ASA*USA-MSF Junior Olympic Softball Membership
Membership with the MSF affiliates you with the Amateur Softball
Association * USA Softball (ASA * USA). By affiliating your league
with the ASA * USA-MSF, it provides your team with membership benefits
and the opportunity to advance to post-season tournament play at
the state, regional, ASA Northern national and USA/ASA national levels.
Membership Conditions
To receive the services listed below and be eligible to send a representative(s) to ASA * USA-MSF post-season tournament play, all of the teams in the league must be members. For example, if a league has sixteen teams, all sixteen teams must be ASA * USA-MSF members to receive the membership services listed below. A minimum of five teams must participate per age division in order to receive "eligible league" status.
Membership Benefits
Insurance Benefits
- The municipality on whose fields you play is eligible to receive a $2,000,000 general liability insurance policy for the nominal cost of $210.00 which covers the municipality for bodily injury or property damage to others arising out of all operations in connection with the
 activities of an ASA * USA member league or sanctioned tournament. In addition, coverage is provided for costs of defense suits, legal fees, court costs, and investigation costs for all suits alleging bodily injury, property damage or personal injury to others. Contact ASA * USA-MSF offices for brochure and waiver requirements.
- All softball league directors and officers of ASA*USA member softball communities/leagues in which 100% of the teams are ASA * USA registered automatically receive $10,000,000 of liability coverage. Umpire association officers also receive this coverage if there is 100% membership in the ASA * USA by league teams and umpires.
- All ASA * USA member teams have the option to purchase low cost team liability and accident insurance. For further details please contact ASA * USA-MSF offices.
- All ASA * USA member umpires who officiate games in which ASA * USA member teams compete are also covered under the terms of the $10,000,000 general liability policy and in addition receive a $100,000 health insurance policy.
Publications/Materials
ASA * USA Official Guide and Rule Book
- ASA * USA-MSF J.O. Fastpitch/Slowpitch Guide and Sanctioned
Invitational Tournament Schedule
- Scorebook
- ASA Membership I.D. Card
- A schedule of all ASA * USA weekend invitational tournaments
which are sanctioned prior to March 10. Teams can also link to
the J.O. tournament listing within this site for updated tournament
information.
Uniform Eligibility and Classification Rules
All ASA * USA-MSF member teams are governed by a uniform set of
eligibility and classification rules which are designed to promote
fair play and equalize competition.
Uniform Playing Rules
All ASA * USA-MSF member teams compete under the official softball rules as adopted by the Amateur Softball Association. Member teams are encouraged to contribute to the development of the game by suggesting rule changes to ASA * USA-MSF offices.
Guaranteed Amateur Eligibility
The ASA * USA is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as the national governing body of softball and the MSF adheres to rules which guarantee the amateur eligibility of its players. This is extremely critical to young players who have high school and college eligibility remaining.
Championship Competition
The ASA * USA-MSF conducts J.O. state tournaments in 39 different
levels and divisions of play. Teams are eligible (through member
leagues) to compete in qualifiers, regional, ASA Northern national or
USA/ASA national tournaments.
Settlement of Protests
If your league so desires, a member of the ASA * USA-MSF Umpire-In-Chief staff will serve as your league’s rule interpreter.
Technical Assistance
Members of the ASA * USA-MSF staff are available to provide expertise in the development of bylaws, league/tournament schedules, suggestions and information on child athletic safety issues and general assistance.
Qualified Officials
The ASA * USA-MSF is continually striving to improve the understanding and quality of officiating. ASA * USA-MSF umpires are required to attend an annual rule interpretation clinic. Players and coaches are also welcome and encouraged to attend a clinic.
Sanctioned Invitational Tournaments
The ASA * USA-MSF sanctions weekend invitational tournaments to assure your team receives a quality experience and fair treatment. The ASA * USA-MSF works closely with the tournament directors to assure a successful event.
ASA * USA-MSF is a Clearinghouse
The ASA * USA-MSF is affiliated with other state and national organizations which promote amateur sports.
Voice in Your Program
Voting representation on the Minnesota Sports Federation Board of Directors and on the JOFP Program Committee.
Softball Clinics
Option to attend player and coaches clinics designed to advance the skill levels of people associated with the game of softball.
Promotion of Softball
By joining the ASA * USA-MSF your league is helping your organization improve and promote the game of softball. The ASA * USA, as the national governing body of softball is instrumental in the promotion and development of the sport not only on a national level but an international level as well. The ASA * USA-MSF promotes the sport in your community and works for better facilities and league programs.
Olympic Recognition
All athletes competing in ASA * USA-MSF competition are eligible to be considered for the Team USA in Olympic and international competition.
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