate" player should be able to play in order to avoid a protest is just so clear as to be a no brainer.

Of course, our other rule is that you can not be rostered on two DBA teams at the same time, so there ought not be a situation in which a child is literally playing at two levels simultaneously on a regular basis.

I understand the tweaks to the rule you suggest, and they certainly ought to be discussed. I know that in Riverview, in our non-DBA divisions, our rule is that if you move a kid up to avoid a protest the kid cannot play in the infield. It seems that, in part, the same issues are being addressed by your proposal relative to an age appropriate player who is moving down to avoid a protest.

As far as legislating against cheating.......

Well, I guess we have to do that to some extent. But, I am willing to give people the benefit of the doubt.

At least once.

N.

[kuzdzal]

Why does a 12u girl play in a 14u division in the first place?

[rnagy1761]

The reason we moved them up a division, was to be able to have enough players to field teams in 3 divisions.

In order to fill the roster and field a team in the 14U, we had to move up some of the older 12U girls. We then had to move up some of the older 10U girls to fill out the roster on the 12U.

[ADMIN]

It turns out that my thoughts on this subject may not be fully shared by the actual officers of the DBA. I would suggest referring your questions to them.

Imagine that. A 12 year old too old to play with 12 year olds.

Just when you think you've seen everything....

But, hey, its what keeps me young, and good looking.

N.

[rnagy1761]

After this, I'm a little concerned about the "Rules" section of this website. I assumed that this section would be monitored by the Rules committee. Since the questions was asked about an age appropriate player moving down to prevent a forfeit and the only response that was made was an acknowledgement that this made sense -- (No objections were posted), a coach relied on this information to pull a 12 year old down to fill in on a 12U game.

If the Rules committee isn't going to provide Rules clarification to questions posted on this site, then I believe that this site is just going to cause confusion.

DEAR RULES COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE -- Please explain your logic that it is inappropriate to move an age appropriate player down in order to prevent a forfeit by a team. I know that the rule language only covers a player moving up a division to fill in, but it was stated at the league meeting that we shouldn't just look at the rule, but the intent of the rule. I believe that the intent of the rule was to give a team an opportunity to prevent a forfeit, by utilizing an age appropriate player from another division. I would sure like to understand your interpretation.

[ADMIN]

Well, keep this in mind. This part of the endeavor is new to everyone. Apparently you and I appreciate the usefulness of this type of communication. Others have yet to catch on. All life is a learning curve.

There, of course, has been a spirited discussion of this off board in emails. I have encouraged the participants to come here and talk about it. They have not done as of yet. I, too, believe that this is the better place to hash these things out. Even if we may not like a decision there is a certain level of legitimacy (and education) that is to be derived from a more public conversation.

I am sure you noted the preface to my in ital response. Maybe I was too subtle for others. Per usual, I was just getting my two bits in. I will continue to do that even if my authority is limited.

N.