Discussion of Safety Issues

BASES

We began using a new style of base in 2004.  The new bases are taller than the previous bases used.  Although they do not have the ability to absorb shock as well as the previous style used, they do have safety edges.  The taller height should improve visibility from the outfield without compromising player safety.  Slightly more coordination may be required when running the bases.  The new style bases have been well received and have had an excellent safety record. 

BALLS

We will continue using core 47 red stitched balls in the 2005 season.  If 47 balls become difficult to obtain we allow 44 cores to be used.

BATS          List used by a recreational softball association: Bat List

Every year people are killed playing slow pitch softball.  We say "save your money and live to play another day".

Decision: After consulting with umpires and insurance representatives, we have decided that multiple wall bats are not appropriate for recreational play.   The ball comes off a multiple wall bat much quicker than off a "normal" single wall bat.  We believe the reduced reaction time poses a threat to infield players.  Injuries are always possible in any sport.  However, it is our desire to make playing at the Sands safe and enjoyable for all. Therefore multiple wall bats cannot be used at The Sands. In addition other style bats banned by ASA cannot be used either.  

Every year people are killed playing softball.  Infielders being struck by a batted ball is a leading cause of death.  We are here to have fun.  We want to minimize the possibility of death and injury.  Winning a softball game at the Sands is not worth a life. Mike

Background: ASA has a list of banned double and triple wall bats.  Their list is updated periodically as new bats and brand names are marketed.  Our insurance company does not accept ASA's testing methods.  Therefore we are looking at the construction of the bat not  ASA test results.

Legal perspective:  It would be difficult to demonstrate in court why a bat with similar construction as a banned bat (thus acknowledged by the ASA to be dangerous) does not pose a hazard.  We believe the legal theory "that if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, than it is a duck" applies here. 

Carbon fiber bats are also banned. These bats were designed to bring the enhanced performance of multiple wall bats to "single wall leagues".

The following is taken from the DeMarini web site:

"DEMARINI "VEXXUM SLOWPITCH" LAYS DOWN THE LAW WITH PUNISHING WHIP ACTION

[The] two-piece bat flexes upon impact, recoiling with a burst of ball-launching energy. The two-piece system also redistributes weight for optimal balance, allowing players to swing faster with less energy.

"The Vexxum Slowpitch is the singlewall cousin of our Doublewall F2," explains DeMarini Manager Pat Ryan. "It employs the same two-piece Half & Half construction, which increases bat speed and comfort, while putting a whip-like action in your swing."

In our opinion such bats are inappropriate for recreational leagues.  The vast majority of our teams are not interested in spending a thousand dollars on equipment or having balls whiz by their heads.  At the Sands we want to play the game, not have some guy using a bat called "the intimidator" blast the ball over the fence or into a pitcher's face.  We want to play softball, have a good time and enjoy a cold beer.  We want softball to be fun at the Sands.