2008 ASA*USA-MSF ADULT SOFTBALL INFORMATION
updated 1/28/08

Minnesota ASA*USA-MSF Softball Program Ranks in Top Eight Nationally and First in State

The Minnesota ASA*USA-MSF Softball program continued its broad appeal in 2008. ASA*USA-MSF Softball continues to be recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for Softball, and continually strives to improve the game for players and fans alike.

Synthetic Yellow Optic Red Stitch Balls to be Used in 2008

Due to serious safety and excessive homerun concerns the synthetic yellow optic red stitch ball (.44 cor and .375 compression) will be used for men’s slowpitch and for the co-rec 12" ball in 2006 district and state tournament play. Use in local league and sanctioned invitational tournament play is optional, but highly recommended. Also, with exception of mens fastpitch, optic yellow, red stitch softballs are now permitted in all divisions of play.

Women's Slowpitch Sanctioned Tournaments

In an effort to assure that sanctioned invitational tournaments are available for all classifications of women’s slowpitch teams, a handicap system is in place for women’s slowpitch that permits equalized competition among classes similar to the concept of the classification system in place for men’s slowpitch. See the 2008 Sanctioned Invitational Tournament information for details.

Legal Bats

For a complete listing of legal bats for ASA*USA-MSF play, see the ASA web site at www.asasoftball.com. "Grandfathered" Bats illegal in 2008.

MSF Board Meeting

The next Sports Federation Board of Directors meeting TBA. The meeting starts at 7:00pm and your attendance and input is always welcomed.

Sanctioned Tournament Information

Sanctioned tournament information has been mailed to tournament directors. Reminder: The sanction deadline for inclusion in the comprehensive statewide schedule is March 10.

Softball Scorecards Available

Official Federation softball scorecards are now available. These cards are a must for a smooth running league or tournament. Includes area for umpire to record line-ups, substitutes and home run totals. Eliminates disputes and controversy. Is printed on durable card stock. The cost is just $5.00 per package of 50. To order, contact the MSF offices.

Synthetic (slowpitch) Leather (fastpitch) Softballs
Available at Reduced Prices

DeMarini, Dudley and Worth softballs are available at tremendous savings again in 2008. Both 11 and 12 inch balls are available. Your support of this program and other auxiliary programs offered by the MSF will permit the continuance of low membership fees. To avoid shipping charges you may pick up your softballs at the district meeting provided sufficient notice is given.

ASA*USA-MSF Roster

In the past, league directors forwarded the pink (back copy) of the 3-part roster form to Federation offices. Due to the non-legible status of many pink copies, both adult and JO league directors must now forward the yellow copy to MSF offices.

Members Needed to Help Promote

Federation members are asked to help promote the Sports Federation. If you know of a league in your area which is not a Federation-ASA*USA member, please refer them to the state office. The continual growth of the Federation will strengthen your organization and help maintain the lowest possible fees.

Field Owner Liability Insurance

Again this year field owner liability insurance will be available for softball programs and agencies who own or rent fields. With the current astronomical rates for liability coverage this insurance is a bargain for $210.00 per season. It serves as $2,000,000 primary insurance ($19,000,000 umbrella) and will work in conjunction with existing coverage. Should a claim occur it will limit the probability of local rate hikes. Last year in Minnesota alone this coverage came to the defense of at least two field owners and one sanctioned tournament director. Contact MSF offices for a brochure.

Dramshop (Liquor Liability) Insurance (Adult Only)

Again this year liquor liability insurance will be available through Sports Federation offices at tremendous savings if placed on a group basis. This type of insurance is a must to those dispensing alcoholic beverages during league or tournament play. A brochure for securing this coverage can be requested from Sports Federation offices.

Umpire Membership

A reminder that all umpires working in your member softball leagues must be registered with ASA*USA-MSF Softball. Insurance coverage for umpires is only in effect if both teams participating in a game are ASA*USA-MSF members and the umpire is in official ASA uniform.

Umpire registration information will been sent directly to 2007 member umpires the latter part of February. If you have any new umpires please have them contact Federation offices so we can place them on the mailing list. Of special mention are the state umpire schools held on Saturdays and aimed at new umpires or veterans who want to hone their skills.

Roster Requirement

A reminder that all leagues are required to submit regular season rosters for all member teams. This step has been necessitated by irregularities occurring at district/state tournament play. The ASA*USA-MSF "universal" three-part roster form is designed to serve as a league, regular season and post season tournament roster. Blank rosters will be distributed at district meetings, as leagues are registered or in advance if requested. Exception: Park and Recreation and Community Education Departments may send a copy of their own regular season roster in place of the ASA*USA-MSF universal roster provided it provides legible names and addresses of all players. However, all teams advancing to ASA*USA-MSF post-season play must complete and utilize the universal roster.

Softball Classification Petitions

Teams/leagues may not move down without the written permission of the ASA*USA-MSF.

Petitions to move down shall be forwarded to ASA*USA-MSF offices prior to March 1 of the current year and include team name, sports community, manager's name, address, and league directors name and address. The petition must also have the league director’s signature indicating their knowledge of, and position on, the petition.

Sports Federation is Service Minded

As a non-profit organization the MSF exists to provide services to its members. If you have a suggestion on how we can do that better, please do not hesitate to call or write.

A Special Note to Coaches, League Directors and Softball Enthusiasts:
As the state's USOC recognized National Governing Body of Softball, we are looking forward to serving your community and team in 2008.

Last year nearly 8,000 adult softball teams and 1,500 umpires participated in ASA*USA sponsored softball activities and we anticipate continued mass participation this year. Minnesota ASA*USA softball continues its status as the state's largest softball organization.

Since the founding of the Minnesota Sports Federation over twenty years ago, ASA*USA Softball has saved the state's softball enthusiasts millions of dollars in participation fees. Our pledge to provide the best possible service at the lowest possible cost so that all can afford to play remains our driving philosophy.

ASA*USA membership provides you many opportunities in the softball world from umpire/coaches training to special events such as "Softball Night at the Dome" and the Girls High School All-Star Series. The Minnesota Sports Federation endeavors to provide a broad spectrum of activities.

Should you have any questions or suggestions on how we can better serve you, please do not hesitate to call.

We look forward to "Serving Minnesota Through Sports" ^SM again in 2008.