First off.. what an amazing turnout for East Central. We have 39 teams playing this weekend. It’s by far the largest turnout we’ve ever had in Hurley. The tournament will be played at Lum Cumbest Park. The address to the park is 18417 Hwy 613, Moss Point, MS 39562. The entry fee is $175 for TB/CP and $200 for Fast Pitch. All the proceeds this weekend go to the East Central Girls Softball League.
The plan is do it all in one day. Especially with the distances some teams are traveling. The good news is we have 6 fields available. Four on the softball side and two baseball. All the tee ball will be on the baseball side. Coach Pitch will start out over there and move to the softball side as fields become available.
It’s going to be real important to keep games moving so we can stay on time. Each team needs to leave the dugout as soon as possible. Teams meetings must occur off the field. The next team needs to be ready immediately following the prior game. That means lineups ready when you hit the dugout. There is no warmup on the field either. Be conscious of the games being played… you could start earlier than the schedule states. Please keep an eye out on the bracket in case any changes are needed.
A few issues I need to cover:
Rules Interpretations:
Our umpires are the best out there. They take pride in wearing the “USA Softball” logo. They attend training, study the rules, and ask lots of questions. Our umpires are approachable and do their best to listen to any coaches concerns. Also, Ben and/or I are at every tournament. We don’t leave them on an island. They know we have their back. There are a million rules though and no one knows all of them. If there is a situation arises where something comes up in game, we’re committed to get the best answer possible. The Head Coach can ask the Home Plate Umpire to speak with the Tournament UIC or Tournament Director. We’ll try to get our best interpretation of the Official Rules of Softball and our local rules. Then we’ll go back to playing ball. We cannot help on Fair/Foul or Safe/Out calls.
Tee Ball Bats:
The Tee Ball bat policy is just a little different than the other divisions. For the most part, boys and girls tee ball bats are the same. It comes down to the color of paint. There are no “USA Softball” approved tee ball bats. Our rules allow any bat stating “Official Tee Ball” to be used. Or any bat with the “USA Softball” certification mark and on the approved bats list. I know it can be confusing…. But USA Baseball and USA Softball are two different entities. A USA Baseball bat is not approved…. Although I did see a bat with USA Baseball and Official Tee Ball marks… We allowed that bat. It should also be noted that on 2 1/4” bats are allowed. Big barrel tee ball bats are not allowed. Challenges to a particular bat being used are considered an Equipment Protest. The protest fees is $100 and is refundable if the protest is validated.
Zero Tolerance Policy:
We enacted a zero tolerance policy after the female umpire was punched in Laurel a few years ago. Any time they make a close call.. 50% of the people are going to be mad. Coaches, parents and fans should show respect to umpires and comply with their directions. Failure to do so comes with stiff penalties. Invitations to the parking lot are an automatic multiple weekend ejection subject to a Conduct Review Board investigation. So let’s have a nice weekend and enjoy watching these kids play the game.
The forecast is looking encouraging; very hot and dry. Please have your players hydrate. Only 3 more tournaments left in the spring/summer season. Looking forward to a great day of softball.
Thanks for Playing USA Softball!